United States Patent [19]
`Miller
`
`111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111
`US005160195A
`[11] Patent Number:
`[45] Date of Patent:
`
`5,160,195
`Nov. 3, 1992
`
`[54] DISPLAY PANEL BACKLIGHTING SYSTEM
`
`Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Lahive & Cockfield
`
`Inventor: Eric A. Miller, Allston, Mass.
`[75]
`[73] Assignee: TigerMark, Allston, Mass.
`[21] Appl. No.: 828,741
`Jan.31, 1992
`[22] Filed:
`Int. CI.s ................................................ F21V 7/00
`[51]
`[52] u.s. Cl. ···································· 362/300; 362/223;
`362/297; 362/427
`[58] Field of Search ............... 362/222, 223, 300, 297,
`362/427
`
`[56]
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`4,335,421 6/1982 Modia eta!. ........................ 362/223
`4,404,619 7/1983 Ferguson ............................ 362/223
`Primary Examiner-Carroll B. Dority
`
`ABSTRACT
`[57]
`A display panel system includes a peripheral frame
`surrounding a translucent panel and an apparatus for
`backlighting the translucent panel. The backlighting
`apparatus includes a support arm hingedly connected to
`a light source. The support arm includes a gripping
`member, for securing the support arm to the peripheral
`frame for positioning the light source to radiate light
`through the translucent panel. In some embodiments,
`the backlighting apparatus further includes a reflector
`for reflecting stray light toward the translucent panel.
`The support arm is foldable against the light source to
`facilitate packing and shipping of the backlighting appa(cid:173)
`ratus.
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`13 Claims, 3 Drawing Sheets
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`U.S. Patent
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`Nov. 3, 1992
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`Sheet 1 of 3
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`5,160,195
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`U.S. Patent
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`Nov. 3, .1992
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`Sheet 2 of 3
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`5,160,195
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`U.S. Patent
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`Nov. 3, 1992
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`Sheet 3 of 3
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`5,160,195
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`FIG.5
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`1
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`5,160,195
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`DISPLAY PANEL BACKLIGHTING SYSTEM
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`The invention relates generally to the field of display 5
`panel systems. In particular, the invention concerns an
`apparatus for backlighting such a system.
`Display panel systems, such as foldable display panel
`systems, serve an important marketing function at trade
`shows, retail installations, and other commercial ven- 10
`ues. It has been estimated that at a trade show, a graphic
`display has less than five seconds to attract the attention
`of a potential customer. In this short time period, a
`message or image must be projected to make the cus(cid:173)
`tomer want to acquire more information about the dis- 15
`played product or service.
`Studies have shown that backlighted images are up to
`three times more likely to be noticed than are reflec(cid:173)
`tively lighted images. Indeed, various retailers have
`documented five to six times higher sales with the use of 20
`backlighted displays.
`Backlighting systems currently available for use with
`display panel systems are heavy and bulky. Conse(cid:173)
`quently, they consume large volumes of shipping space.
`This is critical in the case of travelling exhibitions 25
`which must constantly be set up, broken down, shipped
`to a new location, and set up again.
`For example, one known system for backlighting a
`display panel includes a light box constructed of a plas-
`tic shell with a fluorescent light fixture attached to it. 30
`The shell is approximately four inches deep. When the
`fixture is completely assembled, it weighs approxi(cid:173)
`mately thirteen pounds.
`Standard shipping cases for display panel systems are
`twelve inches by twenty-eight inches by forty inches. 35
`Known light boxes are packed back to back or opening
`to opening so that three light boxes require a twelve
`inch deep space. Accordingly, only three light boxes at
`a time can be shipped in standard shipping cases.
`Another problem with known backlighting systems is 40
`"hot spots." Hot spots are bright spots which develop
`on backlighted graphic display panels because the back(cid:173)
`lighting source is positioned too closely to the back of
`the panel. When viewed from the front, these hot spots
`can distract a viewer from the image the display is de- 45
`signed to convey.
`An object of the invention, therefore, is to provide a
`backlighting system for a display panel system which is
`easy to assemble and install. Another object of the in(cid:173)
`vention is to Provide such a system that occupies Jess 50
`shipping space than known systems. Still another object
`is to provide such a system that eliminates the problems
`of hot spots such as are associated with known back(cid:173)
`lighting systems. Yet another object is to provide a
`backlighting system that has a very fmished look from 55
`the back of a display panel system.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`These and other objects are achieved by the present
`invention which in one aspect features an improvement 60
`in a display panel system. The d_isplay panel system
`includes a peripheral frame which surrounds a translu(cid:173)
`cent display panel. The improvement comprises a back(cid:173)
`lightmg system including a light source and a support
`arm which is hingedly .connected to the light source. 65
`The support arm includes securing means for securing
`the support arm to the peripheral frame. When the
`support arm is secured to the peripheral frame, the light
`
`2
`source is disposed at a distance from the back surface of
`the translucent panel for radiating light through the
`panel to evenly illuminate the front surface of the panel.
`It is a significant feature of the invention that the
`support arm is hingedly connected to the light source.
`Accordingly, the support arm can be folded against the
`light source to provide a very compact structure for
`packing the system for storage or shipping.
`A generally preferred, but optional feature of the
`inventive backlighting system is a reflector for reflect(cid:173)
`ing light from the light source toward the translucent
`panel. This feature of the invention further serves to
`eliminate hot spots as viewed from the front of the
`panel. It also encloses light radiated by the light source
`and thereby provides the rear of the display panel sys(cid:173)
`tem with a fmished look.
`A suitable reflector comprises at least two planar
`reflective elements hingedly connected to one another
`and connecting means for connecting to the peripheral
`frame. The reflective elements can be opened, in a tent(cid:173)
`like configuration, and positioned on the rear of the
`display panel system. When not in use, the reflective
`elements can be folded together whereby they provide
`an extremely narrow profile for ease of packing and
`shipping.
`In a particularly advantageous embodiment of this
`aspect of the invention, the reflector further includes
`two foldable end members attached to the planar reflec(cid:173)
`tive elements. The end members, typically trapezoid(cid:173)
`shaped, prevent the reflective elements from opening
`too widely, and further enclose stray light to provide
`the back of the display panel system with an even more
`finished appearance.
`These and other features of the invention will be
`more fully appreciated by reference to the following
`detailed description which is to be read in conjunction
`with the attached drawing.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a panel display system
`utilizing a backlighting apparatus constructed in accor(cid:173)
`dance with the teaching of the present invention.
`FIGS. 2A and 2B are side views of a light strip and
`support arm suitable for use with the backlighting sys(cid:173)
`tem shown in FIG. 1.
`FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a reflector suitable for
`use with the backlighting system shown in FIG. 1.
`FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another graphic panel
`display system utilizing a backlighting apparatus of the
`invention.
`FIG. 5 is a plan view of a support arm suitable for use
`with the backlighting system shown in FIG. 4.
`FIGS. 6A and 6B are partial cross-section views of
`two arrangements of the support arm shown in FIG. 1.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`As stated above, in one aspect the invention features
`an improvement in a display panel system .which in(cid:173)
`cludes a peripheral frame surrounding a translucent
`panel. The improvement features a backlighting appara(cid:173)
`tus for illuminating the front surface of the display panel
`from the rear.
`FIG. 1 shows a typical display panel system 10 in(cid:173)
`cluding a peripheral frame 12 and a translucent panel
`14. In accordance with the teachings of the invention,
`the display system 10 further includes the improvement
`of a backlighting apparatus 20.
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`5,160,195
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`As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the illustrated back(cid:173)
`lighting apparatus 20 includes a light strip 22 to which
`two light sources 24 are connected. While the illus(cid:173)
`trated light strip 22 includes two light sources 24, it
`should be understood that various numbers of light S
`sources can be used depending on the desired effect.
`Moreover, various types of light sources such as incan(cid:173)
`descent, fluorescent, tungsten/halogen, and other gen(cid:173)
`erally known light sources can be used as well.
`A support arm 26 is hingedly connected as at 27 to 10
`the light strip 22. A gripping member 28 is connected to
`the support arm 26 at an end distal to the hinged con(cid:173)
`nection 27. As discussed below in greater detail, the
`gripping member 28 is suited for gripping both top
`peripheral frame member 12A individually, as well as 15
`two peripheral frame members arranged back to back
`such as when two display panels are stacked one on top
`of the other.
`While in the illustrated embodiment the support arm
`26 includes two hingedly connected support members 20
`26A and 26B, it should be understood that the support
`arm 26 can also comprise a single rigid element. Addi(cid:173)
`tionally, while the illustrated support arm 26 is con(cid:173)
`nected to the back of the light strip 22 via hinged con(cid:173)
`nection 27, it is equally suitable to connect the support 25
`arm 26 to the top or side of the light strip 22. These
`variations will be readily recognized by those skilled in
`the art of mechanical linkages.
`A significant feature of the invention is that by way of
`hinged connection 27, the support arm 26 can be piv- 30
`oted with respect to light strip 22. As shown in FIG.
`2A, support arm 26 can be arranged for connecting to a
`peripheral frame and disposing the light strip 22 behind
`a translucent panel14. Additionally, as shown in FIG.
`2B, support arm 26 can be folded against the back of 35
`light strip 22. When in the FIG. 2B configuration, the
`support arm 26 and light strip 22 provide a very com(cid:173)
`pact structure that can be packed many to a box and
`easily shipped.
`As shown in FIG. 1, generally, and in FIG. 3 particu- 40
`larly, a preferred but optional feature of the backlight(cid:173)
`ing apparatus of the invention is a reflector 30. The
`reflector 30 includes two planar reflective elements 30A
`and 30B. The reflective elements 30A and 30B are con(cid:173)
`nected to one another along a hinged edge 32. Accord- 45
`ingly, the reflector 30 can be opened in a tent-like con(cid:173)
`figuration as shown in the Figures, or folded together to
`facilitate packing and shipping.
`The planar reflector elements 30A and 30B have
`highly reflective surfaces 34 for reflecting light gener- SO
`ated by the light source 24 toward the translucent panel
`14. Various reflective finishes such as metallized, bright
`white, or other finishes are suitable for this purpose. In
`embodiments of the invention including the reflector
`30, therefore, the disposition of the light source 24 a 55
`distance from the translucent panel 14 operates in com(cid:173)
`bination with the reflector 30 to greatly diminish the
`above discussed problems associated with hot spots
`such as are experienced in conjunction with known
`backlighting system. The reflector 30 can be attached to 60
`the peripheral frame by various known mechanisms
`such as by snaps, pins, or a VELCRO TM type hook
`and loop fastening system.
`In some embodiments, the reflector further includes
`foldable end members 36A and 36B. The end members 65
`36A and 36B prevent the planar reflective members
`30A and 30B from being opened too far, and enclose
`stray light radiated by the light source to provide the
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`4
`rear of the display panel system with a generally more
`finished look. Additionally, the end members 36A and
`36B enhance the reflector's reflective ability thereby
`further serving to eliminate problems associated with
`hot spots. The end members 36A and 36B are foldable
`along axis F to enable the planar elements 30A and 30B
`to be folded together for ease of packing and shipping.
`Another significant feature of the invention is the
`gripping member's ability to secure the support arm 26
`to both the upper peripheral frame member 12A indi(cid:173)
`vidually, as well as to two peripheral frame members
`arranged back to back such as when, as shown in FIG.
`4, two display panels are stacked one on top of the
`other. In such systems, the gripping member 28 enables
`the light strip 22 to be positioned for backlighting either
`of panels 14A or 14B. Also, multiple backlighting appa(cid:173)
`ratus can be used for backlighting both panels 14A and
`14B.
`As shown more clearly in FIG. 5, the gripping mem(cid:173)
`ber 28 includes an upper bracket 28A and a lower
`bracket 28B. The brackets 28A and 28B are connected
`to the support arm 26 in a manner generally known in
`the art. When secured to the upper frame member 12A
`(FIG. 6A), the upper bracket 28A hooks onto an upper
`flange llA. The lower bracket 28B supports the arm 26
`against brace 13A forming part of the upper peripheral
`frame member 12A. When secured to two peripheral
`frame members 12B and 12A as shown in FIG. 6B,
`however, the upper bracket 28A hooks against a flange
`15B of lower frame member 12B. In this configuration,
`the lower bracket 28B supports the arm 26 against brace
`13A of peripheral frame member 12A which forms part
`of the peripheral frame border around translucent panel
`14B.
`It can be seen, therefore, that the invention provides
`a versatile, convenient apparatus for backlighting trans(cid:173)
`lucent panels in a panel display system. Moreover, the
`inventive backlighting apparatus is collapsible so that
`when not in use, it presents a very compact structure to
`facilitate packing and shipping.
`While various embodiments of the invention have
`been described in detail, various alterations to those
`embodiments, which will be apparent to those skilled in
`the art, are intended to be embraced within the spirit
`and scope of the invention. The invention is to be de(cid:173)
`fined therefore, not by the preceding detailed descrip(cid:173)
`tion but by the claims that follow.
`What is claimed is:
`1. In a display system including a peripheral frame
`surrounding a translucent panel having front and back
`surfaces, the improvement comprising an apparatus for
`lighting the panel from the back surface comprising,
`a light source,
`a support arm hingedly connected to the light source,
`and including securing means for releasably secur(cid:173)
`ing the support arm to the peripheral frame,
`the support arm being arranged in relation to the· light
`source so that the light source is disposed at a dis(cid:173)
`tance from the back surface of the panel-for radiat(cid:173)
`ing light through the panel to evenly illuminate the
`front surface when the support arm is secured to
`the peripheral frame, and
`the support arm being foldable against the light
`source to provide a compact structure for storage
`and transportation when the backlighting appara(cid:173)
`tus is not in use.
`2. Display panel system as set forth in claim 1 wherein
`the improvement further comprises a reflector, includ-
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`5,160,195
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`ing connecting means for connecting to the peripheral
`frame, arranged for reflecting light radiated by the light
`source toward the panel when connected to the periph(cid:173)
`eral frame.
`3. Display panel system as set forth in claim 2 wherein 5
`the reflector comprises two planar reflective elements
`hingedly connected to one another along a first edge.
`4. Display panel system as set forth in claim 3 wherein
`the reflector further comprises a foldable end member
`attached to an edge of each planar reflective element 10
`which is adjacent to the first edge.
`5. Display panel system as set forth in claim 4 wherein
`the reflector further comprises a second foldable end
`member attached to another edge of each planar reflec(cid:173)
`tive element which is adjacent to the first edge.
`6. Display panel system as set forth in claim 1 further
`comprising a second peripheral frame, and wherein the
`securing means is shaped for securing the support arm
`to the first peripheral frame individually of collectively
`to said first and second peripheral frames.
`7. Display panel system comprising
`a translucent panel having front and back surfaces,
`a peripheral frame surrounding the translucent panel,
`and
`an apparatus for lighting the panel from the back 25
`surface comprising,
`a light source,
`a support arm hingedly connected to the light
`source, and including securing means for releas(cid:173)
`ably securing the support arm to the peripheral 30
`frame
`the support arm being arranged in relation to the
`light source so that the light source is disposed at
`a distance from the back surface of the panel for
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`6
`radiating light through the Panel to evenly illu(cid:173)
`minate the front surface when the support arm is
`secured to the peripheral frame, and
`the support arm being foldable against the light
`source to provide a compact structure for stor(cid:173)
`age and transportation when the backlighting
`apparatus is not in use.
`8. Display panel system as set forth in claim 7 further
`comprising a reflector, including connecting means for
`connecting to the peripheral frame, arranged for reflect(cid:173)
`ing light radiated by the light source toward the panel
`when connected to the peripheral frame.
`9. Display panel system as set forth in claim 8 wherein
`the reflector comprises two, planar reflective elements
`15 hingedly connected to one another along a first edge.
`10. Display panel system as set forth in claim 9
`wherein the reflector further comprises a foldable end
`member attached to an edge of each planar reflective
`20 element which is adjacent to the first edge.
`11. Display panel system as set forth in claim 10
`wherein the reflector further comprises a second fold(cid:173)
`able end member attached to another edge of each pla(cid:173)
`nar reflective element which is adjacent to the first
`edge.
`12. Display panel system as set forth in claim 7 further
`comprising a second peripheral frame, and wherein the
`securing means is shaped for securing the support arm
`to the first peripheral frame individually or collectively
`to the first and second peripheral frames.
`13. Display panel system as set forth in claim 12
`wherein the first frame is stacked above the second
`panel.
`• • • • •
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