Patent Publication Number: US-8122627-B2

Title: Ventilated washable electronic sign display enclosure

Description:
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This patent application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 10/948,769 entitled “Ventilated Washable Electronic Sign Display Enclosure” filed on Sep. 23, 2004, now abandoned. 
     This application is related to U.S. utility patent application Ser. No. 10/688,304 entitled “Electronic Display Module Having a Four-Point Latching System for Incorporation into an Electronic Sign and Process” filed Oct. 17, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,055,271 B2 to Lutz et al., patented Jun. 6, 2006, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     This application is also related to U.S. utility patent application entitled “Electronic Sign Having a Formed Metal Cabinet” Ser. No. 11/809,107, filed concurrently herewith, a copy of which is attached, and the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to electronic sign displays, but more particularly, refers to an electronic sign enclosure which is ventilated to provide for cooling of components contained inside the enclosure and which also provide structure to allow washing of the exterior of the electronic sign display without damage to the contained components therein. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     Prior art electronic display enclosures often provided for ventilation of the components of an electronic sign, such as power supplies, driver boards, light emitting diode mounting boards, front viewing structures, and the like. Such ventilation schemes often included ventilation fans, ventilation ducts, ventilation holes, and other openings conducive to offering adequate ventilation to remove heat generated by electronic components and heat generated by environment heat sources. Often, environmental substances would hamper suitable viewing or operation of the electronic display due to buildup of dust, dirt, grime, smoke deposits, airborne particles of other composition, small insects, cobwebs, insect deposits, or other substances found in the environment. Such substances could detrimentally gather or be deposited upon viewable front structures of an electronic sign display, such as on exposed pixels, on exposed clear front protective panels, on or about louvers, or even about ventilation orifice structure. Several simple methods have been attempted to cleanse the structure of an electronic sign display from such substances. One such method could involve the use of small or large brooms, or like devices, but the use of such could be laborious or impractical due to the location of the electronic sign, or even by time constraints. Another method is by the use of water or other suitable fluid forcefully sprayed by a pressurized hose or other pressurized device. While the use of sprayed liquid streams can be highly effective for cleaning the exterior of an electronic sign display, fluids often found their way into the interior of the enclosure, thus being potentially harmful to the components inside. Hence, a problem exists wherein an electronic sign could be well sealed against cleansing by fluid spray and have, for the most, inadequate ventilation, or an electronic sign could be well ventilated at the expense of adequately sealed protective enclosure structure. Additionally, construction of such electronic signs is labor intensive, such as during factory fabrication where alignment coupled with drill matching and measurement procedures contribute to additional labor and cost. Onsite construction techniques were required for addition of upper level protective shrouds which bridge adjacent sign structures. Other construction procedures are often hampered by the use of extruded materials which are not always as straight and true as desired. The present invention offers structure addressing the problems encountered in prior art electronic signs or electronic sign enclosures by providing a ventilated washable electronic sign display enclosure, whereby adequate ventilation is provided and where structure is provided to thwart the entry of sprayed fluids thereinto. The use of formed structure contributes to uniformity of the sign structure. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The general purpose of the present invention is to provide a ventilated washable electronic sign display enclosure. The ventilated washable electronic sign display enclosure is provided having an intake duct and an exhaust duct located along the front thereof. Ventilation air is drawn into the intake duct at the lower front region of the enclosure for cooling of the enclosure and electronic components housed therein by the use of internal fans and is forced through the exhaust duct at the upper front region of the enclosure. The ventilated washable electronic sign display enclosure is geometrically configured to prevent or dissuade entry of fluid streams to the interior of the enclosure through the exhaust duct and through the intake duct. No moving parts are required nor is any reconfiguration, such as the closing of vents, required due to the unique attributes of the invention. 
     One part of the intake duct is formed by a lower front vent channel which is geometrically configured having horizontally aligned vent tabs alternating with interceding horizontally aligned vent spaces at its lower surface where the vent tabs align below vertically aligned vent orifices on a vertically aligned front panel of a bottom channel which is geometrically configured and which forms the other side of the intake duct. Incoming ventilation air passes through the vent spaces located between the vent tabs to pass upwardly and inwardly through the vent orifices on the vertically aligned front panel of the bottom channel and is dispersed about the interior of the enclosure. Interfering and shielding alignment of the vent tabs with the vertically aligned vent orifices on the vertically aligned front channel panel of the configured bottom channel dissuades or prevents entry of streams of liquid cleansing sprays through the vent orifices. 
     The exhaust duct at the top and front region of the enclosure is formed in part by a top channel which is geometrically configured and formed in part by an interspersed upper front vent channel which is geometrically configured. The upper front vent channel includes a horizontally aligned top panel having horizontally aligned vent tabs alternating with interceding horizontally aligned vent spaces. The top channel includes a horizontally oriented vent panel also having horizontally aligned vent tabs alternating with interceding horizontally aligned vent spaces which align to the rear panel of the upper front vent channel. Accordingly, the relationship of the vent spaces of the upper front vent channel is such that those vent spaces align with the underlying vent tabs of the top channel where the vent tabs are in interfering and shielding alignment in addition to shielding offered by the remaining area of the top panel of the upper front vent channel to prevent or dissuade fluid entry through those vent spaces and through a space between the top panel of the upper front vent channel and the top panel of the top channel. Also, the position of the vent tabs of the upper front vent channel is such that those vent tabs align with the underlying vent spaces of the top channel to prevent or dissuade entry of fluid upwardly through the underlying vent spaces of the vent panel on the top channel. Such component relationships and other relationships described herein dissuade or prevent fluid entry into the interior of the enclosure. Exhaust ventilation air passes along the top of the top channel and through a space leading to the top panel of the front vent channel and then downwardly through the upper front vent channel vent spaces located between the upper front vent channel vent tabs to pass downwardly and through the top channel vent spaces located between the top channel vent tabs on the horizontally aligned vent panel of the top channel and then is directed along an angled drip panel of the upper front vent channel to ambient air. 
     According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a ventilated washable electronic sign display enclosure including a top channel, a bottom channel, right and left border panels extending between the top channel and the bottom channel, a rear panel, vertically aligned partial and full width mid panels, a forwardly located intake duct extending between the lower front regions of the left and right border panels, a forwardly located exhaust duct extending between the upper front regions of the left and right border panels, and a plurality of LED modules located between the opposed right and left border panels and the opposed exhaust duct and intake duct. 
     An alternative embodiment of the present invention is provided utilizing many of the principals and teachings of the first embodiment. The alternative embodiment features uniformly constructed protective shrouds which can be of standard lengths which are interchangeable with other like protective shrouds. The protective shrouds are used in the upper region of the ventilated washable electronic sign display enclosure where a first protective shroud mounts and secures centrally along the upper region of the ventilated washable electronic sign display enclosure without adjoining any other ventilated washable electronic sign display enclosures and where adjacent second and third protective shrouds mount and secure adjacent to and on each side of the first centrally located protective shroud and can bridgingly extend over and about adjacent ventilated washable electronic sign display enclosures or can be an end protective shroud. The use of components consisting of precision formed channels, precision formed panels, and the like can be incorporated into the first and second embodiments. The components are considered to be formed components being fashioned by precise cutting, stamping, bending, laser cutting, and the like to provide uniformly shaped components of close tolerance and fit which can be planar two dimensional components or which can be multiple faced multiple components in more than one plane. 
     According to one or more illustrations of an alternative embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a ventilated washable electronic sign display enclosure having a plurality of formed components, such as, but not limited to, one or more protective shrouds fitting fully or partially on a protective shroud support, a top vent channel, a front vent channel, a cable channel, a bottom channel, right and left border panels extending between the top vent channel and the bottom channel, a rear enclosure panel, vertically aligned partial and full width mid panels extending between the top vent channel and the bottom channel extending between the lower front regions of the left and right border panels, an LED mounting plate between the opposed right and left border panels, a plurality of LED modules secured to the LED mounting plate, and a plurality of filtered ventilation fans. 
     One significant aspect and feature of the present invention is a ventilated washable electronic sign display enclosure which is washable and which allows ventilation. 
     Another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is a ventilated washable electronic sign display enclosure having no moving parts. 
     Another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is a ventilated washable electronic sign display enclosure utilizing an intake duct which allows the intake of ventilation air but dissuades or prevents the entry of cleaning water streams through the intake duct to the interior of the enclosure. 
     Yet another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is a ventilated washable electronic sign display enclosure utilizing an exhaust duct which allows the exhausting of ventilation air but dissuades or prevents the entry of cleaning water streams through the exhaust duct to the interior of the enclosure. 
     A still further significant aspect and feature of the present invention is a ventilated washable electronic sign display enclosure having an intake duct which has a front panel aligningly located to dissuade or prevent water stream flow through vent orifices to the interior of the enclosure. 
     A further significant aspect and feature of the present invention is a ventilated washable electronic sign display enclosure having an intake duct which has alternating vent tabs and vent spaces where the alternating vent tabs are aligningly located to dissuade or prevent water stream flow through vent orifices to the interior of the enclosure. 
     A still further significant aspect and feature of the present invention is a ventilated washable electronic sign display enclosure having a front panel which is aligningly located to dissuade or prevent water stream flow through the exhaust duct to the interior of the enclosure. 
     A still further significant aspect and feature of the present invention is a ventilated washable electronic sign display enclosure having an angled drip panel which is aligningly located to dissuade or prevent water stream flow through the exhaust duct to the interior of the enclosure. 
     A further significant aspect and feature of the present invention is a ventilated washable electronic sign display enclosure having an exhaust duct which has alternating vent tabs and vent spaces in alternating and offset alignment with corresponding alternating vent tabs and vent spaces where the alternating vent tabs are aligningly located to dissuade or prevent water stream flow through the exhaust duct to the interior of the enclosure. 
     Additional significant aspects and features of the present invention are included in the first and second embodiments of the ventilated washable electronic sign display enclosures include formed metal components. 
     In the alternative embodiment: 
     A further significant aspect and feature of the present invention includes the use of protective shrouds having standard mounting features incorporating interchangeablity in attachment to an underlying protective shroud support. 
     A further significant aspect and feature of the present invention includes the use of interchangeable protective shrouds in combination with and supported by a protective shroud support. 
     Yet a further significant aspect and feature of the present invention includes the use of interchangeable protective shrouds which can reside solely on the protective shroud support of one ventilated washable electronic sign display enclosures or overlappingly residing as part of adjacent ventilated washable electronic sign display enclosures. 
     A further significant aspect and feature of the present invention is the overlapping of protective shrouds in adjacent sections of the invention to prevent moisture, water, dirt, insects, and the like from gaining entry between adjacent ventilated washable electronic sign display enclosures. 
     A further significant aspect and feature of the present invention is the use of a protective shroud having an angled top panel to promote the drainage of liquids, including, but not limited to, sodas, water, alcoholic beverages, and the like from the top of the protective shroud and discourages the placement of beverages in cans, bottles or cups, or other type objects thereupon due to the angled surface. 
     A further significant aspect and feature of the present invention is the preferable use of a plurality of rivets, and nut inserts, and machine screws, or combinations thereof to fasten adjacent formed components. 
     A further significant aspect and feature of the present invention is that no measuring or match drilling is required for assembly. 
     A further significant aspect and feature of the present invention is that the invention can be shipped for installation in the field with eyebolts extending though the top structure whereupon after installation the eye bolts are removed and several protective shrouds are installed for completion of the installation process. 
     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 a ventilated washable electronic sign display enclosure. 
    
    
     
       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 a ventilated washable electronic sign display enclosure, the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a semi-exploded isometric view of the ventilated washable electronic sign display enclosure; 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded isometric view of the ventilated washable electronic sign display enclosure; 
         FIG. 4  is a partial view of the lower front vent channel aligningly distanced from the front panel of the bottom channel; 
         FIG. 5  is a partial view of the lower front vent channel in close association with and aligned to the front panel of the bottom channel to partially form an intake duct; 
         FIG. 6  is a view showing the structure of the top channel distanced from the structure of the upper front vent channel; 
         FIG. 7  is a partial view of the forward upper region of the top channel in close association with and aligned to the rear panel of the upper front vent channel; 
         FIG. 8  is a cross section view of the ventilated washable electronic sign display enclosure along line  8 - 8  of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 9 , an alternative embodiment, is a front isometric view of a ventilated washable electronic sign display enclosure; 
         FIG. 10  is a front isometric view of the ventilated washable electronic sign display enclosure where a display module is shown distanced from an LED mounting plate; 
         FIG. 11  is an exploded isometric front view of the ventilated washable electronic sign display enclosure; 
         FIG. 12  is an exploded isometric view of one end of the components at the top portion of the invention illustrating the geometry thereof; 
         FIG. 13  is an isometric view showing the structure of the top vent channel distanced from the structure of the front vent channel; 
         FIG. 14  is a partial view of the forward upper region of the invention showing airflow therethrough; and, 
         FIG. 15  is a cross section view of the ventilated washable electronic sign display enclosure along line  15 - 15  of  FIG. 10 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       FIG. 1  is an isometric view of a ventilated washable electronic sign display enclosure  10 , the present invention. Readily viewable assemblies, components or major structures of the ventilated washable electronic sign display enclosure  10  include a horizontally aligned top channel  12 , a horizontally aligned bottom channel  14  opposing the top channel  12 , a vertically aligned right border panel  16  and a vertically aligned left border panel  18  bridging the top channel  12  and the bottom channel  14 , a horizontally aligned lower front vent channel  20  in intimate contact with one side of the bottom channel  14  and in alignment with the lower regions of the opposed right and left border panels  16  and  18 , and a plurality of LED (light emitting diode) modules  22   a - 22   n  in alignment between the opposed right and left border panels  16  and  18  and in alignment between the forward region of the top channel  12  and the lower front vent channel  20 . An intake duct  72  formed in part by the lower front vent channel  20  and an exhaust duct  76  formed in part by the forward portion of the top channel  12  are also shown. 
     The partially shown intake duct  72  at the lower region of the invention is formed partly by a plurality of horizontally oriented vent tabs  24   a - 24   n  and interceding vent spaces  26   a - 26   n  arranged in alternating fashion extending inwardly from the lower edge of a vertically aligned front panel  28  of the lower front vent channel  20  where each component thereof is a part of the intake duct  72 . Structure at the upper region of the invention includes members of the top channel  12  having a rear panel  30 , a top panel  32 , a front panel  34 , a vent panel  36  extending inwardly from the lower edge of the front panel  34 , and a plurality of horizontally oriented vent tabs  38   a - 38   n  and interceding vent spaces  40   a - 40   n  arranged in alternating fashion extending inwardly from the lower edge of the front panel  34 . The partially shown exhaust duct  76  is formed in part by part of the top panel  32 , the front panel  34 , the vent panel  36 , and the plurality of horizontally oriented vent tabs  38   a - 38   n  and interceding vent spaces  40   a - 40   n.    
       FIG. 2  is a semi-exploded isometric view of the ventilated washable electronic sign display enclosure  10 .  FIG. 2  shows the present invention with the LED modules  22   a - 22   n  and the right border panel  16 , as well as a right end panel  42  removed from the enclosure structure to reveal additional assemblies, components or major structures of the ventilated washable electronic sign display enclosure  10 . 
       FIG. 3  is an exploded isometric view of the ventilated washable electronic sign display enclosure  10 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , as well as understood reference to other figures shown herein, the structure of assemblies, components, major and other structures of the ventilated washable electronic sign display enclosure  10  is now described. Removable eyebolts  41  are located along the top panel  32 . A variety of components attach and secure to centrally located vertically oriented panels within the central structure of the enclosure, such panels of which include a partial depth mid panel  44  and a full depth mid panel  46 . Components that attach thereto or which are in close association therewith include an enclosure rear panel  48 , right end panel  42 , left end panel  43 , a geometrically configured false bottom channel  50 , the bottom channel  14 , the lower front vent channel  20 , the top channel  12 , an upper front vent channel  56 , an LED mounting plate  58 , and various mounting plates for electronic components. Right and left corner brackets  60  and  62 , respectively, secure to the ends of the top channel  12  to accommodate fastening of the upper regions of the right border panel  16  and the left border panel  18  thereto. Other regions of the right border panel  16  and the left border panel  18  secure over and about the right end panel  42  and the left end panel  43 . The connective association of the majority of the above described components and the inclusion of the LED modules  22   a - 22   n  form an enclosure through which ventilation air can pass and which dissuades or prevents the entry of cleansing liquids. 
     The structures of the bottom channel  14  and the false bottom channel  50  at the lower region of the ventilated washable electronic sign display enclosure  10  combine to form a U-shaped and elongated lower chamber  52  extending along the length of the ventilated washable electronic sign display enclosure  10 . The false bottom channel  50  includes a plurality of fan mounting orifices  54   a    54   n . The bottom channel  14  includes a bottom panel  64 , a rear panel  66 , and a front panel  68  having a plurality of spaced vent orifices  70   a - 70   n  ( FIG. 3 ) located and aligned thereupon in communication with the elongated lower chamber  52 . The bottom channel  14 , the false bottom channel  50 , the top channel  12 , the right end panel  42 , the left end panel  43 , the right border panel  16 , the left border panel  18 , the partial depth mid panel  44 , the full depth mid panel  46 , and the LED mounting plate  58  each includes appropriately located flanges, as shown, for mating to adjacent components. 
     The intake duct  72  ( FIG. 2 ), shown later in detail in  FIGS. 5 and 8  at the lower region of the enclosure, is formed by the lower front vent channel  20 , the front panel  68  of the bottom channel  14 , and a flange  90  of the LED mounting plate  58 . The lower front vent channel  20  includes a horizontally aligned top panel  74 , the vertically aligned front panel  28 , and the plurality of horizontally oriented and inwardly extending spaced vent tabs  24   a - 24   n  and spaced interceding vent spaces  26   a - 26   n  between the spaced vent tabs  24   a - 24   n  arranged in alternating fashion where the vent tabs  24   a - 24   n  and the vent spaces  26   a - 26   n  extend inwardly from the lower edge of the vertically aligned front panel  28  of the lower front vent channel  20  to meet the front panel  68  of the bottom channel  14 . 
     The exhaust duct  76 , shown later in detail in  FIGS. 7 and 8  at the upper region of the enclosure, is formed by the upper front vent channel  56  and forwardly located portions of the top channel  12 . The upper front vent channel  56  includes an angled drip panel  78  located at the lower portion thereof, a vertically aligned rear panel  80 , and a horizontally aligned top panel  82 . A plurality of horizontally oriented and outwardly extending spaced vent tabs  84   a - 84   n  and spaced interceding vent spaces  86   a - 86   n  between the spaced vent tabs  84   a - 84   n  are arranged in alternating fashion, each extending outwardly as part of the top panel  82  of the upper front vent channel  56 . 
       FIG. 4  is a partial view of the lower front vent channel  20  aligningly distanced from the front panel  68  of the bottom channel  14 . The top panel  74  of the lower front vent channel  20  secures and aligns over a lower flange  90  extending from the lower edge of the LED mounting plate  58 , as also shown in  FIGS. 5 and 8 . Noted in particular is the alignment of the inner edge of the vent tab  24   a  to the front panel  68  at a location represented by dashed lines  88  where such a location is distanced a short distance below the vent orifice  70   a . The horizontally aligned vent tab  24   a  maintains a vertically aligned offset and angular relationship below the vent orifice  70   a , as best shown in  FIG. 5 . All of the vent tabs  24   a - 24   n  have the same relationship and align in the same manner with respect to the vent orifices  70   a - 70   n . Such a relationship dissuades or prevents the entry of water streams into and through the vent orifices  70   a - 70   n  of the intake duct  72  by interfering placement of the vent tabs  24   a - 24   n  in near and aligned proximity to the vent orifices  70   a - 70   n  to act as barriers to prevent water stream flow through the vent orifices  70   a - 70   n . Also visible at the lower corners of the right end panel  42  are a plurality of weep holes  45   a - 45   n  for drainage of errant moisture. 
       FIG. 5  is a partial view of the lower front vent channel  20  secured to the lower flange  90  in close association with and aligned to the front panel  68  of the bottom channel  14  to form, in part, the intake duct  72 . The intake duct  72  is formed by the combination of the front panel  68  including vent orifices  70   a - 70   n  with the lower front vent channel  20  including the top panel  74 , the front panel  28 , the vent tabs  24   a - 24   n , the vent spaces  26   a - 26   n , and the lower flange  90  of the LED mounting plate  58 . 
     The relationship of the components of the intake duct  72  is multipurpose in nature. One purpose is to allow air to be drawn through the structure of the intake duct  72 . Another purpose is to allow streams of jetted water to come into intimate contact with the outer regions of the ventilated washable electronic sign display  10 , such as in close proximity to the intake duct  72 , for the purpose of cleaning, and also to dissuade or prevent the infusion of such jetted water into the intake duct  72  and the elongated lower chamber  52 . 
     A typical path of intake airflow  92 , such as found along the length of the intake duct  72 , is shown in detail flowing around and about and on each side of the vent tab  24   b  and through the adjacent vent spaces  26   b  and  26   c  to move upwardly and sideways to the area just above the vent tab  24   b , which is in vertical alignment with the vent orifice  70   b  just above the inward edge of the vent tab  24   b . Flow then continues through the vent orifice  70   b  and into the elongated lower chamber  52  for redirection by one or more fans about the enclosure interior for cooling of the components housed therein. 
     Typical paths of water stream which encounter situations showing rejection of water streams  94 ,  95  and  96  are also illustrated, such as can occur at locations along the length of the intake duct  72 . One aimed water stream  94  first encounters and impinges the vent tab  24   d  to be deflected therefrom away from entry into the intake duct  72  so as to preclude entry into the vent orifice  70   d . Another water stream  95  can pass into the intake duct  72  through the vent space  26   d  between the vent tabs  24   c  and  24   d  to encounter and impinge the front panel  68  at the lower region of the panel  68  or at the region of the panel  68  between the vent orifices  70   c  and  70   d  to be deflected therefrom. The flow of the water stream  95  may dissipate and flow overboard at this conjuncture, but if the velocity is of sufficient strength, the flow may continue where the water path  95  is deflectingly redirected to impinge the lower flange  90  and/or the top panel  74  and then, if dissipated, flow overboard or continue for possible reflective rearward impingement of the front panel  28 . Such redirected scattering and slowing of the water stream allows the water to evacuate the interior of the intake duct  72  by gravitational assistance either by flowing as a water stream back through the vent space  26   d  or by deposition and subsequent drainage flow overboard, such as upon and along the surfaces of the intake duct  72 , most of which are inwardly facing. Another water stream encounter situation is effected by the front panel  28  of the lower front vent channel  20  where the front panel  28  thereof is interferingly located in the path of an incoming water stream  96  to block the water stream flow where the aimed water stream  96  is deflected to dissuade or prevent entry of the water stream flow into structure behind the front panel  28  such as, but not limited to, the plurality of vent orifices  70   a - 70   n.    
       FIG. 6  is a view showing the structure of the top channel  12  distanced from the structure of the upper front vent channel  56 . Noted in particular is the alignment of the inner edge of the vent tab  38   a  which extends inwardly from the vent panel  36  of the top channel  12  to interlacingly meet the rear panel  80  of the upper front vent channel  56  at a location represented by dashed lines  97  where such a location is distanced substantially along the mid portion of the rear panel  80 . All of the vent tabs  38   a - 38   n  and included vent spaces  40   a - 40   n  have the same relationship and align in the same manner with respect to the mid portion of the rear panel  80  and, as such, the tabs  38   a - 38   n  and included vent spaces  40   a - 40   n  extend inwardly from the vent panel  36  of the top channel  12  and maintain a vertical spaced relationship and a horizontal offset relationship with and below the vent tabs  84   a - 84   n  and included vent spaces  86   a - 86   n  extending outwardly from the top panel  82  of the upper front vent channel  56 , as shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 . 
       FIG. 7  is a partial view of the forward upper region of the top channel  12  secured to the right border panel  16  using the right corner bracket  60  (not shown) in close association with and in interlaced alignment at the rear panel  80  of the upper front vent channel  56  in the manner described in  FIG. 6  to form, in part, the exhaust duct  76 . The exhaust duct  76 , also shown in  FIG. 8 , is formed by the interlaced components in combination consisting of: the forward region of the top channel  12  including the forward part of the top panel  32 , the front panel  34 , the vent panel  36 , the vent tabs  38   a - 38   n , the vent spaces  40   a - 40   n , and a greater portion of the upper front vent channel  56 , including the upper portion of the rear panel  80 , the top panel  82 , the vent tabs  84   a - 84   n , and the vent spaces  86   a - 86   n.    
     The relationship of the components of the exhaust duct  76  is multi purpose in nature. One purpose is to allow exhaust air to be forced through the structure of the exhaust duct  76 . Another purpose is to allow streams of jetted water to come into intimate contact with the outer regions of the ventilated washable electronic sign display  10 , such as in close proximity to the exhaust duct  76 , for the purpose of cleaning, and also to dissuade or prevent the infusion of such jetted water into the exhaust duct  76  and upper regions of the enclosure. 
     A typical path of exhaust airflow  93 , such as can occur at other locations along the length of the exhaust duct  76 , traverses from a mid location within the enclosure to pass horizontally and through an elongated airflow space  87  located between the top panel  82  of the upper front vent channel  56  and the forward region of the top panel  32  of the top channel  12 , then along and about and thence between the vent tabs  84   a  and  84   b  through vent space  86   a , then about the vent tab  38   a  and through the vent spaces  40   a  and  40   b  at the sides of the vent tab  38   a  to the region overlying the angled drip panel  78 , and thence to ambient. 
     Several relationships dissuade or prevent entry of directed water streams into the interior regions of the exhaust duct  76 . In one relationship, a first water stream encounter situation, a water stream  98  impinges and is deflected by the angled drip panel  78  of the upper front vent channel  56  away from entry into the internal regions of the exhaust duct  76 . 
     Other relationships occur where the horizontal offset relationship of the vent tabs and vent spaces is such that each vent space is spacingly aligned to a vent tab. 
     A second water stream encounter situation is effected by the continuous portion of the vent panel  36  outboard of the spaced vent tabs  38   a - 38   n  and vent spaces  40   a - 40   n  where a directed water stream  100  impinges and is deflected away from entry into the internal regions of the exhaust duct  76 . In such a situation, the continuous outboard portion of the vent panel  36  is interferingly located in the path of the incoming water stream  100  aimed at the exhaust duct  76  to stem the water stream flow thereinto. In the illustration, the outboard portion of the vent panel  36  blocks the flow of water stream  100  into the vent space  86   f.    
     A third water stream encounter situation is effected by the spaced vent tabs  38   a - 38   n  where a directed water stream  102  impinges and is deflected by one of the closely located spaced vent tabs  38   a - 38   n  away from entry into the internal regions of the exhaust duct  76 . In such a situation, the horizontal offset relationship of the vent tabs  38   a - 38   n  of the top channel  12  to the vent spaces  86   a - 86   b  of the upper front vent channel  56  is such that the vent tabs  38   a - 38   n  are interferingly located in the path of the incoming water stream  102  to block the water stream flow to the vent spaces  86   a - 86   n  to thus stem the water stream flow thereinto. In the illustration, vent tab  38   e  blocks the flow of water stream  102  into vent space  86   e.    
     A fourth water stream encounter situation is effected by vent tabs  84   a - 84   n  where a directed water stream  104  impinges and is deflected where the water stream  104  passes through one of the vent spaces  40   a - 40   n . In such a situation, the aligned relationship of the vent tabs  84   a - 84   n  of the upper front vent channel  56  to the vent spaces  40   a - 40   n  of the top channel  12  is such that the vent tabs  84   a - 84   n  are interferingly located in the path of the incoming water stream  104  to block the water stream flow aimed through the vent spaces  40   a - 40   n  to thus stem the flow of the water stream  104  into the interior of the enclosure. In the illustration, the water stream  104  passes through the vent space  40   d  where the flow of the water stream  104  is blocked by the vent tab  84   d  from flowing into the interior of the enclosure. Drainage of the deflected flow of the water stream  104  can take place directly through the vent space  40   d  or can flow along a vent tab  38   c  where in either case the flow can continue overboard along the angled drip panel  78 , as shown. 
     A fifth water stream encounter situation is effected by the front panel  34  of the top channel  12  where the front panel  34  is interferingly located in the path of an incoming water stream  105  to block the water stream flow (not illustrated) where the aimed water stream impinges and is deflected to dissuade or prevent entry of the water stream flow into structure behind the front panel  34  such as, but not limited to, the plurality of vent tabs  84   a - 84   n  and the plurality of vent spaces  86   a - 86   n.    
       FIG. 8  is a cross section view of the ventilated washable electronic sign display enclosure  10  along line  8 - 8  of  FIG. 2 . The LED modules  22   a - 22   n  are not shown for purposes of brevity and clarity. Airflow, in general, through the structure is shown by dashed lines and arrows where ventilation air enters through the intake duct  72  through the vent spaces  26   a - 26   n  and passes through the vent orifices  70   a - 70   n , through the elongated lower chamber  52 , through the fan mounting orifice  54   a , through a fan  106 , through the structure interior, through the airflow space  87  above the upper front vent channel  56 , and thence through the appropriate portions of the exhaust duct  76 , as shown in detail in  FIG. 7 . A seal  108  is also shown between the angled drip panel  78  of the upper front vent channel  56  and the upper flange  110  of the LED mounting plate  58 . 
     MODE OF OPERATION OF ONE EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION 
     Personnel can clean the ventilated washable electronic sign display enclosure  10  by simply directing a water stream such as that produced for example by a garden hose, a high pressure washer device, or other such apparatus. Streams of water can be incorporated to wash away dirt, small debris, insects, bugs and the like from the LED modules  22   a - 22   d  with little worry concerning errant water streams proceeding past the intake duct  72  or the exhaust duct  76 , as water streams are dissuaded or prevented from entry thereinto, as explained in detail with reference to  FIGS. 5 and 7 . 
       FIG. 9 , an alternative embodiment, is a front isometric view of a ventilated washable electronic sign display enclosure  120 , the present invention, in use with a plurality of electronic display modules having a four-point latching system, herein referred to as the LED modules  122   a - 122   n , removably attached to the front of the ventilated washable electronic sign display enclosure  120 . 
       FIG. 10  is a front isometric view of the ventilated washable electronic sign display enclosure  120  where only one display module  122   n  is shown being distanced from an LED mounting plate  124 . The LED mounting plate  124 , which can also be described as a mounting panel, is a part of the ventilated washable electronic sign display enclosure  120  and is used to mount the plurality of display modules  122   a - 122   n . The relationship of the LED modules  122   a - 122   n  and the LED mounting plate  124  is described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,055,271 entitled “Electronic Display Module Having a Four-Point Latching System for Incorporation into an Electronic Sign and Process”. Other components forming the ventilated washable electronic sign display enclosure  120  are viewable through the structure of the LED mounting plate  124  and at the ends and are described later in detail, whereby reference to  FIG. 11  and other figures is beneficial. 
       FIG. 11  is an exploded isometric front view of the ventilated washable electronic sign display enclosure  120 . With reference to  FIGS. 9 ,  10  and  11  and with reference to other figures, the present invention is further described. The majority of the components of both embodiments of the present invention can be considered to be formed components, whereby fashioning thereof is accomplished by one or more methods, including, but not limited to, punching or bending or laser cutting or combinations thereof with great precision, close tolerance, and uniformity where such components can be a panel or a channel or other associated structure, each being utilized to facilitate rapid component assembly to produce a ventilated washable electronic sign display enclosure  120  having geometric uniformity and conformity. In general, the components of the invention are mutually and appropriately secured, such as by rivets, except as otherwise denoted. Pluralities of centrally located vertically aligned partial width mid-panels  126 ,  128 ,  130  and  132  and pluralities of centrally located vertically aligned full width mid-panels  134 ,  136  and  138  are arranged in alternating fashion extending and appropriately secured between a horizontally aligned bottom channel  140  and a horizontally aligned top vent channel  142 . The partial width mid-panels  126 ,  128 ,  130  and  132  and the full width mid-panels  134 ,  136  and  138  of the present invention are referred to in closely related terms as formed mid-channels and formed channels, respectively, in a related U.S. utility patent application entitled “Electronic Sign Having a Formed Metal Cabinet” Ser. No. 11/809,107, filed concurrently herewith, a copy of which is attached and the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     A vertically aligned left border panel  144  and an opposite vertically aligned right border panel  146  approximating the general profile, shape and structure of the full width mid panels  134 ,  136  and  138  and a vertically aligned cable channel  150  extend and appropriately secure between the ends of the horizontally aligned bottom channel  140  and the ends of the horizontally aligned top vent channel  142 . A right end panel  148  secures to the inner surface of the right border panel  146 . The right end panel  148  includes a plurality of nut inserts  149  used for accommodation of machine screws extending through a left border panel  144  of an adjacent ventilated washable electronic sign display enclosure  120   a  ( FIG. 9 ) and through the right border panel  146  for fastening of the adjacent ventilated washable electronic sign display enclosure  120   a  thereto. The partial width mid-panels  126 ,  128 ,  130  and  132 , the full width mid-panels  134 ,  136  and  138 , the left and right border panels  144  and  146 , and the vertically aligned cable channel  150  include lips for fastening to other adjacent structures. A plurality of like electronic component mounting brackets  152  secure to one side of the full width mid-panels  134 , 136  and  138 . A plurality of fans  154  align to a plurality of large opening  156  in the bottom channel  140  and a plurality of filter assemblies  158  align to the plurality of large openings  156  in the bottom channel  140 , whereby ventilation air is provided for cooling of the LED modules  122   a - 122   n  and for the dissipation of heat from the interior of the ventilated washable electronic sign display enclosure  120 . 
     Components at the upper region of the invention are provided to allow exhausting of ventilation air, for suitable washing of the upper region. Configured components at the upper region include the top vent channel  142 , a front vent channel  160 , a horizontally aligned cable support channel  162 , a protective shroud support  164 , and one or more protective shrouds  168   a - 168   d  of several standardized sizes. A plurality of access openings including access opening  168   a ,  168   b ,  168   c  and  168   d  are distributed uniformly along the protective shroud support  164  for access to wiring cables, hardware, and the like. A plurality of gaskets (not shown) are included about the access openings  168   a - 168   d . A plurality of nut inserts are included beneath the protective shroud support  164  for rapid and easy fastening of the protective shrouds  166   a - 166   d  thereto using machine screws. Removable eyebolts  170  and  172  and other associated hardware and mounting brackets  174  and  176  are also included where the removable eyebolts  170  and  172  are accessible through the access openings  168   a  and  168   d . The removable eyebolts  170  and  172  are used for suspension during installation and removed thereafter and covered subsequently by installation of one or more of the protective shrouds  166   a  and  166   d  as applicable to each installation. One end of such components is shown in detail in  FIG. 12  and a cross section view is shown in  FIG. 15 . An enclosure rear panel  178  is also included which secures to the rear of the partial width mid-panels  126 ,  128 ,  130  and  132 , the full width mid-panels  134 ,  136  and  138 , the left and right border panels  144  and  146 , and the vertically aligned cable channel  150 . 
       FIG. 12  is an exploded isometric view of one end of the components at the top portion of the invention illustrating the geometry thereof, and  FIG. 13  is an isometric view showing the structure of the top vent channel  142  distanced from the structure of the front vent channel  160 . The protective shroud support  164  includes an angled top panel  180  having the access opening  168   a ,  168   b ,  168   c  and  168   d  which extends therethrough and a vertically aligned front panel  182  and a vertically aligned back panel  184 . Groups of nut inserts  186   a - 186   n  ( FIG. 10 ) are suitably and uniformly arranged and spaced on the underside of the protective shroud support  164  about the access openings  168   a ,  168   b ,  168   c  and  168   d . Such a suitably and uniformly arranged and spaced arrangement provides for commonality and uniform location of nut inserts  186   a - 186   n  ( FIG. 15 ) which are in concert with suitably and uniformly arranged and spaced groups of body holes  188   a - 188   n  (for machine screw accommodation) which can be of different quantity which are distributed along an angled top panel  190  of one or more of the protective shrouds  166   a - 166   d . The protective shrouds  166   a - 166   d  include a vertically aligned front panel  192  and a vertically aligned back panel  194 . The horizontally aligned cable support channel  162  aligns between the bottom of the protective shroud support  164  and to a lower panel  196  of the top vent channel  142 . The top vent channel  142 , shown in partial cutaway view, also includes a vertically aligned back panel  198 , a top panel  200 , a vertically aligned front panel  202 , and a horizontally aligned vent panel  204 . The vent panel  204  includes rearwardly directed vent tabs  206   a - 206   n  alternating with rearwardly directed vent spaces  208   a - 208   n . The front vent channel  160  includes a vertically aligned rear panel  210 , an angled drip panel  212  extending from the bottom of the rear panel  210 , and a horizontally aligned top panel  214  extending forwardly from the top of the rear panel  210 . The top panel  214  includes forwardly directed vent tabs  216   a - 216   n  alternating with forwardly directed vent spaces  218   a - 218   n . Noted in particular is the alignment of the inner edge of the vent tab  206   a  which extends inwardly from the vent panel  204  of the top vent channel  142  to interlacingly align in a spaced relationship, as shown by a dashed arrow, to the rear panel  210  of the front vent channel  160  at a location represented by dashed line  220  ( FIG. 13 ) where such a location and other like locations are distanced substantially along the mid-portion of the rear panel  210 . All of the vent tabs  206   a - 206   n  and included vent spaces  208   a - 208   n  have the same relationship and align in the same manner with respect to the mid-portion of the rear panel  210  and, as such, the tabs  206   a - 206   n , and included vent spaces  208   a - 208   n  extend inwardly from the vent panel  204  of the top vent channel  142  and maintain a vertical spaced relationship and a horizontal offset relationship with and below the vent tabs  216   a - 216   n  and included vent spaces  218   a - 218   n  extending outwardly from the top panel  214  of the front vent channel  160 , as shown in  FIGS. 14 and 15 . 
       FIG. 14  is a partial view of the forward upper region of the invention including the top vent channel  142 , the protective shroud support  164 , and the front vent channel  160  secured to the right border panel  146  in close association with and in interlaced alignment in the manner described in  FIG. 13  to form, in part, an exhaust duct  222 . The exhaust duct  222 , also shown in  FIG. 15 , is formed by the interlaced components in combination consisting of: the forward region of the top vent channel  142  including the forward part of the top panel  200 , the front panel  202 , the vent panel  204 , the vent tabs  206   a - 206   n , the vent spaces  208   a - 208   n , and a greater portion of the front vent channel  160 , including the upper portion of the rear panel  210 , the top panel  214 , the vent tabs  216   a - 216   n , and the vent spaces  218   a - 218   n.    
     The relationship of the components of the exhaust duct  222  is multi purpose in nature. One purpose is to allow exhaust air to be forced through the structure of the exhaust duct  222 . Another purpose is to allow streams of jetted water to come into intimate contact with the outer regions of the ventilated washable electronic sign display enclosure  120 , such as in close proximity to the exhaust duct  222 , for the purpose of cleaning, and also to dissuade or prevent the infusion of such jetted water into the exhaust duct  222  and upper regions of the enclosure. 
     As also shown in  FIG. 15 , a typical path of exhaust airflow  224 , such as can occur at other locations along the length of the exhaust duct  222 , traverses from a mid-location within the invention enclosure to pass horizontally and through an elongated airflow space  226  located between the top panel  214  of the front vent channel  160  and the forward region of the top panel  200  of the top vent channel  142 , then along and about and thence between the vent tabs  216   a  and  216   b  through vent space  218   a , then about the vent tab  206   a  and through the vent spaces  208   a  and  208   b  at the sides of the vent tab  206   a  to the region overlying the angled drip panel  212  and thence to ambient. 
     Several relationships dissuade, minimize or prevent entry of directed water streams into the interior regions of the exhaust duct  222 . In one relationship, a first water stream encounter situation, a water stream  228  impinges and is deflected by the angled drip panel  212  of the front vent channel  160  away from entry into the internal regions of the exhaust duct  222 . 
     Other relationships occur where the horizontal offset relationship of the vent tabs and vent spaces is such that each vent space is spacingly aligned to a vent tab. 
     A second water stream encounter situation is effected by the continuous portion of the vent panel  204  outboard of the spaced vent tabs  206   a - 206   n  and vent spaces  208   a - 208   n  where a directed water stream  230  impinges and is deflected away from entry into the internal regions of the exhaust duct  222 . In such a situation, the continuous outboard portion of the vent panel  204  is interferingly located in the path of the incoming water stream  230  aimed at the exhaust duct  222  to stem the water stream flow thereinto. In the illustration, the outboard portion of the vent panel  204  blocks the flow of water stream  230  into the vent space  216   e.    
     A third water stream encounter situation is effected by the spaced vent tabs  206   a - 206   n  where a directed water stream  232  impinges and is deflected by one of the closely located spaced vent tabs  206   a - 206   n  away from entry into the internal regions of the exhaust duct  222 . In such a situation, the horizontal offset relationship of the vent tabs  206   a - 206   n  of the top vent channel  142  to the vent spaces  218   a - 218   n  of the front vent channel  160  is such that the vent tabs  206   a - 206   n  are interferingly located in the path of the incoming water stream  232  to block the water stream flow to the vent spaces  218   a - 218   n  to thus stem the water stream flow thereinto. In the illustration, vent tab  206   d  blocks the flow of water stream  232  into vent space  218   d.    
     A fourth water stream encounter situation is effected by vent tabs  216   a - 216   n  where a directed water stream  234  impinges and is deflected where the water stream  234  passes through one of the vent spaces  208   a - 208   n . In such a situation, the aligned relationship of the vent tabs  216   a - 216   n  of the front vent channel  160  to the vent spaces  208   a    208   n  of the top vent channel  142  is such that the vent tabs  216   a - 216   n  are interferingly located in the path of the incoming water stream  234  to block the water stream flow aimed through the vent spaces  208   a - 208   n  to thus stem the flow of the water stream  234  into the interior of the enclosure. In the illustration, the water stream  234  passes through the vent space  208   c  where the flow of the water stream  234  is blocked by the vent tab  216   c  from flowing into the interior of the enclosure. Drainage of the deflected flow of the water stream  234  can take place directly through the vent space  208   c  or can flow along a vent tab  206   b  (or vent tab  206   c ) where in either case the flow can continue overboard along the angled drip panel  212 , as shown. 
     A fifth water stream encounter situation is effected by the front panel  192  of one of the protective shrouds  166   a - 166   d  (not illustrated) where the front panel  192  is interferingly located in the path of an incoming water stream to block the water stream flow where the aimed water stream impinges and is deflected to dissuade or prevent entry of the water stream flow into structure behind the front panel  192 , such as, but not limited to, the plurality of vent tabs  216   a - 216   n  and the plurality of vent spaces  218   a    218   n.    
       FIG. 15  is a cross section view of the ventilated washable electronic sign display enclosure  10  along line  15 - 15  of  FIG. 10 . The LED modules  122   a - 122   n  are not shown for purposes of brevity and clarity. Airflow  224 , in general, through the structure is shown by dashed lines and arrows where ventilation air enters through the fans  154  and the filter assemblies  158  through the interior of the enclosure structure, through the elongated airflow space  226  and thence through the appropriate portions of the exhaust duct  222 , as also shown in detail in  FIG. 14 . A flexible seal  236  is also shown between the angled drip panel  212  of the front vent channel  160  and a flange  238  of the LED mounting plate  124 . 
     MODE OF OPERATION OF ANOTHER EMBODIMENT OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
     One or more of the ventilated washable electronic sign display enclosures  120  can be factory assembled using the teachings of the invention and delivered to a site virtually ready for installation. Rapid construction of the invention is made possible by the use of formed components where precision bending, cutting, or otherwise producing a close tolerance fitting and mating of components and fastening by the use of rivets for components which are stationary in nature or by the use of machine screws and nut inserts for those components which are non-stationary or which may require accessing during or after construction. The use of formed components produces structure which is uniform, true and precise, thereby minimizing enclosure warping or deformation. In  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the relationship of the protective shroud support  164  and the plurality of protective shrouds  166   a - 166   n , of which  166   a - 166   c  are shown, allows for rapid construction and site adaptability where protective shrouds  166   a - 166   c , or of other interchangeable protective shrouds in a plurality of shroud groups protective shrouds  166   a - 166   n , provide flexibility and adaptiveness due to the commonality. For example, in the protective shroud support  164 , the distance of the nut insert set  186   a  to the nut insert set  186   b  is the same as the distance of the nut insert set  186   c  to the nut insert set  186   d , and so forth, and the distance of the nut insert sets  186   b  to  186   c  is the same as the distance of the nut insert sets  186   d  to  186   e , and so forth, to provide for uniform alignment with corresponding body holes  188   a - 188   n  in each of the protective shrouds  166   a - 166   c . For example, as shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the nut insert sets  186   a - 186   n  associated with the ventilated washable electronic sign display enclosure  120  can accommodate protective shrouds  166   a - 166   c  of several uniform lengths in several ways. For example, the protective shroud  166   a  aligns over and about the access openings  168   b  and  168   c  of the protective shroud support  164  of the ventilated washable electronic sign display enclosure  120  to involve the alignment of the body holes  188   a - 188   n  of the protective shroud  166   a  with the nut inserts  186   c - 186   f  of the protective shroud support  164  where machine screws are used to provide easily accomplished fastening. In an associated fashion, the protective shroud  166   b  can be used to bridge the ventilated washable electronic sign display enclosure  120  and ventilated washable electronic sign display enclosure  120   a . The protective shroud  166   b  aligns over and about the access opening  168   d  at the protective shroud support  164  of the ventilated washable electronic sign display enclosure  120  and over and about the access opening  168   a  at the protective shroud support  164  of the ventilated washable electronic sign display enclosure  120   a  utilizing the body holes  188   a - 188   b  thereof in alignment with the nut inserts  186   g - 186   n  of the ventilated washable electronic sign display enclosure  120  and utilizing the body holes  188   c - 188   n  in alignment with the nut inserts  186   a - 186   b  of the ventilated washable electronic sign display enclosure  120   a . A shortened protective shroud  166   c  is used at one end of the ventilated washable electronic sign display enclosure  120 , again utilizing the standardized mounting scheme. The protective shroud  166   c  aligns over and about the access opening  168   a  at the protective shroud support  164  of the ventilated washable electronic sign display enclosure  120  utilizing the body holes  188   a - 188   b  thereof in alignment with the nut inserts  186   a - 186   b  of the ventilated washable electronic sign display enclosure  120 . Other combinations utilizing protective shroud constructed according to the teachings of the invention can also be utilized in other configurations. Ventilated washable electronic sign display enclosures  120 ,  120   a ,  120   n  can be virtually completed for delivery to a site utilizing the invention; i.e., the ventilated washable electronic sign display enclosures can be provided, much the same as shown in  FIG. 9 , where not all of the protective shrouds not installed. Such a configuration allows ready access to the removable eyebolts  170  and  172  which are accessible through the access openings  168   a  and  168   d , respectively, so that the ventilated washable electronic sign display enclosure  120  may be suspended as part of an installation process, whereby attachment is made between the ventilated washable electronic sign display enclosure  120  and external support structure. Subsequent to installation, the eyebolts  170  and  172  are removed through the access openings  168   a  and  168   d  and the protective shrouds  166   c  and  166   b  can then installed, as previously described. 
     Various modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from the apparent scope thereof.