Title: Electronic sign enclosure having a rail
Abstract: An electronic sign enclosure with a mounted rail which mounts to the edge of a seating deck to serve as a mounting structure for electronic sign information and to serve as a safety barrier at the edge of the seating deck.
Patent Number: 6,851,210 Issued on 02/08/2005 to Rose
| Inventors:
|
Rose; Todd L. (Elkton, SD)
|
| Assignee:
|
Daktronics, Inc. (Brookings, SD)
|
| Appl. No.:
|
943043 |
| Filed:
|
August 29, 2001 |
| Current U.S. Class: |
40/606.01; 40/607.13; 248/220.1; 256/65.14 |
| Intern'l Class: |
G09F 015/00 |
| Field of Search: |
40/606.01,611.01,651,607.13,662,606.03,666,452,564,606,611
248/220.1,220.21,239
256/59,64,65,68,65.14,65.16
182/113
|
References Cited [Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
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| 3995833 | Dec., 1976 | McLaughlin et al. | 256/59.
|
| 4263736 | Apr., 1981 | Beierwaltes et al. | 40/452.
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| 4669577 | Jun., 1987 | Werner | 182/113.
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| 4937499 | Jun., 1990 | Hunte | 315/149.
|
| 4970816 | Nov., 1990 | Trame | 40/552.
|
| 5259089 | Nov., 1993 | Baur et al. | 16/444.
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| 5353891 | Oct., 1994 | Griek et al. | 182/45.
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| 5497573 | Mar., 1996 | Stadjuhar et al. | 40/564.
|
| 5522540 | Jun., 1996 | Surman | 232/17.
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| 5566926 | Oct., 1996 | Voigt | 256/13.
|
| 5685511 | Nov., 1997 | Ghany et al. | 248/201.
|
| 5803420 | Sep., 1998 | Conway et al. | 248/231.
|
| 5924367 | Jul., 1999 | Henke et al. | 108/108.
|
| 6015124 | Jan., 2000 | Loy | 248/220.
|
| 6314669 | Nov., 2001 | Tucker | 40/448.
|
| 6347468 | Feb., 2002 | Mohamed | 40/564.
|
Primary Examiner: Green; Brian K.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Jaeger; Hugh D.
Claims
It is claim:
1. In combination:
a. a structural member having an edge;
b. an electronic sign enclosure including a rear panel and a top panel, the
rear panel having spaced opposing upper and lower brackets on a lower
portion thereof, an access panel on an upper portion thereof, the upper
and lower brackets being attached to the edge of the structural member;
and,
c. a rail, the rail being secured to the top panel.
2. An electronic sign enclosure having a rail which can be secured to an
edge of a seating deck or balcony and act as a barrier, comprising:
a. a rearwardly facing enclosure surface having an access opening therein;
b. a series of upper and lower brackets located along the rearwardly facing
enclosure surface, for securing to upper and lower surfaces at said edge
of the seating deck or balcony;
c. an upper enclosure surface attached to said rearwardly facing enclosure
surface and extending forwardly of said rearwardly facing enclosure
surface;
d. a rail located along and attached directly to said upper enclosure
surface; and,
e. the rearwardly facing enclosure surface and the rail together being of
sufficient height and strength to serve as a safety barrier to prevent
people from accidentally falling over the edge of the seating deck or
balcony, and said access opening in said rearwardly facing enclosure
surface permitting access by maintenance personnel on the seating deck or
balcony.
3. A barrier and electronic sign enclosure combination suitable for use at
a leading edge of a seating deck structure, the combination comprising:
a. an enclosure including a front panel carrying an electronic display
which, when the enclosure is mounted to the leading edge of the seating
deck structure, will be directed away from the seating deck structure so
as to be viewed from in front of the enclosure and the enclosure further
including a top panel;
b. a rail generally extending to the end of the enclosure mounted directly
to the top panel of the enclosure and, when the enclosure is mounted to
the leading edge of the seating deck structure, providing a sight line
from the seating deck structure over the top panel of the enclosure and
under the rail; and,
c. the enclosure being of sufficient height and strength to serve, when
mounted to the leading edge of the seating deck structure, as a safety
barrier to prevent people from accidentally falling over the leading edge
of the seating deck structure, and the rail having sufficient strength and
extending above the top panel of the enclosure a sufficient distance to
provide increased height and strength to the safety barrier to further
assist in preventing people from accidentally falling over the leading
edge of the seating deck structure.
4. The barrier and electronic sign enclosure combination of claim 3,
wherein the front panel is removable.
5. The barrier and electronic sign enclosure combination of claim 3,
wherein the rail is tubular.
6. The barrier and electronic sign enclosure combination of claim 3,
wherein the rail is U-shaped.
7. The barrier and electronic sign enclosure combination of claim 6,
wherein the ends of the U-shaped rail are threaded.
8. The barrier and electronic sign enclosure combination of claim 7,
further including nuts engaging the threaded ends of the U-shaped rail and
thereby fastening the U-shaped rail to the top panel of the enclosure.
9. The barrier and electronic sign enclosure combination of claim 3,
wherein the enclosure further includes a rear panel.
10. The barrier and electronic sign enclosure combination of claim 9,
wherein the rear panel has an access cutout.
11. The barrier and electronic sign enclosure combination of claim 10,
wherein the access cutout is covered by an access panel.
12. The barrier and electronic sign enclosure combination of claim 11,
wherein the access panel is removable.
13. The barrier and electronic sign enclosure combination of claim 10,
wherein the access cutout offers access to the electronic components
housed in the enclosure.
14. The barrier and electronic sign enclosure combination of claim 9,
further comprising upper brackets on the rear panel for secure attachment
to an upper surface of the seating deck structure.
15. The barrier and electronic sign enclosure combination of claim 9,
further comprising lower brackets on the rear panel for secure attachment
to a lower surface of the seating deck structure.
16. The barrier and electronic sign enclosure combination of claim 9,
further comprising upper brackets and lower brackets on the rear panel for
secure attachment to upper and lower surfaces, respectively, of the
seating deck structure.
17. The barrier and electronic sign enclosure combination of claim 3,
wherein the enclosure further includes opposing end panels.
18. The barrier and electronic sign enclosure combination of claim 3,
wherein the enclosure further includes a bottom panel.
19. The barrier and electronic sign enclosure combination of claim 3,
wherein the top panel includes channel stock.
20. In combination:
a. a seating deck structure having an upper surface, a lower surface, and a
leading edge, the upper surface having a plurality of upper mounting
plates secured thereto along said leading edge and the lower surface
having a plurality of lower mounting plates secured thereto along said
leading edge;
b. an electronic sign enclosure including a front panel adapted for
mounting an electronic display, a rear panel, and a top panel, said rear
panel having a plurality of upper mounting brackets and a plurality of
lower mounting brackets;
c. a rail for preventing accidental falls of people from the seating deck
structure, the rail being mounted to the electronic sign enclosure; and,
d. said upper and lower mounting brackets on said rear panel of said
electronic sign enclosure being respectively attached to said upper and
lower mounting plates on the upper and lower surfaces of said seating deck
structure along said leading edge of said seating deck structure with a
line of sight being provided from the seating deck structure over the top
panel of the electronic sign enclosure and under the rail.
21. The combination of claim 20, wherein the seating deck structure is
concrete and the pluralities of upper and lower mounting plates are cast
into the upper and lower surfaces, respectively.
22. The combination of claim 20, wherein the upper mounting brackets are
welded to the upper mounting plates and the lower mounting brackets are
welded to the lower mounting plates.
23. The combination of claim 20, further comprising an electronic display
mounted on the front panel and directed away from the seating deck
structure and wherein the rear panel has an access cutout, the access
cutout being covered by a removable access panel, the removable access
panel being above the upper mounting brackets and offering access through
the access cutout to electronic components of the electronic display which
are housed in the electronic sign enclosure without separating the
electronic sign enclosure from the seating deck structure.
Description
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
None.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an electronic sign enclosure and, more
particularly, to an electronic sign enclosure having a rail, the
combination of which serves as a short wall or barrier at the edge of a
balcony and as an electronic sign mounting structure.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Prior art electronic sign displays and enclosures have been provided and
used often to display information in stadiums, arenas, large halls, and
the like. Often electronic sign displays have been mounted at the edge of
pre-existing ring or balcony structures above the first floor level at a
position and level highly viewable to participants. Such mounting
presented access problems, as the structure to which the electronic sign
enclosure was secured formed an obstruction between service personnel on
the balcony deck and the electronic sign enclosure. Servicing of the
electronic sign in the enclosure often required that the entire enclosure
be removed for servicing to gain access to the enclosed electronic
components. Often, servicing of the electronic sign displays in the
enclosures required the use of access devices such as ladders, cherry
pickers, elevating devices or other elaborate and expensive devices due to
the elevated position of the electronic sign display on the ring
structure. Clearly what is needed is an electronic sign display enclosure
which can also be used as a short wall or barrier at a balcony or ledge,
which does not require expensive, cumbersome or dangerous methods for
access, and which also minimizes, the time spent replacing or servicing
the electronic sign display.
SUMMARY OP THE INVENTION
The general purpose of the present invention is an electronic sign
enclosure having a rail which can replace or be utilized in lieu of
traditional seating barrier structures. The electronic sign enclosure
having a rail can be secured to the edge of a seating deck or balcony and
acts as a barrier. The electronic sign enclosure having a rail located
along and about an upper surface includes a series of upper and lower
brackets located along the rearwardly facing enclosure surface each of
which secures to metal mounting plates on the upper and lower surfaces at
the edge of the seating deck. The electronic sign enclosure having a rail
is of sufficient height to prevent people from accidentally falling over
the edge of the seating deck. While serving as a safety barrier, the
electronic sign enclosure can be accessed by maintenance personnel without
the interference or hinderance of traditional seating deck barrier
structure. The sight line across the sign is enhanced as the sign also
acts as a vertical element with a rail.
According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an
electronic sign enclosure having a rail. Access to the sign is through a
rear panel.
One significant aspect and feature of the present invention is an lectronic
sign enclosure having a rail which secures to the edge of a seating deck.
Another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is an
electronic sign enclosure having a rail.
still another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is an
electronic sign enclosure having a rail which is used instead of a
traditional barrier.
Yet another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is an
electronic sign enclosure having a rail which can be accessed from the
rear.
Having thus described embodiments and significant aspects and features of
the present invention, it is the principal object of the present invention
to provide an electronic sign enclosure having a rail.
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 illustrates an isometric rear view of an electronic sign enclosure
having a rail, the present invention;
FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded isometric rear view of the electronic sign
enclosure having a rail;
FIG. 3 illustrates an end view, in cross section, showing the electronic
sign enclosure having a rail mounted to a concrete seating deck; and,
FIG. 4, an alternative embodiment, illustrates an electronic sign enclosure
with steel structure and a rail which are mounted by other means to a
concrete seating deck.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric rear view of an electronic sign enclosure
having a rail 10, the present invention. The electronic sign enclosure
having a rail 10 comprises an enclosure 12 and a rail 26. The enclosure 12
includes a top panel 14, opposing end panels 16 and 18, a bottom panel 20,
a rear panel 21, a removable access panel 22 secured over and about and to
the rear panel 21, and a removable front panel 24. The rail 26 secures to
the top panel 14 of the enclosure 12. Preferably, the top panel 14, the
opposing end panels 16 and 18, and the bottom panel 20 are of channel
stock and may be positionally inverted or reversed, as shown in an
alternate embodiment. Suitably spaced and opposing pluralities of upper
brackets 28a-28n and lower brackets 30a-30n suitably secure, such as by
nut and bolt assemblies 32a-32n and 34a-34n, to the lower region of the
rear panel 21.
FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded isometric rear view of the electronic sign
enclosure having a rail 10 generally extending to the end of the
enclosure. In this view, an access cutout 36, which is normally covered by
the access panel 22, is revealed. Access cutout 36 offers access to
electronic components which can be housed in the enclosure 12. The front
panel 24 is used for the mounting of desired electronic display (72) which
can be viewed from the front of the invention. Holes 40 and 42 are
included in the top panel 14 for mounting of the threaded ends 44 and 46
of the rail 26. The rail 26 is shown as tubular (see FIG. 3) and mounting
threads are shown for purposes of example and illustration, but each can
be of other suitable configuration to provide a rail which is mountable to
the enclosure 12.
FIG. 3 illustrates an end view, in cross section, of the electronic sign
enclosure having a rail 10 mounted to a concrete seating deck 48. A
plurality of upper and lower mounting plates 50a-50n and 52a-52n,
respectively, are cast or otherwise secured to the upper and lower
surfaces 48a and 48b, respectively, of the concrete seating deck 48. The
pluralities of upper brackets 28a-28n and lower brackets 30a-30n, which
are removable from the enclosure 12, are secured, such as by welding, to
the upper and lower mounting plates 50a-50n and 52a-52n, respectively, to
firmly secure the electronic enclosure having a rail 10 to the upper and
lower surfaces 48a and 48b, respectively, of the concrete seating deck 48.
The rear panel 21 of the electronic enclosure having a rail 10 firmly
abuts the vertical edge of the concrete seating deck 48 to provide for
additional stability. A plurality of nuts 54a-54n engage the threaded ends
of the rail 26 to fasten the rail 26 to the enclosure 12. Such an
installation provides for a personnel barrier and rail. Additionally, a
sight line 53 is maintained between the rail 26 and the top panel 14.
FIG. 4, an alternative embodiment, illustrates an electronic sign enclosure
12 with steel structure 56 and a rail 58 which are mounted by other means
to a concrete seating deck 48. This alternative embodiment is
substantially the same as the electronic sign enclosure having a rail 10,
but in this alternative embodiment the rail 58 is displaced from the
enclosure 12 and included on the steel structure 56, and the enclosure 12
has an angled top panel 68. A plurality of removable upper brackets
60a-60n and a plurality of removable lower brackets 62a-62n replace the
upper brackets 28a-28n and lower brackets 30a-30n, shown in FIG. 1, and
are welded to the steel structure 56 and are incorporated to secure the
enclosure 12 to the steel structure 56 using a plurality of nut and bolt
assemblies 64a-64n and 66a-66n. It is to be noted that the top panel 14
and the bottom panel 20 are inverted. The angled top panel 68 bridges the
region between the upper areas of the front panel 24 and the rear panel
21. An anti-vandal panel 70 can also be attached to the steel structure
56.
Various modifications can be made to the present invention without
departing from the apparent scope hereof.
*
