Abstract:
An electronic sign with multiple direction positionable rear access doors, wherein sliding rear access doors are utilized to provide for access to the inner regions of the electronic sign while maintaining a thin profile. One or more of a plurality of sliding rear access doors can be disengaged from a back panel and urged rearwardly a minimal distance and then positioned laterally and unobtrusively along the length of a top track opposing a bottom track allowing the electronic sign to maintain a thin and unobtrusive profile.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This patent application is related to patent application Ser. No. 11/227,599 filed Sep. 15, 2005, entitled “Electronic Display Panel”, pending, which is a continuation-in-part (CIP) of patent application Ser. No. 11/148,461 filed Jun. 9, 2005, entitled “Sign System”, pending, both applications by the same assignee. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to an electronic sign, and more specifically relates to an electronic sign with access doors which are positionable in multiple directions at the rear of an electronic sign structure. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     Prior art electronic signs often are supported with support components which are incorporated to lend support to the structure of an electronic sign. Often, the components of the support structure are fashioned to allow access to the rear portion of the electronic sign for the purpose of maintenance or equipment changeout and must be structured to allow opening of rearwardly located access panels or doors which can be hinged and which open outwardly. As such, the structure may be extraordinarily cumbersome or may be constructed larger than practical to accommodate such access, such as by providing sufficient space for the opening of hinged doors or panels. Support structure may be fashioned in a manner which can limit or prohibit opening of some access doors or panels or which may require partial disassembly of the support structure. Operation of large access doors in windy conditions can be difficult and can be hazardous to personnel where a door can be caught by the wind and propelled out of control into a maintenance worker. What is needed is an electronic sign having a thin profile for all modes of operation, including a rear access panel arrangement which allows for controlled and unobstructed access to the inner, rear and other portions of an electronic sign, whereby the access panels may be unobstructingly actuated and maneuvered in multiple directions without interference by adjacent support structure. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The general purpose of the present invention is to provide an electronic sign with multiple direction positionable rear access doors. 
     According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an electronic sign with multiple direction positionable rear access doors slidingly mounted between and positionable along a top track and an opposed bottom track. A plurality of lock mechanisms located along and about the perimeters of the plurality of rear access doors engage a plurality of mounting rails to secure the pluralities of rear access doors against a plurality of seals which surround a plurality of access openings in the rear panel of the electronic sign structure. Access to the inner electronic components of the electronic sign is gained by unlocking the lock mechanisms, positioning the rear access doors rearwardly within the opposed top track and bottom track followed by lateral transitioning of the rear access doors to reveal the interior of the electronic sign structure, thereby allowing unrestricted access therein. Sealing of the rear access doors is accomplished in the reverse order. 
     According to an alternative embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an electronic sign with multiple direction positionable rear access doors including a plurality of rear access doors having a roller support track for rear access door suspension. 
     One significant aspect and feature of the electronic sign with multiple direction positionable rear access doors, the present invention, is the ability to incorporate the present invention with minimally dimensioned external rear support structure, whereby no room must be included for outward swinging of prior art hinge mounted doors. 
     Another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is the ability to access the interior of the electronic sign through non-hinged multiple direction positionable rear access doors. 
     Another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is the use of a bottom track and a top track. 
     Still another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is the use of rear access doors slidably mounted between a bottom track and a top track. 
     Yet another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is the use of mounting rails incorporated at access openings to interface with lock mechanisms located on the rear access doors. 
     Yet another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is an electronic sign with multiple direction positionable rear access doors, whereby multiple direction positionable rear access doors which are slidable are utilized to provide for access to the inner regions of the electronic sign while maintaining a thin profile. 
     Another significant aspect and feature of the present invention appears in an alternative embodiment and is a roller support track allowing forward or rearward movement of a rear access door. 
     Another significant aspect and feature appearing in the alternative embodiment of the present invention is that the roller support track also allows lateral movement of a rear access door. 
     Another significant aspect and feature appearing in the alternative embodiment of the present invention is the use of a top track roller support and a multiple slot roller support to form an elongated slot. 
     Another significant aspect and feature appearing in the alternative embodiment of the present invention is the use of rear access doors which, because of door suspension, are easily operable. 
     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 an electronic sign with multiple direction positionable rear access doors. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       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: 
         FIG. 1  is an isometric view of the front of an electronic sign with multiple direction positionable rear access doors, the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded view of the front of an electronic sign with multiple direction positionable rear access doors showing the forwardly utilized components thereof; 
         FIG. 3  is an upper aspect isometric rear view of the electronic sign with multiple direction positionable rear access doors; 
         FIG. 4  is an upper aspect isometric exploded rear view of the electronic sign with multiple direction positionable rear access doors; 
         FIG. 5  is a closeup upper aspect isometric exploded rear view of the left end of the electronic sign with multiple direction positionable rear access doors; 
         FIG. 6  is a lower aspect isometric rear view of the electronic sign with multiple direction positionable rear access doors; 
         FIG. 7  is a rear view of the electronic sign with multiple direction positionable rear access doors; 
         FIG. 8  is a foreshortened right end view of the electronic sign with multiple direction positionable rear access doors; 
         FIG. 9  is an upper aspect isometric rear view of the electronic sign with multiple direction positionable rear access doors showing a rear access door slidingly positioned along and between the engaging bottom track and the top track; 
         FIG. 10  shows the alignment of  FIG. 11   a  with respect to  FIG. 11   b;    
         FIGS. 11   a  and  11   b  in combination are a cross section view through line  11   a ,  11   b - 11   a ,  11   b  of  FIG. 9  showing other features and components of the rear access doors common to all the rear access doors, and showing other features and components of the bottom track and the top track; 
         FIG. 12 , an alternative embodiment, is a partially exploded upper aspect rear isometric view of an electronic sign with multiple direction positionable rear access doors; 
         FIG. 13  is a segment view of the alternative embodiment along line  13 - 13  of  FIG. 16 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a cross section view of the roller support track along line  14 - 14  of  FIG. 16 , as well as a non-cross section view of other closely associated components; 
         FIG. 15  is a partially exploded lower aspect rear isometric view of the alternative embodiment electronic sign with multiple direction positionable rear access doors excluding Z-channels; 
         FIG. 16  is an assembled lower aspect rear isometric view of the components of  FIG. 15 ; 
         FIG. 17  is a foreshortened end view of the electronic sign with multiple direction positionable rear access doors with a stop bar removed and includes a cross section view of the roller support track through a longitudinal transfer slot; 
         FIG. 18  is a view like  FIG. 17  where a rear access door has been disengaged from a seal for lateral transport along the roller support track; and, 
         FIG. 19  is a lower aspect rear isometric view of one end of the alternative embodiment electronic sign with multiple direction positionable rear access doors where a rear access door has been disengaged from a seal for transported movement along the roller support track. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       FIG. 1  is an isometric view of the front of an electronic sign with multiple direction positionable rear access doors  10 , the present invention, and  FIG. 2  is an exploded view of the front of an electronic sign with multiple direction positionable rear access doors  10  showing the forwardly utilized components thereof. As shown in one or both of  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the forwardly located components of the electronic sign with multiple direction positionable rear access doors  10  include a horizontally aligned geometrically configured top support channel  12  having lifting lugs  14   a - 14   n  and a horizontally aligned geometrically configured bottom support channel  16  opposing the geometrically configured top support channel  12 , the structure, attributes and features of which are described in detail in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/148,461 filed Jun. 9, 2005, entitled “Sign System”. A plurality of vertically aligned internal support channels  18   a - 18   n  secure between the geometrically configured top support channel  12  and the geometrically configured bottom support channel  16 . Left and right front end plates  20  and  22 , respectively, and left and right back end plates  24  and  26 , respectively, secure between the respective ends of the geometrically configured top support channel  12  and the geometrically configured bottom support channel  16 . A back panel  28  having access openings  30   a - 30   n  secures and extends between portions of the geometrically configured top support channel  12  and the geometrically configured bottom support channel  16 . A plurality of electronic display panels  32   a - 32   n , the structure, attributes and features of which are described in detail in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/227,599 filed Sep. 15, 2005, entitled “Electronic Display Panel”, mount between the geometrically configured top support channel  12  and the configured geometrically configured bottom support channel  16  in the fashion of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/148,461, as do left face panel  34  and right face panel  36 , each having corresponding and suitable geometry. Accordingly, a top shroud  38  and a bottom shroud  40  snappingly engage the geometrically configured top support channel  12  and the geometrically configured bottom support channel  16 , as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/148,461, thereby sealing the front planar regions of the electronic display panels  32   a - 32   n  adjacent to the top and bottom edges thereof, as well as the front planar regions adjacent to the top and bottom edges of the left face panel  34  and right face panel  36 . 
       FIG. 3  is an upper aspect isometric rear view of the electronic sign with multiple direction positionable rear access doors  10 ,  FIG. 4  is an upper aspect isometric exploded rear view of the electronic sign with multiple direction positionable rear access doors  10 ,  FIG. 5  is a closeup upper aspect isometric exploded rear view of the left end of the electronic sign with multiple direction positionable rear access doors  10 ,  FIG. 6  is a lower aspect isometric rear view of the electronic sign with multiple direction positionable rear access doors  10 , and  FIG. 7  is a rear view of the electronic sign with multiple direction positionable rear access doors  10 . With reference to  FIGS. 3 ,  4 ,  5 ,  6  and  7 , the instant invention is further described. The back panel  28  mounts and extends between the geometrically configured top support channel  12  and the geometrically configured bottom support channel  16  to serve as a mount for numerous components and for the location of features of the instant invention. The vertically aligned edges of the access openings  30   a - 30   n  include a plurality of vertically oriented mounting plates  42   a - 42   n  and an opposed plurality of vertically oriented mounting plates  44   a - 44   n  for accommodation of a plurality of vertically oriented mounting rails  46   a - 46   n  and an opposed plurality of vertically oriented mounting rails  48   a - 48   n , respectively. The mounting rails  46   a - 46   n  and  48   a - 48   n  are utilized for fastening of a plurality of rear access doors  50   a - 50   n  thereto, as later described in detail. A plurality of suitable seals  52   a - 52   n  secure around and about vertically and horizontally oriented edges of the plurality of access openings  30   a - 30   n  including the mounting rails  46   a - 46   n  and  48   a - 48   n  for the purpose of sealing the plurality of rear access doors  50   a - 50   n  to the back panel  28 . A plurality of vent openings  54   a - 54   n  are included at the lower region of the back plate  28  for the flow of cooling air in conjunction with a plurality of cooling fans (not shown), and a plurality of vents  56   a - 56   n  are located in the upper region of each of the plurality of rear access doors  50   a - 50   n . A plurality of vent covers  58   a - 58   n  secure to the back plate  28  over and about the vent openings  54   a - 54   n . One LED module  59 , the structure, attributes and features of which are described in detail in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/227,599, is shown for use as part of each of the electronic display panels  32   a - 32   n . Only one of a plurality of LED modules  59  is shown for the purpose of brevity and clarity. A top Z-channel  60  and a bottom Z-channel  62  are secured to the upper and lower portions of the back panel  28  to be utilized for connection to external support structure at a sign site. 
     Structure is provided for sliding support of the rear access doors  50   a - 50   n . A plurality of support brackets  64   a - 64   n  secure to the back panel  28  just below the lower edge of the access openings  30   a - 30   n  and accommodate fastening of a bottom track  66 , preferably of channel construction, to the top thereof. The top of the bottom track  66  is open for the purpose of slidingly accommodating the lower edge of any of the plurality of rear access doors  50   a - 50   n . Correspondingly, a plurality of support brackets  68   a - 68   n , inverted with respect to the plurality of support brackets  64   a - 64   n , secure to the back panel  28  just above the upper edge of the access openings  30   a - 30   n  and accommodate fastening of a top track  70 , preferably of channel construction, to the bottom thereof. The bottom of top track  70  is open for the purpose of slidingly accommodating the upper edge of any of the plurality of rear access doors  50   a - 50   n.    
     Retainer fixtures of several varieties are included in close attached association with and through the top track  70  and with and through the bottom track  66  in close attached association with various support brackets  64   a - 64   n  and  68   a - 68   n , respectively. The retainer fixtures, in general, incorporate rectangular or other suitably shaped geometrical structure to serve as guides when it is desired to align any rear access door  50   a - 50   n  to one of the access openings  30   a - 30   n  for sealing thereto subsequent to lateral movement of a rear access door  50   a - 50   n  along the bottom track  66  and the top track  70 . An elongated top retainer  72  secures directly to the bottom side of one end of the top track  70  and indirectly therethrough at various locations to the support brackets  68   a  and  68   b . One end of the elongated top retainer  72  includes a retainer surface  74  corresponding partially to the shape of other retainer fixtures, and the other end includes an angled stop bar  76 . Correspondingly, an elongated bottom retainer  78  secures directly to the top side of one end of the bottom track  66  and indirectly therethrough at various locations to the support brackets  64   a  and  64   b . One end of the elongated bottom retainer  72  includes a retainer surface  80  corresponding partially to the shape of other retainer fixtures, and the other end includes an angled stop bar  82 . The angled stop bar  76  of the elongated top retainer  72  and the angled stop bar  82  of the elongated bottom retainer  78  are responsible for keeping the rear access doors  50   a - 50   n  contained within one end of the top track  70  and the bottom track  66 . Stop bars  84  and  86  at the other end of the top track  70  and bottom track  66 , respectively, are responsible for keeping the rear access doors  50   a - 50   n  contained within the other end of the top track  70  and the bottom track  66 . A positionable hinged flap  88 , generally shown in vertical orientation, attaches to the elongated bottom retainer  78 . A plurality of nominally sized longitudinally spaced top retainers  90   a - 90   n  secure to the underside of the top track  70  in alignment with the support brackets  68   c - 68   f  secured to the top side of the top track  70 . Correspondingly, a plurality of nominally sized longitudinally spaced bottom retainers  92   a - 92   n  having respective hinged flaps  94   a - 94   n , shown near horizontal orientation, secure to the top side of the bottom track  66  in alignment with the support brackets  68   c - 68   f  secured to the bottom side of the bottom track  66 . 
     The retainers  72 ,  78 ,  90   a - 90   n  and  92   a - 92   n  occupy a portion of the respective bottom track  66  and the top track  70  closest to the back panel  28 . The retainers  72 ,  78 ,  90   a - 90   n  and  92   a - 92   n , in general, incorporate rectangular or other suitably shaped geometrical structure to serve as guides, whereby the rear access doors  50   a - 50   n  are forced to align between the retainers  72 ,  78 ,  90   a - 90   n  and  92   a - 92   n  or retainer surfaces  74  or  80 , and thence to the plurality of access openings  30   a - 30   n  during a locking procedure. During the unlocking procedure, the rear access doors  50   a - 50   n  are maneuvered rearwardly from between the retainers  72 ,  78 ,  90   a - 90   n  and  92   a - 92   n  to the unrestricted rearward portion of the bottom track  66  and the top track  70  which is unobstructed by the retainers  72 ,  78 ,  90   a - 90   n  and  92   a - 92   n , whereby lateral movement of the rear access doors  50   a - 50   n  can be accomplished. 
     For example and for the purpose of illustration ( FIG. 7 ), the vertically aligned pair of retainers  90   b  and  92   b  and the vertically aligned pair of retainers  90   a  and  92   a  accommodatingly retain the rear access door  50   b  therebetween during maneuvering of the rear access door  50   b  toward the opening  30   b  for fastening or during maneuvering of the rear access door  50   b  rearwardly from the access opening  30   b  for the purpose of gaining access to the components located behind the access opening  30   b  after subsequent sliding of the rear access door  50   b  laterally in either direction. Correspondingly, the vertically aligned pair of retainers  90   a  and  92   a  and the vertically aligned pair of retainer surfaces  74  and  80  ( FIG. 5 ) at the ends of the elongated top retainer  72  and the elongated bottom retainer  78  accommodatingly retain the rear access door  50   a  therebetween during maneuvering of the rear access door  50   a  toward the opening  30   a  for fastening or during maneuvering of the rear access door  50   a  rearwardly from the access opening  30   a  for the purpose of gaining access to the components located behind the access opening  30   a  after subsequent sliding of the rear access door  50   a  laterally in either direction. 
     Hinged flaps  96   a - 96   n  are also included on the rearward facing surface near the lower edge of each rear access door  50   a - 50   n . The hinged flap  88 , the hinged flaps  94   a - 94   n , and the hinged flaps  96   a - 96   n  are utilized primarily to cover the interior of the bottom track  66  to discourage entry of dirt, water, insects or other foreign or undesirable material. Each of the hinged flaps can be employed, as required, in vertical orientation to allow non-interfered lateral movement of the rear access doors  50   a - 50   n  along the top track  70  and the bottom track  66 . Also shown are lock mechanisms  98   a - 98   n  extending through each of the rear access doors  50   a - 50   n  which have suitable hardware to lockingly engage slots located in the mounting rails  46   a - 46   n  and  48   a - 48   n , as later shown in detail. 
       FIG. 8  is a foreshortened left end view of the electronic sign with multiple direction positionable rear access doors  10 , whereby the left front end plate  20  and the left back end plate  24  have been removed from one end of the geometrically configured top support channel  12  and the geometrically configured bottom support channel  16  to show the alignment of the rear access door  50   a  within the top track  70  and the bottom track  66 , to show the capture of the electronic display panel  32   a  between the geometrically configured top channel  12  and the geometrically configured bottom channel  16 , and to show the sealing scheme of the top shroud  38  and the bottom shroud  40 . 
     The hinged flap  96   a  is shown in the deployed mode to extend from the lower region of the rear access door  50   a  to contact a rearwardly located lip of the bottom track  66 . The hinged flap  88 , which is connected to the elongated retainer  78 , is shown in the vertical position, but may also be positioned in the same fashion as the hinged flap  96   a  to cover the bottom track  66 . 
     The geometrically configured top support channel  12  and the geometrically configured bottom support channel  16  are similar in function and essential features, as described in detail in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/148,461. The geometrically configured bottom support channel  16  includes similar and related structure, including an arcuate lip  100  at the front and bottom region and a pivot bar  102  having an arcuate surface located on an upper portion thereof. The geometrically configured top support channel  12  includes an arcuate lip  104  at the upper edge and an arcuate receptor  106  on the lower panel thereof. A retainer bar  108  is also included having an arcuate lip  110 . The electronic display panel  32   a  includes multiple slots  112  at the lower edges. The electronic display panel  32   a  mounts between the geometrically configured top support channel  12  and the geometrically configured bottom support channel  16  in the following manner. The bottom edge of the electronic display panel  32   a  is maneuvered to cause intimate engagement of the slots  112  with the pivot bar  102  of the geometrically configured bottom support channel  16  and then the top of the electronic display panel  32   a  is positioned to engage a horizontally oriented weatherstrip seal  114  at the rear surface of the front panel of the geometrically configured top support channel  12  and secured thereto by the retainer bar  108 , whereby the arcuate lip  110  of the retainer bar  108  engages the arcuate receptor  110  of the geometrically configured top support channel  12 . Vertically oriented weatherstrip seals, such as seal  116 , are included at the opposed edges of the electronic display panel  32   a . Additional sealing against the front surface of the electronic display panel  32   a  is offered by similarly constructed top and bottom shrouds  38  and  40 , whereby each includes at least an arcuate receptor  118  and a weatherstrip seal  120 . The arcuate receptor  118  of the top shroud  38  engages the arcuate lip  104  of the geometrically configured top support channel  12  and is positioned to cause other structure to frictionally engage other structure of the geometrically configured top support channel  12  to cause sealing engagement of the weatherstrip  120  with the upper and forward portion of the electronic display panel  32   a . The bottom shroud  40  is positioned in a like manner incorporating the respective arcuate receptor  118  in engagement with the arcuate lip  100  of the geometrically configured bottom support channel  16  to cause sealing engagement of the weatherstrip  120  against the lower and forward portion of the electronic display panel  32   a.    
       FIG. 9  is an upper aspect isometric rear view of the electronic sign with multiple direction positionable rear access doors  10  showing the rear access door  50   a  slidingly positioned along and between the engaging bottom track  66  and the top track  70  distant from the access opening  30   a  and surrounding seal  52   a  to allow access to components through the access opening  30   a . One or more rear access doors  50   a - 50   n  can be positioned, space allowing, to gain access to other access openings  30   a - 30   n.    
       FIGS. 11   a  and  11   b  in combination are a cross section view through line  11   a ,  11   b - 11   a ,  11   b  of  FIG. 9  showing other features and components of the rear access doors  50   a  and  50   b  common to each other and to all the rear access doors  50   a - 50   n , and showing other features and components of the bottom track  66  and the top track  70 . Alignment of the rear access doors  50   a  and  50   b  within different, locations along the bottom track  66  and the top track  70  is also shown. The internal support channels  18   a - 18   n  are not shown for the purpose of brevity and clarity. The bottom track  66 , which can be of continuous nature or which can be a plurality of like aligned bottom tracks  66 , includes a horizontally oriented panel  66   a , a vertically oriented panel  66   b  extending downwardly from one end of the horizontally oriented panel  66   a  which suitably secures to the back panel  28 , and a vertically oriented lip panel  66   c  extending upwardly from the other end of the horizontally oriented panel  66   a . Correspondingly, the top track  70 , which can be of continuous nature or which can be a plurality of like aligned top tracks  70 , includes a horizontally oriented panel  70   a , a vertically oriented panel  70   b  extending upwardly from one end of the horizontally oriented panel  70   a  which suitably secures to the back panel  28 , and a vertically oriented lip panel  70   c  extending downwardly from the other end of the horizontally oriented panel  70   a . The rear access door  50   a , as well as the remaining rear access doors  50   b - 50   n , have other features and components as now described, preferably having a one-piece structure including a rearwardly located back panel  51   a , an end panel  51   b  ( FIG. 8 ), an end panel  51   c , a bottom panel  51   d , a top panel  51   e , and an open front panel  51   f . Each of rear access doors  50   a - 50   n  includes a plurality of lock mechanisms  98   a - 98   n  having engagement bars  99  shown in various rotational orientations which are rotatable by the other components of the lock mechanisms  98   a - 98   n  to lockingly engage or unlockingly disengage a plurality of slots  49   a - 49   n  common to the opposed sets of mounting rails  46   a - 46   n  and  48   a - 48   n , respectively. The engagement bars  99  of the rear access door  50   a  are disengaged from all of the slots  49   a - 49   n  of the mounting rails  46   a  and  48   a , thus allowing the rearward positioning of the rear access door  50   a  to the rear region of the opposed and engaging bottom track  66  and top track  70 . The engagement bars  99  of the rear access door  50   b  are shown engaged within the slots  49   a - 49   n  of the mounting rail  48   b  and of the mounting rail  46   b  (not shown), thus securing the forward positioning of the rear access door  50   b  to the forward region of the opposed and engaging bottom track  66  and top track  70 . Such engagement forces the front panel  51   f  against the seal  52   b  surrounding the access opening  30   b.    
     Mode of Operation of the Embodiment Illustrated in FIGS.  1 - 11 B 
       FIGS. 9 and 11  best illustrate the mode of operation of the instant invention with understood reference to  FIGS. 1-8  and  10  all other figures. Access to the interior regions of the electronic sign to service or replace items, such as, but not limited to, electronic display panels  32   a - 32   n , a plurality of LED modules  59 , and the like, is accomplished by actuating the lock mechanisms  98   a - 98   n  of the desired rear access doors  50   a - 50   n , such as rear access door  50   a , for example, to rotatingly disengage each of the engagement bars  99  from intimate engagement of the slots  49   a - 49   n  of the mounting rails  46   a  and  48   a  for subsequent full disengagement of the rear access door  50   a  from the seal  52   a  and the access opening  30   a . The rear access door  50   a  is then manually maneuvered rearwardly, utilizing the horizontally oriented panel  66   a  of the bottom track  66  as a slide support, to be positioned at the rearward portion of the bottom track  66  and the top track  70  until contacting or coming in close proximity to the vertically oriented lip  66   c  and the vertically oriented lip  70   c  thereof to await supported sliding lateral positioning along the horizontally oriented panel  66   a  of the bottom track  66 , as well as along the horizontally oriented panel  70   a  of the top track  70 . To slidingly position the rear access door  50   a , as shown in  FIG. 9 , the hinged flap  96   a  of the rear access door  50   a  can be rotated to the vertical position, as shown. The hinged flap  96   b  of the rear access door  50   b  must be raised to the vertical position and the hinged flap  94   a  of the bottom retainer  92   a  must be raised to the vertical position to allow free and clear unobstructed lateral passage of the lower portion of the rear access door  50   a  along the bottom track  66  in cooperation with free passage within the unobstructed top track  70 . The rear access door  50   a  or several other rear access doors  50   b - 50   n  can be positioned laterally in the same manner and fashion along the bottom track  66  and the top track  70  to allow access at multiple locations depending upon the available space therealong. The illustrated rear access door  50   a  can be laterally positioned along the bottom track  66  and the top track  70  until positioning is limited by contacting the vertically aligned stop bars  84  and  86  at one end of the top track  70  and the bottom track  66 , respectively, or in the other direction, until lateral positioning is limited by contacting the angled stop bars  76  and  82  of the top track  70  and the bottom track  66 , respectively. If total removal of the rear access doors  50   a - 50   n  is required, the angled stop bars  76  and  82  at the ends of the elongated top and bottom retainers  72  and  78 , respectively, can be removed to open one end of the top track  70  and the bottom track  66 . Conversely, the rear access doors  50   a - 50   n  can be loaded into the open top track  70  and the bottom track  66  followed by reinstallation of the angled stop bars  76  and  82  with the top track  70  and the bottom track  66 . 
     When sealing of the rear access doors  50   a - 50   n , such as rear access door  50   a , for example, the rear access door  50   a  is positioned along the rearward region of the top track  70  and the bottom track  66  into spaced alignment with the access opening  30   a . The rear access door  50   a  is then manually urged forwardly and guided and aligned by vertical surfaces of the top retainer  90   a , the bottom retainer  92   a , the retainer surface  74 , and the retainer surface  80 , as previously described in detail, to cause the front panel  51   f  of the rear access door  50   a  to engage the seal  52   a  and to simultaneously align the engagement bars  99  of the lock mechanisms  98   a - 98   n  with the slots  49   a - 49   n  of the mounting rails  46   a  and  48   a . The lock mechanisms  98   a - 98   n  are then actuated to forcibly engage the slots  49   a - 49   n  of the mounting rails  46   a  and  48   a , thereby forcing sealed contact of the front panel  51   f  of the rear access door  50   a  with the seal  52   a.    
       FIG. 12 , an alternative embodiment, is a partially exploded upper aspect rear isometric view of an electronic sign with multiple direction positionable rear access doors  10   a ,  FIG. 13  is a segment view of the alternative embodiment along line  13 - 13  of  FIG. 16 ,  FIG. 14  is a cross section view of the roller support track  134  along line  14 - 14  of  FIG. 16 , as well as a non-cross section view of other closely associated components,  FIG. 15  is a partially exploded lower aspect rear isometric view of the electronic sign with multiple direction positionable rear access doors  10   a  excluding Z-channels  60  and  62 , and  FIG. 16  is an assembled lower aspect rear isometric view of the electronic sign with multiple direction positionable doors  10   a  of  FIG. 15 .  FIGS. 12-16  adhere for the most to the general teachings and structure of the first embodiment, but involve variations from the first embodiment in terms of additions or deletions of features and structures. Some features or quantities of structures in these figures or following figures may not be shown for the purpose of brevity, clarity and conciseness. The plurality of support brackets  68   a - 68   n  secure by fasteners to the back panel  28  through a top track roller support  130  and a through a multiple slot roller support  132 , the latter two of which preferably are of channel construction and which comprise and form a roller support track  134 , the structure of which is best understood by reference to  FIGS. 13 and 14 . In the alternative, the roller support track  134  can be a one-piece extruded structure unitarily incorporating the described attributes of the components comprising the roller support track  134 . The roller support track  134  is incorporated for the suspended transporting support of the rear access doors  50   a - 50   n  at various times. Attachment of the roller support track  134  to the back panel  28  as just described and the use of and the attachment of the roller support track  134  to the robustly fashioned support brackets  68   a - 68   n  offers a strong and sturdy suspended support for one or more of the rear access doors  50   a - 50   n , as required in order that personnel can easily and readily effect door movement. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 12 ,  13  and  14 , the structure of the roller support track  134 , the components comprising such, and other associated components are now described. The multiple slot roller support  132  includes a vertically oriented front panel  136  and a horizontally oriented segmented mid-panel  138  extending perpendicularly from the front panel  136 . The segmented mid-panel  138  is geometrically configured and structured to accommodate portions of a plurality of rollered trucks  140   a - 140   n  for suspended and transported support of the rear access doors  50   a - 50   n . An angled interrupted panel  142  extends rearwardly and upwardly from the main body of the segmented mid-panel  138  and includes a plurality of angled panel segments  142   a - 142   n  delineated by a plurality of longitudinal transfer slots  144   a - 144   n  extending through and along the angled interrupted panel  142 , as well as extending through a greater portion of the main body of the segmented mid-panel  138 , to terminate prior to intersecting the front panel  136  to delineate mid-panel segments  138   a - 138   n . The top track roller support  130  is also geometrically configured and structured to accommodate portions of a plurality of rollered trucks  140   a - 140   n  for suspended and transported support of the rear access doors  50   a - 50   n  and includes a vertically oriented front panel  146 , a horizontally oriented mid-panel  148  extending perpendicularly from the front panel  146 , a rear panel  150  extending perpendicularly and downwardly from the mid-panel  148 , a horizontally oriented bottom panel  152  extending perpendicularly and forwardly from the rear panel  150 , and an angled panel  154  extending upwardly and forwardly from the bottom panel  152 . Stop bars  155  and  157  align and secure to the opposite ends of the roller support track  134  to limit the lateral movement of the rear access doors  50   a - 50   n  along the roller support track  134 . An elongated lateral transfer slot  156  extends along the bottom region of the roller support track  134  being comprised by the structure of the top track roller support  130  and the multiple slot roller support  132 . More explicitly, the exposed edge of the angled panel  154  of the top track roller support  130  forms one edge of the lateral transfer slot  156 , and the exposed edges of the angled panel segments  142   a - 142   n  form an opposed but segmented or interrupted edge opposing the exposed edge of the angled panel  154 . The support brackets  64   a - 64   n , the angled stop bar  82 , the stop bar  86 , the hinged flap  88 , the bottom retainers  92   a - 92   n , the hinged flaps  94   a - 94   n , and the hinged flaps  96   a - 96   n  of the first embodiment are replaced by a plurality of appropriately spaced retainer brackets  164   a - 164   n  secured at the lower region of the back panel  28  which limit rearward movement of the bottoms of the rear access doors  50   a - 50   n  and which stabilize movement of the rear access doors  50   a - 50   n  during lateral movement. 
     Rollered truck  140   a  ( FIG. 14 ) of the plurality of rollered trucks  140   a - 140   n  is shown in full view with respect to a cross section view of the roller support track  134 , wherein the rear access door  50   a  is held in intimate engaged contact with the seal  52   a  by the use of the lock mechanisms  98   a - 98   n , as previously described. The rollered truck  140   a  includes a multiple angle bracket  158  having a vertical portion  159 . The lower end of the bracket  158  secures to the top region of the rear access door  50   a , such as by the use of fasteners or by other suitable methods. An axle assembly  160  secures through the upper end of the bracket  158  and includes oppositely mounted rollers  162   a  and  162   b  of robust sturdy construction which can accommodate side loads along the axis thereof, as well as vertical loads which can be caused by the operation of the rear access door  50   a . The rollered truck  140   a  is shown partially supported by the segmented mid-panel  138 , and more specifically, the roller  162   b  is supported by the portion of the segmented panel  138  between the end of the longitudinal transfer slot  144   a  and the adjacent front panel  136 . The other roller  162   a  is shown unsupported and in alignment just over, but in close proximity to, the longitudinal transfer slot  144   a . Operation of the roller truck  140   a  is described later in detail. It is to be understood that rollered trucks  140   b - 140   n  are identical to rollered truck  140   a.    
       FIG. 17  is a foreshortened end view of the electronic sign with multiple direction positionable rear access doors  10   a  with the stop bar  155  removed and includes a cross section view of the roller support track  134  through the longitudinal transfer slot  144   a.    
       FIG. 18  is a view like  FIG. 17  where the rear access door  50   a  has been disengaged from the seal  52   a  for transport along the roller support track  134 . 
       FIG. 19  is a rear lower aspect isometric view of one end of the electronic sign with multiple direction positionable rear access doors  10   a  where the rear access door  50   a  has been disengaged from the seal  52   a  and transported along the roller support track  134 . 
     Mode of Operation of the Alternative Embodiment 
       FIGS. 17 ,  18  and  19  best illustrate the mode of operation of the alternative embodiment with understood reference to all other pertinent figures. Normally (when closed) the rear access door  50   a  is supported by the rollered trucks  140   a  and  140   b  ( FIG. 19 ) in combination with the lock mechanisms  98   a - 98   n  which are engaged with the slots  49   a - 49   n  of the appropriate mounting rails  46   a  and  48   a . Access to the interior regions of the sign structure to service or replace items, such as, but not limited to, electronic display panels  32   a - 32   n , a plurality of LED modules  59 , and the like, is accomplished by actuating the lock mechanisms  98   a - 98   n  of the desired rear access doors  50   a - 50   n , such as rear access door  50   a , for example and illustration, to rotatingly disengage each of the engagement bars  99  from intimate engagement with the slots  49   a - 49   n  of the mounting rails  46   a  and  48   a  for subsequent full disengagement of the rear access door  50   a  from the seal  52   a  and the access opening  30   a.    
     Subsequent to disengagement of the engagement bars  99  of the lock mechanisms  98   a - 98   n  with the slots  49   a - 49   n , the rear access door  50   a  is then supported only by the rollered trucks  140   a  and  140   b . The rear access door  50   a  is then manually maneuvered rearwardly utilizing the longitudinal transfer slots  144   a  and  144   b  of the roller support track  134 , the interaction of the rollered truck  140   a  with the longitudinal transfer slot  144   a  of the roller support track  134  being next described. The interaction of the rollered truck  140   b  with the longitudinal transfer slot  144   b  of the roller support track  134  is similar and not described for the purpose of brevity. At first, the roller  162   b , which awaits rearward longitudinal transition, is supported by the portion of the segmented mid-panel  138  between the forward end of the longitudinal transfer slot  144   a  and the front panel  136  of the multiple slot roller support  132 ; and the roller  162   a , which also awaits rearward longitudinal transition, is in close proximity to portions of the mid-panel segments  138   b  and  138   a  which form the longitudinal transfer slot  144   a  of the multiple slot roller support  132 . The vertical portion  159  of the bracket  158 , which also awaits rearward longitudinal transition, aligns within the longitudinal transfer slot  144   a . When urged rearwardly, both rollers  162   a  and  162   b  come in fully supported rearward sliding contact with the longer edges of the longitudinal transfer slot  144   a , and thence with further urging, the rollers  162   a  and  162   b  are positionally centered about the lateral transfer slot  156 , such as shown in  FIG. 18  and as shown in dashed lines in  FIG. 14 . At this time, the roller  162   a  is supported by the bottom panel  152  of the top track roller support  130 , the roller  162   b  is in close proximity to the panels  138   b  and  138   a  of the multiple slot roller support  132 , and the vertical portion  159  of the bracket  158  aligns within the lateral transfer slot  156 . Lateral urging of the rear access door  50   a  toward the rear access door  50   b  along the roller support track  134  causes the roller  162   b  to be fully supported by the mid-panel segment  138   b  in addition to the continued support of the roller  162   a  by the bottom panel  152 . The cant of the angled panels  154  and the angled panel segments  142   a - 142   n  serve to act as an interacting center guide to the rollers  162   a  and  162   b  of the rollered trucks  140   a  and  140   b , whereby the vertical portion  159  of the bracket  158  is urged and forced to align within the lateral transfer slot  156 . Such alignment maintains the vertical portion  159  of the bracket  158  within the lateral transfer slot  156  to prevent frictional annoyances involved during lateral urging of the rear access door  50   a . As the rollered trucks  140   a  and  140   b  negotiate the roller support track  134  and encounter the next longitudinal transfer slot  144   b , smooth passage over the longitudinal transfer slot  144   b  is ensured, whereby the roller  162   a  is still in full supportive uninterrupted contact with the bottom panel  152 , while the roller  162   b  transits the longitudinal transfer slot  144   b . The lateral transfer slot  156  in direct association with the roller  162   a  serves the further purpose of preventing the vertical portion of the bracket  158  from inadvertently entering and colliding with the structure of the next longitudinal transfer slot, such as longitudinal transfer slot  144   b . The rear access door  50   a  or several other rear access doors  50   b - 50   n  can be positioned laterally in the same manner and fashion along the roller support track  134  to allow access at multiple locations depending upon the available space therealong. The illustrated rear access door  50   a  can be laterally positioned along the roller support track  134  until positioning is limited by contacting the vertically aligned stop bars  155  and  157  at opposite ends of the roller support track  134 . If total removal of the rear access doors  50   a - 50   n  is required, access to the roller support track  134  can be made available by temporary removal of the stop bars  155  and  157 . Conversely, the rear access doors  50   a - 50   n  can be loaded into the roller support track  134  followed by reinstallation of the stop bars  155  and  157 . 
     When sealing of the rear access doors  50   a - 50   n  is required, such as a previously repositioned rear access door  50   a , for example, the rear access door  50   a  is positioned along the rearward region of the roller support track  134  into spaced alignment with the access opening  30   a  utilizing the longitudinal transfer slots  144   a  and  144   b  as guides for accommodation of the vertical portions  159  of the brackets  158  of the roller trucks  140   a  and  140   b . The rear access door  50   a  is then manually urged forwardly and guided and aligned using the structure as just described to cause the front panel  51   f  of the rear access door  50   a  to engage the seal  52   a  and to simultaneously align the engagement bars  99  of the lock mechanisms  98   a - 98   n  with the slots  49   a - 49   n  of the mounting rails  46   a  and  48   a . The lock mechanisms  98   a - 98   n  are then actuated to forcibly engage the slots  49   a - 49   n  of the mounting rails  46   a  and  48   a , thereby forcing sealed contact of the front panel  51   f  of the rear access door  50   a  with the seal  52   a.    
     Various modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from the apparent scope thereof. Such modifications can be the use of rollers, small wheels, Teflon® panels, or other friction reducing components and the like placed on either or both of the bottom panel  51   d  of the rear access doors  50   a - 50   n  or on the upper surface of the horizontally oriented panel  66   a  of the bottom track  66  for support of the rear access doors  50   a - 50   n . Another modification can be the use of a suspension track and roller system connecting the upper region of the rear access doors  50   a - 50   n  to the upper region of the back panel  28  or to the top track  70 . 
     Electronic Sign with Multiple Direction Positionable Rear Access Doors 
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 PARTS LIST 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 10 
                 electronic sign with multiple direction 
               
               
                   
                   
                 positionable rear access doors 
               
               
                   
                 10a 
                 electronic sign with multiple direction 
               
               
                   
                   
                 positionable rear access doors 
               
               
                   
                 12 
                 geometrically configured top support channel 
               
               
                   
                 14a-n 
                 lifting lugs 
               
               
                   
                 16 
                 geometrically configured bottom support channel 
               
               
                   
                 18a-n 
                 internal support channels 
               
               
                   
                 20 
                 left front end plate 
               
               
                   
                 22 
                 right front end plate 
               
               
                   
                 24 
                 left back end plate 
               
               
                   
                 26 
                 right back end plate 
               
               
                   
                 28 
                 back panel 
               
               
                   
                 30a-n 
                 access openings 
               
               
                   
                 32a-n  
                 electronic display panels 
               
               
                   
                 34 
                 left face panel 
               
               
                   
                 36 
                 right face panel 
               
               
                   
                 38 
                 top shroud 
               
               
                   
                 40 
                 bottom shroud 
               
               
                   
                 42a-n 
                 mounting plates 
               
               
                   
                 44a-n 
                 mounting plates 
               
               
                   
                 46a-n 
                 mounting rails 
               
               
                   
                 48a-n 
                 mounting rails 
               
               
                   
                 49a-n  
                 slots 
               
               
                   
                 50a-n  
                 rear access doors 
               
               
                   
                 51a 
                 back panel 
               
               
                   
                 51b 
                 end panel 
               
               
                   
                 51c 
                 end panel 
               
               
                   
                 51d 
                 bottom panel 
               
               
                   
                 51e 
                 top panel 
               
               
                   
                 51f 
                 front panel 
               
               
                   
                 52a-n 
                 seals 
               
               
                   
                 54a-n 
                 vent openings 
               
               
                   
                 56a-n 
                 vents 
               
               
                   
                 58a-n 
                 vent covers 
               
               
                   
                 59 
                 LED module 
               
               
                   
                 60 
                 Z-channel 
               
               
                   
                 62 
                 Z-channel 
               
               
                   
                 64a-n 
                 support brackets 
               
               
                   
                 66 
                 bottom track 
               
               
                   
                 66a 
                 horizontally oriented panel 
               
               
                   
                 66b 
                 vertically oriented panel 
               
               
                   
                 66c 
                 vertically oriented lip panel 
               
               
                   
                 68a-n  
                 support brackets 
               
               
                   
                 70 
                 top track 
               
               
                   
                 70a 
                 horizontally oriented panel 
               
               
                   
                 70b 
                 vertically oriented panel 
               
               
                   
                 70c 
                 vertically oriented lip panel 
               
               
                   
                 72 
                 elongated top retainer 
               
               
                   
                 74 
                 retainer surface 
               
               
                   
                 76 
                 angled stop bar 
               
               
                   
                 78 
                 elongated bottom retainer 
               
               
                   
                 80 
                 retainer surface 
               
               
                   
                 82 
                 angled stop bar 
               
               
                   
                 84 
                 stop bar 
               
               
                   
                 86 
                 stop bar 
               
               
                   
                 88 
                 hinged flap 
               
               
                   
                 90a-n 
                 top retainers 
               
               
                   
                 92a-n 
                 bottom retainers 
               
               
                   
                 94a-n 
                 hinged flaps 
               
               
                   
                 96a-n 
                 hinged flaps 
               
               
                   
                 98a-n 
                 lock mechanisms 
               
               
                   
                 99 
                 engagement bar 
               
               
                   
                 100 
                 arcuate lip 
               
               
                   
                 102 
                 pivot bar 
               
               
                   
                 104 
                 arcuate lip 
               
               
                   
                 106 
                 arcuate receptor 
               
               
                   
                 108 
                 retainer bar 
               
               
                   
                 110 
                 arcuate lip 
               
               
                   
                 112 
                 slot 
               
               
                   
                 114 
                 weatherstrip seal 
               
               
                   
                 116 
                 weatherstrip seal 
               
               
                   
                 118 
                 arcuate receptor 
               
               
                   
                 120 
                 weatherstrip seal 
               
               
                   
                 130 
                 top track roller support 
               
               
                   
                 132 
                 multiple slot roller support 
               
               
                   
                 134 
                 roller support track 
               
               
                   
                 136 
                 front panel 
               
               
                   
                 138 
                 segmented mid-panel 
               
               
                   
                 138a-n 
                 mid-panel segments 
               
               
                   
                 140a-n 
                 rollered trucks 
               
               
                   
                 142 
                 angled interrupted panel 
               
               
                   
                 142a-n 
                 angled panel segments 
               
               
                   
                 144a-n 
                 longitudinal transfer slots 
               
               
                   
                 146 
                 front panel 
               
               
                   
                 148 
                 mid-panel 
               
               
                   
                 150 
                 rear panel 
               
               
                   
                 152 
                 bottom panel 
               
               
                   
                 154 
                 angled panel 
               
               
                   
                 155 
                 stop bar 
               
               
                   
                 156 
                 lateral transfer slot 
               
               
                   
                 157 
                 stop bar 
               
               
                   
                 158 
                 bracket 
               
               
                   
                 159 
                 vertical portion 
               
               
                   
                 160 
                 axle assembly 
               
               
                   
                 162a-b 
                 rollers 
               
               
                   
                 164a-n 
                 retainer brackets