OUTDOOR ADVERTISING DISPLAY CASE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to advertising display cases. In particular, this invention relates to advertising displays that are used outdoors to show digital advertisements.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Digital signs are a form of electronic display that shows television programming, menus, information, advertising and other messages. Digital signs (frequently utilizing technologies such as LCD, LED, plasma displays, or projected images to display content) can be found in both public and private environments, including retail stores, hotels, restaurants, and corporate buildings, amongst other locations.
Digital signs rely on a variety of hardware to deliver the content. The components of a typical digital sign installation include one or more display screens, one or more media players, and a content management server. Sometimes two or more of these components are present in a single device but typically there is a display screen, a media player, and a content management server that is connected to the media player over a network. One content management server may support multiple media players and one media player may support multiple screens.
Stand-alone digital sign devices combine all three functions in one device and no network connection is needed.
Such digital signs are becoming increasing common for use by big box retailers on the sides of their stores, or by cities who wish to invest in such displays for viewing in high traffic areas.
These digital signs tend to be very expensive to build and erect and this puts them out of the reach of the smaller retailer.
It would be advantageous to create an advertising display case that could take advantage of digital televisions or digital screens to create eye-catching displays.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to one embodiment of the invention, there is provided an advertising display case having a front panel with a protective clear screen, the front panel hingedly connected to a rear housing. The interior of the advertising display contains a support frame for supporting a digital television or digital display screen, and which can be extended by means of drawer pulls to allow access to the digital television or digital display screen. The support frame includes two pairs of arms which are screwed into the back of the digital television.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the advertising display case according to one embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the advertising display case of Figure 1 in open position;
FIG. 3 is a detailed view of the advertising display case of Figure 1 showing the support drawer;
FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the advertising display case of Figure 1 showing the support frame;
-2 -FIG. 5 is a detailed view of the advertising display case of Figure 1 showing the advertising display case attached to the stand;
FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the advertising display case of Figure 1 showing the advertising display case's placement on the stand;
FIG. 7 is an exploded left side view of the advertising display case of Figure 6 showing the advertising display case's placement on the stand.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring to Figure 1, there is shown an advertising display case 2. The advertising display case 2 comprising a front panel 4 with a protective clear screen 6.
The front panel 4 is hingedly connected to a rear housing 8.
The advertising display case 2 should preferably be made of a material, such as steel, which is able to resist rough weather and vandalism.
Referring to Figure 2, the advertising display case 2 is shown with the front panel 4 in open position so that access can be gained to the interior of the advertising display case 2. Various means can be used to keep the front panel 4 open, such as a rod or a hydraulic piston.
A digital television 10 is shown which rests on a support frame 12. The digital television 10 could also be a digital display screen, computer screen or any other media appropriate for displaying digital advertisements.
Referring to Figure 3, the interior of the advertising display 2 can be seen.
The support frame 12 comprises a drawer 14.
- 3 -The drawer 14 is attached to the advertising display case 2 by means of a pair of drawer sliders 16. The drawer 14 can be pulled forward to allow access to the back of the digital television 10.
Referring to Figure 4, two vertical posts 20, 22 are positioned centrally in the drawer 14. At the top of the vertical posts 20, 22 are two horizontal arms 24, 26 which are screwed into the back of the digital television by means of screws 28, 30 or bolts. A
second pair of horizontal arms 32, 34 are positioned around the middle of the vertical posts 20, 22 and are screwed into the back of the digital television 10 by means of screws 36, 38 or bolts.
At the back of the rear housing 8 is a box 46 containing a fan (not shown) for dissipating heat.
Referring to Figures 5 to 7, the advertising display case 2 is shown with an optional stand 12. The stand 12 serves to prevent rain and snow from entering the advertising display case and could be a concrete block. A pair of bolts 42, 44 secures the advertising display case 2 to the stand 12.
The advertising display case 2 could include a heater (not shown) and/or a fan (not shown) for dissipating heat. The interior of the advertising display case 2 can be sprayed with insulating foam or other material to minimize extreme temperatures in the advertising display case 2.
It has been found that an 80 inch digital television is particularly effective.
Alternatively, one could use a digital display connected to a computer to display images.
Referring to Figure 8, there is shown an optional canopy 48 which has been found to be effective in reducing glare from the sun on the protective clear screen, and as an additional means of protection from the elements.
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