Abstract:
A thermoplastic elastomer protective louver covering for use with an electronic display module for the protection of persons coming into inadvertent contact with an electronic display module incorporating the thermoplastic elastomer protective louver covering and for protection of the electronic display module incorporating the thermoplastic elastomer protective louver covering. The resilient, flexible and energy absorbent thermoplastic elastomer protective louver covering is overmolded to the louvers of an electronic display module at a suitable protection thickness exceeding the depth of the exposed louver components to protectively cover up any sharp, pointed or other player-damaging shapes of the louver panel.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is related to U.S. utility patent application Ser. No. 10/688,304 filed Oct. 17, 2003, entitled “Electronic Display Module Having a Four-Point Latching System for Incorporation into an Electronic Sign and Process”, which is now U.S. Pat. No. 7,055,271. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention is for an electronic sign, but more precisely relates to a thermoplastic elastomer protective louver covering for use with an electronic display module for the protection of persons coming into inadvertent contact with an electronic display module incorporating the thermoplastic protective louver covering and for protection of the electronic display module itself. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Prior Art 
         [0005]    Prior art electronic information displays incorporating electronic display modules are often placed in close physical proximity to a sporting event. A participating player in a sporting event who runs into the electronic display can possibly cause damage to himself or herself or to the electronic display module components. Electronic display modules often contain formed louver components extending outwardly to shade LEDs for better visual perception. When the louvers are contacted with force by a sports person, the louvers could puncture the players skin or otherwise cause injury to the player. Other damage may be incurred by errant sports equipment, such as a sports ball hitting the electronic display module. Measures were taken to overcome the shortcomings of prior art devices including the addition of a protective sheet of Plexiglass® or other like material across the entire face of multiple electronic display modules making up the forward portion of an electronic sign display. Heat and cold often compromised the use of Plexiglass®, wherein expansion and contraction with extreme heat or cold complicated the design. Plexiglass® sheet splices proved unsatisfactory in that players impinging an unsupported seam between adjacent Plexiglass® sheets could be injured. To counteract such an arrangement, sheets were overlapped, thereby creating an undesirable visual aberration. Additionally, Plexiglass® is reflective wherein light sources reflecting from the Plexiglass® surface could be distractive to the player or to a sports fan. The reflective problem was overcome somewhat by adding a matte coating to the Plexiglass® at the cost of reduced visual acuity. Often these or other additional remedial steps incurred additional production time and expense. What is needed is a protective device for use with an electronic display module in an electronic display which offers protection both for the electronic display module and the athlete, while maintaining good visual contrast, viewing angles, and overall appearance. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    The general purpose of the present invention is to provide a thermoplastic elastomer protective louver covering for use with an electronic display module. 
         [0007]    According to one or more embodiments there is provided a thermoplastic elastomer protective louver covering, the present invention, shown in use with an electronic display module where the protective louver covering comprised of, but not limited to, thermoplastic elastomer, also known as TPE, is overmolded to the outermost surface of the electronic display module, i.e., to the exterior of the louver located at the forward portion of the electronic display module. A plurality of elongated holes, which are in the thermoplastic elastomer protective louver covering, allow components of an electronic display module including, but not limited to, a plurality of protruding louvers and a corresponding plurality of closely associated pixels comprised of groups of light emitting diodes (LEDs) extending therethrough, to be viewed unobstructed and unhampered. The thermoplastic elastomer protective louver covering is overmolded on the louver panel to a suitable depth of protection which is preferably at least thicker than the depth of the exposed louver panel components and covers up any sharp, pointed or other potentially player-damaging shapes of the louvers on the louver panel. The thermoplastic elastomer protective louver covering provides protection to points of contact between the player and the electronic display module because of the thickness and inherent properties of the thermoplastic elastomer which make the thermoplastic elastomer elastic and flexible and impact absorbent. The thermoplastic elastomer material is also resistant to abrasion and is suitable for use in a wide range of temperatures. The thermoplastic elastomer can be sized to the individual electronic display module and not to the overall size of an electronic sign display, thereby eliminating the need for large and unwieldy protective sheets. The thermoplastic elastomer protective louver covering is thusly located at the area where possible contact could occur between the players or sports items, such as a ball or other related items, and the electronic display modules. When player/panel impact does occur, the thermoplastic elastomer protective louver covering absorbs some of the energy so that the consequential impacting damages are reduced to both the player and the electronic display module. The thermoplastic elastomer protective louver covering can be suitably shaped to allow for maximum vertical and horizontal views of the LEDs comprising the LED pixels. The thermoplastic elastomer protective louver covering is shown in use and in intimate or near intimate contact with supporting and otherwise related and closely associated components of an electronic display module including, but not limited to, a louver panel, an LED display panel, and a housing. 
         [0008]    One significant aspect and feature of the present invention is the use of a thermoplastic elastomer protective louver covering overmolded onto louvers and onto other features of the louver panel of an electronic display module. 
         [0009]    Another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is a thermoplastic elastomer protective louver covering overmolded onto components of a louver panel to a suitable depth of protection which is preferably at least thicker than the depth of the exposed louver components to cover up any sharp, pointed or other potentially player-damaging shapes of the louver panel. 
         [0010]    Another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is the use of a thermoplastic elastomer protective louver covering to space underlying components of the louver panel from the players to protect the players from collision injury. 
         [0011]    Another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is the use of an impact absorbent thermoplastic elastomer protective louver covering to protect the structure of an electronic display module from impact injury caused by impact of a player or sport equipment. 
         [0012]    Another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is the use of holes within the thermoplastic elastomer protective louver covering which accommodate the extension of light emitting diodes and extension of corresponding louvers of a louver panel therethrough to facilitate shaded, uncovered, unobstructed and unhampered viewing of the light emitting diodes. 
         [0013]    Still another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is the use of protective protrusions extending from a planar base of the thermoplastic elastomer protective louver covering having angled geometrically configured shapes on the exterior exposed surface thereof, such as, but not limited to, opposed angled recesses having sculpted surfaces which allow viewing of light emitting diodes from the side at 70 degrees each side of the vertical centerline at maximum vertical and horizontal sighting views. 
         [0014]    Still another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is the use spaces between rows of protective protrusions at the exterior exposed surface of the thermoplastic elastomer protective louver covering which allow viewing of light emitting diodes from the side at maximum vertical and horizontal sighting views. 
         [0015]    Still another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is the use of a thermoplastic elastomer whereby heat or cold variations are of little consequence due to the elastic qualities of the thermoplastic elastomer protective louver covering. 
         [0016]    Yet another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is the use of a thermoplastic elastomer which exhibits minimal reflection and can be painted to further improve contrast. 
         [0017]    Having thus briefly described embodiments of the present invention and having mentioned some significant aspects and features of the present invention, it is the principal object of the present invention to provide a thermoplastic elastomer protective louver covering for use with an electronic display module. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0018]    Other objects of the present invention and many of the attendant advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals designate like parts throughout the figures thereof and wherein: 
           [0019]      FIG. 1  is an isometric front view of a thermoplastic elastomer protective louver covering, the present invention, shown in use with an electronic display module; 
           [0020]      FIG. 2  is an isometric front view of the thermoplastic elastomer protective louver covering and an exploded isometric front view of the electronic display module; 
           [0021]      FIG. 3  is an isometric rear view of the electronic display module having a thermoplastic elastomer protective louver covering overmoldingly applied to the louver panel thereof; 
           [0022]      FIG. 4  is an isometric rear view of the thermoplastic elastomer protective louver covering and an exploded isometric rear view of the electronic display module; 
           [0023]      FIG. 5  is an isometric front view of a section of the thermoplastic elastomer protective louver covering showing the structure and geometrical configuration thereof; 
           [0024]      FIG. 6  is an exploded isometric front view of the upper left corner of the thermoplastic elastomer protective louver covering, the corresponding upper left corner of the louver panel, and the corresponding upper left corner of the LED panel showing the alignment and relationship of the components thereof; 
           [0025]      FIG. 7  is an isometric front view of the upper left corner of the thermoplastic elastomer protective louver covering in use with an electronic display module showing side view paths; and, 
           [0026]      FIG. 8  is a cross section view along line  8 - 8  of  FIG. 7  showing the thermoplastic elastomer protective louver covering, the present invention, incorporated into use with components of an electronic display module. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0027]      FIG. 1  is an isometric front view of a thermoplastic elastomer protective louver covering  10  for use with an electronic display module, the present invention, hereinafter, for brevity, referred to as the protective louver covering  10 , shown in use with an electronic display module  12 , and  FIG. 2  is an isometric front view of the protective louver covering  10  and an exploded isometric front view of the electronic display module  12 . Shown partially or fully in either or both of the figures is the geometrically configured protective louver covering  10  which, in practice, is overmolded over and to a louver panel  14  of an electronic display module, such as represented by an electronic display module  12 , comprised of a louver panel  14 , a light emitting diode (LED) panel  16 , and a geometrically configured housing  18  incorporated by reference to U.S. Pat. No. 7,055,271 entitled “Electronic Display Module Having a Four-Point Latching System for Incorporation into an Electronic Sign and Process”, which has latching structure for fastening of the housing  18  and additional closely associated structure attached thereto to the structure of an electronic sign display. Understanding of the present invention is facilitated by understanding of the structure of an electronic display module, such as the representative electronic display module  12 , also described herein, to which the protective louver covering  10  is overmolded. Overmolding is the process where two parts, a substrate and an overmold, are joined together to make a final product. In the invention, the substrate is the louver panel  14  which is made in a first injection mold tool and which consists of hard and rigid plastic. The louver panel  14  is removed from the first injection mold tool and then placed in a second mold, i.e., an overmold tool, where opaque thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) material, such as Versaflex made by The GLS Corp. of McHenry, Ill., or other suitable material, such as, but not limited to, Tekbond by Teknor Apex of Pawtucket, R.I., is applied by injection molding to form the protective louver covering  10  which forms a chemical bond with the louver panel  14 . The overmold tool is cut to precisely fit the louver panel  14  in it, i.e., the substrate, and allow for application of TPE overmold material, i.e., the overmold therein. The overmold and the substrate, i.e., the thermoplastic elastomer of the louver covering  10  and the louver panel  14 , form a chemical bond at their surface interface. The specified temperature range for suitable exposure and use of the thermoplastic elastomer including player protective impact resistance, flexibility, and abrasion resistance forming the protective louver covering  10  is 120° F. to −20° F. As shown in  FIG. 2  and as shown more explicitly in other figures, the LED panel  16  includes sets of three vertically aligned and grouped LEDs forming a plurality of vertically arranged LED pixel columns  20   a - 20   n , further designated and referred to in  FIG. 6 , having suffixes to indicate individual LED pixels, whereby the first LED pixel in the LED pixel column  20   a  would be pixel  20   a - 1 , the second LED pixel in the LED pixel column  20   a  would be pixel  20   a - 2 , and so on until reaching LED pixel  20   a - n . The LED pixels of LED pixel columns  20   a - 20   n  extend through corresponding multiple columnar arrangements of three vertically aligned holes in hole group columns  22   a - 22   n  of the louver panel  14 . The hole group columns  22   a - 22   n  are further designated and referred to in  FIG. 6  having suffixes to indicate hole groups, whereby the first hole group in the hole group column  22   a  would be hole group  22   a - 1 , the second hole group in the hole group column  22   a  would be hole group  22   a - 2 , and so on until reaching hole group  22   a - n . Each hole group column  22   a - 22   n  of the louver panel  14  is closely associated with corresponding multiple columnar arrangements having three vertical louvers aligned in louver group columns  24   a - 24   n  of the louver panel  14 . The louver groups of the louver group columns  24   a - 24   n  are further designated and referred to in  FIG. 6  having suffixes to indicate individual louver groups, whereby the first louver group in the louver group column  24   a  would be louver group  24   a - 1 , the second louver group in the louver group column  24   a  would be louver group  24   a - 2 , and so on until reaching louver group  24   a - n.    
         [0028]    The protective louver covering  10  includes structure complementary to the LED pixel columns  20   a - 20   n , the hole group columns  22   a - 22   n , and the louver group columns  24   a - 24   n . Arrangements of vertically aligned elongated hole columns  26   a - 26   n  are included to extend through a planar base  28  of the protective louver covering  10  to accommodate the LED pixel columns  20   a - 20   n  and the louver group columns  24   a - 24   n  which pass through the planar base  28  when the protective louver covering  10  is in intimate contact with the electronic display module  12 . When assembled, geometrically configured horizontally oriented protrusion rows  30   a - 30   n  protectively extend outwardly from the planar base  28  and beyond the LED pixel columns  20   a - 20   n  and the louver group columns  24   a - 24   n . The relationship and association of the LED pixel columns  20   a - 20   n , the hole group columns  22   a - 22   n , the louver group columns  24   a - 24   n , and the geometrically configured protrusion rows  30   a - 30   n  are described later in detail. It is to be appreciated that some of the groups of LED pixel columns  20   a - 20   n , hole group columns  22   a - 22   n , and louver group columns  24   a - 24   n  may not include complete sets of three items, particularly those columns shown along and about the edges of the associated structures. Correspondingly, the elongated holes of the elongated hole columns  26   a - 26   n  and the protrusions in the protrusion rows  30   a - 30   n  of the protective louver covering  10  may not be complete structures, particularly those shown along and about the edges of the associated structures. Also shown are a plurality of vertically aligned slits  32   a - 32   n  extending along the face of the protective louver covering  10  to simulate seams formed between multiple electronic display module  12  boundaries, thereby making the seams less noticeable to the viewer. 
         [0029]      FIG. 3  is an isometric rear view of the electronic display module  12  having a protective louver covering  10  overmoldingly applied to the louver panel  14 , and  FIG. 4  is an isometric rear view of the protective louver covering  10  and an exploded isometric rear view of the electronic display module  12 . Some major components and features of the housing  18  are briefly referenced and include, but are not limited to, opposed latching systems  34  and  36  having actuators  38  and  40 , opposed actuator arms  42  and  44 , opposed actuator arms  46  and  48 , opposed latching mechanisms  50  and  52 , and opposed latching mechanisms  54  and  56 , incorporated respectively for attachment of the invention to the structure of an electronic sign display. Also included are locator posts  58   a - 58   n , a seal  60 , and a plurality of access holes  62   a - 62   n  along and about the structure of the housing  18 . In the alternative, a driver board (not shown) may be attached to the rear of the housing  18 . Also included ( FIG. 4 ) are louver attachment pins  64   a - 64   n  extending rearwardly from the louver panel  14  for accommodation by a plurality of alignment holes  66   a - 66   n  in the LED panel  16  and by a plurality of forward facing receptor holes  68   a - 68   n  in the housing  18  ( FIG. 2 ). A plurality of rearwardly directed latch pins  69   a - 69   n  extend from the LED panel  16  to engage the housing  18 . 
         [0030]      FIG. 5  is an isometric front view of a section of the protective louver covering  10  showing the structure and geometric configuration thereof, including the planar base  28 , the protrusion rows  30   a - 30   h  extending outwardly from the planar base  28 , and the elongated hole columns  26   a - 26   g  extending through the planar base  28 . The elongated hole columns  26   a - 26   n  and the protrusion rows  30   a - 30   n  are arranged in a staggered grid matrix configuration. Alternating columns of elongated hole columns  26   a - 26   n  are staggered with respect to one another. For example, elongated hole columns  26   a ,  26   c  and  26   e  align to each other, and, similarly, elongated hole columns  26   b ,  26   d  and  26   f  align to each other. Further, the aligned elongated hole columns  26   a ,  26   c  and  26   e , and the aligned elongated hole columns  26   b ,  26   d  and  26   f  align as units to each other in a staggered configuration. The protrusion rows  30   a - 30   n  likewise are alternatingly staggered with respect to one another. For example, protrusion rows  30   a ,  30   c  and  30   e  align to each other and protrusion rows  30   b ,  30   d  and  30   f  align to each other. Further, the protrusion rows  30   a ,  30   c  and  30   e  and the protrusion rows  30   b ,  30   d  and  30   f  align as units to each other in a staggered configuration. 
         [0031]    The structure of the protective louver covering  10  is designed to accommodate the LED pixel columns  20   a - 20   n  and the structure of the louver group columns  24   a - 24   n  and to allow viewing of each and every LED of the LED pixel columns  20   a - 20   n  from various positions, the columns and rows and relationships thereof now being further designated and described. The elongated holes of the elongated hole columns  26   a - 26   n  are further designated and referred to having suffixes to indicate individual elongated holes, whereby the first elongated hole in the elongated hole column  26   a  would be elongated hole  26   a - 1 , the second elongated hole in the elongated hole column  26   a  would be elongated hole  26   b - 1 , and so on in the same manner until reaching elongated hole  26   n - 1 . In a like manner, the protrusions of the protrusion rows  30   a - 30   n  are further designated and referred to having suffixes to indicate individual protrusions, whereby the first protrusion in the protrusion row  30   a  would be protrusion  30   a - 1 , the second protrusion in the protrusion row  30   a  would be protrusion  30   a - 2 , and so on in the same manner until reaching protrusion  30   a - n . Additionally, horizontally aligned spaces  70   a - 70   n  are included between successive protrusion rows  30   a - 30   n  which allow angular viewing of the top and bottom LEDs comprising pixels of the LED pixel columns  20   a - 20   n . Each of the protrusions included in protrusion rows  30   a - 30   n  includes opposed angled recesses  72   a  and  72   b  having surfaces which are sculpted surfaces allowing angular viewing of each of the center LEDs comprising pixels of the LED pixel columns  20   a - 20   n . The opposed angled recesses  72   a  and  72   b  are angled from the general plane of the outer surface of the protrusions of the protrusion rows  30   a - 30   n , the deepest part being toward and forming part of the edges of the adjacent elongated holes of the elongated hole columns  26   a - 26   n . The bottom of each protrusion of the protrusion columns  30   a - 30   n  includes an arcuate recess  74  for accommodation of the top LED forming each of the pixels of each of the LED pixel columns  20   a - 20   n . Viewing of the pixels of the LED pixel columns  20   a - 20   n  when directly in front of the LED pixel columns  20   a - 20   n , whether at the same level or at a lower level, affords direct viewing of all of the LEDs forming the LED pixel columns  20   a - 20   n , and viewing of the LED pixel columns  20   a - 20   n  when off to the side of the LED pixel columns  20   a - 20   n , whether at the same level or at a lower level, also affords direct viewing of all of the LEDs forming the LED pixel columns  20   a - 20   n . Alignment of the LED pixel columns  20   a - 20   n , with features of the louver panel  14  and the protective louver covering  10 , is shown in the figures that follow. 
         [0032]      FIG. 6  shows is an exploded isometric front view of the upper left corner of the protective louver covering  10 , the corresponding upper left corner of the louver panel  14 , and the corresponding the upper left corner of the LED panel  16  showing the alignment and relationship of the components thereof. 
         [0033]      FIG. 7  is an isometric front view of the upper left corner of the protective louver covering  10  in use with the electronic display module  12  showing side view paths. Shown in particular is the relationship of the LED pixel columns  20   a - 20   e  of the LED pixel columns  20   a - 20   n  and the louver group columns  24   a - 24   e  of the louver group columns  24   a - 24   n  to the elongated hole columns  26   a - 26   e  of the elongated hole columns  26   a - 26   n  and the protrusion rows  30   a - 30   d  of the protrusion rows  30   a - 30   n , whereby protection to a player and protection of the electronic display module  12  is provided by the protective louver covering  10 . Also shown are left viewing paths  76 ,  78  and  80  and right viewing paths  82 ,  84  and  86  which are accommodated and afforded by the structure of the protective louver covering  10 . More specifically, full viewing from the left and the lower left is made along view paths  76 ,  78  and  80 , whereby the left view path  76  occurs along part of the space  70   a  adjacent to the uppermost LED of the LED pixel  20   c - 1  for viewing of the uppermost LED of the LED pixel  20   c - 1 , whereby the left view path  78  occurs along the sculpted surface of the angled recess  72   b  of the protrusion  30   b - 2  for viewing of the central LED of the LED pixel  20   c - 1 , and whereby the left view path  80  occurs along part of the space  70   b  adjacent to the lowermost LED of the LED pixel  20   c - 1  for viewing of the lowermost LED of the LED pixel  20   c - 1 . Correspondingly, full viewing from the right and the lower right is made along view paths  82 ,  84  and  86 , whereby the right view path  82  occurs along part of the space  70   a  adjacent to the uppermost LED of the LED pixel  20   c - 1  for viewing of the uppermost LED of the LED pixel  20   c - 1 , whereby the right view path  84  occurs along the sculpted surface of the angled recess  72   a  of the protrusion  30   b - 3  for viewing of the central LED of the LED pixel  20   c - 1 , and whereby the right view path  86  occurs along part of the space  70   b  adjacent to the lowermost LED of the LED pixel  20   c - 1  for viewing of the lowermost LED of the LED pixel  20   c - 1 . Additionally, with respect to the vertically aligned centerlines of the LED pixel  20   c - 1 , the left view path  78  affords at least a 70 degree view angle and the right view path  84  affords at least a 70 degree view angle, for a total view and of at least 140 degrees. Of course, viewing of all pixels of the LED pixel  20   c - 1  from the front is made in a direct and straightforward manner. Viewing of the other LED pixels is accomplished in a corresponding manner. 
       MODE OF OPERATION 
       [0034]      FIG. 8  is a cross section view along line  8 - 8  of  FIG. 7  showing the protective louver covering  10 , the present invention, incorporated into use with components of the electronic display module  12 . Shown in particular is the protection provided to the LED pixels, such as LED pixel  20   c - 1 , and protection provided to the louver groups, such as louver group  24   c - 1 , which are inset from the outer surface of the protrusions, such as protrusions  30   a - 2 ,  30   b - 2  and  30   c - 2 , as shown, whereby a player or sports object would first encounter the outer surface of the these protrusions or other protrusions, thereby preventing component damaging contact with the components of the electronic display module  12 . The thermoplastic elastomer protective louver covering  10  provides protection for the player by the inclusion of the protective louver covering  10  between the player and the electronic display module  12  owing to the inherent properties of the thermoplastic elastomer which make the thermoplastic elastomer material elastic and flexible to provide impact absorbency. 
         [0035]    Various modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from the apparent scope thereof.