Patent Publication Number: US-7903103-B2

Title: Reusable poster holder and methods for display

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/757,874, filed Jan. 11, 2006, and is herein incorporated by reference 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention is directed to reusable poster holders for electronic displays. In particular, the poster holder can be used with a substrate having an energizeable image thereon, such as a conductive ink forming the energizeable image. The poster holder holds the substrate and provides a connection for controlling and powering at least one portion of the energizeable image. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     Various illuminatable displays are known. Traditional electronic display technologies utilize rigid flat panel designs. These traditional display designs utilize permanent or semi-permanent connections to connect the electrical power source to the display itself, such as soldered metal, conductive glue, various male-female insert arrangements, etc., that cooperate with abrasion-resistant leads on the display itself. 
     Developing technologies aim to provide thin printed display designs, generally less durable that traditional rigid displays and less than 3 millimeters in thickness but not limited to, some of which are rigid, some are flexible, some of which use flexible paper substrates, and some of which use plastic substrates. In developing thinner displays, several technologies, such as but not limited to printed conductive inks, various bistable encapsulated electrophoretics, electrochomic, electrowetting, and electroluminescent chemistries have been utilized. Some displays use on-substrate electrical/electronic switching with various devices or transistor chips or circuits. Some displays use on-substrate electrical power supplies in the form of printed or attached batteries. Some displays use off-substrate electrical power supplies and/or electrical/electronic switching. Some displays utilize printed conductive inks that do not afford the abrasion resistance of traditional designs and traditional electrical connections, which were, for example, materials like etched metals or conductive polymers. 
     The contents of both U.S. Pat. No. 6,753,830 to Gelbman and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/346,180 are hereby incorporated by reference. In these disclosures, different types of displays are discussed. These displays may be on a paper substrate, but the substrate could also be plastic, paper board, metals, non-metals, ceramic, pulp-based products such as paper, cardboard and cloth, as well as combinations of various materials. 
     While there are many different techniques for providing illuminated displays on substrates, a reliable means for energizing and holding the substrates has not been provided. The present invention provides a poster holder that is configured to energize and hold the substrates in a reliable manner and further details of the poster holder are described below. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to principles of this invention, a poster holder is provided that can cooperate with a substrate to energize and/or program at least one portion of an energizeable image thereon and to detachably secure the substrate within the poster holder without adversely abrading the conductive leads on the substrate and without functionally or physically altering or damaging the poster in any way. 
     In particular, the poster holder includes a first member, a second member moveable away from the first member to an open position and moveable towards the first member to a closed position, the second member cooperating with the first member to secure the substrate in the closed position, a controller configured to selectively energize at least one portion of an energizeable image on a substrate detachably securable between the first member and the second member in the closed position, and an electrical power source connected to the controller. 
     The poster holder may also include one or more of the following features including a biasing mechanism that presses the second member towards the closed position, a retaining mechanism that holds the second member in the closed position, and a power interrupt device configured to interrupt flow of electricity to the energizeable image when the second member is moved out of the closed position. 
     In addition, the controller may be configured to receive instructions from a program stored in a memory device, such as, but not limited to, a memory stick or memory card, data entered via a keypad connected to the controller, a reader that reads instructions from an integrated chip that is separate or attachable to a substrate, a reader that reads instructions from a code that is imprintable on a substrate, or via a direct or wireless connection to a computer. 
     The controller may also be configured to respond to signals from a sensor and thereafter issue a command to energize a selected portion of an energizeable image, the sensor including at least one of a thermometer for detecting temperature, an ambient light detector, a detector for sensing location, a noise detector for detecting sound, an infrared sensor, a vibration sensor, a timer, a switch, and a radio wave, acoustic, or other proximity sensor. 
     According to principles of the invention, a display can be provided that includes a poster holder as set forth above and also includes a poster secured between the first and second members. The poster is formed of a substrate and at least one energizeable image is formed on the substrate. 
     The poster holder of the display may also include one or more of the following features including a circuit board supported by the second member and in communication with the controller to selectively energize at least one portion of the at least one energizeable image, a locking mechanism to lock the at least one poster in the display, the poster being replaceable with another poster having at least one energizeable image thereon, or a plurality of posters that are removable from the poster holder. 
     The poster holder may be configured to secure the poster in the closed position and to subsequently release the poster in the open position without having altered or degraded the functional or physical features of the poster. 
     According to principles of the invention, a method for displaying at least one energizeable image on at least one poster is described. The method includes placing at least one poster having the at least one energizeable image between a first member and a second member of a poster holder, closing the second member of the poster holder to secure the at least one poster between the first and second members of the poster holder, providing a controller for the at least one poster, the controller being configured to selectively energize at least one portion of the at least one energizeable image, and supplying electricity to the controller, whereafter the controller energizes the at least one portion of the at least one energizeable image. 
     The method may also include interrupting flow of electricity to the energizeable image when the second member is not in the closed position. 
     Furthermore, according to an aspect of the method, the controller selectively energizes the at least one portion of the at least one energizeable image based on a program run by the controller and changing the program run by the controller by providing a different program stored in a memory device, such as, but not limited to, a memory stick or memory card, by selecting a different program via a keypad connected to the controller, reading instructions from an integrated chip that is separate or attached to a substrate, reading instructions from a code imprinted on the substrate, receiving instructions via a direct or wireless connection to a computer, or other input device. 
     The controller may also selectively energize the at least one portion of the energizeable image based on signals from a sensor detecting at least one of temperature, level of ambient lighting, change in location, sound, an infrared signal, vibration, an elapsed period of time, activation of a switch, and activation of a radio wave, acoustic, or other proximity sensor. 
     Further scope of applicability of the present application will become more apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the detailed description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given hereinbelow and the accompanying drawings which are given by way of illustration only, and thus are not limitative of the present invention and wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a front view of a display and poster holder according to a first exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  is schematic view of the display and poster holder shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a side view of the poster holder of  FIG. 1  in an open position without the poster inserted therein; 
         FIG. 4  is a side view of the poster holder of  FIG. 1  in closed position with a poster inserted therein; 
         FIG. 5  is a front view of the poster holder of  FIG. 1  in an open position; 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic of the display of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a front view of a display and poster holder according to a second exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 8  is a rear view of the poster holder of  FIG. 7  in a closed configuration; 
         FIG. 9  is a rear view of the poster holder of  FIG. 7  in an open configuration without the poster inserted therein; 
         FIG. 10  is a schematic of a display and poster holder according to a third exemplary embodiment; and 
         FIG. 11  is a schematic of a display and poster holder according to a fourth exemplary embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Various displays are known. The material for these displays has been discussed above. It is contemplated that an energizeable image can be placed on a substrate and that the substrate may be either flexible or stiff. In order to hold, control and/or power at least one portion of the energizeable image on the substrate, the present displays and poster holders are provided. 
     As seen in  FIGS. 1-6 , a first exemplary embodiment of a display  100  and corresponding poster holder  102  are provided. The poster holder  102  includes a first member  104  and a second member  106  that are arranged such that second member  106  is moveable away from the first member  104  to an open position ( FIG. 3 ) and moveable towards the first member  104  to a closed position ( FIG. 4 ). The second member  106  can cooperate with the first member  104  to secure a poster, the poster being formed of a substrate  108  and an energizeable image, such as a self-illuminable image  110 , located thereon, in the closed position. The first member  104  includes a first portion  104 A and a second portion  104 B and is arranged such that the second member  106 , in the closed position, substantially covers the first portion  106 A and the second portion  104 B supports at least a portion of the substrate  108 . The first member may also include a bent portion  104 C between the first and second portions  104 A,  104 B causing the second portion  104 B to be elevated with respect to the first portion  104 A to further support the substrate  108 . Although the first member  104  has been shown with a second and third portion  104 B,  104 C that supports the substrate  108 , these portions may be eliminated to provide a free hanging substrate. 
     As best seen in  FIG. 2 , a controller  112  is provided inside the poster holder  102 . In this particular embodiment, the controller  112  is mounted on a circuit board  114 , which is attached to the second member  106 . Alternatively, the controller  112  could be mounted or supported by the first member  104 . The controller  112 , via the circuit board  114 , is configured to selectively energize at least portions of the self-illuminable image  108  on substrate  106  when the substrate  106  is secured between the first and second members  102 ,  104 . Alternatively, the controller  112  may be provided outside the poster holder  102  for easier access. 
     While the controller  112  has been described as activating at least portions of the self-illuminable image  108 , the controller  112  could also activate just a single portion of the self-illuminable image  108  or the entire image. Great control is available with the holder of the present invention. For example, various lighting effects such as sequential flashing, lights running around the boarder, or complete illumination can be controlled by the controller  112 . 
     The poster holder  102  may include a biasing mechanism  116  that assists in pressing the second member  106  towards the first member  104 . The biasing mechanism  116  may be a spring-loaded hinge connecting the second member to the first member. Alternatively, the first and second members  104 ,  106  may be pivotally joined using conventional means and a separate biasing mechanism may be provided to assists in pressing the second member  106  towards the first member  104 . 
     A cushion member  118  is attached to the first member  104 , which assists in holding the substrate  108  between the first and second members  104 ,  106 . The cushion member  118  may be made of foam or other material that is compressible so as to avoid damage to the substrate  108  while it is secured between the first and second members  104 ,  106 . 
     An electrical power source  120  is connected to the controller  112 . While the electrical power source  120  is shown in  FIG. 1  as a detachable plug coupled to the controller  112 , the electrical power source could also be a battery. The electrical power source  120  may feed direct current to a power inverter that converts this to the appropriate voltage and frequency alternating current necessary to excite the phosphor materials into their illuminating state on the substrate  106 . Alternatively, AC current may be transformed from typical standard voltage and frequency such as 120V through 60 HV in the United States, for example, into the appropriate levels for illuminating the self-illuminable image  108 . Of course, whatever the typical local voltage and frequency, the poster holder  102  can be designed to accommodate this. Thus, different voltages and frequencies are widely variable as desired. 
     In addition to the biasing mechanism  116  described above, the poster holder  102  may also include a retaining mechanism  122  that holds the second member  106  in the closed position. As seen in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the first member  104  includes a first flange portion  124  and the second member  106  includes a second flange portion  126 . The retaining mechanism  122  includes a pair of slots  128 ,  130  formed in the second flange portion  126  and a pair of posts  132 ,  134  formed on the first flange portion  124 . The posts  132 ,  134  are slidable within the corresponding slots  128 ,  130  as the second member  106  moves between the closed and open position. While the first embodiment has been shown with a plurality of posts and slots, it is understood that a single slot and post may be provided. In addition, the locations of the slots and posts could be reversed so that the slots are formed in the first flange portion  124  and the posts are formed on the second flange portion  126 . Of course, the posts and slots could be entirely omitted. 
     As also shown in  FIG. 2 , a locking mechanism  150  to lock substrate  108  in the display  100  can be provided. In the first embodiment shown, the locking mechanism  150  includes a pair of spaced apart fasteners  152 ,  154 , such as snap locks, screws, or other fasteners, that penetrate the second member  106  and the substrate  108 . Preferably, the substrate  108  includes a pair of spaced apart holes (not shown) that correspond to the spaced apart fasteners  152 ,  154 . Many other locking mechanisms can be provided, such as, detents formed on the second member provided in registration with corresponding holes on a substrate to further secure the substrate within the poster holder  102 . 
       FIG. 5  shows the poster holder  102  in the open position with the circuit board  114  exposed. A plurality of contacts  138  is provided. Each pair of contacts  138  cooperates with a pair of leads  140  along the top edge of the  108  substrate to complete a circuit on the substrate  108  in order to illuminate the self-illuminable image  110 , as explained in U.S. Provisional Application 60/649,536. As seen in  FIG. 5 , there are twenty-four contacts to form twelve circuits, although any number of contacts may be provided. 
     When in the closed position, these contacts  138  engage the leads  140  on the substrate  108  and therefore complete the circuit. In addition, the controller  112  selectively activates the appropriate connectors to illuminate the self-illuminable image  110 . As a result, the controller can cause various portions of the self-illuminable image  110  to illuminate, to flash, or to change the image being shown. 
     As seen in  FIG. 6 , the electrical power source  120  can include a power interrupt device  142  that interrupts flow of electricity to the self-illuminable image when the second member  106  is moved out of the closed position. For example, the power interrupt device  142  includes a switch  144  that is opened when the second member  106  is moved out of the closed position. While the switch  144  is shown as being located between the electrical power source  120  and the controller  112 , the switch can also be placed downstream from the controller. Alternatively, the power interrupt device could include an additional circuit formed on a substrate, such as a printed connector that cooperates with two leads from the controller, such that the self-illuminable image  110  cannot be energized unless the second member  106  is in the closed position. 
     It is known that image intensity declines over time with electroluminescent materials. Therefore provision may be included in the controller to adjust the voltage and/or frequency over time to maintain the illumination intensity or simply to change it for a brighter image. Alternatively, these parameters may also be decreased so as to extend the useful life of the display. In addition, because the poster holder may be reused for different self-illuminable images and substrates, the voltage and/or frequency may be adjusted simply to accommodate the different designs&#39; electrical requirements. 
     While the controller  112  can execute a program stored in memory to control the selective activation of the self-illuminable image, new programs or instructions can be uploaded via a data input device  146 . For example, the controller can receive instructions from a program stored in a memory device, such as, but not limited to, a memory stick or memory card, data entered via a keypad connected to the controller, a reader that reads instructions from an integrated chip that is separate or attachable to a substrate, a reader that reads instructions from a code that is imprintable on a substrate via the data input device  146 , or via a direct or wireless connection to a computer. By further way of example, but not limited to, the memory stick or memory card may take the form of a SD, a XD, or a microdrive. 
     The controller  112  can also respond to signals from a sensor  148  and thereafter issues a command to energize a selected portion of the self-illuminable image  110  in response to changes in the environment. For example, the sensor  146  may be a thermometer for detecting temperature, an ambient light detector, a detector for sensing location, a noise detector for detecting sound, an infrared sensor, a vibration sensor, a timer, a switch, and a radio wave, acoustic, or other proximity sensor. In addition, more that one sensor may be provided. As a result of the sensor or sensors, the entire self-illuminable image  110  on substrate  108  or only segments thereof can be switched on, switched off, or both switched on and off in response to signals from these sensors. 
     The poster holder  102  is suitable for many different applications and environments. For example, because the electrical power source  120  can be a battery, the poster holder  102  can be portable or otherwise mounted on a moveable object, such as taxis, delivery trucks, buses, or other appropriate vehicles. Because the poster holder  102  may have a detector for sensing location, such as a GPS sensor, the self-illuminable image  108  can be used to display different messages or pictures depending on the location. For example, if a restaurant wanted to advertise in a particular portion of the city, the poster holder  102  can be used to provide the appropriate information for that location. 
     In addition, the other sensors that are responsive to the external environment can be used to display different images depending on the current conditions, independent of location of the poster holder  102 . For example, if the ambient temperature exceeds a certain set temperature, an advertisement for a refreshing drink or a restaurant could be displayed. Depending on the amount of light or the time of day, the poster holder  102  can either change displays or turn-off the display to conserve energy. If the display is off, a noise or a movement near the poster holder  102  can cause the poster holder  102  to illuminate at least one portion of the self-illuminable image  108 . The poster holder  102  can even be activated by a remote transmitting of an infra-red signal. It is contemplated that there are many different ways the poster holder  102  can be responsive to a signal received by a sensor and that many different sensors can be provided in any combination as is desired for controlling the illumination of the self-illuminable image  108 . 
     While the above poster holder  102  has been described with respect to a single substrate  108  having a self-illuminable image imprinted thereon, the poster holder can be sized to accommodate a plurality of substrates with the same or different self-illuminable images thereon. 
     Having described the display  100  and poster holder  102 , a method for displaying at least one self-illuminable image on a poster will be described. The method includes first placing at least one substrate  108  having at least one self-illuminable image  110  between the first member  104  and the second member  106  of the poster holder  102 . Next, the second member  106  is closed to secure the substrate  108  between the first and second members  104 ,  106  of the poster holder  108 . Then, electricity is supplied to the controller  112  and thereafter the controller  112  energizes selected portions of the self-illuminable image  110 . 
     The controller  112  selectively energizes portions of the self-illuminable image  110  based on a program run by the controller  112 . The program run by the controller can be changed by providing a different program stored in a memory device, such as, but not limited to, a memory stick or memory card, by selecting a different program via a keypad connected to the controller, reading instructions from an integrated chip that is separate or attachable to a substrate, reading instructions from a code imprinted on the substrate, or via a direct or wireless connection to a computer. 
     A second exemplary embodiment of a display  200  and corresponding poster holder  202  is shown in  FIGS. 7-9 . In this embodiment, the poster holder  202  is formed in the shape of a frame. In particular, the first member  204  corresponds to the back of the frame and the second member  206  is a face of the frame. The second member  206  has an opening  207  therein that allows a self-illuminable image  210  formed on a substrate  208  to be visible therethrough. The second member  206  is pivotally attached to the back via a hinge  209 . 
     The hinge  209  may be similar to the biasing mechanism described above or may simply be a conventional hinge. Moreover, because the second member surrounds the substrate  208 , many different conventional means for securing the first member to the second member may be provided. 
       FIGS. 8 and 9  show rear views of the display  200  with the second member  206  in a closed and open position, respectively. In this particular embodiment, the controller  212 , the circuit board  214 , and the plurality of contacts  238  are shown as attached to the rear surface of the second member  206 . It is understood that the controller  212  and/or the circuit board  214  may be placed on a front surface of the first member  204 . In addition, while the controller  212  has been shown as being arranged between the first and second members  204 ,  206 , the controller  212  can also be located external to the poster holder  202 . Such arrangements have been described above. 
     An electrical power source  220  is connected to the controller  212 . While the electrical power source  220  is shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9  as a detachable plug coupled to the controller  212 , the electrical power source could also be a battery as described above. 
     The poster holder  202  also includes a retaining mechanism  222  to help retain the second member  206  in the closed position. In the particular embodiment shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , the retaining mechanism includes a pair of displaceable pins  223  that move into engagement with the first member  204  when the second member  206  is moved into the closed position. 
     The controller  212  operates in a similar manner as described above for the first embodiment. Furthermore, the display  200  can include a sensor and a data input device similar to those described above for the first embodiment as shown in  FIG. 6 . 
       FIG. 10  shows a third exemplary embodiment of a display  300  and a corresponding poster holder  302 . Generally, the same components are provided as set forth above in the first two embodiments, with the exception of the configuration of the first and second members  304 ,  306 . In particular, the first member  304  is a substantially rigid structure that defines an opening  305 , while the second member  306  is a cylindrical shaped member that is moveable away from the opening  305  to an open position and moveable towards the opening  305  to a closed position. It is understood that the cylindrical shaped member could also be spherical shaped or replaced with a pneumatic member. 
     In addition, for this particular configuration, the controller  312  and the circuit board  318  is supported by the first member  304 . The plurality of contacts  338  attached to circuit board  314  cooperates with a self-illuminable image  310  formed on the substrate  308  when the second member  306  is in the closed position. In order to connect the self-illuminable image to the contacts  338 , the substrate is inserted into opening  305  to push the second member  306  away from the opening. Once the force of insertion is removed from the substrate  308 , gravity pulls the second member  306  back towards the opening  305 , thereby securing the substrate  308  between the first and second members  304 ,  306 . It is possible to use a spring or other biasing member to supplement or replace the effects of gravity. 
       FIG. 11  shows a display  400  and corresponding poster holder  402  that is very similar to the poster holder  302 . The main differences are the inclusion of member  418  that is attached to the first member  404  that cooperates with a freely extending member  419  formed internal to the first member  404 , and an extension  407  of the first member  404  to assist in supporting the substrate  408 . The controller  412 , circuit board  414 , and contacts  438  cooperate with a self-illumniable image  410  formed on the substrate  408  as described for the previous embodiments. 
     It should also be noted that the above described sensor and uses for the first exemplary combination are equally applicable to the second and third exemplary embodiments. In addition the various biasing mechanisms, retaining mechanisms, and locking mechanisms can also be incorporated where it is desired to do so. 
     There are many advantages to the exemplary displays and poster holders describe above. For example, when it is desired to change a display, the second member is merely pivoted open or slid upwards and the old substrate is removed. A new substrate can then be quickly and easily inserted into the poster holder. Alternatively, a stack of substrates can be sequentially provided, almost like a notepad of substrates for different displays. The controller could illuminate all displays in the stack, but since the top flexible substrate would not be transparent, only the top display would be visible. This top display could then be ripped from the poster holder such that the next underlying display would be shown. Therefore, a pad of paper effect could be had whereby different illuminable displays are possible. Preferably, in such a pad of flexible substrates, perforations proximate to one edge could be provided in order to enhance tearing of the sequential sheets. 
     While the substrate has been generally described as being flexible, the present poster holders could also be applicable for use with a rigid or inflexible display or with displays of different technologies for energizeable images, either self-illuminable or reflective. While the term poster has been used, it is understood that any substrate having a electronically controllable image or device formed thereon is controllable by the described poster holders. Applications range from point-of-sale displays and one-page posters to complex, multi-page electronic tablet or book arrangements. Furthermore, the self-illuminable image can also be formed as x-y plane pixel matrices that can be altered to change the displayed image. Although the previous descriptions referenced alternating electrical current for electroluminescent displays, it is understood that direct electrical current would apply for other types of electronically controlled displays. 
     As is explained in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/346,180, the electrical power source for the display can also be mounted on the substrate itself. Also, the controller for controlling the illumination of the display can be printed on, mounted on, or embedded within the substrate. 
     The poster holders are configured to work equally well for portable and stationary displays. The substrate can be freely hanging from a wall or ceiling, or can lie on a flat surface. Other mounting arrangements are also possible. In addition, depending on the location of the display, one or both sides of the substrate can have an illuminatable image that is powered and or controlled through the poster holder. 
     While some of the exemplary poster holders are described as being closed via a spring assembly, magnetic attraction, bolt and nut assemblies, wedged designs, or pneumatic (balloon) designs may also be used to hold the second member in the closed position. 
     The poster holders described above are configured to secure at least one poster in the closed position and to subsequently release the poster in the open position, preferably, without altering or degrading the function or physical features of the poster. 
     Finally, apart from posters, it would be possible to use the poster holder for a vertical backdrop. For example, a curtain, window treatment, room divider or other large display could be powered and/or controlled by the poster holder. Game boards also are another example. Such game boards typically lie on a flat horizontal surface and may be powered by a controller in the attached poster holder. The device can bear any or all of the features described above and might also allow for interactive sequencing when switches are triggered such switches as on the game board itself. Great flexibility can be had with the reusable poster holder of the present invention. 
     The invention thus being described, it will be obvious that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.