Patent ID: 12250781

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT(S)

Various embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, specific details such as detailed configuration and components are merely provided to assist the overall understanding of these embodiments of the present invention. Therefore, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications of the embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions are omitted for clarity and conciseness.

Embodiments of the invention are described herein with reference to illustrations of idealized embodiments (and intermediate structures) of the invention. As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, embodiments of the invention should not be construed as limited to the particular shapes of regions illustrated herein but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing.

FIG.1illustrates an exemplary display assembly10. The assembly10may comprise a framework12. The framework12may comprise multiple members. The members may be constructed of steel, aluminum, an alloy, combinations thereof, or the like. Some of the members may extend substantially upward (e.g., vertically) and others may extend substantially laterally (e.g., horizontally). However, any number, size, shape, type, and/or orientation of members may be utilized to form any size and/or shape framework12. In exemplary embodiments, a first member12A and a second member12B may extend in a generally upward direction from a base16. The first and second members12A,12B may be spaced apart from one another, such as to accommodate one or more side assemblies14.

The base16may be configured for mounting to a sidewalk, parking lot, or other ground surface. The base16may extend between members of the framework12, such as the first and second members12A,12B. The base16may extend laterally and/or horizontally.

As illustrated with particular regard to at leastFIG.2the framework12may comprise a third member12C and a fourth member12D. The third member12C and the fourth member12D may each extend between the first member12A and the second member12B in exemplary embodiments, without limitation. The third and fourth members12C,12D may be spaced apart from one another, such as to accommodate the one or more side assemblies14.

The side assemblies14(sometimes also referred to as display subassemblies and/or electronic display subassemblies) may be positioned such that front surfaces are flush, or substantially flush, with the third and/or fourth members12C,12D. Alternatively, the display subassemblies14may be positioned such that the front surfaces are recessed relative to the third and/or fourth members12C,12D.

One or more side assemblies14may be connected to said framework12. A first and second electronic display subassembly14may be mounted to a given framework12in opposing directions, such as in a back-to-back arrangement by way of non-limiting example. Each of the display subassemblies14may comprise one or more electronic displays. The side assemblies14may comprise BOLDVU® displays available from Manufacturing Resources International, Inc. of Alpharetta, Georgia (https://mri-inc.net/) by way of non-limiting example. The side assemblies14may, separately and/or when made part of the assemblies10, include technology and/or components shown and/or described in one or more of: U.S. Pat. No. 8,373,841 issued Feb. 12, 2013, U.S. Pat. No. 8,351,014 issued Jan. 8, 2013, U.S. Pat. No. 10,398,066 issued Aug. 27, 2019, and/or 10,499,516 issued Dec. 3, 2019, by way of non-limiting examples, the disclosures of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

The side assemblies14may comprise any number, size, and/or shape electronic display, such as but not limited to 55-inch displays, 65-inch displays, 75-inch displays, 82-inch displays, 86-inch displays, and 98-inch displays, combinations thereof, or the like.

In exemplary embodiments, without limitation, the side assemblies14may be mounted to same framework12in an elevated position above a ground surface. This may leave an unobstructed zone42within the framework12, such as below the side assemblies14and above a ground surface and/or the base16. For example, without limitation, the unobstructed zone42may extend interior to the first and second members12A,12B, below the one or more side assemblies14, and above the base16. The unobstructed zone42may be entirely devoid of components, such that space through and beyond the assembly10is visible and/or ambient air (e.g., wind) is permitted to pass therethrough, in exemplary embodiments, without limitation. In exemplary embodiments, without limitation, the unobstructed zone42may extend along an entire lower surface of the subassemblies14, though such is not necessarily required. An example of such a unit10in use is shown, by way of non-limiting example, inFIG.3Bwhich illustrates user15A,15B on different sides of the unit10visible, in part, through the unobstructed zone42.

Wiring40may extend within or along one or more members of the framework12. By way of non-limiting example, the wiring40may extend within and/or along one or both of the first and second members12A,12B. The wiring40may be covered, such as by one or more items of cladding by way of non-limiting example. The wiring40may alternatively, or additionally, be covered by tape, protective sheathing, conduit, combinations thereof, or the like. Alternatively, or additionally, the wiring40may be secured to one or more members of the framework12by tape, adhesive, cable ties, combinations thereof, or the like.

Alternatively, or additionally, the framework12may comprise one or more hollow members (e.g., first and second members12A,12B) to accommodate the wiring40traveling, at least in part, therethrough. Such hollow members may comprise steel tubing, by way of non-limiting example, and/or may comprise one or more apertures for the wiring40to enter and/or exit the members.

The wiring40may comprise power cables, data cables, combinations thereof, or the like. Any type, kind, and/or number of wires40may be utilized.

FIG.3AthroughFIG.4illustrate additional exemplary embodiments of the assemblies10whereby one or more members of the framework12may comprise angled sections17. For example, without limitation, one or both of the first and second members12A,12B may extend at a non-vertical angle (e.g., 45 degrees relative to horizontal), thereby reducing footprint of the base16. In exemplary embodiments, without limitation, such angled sections17may be located between lower surfaces of the side assemblies14and the base16. The units10may comprise a single angled section17, or multiple angled sections17A-17B. For example, without limitation, only one of the first and second members12A,12B may comprise the angled section17, or both of the first and second members12A,12B may comprise one of the angled sections17A,17B.

FIG.5illustrates another exemplary embodiment of the assembly10. Certain electronic components44may be provided at or along one or more of the members of the framework12. For example, without limitation, the electronic components44may be mounted to one or both of the first and second members12A,12B and/or the base16. Such components44may be covered with one or more cladding panels18. The cladding panels18may be attachable to the framework12by snap fit, fasteners, combinations thereof, or the like. Alternatively, or additionally, one or more members of the framework12may be fully or partially hollow to accommodate the electronic components44.

Such electronic components44may comprise, for example, without limitation, power modules, media players, processors, electronic storage devices, electrical circuitry, bulk energy storage devices, sensors, electric vehicle (EV) charging equipment, network connectivity devices, combinations thereof, or the like. The assemblies10may comprise any type or kind of the electronic components44at any location or locations. For example, without limitation, the electronic components44may alternatively, or additionally, include cameras, air quality sensors, touch screens, telephones, audio and/or videoconferencing equipment, emergency signaling components, personal electronic changing adapters, ambient weather sensors, combinations thereof, or the like. At least some of the electronic components44may be provided within one or more compartments, such, as but not limited to, junction boxes, fully or partially sealed boxes, or the like, such as within the cladding18.

The side assemblies14may be configured for movement between a closed position, such as where the side assembly14extends generally vertical and proximate to the framework12, and an opened position, such as where a bottom portion of the side assembly14is rotated outward and away from the framework12. The side assemblies14may be configured for rotation to approximately 38.5 degrees, by way of non-limiting example. Any amount or angle of rotation may be utilized, such as between 0 degrees and 90 degrees.

The same or different ones of the electronic components44may be mounted to rear surfaces of the side assemblies14and/or within an interior compartment22extending between the side assemblies14. The interior compartment22may comprise ambient air (filtered or otherwise) and/or circulating gas.

One or more recessed compartments20may be provided, such as to provide space for customer facing portions of certain electronic equipment44, such as, but not limited to, EV charging equipment (e.g., handles, adapters). The EV charging equipment may be configured to provide any type or level of charging, such as but not limited to a level1,2,3, or the like charger.

As illustrated with particular regard toFIG.6AthroughFIG.6F, the framework12may comprise one or more support members26. The support members26may extend inward from other members of the framework12, such as to support the side assemblies14within the framework12. In this fashion, one or more additional unobstructed areas42A,42B,42C may be provided along other sides of the side assemblies14(e.g., left, right, and top). Any number and arrangement of the support members26may be provided. The support members26may extend to some or all side edges of the side assemblies14.

The wiring40may extend along and/or through one or more of the support members26to the side assemblies14. The support members26may be hollow, by way of non-limiting example, though such is not required. Alternatively, or additionally, the wiring40may extend beneath tape, within sheathing or conduit, to name some non-limiting examples. Alternatively, or additionally, the wiring40may be secured to one or more of the support members26by tape, adhesive, cable ties, combinations thereof, or the like.

Opening24, such as for ingestion and/or exhaustion of air from the units10(sometimes also referred to as intakes/exhausts), may be provided along one or more edges of the side assemblies14, such as along an upper and lower edge thereof. The unobstructed zone42and/or at least one of the additional unobstructed zones42B may be provided adjacent to such intakes/exhausts2in exemplary embodiments, without limitation, such as to provide clearance between the framework12and the side assemblies14to facilitate ingestion and/or exhaustion of air to/from the intakes/exhausts24. One or more antennae46A,46B may be provided along one or more edges of the side assemblies14, such as along an upper edge thereof. The unobstructed zone42and/or at least one of the additional unobstructed zones42B may be provided adjacent to such antennae46, in exemplary embodiments, without limitation, such as to provide clearance between the framework12and the side assemblies14to facilitate radio transmission to/from the antennae46.

The assemblies10may comprise one or more mounting points26. The mounting points26may comprise eyehooks, threaded holes, combinations thereof, or the like. Any number and/or arrangement of such mounting points26may be provided.

The assemblies10may comprise one or more locks28. The locks28may be configured to selectively secure the side assemblies14in the closed positions, such as to prevent casual access, tampering, vandalism, or the like.

Movement assistance devices38A,38B, such as, but not limited to, gas struts, may extend between the framework12and the side assemblies14, such as for assistance with moving or securing the side assemblies14in the opened and/or closed positions. Alternatively, or additionally, members for propping or otherwise securing the side assemblies14in the opened position may be provided. In exemplary embodiments, without limitation, each of the side assemblies14is movably connected to an upper portion of the framework14, such as in a hinging manner by way of one or more hinges, to facilitate movement of the side assemblies14, such as between an opened and/or closed position.

As illustrated with particular regard to at leastFIGS.5D-5E, the base16may comprise one or more stability elements30A,30B. The stability elements30may comprise members extending laterally, for example. This may provide space between such elements30for extending the wiring40, mounting equipment (e.g., fasteners, nuts, washers, spacers, rubber grommets, combinations thereof, or the like), and/or placing electronic components44within the base16. The base16may comprise one or more covers, cladding, or other panels, such as for securing over some or all of the stability elements30to disguise the same, along with the wiring40, mounting equipment, and/or components44.

FIG.7AthroughFIG.7Cillustrate another exemplary embodiment of the display assembly10. Customer facing portions of the EV charging equipment, such as but not limited to charge handles52, cables54, and/or cable management devices56may be provided at, such as within, the recessed compartment20. The cable management devices56may include, by way of example without limitation, cable retraction devices (e.g., cable reels, spirators), cable organizers (e.g., hooks, posts, slots), combinations thereof, or the like. The cable reels may be configured to provide constant tension, may be actuated to cable54retraction (e.g., by way of one or more springs), may be manually operated, may be motorized, may be electronically actuated, combinations thereof, or the like. The cable management device(s)56may be provided at an upper portion of the recessed compartment20, such as to elevate the cables54from a ground surface, such as within the recessed compartment20above the charge handles52. The charge handles52may be provided, by way of non-limiting example, at an ergonomic or other height (e.g., in compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and/or various rules, laws, and/or regulations).

In exemplary embodiments, without limitation, some or all portions of the cable management devices56may be provided interior to the recessed compartment20, such as behind and/or between a first and second one of the side assemblies14A,14B and/or within the framework12. For example, without limitation, some or all portions of the cables54may be retractable towards and/or interior to framework12, such as by way of one or more cable retraction devices. Alternatively, or additionally, some or all portions of the cables54may be organized at the framework12, such as at or within the recessed compartment20by way of one or more cable organizers. One or more apertures may be provided in the framework12to facilitate retraction and extension of the cable(s)54interior to the framework12, though such is not required. Any number of side assemblies14may be provided at the framework12in any arrangement.

The cable management device(s)56may be configured to retract and/or extend the cable(s)54automatically and/or by manually or other actuation. For example, without limitation, a user58may pull on the cables54, actuate the cable reel(s), remove portions of the cables54from the cable organizers, combinations thereof or the like. As another example, without limitation, retraction of the cables54may be automatic, such as by way of constant tension, detection of end of a charge session (e.g., by electrical activity monitoring at the charge handle52and/or charging equipment58, proximity sensors, cameras, etc. detecting charge handle52position, user58activity, vehicle position, combinations thereof, or the like), combinations thereof, or the like.

Any type or kind of charge handles52, cables54, and/or cable management devices56may be utilized at any location. More than one recessed compartment20may be provided, such as at opposing sides of the display assembly10, though such is not required. The unobstructed zone42may be defined, at least in part, by at least a portion of the recessed compartment20, though such is not required.

In exemplary embodiments, without limitation, additional EV charging equipment items58may be located interior to the framework12, such as behind and/or between the side assemblies14. The additional EV charging equipment58may comprise and/or be configured to provide 50 kVA. In this fashion, the additional EV charging equipment58may be integrated with the display assembly10. The additional EV charging equipment58may comprise power supplies, transformers, capacitors, current limiters, voltage limiters, circuit breakers, controllers, power meters, combinations thereof, or the like. Some or all of the additional EV charging equipment58may be shared for the side assemblies14, though such is not necessarily required.

One or more payment components60may be provided at the display assembly10. Some or all of the one or more payment components60may be provided at the recessed compartment(s)20, though any location may be utilized. The payment components60may comprise, for example without limitation, one or more payment card (e.g., credit card, debit card, gift card) readers (e.g., key pads, touch screens, magnetic tape, chip readers, near field communication devices, combinations thereof, or the like), automated cash handling devices (e.g., coin receptacles, bill receptacles), combinations thereof, or the like. Some or all of the payment components60, such as but not limited to customer facing portions thereof, may be provided at an exterior of the display assembly10. For example, without limitation, at the framework12, the recessed compartment20, one or more of the side assemblies14, combinations thereof, or the like. The payment components60may be provided, by way of non-limiting example, at an ergonomic or other height (e.g., in compliance with ADA and/or other various rules, laws, and/or regulations).

Users58A,58B may be able to see through the unobstructed zone42. This may permit a user58A to see another user58B, other person, and/or object (e.g., car or other vehicle) approaching, by way of non-limiting example. This may assist with compliance to various rules, laws, and/or regulations.

An angular member12B may be provided at a side of the display assembly10opposite the recessed compartment20, though such is not required.

FIG.8illustrates another exemplary embodiment of the display unit10with an exemplary communications cabinet62. The communications cabinet62may be provided above the side assemblies14. The communications cabinet62may be spaced apart from the side assemblies14and/or the framework12, though such is not required. Portions of the framework12may form part of the communications cabinet62, though such is not required. The unit10may include EV charging equipment, a recessed compartment, combinations thereof, or the like, though such is not required.

The communications cabinet62may comprise one or more radio frequency transparent or translucent materials, such as but not limited to glass, fabric, and/or plastic. For example, without limitation, one or more panels of the communications cabinet62may comprise and/or be formed from such materials.

The communications cabinet62may enclose one or more communications equipment items64. The communications equipment items64may comprise, for example without limitation, one or more wireless connectivity devices, radio antennae, internet routers, modems, cellular network connectivity devices, near field communications devices, combinations thereof, or the like. In this fashion, the display unit10may provide a public or private wi-fi “hotspot”. The communications equipment items64may be configured to operate on and/or provide 5G wireless connectivity, though such is not necessarily required. Some or all of the communications equipment items64may be provided such that bottom portions thereof are no less than 9.5 feet or 3 meters above a ground surface to which the display assembly10is mounted or configured for mounting, by way of non-limiting example.

The communications cabinet62may be in fluid communication with other portions of the unit10, such as but not limited to the side assemblies14and/or space between the side assemblies14, though such is not required. The communications cabinet62may comprise one or more apertures, airflow pathways, fans, heat exchangers, thermal management devices, combinations thereof, or the like for removing heat generated by equipment, such as but not limited to the communications equipment items64, located within the communications cabinet62. Airflow, such as between the communications cabinet62and/or the side assemblies14and/or space between the side assemblies14, may be as shown and/or described in at least WO 2020/028045 filed internationally on Jul. 17, 2019, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference as if fully restated herein, by way of non-limiting example. Alternatively, or additionally, airflow may be provided through one or more panels or other surfaces of the communications cabinet62, which may comprise one or more apertures, such as by way of passive and/or active cooling. One or more of the panels may comprise fabric, by way of non-limiting example.

The communications cabinet62and/or the communications equipment items64may share power and/or data connectivity, and/or components thereof, with other items of the display assembly10, such as but not limited to the side assemblies14and/or EV charging equipment.

The communications cabinet62may be located directly above the side assemblies14or spaced apart from the side assemblies14.

Any embodiment of the present invention may include any of the features of the other embodiments of the present invention. The exemplary embodiments herein disclosed are not intended to be exhaustive or to unnecessarily limit the scope of the invention. The exemplary embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the principles of the present invention so that others skilled in the art may practice the invention. Having shown and described exemplary embodiments of the present invention, those skilled in the art will realize that many variations and modifications may be made to the described invention. Many of those variations and modifications will provide the same result and fall within the spirit of the claimed invention. The electronic devices, including but not necessarily limited to the electronic storage devices, databases, or the like, may comprise and/or be configured to hold, solely non-transitory signals.