Patent Publication Number: US-11398169-B2

Title: Removable display system

Description:
BACKGROUND INFORMATION 
     Field of the Disclosure 
     Examples of the present disclosure are related to systems and methods for selectively coupling a display to a window. More specifically, embodiments are directed towards utilizing a coupling mechanism positioned within a depression of a display to selectively couple an external display to a window of an automobile to retain aerodynamic properties and limit drag and stress concentrations caused by the display. 
     Background 
     Historically, automobile drivers have used their vehicles to display signage on their automobile. Conventionally, these displays use adhesives to position bumper stickers on the exterior of the vehicles, or utilized adhesives to position decals on the interior of the vehicles. However, in order for the adhesives to withstand weather conditions, driving conditions, etc., they have utilized strong adhesives. These strong adhesives can damage a vehicle, and take a substantial length of time to remove. 
     Alternatively, drivers have utilized magnets to display signage. However, due to air gaps, costs, dirt, etc. conventional displays utilizing magnets do not provide sufficient force to couple the display to the vehicle when driving at higher speeds. Furthermore, conventional magnetic displays do not stick to non-ferromagnetic surfaces and can cause damage to the body of the vehicle. 
     Accordingly, needs exist for systems and methods for selectively coupling a display device to a vehicle. 
     SUMMARY 
     Examples of the present disclosure are related to systems and methods for selectively coupling displays to vehicles, and forming displays to be coupled. Embodiments may utilize hook-and-loop coupling mechanisms, fasteners, magnets, or any other type of coupling mechanisms to couple and decouple the display from the vehicle. 
     In embodiments, a first coupling mechanism, such as loops or magnets, may be positioned within depressions on a display. The first coupling mechanisms may be adhered to the display in various layouts, such as a rectangular border, arranged circles, etc. The depressions may be shaped to correspond with a shape of the first ends of the first coupling mechanisms, and a height of the depressions may be configured to allow the second ends of the first coupling mechanisms to be recessed or coplanar with an inner surface of the display. This may allow the inner surface of the display to be positioned coplanar with an outer surface of the window. 
     In embodiments, an outer surface of the window may include second coupling mechanisms, such as hooks. The second coupling mechanisms may be adhered to the outer surface of the window in a similar pattern as the first coupling mechanism. Responsive to aligning the first coupling mechanisms and the second coupling mechanisms, an outer surface of the second coupling mechanisms may be embedded within the depressions on the display. This may allow the inner surface of the display to be positioned coplanar with the outer surface of the window to reduce air gaps between the inner surface of the display and the window. By reducing the air gaps, less outward force may be applied against the inner surface of the display. 
     The display may be configured to be attached and detached from the second coupling mechanisms. This may allow a user driving their personal vehicle for business purposes and for personal purposes to easily and selectively indicate whether or not they are driving the vehicle for business purposes. 
     Further embodiments may include window protection elements, such as felt coverings, to prevent the coupling mechanisms from permanently leaving adhesive residue on, or damaging the window the display is adhered to. 
     Further embodiments may include a folding display comprised of polycarbonate, plastics, etc. that is configured to have an outer portion, folding portion, and inner portion. 
     The outer portion may be configured to house first magnets of a first polarity and be positioned on an outer surface of the window. In embodiments, the first magnets may be any ferromagnetic or metallic material. The inner portion of the display may be configured to house second magnets of a second polarity and be positioned on an inner surface of the window. The folding portion may be configured to couple the outer portion and the inner portion, and be positioned over a top edge of the window. In embodiments, responsive to rolling down the window, the folding portion may be positioned atop of the window such that the outer portion and the inner portion are draped on a corresponding side of the window. This may allow the first magnets to interface with the second magnets, and the window may be rolled up. 
     Further embodiments may include a failsafe mechanism formed of a cord, strap, etc. that is configured to couple the outer portion with the inner portion. The failsafe mechanism may be configured to tether the inner portion with the outer portion to limit the ability of the inner portion or the outer portion from being completely detached from each other and move erratically and independent from each other. In embodiments, the cord, strap, etc. may be configured to be positioned around a window of the automobile, and wedged between the window and a frame of the automobile to maintain a portion of the cord, strap, etc. fixed in place via a clamping force. 
     These, and other, aspects of the invention will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. The following description, while indicating various embodiments of the invention and numerous specific details thereof, is given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many substitutions, modifications, additions or rearrangements may be made within the scope of the invention, and the invention includes all such substitutions, modifications, additions or rearrangements. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise specified. 
         FIG. 1  depicts a perspective view of a display system configured to be selectively coupled to a window, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  depicts a top view of a display system, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  depicts a front view of a display system, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 4  depicts a rear review of a display system, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 5  depicts a side view of a display system, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 6  depicts a perspective view of a display system configured to be selectively coupled to a window, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 7  depicts a top view of a display system, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 8  depicts a front view of a display system, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 9  depicts a rear review of a display system, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 10  depicts a side view of a display system, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 11  depicts a perspective view of a display system configured to be selectively coupled to a window, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 12  depicts a top view of a display system, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 13  depicts a front view of a display system, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 14  depicts a rear review of a display system, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 15  depicts a side view of a display system, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 16  depicts an external view of a display system, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 17  depicts an external view of a display system, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 18  depicts an internal view of a display system, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 19  depicts an internal view of a display system, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 20  depicts an internal view of a display system, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 21  depicts a method of forming a display system, according to an embodiment. 
     
    
    
     Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding components throughout the several views of the drawings. Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of various embodiments of the present disclosure. Also, common but well-understood elements that are useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are often not depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of these various embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present embodiments. It will be apparent, however, to one having ordinary skill in the art that the specific detail need not be employed to practice the present embodiments. In other instances, well-known materials or methods have not been described in detail in order to avoid obscuring the present embodiments. 
     Additionally, any examples or illustrations given herein are not to be regarded in any way as restrictions on, limits to, or express definitions of any term or terms with which they are utilized. Instead, these examples or illustrations are to be regarded as being described with respect to one particular embodiment and as being illustrative only. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that any term or terms with which these examples or illustrations are utilized will encompass other embodiments which may or may not be given therewith or elsewhere in the specification and all such embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of that term or terms. Language designating such non-limiting examples and illustrations includes, but is not limited to: “for example,” “for instance,” “e.g.,” and “in one embodiment.” 
       FIG. 1  depicts a perspective view of display system  600  configured to be selectively coupled to a window, according to an embodiment. 
     Display system  600  may be configured to be selectively displayed on a window to indicate the vehicle is on the clock, and may be used as visual proof that the vehicle is being used for work purposes. When the driver is off the clock, the driver may selectively decouple display system  600 , which may serve as visual proof that the driver is no longer using the vehicle for work purposes. Display system  600  may be configured to be positioned on a window, so long as the placement of display system  600  does not obstruct a critical line of sight for the driver. As depicted in  FIG. 1 , display system  600  may include a window  610 , first coupling mechanisms  620 , display  630 , and second coupling mechanisms  640 . 
     Window  610  may be a window of a vehicle, such as a car, truck, boat, bus, etc. First coupling mechanisms  620  may be cylindrical coupling mechanism, such as loops, that are directly attached to window  610 . In embodiments, a first surface of first coupling mechanisms  620  may be positioned adjacent to the outer surface of window  610 , and a second surface of first coupling mechanisms  620  may project away from the outer surface of window  610 . In embodiments, first coupling mechanisms  620  may be arranged in any geometrical pattern on window  610 . 
     Display  630  may include depressions  632 , which are configured to house second coupling mechanisms  640  that may be hooks. Display  630  may include a logo  635  formed with an adhesive mesh, which may be a limited vision mesh, one way mesh, privacy mesh, etc. The mesh may allow people to view through display  630  from a first direction, reflect radiation or sunlight from the first direction, etc., while allowing people to view through display  630  from a second direction. This may give thermal resistance to reduce cooling requirements from within the vehicle, while not obstructing a driver&#39;s view. The mesh may extend from an inner surface of display  630  to an outer surface of display  630 . 
     Depressions  632  may be holes, grooves, etc. positioned on a first side of display  630 , which is configured to be positioned adjacent to window  610 , towards a second side of display  630 , which may create a bump on second side of display  630 . Depressions  632  may be arranged in the same geometrical pattern as first coupling mechanisms  620 . Depressions  632  may have a circumference that is substantially the same as second coupling mechanisms  640 , and may have a sufficient depth to house second coupling mechanisms  640  and first coupling mechanisms  620  when first coupling mechanisms  620  are coupled with second coupling mechanisms  640 . More specifically, a depth of depressions  632  may be equal to the total height of first coupling mechanisms  620  and second coupling mechanisms  640 . In embodiments, to create a depth that is sufficiently long enough, depressions  632  may extend past the second side of display  630 . However, in other embodiments, depressions  632  may be not extend past the second side of display  630 , which may enable a flush and planar outer surface of display  630 . Furthermore, this may enable the inner surface of display  630  to be positioned directly adjacent to an outer surface of window  610  when first coupling mechanisms  620  are coupled with second coupling mechanisms  640 , which may limit air gaps between window  610  and display  630 . 
       FIGS. 2-5  depict various views of display system  600 , according to embodiments. Elements depicted in  FIGS. 2-5  may be described above, and for the sake of brevity a further description of these elements is omitted. 
       FIG. 6  depicts a perspective view of display system  100  configured to be selectively coupled to a window, according to an embodiment. 
     As depicted in  FIG. 1  display system  100  may include display  110 , first coupling mechanism  120 , and second coupling mechanism  130 . 
     Display  110  may be a polycarbonate, plastic, etc. screen that is cut into a rectangular shape with rounded corners. Display  110  may have a length and width that is configured to fit within the windows of a conventional vehicle, or other movable medium. In embodiments, a logo  115 , advertisement, etc. may be configured to be positioned on an outer surface of display  110 . Logo  115  may be formed of an adhesive one way mesh. 
     First coupling mechanism  120  and second coupling mechanism  130  may be devices that are configured to be attached and detached from each other. First coupling mechanism  120  may be a hook or loop being configured to selectively interface with second coupling mechanism, which may be a hook or loop. However, in other embodiments, first coupling mechanism  120  and second coupling mechanism  130  may be any other form of coupling mechanisms that are configured to temporarily and repeatedly coupled to each other. 
     First coupling mechanism  120  may be configured to be adhered to a first side or a border of display  110  via epoxy, adhesives, or other fastening/coupling methods. First coupling mechanism  120  may be configured to form a border around display  110  that may be fabricated as long strips with their ends joined together to form a continuous border. In embodiments, first coupling mechanism  120  may be cut into multiple strips, including two pairs of strips that are the same length as one another. The strips may then be arranged into a rectangular border encompassing display  110 , and permanently fused by heating and cooling, adhesion, or other methods. 
     Second coupling mechanism  130  may be configured to be adhered to an outer surface of a window via epoxy, adhesives, or other fastening methods. Second coupling mechanism  130  may be positioned on the window in a corresponding shape as first coupling mechanism  120 . In embodiments, a side of second coupling mechanism  130  that is coupled to the window may include strips of wax paper or other protective, preservative material adhered to it. This may preserve the fastener&#39;s adhesive properties, while minimizing damage to the window. 
     Positioning first coupling mechanism  120  and second coupling mechanism  130  to have the same geometrical layout and forming a coupling location on an outermost border of display  110 , may limit, reduce, etc. the possibility of air gaps between first coupling mechanism  120  and  130 . This may reduce the forces applied away from the window against display  110 , allowing first coupling mechanism  120  to remain attached to second coupling mechanism  130  even when the vehicle is travelling at high speeds. 
       FIGS. 7-10  depict various views of display system  100 , according to embodiments. Elements depicted in  FIGS. 7-10  may be described above, and for the sake of brevity a further description of these elements is omitted. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 11-15 ,  FIG. 11  depicts a perspective view of display system  1100  configured to be selectively coupled to a window, according to an embodiment. 
     As depicted in  FIG. 11 , display system  1100  may be formed of a first surface, second surface  1120 , and hinge  1130 , which all may be formed of a unitary piece of polycarbonate, plastic, etc. In embodiments, display system  1100  may be cut and shaped using a laser cuter, which may be drawn or sketched using a template, manual markings, laser etching, etc. Display system  1100  may be cut into a desired shape, and lettering and/or designs may be laser etched onto an outer surface of display system  1100 . Embodiments may then be smoother at the edges using an abrasive blasting, aeration device, etc. to grind edges until they are smoothed and confirmed to a uniform standard. 
     First surface  1110  may be configured to be positioned on an exterior of a window  1200  of a vehicle, wherein first window  1220  may be any non-magnetic screen or surface. First surface  1115  may include a logo  1110 , which may be a limited vision mesh, one way mesh, privacy mesh, etc. First surface  1110  may be configured to house a first magnet, metallic object, or ferromagnetic material  1112 , wherein first magnet  1112  has a first polarity or may be any metallic object. In embodiments, first magnet  1112  may extend along a lower edge of first surface  1110 , or may be positioned at any desired geometric layout of position on first surface  1110 . In embodiments, first surface  1110  may include fasteners to hold or secure decorations and flair. First surface  1110  may also include LED lights to allow first surface  1110  to stand out and more effectively identify a company of individual. 
     Second surface  1120  may be configured to be positioned on an interior of window  1200  of the vehicle. Second surface  1120  may include at least one second magnet  1122  that has a second polarity. Second magnets  1122  may be configured to align with first magnet  1112  when display system  1100  is positioned over window  1220 . In embodiments, second surface  1120  may include knobs coupled to the housing that holds second magnets  1122  in place. The knobs may be configured to act as switches to control the polarity of second magnets. Responsive to rotating the knobs, second magnets  1122  may change from the second polarity to the first polarity, and vice versa. This may be utilized to couple and decouple first magnet  1112  from second magnets  1122 . When the magnets are decoupled from each other, display system  1100  may be removed from window  1220 . 
     Hinge  1130  may be positioned first surface  1110  and second surface  1120 , and may be configured to rest on an upper edge of window  1200 . Hinge  1130  may be configured to be formed, angled, etc. such that first surface  1110  and second surface  1130  extend substantially in parallel to each other. Hinge  1130  may be formed by folding first surface  1110  relative to second surface  1120  over a heat rod, heat gun, or other heat source that makes the display system  1100  more ductile, though controlled as to maintain the physical integrity of the unified part. Hinge  1130  may then be cooled until it solidifies. Hinge  1130  is configured to sit on the edge of window  1200  to assist in securing display system  1100  in place when the window  1200  is rolled up to the closed position. This may further assist securing display system  1100  in place when the magnetic force between first magnet  1112  and second magnets  1122  is insufficient. 
     In further embodiments, an inner surface of first surface  1110  may include a slot  1500 , which is configured to be positioned adjacent to an outer surface of window  1200 . Slot  1500  may be configured to hold and secure a removable insert. Based on the magnetic forces applied to by first magnet  1112  and second magnets  1112 , a compressive force may be applied against slot  1500  from an outer surface of window  1200  and an inner surface  1110  of first surface. This compressive force may be configured to secure the removable insert within slot  1500  in place. 
       FIG. 12  depicts a top view of display system  1100 ,  FIG. 13  depicts a front view of display system  1100 ,  FIG. 14  depicts a rear review of display system  1100 , and  FIG. 15  depicts a side view of display system  1100 , according to an embodiment. Elements depicted in  FIGS. 11-15  may be described above, and for the sake of brevity are omitted. 
       FIG. 16  depicts a perspective view of a display system  1600  configured to be positioned on window  1605  of an automobile, according to an embodiment. 
     As depicted in  FIG. 16 , display system  1600  may include a display  1610 , which may be an advertisement, safety notice, contact information, etc., which is configured to be positioned on an outer surface of a window  1605  to be exposed to the elements. Display  1610  may include a plurality of first coupling mechanisms  1620 ,  1622 ,  1624 ,  1626  that are configured to be positioned proximate to the corners of display  1610 . The first coupling mechanisms may be magnets, washers, etc. formed of a first material that are configured to couple with second coupling mechanisms positioned on an internal side of window  1605 . In embodiments, the first coupling mechanisms may be steel washers that are more durable material than the second coupling mechanisms, and may have a weaker magnetic force. 
       FIG. 17  depicts a depression  1710  formed on an inner surface of display  1610 . Depression  1710  may be configured to increase a depth of display  1610  via gradually tapered sidewalls  1720 , wherein a first coupling mechanism may be embedded within the depression  1710 . Due to the tapered and circular sloped sidewalls  1720 , the profile of display  1610  may minimize the impact of wind flowing over and around display  1610 . Namely, depression  1710  may house the first coupling mechanisms to allow the inner surface of display  1610  to be positioned adjacent to a window of the automobile. 
       FIG. 18  depicts a first coupling mechanism  1620  embedded within depression  1710 . In embodiments, an adhesive textile material  1810  may be positioned over the inner surface of display  1610  and first coupling mechanism  1620 . Textile material  1810  may be any material that is produced by matting, condensing, and pressing fibers together, such as felt. Textile material  1810  may be configured to limit the interaction of first coupling mechanism  1620  on the window. 
     Furthermore, a molded piece of Plexiglas  1805  may be positioned over the inner surface of display  1610 . Plexiglas  1805  may be configured to provide a transparent thermoplastic used in a sheet as a lightweight, shatter-resistant alternative to glass. 
       FIG. 19  depicts a portion  1900  of the display system that is configured to be positioned on an internal side of window  1605 , according to an embodiment. The internal portion  1900  of display system  1600  may include a sheet of Plexiglas  1910  with a plurality of second coupling mechanisms  1920 . The plurality of second coupling mechanisms  1820  may be positioned proximate to the corners of Plexiglas  1910  to align with the first coupling mechanisms. Second coupling mechanisms  1920  may be formed of a permanent magnet with a stronger magnetic field than first coupling mechanisms  1620 . Due to second coupling mechanisms  1920  being internally positioned with an automobile and protected by the elements, second coupling mechanisms  1920  may be formed of a more brittle material than the first coupling mechanisms. 
       FIG. 20  depicts internal portion  1900  of the display system, according to an embodiment. As depicted in  FIG. 20 , internal Plexiglas  1910  may have a depression  2020  that is configured to receive an external surface of second coupling mechanism  1920 , and an adhesive textile  2010  is configured to be coupled with an internal surface of second coupling mechanism  1920 . In use, textile  2010  may be configured to be positioned adjacent to an internal surface of a car window, and magnetic fields between first coupling mechanisms  1620  and second coupling mechanism  1920  may couple the two together. 
       FIG. 21  depicts a method  2000  for forming a display system, according to an embodiment. The operations of method  2000  presented below are intended to be illustrative. In some embodiments, method  2000  may be accomplished with one or more additional operations not described, and/or without one or more of the operations discussed. Additionally, the order in which the operations of method are illustrated in  FIG. 21  and described below is not intended to be limiting. Embodiments are not limited to a specified number of chambers, inlets, or outlets. 
     At operation  2010 , washers may be positioned on a press. The washers may be configured to form a shape of the depression within the Plexiglas. 
     At operation  2120 , the Plexiglas may be positioned on top of the washers on the press, and the press may apply pressure against the Plexiglas to mold the Plexiglas around the washers. 
     At operation  2130 , washers and/or magnets may be positioned within the depression within the Plexiglas. In an embodiment, the washers may be positioned within the depressions on a first sheet of Plexiglas, and a washer and a magnet may be positioned within each of the depressions on a second sheet of Plexiglas. In embodiments, the first sheet of Plexiglas may be configured to be positioned on an external side of a car window, and the second sheet of Plexiglas may be configured to be positioned on an internal side of the car window. In embodiments, a press may be used at a rate to plastically deform the sheets of Plexiglas while reducing stress intensity to prevent cracking and other surface deformations that would decrease the lifetime of the material. The centering and positioning of the press may create a symmetrical, smooth pattern around the Plexiglas to reduce drag and vortices in an economical fashion. The location and methods of the depressions within the Plexiglas may be configured to reduce the vibration of the material preventing a critical vibration magnitude &amp; frequency from material flying off from the window. 
     At operation  2140 , adhesive felt pads may be positioned over the washers and/or magnets to protect the car window. 
     At operation  2150 , the first sheet of Plexiglas may be positioned on an external side of a window, and the second sheet of Plexiglas may be positioned on an internal side of the window. Due to the magnetic fields created by the magnets and the washers, the first sheet of Plexiglas may be magnetically coupled to the second sheet of Plexiglas through the window. 
     At operation  2160 , the first sheet of Plexiglas may be decoupled from the second sheet of Plexiglas to remove the display system from the window. 
     Although the present technology has been described in detail for the purpose of illustration based on what is currently considered to be the most practical and preferred implementations, it is to be understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that the technology is not limited to the disclosed implementations, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements that are within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, it is to be understood that the present technology contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more features of any implementation can be combined with one or more features of any other implementation. 
     Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment” “one example,” or “an example” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment of the present embodiments. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment”, “in an embodiment”, “one example” or “an example” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable combinations and/or sub-combinations in one or more embodiments or examples. In addition, it is appreciated that the figures provided herewith are for explanation purposes to persons ordinarily skilled in the art and that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. 
     As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” “has,” “having,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, article, or apparatus. Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary, “or” refers to an inclusive or and not to an exclusive or. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present).