Patent Abstract:
The disclosed apparatus, systems and methods relate to a collapsible, freestanding display unit. The display unit can be a collapsible and transportable stack system, which may include a base unit. The display unit can be erected for temporary use and then easily collapsed and transported to an alternate location.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application 62/197,446, filed Jul. 27, 2015, and entitled “Multi-Screen Display System, Devices and Methods,” which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety under 35 U.S.C. §119(e). 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The various embodiments disclosed herein relate to improved methods, systems, and devices for the coordinated display of a plurality of digital screens by way of a collapsible, modular, scalable and freestanding display system. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    The disclosure relates to a display system which can be collapsed and expanded, so as to be both capable of being stored in a compact brick and then expanded into a freestanding unified display panel. 
         [0004]    There is a need in the art for a modular and scalable digital signage display system that uses digital display devices, such as iPads, tablet computers, video display panels or other video monitors in an eye-catching visual array, which is easily transportable as well as simple to set up. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY 
       [0005]    Discussed herein are various embodiments of an expandable display system which is modular and scalable, as well as associated systems and methods for its use. For brevity, these embodiments may be described as a “display system”, or in relation to a single modality, though that is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure in any way. 
         [0006]    In Example 1, a display device comprises a plurality of links, further comprising first and second ends; a plurality of connectors, configured such that the display device is collapsible; wherein the plurality of links are configured to provide video display. 
         [0007]    In Example 2, the display device of Example 1, wherein the device is configured to be collapsible, so as to be capable of being urged between a collapsed position and an upright position. 
         [0008]    In Example 3, The display device of Example 2, further comprising a plurality of housings further comprising at least one display opening per housing disposed on the links. 
         [0009]    In Example 4, The display device of Example 3, wherein two housings are disposed per link. 
         [0010]    In Example 5, The display device of Example 3, wherein each link has a first and second side, and the housings are disposed on either side such that the display openings are oriented on opposite sides. 
         [0011]    In Example 6, the display device of Example 5, further comprising a plurality of spacers. 
         [0012]    In Example 7, the display device of Example 5, wherein the display device is configured to be collapsed into a transportable collapsed position. 
         [0013]    In Example 8, the display device of Example 7, further comprising at least one wheel and a handle. 
         [0014]    In Example 9, the display device of Example 7, further comprising at locking mechanism disposed about the hinges and adapted to hold the device in the upright position. 
         [0015]    In Example 10, a collapsible display system comprising a collapsible display unit, further comprising a plurality of links comprising first and second ends and disposed end-to-end in a generally stacked arrangement having a top and bottom; a plurality of hinges; at least one video display; and a base unit; and an operations interface; wherein the hinges are disposed between the first and second ends of the links in the stacked arrangement and between the second end of the bottom link and the base unit; and further wherein the operations interface is in operational communication with the at least one video display. 
         [0016]    In Example 11, the display system of Example 10, further comprising a plurality of housings further comprising at least one display opening per housing disposed on the links. 
         [0017]    In Example 12, the display system of Example 11, wherein two housings are disposed per link. 
         [0018]    In Example 13, the display system of Example 11, wherein each link has a first and second side, and the housings are disposed on either side such that the display openings are oriented on opposite sides. 
         [0019]    In Example 14, the display system of Example 11, further comprising an external communications unit in electronic communication with the operations interface. 
         [0020]    In Example 15, the display system of Example 14, wherein the operations interface is disposed within the links to perform a support for the video display selected from the group consisting of: providing power, providing a communications signal, providing digital input, receiving digital output, and receiving audio output. 
         [0021]    In Example 16, the display system of Example 11, further comprising at least one additional opening disposed within the system. 
         [0022]    In Example 17, the display system of Example 16, wherein the additional opening is selected from the group consisting of power cord openings, speaker openings, wire openings, and button openings. 
         [0023]    In Example 18, the display system of Example 10, wherein the system is configured to house at least one commercially-available video display. 
         [0024]    In Example 19, the display system of Example 18, wherein the display system is configured to house at least one iPad. 
         [0025]    In Example 20, the display system of Example 10, wherein the system further comprises at least one video monitor and at least one processing unit. 
         [0026]    While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of the disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative embodiments of the disclosed apparatus, systems and methods. As will be realized, the disclosed apparatus, systems and methods are capable of modifications in various obvious aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0027]      FIG. 1A  is a front view of an exemplary embodiment of the display system in the display position. 
           [0028]      FIG. 1B  is a back view of an exemplary embodiment of the display system in the display position. 
           [0029]      FIG. 1C  depicts a perspective view of a further embodiment of the display system. 
           [0030]      FIG. 2A  is a side view of two links joined by a hinge, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0031]      FIG. 2B  is a side view of one embodiment of the display system in the collapsed position. 
           [0032]      FIG. 2C  is a side view of the embodiment of  FIG. 2B  in an expanding position. 
           [0033]      FIG. 2D  is a side view of the embodiment of  FIG. 2B  in the fully erected display position. 
           [0034]      FIG. 3A  is a side view of an exemplary embodiment comprising multiple display housings per link in an expanding position. 
           [0035]      FIG. 3B  is a close-up side view of the embodiment of  FIG. 3A . 
           [0036]      FIG. 3C  is a side view of the embodiment of  FIG. 3A  in the fully erected display position. 
           [0037]      FIG. 4A  is a side view of an exemplary embodiment comprising multiple display housings per link in an expanding position, and further comprising a locking system. 
           [0038]      FIG. 4B  is a close-up side view of the embodiment of  FIG. 4A . 
           [0039]      FIG. 5A  is a front view of an exemplary embodiment comprising a locking system. 
           [0040]      FIG. 5B  is a close-up cutaway view of the embodiment of  FIG. 5A . 
           [0041]      FIG. 6A  is a front and back view the display system comprising display housings on the front and back, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0042]      FIG. 6B  is a front and back view the display system comprising display housings on the front only, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0043]      FIG. 7  is a close-up perspective view of the housings, links and hinges, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0044]      FIG. 8A  depicts an exemplary embodiment of the display system in the compact position. 
           [0045]      FIG. 8B  depicts an exemplary embodiment of the display system being transitioned from the compact position to the display position. 
           [0046]      FIG. 8C  further depicts an exemplary embodiment of the display system being transitioned from the compact position to the display position. 
           [0047]      FIG. 9A  depicts an exemplary embodiment of the mast of the display system being assembled into the display position. 
           [0048]      FIG. 9B  further depicts an exemplary embodiment of the mast of the display system being assembled into the display position. 
           [0049]      FIG. 9C  depicts an exemplary embodiment of an additional step in transitioning the display system into the display position. 
           [0050]      FIG. 9D  depicts an exemplary embodiment of the mast fully extended into the display position. 
           [0051]      FIG. 10A  depicts a top view of an exemplary embodiment of the display system in the compact position and with the base units expanded. 
           [0052]      FIG. 10B  depicts an additional view of an exemplary embodiment of the display system in the compact position and with the base units expanded 
           [0053]      FIG. 10C  depicts a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the display system in the compact position and with the base units expanded 
           [0054]      FIG. 10D  depicts another view of an exemplary embodiment of the display system in the compact position and with the base units expanded 
           [0055]      FIG. 10E  depicts a flat view of the base units expanded. 
           [0056]      FIG. 10F  depicts an additional flat view of the base units expanded 
           [0057]      FIG. 10G  depicts an in-use drawing of an embodiment of the display system in the collapsed position and being wheeled by a user. 
           [0058]      FIG. 11A  depicts an exemplary embodiment of the display system being transitioned from the display position to a more compact position. 
           [0059]      FIG. 11B  depicts an exemplary embodiment of the first stage of the display system being transitioned from the display position to a more compact position. 
           [0060]      FIG. 11C  depicts an exemplary embodiment of the second stage of the display system being transitioned from the display position to a more compact position. 
           [0061]      FIG. 11D  depicts an exemplary embodiment of the third stage of the display system being transitioned from the display position to a more compact position. 
           [0062]      FIG. 11E  depicts an exemplary embodiment of the fourth stage of the display system being transitioned from the display position to a more compact position. 
           [0063]      FIG. 11F  depicts an exemplary embodiment of the connector used to adjust the display system. 
           [0064]      FIG. 12A  depicts an exemplary embodiment of display system partially moved into the compact position with respect to the base unit. 
           [0065]      FIG. 12B  depicts an exemplary embodiment of display system prepared to be moved into the compact position with respect to the base unit. 
           [0066]      FIG. 12C  depicts an exemplary embodiment of the base unit. 
           [0067]      FIG. 13  depicts a schematic overview of network and software architecture used in certain implementations of the system. 
           [0068]      FIG. 14  depicts a schematic overview of an alternative embodiment of the system wherein the display screens are pre-installed and internally operated. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0069]    The various embodiments disclosed and contemplated herein relate to a collapsible display, including, in various implementations, a collapsible display that can be used in conjunction with a plurality of display screens. In exemplary embodiments, the disclosed display system comprises a collapsible frame which is capable of folding into a transportable unit and housing at least one display screen. 
         [0070]    As is depicted in  FIGS. 1A-1B , exemplary embodiments of the display system  10  comprise a frame  12  having a plurality of hinges  14 A,  14 B,  14 C,  14 D,  14 E,  14 F,  14 G. In various implementations, the frame further comprises a plurality of links  16 A,  16 B,  16 C,  16 D,  16 E,  16 F. The links further comprise a first side  1  and a second side  2 . In exemplary embodiments, at least one side has at least one display opening  18 . 
         [0071]    As is shown in  FIG. 1B , in certain embodiments a second display opening  19  can be provided on the side  2  opposite the first  18 . In exemplary embodiments, each link further comprises a first  20  and second  22  end, and the links are “stacked” atop one another. Owing to the presence of the hinges (generally  14 ), the display system  10  is configured so as to be capable of being variously positioned between an upright, or display position, and a collapsed, storage or portable position, as is described herein in relation to  FIGS. 8-9 . 
         [0072]      FIG. 1C  depicts a further implementation of the display system  10 . In this implementation, the display system  10  has a frame  12  supported on a mast  11 . The frame  12  has a plurality links  16 A,  16 B,  16 C, but in this implementation, the mast  11  extends between the base unit  34  and the lowermost end of the links  16 C. The operation and movement between the erect and collapsed positions is described herein in relation to  FIGS. 11A-D . It is understood that in this implementation, the base unit  34  can also comprise the carrying case, as is discussed below in relation to  FIGS. 12A-D . 
         [0073]      FIGS. 2A-2D  depict an exemplary embodiment of the display system  10 , showing the ability of the display system  10  to be collapsed into the storage configuration (as best shown in  FIG. 2B ). As is depicted in  FIG. 2A , in exemplary embodiments, the collapsible display system  10  comprises a plurality of links  16 A,  16 B which are disposed on either side of a hinge  14 A. The hinge  14 A and links  16 A,  16 B are oriented in a “stack,” such that the hinge is disposed in a generally horizontal plane such that the links  16 A,  16 B can be freely rotated about the hinge  14 A so as to bring them from the end-to-end configuration in the display position, wherein the first end  20 A of the top link  16 A is opposite the second end  22 B of the bottom link, into the collapsed position, wherein the links  16 A,  16 B are moved into an aligned orientation such that the first end  20 A of the top link is brought adjacent to the second end  22 B of the bottom link  16 B, as is shown by reference arrow A. In so doing, the plurality of links  16 A,  16 B,  16 C,  16 D,  16 E,  16 F can be collapsed into a condensed shape  30 , so as to be capable of being stored and or transported by way of a compact carrying case (shown in  FIGS. 10A-11 ). 
         [0074]    As is also shown in  FIG. 2B , in certain embodiments, the display system  10  further comprises at least one spacer section  32 A,  32 B and a base unit  34  comprising at least one base support  36 A,  36 B. While the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 2A-D  has links of a first length and spacers and base units of a second length, in alternative embodiments the lengths of each of these components can vary as needed. 
         [0075]      FIG. 2C-D  depict the corresponding movement from the collapsed position into the display position ( FIG. 2D ), wherein the plurality of links  16 A,  16 B,  16 C,  16 D,  16 E,  16 F and spacer sections  32 A,  32 B are brought into a generally linear alignment by way of the hinges  14 A,  14 B,  14 C,  14 D,  14 E,  14 F,  14 G, (one of which  14 G is disposed between the spacer sections  32 A,  32 B). As is also shown in  FIG. 2C , a plurality of base hinges  40 A,  40 B are disposed between the base supports  36 A,  36 B so as to foldably attach to the lowest spacer  32 B or link, and further allow the first base support  36 A to be oriented such that the first end  38 A can be extended in a substantially perpendicular direction from the display portion when erect  50 , such that it lays flush against the floor or other support (not shown). The second base support  36 B is correspondingly aligned in the opposite direction such that the first end  42 A can be oriented substantially 180 degrees from the first end  38 A of the first base support  36 A, as is shown by reference arrow B, and is shown in  FIG. 2D , wherein the display system is in the fully upright position. 
         [0076]      FIGS. 3A-3C  depict an alternative embodiment of the display system  10 , wherein each link  16 A can further comprise two or more housings  52 A,  52 B,  54 A,  54 B vertically, as well as on either side  1 ,  2 . In these configurations, the housings are disposed  52 A,  54 A,  52 B,  54 B,  52 C,  54 C,  52 D,  54 D,  52 E,  54 E,  52 F,  54 F such that each housing is configured to encase one digital display such that the digital displays are visible through the openings on either side of the display system (by way of example,  FIG. 1A-B  depicts displays  56 A,  58 A on either side  1 ,  2 ). 
         [0077]    In these embodiments, the display system further comprises at least one support bar  41 A,  41 B disposed between the base unit  36 A,  36 B and spacer  32 B, so as to provide rigid positioning support to the portion comprising spacers  32  and links  16  (this is depicted further in relation to  FIGS. 8A-9D ).  FIGS. 3A-3C  also depict that in certain implementations, the base unit  36  further features at least one wheel  37  (as is discussed in relation to  FIGS. 10A-11 ), and can also feature a plurality of feet  39  disposed on the underside of the base unit  36 . 
         [0078]    As is shown in  FIG. 3B , again, the plurality of links  16 A,  16 B are brought into a generally linear alignment by way of the hinges  14 A, such that the second  22 A and first  20 B ends of successive links  16 A,  16 B are urged flush. Further, these embodiments may feature at least one locking pin  70 A,  70 B, which may be disposed between individual links  16 A,  16 B so as to selectively secure the links in the upright orientation for display. As is depicted in  FIG. 3B , the locking pins  70 A are shown disposed in the second ends  22 A,  22 B of the links, though they could likewise be disposed in the first ends or as part of a mechanism housed in both ends around a hinge  14 A, as would be apparent to one of skill in the art. In various alternative embodiments, a variety of similar locking or stabilizing components may be used, such as locking hinges, magnets, and the like. 
         [0079]    Further, as is shown in  FIG. 3C , in certain exemplary embodiments, the spacer units  32 A,  32 B may further comprise speakers  43 A,  43 B set inside the spacers, so as to enable the broadcasting of sound to accompany the images which are depicted by the links  16 . Further, the base unit may comprise an internal power cord unit  45 , such that the displays may be powered by the system by way of a master power cord (not shown). In certain embodiments, the system further comprises an internal power cord reel (not shown), such that the system power cord may be stored within the base unit  36  when not in use but extended from the reel when needed. Other embodiments are possible. As is depicted by the reference bracket H, in certain embodiments, the height of the display portion of the device is contemplated to be around 7 feet off the ground, with the spacers  32 A,  32 B making the bottom  22 B of the display portion H approximately 3 feet off the ground, so as to maximize ability to be viewed by a standing person. As would be apparent to one of skill in the art, other configurations are of course possible. 
         [0080]    As is shown in  FIGS. 4A-4B , in exemplary embodiments, the system may further comprise an automatic locking pin system  70  which comprises locking pin releases  72 A,  72 B, such that the links  16 A,  16 B automatically lock into the upright position, and are accordingly releasable by pressing a button  72 A,  72 B or otherwise activating the releases when collapsing the system  10 , as would be apparent to one of skill in the art. Further, in exemplary embodiments, certain of the support bars  41  may be single piece, while others may comprise a plurality of articulating portions  51 A,  51 B around a hinge  53 , so as to accommodate the folding into the collapsed position, as is shown in  FIGS. 8A-8C . 
         [0081]    As is further shown in the embodiments of  FIGS. 5A-5B , in exemplary embodiments, the locking pin system  70  can further comprise a plurality of release buttons  72 A,  72 B,  72 C,  72 D, which are in corresponding mechanical communication with the locking pins  70 A,  70 B,  70 C,  70 D, so as to actuate their unlocking, as is shown in  FIG. 5B  at hinge  14 E. In these embodiments, the buttons  72 A,  72 B,  72 C,  72 D are slidably coupled to the links and a bar  75 A,  75 B so as to urge the bar and pins  71 A,  71 B,  71 C,  71 D away from the female regions  73 A,  73 B,  73 C,  73 D, so as to release the links  16 C,  16 D,  16 E,  16 F to freely rotate relative to one another, as is shown at reference arrow L. In certain embodiments, a plurality of springs  77 A,  77 B,  77 C,  77 D are also provided, so as to urge the pins into place. Other configurations are possible. 
         [0082]    As is shown in  FIG. 6A , in certain embodiments, both the first side  1  and second side  2  comprise display openings  18 ,  19 , while in alternative arrangements ( FIG. 6B ), the second side may feature a plurality of alternative housings, such as those configured for holding brochures  200 . In  FIG. 6 , in exemplary embodiments, the display system&#39;s  10  display housings  54  are oriented in the landscape orientation, so as to accommodate and display the electronic devices in the same orientation. In these embodiments, the links can further comprise mounting jacks, which are in electronic communication with a power unit (not shown) so as to allow the individual displays  18 A,  18 B,  18 C,  18 D,  18 E,  18 F to receive a continuous power source and/or electronic communication from a centralized control system (as described in relation to  FIGS. 12-13 ) so as to display a coordinated image  300 . 
         [0083]      FIG. 7  depicts a detailed view of a plurality of links  16 A,  16 B,  16 C and hinges  14 A,  14 B according to an exemplary embodiment. In certain embodiments each link can further comprise two or more housings  52 A,  54 A,  52 B,  54 B,  52 C,  54 C, such that each housing is configured to encase one digital display  56 A,  56 B,  56 C,  58 A such that the digital displays are visible through the openings on either side of the display system ( FIG. 1A-B  depicts displays  56 A,  58 A on either side  1 ,  2 ). As is shown, these housings have display openings  18 A,  18 B,  18 C.  FIG. 7  also depicts a variety of additional openings  21 A,  21 B,  23 A,  23 B,  23 C,  25 A,  25 B, which can be used to provide power to the displays  21 A,  21 B, interact with the digital display buttons  23 A,  23 B,  23 C, provide speaker openings  25 A,  25 B and the like. In exemplary embodiments, the housings comprise internal docking ports (not shown), which may be wired together to provide all the displays with power. For example, iPad docking USB cables may be provided. 
         [0084]      FIGS. 8A-9D  depict the unpacking of the display system  10  can certain embodiments, wherein the base supports  36 A,  36 B are positioned against the floor, and the spacers  32  and links  16  are extended out about the hinges  14 . As is shown at  FIG. 8B-8C , in these embodiments a plurality of jointed support bars  41 A,  41 B are disposed between the base unit  36 A and spacer, the support bar  41 A further comprising a plurality of articulating portions  51 A,  51 B around a hinge  53 . As is apparent from  FIGS. 8A-9D , the spacer(s)  32 , link(s)  16  and other portions can be sequentially positioned into the upright position, by way of, for example, the locking pins (described herein in relation to  FIGS. 3A-5B ), for example. Other methods are of course possible. 
         [0085]      FIGS. 10A-10F  depict a variety of alternative views of the system  10 , comprising links  16 , spacers  32 , wheels  37 A,  37 B and support bars  41 A,  41 B,  51 A,  51 B and support bar hinges  53 . As is shown in  FIGS. 10D and 10F , in certain embodiments the base unit  34  may further comprise a handle  140 , which may be expandable, so as to allow the user  5  to wheel the system  10 , for example in an airport or at a conference center. 
         [0086]      FIG. 11A-E  depict various views of the implementation of  FIG. 1C . As is shown in  FIG. 11A , in these implementations, the display system  10  has a plurality of links  16 A,  16 B,  16 C disposed on the mast  11 , which in turn is capable of being folded into a collapsed position such that links  16 A,  16 B,  16 C are disposed on either side  1 ,  2  of the mast  11  for transport, as is shown by reference arrow C. Further, in certain implementations, some or all of the links  16 A,  16 B,  16 C can be in slidable communication with the mast  11 , as is shown generally by reference arrows D 1  and D 2 . Further, in various implementations, the links  16 A,  16 B,  16 C can be removed and stored, such as in the base unit  34  in implementations where the base unit comprises a cargo opening, which is discussed further in relation to  FIGS. 12A-D . 
         [0087]    As best shown in  FIGS. 11A-E , in these implementations, the mast  11  comprises upper  11 A and lower  11 B portions, and a central pivot  11 C. In various implementations, each of the links  16 A,  16 B,  16 C is coupled to the mast  11  with a connection point  15 A,  15 B,  15 C, such that the links  16 A has a display opening  18 A,  18 B,  18 C which is oriented toward the same side  1  when in the erect position. It is understood that in alternate embodiments, links or display openings can also be disposed on the second side  2  when in the erect position. 
         [0088]    In the implementation of  FIGS. 11A-E , the lowermost link  16 C is slidably connected to the mast  11  through the connection point  15 C, so as to be capable of being urged into proximity to the base unit  34 , as is shown by reference arrow D 1  and discussed further in relation to  FIG. 12A . Further, the uppermost links  16 A,  16 B are also slidably connected to the mast  11  so as to be capable of being urged away from the base unit  34  when in the erect position, or away from the central pivot  11  (as is shown by reference arrow D 2 ). It would be understood by one of skill in the art that various connection apparatus, such as clamps, tightening screws, or other well-known attachments can be used as selectively slidable connection points  15 A,  15 B,  15 C. 
         [0089]    The connection apparatus of the links  16 A,  16 B,  16 C is a clip  15 A,  15 B,  15 C. An exemplary implementation of a clip  15 C is shown in  FIG. 11F . In this implementation of the clip  15 C, it is slidable along the mast  11  to allow for variable placement along the mast  11 . The opening  15 D will allow for easy cable management to facilitate the ease of set up and tear down for power, video, and audio input cords. The link  16 C is attached to the clip  15 C by a mount  17 C. In the implementation of  FIGS. 11A-E , the uppermost links  16 A and  16 B are slidably coupled to the upper mast portion  11 A, such that when the mast is rotated about the central pivot  11 C into the collapsed position, these links  16 A,  16 B are disposed on the opposite side of the mast  11  and the lowermost link  16 C, below the handle  140 . It is understood that in these implementations, the lower hinge  14 B is the central pivot  11 C, rather than being disposed directly between the links  16 B,  16 C, as was discussed above in relation to the implementations of  FIGS. 1A-B  and  2 A-D. 
         [0090]    Continuing with  FIGS. 12A-C , in these implementations, the handle  140  can comprise a plurality of handle portions  140 A,  140 B disposed from the mast  11 . It is understood that in the collapsed position, as shown in  FIG. 11D , the links  16 A,  16 B,  16 C in these implementations are disposed sufficiently distally on the mast  11  such that the user has sufficient space to access the handle portions  140 A,  140 B from various angles so as to facilitate transport—such as rolling transport—of the system  10 . 
         [0091]    As is best shown in  FIG. 12A-C , in various implementations the base unit  34  can have a cargo opening  35  disposed within the base sides  34 A,  34 B  34 C,  34 D and cover or “lid”  34 L. Continuing with the implementation of  FIGS. 12A-C , in certain implementations the lid  34 L can further have a mast opening  37 M, such that when the lid  34 L is placed over the cargo opening  35 , the mast  11  is disposed within the mast opening  34 M. Further, in certain implementations, the lid  34 L can pivot around a cover hinge  34 H. It is understood that in various applications, the cargo opening  35  can be used to store the links  16 A,  16 B,  16 C, electrical equipment, or other material related to the use of the system  10 , such as pamphlets and/or literature, business cards and the like. 
         [0092]      FIG. 13  depicts a model overview of exemplary embodiments of the system  10  that further comprise software and network architecture  100  configured to coordinate the display of images and or sound between the individual displays  56 A,  56 B,  56 C,  56 D,  56 E,  56 F and spacer  32 A,  32 B speakers  43 A,  43 B. In these embodiments, a WiFi connection  102  may be utilized to coordinate the activity of the various screens by way of an application  106 ,  110  running on a desktop computer or mobile device. In certain embodiments, a slideshow or other presentation file  104  can be created which is routed by the application  106 ,  110  so as to coordinate the display and transition of images  102  and sounds between the individual displays  56 A,  56 B,  56 C,  56 D,  56 E,  56 F. 
         [0093]    In exemplary embodiments, this can be accomplished by dropping individual files into a plurality of segregated modules  114 A,  114 B,  114 C,  114 D,  114 E,  114 F such that each presentation file is coordinated with a specific display  56 A,  56 B,  56 C,  56 D,  56 E,  56 F, and can be controlled by a plurality of action interfaces  116 A,  116 B so as to appear together on a coordinated timeline  118 . 
         [0094]    As shown in  FIG. 14 , alternative embodiments of the system  10  may comprise installed displays, rather than housings, in each of the links. Accordingly, in various embodiments, the end user is able to either install their own devices, such as iPads or other tablets, or the system can come pre-installed with a plurality of displays  120 A,  120 B,  120 C,  120 D,  120 E,  120 F, which may appear on one or both sides  122 A,  122 B,  122 C,  122 D,  122 E,  122 F of the system  10 . Importantly, in certain implementations, both sets of paired displays  120 A,  122 A may be run by way of a single image processing unit or graphics processing unit  124 A, which can serve to save weight and cost in these implementations. Further, in various implementations, a main system processor  126 , network connection  128 , battery  130 , amplifier  132 , speaker  134  and power source  136  may also be provided, so as to enable the creation of a stand-alone computing device within the system  10 , such that it may be manufactured specifically for this purpose, save weight and overall cost by not relying on the purchase of third-party tablet devices. 
         [0095]    Although the disclosure has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, persons skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosed apparatus, systems and methods.

Technology Classification (CPC): 6