Abstract:
A media display system and method is provided. The media display system comprising a two wheeled base configured for a operator to stand on; a steering column operatively connected to said base; a display means for a user standing on said base to hold and steer, said display mean allowing messages to be displayed; a handle operatively connected to said display means; and at least one wheel operatively connected to said media display such that said media display system can move 365 degrees.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/904,465 filed in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on Mar. 2, 2007 by Charles Trainer, the entire contents of which being hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    1. Technical Field 
         [0003]    The current disclosure relates to media display and more particularly to a media display system and method incorporating a propelling device and a display for various types of media, which can reach large audiences. 
         [0004]    2. Background of the Invention 
         [0005]    Media and signage displays are important for advertising, public art, public service announcements and other instances where it is important to portray a message to a large group of people. Some such events where messages and/or advertisements may need to be displayed include, gliding tradeshow exhibits, handheld political campaigns, self marketing, lead or pace vehicles for events that are in motion, road sports events, retail store front promotions, information services at transportation hubs, gliding exhibits in parades and gliding tours. 
         [0006]    A few examples of current advertising and media display methods include billboards, post bills (posters), banners, building wraps, bus shelter ads, public restrooms ads, public transit ads, taxi ads, push cart ads, fly-over aircraft, pedal craft ads, walking human ads and many other methods that reach a large variety of people. Many of these methods are stationary and others move only on roads or in the air. Furthermore, most of them are extremely costly. Unfortunately, many of these methods of advertising are commonplace and ignored by many. 
         [0007]    Additionally, systems for sailing on land, water or ice are propelled by the wind, generally require someone who is youthful and in good health to operate because they require balance, coordination, and strength to maneuver. These methods generally allow a person in or on a cart with wheels, skis, ice skates, boats, surf boards, long skateboard, ice skates with the apparatus that includes a flexible sail made of a fabric or plastic sheeting. Most of the fore-mentioned sailing types require energy, endurance and skill by the operator and cannot be performed well without hours of training. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0008]    Therefore, it is desirable to provide a system for media display that is easy to use, cost effective and can display media to a large group of people in a short period of time. Accordingly, a system and method for media display is disclosed. The media display system includes a display means, generally an air foil, that is operatively connected to a modified motorized base with wheels such as those systems provided by Segway Inc.™ of Bedford, Mass. In one embodiment, this system includes a two wheeled base configured for a operator to stand on, a steering column operatively connected to the base, a display means for a user standing on said base to hold and steer, a handle means operatively connected to said display means, and at least one wheel operatively connected to said media display such that said media display system can move 365 degrees. The base and steering column can be a modified Segway™ device. 
         [0009]    A method of advertising is also provided. The method includes the steps of standing on a modified Segway™ device, holding a media display having a wheel operatively connected to said display means such that said media display system can move 365 degrees, holding a handle operatively connected to said media display at approximately waste level of an operator, and displaying media on said media display. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
         [0010]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the system according to the present disclosure; 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the base and wheels portion of one embodiment of the system according to the present disclosure; 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  is a bottom view of the mast of an exemplary embodiment according to the present disclosure; and 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  is perspective view of the handle of an exemplary embodiment according to the present disclosure. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0014]    Many known systems and methods for media display can only be operated outdoors and on smooth flat services. Also, many of the devices currently known require a lot of space as they need large areas to make turns and/or move. Thus, a system and method that can be used in small spaces, large public building or has the ability to go off road is desirable. 
         [0015]    It is envisioned that the system and method according to the present disclosure can be used in a variety of locations including outdoor sporting and public events on cut grass, hard packed sand/dirt, and semi-loose gravel. Furthermore, the system may be used at a large variety of events including: The Olympics™, PGA™ golf tournaments, pre-game promotion at large outdoor field sporting tournaments, large outdoor concerts series, outdoor public markets, outdoor creative arts festivals, large political outdoor gatherings, at the waters edge at large boating races, or any event that occurs off-road. 
         [0016]    The system allows a message to reach large groups of people in a short period of time. The advertising system allows for operation in large public buildings, in small spaces, or in areas that are not flat, hard or smooth. The steer technology of the customized Segway i2™, which allows the operator to control with their feet and legs only, which reduces clutter and provides a sleek look and an unobstructed tacking area for the media display. The method and system according to the present disclosure incorporates a tighter turning radius to improve mobility, especially in small open areas. Furthermore, the system is easy to operate and takes less endurance strength. 
         [0017]    Now turning to the figures,  FIG. 1 , depicts an exemplary embodiment according to the present disclosure. An operator  10 , stands on a base  12 . Base  12  is operatively connected to wheels  14 . The base  12  and wheels  14 , can be a Segway device as provided by Segway Inc. The operator  10  holds handle  16 . Handle  16  is operatively connection to display means  18 . There may be a track  20  in display means  18  such that handle  16  slides into track  20  to allow the connection. A gurney wheel  22  is attached to the bottom of media display  18 . Wheel  22  allows for 360° rotation. Wheel  22  can be a small wheel or large wheel depending on the terrain where the system is being used. This allows operator  10  to maneuver the device in a variety of directions and turn the device quickly and precisely if needed. This particular embodiment allows for three points, a tripod styled base/foundation of support that allows for freedom of movement and stability of the operator. Base  12  allows for the operator to stand on and provide the operator with a way to move the display means  18  without standing on the ground. Both drive systems (Segway™ i2 &amp; x2 models) that can be used, among others, as base  12  can be propelled in a variety of different directions. This system also allows the operator to maneuver display means  18  to meet the sight lines the audience placement demands of any given project. 
         [0018]      FIG. 2  shows the base and wheels portion of the system according to an exemplary embodiment. In this embodiment, a modified Segway device is used. The Segway incorporates Segway Smart Motion™ and is controlled by a network of sensors, mechanical assemblies, propulsion, and control systems. An operator uses his or her body position to move and steer the Segway device. The Segway device shown in  FIG. 2  has wheels  26  and base  28 . A steering column  30  is shorter than the standard Segway device in this embodiment. This modification of the Segway devices allows for the user to effectively steer the media display system. The handles  30  are reverse from a standard Segway device to allow the user to use their knees to help maneuver the system. 
         [0019]    The display means, such as an airfoil, is shown in  FIG. 3 .  FIG. 3  is a bottom view of the display means  36 . The display structure  36  may be constructed with an internal mast, surrounded by sign foam and a hard skin made of fiberglass. In one embodiment, display means  36  sub-finish is a under laminate reflective sheeting (from, the 3M Corporation™ of St. Paul, Minn.) called Scotchlite® brand, (White color) DiamondGrade® sheeting. This is an energy efficient non-illuminated system that is iridescent during the day light and highly reflective at night. Display means  36  can be can be double sided and the convex surfaces may be highly visible from a wide viewing angle. The artwork can be printed and applied on top of the reflective surface. In one embodiment, the display means is printed (vivid digital printing: (4) four color, up to (6) six color, inkjet press using solvent inks for long life) on clear cling graphic film. The printed media (the final over laminate) allows for great variety of images and/or advertising to be displayed. Display means  36  can display large or small messages and allows for many people to see the message from a distance. 
         [0020]    In another embodiment, the display means allows for the advertisement or message to be electronically displayed. Thus, media may be dispatched and monitored from the computer of an advertising account executive, using real time Collaboration Technologies Incorporated (CTI Inc.™) software via FTTP over the Internet and/or cellular phone networks, finally arriving via wire-less handheld on board or through a similar connection to the system according to the present disclosure. 
         [0021]    The operator of the media display system can control distribution and an IT system can track performance data from the field automatically. The operator may also interact with viewers. Thus information can be compiled and the file data can be transmitted. The operator can manually track interactions data on a preplanned schedule. A final summary report can be sent via e-mail at the end of the project. 
         [0022]    The display means can be changeable to allow for ease of changing the advertisement or message. One such changeable media display can include electronic paper such as that provided through E INK Corporation™. E paper technology is thin, light, flexible and updated by wireless connectivity via local hot spots made possible from Plastic Logic™. 
         [0023]    In another embodiment, the display means can be mounted on a mast that is operatively connected to the base and wheels rather than only being connected to the base by way of the operator. For example, there can be a permanently or removably mounted c-channel extrusion running up the mast and a permanently or removably mounted kerning, flexible solid tube wrapped in a fiberglass cloth type hinge, to the airfoil or display means. The displays means can have free-swinging forward leaning media that can automatically turn, on level grades, in the direction of the transporter as it turns. This is desirable for maximum visibility while moving around corners or navigating around objects. 
         [0024]      FIG. 4  depicts the handle that is attached to the media display system. The handle is operatively connected to the display means via a hardware track, (reset in the surface of the display means) in the mid section of the display means. The handle may be adjustable for operators of different heights. The handle has a plastic hand piece  40  operatively connected to an aluminum connection  42 . The aluminum connection  42  is coupled to an aluminum rail  44  such that rail  44  can slide into the track of the display means. An operator steers the media system via the handle and the tapered trailing edge of the display means. A variety of handle configurations can be contemplated according to the present disclosure. 
         [0025]    The system also can include a variety of features to allow for Bluetooth communication and/or digital camera features. For example: such as an iPhone™ from Apple, Inc. can be included in the media display system. From the Segway i2 &amp; x2 the Info Key™ can be remounted at eyelevel on the media air foils hardware (arm/handle). This Info Key™ is the Segway&#39;s Bluetooth wireless controller. Other embodiments can include CPU with WIFI connection and real time collaboration web based software technologies, etc. 
         [0026]    Many modifications to the system according to the present disclosure are contemplated. Other accessories that can be used with or on the media display system according to the present disclosure. These accessories include, but are not limited to, media display travel bag for shipping, hard travel case for shipping of Segway Transporter base and Eco Ads LeanSteer™ quick connector, Segway Hard Cases by GM® for storage of hand out materials, Segway 5 Watt LED Lithium-ion Lighting kits™ for night time operations, Bose™ Corp. mini satellite (wireless) sound systems for broadcasting audio, Segway i2 Lower Cargo Frame Kit for mounting PA, AV and lighting equipment, Segway Ramp Kit™ for loading into a vehicle, Segway LeanSteer Frame Tool-less Release™ for easy and fast set-ups, Segway Locking Kit™ for added security, and Segway Comfort Mats™ for alleviating fatigue on long days. 
         [0027]    When an operator desires to operate the system according to the present disclosure, the operator starts the Segway with the InfoKey, and then raises the display means, air foil to a balanced upright position with its wheel touching the Segway. The operator holds onto the handle located on the media display with one hand. The operator holds onto the edge on the display means with the other hand and finds the lower pivot point to adjust the balance of the display means. There may be an indicator light that signals when it is safe for an operator to step on such as after the (RED) status LED&#39;s change to (GREEN) status. Then the operator steps onto the base while still holding the display means. The operator used his or her feet to propel the device forward. The operator drives the device using the steering shaft and operates the Segway with (his or her), legs and feet. 
         [0028]    It will be understood that various modifications may be made to the embodiments disclosed herein. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplification of the various embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the claims appended hereto.