Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02956288 2017-01-26
DYNAMIC MESSAGING SIGN
This application is a divisional application of Canadian Application No.
2,822,135 which is a divisional application of Canadian Application No.
2,759,092
which is a divisional application of Canadian Application No. 2,435,353, all
filed on
July 16, 2003.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention is directed towards dynamic messaging signs, and in
particular to signs that are used to display messages large enough to be
viewed
from a substantial distance.
[0002] The use of large electronically controlled signs to display changing
or dynamic messages is expanding, particularly in the highway environment
where
there is a growing need to provide motorists with current information in an
attempt to
reduce traffic congestion. Such signs typically include an enclosure having a
forward
facing display surface that includes an array of pixel display elements that
can be
selectively activated to collectively generate a visual message that can be
viewed by
motorists or others from the front of the sign. The enclosure will typically
house the
electronic components required for operation of the sign, and may include an
internal
work space that is accessible by a door or hatch. Depending on the climate
where the
sign is located, the sign may have internal cooling and/or heating systems.
The size
and complexity of large dynamic messaging signs make such signs expensive to
manufacture, and the location of the signs, for example, mounted over or
beside busy
highways, can make them difficult to maintain.
[0003] In one common sign configuration, the display surface includes one
or
more large transparent or semi-transparent polycarbonate sheet lenses that are
supported by a frame in a front opening of the enclosure. Metal panels,
typically
painted black on their forward facing sides, are located behind the lenses,
and pixel
display elements are aligned with holes provided through the metal panels.
Such a
configuration often requires the use of large potycarbonate sheets, which can
be
expensive and difficult to transport and install, and which require an
intricate framing
system to support. Maintenance of signs employing such a configuration can
also be
expensive and cumbersome.
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[0004] Another common sign configuration makes use of lens frames that
are hinged to the front of the enclosure. The frames each support a metal
panel
having an array of holes formed therethrough, with a polycarbonate lens
located behind the metal panel. The lens frames are located in front of pixel
display elements that are supported by the enclosure and which are located in
alignment with respective holes through the metal panel when the lens frame is
shut. Again, such a configuration can be expensive to build and maintain.
[0005] Thus, there is a need for a dynamic messaging sign that can be
manufactured and maintained in a cost effective manner, and which can offer
high reliability.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided an
informational display unit for a dynamic messaging sign, having at least two
display
panels that are arranged adjacent each other, each display panel including (i)
a rigid front
panel having a planar central portion with an array of aperture holes formed
therethrough,
(ii) a planar sheet lens through which light can pass secured behind the
planar central
portion, the sheet lens passing over the aperture holes, and (iii) a plurality
of pixel display
modules located behind the sheet lens, each pixel display module being aligned
with one
of the aperture holes for selectively displaying an indicator visible from a
front of the
display panels; the rigid front panels being joined along adjacent sides
thereof and
arranged with the front panel planar central portions substantially aligned in
a common
plane.
[0007] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a
dynamic
messaging sign having an enclosure having a forward facing opening and a
plurality of
display panels arranged side by side across the forward facing opening. Each
of the
display panels include (i) a rigid front panel having a substantially planar
central portion
with integral rearwardly extending peripheral sidewalls along opposite side
edges
thereof, the central portion having an array of aperture holes formed
therethrough; and
(ii) a plurality of pixel modules arranged rearward of the front panel in
alignment with the
aperture holes for selectively generating indicators visible though the
aperture holes. The
planar central portions are substantially aligned along a common plane with
adjacent
front panel sidewalls of adjacent display panels being secured together.
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[0008] According to another embodiment of the invention, there is provided
a
dynamic messaging sign that includes an enclosure having a forward facing
opening, a
plurality of spaced apart, substantially parallel, elongate support columns
connected to
the enclosure and extending across the forward facing opening, and a plurality
of
display panels arranged side by side across the forward facing opening. Each
of the
display panels include a substantially planar rigid front panel having an
array of
aperture holes formed therethrough; and a plurality of pixel modules arranged
rearward
of the front panel in alignment with the aperture holes for selectively
generating
indicators visible though the aperture holes, the front panels being
substantially aligned
along a common plane, the support column being located between side-edges of
the
front panels of adjacent display panels.
[0009] According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided
a
dynamic messaging sign that includes (a) an enclosure having a forward facing
opening;
(b) a plurality of rigid front panels having an array of aperture holes
therethrough, the front
panels being arranged side-by-side across the forward facing opening; (c) a
plurality of
circuit boards mounted to the enclosure rearward of the front panels, the
circuit boards
having pixel modules arranged thereon in alignment with the aperture holes for
selectively
generating indicators visable through the apertures from a viewing direction
forward of the
sign, the circuit boards being spaced apart from the front panels to define
air gaps
therebetween; and (d) at least one fan located in the enclosure for directing
air into the air
gaps between the front panels and the circuit boards.
[0010] Other aspects and features of the present invention will become
apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following
description
of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying
Figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] Example embodiments of the invention will be described with reference
to the
following Figures.
[0012] Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a dynamic messaging sign
according to
embodiments of the present invention.
[0013] Figure 2 is a sectional side view of the sign of Figure 1.
[0014] Figure 3 is a front view of a pixel module of the sign.
[0015] Figure 4 is a partial elevational view of a front of the sign of Figure
1, as
viewed from an inside of an enclosure of the sign.
[0016] Figure 5 is a front perspective view of two front panels of the sign of
Figure 1.
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[0017] Figure 6 is a sectional view, taken along the lines VI-VI of Figure 4.
[0018] Figure 7 is an enlarged portion of Figure 4.
[0019] Figure 8 is a partial elevational view of a front of the sign, as
viewed from an
inside of the enclosure of the sign, showing display panels according to
another
embodiment of the invention.
[0020] Figure 9 is a partial sectional view, taken along the lines 1X-IX, of
Figure 8.
[0021] Figure 10 is a sectional side view of the sign of Figure 8.
[0022] Figure 11 is a sectional plan view of the sign of Figure 8.
[0023] Figure 12 is a sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the
display
panels of Figures 1 and 8.
[0024] Figure 13 is a front perspective view of a dynamic messaging sign
according
to another embodiment of the invention.
[0025] Figure 14 is a front perspective view of the enclosure of the dynamic
messaging sign of Figure 13.
[0026] Figure 15 a partial horizontal sectional view of the dynamic messaging
sign
of Figure 13.
[0027] Figure 16 is a partial vertical sectional view of the dynamic messaging
sign of
Figure 13.
[0028] Figure 17 is an enlarged view of part of Figure 13.
[0029] Figure 18 is a side view of a clamp used in the sign of Figure 13.
[0030] Figure 19 is a partial sectional view, taken across the line XIX-XIX of
Figure
17.
[0031] Figure 20 is a sectional side view of the sign of Figure 13.
[0032] Figure 21A and 21B are enlarged views of part of Figure 20, showing a
front
panel of a display unit in sliding and secured positions, respectively.
[0033] Figure 22 is a front view of a front panel of the sign of Figure 13.
[0034] Figure 23 is a sectional side view of an alternative embodiment of the
sign of
Figure 13.
[0035] Figure 24 is an enlarged view of part of Figure 23.
[0036] Like numbers are used throughout the description to refer to the same
or
similar elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0037] Figure 1 shows a dynamic messaging sign indicated generally by
reference numeral 10, according to embodiments of the present invention. The
sign 10
includes a walk-in enclosure 12 that, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, has a front
wall 14,
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side walls 16, a back wall 22, a top wall or roof 18, and a bottom 20. A door
24 may
be located on one of the side walls 16 to provide access to the inside of the
enclosure. Inside the enclosure there is a floor 26. The enclosure may include
support beams 28 which provide a support frame for the walls, bottom and roof
of
the enclosure. Although sign 10 includes a walk-in style enclosure, other
embodiments of the invention may include enclosures that are not walk-in
enclosures.
[0038] A large rectangular opening 30 is provided within the front wall 14
in which
is mounted an informational display unit 32. The display unit 32 is made up of
a number
of vertically elongated abutting modular display panels 34, including first
and second end
display panels and a plurality of intermediate display panels. Each display
panel 34
includes an array of pixel modules 36. In the illustrated embodiment, each
display panel
34 includes a 5 by 28 array of pixel modules 36, however, different array
sizes can be
used, and in some embodiments, different display panels 34 within the same
sign can
have different array sizes. Figure 3 shows a single pixel module 36 in greater
detail. The
pixel module 36 includes a number of LEDs 38 which collectively light up when
the pixel
module is activated. The LEDs 38 are housed within a shroud 40, which prevents
leakage of light between adjacent pixel modules. Using techniques known in the
art, the
pixel modules 36 can each be selectively activated in order to collectively
display a
message visible to viewers located in front of the sign 10. Although LED based
pixel
modules are described in the current embodiment, other pixel modules could
alternatively be used, for example, modules that use light sources other than
LEDs (for
example laser, incandescent or fluorescent light sources) or modules that use
indirect
lighting arrangements such as flip-dot pixels. Accordingly, broader aspects of
the
invention are not to be limited to LED pixel modules.
[0039] With reference to Figures 4, 5 and 6, the configuration of modular
display
panels 34 will now be explained in greater detail. Figure 4 shows, from the
inside of
enclosure 12 the back side of two display panels 34, which are secured to the
front wall
14 of the enclosure. With references to Figures 4, 5 and 6, each modular
display panel
34 includes a rigid outer front panel 42, a sheet lens 44, and a rigid printed
circuit board
46 on which are supported the pixel modules 36. The front panels 42 are
elongated
structures that are preferably each formed from a unitary metal sheet and have
a
truncated-U shaped cross section. A portion of one of the circuit boards 46 is
cut away
in Figure 4 to show a back side of the sheet lens 44 and front panel 42. The
front panel
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42 has a substantially planar central portion 48 with integral rearwardly
extending
peripheral side walls 50 along opposite elongate side edges thereof. As will
be explained
in greater detail below, adjacent modular display panels 34 are secured
together by
clamping together adjacent side walls 50 of the front panels 42 of the display
panels, with
the central planar portions of the front panels arranged in a common plane. An
array of
aperture holes 52 are provided through the planar central portion 48 of each
front panel.
In the illustrated embodiment, the aperture holes are circular; however other
configurations could alternatively be used in some embodiments. In a preferred
embodiment, a row of horizontal slots 90 are provided through the front panels
48
underneath the bottom row of aperture holes 52 to permit any water that gets
between
the front panel 42 and the sheet lens 44 to drain out.
[0040] In each display panel, the sheet lens 44 is secured rearwardly of
the
central portion 48 of the front panel 42 and extends over the aperture holes
52. The
sheet lens 44 is preferably a planar polycarbonate sheet through which light
can pass,
such as a Lexan (trade-mark) sheet. Preferably, a single sheet of Lexan is
used for
the sheet lens in each display panel 34. The sheet lens 44 is preferably
nested
between the sidewalls 50 of the front panel 42.
[0041] The rigid printed circuit board 46 of a display panel is secured
rearward
of the sheet lens 44, between the sidewalls of the front panel 42. Pixel
modules 36
are supported by the circuit board 46 in alignment with the aperture holes 52
so that,
when activated, the visual signals generated by the pixel modules 36 can be
seen
from a front of the sign 10.
[0042] As best seen in Figure 6, the side walls 50 of adjacent front
panels 42
are arranged adjacent to each other and clamped together by a series of inter-
panel
bolts 54 which extend through holes provided along the length of the adjacent
side
walls 50. In particular, an elongate L-shaped bracket 60 is provided along the
length of
the inner side of each side wall 50, and the inter-panel bolts 54 extend
through aligned
openings 55 (see Figure 5) provided through the side walls 50 and the L-
brackets 60
of adjacent front panels 42. In addition to adding structural strength to the
joined side
walls, each of the L-brackets 60 has a planar front flange 62 that is
perpendicular to
the rest of the L-bracket body 60. The front flange 62 is arranged opposite
the central
portion 48 of the front panel 42 to secure the sheet lens 44 in place. In
particular, the
sheet lens 44 is secured along both of its longitudinal edges by a clamping
force
provided by the front flanges 62 of brackets 60 and the central portion 48 of
the
front panel 42.
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[0043] An inter-panel resilient water impervious gasket 56 is squeezed
between
the side walls 50, by inter-panel bolts 54, along the length of the joint
between
adjacent panels 42 in order to provide a weather tight seal to impede outside
elements
from entering the enclosure. An elongate metal spacer 58 may also be provided
between the adjacent side walls 50, behind the gasket 56. The spacer 58 is
calibrated
so that a desired degree of compression is provided to the gasket 56. During
assembly, screws 68, which pass through holes 69 in the sidewall 50 (Figure
5), may
be used to secure the L-Bracket 60 to its corresponding sidewall and spacer
58.
[0044] As best seen in Figure 6, a resilient gasket 64 is also provided as
the
contact interface between the central portion 48 of the front panel 42 and the
sheet lens
44. The gasket 64 serves a dual purpose of providing a sealant along the
elongate edges
of the sheet lens 44 and the front panel central portion 48 in order to
protect against
outside elements entering the enclosure, and also to act as a spacer so that
the front
surface of the sheet lens 44 is set back or spaced from the back surface of
the central
portion 48. Such spacing permits water to enter through aperture holes 52 into
a narrow
area between the central portion 48 and the sheet 44, run down along the sheet
44,
subsequently exit through drainage holes 90 (see Figure 5) provided near the
bottom of
the display panel. Dynamic messaging signs are frequently used in high traffic
locations
where build-up of grime and dirt on the face of the sign are a common problem.
The
present configuration allows natural rain water to reduce the build-up of
contaminants on
the sheet lens 44, and also facilitates scheduled cleanings. In the
illustrated embodiment,
resilient back gaskets 66 are also provided between the L-brackets 60 and the
sheet lens
44 to further prevent water from entering the inside of the enclos'ure.
[0045] The circuit board 46 of each display panel is secured such that a
forward
surface of the circuit board 46 is spaced back from the back surface of the
sheet lens
44. In order to secure the circuit board 46, maintain correct spacing
between the sheet
lens 44 and the circuit board 46 and add structural strength, in one preferred
embodiment, a pair of intermediate support bars 70 extend the length of each
display
panel 34, between the circuit board 46 and the sheet lens 44. With reference
to Figure 4,
the support bars 70 are secured by bolts or other fastening means at their
respective top
and bottom ends to the front panel 42. With reference to Figure 6, the
elongate portion of
the support bar 70 which passes between the sheet lens 44 and the circuit
board 46 has a
generally "Z" shaped cross-section, with a front planar member 72 secured by
adhesive
along its length to a back surface of the sheet lens 44, and a back planar
member 74 to
which the circuit board 46 is secured by bolts 76. The front and back member
72, 74 are
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joined by a perpendicular intermediate member 78. The front planar member 72
and back
planar member 74 extend in opposite directions from the opposite side edges of
the
intermediate member 78.
[0046] In the illustrated embodiment, the shrouds 40 that surround each of
the
pixel display modules 36 each have a forward end which is set back from the
rear
side of the sheet lens 44. The enclosure 12 will typically house an electronic
controller
to which all the pixef display modules are electrically connected such that
desired
dynamic messages can be displayed in dot matrix fashion on the sign 10. The
circuit
board 46 associated with each modular display panel 34 may be broken up along
its
length into a number of smaller circuit board sections.
[0047] In order to secure the sides of the two end modular display panels
34 to the
front wall 14 of the enclosure, elongate L-brackets 82 (see Figures 4 and 6)
are secured to
the front wall 14 along the sides of the large opening 30. As best seen in
Figures 4, a
series of bolts 84 or other fastening devices can be used to secure the L-
brackets 82
along the vertical sides of the opening 30 in front wall 14. As best seen in
Figure 6, bolts
54 are used to secure the outer side wall 50 of an end display panel 34 to the
L-bracket
82. Preferably, an elongate gasket 56 is provided between the opposing faces
of the L-
bracket 82 and the side wall 50 in order to seal the joint therebetween
against external
elements. A spacer member 58 may also be located between the outer wall 50 and
the L-
bracket 82. Thus, the juncture between the L-bracket 82 and the side wall 50
is similar to
the inter panel clamping that occurs between the side walls 50 of adjacent
front panels 42.
The tops and bottoms of the modular display panels 34 are each secured, in the
illustrated
embodiment, to the front wall 14 of the enclosure by bolts 80, which pass
through the front
panel 42 into the supports 28 for the front wall 14. As can be seen in Figure
2, in the
illustrated embodiment, the display unit 32 is set in from an outer surface of
the front wall
14, with the front wall and display unit being angled slightly downwards to
facilitate viewing
when the sign is mounted in an overhead position. A waterproof gasket 92 is
provided
along the top joint between front wall support members 28 and the front panels
42 to
resist against external elements entering the enclosure.
[0048] Figure 7 shows the mounting of L-bracket 82 to the front wall 14
and side
wall 50 of panel 42 in greater detail, being an enlargement of the portion of
Figure 4
indicated by call out numeral VII. As shown in Figure 7, in one preferred
embodiment,
horizontal slots 86 are provided through the L-bracket 82 for receiving the
bolts 84 that
secure the L-bracket 82 to the front wall 14 of the enclosure. Such a
configuration
provides some horizontal adjustment when assembling the sign. Similarly,
horizontal
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slots 88 may be provided though front panels 42 for receiving the bolts 80
that secure
the front panels to the front wall 14. Such a configuration assists in
allowing the display
unit 32 to be properly centered within the front wall opening 32 during
installation and
removal.
[0049] The front panels 42 are generally painted black on at least their
outer
surface, and pixel modules 36 are also typically black when not activated. In
some
embodiments, the sheet lens 44 in each modular display panel 34 may be omitted
and
replaced with individual lenses which are secured to the shroud 40 of each
pixel display
module 36.
[0050] As noted above, in the illustrated embodiment, each modular display
panel
34 comprises a 5 by 28 array of pixel display modules 36. In an example
embodiment,
the aperture holes 52 are uniformly spaced. The openings located closest to
the side
walls of the panels are spaced from the sides a distance such that the uniform
spacing
between aperture holes is maintained between adjacent panels. It will be
appreciated
that such dimensions are exemplary and a number of different other
configurations could
alternatively be used. Although the elongate display panels 34 are shown
vertically
arranged in the Figures, in alternative embodiments, the panels may have
different
orientations.
[0051] In the present invention, the modular display panels 34 can be
individually removed and replaced from the inside of the enclosure. The
interconnected
U-shaped front panels 42 of the display panels 34 provide a lightweight
support
structure for the display unit 32, and protect the sheet lenses 44 that are
located behind
them.
[0052] With reference to Figure 2, in some embodiments of the invention,
one or
more blower units 94 could be located at the bottom of the enclosure 12 under
the floor
26. The blower units 94 are arranged to take in air through an intake vent 96,
and then
blow the air up into the space provided between the sheet lens 44 and the
circuit board
46 of each of the display panels, as indicated by arrows 96. The blower units
are housed
within shrouds in the enclosure 12 such that the air output by the blower
units is directed
up into the space between the sheet lens 44 and the circuit board 46. In
warmer climates,
the air flow over the circuit board can cool the board. In cooler climates,
one or more
heating elements 98 may be provided for heating the air output by the blower
units 94, for
the purpose of reducing condensation on the sheet lens and on the circuit
board.
[0053] Referring now to Figures 8 to 11, a further embodiment of an
informational
display unit, indicated generally by 100, is shown. The informational display
unit 100 can
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be mounted instead of informational display unit 32 in the large rectangular
opening 30
that is provided through the front wall 14 of enclosure 12 of the sign 10, and
from a front
viewing side (such as shown in Figure 1) informational display unit 100
appears
substantially similar to informational display unit 32. Informational display
unit 100 is
made up of vertically elongated abutting modular display panels 102. In order
to support
the display panels 102, a plurality of vertically extending T-shaped columns
106 are
secured at uniformly spaced intervals across the rectangular opening 30 at the
front of
the sign. The columns 106 are secured by bolts 116 or by welding at their top
and bottom
ends to horizontal support bars that are secured to the front wall 14. Each
display panel
102 includes a vertically elongated planar front panel 104 through which
apertures 52 are
formed. The sheet lens 44 is secured behind the front panel 104, and circuit
boards 46
are located behind and spaced apart from the sheet lens with an air gap 202
being
located there between. Elongate J-shaped mounting brackets 110 are used to
secure the
sheet lens 44 and front panel 104 against the elongated front portion 107 of
the T-column
106. The mounting bracket 110 is preferably secured with screws or bolts (not
shown) to
the rearward portion 109 of T-column 106 that extends rearwardly between the
adjacent
front panels 104. As can be appreciated from Figure 9, the T-column 106 and J-
bracket
110 cooperate to clamp the sheet lens 44 and front panel 104 of each display
panel
together, the front surface of the adjacent front panels 104 each being
engaged by the
front portion 107 of the T-column, and the rear surface of each sheet lens 44
being
engaged along its edge by a respective J-bracket. In an example embodiment, U-
shaped
gaskets 108 surround the edge areas of panels 104 and sheet lens 44 to provide
a water
impervious seal around the edges of the display panels 102. In various
embodiments, U-
shaped gasket 108 is replaced with separate flat gaskets located a) in front
of the panel
104 and behind the sheet lens 44; b) in front of panel 104 and between the
panel 104
and the sheet lens 44, or c) in front of the panel 104 and behind the sheet
lens 44,
and between the panel 104 and the sheet lens 44. Spaced apart flanges 112 are
provided along the length of each bracket 110 to permit circuit boards 46 to
be
secured thereto by bolts 114.
[0054] With reference to Figures 10 and 11, a further climate control
system that
can be applied, in various embodiments, to messaging signs 10 having display
units 100
or 32 will now be described. The system shown in Figures 10 and 11 includes
fans 203
that are mounted horizontally inside fan boxes 210 provided under the floor 26
of the
enclosure. Each display panel 102, or in some embodiments, groups of display
panels
102, has or have an associated fan 203 for forcing air up into the gap 202
between circuit
CA 02956288 2017-01-26
boards 46 and the sheet lens 44. Each fan box 210 includes a relatively narrow
air
channel 204 in which the fan 203 is mounted with an exhaust side directed
towards a
front wall 216 of the air channel 204. The air channel 204 communicates with
the air gap
202. As indicated by representative air flow lines 208, air enters the fan box
210 through
an inlet 214, and passes through filter 206 into air channel 204. After
passing through fan
203, the air is forced into gap 202 at the bottom of the associated display
panel 102.,The
air passes through gap 202, then exits into the enclosure 12 at the top of the
display
panel 102. An exhaust vent 218 provided on an upper section of a back wall of
the
enclosure 12 allows air to escape from the enclosure 12.
[0055] A further fan unit 212 is located on the back wall of the enclosure
12 for
circulating air within the enclosure 12 behind the circuit boards 46. In an
example
embodiment, bolted or otherwise secured panels 220 are located above the air
channels
204. A resilient gasket 222 is provided at a forward end of each access panel
220 to
provide a seal at the top of the air channel 204 such that air leaving the air
channel 204 is
directed into gap 202 and not otherwise lost. Such an air circulating system
permits a
relatively high static air pressure build up in the air channels 204,
resulting in a relatively
high air flow through the associated air gaps 202. In some embodiments, a
heating unit is
placed adjacent to fan 203 to permit heated air to be directed into air gaps
202 in cold
weather applications.
[0056] As suggested above, in some embodiments of the invention, individual
lenses may be used for each pixel module 36 in the place of sheet lens 44. In
this
regard, Figure 12 shows a partial sectional view of embodiments of display
panel 34,
102 in which lens sheet 44 is omitted, and individual lens caps 140 are used
for each
of the pixel modules 36. In the illustrated embodiment, a forward end of the
cylindrical
shroud 40 protrudes through the aperture 52 on the front panel 42,104. The
lens cap
140 includes a circular transparent or translucent lens portion 142 through
which light
from LEDs 38 can be observed. Lens portion may be a convex or other shaped
lens to
provide a desired light distribution. An annular wall 144 is provided around a
peripheral
edge of the lens portion 142. The annular wall 144 is sized so that it can be
inserted
through aperture 52 and snuggly fit over and frictionally engage the forward
end of
shroud 40. The annular wall 144 may have an enlarged back end portion 146 with
an
outer circumference larger than the circumference of aperture 52 for engaging
the front
panel 42,104 about the aperture 52 to resist removal of the lens cap 140 once
it has
been mounted on shroud 40. The front panel 42, 104 and or the annular wall 144
are
sufficiently resilient to allow enlarged end 146 to pass through aperture 52
for snap-
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fitting of the lens cap 140 onto the pixel module 36. An annular flange 148
having an L-
shaped cross-section is also provided about the peripheral edge of the lens
portion
142. The annular flange 148 has an outer flange portion that is spaced apart
from wall
144 has an end that bears against the front surface of panel 42, 144, thereby
limiting
the distance that the lens cap 140 can be pushed into the aperture 52.
[0057] Another messaging sign, indicated generally by reference 160, is
shown
in Figure 13 according to various embodiments of the invention. Messaging sign
160 is
configured to permit front access to the display panels, rather than internal
access. In
this regard, the messaging sign 160 includes a enclosure 162 to which is
mounted an
informational display unit 164 that is made up of a number of vertically
elongated
adjacent display panels 166, including a pair of end display panels separated
by a
plurality of intermediate display panels. As with messaging sign 10, each
display panel
166 includes a uniform array of pixel modules 36. Enclosure 162 may have
enlarged
accessories box 168 for housing ventilation and heating fans, controllers,
power
supplies, and other accessories typically associated with the messaging sign.
Although
the box 168 is shown at the bottom of the display unit 164, the box 168 (or
additional
boxes) could alternatively be located elsewhere, such as above or to the sides
of the
display unit 164.
[0058] Figure 14 shows the enclosure 162 of sign 160 without display panels
166. Enclosure 162 defines a large front opening 163 in which the display
panels 166
are mounted. A number of spaced apart vertically extending C-channel supports
180
are provided across the opening 163 for supporting the display panels166,
along
with a number of spaced apart horizontally extending Z-bar supports 176.
[0059] With reference to Figures 15, 16,17, and 20, the configuration of
display
panels 166 will be described in greater detail. Figure 15 shows a partial
horizontal
sectional view of two adjacent display panels 166, Figure 16 is a partial
vertical sectional
view of one of display panels 166, and Figure 17 an enlarged partial front
perspective
view of two display panels 166. Figure 20 shows a sectional side view of sign
160. Each
display panel includes a rigid outer front panel 170, a sheet lens 44, and a
rigid printed
circuit board 46 supporting pixel modules 36. Similar to the front panels 42
of sign 10,
front panels 170 are each formed from a unitary metal sheet and have a
truncated U-
shaped horizontal cross-section. As best seen in Figure 15, each front panel
170
includes a substantially planar central portion 172 with integral rearwardly
extending
peripheral side walls 174 along opposite vertically extending side edges
thereof. As with
sign 10, the front panels 170 of adjacent modular display panels 166 are
secured to the
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CA 02956288 2017-01-26
enclosure 162, with the central planar portions 172 arranged in a common
plane.
Aperture holes 52 are provided through the planar central portion 170 of each
front panel
170, each aperture hole 52 being aligned with an associated pixel module.
[0060] In each display panel, the sheet lens 44 is secured rearwardly of
the
central portion 172 and extends over the aperture holes 52, and the circuit
board 46 is
secured rearwardly of the sheet lens. As best seen in Figures 14, 15 ,16 and
20, one or
more horizontal support "Z" bars 176 are mounted within and supported by the
enclosure
162. In various embodiments, the support bars 176 are supported by further
vertical
supports 230 secured within the enclosure 162. The circuit boards 46 of each
of the
display panels 166 are secured to the horizontal support bars 176 by bolts
178.
[0061] The vertical C-channel support bars 180 are secured to the
enclosure 162 at
spaced intervals across the front opening of the enclosure forwardly of
horizontal bars 176
for supporting the front panels 170 and sheet lenses 44. In an example
embodiment, the
rearward edges of pairs of adjacent sidewalls 174 engage a forward surface of
a
corresponding support bar 180. Vertical resilient gaskets 184 are provided
between the
back surface of sheet lens 44 and the forward surface of support bar 180 to
sealably retain
the sheet lens 44 in place. Clamps 182 are used in combination with the
gaskets 184 to
secure the front panels to each other and vertical support bars 180. A number
of clamps
182 are located along each of the junctures between the abutting side walls
174 of
adjacent front panels 170. As best seen in Figures 17-19, each clamp 182
includes a bolt
188 having an enlarged head 190 and threaded shaft 192. The shaft 192 passes
through
grooves 186 that are provided in the side walls 174 of the front panels 170,
and into a
threaded opening 198 provided through the vertical support bar 180. The shaft
can be
tightened into the support bar 180. A semi-circular shaped swivel head 194 is
rotatably
mounted on the shaft 192 to apply clamping force to the outer surface of
adjacent front
panels 172. The swivel head 194 is movable between three positions. In the
position
shown in Figure 17, the head 194 engages the front surface of two adjacent
front panels
170, thereby applying a clamping force to both panels. In the further two
positions, the
head 194 can be selectively rotated to only apply clamping force to a selected
one of the
two front panels 170, thereby allowing the non-clamped front panel 170 and
associated
sheet lens to be removed for maintenance or replacement purposes. As best seen
in
Figures 18 and 19, the head 194 is mounted on a tubular member 196 that
surrounds
shaft 192. In one embodiment, a flat washer-like gasket 199 surrounds the
circumferences of tubular member 196 in an area between the panel 170 and
sheet lens
44, providing a seal against outside elements entering between the panel and
lens from
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CA 02956288 2017-01-26
the clamp area. In an example embodiment, strips of adhesive tape 200 or other
adhesive
are provided between the sheet lens 44 and the front panel 170 to secure the
two
components relative to each other.
[0062] Various aspects of messaging sign 160 according to embodiments of
the
invention will now be explained with reference to Figures 20-22. In an example
embodiment, a pair of J shaped connectors 232 are provided along a top edge of
front
panel 170. The connectors 232 cooperate with a J-shaped ledge 234 (see also
Figure
14) that extends the length of the enclosure 162 along the upper side of the
front
opening through enclosure 162. The J-shaped connectors 232 extend towards the
front,
viewing side, of the sign, and each define a downward opening channel, and the
J-
shaped ledge 234 extends into the enclosure 162, towards the back of the sign,
defining
a cooperating upward opening channel. Such a configuration permits the front
panels
170 (and adhesive-attached sheet lens 44) to be supported by ledge 234 and
slid along
ledge 234 when mounting the front panels 170 to the enclosure 162 and to
access pixel
modules 36 for maintenance purposes.
[0063] Figures 20 and 21A show the front panel 170 (and associated sheet
lens
44) of a display panel 166 in a "sliding" position, in which clamps 182 that
normally
secure the panel and sheet lens have been released. In the sliding position,
the front
panel 170 is moved towards the front of the sign 160, such that it is spaced
forward of
circuit board 46 and pixel modules 36. In such position, the front panel 170
is
supported by ledge 234 and can be slid sideways along ledge 234 to permit full
frontal
access to the pixel modules 36 and circuit boards 36 normally located behind
the front
panel 170 (and associated sheet lens 44). The forward movement permitted by
cooperating ledge 234 and J-connectors 232 is sufficient to allow the front
panel 170
(and integral sidewalls 174) and associated sheet lens 44 to be moved far
enough
forward that they can subsequently be slid sideways in front of the front
panel 170 of
an adjacent display panel 166. Figure 21B shows the front panel in a "secured"
position in which it is slid into its normal position and secured in place by
clamps 182.
[0064] An air gap 236 is provided between circuit board 46 and the back of
sheet
lens 44 when the front panel is in the normal secured position. As with the
messaging sign
described above, a climate control system is also provided in embodiments of
messaging sign 160. As best seen in Figure 20, in an example embodiment, a one
or
more horizontally arranged blower or fan units 203 are located in compartments
provided
in the accessories box 168 of enclosure 162. The fan units 203 draw air into
the
accessories box 168 through shrouded air intake vents 214 and filters 206, and
force the
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CA 02956288 2017-01-26
air up into air gaps 236 of display panels 166, as shown by air flow lines
208. The air exits
air gaps 236 through the upper ends of the display panels 166. Exhaust vents
218 are
provided on the back of the enclosure 162 for air to escape the enclosure. In
one
embodiment, dividing walls 238 are provided between the fan compartments in
accessories box 168 and the rest of the enclosure 162 to ensure that air from
the fans is
forced up into the air gaps 236, rather than generally into the enclosure 162.
Although fan
203 is horizontally arranged, other fan orientations such as vertically
arranged can
alternatively be used. In this regard, Figures 23 and 24 show a further
ventilation
arrangement according to embodiments of the invention. In such configuration,
a vertically
oriented fan 203 is located next to a controller 242 and power supply 240 in
accessories
box 168. The fan 203 draws in air through air intake 214 and filter 206, and
forces it up
into enclosure 162. In the embodiment of Figures 23 and 24, the enclosure 162
is not fully
closed off from the fan compartment, thus air flows upward in parallel both
through
enclosure 162 and through the gap 236, on both the front and back sides of
circuit boards
46. Air can pass from the enclosure behind the circuit boards 46 into air gaps
236 and
vice versa through spaced provided between adjacent circuit boards 46.
[0065] Individual lenses 142 are, in various embodiments of sign 160, used
in
place of a sheet lens 44. In an example embodiment, the spacing between
aperture
holes 52 is uniform across the sign 160.
[0066] As will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the
foregoing
disclosure, many alterations and modifications are possible in the practice of
this
invention without departing from the claimed scope thereof. Accordingly, the
scope of
the invention is to be construed in accordance with the substance defined by
the
following claims.
