[0001] This invention relates to a display device. Portable-type advertizing displays are
well known, e.g. from U.S. Patent 4,110,792 to Long. This patent discloses a vehicle
mounted display apparatus having a trio of hinged panels which are folded one over
the other for transport, and which may be pivoted into a flat shape for use. The panels
are supported by a partially collapsible frame structure, so that the panels are rotated
through 90° from the transport to the display portion.. Such a system is disadvantageous
in that it has insufficient structural stability.
[0002] According to the invention, there is provided a display device characterised by:
a display means having a display surface, and double doors operable to cover said
display surface of said display means.
[0003] A display device, according to one embodiment of this invention, will now be described
by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a front view of a large display device according to one embodiment of
this invention, with display surfaces protected by double doors;
Figure 2 is a top view of the display device in operation with the double doors opened;
and
Figure 3 is a front view of the display device of Figure 2.
Figure 1 shows a lower display block 1 disposed on a trailer 2 and an upper display
block 4 which, having been transported by another trailer, is stacked on the lower
display block 1.
[0004] Double doors 3a and 3b are provided for protecting the display surface la of the
lower display block 1, the double doors opening together on hinges 3c and 3d provided
on respective sides of the display surface la. Further double doors 5a and 5b protect
the display surface 4a of the upper display block 4, the double doors 5a and 5b opening
together on hinges 5c and 5d provided on respective sides of the display surface 4a.
[0005] After being closed, the double doors 3a and 3b, and 5a and 5b are locked with locking
means (not shown) provided at the centers thereof, so that they may not be opened
during transportation by the trailer 2.
[0006] Figure 2 is a top view of the large display device in operation with the double doors
3a and 3b, and 5a and 5b opened. Figure 3 is a front view of the display device shown
in Figure 2. In Figures 2 and 3, those components which have been described with reference
to Figure 1 are therefore similarly numbered.
[0007] When the double doors are opened as shown in Figs. 2 and 3, they are fixedly secured
with fixing means (not shown) so that they are maintained opened. In this position,
they may serve as part of, or an extension of, the display surface.
[0008] In the above-described embodiment, the double doors open on hinges. However, the
double doors may be supported by rails extending horizontally along the upper and
lower edges of the display surface, so that the double doors can be moved horizontally
along the rails.
[0009] As is apparent from the above description, according to the invention, the provision
of the double doors, which is considerably simple in construction, can positively
protect the display surface of each display block from trouble due to external factors
during transportation or when the display device is not in operation. The double door
surfaces can be utilized as advertizing boards. Especially in the case of the double
doors using hinges, both sides thereof can be used as advertizing boards. Furthermore,
during the operation of the display device, natural light or light from artificial
light sources around the display surface can be intercepted by the opened double doors
to some extent, which contributes to an increase in contrast, thus making the image
on the display screen clearer.
[0010] Where the doors swing open to expose their inner surfaces, these inner surfaces may
carry an extension of the display surface la or may merely be used to carry advertising
material.
[0011] Reference is hereby directed to our two copending applications of even date No. (Our
Ref. 37210) and No. (Our Ref. 37212) which disclose and claim related subject matter.
1. A display device characterised by: a display means (1) having a display surface
(la); and double doors (3a, 3b) operable to cover said display surface of said display
means (1).
2. A display device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said double doors (3a, 3b) are arranged
in a manner such that said double doors (3a, 3b) are swingable about side edges of
said display surface (la), whereby both sides of each of said double doors are usable
for display purposes.
3. A display device as claimed in claim 2 wherein said double doors (3a, 3b) are swingable
on hinges.
4. A display device as claimed in claim 3 wherein said doors (3a, 3b) are swingable
to a closed position covering said display surface (la) for transport, edges of said
doors substantially confronting one another in said closed position.
5. A display device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein said display means
is constituted by a plurality of vertically arranged blocks (1, 4).
6. A display device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein said display means
is mounted on a trailer (2).