Electronic display module having a four-point latching system for incorporation into an electronic sign and process

An electronic display module having a four-point latching system for incorporation into an electronic sign and process where more than one latch mechanism can be actuated simultaneously to deploy to engage the mounting panel assembly of an electronic sign. Gear operated actuating arms incorporated in an overcenter arrangement position latch in opposing latch mechanisms to position latch arms outwardly in a linear direction over a mounting panel assembly followed by pivotal latch positioning to rotationally engage the latch arms against the mounting panel assembly to secure the electronic display module to the mounting panel assembly.

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention pertains to electronic alphanumeric and graphic displays, and more particularly is for an electronic display module having a four-point latching system for incorporation into an electronic sign and process.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Prior art electronic display modules have often been secured to mounting panels or mounting channels and the like by labor-intensive fasteners requiring actuation of multiple individual fasteners such as screws, nuts, nut and bolt assemblies, and the like where numerous fastening operations occur during initial assembly or assembly in the field. Such fastening occurrences often require labor-intensive manipulation and installation of fastening devices which are not part of the structure of the electronic display module and as such may not be readily available at the installation site. Clearly what is needed is a construction to facilitate rapid installation or changeout of electronic display modules and which contains onboard fastening structure, such as is provided by the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The general purpose of the present invention is to provide an electronic display module having a four-point latching system for incorporation into an electronic sign and process.

According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a latching system having four latches distributed at points or locations about an electronic display module wherein the major components, assemblies and other components include, but are not limited to, an LED display panel, a louver panel, a driver board, and a main housing having opposing mirror image-like latch mechanisms which are actuated by opposing actuator arms operated by an actuator gear disposed between the ends of the actuator arms.

Each of the latch mechanisms, having commonality of components and structure, includes a latch housing extending from a panel which extends across the main housing, a latch having opposing inboard and outboard latch arms extending therefrom and extending through outboard and inboard slots in the latch housing, opposing latch posts extending outwardly from the central region of the latch, an attachment fixture at one end of the latch, and a latch lock plate which secures to an open side of the main housing panel to assist in containing the latch within the latch housing and to assist in forming portions of slots located interior to the latch housing in which the opposing latch posts, and thus the latch, traverse in linear fashion. A linkage connects one end of the latch to one end of the actuating arm, and the relationship of the actuating arm to the latch is such that the actuating arm maintains a restricted or an unrestricted overcenter relationship to the latch. During initial latch transiting, such orientation is limited and constrained where the internal geometry of the latch housing and the latch lock plate causes the latch to maintain a non-rotated status when transiting to position the latch arms over a mounting panel assembly. At the end of transiting, it is then desirable to rotate the latch to engage the structure of the mounting panel assembly. Additional movement of the actuating arm in the same direction urges the attachment fixture at one end of the latch into a position which is unconstrained at the end of its travel, to be forced by the unrestricted overcenter force applied thereto by the linkage which then drives the attachment fixture of the latch into a recess in a guide body, thereby rotating the latch. Such latch rotation causes impingement of the latch arms with the mounting panel assembly to cause securement thereto. In actuality two latch mechanisms are activated by the gear actuator in common therebetween. Although a four-point latching system is described, it is to be appreciated that other numbers of latching mechanisms can be incorporated at other points of symmetric or non-symmetric latching mechanism locations.

One significant aspect and feature of the present invention is an electronic display module incorporating multiple latches to attach the electronic display module to a mounting panel assembly.

Still another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is an electronic display module having multiple latches having onboard self-contained latching mechanisms.

Another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is an electronic display module having multiple latches having opposing latch mechanisms which are operated by an actuator gear disposed between opposing actuator arms.

A still further significant aspect and feature of the present invention is an electronic display module having multiple latches where a guide body influences the deployment of a latch to allow restricted or unrestricted latch movement with respect to the overcenter relationship of the actuator arm to the latch.

A further significant aspect and feature of the present invention is an electronic display module having multiple latches incorporating an overcenter relationship of an actuator arm to a latch where during latch deployment the overcenter relationship is restricted and then unrestricted to cause the latch arms of a latch to be actuated in a linear straight direction over the structure of a mounting panel assembly followed by rotation of the latch to cause the latch arms to securingly impinge the structure of the mounting panel assembly.

A still further significant aspect and feature of the present invention is an electronic display module having multiple latches where the latch housings are integral to the main housing.

Having thus set forth significant aspects and features of embodiments of the present invention, it is the principal object of the present invention to provide an electronic display module having a four-point latching system for incorporation into an electronic sign and process.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1is a rear view of an electronic display module having a four-point latching system which is for incorporation into an electronic sign and which together with the process for incorporating it into an electronic sign constitutes the present invention. The electronic display module having a four-point latching system is designated in its entirety by the reference numeral10and includes a main housing12, a driver board14secured to the back of the main housing12, and a louver panel16and an LED display panel18(FIGS. 2 and 3) located at the front of the main housing12. Also included are latch mechanisms20a,20b,20cand20dwhich are similar and of mirror image-like construction, which are comprised of parts in commonality, and which are located near the periphery of and substantially at the corners of a panel22. The panel22extends across and comprises a portion of the main housing12and is bounded by a continuous configured peripheral wall13. The latch mechanisms20a,20b,20cand20dinclude configured latch housings24a–24d, respectively, and components which operate within and about the latch housings24a–24dand which are part of or are associated with the latch housings24a–24d. For brevity, only the structure of the latch mechanism20aand closely associated components thereof are fully described. Some of the fully or partially visible components relating to and/or which are part of the latch mechanism20ainclude the latch housing24a, outboard and inboard latch arms28and30being part of a latch26(FIG. 4) extending through the latch housing24a, and an actuator arm32. One end of the actuator arm32connects to the latch26, as later described in detail, and the other end communicates with an actuator gear34(FIG. 4) contained in a gear support housing36secured to the panel22midway between the latch housings24aand24b. Also shown in close proximity to the latch mechanisms20a,20b,20cand20dare a plurality of locator posts38a–38dextending outwardly and rearwardly from the panel22for use in alignment of the main housing12with a mounting panel assembly39(FIGS. 2 and 3) to which the four-point latching system secures. Also shown are the upper portions of the louver panel attachment pins40a–40e(and nuts) extending from the louver panel16, through the LED display panel18, and through and becoming visible at the upper regions of the latch mechanisms20a,20b,20cand20d, as well as the upper portions of the driver board attachment pins42a–42d(and nuts) extending from the panel22through and becoming visible at the upper portion of the driver board14. A flexible and pliable seal44is located at the periphery of the panel22for sealing against the mounting panel assembly39.

FIG. 2is an exploded rear view showing the alignment of the major structural components of the electronic display module having a four-point latching system10including the main housing12, the LED display panel18, the louver panel16and the driver board14. The mounting panel assembly39to which the electronic display module having a four-point latching system10aligns and attaches is also shown. The mounting panel assembly39includes a series of vertical plates connected to a series of horizontal plates, of which only vertical plates39aand39band horizontal plates39cand39dare shown. Tabs41are provided at the junctions of the vertical plates and the horizontal plates, and each tab is provided with an alignment hole43. Additionally shown are pluralities of body holes in the LED display panel18, the main housing12, the driver board14, and the mounting panel assembly39. The LED display panel18includes a plurality of body holes46a–46eplaced as shown, the majority of which are near the periphery of the LED display panel18for accommodation of the plurality of louver panel attachment pins40a–40eof the louver panel16, as well as including a plurality of connectors48a–48nwhich connect to corresponding connectors50a–50n(FIG. 3) on the driver board14. Access holes52and54in the LED display panel18for accessing the actuator gear34are also shown. Correspondingly, access holes56and58are also provided in the louver panel16for accessing the actuator gear(s)34through access holes52and54in the LED display panel18. The driver board14includes a plurality of body holes60a–60dfor accommodation of the plurality of driver board attachment pins42a–42dand a centrally located body hole62for the accommodation of the louver panel attachment pin40e. Each latch housing24a–24dincludes a body hole64(FIG. 4) for accommodation of the louver panel attachment pins40a–40d. A body hole66is also located central to the panel22for accommodation of the louver attachment pin40e. The panel22also includes four cutouts68a–68dfor accommodation and connection of connectors48a–48nand50a–50ntherethrough.

FIG. 3is an exploded front view showing the alignment of the major structural components of the electronic display module having a four-point latching system10including the main housing12, the LED display panel18, the louver panel16and the driver board14. The mounting panel assembly39to which the electronic display module having a four-point latching system10aligns and attaches is also shown.

FIG. 4is an isometric exploded view of the components comprising the latch mechanism20aand associated components including, but not limited to, those components essential for the operation of one or more of the latch mechanisms20a–20d. The main components included are the latch26, the latch housing24a, a latch lock plate70, the actuator arm32, a linkage72, the actuator gear34, and the gear support housing36.

With reference toFIGS. 4 and 5, the latch26is now described. The latch26is made in one piece and includes upwardly curved and opposed outboard and inboard latch arms28and30, respectively, connected in common at one end by an integral attachment fixture74and separated by an interlatch space76. The outboard and inboard latch arms28and30also extend to include radiused curves78and80and to include planar bottom surfaces82and84. The attachment fixture74is comprised of a central attachment fixture74a, an outboard attachment fixture74b, and an inboard attachment fixture74c. The central attachment fixture74aincludes a slot92for snap engagement with a rounded crossmember pivot bar73connecting links75and77of the linkage72. Slots86and88are located between the central attachment fixture74aand the outboard and inboard attachment fixtures74band74cfor accommodation of members of the linkage72. Slots85and87are included in the outboard and inboard attachment fixtures74band74cfacing the slots86and88, respectively. Geometry adjacent the slots86and88opposing the attachment fixture74in the form of slots is provided for accommodation and snap engagement of externally located pivot pins81and83extending outwardly from the links75and77, as shown inFIG. 5. A recess90(FIG. 5), which can be radiused, is located generally between the attachment fixture74and the planar bottom surfaces82and84to accommodate the geometry of the actuator arm32, as described later in detail. Pivot pins94and95having beveled ends project inwardly from the links75and77, respectively, to connect to the attachment fixture140of the actuator arm32. Opposing outboard and inboard posts96and98, respectively, extend outwardly from the central regions of the outboard latch arm28and inboard latch30, respectively, to align in opposed slots in the interior of the latch housing24a, as described later in detail. The orientation of the attachment fixture74, and thus the orientation of the latch26, is influenced by a guide body104, as later described in detail.

The latch housing24ais now described with reference toFIGS. 4,7and8. The latch housing24a, which is substantially a one-piece structure and which is integral to and extends from the partially shown panel22(FIG. 4), includes an outboard sidewall100; an inboard sidewall102; top walls106aand106b; an opening113bounded by the outboard sidewall100, the inboard sidewall102, and the two top walls106aand106b; and a guide body104located centrally between the top walls106aand106band being of one continuous integral piece with the top walls106aand106bas well as being of one continuous integral piece with a louver pin receptor post108extending from the panel22. The top walls106aand106bextend in a profile partially common with and between part of the centrally located guide body104and portions of the outboard sidewall100and the inboard sidewall102. Outboard and inboard slots110and112, respectively, are located between the ends of the outboard sidewall100and inboard sidewall102and the centrally located guide body104and the louver pin receptor post108for accommodation of the outboard latch arm28and the inboard latch arm30of the latch26, as shown inFIG. 6. The opening113(FIG. 7) facing the opposing latch housing24bis included between the outboard sidewall100, the inboard sidewall102, and the top walls106aand106band the guide body104to accommodate one end of the latch26, the linkage72, and one end of the actuator arm32, as shown later in detail.

The latch lock plate70frictionally engages and secures to a cutout116(FIG. 9) which is formed in part by the junction of the panel22and one edge each of the outboard and inboard sidewalls100and102and other edges adjacent thereto which form a cavity118in conjunction with the latch housing24a. Outboard and inboard retainer bars120and122, respectively, extend from the edges of a main panel114of the latch lock plate70to assist in forming an outboard slot127(denoted by dashed lines inFIGS. 8 and 12) and a corresponding and opposed inboard slot129(FIG. 8) in conjunction with the outboard and inboard configured cavities124and126(FIGS. 9 and 10). As shown inFIG. 12and in respect to the outboard slot127, the outboard retainer bar120occupies only a portion of the outboard configured cavity124leaving the unoccupied portion vacant to form the slot127. The outboard slot127slidingly accommodates the outboard post96of the latch26. Accordingly, the inboard retainer bar122occupies a portion of the inboard configured cavity126to form the inboard slot129opposing the outboard slot127to slidingly accommodate the inboard post98of the latch26. One end of the main panel114includes a cutout128flanked by retainer catches130and132, and the opposing end of the main panel114includes retainer catches134and136. The retain r catches130,132,134and136secure within the cutout116to secure the latch lock plate70to the panel22. The cutout128accommodates the louver pin receptor post108.

The actuating arm32includes an actuator arm main body138having an attachment fixture140, which can be tubular, and an actuator arm gear receptor142oriented 90 degrees about the centerline of the actuator arm main body138. A plurality of gear receptor cavities144a–144nare located along the actuator arm gear receptor142for engagement with the actuator gear34. A pivot hole146in the attachment fixture140slidingly engages and accommodates pivot pins94and95of the linkage72to attach the attachment fixture140of the actuator arm32to one end of the linkage72, the rounded crossmember pivot bar73of the linkage72snappingly engages the slot92of the latch attachment fixture74, and the slots85and87of the latch26snappingly engage and are accommodated by the pivot pins81and83of the linkage72, thereby flexibly linking the actuator arm32to the latch26. It is to be noted that one end of the linkage72is accommodated by the slots86and88adjacent to the central attachment fixture74a.

The actuator gear34includes opposing shafts extending centrally from a gear150. One shaft152includes surfaces, such as hexagonally arranged surfaces, suitable for manual operation or operation by a suitable tool. The shaft152is accommodated by a support hole154shown extending through a central panel156of the gear support housing36. The opposing shaft158is accommodated by a support hole160(FIG. 7) located on the panel22between the opposing latch housings24aand24b. The shaft158includes a suitably shaped receptacle hole159for an Allen wrench or other tool for actuation of the actuator gear34by a suitably shaped tool from the front of the four-point latching system10.

The gear support housing36includes opposing panels162and164extending from the central panel156that include retainer catches166and168, respectively, which are segmented and extend outwardly therefrom for snap engagement with opposing outboard and inboard slots170and172, respectively, located in the panel22of the main housing12to secure the gear support housing36to the panel22of the main housing12.

FIG. 5is an inverted view of the latch26and linkage72showing the relationship of the latch26to the linkage72. Shown in particular are the slots85,87and92which snappingly and rotatingly engage pivot pins81and83and the rounded crossmember pivot bar73, respectively. The recess90, part of which is radiused, accommodates the attachment fixture140of the actuator arm32and the slots88and86also accommodate a portion of the links77and75of the linkage72, as shown inFIG. 17, during final rotational actuation of the latch26. Also shown are the outboard and inboard latch arms28and30and the planar bottom surfaces82and84of the latch26.

FIG. 6is a view of the latch mechanism20abeing connected by the actuator arm32to the actuator gear34. Especially shown is the relationship of the outboard latch arm28and the inboard latch arm30to the outboard slot110and the inboard slot112, respectively, where the outboard latch arm28and the inboard latch arm30can be positioned horizontally within the outboard slot110and the inboard slot112as well as positioned toward the panel22in stages by action of the actuator gear34and the interceding actuator arm32with which the latch26can be positionally urged, as described herein.

FIG. 7is a rear view of the main housing12where the gear support housings36, the actuator gears34, the actuator arms32and the latches26are not shown in order to reveal other structures residing on the panel22. Shown in particular is the opening113of the latch housing24afacing the opposing latch housing24band included between ends of the outboard sidewall100and inboard sidewall102, ends of the top walls106aand106band an end of the guide body104of the latch housing24ato accommodate the placement of and the motion of one end of the latch26and one end of the connected actuator arm32. Also shown on panel22is the support hole160which supports the shaft158of the actuator gear34and the outboard slot170and inboard slot172to which the outboard and inboard retainer catches166and168snappingly engage and secure.

FIG. 8is a rear view of a portion of the latch housing24aof the main housing12showing the relationship of the outboard slot110to the outboard sidewall100, the top walls106aand106b, the guide body104and the louver pin receptor post108, as well as the relationship of the inboard slot112to the inboard sidewall102, the top walls106aand106b, the guide body104and the louver pin receptor post108. The outboard and inboard slots127and129which slidingly engage the outboard post96and the inboard post98of the latch26are also shown in dashed lines.

FIG. 9is a front view of the main housing12where the latch lock plates70and latches26are not shown in order to reveal other structures residing on the panel22including the geometry of the interior cavities118formed in part by the structure of the latch housings24a–24n. Shown in particular are the outboard configured cavity124and the inboard configured cavity126(dashed lines) located in the outboard sidewall100and the inboard sidewall102of the latch housing24a. Also shown are a plurality of support struts174a–174n, the length of some of which are interrupted, connected to and extending along the panel22and between the members of the peripheral wall13of the main housing12. Also shown is the relationship of the louver pin receptor post108, being supported in part by the support strut174aand in part by a portion of the panel22, to the guide body104to which one end the louver pin receptor post108is attached. A partially shown transversely oriented recess107which is curved and elongated is located on the guide body104and influences the orientation of the latch26. A planar surface109which influences the behavior and orientation of the latch26is also partially shown.

FIG. 10is a front view of a portion of the latch housing24aof the main housing12showing the relationship of the outboard slot110to the outboard sidewall100, the top walls106aand106b, the guide body104and the louver pin receptor post108, as well as the relationship of the inboard slot112to the inboard sidewall102, the top walls106aand106b, the guide body104and the louver pin receptor post108.

Also shown is a forward facing planar surface109being in common with the forward facing surfaces of the top walls106aand106band one forward facing surface of the guide body104. The planar surface109is adjacent to and abutting the recess107which is transversely oriented, curved and elongated and forward facing. The recess107is partially common to the top walls106aand106band partially common to the guide body104, extending transversely as a unitary recess107. The recess107and the planar surface109serve sequentially as a guide to influence the orientation of the latch26where the orientation of the latch26can be restricted or unrestricted.

FIG. 11is a view of the main housing12showing a portion thereof in cross section along line11—11ofFIG. 8and showing in exploded relationship components thereof prior to assembly. During assembly, the actuator arm32and the linkage72are maneuvered through the opening113to connect to the latch26. The beveled end pivot pins94and95of the linkage72spreadingly impinge the attachment fixture140to temporarily spread the links75and77to accommodate snapping engagement of the pivot pins94and95with the ends of the pivot hole146of the attachment fixture140to pivotally secure one end of the linkage72to the actuator arm32. The rounded crossmember pivot bar73at the opposing end of the linkage72snappingly engages the slot92(FIG. 5) of the attachment fixture74and can be pivoted therein, and the pivot pins81and83extending outwardly from the links75and77, respectively, snappingly engage the innermost portions of the slots85and77of the latch26and can be pivoted therein. Such simultaneous pivoted engagements provide for pivotal attachment of the actuator arm32to the latch26by the use of the intermediate linkage72and for the utilization of one or more pivotal axes about which the linkage72can be pivoted to influence the orientation of the latch26with respect to the actuator arm32.FIGS. 12–17illustrate the attachment of the actuator arm32to the latch26by the interceding linkage72and the relationship thereof where an angular relationship of the linkage72to the actuator arm32is at first maintained to be followed by angular repositioning and displacement. As shown inFIG. 13, the longitudinal travel path176of a first axis of pivotal rotation178centering about the co-located pivot hole146of the attachment fixture140and the pivot pins94and95of the linkage72is linear, constant, and straight; whereas the longitudinal travel path180of a second axis of pivotal rotation182which is rearward of and off center with respect to the longitudinal travel path176of the first axis of pivotal rotation178and which centers about the co-located rounded crossmember pivot bar73, pivot pins81and83, and the connected attachment fixture74is initially linear, constant, and straight but subsequently is urged and caused to be a greater distance rearward of the longitudinal travel path176of the first axis of pivotal rotation178. Such repositioning of the second axis of pivotal rotation182more rearwardly causes rotation of the latch26about the outboard and inboard posts96and98of the latch26to forcefully reposition the outboard and inboard latch arms28and30towards the panel22and against an interceding tab41of the mounting panel assembly39, as shown inFIGS. 17 and 18. Overcenter locking is also provided as described later in detail.

Process

FIGS. 13–17illustrate the process incorporating use of the electronic display module having a four-point latching system10into an electronic sign whereFIG. 14is a view of the main housing12showing a portion thereof in cross section likeFIG. 11but showing the components fully assembled, and whereFIGS. 15,16and17are views likeFIG. 13showing in sequence the various stages of the process involving attachment of the main housing12and associated parts to a portion of the mounting panel assembly39, such as shown inFIG. 18.FIG. 18is a plan view showing the outboard latch arm28and the inboard latch arm30engaged over and about the tab41at the junction of the vertical plate39aand the horizontal plate39cof the mounting panel assembly39. Although operation of only one of the latching points, such as illustrated by the latch mechanism20a, is described, operation of the remaining latch mechanisms20b,20cand20dis the same as described for the latch mechanism20a.

The process shown inFIGS. 13,14,15,16and17involving the attachment of the electronic display module having a four-point latching system10to the mounting panel assembly39is best understood by first perusing the simple installation process where the process includes the steps of:1. Rotating the actuator gears34to ensure full retraction of the latches26towards the actuator gears34;2. Positioning and aligning the locator posts38a–38dof the main housing12with alignment holes43of the mounting panel assembly39and bringing the main housing12into contact with the mounting panel assembly39;3. Rotating the actuator gears34to position the outboard latch arms28and the inboard latch arms30over tabs41of the mounting panel assembly39; and,4. Continuing rotation of the actuator gears34to rotationally position the outboard latch arms28and the inboard latch arms30against the tabs41of the mounting panel assembly39.

InFIGS. 14 and 15, each figure shows the same positioning of the latch26and the components connected thereto; and with respect to process step 1 above, elements of the invention are shown assembled as previously described, whereby the greater portion of latch26is residing in the cavity118(FIG. 9) of the latch housing24ain a retracted position. Such positioning places the latch26toward the actuator gear34, and the outboard and inboard latch arms28and30remain in a position which would not have interfered with the alignment of the main housing12with the tab41of the mounting panel assembly39. Also shown is the shaft158of the actuator gear34in supportive engagement with the support hole160of panel22and the shaft152in supportive engagement with the support hole154of the gear support housing36which engages the panel22. The actuator gear34is shown in engagement with the actuator arm32which is attached to the latch26by the linkage72. Although not shown, the actuator gear34also engages an actuator arm32connected with the latch mechanism20b(FIG. 1) for simultaneous operation of latch mechanisms20aand20b.

When the locator posts38a–38dare aligned with alignment holes43of the mounting panel assembly39and the main housing12is brought into contact with the mounting panel assembly39, the actuator gear34is actuated to initially urge the actuator arm32, the linkage72and the latch26in a direction towards the tab41of the mounting panel assembly39to a position as shown inFIG. 16.

The latch26is guided within the cavity118(FIG. 9) of the latch housing24aby various components, surfaces, protuberances and the like. The outboard post and the inboard post96and98, respectively, of the latch26align in and are guided in part by the outboard and inboard slots127and129to guide the latch26while transiting the cavity118where the cavity118is bounded by the latch housing24aand the latch lock plate70.

The planar surface109and the recess107also lend to the guidance and orientation of the latch26, as well as the linkage72. Initially, as shown inFIGS. 14 and 15and with respect to process step 3, as the actuator arm32urges the latch26towards the tab41, the attachment fixture74including the central attachment fixture74aand the outboard and inboard attachment fixtures74band74care in guided and stabilized contact with the planar surface109. Force is transmitted from the actuator arm32to the latch26by the linkage72where the first and second axes centers of pivotal rotation178and182of the linkage72are distanced and prohibited from achieving an overcenter relationship (i.e, an almost straight line push force is maintained across the linkage72). The orientation of the linkage72is maintained in a position nearly parallel to the force being exerted thereupon and to the planar surface109by the sliding contact of the entire attachment fixture74with the planar surface109and as such during such actuation, the orientation of the latch26and the linkage72is constrained and restricted with respect to orientation, as shown inFIGS. 14 and 15.

As the latch26is continually advanced, the latch26achieves a position where the outboard and inboard latch arms28and30are positioned over and about the tab41, such as shown inFIG. 16. At this conjuncture and with respect to process step 4 above, the attachment fixture74discontinues an intimate contactual relationship with and is no longer influenced by the planar surface109, and the outboard and the inboard posts96and98reach the end of travel within and against the ends of the outboard and inboard slots127and129. Continued movement of the actuator arm32exerts force against the linkage72and the latch26. As the longitudinal movement of the latch26is discontinued, the only movement of the latch26which can take place is rotational movement about the outboard and inboard posts96and98positioned at the ends of the outboard and inboard slots127and129where such rotational movement is urged by the force applied longitudinally by the actuator arm32and the linkage72. Whereas the second axis of pivotal rotation182is to the rearward of the first axis of pivotal rotation178, the force applied to the linkage72causes the linkage72to be repositioned angularly where the rounded crossmember pivot bar73, pivot pins81and83, and pivotally connected attachment fixture74of the latch26(second axis of pivotal rotation182) are urged rearwardly to be positioned in and to be accommodated by the recess107to a position as shown inFIG. 17. At the same time, the attachment fixture140is accommodated by the recess90in the latch26and the portions of the links75and77are accommodated by the slots86and88in the latch26. Such forceful repositioning urges the outboard and inboard latch arms28and30towards the panel22and against the interceding tab41of the mounting panel assembly39. Such forceful repositioning also provides a locking of the first axis of pivotal rotation178overcenter and slightly past the second axis of pivotal rotation182to maintain the rotated position of the latch26in the locked position against the mounting panel assembly39.

Disengagement of the electronic display module having a four-point latching system10from the mounting panel assembly39is accomplished by actuating the actuator gears34in a reverse manner to cause re-orientation and movement of the actuator arm32towards the actuator gears34to reposition the linkage72from the overcenter locked position to disengage the outboard and inboard latch arms28and30from intimate contact with the tab41of the mounting panel assembly39. The actuator gears34are further actuated in a reverse manner to retract the latch26from a position where the outboard and inboard latch arms28and30are overlying the mounting panel assembly39. The linkage72during retraction assumes a position where the relationship of the first axis of pivotal rotation and the second axis of pivotal rotation does little to stabilize the orientation of the latch26during retraction. Stabilization of the latch26during retraction is influenced by the planar bottom surfaces82and84riding along the upper surface of the latch lock plate70.

Various modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from the apparent scope thereof.

Electronic Display Module Having a Four-Point Latching System for Incorporation into an Electronic Sign and Process

Parts List