WO2014065780A1

WO2014065780A1 - Mobile media display system

Info

Publication number: WO2014065780A1
Application number: PCT/US2012/061427
Authority: WO
Inventors: Daniel BRUNELL; Mark Kuskovsky; Gao CEN
Original assignee: STREET MEDIA PARTNERS Inc
Current assignee: STREET MEDIA PARTNERS Inc
Priority date: 2012-10-23
Filing date: 2012-10-23
Publication date: 2014-05-01
Anticipated expiration: 2015-04-23

Abstract

In mobile display system according to one aspect of the invention, an apparatus comprises a wheel adapter. The wheel adapter has a plurality of apertures and a plurality of lugs. A hub driver is mounted to the wheel adapter. The hub driver can include a bearing assembly and a generator (also known as a brushless alternator and hereinafter referred to as a generator or generator assembly). A housing includes a control module and at least one weight mounted to the housing. The housing can be removably connected to the hub driver. A light source is connected to the housing and the control module. A display media can be mounted to the housing, wherein the apparatus is capable of mounting to a vehicle.

Description

MOBILE MEDIA DISPLAY SYSTEM

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This application is intended as an international application pursuant to PCT Article 11(1) (iii) (a), International Application for filing in the U.S. receiving office. The invention described herein comprises mobile devices and methods for display of illuminated or non- illuminated media on mobile or stationary vehicles. The technical field includes both mechanical and electrical arts as the invention disclosed herein is primarily electro^¬ mechanical in nature.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] The present invention relates to media display devices and systems including vehicle mounted display devices and methods of using such devices for advertising or displaying both commercial and non-commercial media such as, for example, patterns, colors, messages, logos, trademarks, words, including all forms of commercial and non-commercial speech .

[0003] Many companies spend millions of dollars to advertise their products. In today's competitive market, advertising space comes at a premium. For example, last year it was estimated some advertisers paid more than $2 million for a 30 second commercial during the Superbowl . In recent years, advertising space has become a valuable asset to many companies. For example, in Major League Baseball, many surfaces include walls and scoreboards in a ball park are used to advertise. Likewise, the National Hockey League has sponsors who display their logos and trademarks underneath the ice hockey playing surface for maximum exposure.

[0004] Many people view advertising through television commercials, movie trailers, or even strategic product placement within a full feature movie. Beginning in the early days of advertising, billboards were placed one the roadside or in other strategic positions to maximum public exposure.

[0005] Mobile billboards are typically vehicle mounted billboards. These can be located on dedicated vehicles built solely for carrying advertisements. They can also be specially equipped trucks or, in some cases, large banners trailed behind planes. Billboards can be lighted; some being backlit, and others employing spotlights. Some billboard displays are static, while others change; for example, continuously or periodically rotating among a set of advertisements .

[0006] Mobile displays are used for various situations in metropolitan areas throughout the world, including: targeted advertising, one-day, and long-term campaigns, conventions, sporting events, store openings and other promotional events. Recently, advertising has been incorporated on to moving vehicles, such as bicycles, cars, taxis, busses, boats, planes, and even space vehicles. Some companies have proposed placing messages or corporate logos on the side of booster rockets and on the International Space Station.

[0007] Typically, taxis, buses and other vehicles display advertising on a stationary placard, for example on the side of a bus, or on the roof of a taxi. Therefore a need exists to expand the areas where both commercial and non-commercial messages and media can be displayed to the public to promote all forms of commercial and non-commercial speech.

[0008] Known media display devices have severe limitations. One such limitation is the need to maintain a display media in a stationary position within a wheel or hub. Another such limitation is the inability for a user to quickly change advertising media in order to minimize vehicle downtime and maximize media exposure.

[0009] Furthermore, some non-rotating wheel cover assemblies are known. One such novel device is disclosed in U.S. Patent Application 13/244,315. Another such device is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 7,354,182, which requires friction fitting within the diameter of a vehicle rim.

[0010] The present invention provides mobile media display systems that solve difficult problems in a novel manner by using improved mechanisms and methods for attachment to a vehicle, such as an automobile, a truck, or a bus and for display of media, including lighted display media when a vehicle is in a stationary or in a mobile condition.

[0011] Mobile media display devices including multifunctional devices that can sense motion or ambient lighting conditions to determine when illumination is required and methods for quickly installing or removing mobile media display devices and components thereof are disclosed herein.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0012] In mobile display system according to one aspect of the invention, an apparatus comprises a wheel adapter. The wheel adapter has a plurality of apertures and a plurality of lugs. A hub driver is mounted to the wheel adapter. The hub driver can include a bearing assembly and a generator (also known as a brushless alternator and hereinafter referred to as a generator or generator assembly) . A housing includes a control module and at least one weight mounted to the housing. The housing can be removably connected to the hub driver. A light source is connected to the housing and the control module. A display media can be mounted to the housing, wherein the apparatus is capable of mounting to a vehicle and illuminating the display media in non-rotating condition when the vehicle is in motion.

[0013] In certain embodiments, the apparatus can include a plurality of threaded connectors for connecting the wheel adapter to a wheel. The lugs can protrude through slots or holes in an adapter. The adapter can be configured to fit a one or more standard lug patterns commonly used in the automobile industry. In this way, a variety of wheels can be utilized.

[0014] In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a light guide. The light guide can be connected to the housing. The light guide can be used to distribute the light such that a uniform bright appearance is maintained for illumination of media .

[0015] In other embodiments of the present invention, the apparatus includes a lens.

[0016] In certain other embodiments, the apparatus further includes one or more quick release mechanisms.

[0017] In one embodiment, the one or more quick release mechanisms each include at least one locking anvil.

[0018] In certain embodiments of the present invention, the quick release mechanism comprises two locking anvils.

[0019] In some embodiments, the apparatus includes two quick release mechanisms.

[0020] In other embodiments, the two quick release mechanisms are located about 180 degrees apart.

[0021] In some embodiments of the present invention, the light source comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) .

[0022] In certain embodiments, the light source comprises

48 LEDs.

[0023] In some embodiments, a non-LED light source can be used .

[0024] In other embodiments, the apparatus can include at least one motion sensor.

[0025] In certain embodiments, the device can include a light sensor.

[0026] In some embodiments, the device can include a light sensor and a motion sensor.

[0027] In some embodiments of the invention, the apparatus includes a battery.

[0028] In other embodiments, the battery is charged by the generator .

[0029] In certain other embodiments, the battery is connected to the control module and can be recharged by the generator .

[0030] In some embodiments, the light source comprises a circumferential ring of light emitting diodes (LEDs) .

[0031] In other embodiments, the lens has a magnification factor between about 1 and about 10.

[0032] In another aspect of the invention a method of illuminating a display media comprises: installing a wheel adapter on to a vehicle, mounting a hub driver to the wheel adapter, mounting a housing to the hub driver, and illuminating a display media.

[0033] In certain embodiments of this aspect, the method can include installing a plurality of connectors onto a plurality of vehicle lugs and onto a plurality of wheel adapter lugs .

[0034] In other embodiments, the method further includes the steps of: sensing an unlighted ambient condition, transmitting an electrical signal to a microprocessor, and illuminating a light source.

[0035] In certain embodiments, the method further includes the step of illuminating a display media. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0036] FIG. 1 depicts an isometric exploded view of media display system according to one embodiment of the present invention in a position.

[0037] FIG. 2 is an isometric cross-sectional view of some of the elements included in the media display system of FIG. 1.

[0038] FIG. 3 is an isometric view of some of the elements included in the media display system of FIG. 1.

[0039] FIG. 4 is an isometric front view of some of the elements included in the media display system of FIG. 1 showing .

[0040] FIG. 5 is another isometric sectional view of some of the elements included in the media display system of FIG. 1.

[0041] FIG. 6 is an isometric rear perspective view from the mounting side of some of the elements included in the media display system of FIG. 1.

[0042] FIG. 6A is an isometric detail view of an attachment element included in the media display system of FIG. 1.

[0043] FIG. 7 is an isometric side view of some of the elements included in the media display system of FIG. 1.

[0044] FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of some of the elements included in the media display system of FIG. 1.

[0045] FIG. 9 is a schematic side view of some of the elements included in the media display system of FIG. 1.

[0046] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing some of the interactions between components that can be included in the media display system of FIG. 1. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0047] As used herein, the terms vehicle includes any mobile machine that is designed or used to transport

passengers or cargo. Most often vehicles are manufactured, such as bicycles, cars, motorcycles, buses, trains, ships, boats and aircraft. Vehicles that do not travel on land often are called craft, such as watercraft, sailcraft, aircraft, hovercraft and spacecraft and the like. The terms vehicle or craft includes both singular and plural.

[0048] As used herein, the terms taxicab, also taxi or cab, is a type of vehicle for hire with a driver, used by a single passenger or small group of passengers, often for a non-shared ride. A taxicab conveys passengers between locations of their choice. In modes of public transport, the pick-up and drop^¬ off locations are determined by the service provider, not by the passenger, although demand responsive transport and share taxis provide a hybrid bus/taxi mode. The invention as described herein can be used on any vehicle for any purpose included commercial and non-commercial uses. For example, a person may desire to display a personal logo, their name, a favorite team, or random color.

[0049] There are four distinct forms of taxicab, which can be identified by slightly differing terms in different

countries: hackney carriages, also known as public hire, hailed or street taxis, licensed for hailing on the street; private hire vehicles, also known as minicabs or private hire taxis, licensed for pre-booking only; taxibuses, also known as jitneys, operating on pre-set routes typified by multiple stops and multiple independent passengers; and limousines, specialized vehicle licensed for operation by pre-booking. Although types of vehicles and methods of regulation, hiring, dispatching, and negotiating payment differ significantly from country to country, many common characteristics exist. All of the abovementioned vehicles and travel modes are included in the definition of the word cab or taxi as used herein. The terms cab or taxi include both singular and plural.

[0050] As used herein, the term display media or media includes any form of communication intended to send a message to the public or to convey information to the public. The information can be non-commercial, such as someone's last name or a marriage proposal, or commercial, such as a product name, logo, or trademark. Display media can include lighted and unlighted information, stationary, moving, or transformative information. Such information may be communicated using colors, words, images, or sounds including any combination thereof. Any form of commercial or non-commercial speech under the United States Constitution First Amendment

jurisprudence is included in the term media as used herein.

[0051] Advertising or advertizing is defined herein as a form of communication used to encourage or persuade an

audience, for example, viewers, or readers to continue some action or take some new action.

[0052] As shown in FIGS. 1-6, mobile media display system (MMDS) 100 in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention includes trim ring 2, lens 6, display media 10, light guide 14, LED ring 18, gasket 22, housing 26, hub driver 30 and wheel adapter 34.

[0053] The MMDS 100 of this embodiment is herein described as shown in FIG. 1 from the front or outward facing side ( +Z direction) where the media is displayed to the inward facing side (-Z direction) , where the wheel adapter 34 can be attached to the wheel of a vehicle.

[0054] In this embodiment, ring 2 can be snap fitted onto the perimeter of housing 26, thereby creating a seal and an aesthetically pleasing appearance when the system 100 is viewed by a person. The perimeter of the trim ring includes four tabs that fit on corresponding slots on the housing. The trim ring provides a finished look and also protects the lens and media from mishandling. Trim ring 2 can be fabricated from engineering polymer or other structural materials which will be known to persons skilled in the art of manufacturing. Once such preferred polymer composite is glass reinforced polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) . Other preferred materials include glass filled nylon, polycarbonate, or ABS .

[0055] Lens 6, media 10 and light guide 14 are assembled for form a sandwich such that light generated by LED ring 18 passes through light guide 14 thus illuminating display media 10 from the back (-Z) side. Thus, media 10 is visible and through lens 6 and illuminated when the LEDs are energized. The lens can be attached by screws 20, or heat staked to the back housing 26. The assembly comprising trim ring 2, lens 6, and media 10 is easily removable, for example, to replace the display media and display a different media. Lens 6 can be fabricated from a transparent, impact resistant material, such as for example, polycarbonate. Lens 6 can be transparent, or translucent, or provide magnification for the purpose of viewing display media 10.

[0056] Display media 10 can be selected from any type transparent or translucent material including polyester sheet material. One such preferred material is polyethylene terephthalate (PET) commonly known as Mylar™. Display media 10 can be imprinted with any type of message, color, pattern and the like, for example, an advertising logo. Such materials and manufacturing methods are well known in the art of printing.

[0057] Light guide 14 is mounted behind (-Z direction) display media 10. Light guide 14 acts to transmit and diffuse light generated by LED ring 18 which can be mounted, for example by screws 20 or any other known attachment means to the housing 26 with gasket 22. The light guide 14 can be fabricated from a translucent or transparent engineering polymer such as an acrylic material. The light guide can include a transparent or translucent first portion and a reflective white second portion for maximum efficiency. Gasket 22 can be fabricated from an elastomeric material, such as, for example, ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber (EPDM) . Materials and manufacturing methods for fabricating and attaching light guide 14 and gasket 22 are well known in the art of polymer manufacturing.

[0058] LED ring 18 is mounted as discussed above between gasket 22 and light guide 14. In this embodiment, the LED ring is circularly shaped and includes a plurality of 48 light emitting diodes (LEDs) . LEDs of any suitable type can be used. The LEDs can be illuminated as will be discussed below. A wide variety of LED geometries and lighting configurations are contemplated to be within the scope of the present invention. In some embodiments, a back substrate LED can include an aluminum or fiber reinforced plastic substrate. Other configurations are also contemplated wherein one or more LEDs are attached to the edges of the light guide. The LED luminescence can be between about 50 and about 400 LM at 25 °C. In a preferred embodiment, the LEDs have a typical luminescence of about 192 LM and a minimum of about 168 LM at 25 °C with an input current of about 720 mA. The nominal LED power can be about 2.7 W.

[0059] Light sensor 40, printed circuit board (PCB) 44, battery 48, weight 52 and generator assembly 56, are mounted to housing 26. The abovementioned components can be mounted with screws, adhesive, or any suitable means of mounting components on a housing or base material.

[0060] Housing 26 includes central aperture 58. Bearing 60 can be secured to the housing by press fitting the bearing in the central aperture. Hub drive 30 is mounted to housing 26 with bearing 60 such that hub driver 30, and wheel adapter 34 which may be attached to a wheel, can rotate while housing 26 and the other components attached to the housing remain stationary. The housing can be molded or fabricated from any suitable structural material, such as an engineering polymer or an aluminum alloy.

[0061] In this particular non-limiting embodiment, the hub driver 30 is mounted co-linear with bearing 60. Hub driver 30 includes circumferentially arranged apertures 68. Quick release mechanism 72 is positioned at two positions about 180 degrees apart on the body of the housing to allow the wheel adapter to locked position or release from the hub driver in a separated position. In this way, the adapter can be attached to a wheel as described below and the remaining components can be locked into an operating position or unlocked for access to the wheel adapter.

[0062] As shown in Fig. 3, quick release mechanism 72 includes tabs 76, anvils 80 and springs 84. Anvils 80 are locked in place by springs 84. The quick release mechanism is used to release the wheel adapter 34 from the hub driver 30 which remains with the remaining components. When the quick release mechanism is engaged, the locking tabs are spring loaded to create a locking force in the radial direction of the assembly. By depressing the tabs, which are spring mounted on the housing, and creating an inward radial force, opposite the locking direction, the anvils, which are located on the hub driver, depress the springs on the hub driver thus allowing separation of the hub driver from the wheel adapter. In this way, the wheel adapter can be mounted to a vehicle wheel with universal lugs as discussed below, and the device can be removeably mounted or dismounted. The wheel adapter and hub driver are connected by an interdigitating male and female arrangement, similar to interlocking gears, so that rotational force can be easily transferred from the wheel adapter to the hub driver. The same interdigitating male and female arrangement is used to transfer force between the +Z face of the hub driver and the -Z face of the generator assembly. Rotation of the generator driver 57 and provides the unit with a source of electrical power.

[0063] The wheel adapter includes apertures 88 for mounting the adapter to a wheel. In this embodiment, apertures 88 are arranged circumferentially to accommodate a wide variety of wheel configurations. The apertures 88 are configured as slotted and taper holes, that is, the apertures are lozenge shaped extending in a radial direction so as to be useful to mount the wheel adapter to wheels having different numbers of lugs at different positions. Further, the taper of the adapter in the area of the apertures 88, allows for a screw head to capture the adapter to form a mechanically sound and reliable attachment. In this way, the mobile media display system (MMDS) 100 can be mounted to a wide variety of wheels, tires, or vehicles. In this embodiment, the adapter includes 8 mounting apertures. The apertures are positioned at about 0, 36, 90, 108, 180, 252, 270, and 324 (degrees radially around circumference) . In this way, a 4 lug pattern (0, 90, 180, 270 degrees) and a 5 lug pattern, (36, 108, 180, 252, 320 degrees) can be accommodated. Further, an adapter for a 6 hole pattern, that is, 0, 60, 120, 180, 240, and 300 degrees can be utilized.

[0064] FIG. 2 depicts some of the elements of the non- limiting embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG 1. The hub driver 30 includes the generator driver 57 for providing rotational force to the generator assembly 56 which includes rotating generator driver 57 and stationary generator plate 59. The generator assembly provides electrical power to the LEDs, the battery, or both. Rotation of the generator driver 57 causes the generator assembly to generate power for illumination of the light source and for providing electrical power to the device 100. Further, bearing 60 allows the generator plate 59 to remain stationary while the wheel adapter 34 and hub driver 30 rotate with the rim or wheel (not shown) on which the apparatus 100 is mounted. The generator characteristics include:

[0065] a. maximum output power of about 72W

[0066] b. maximum output under full load of about 3. OAmp DC

[0067] c. voltage regulator set point of about 24V

[0068] d. output Current @ 2000rpm of about 2.08Amp DC

[0069] e. rated rotating speed of 2000 rpm either CW or CCW.

[0070] f. rated phase voltage greater than or equal to about 50 VAC.

[0071] FIG. 3 depicts another view of the MMDD 100 including quick release mechanism 72 for mounting to the housing, hub driver, and other mounted components to the wheel adapter 34 (not shown) . As discussed above, locking tabs 76 and springs 84 cause anvils 80 on the wheel adapter to releasably and lockably engage with locking tabs on the hub drive (not shown) . As shown, the generator is electrically connected to the control board PCB 44 having microprocessor 46 thereon by harness 102.

[0072] FIG. 4 depicts the apparatus 100 from a front perspective view. The light guide 14 is shown as mounted on a vehicle wheel. Circumferential screws are used to attach the guide through screw holes 15 which are also tapped into the housing. One quick release locking tab 76 can also be seen in this view. Further, the light source shown includes a circumferentially mounted LED ring 18 which can be mounted to the perimeter of the back housing.

[0073] Figure 5 depicts some of the components mounted to the housing 26. Here, PCB 44, battery 48, weights 52 and generator assembly 56 are mounted in the configuration shown. The weights 52 counteract rotational forces which tend to cause the housing 26 to rotate around axis Z (FIG. 1) when the device is mounted to a wheel in motion.

[0074] In this way, the back housing and all components mounted facing the light emitting side of the MMDD 100 (in the direction of axis +Z) are relatively stable and do not rotate about the Z axis during vehicle motion, substantially or at all. This non-rotation feature is important so that the illuminated or non-illuminated display media 10 is visibly stable to the intended audience, that is, anyone who can see a vehicle having one or more such devices mounted to one or more wheels on such a vehicle. In some embodiments, it may be desirable to allow controlled rotation, for example, to create a desired visual effect. Stability control may be accomplished by adjustment of the one or more weights. In the preferred embodiment the shape and location of the weight can be critical to ensuring that the media remains stable and readable when the vehicle is in motion. The weight can comprise an angular piece of a metallic material, such as steel, that is less than 180 degrees. Preferably the weight is between about 30 degrees and about 120 degrees. In a preferred embodiment, the weight is a single circular shaped section, preferably between about 90 degrees and about 25 degrees as measured around the circumference.

[0075] FIG. 6 depicts a rear side (-Z) perspective view of one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the device 100 can include quick release mechanisms 72 for mounting the wheel adapter 34 to the hub driver and housing. In this embodiment, the device includes two quick release mechanisms 72 about 180 degrees apart. Other configurations are contemplated wherein there can be more or less quick release mechanisms mounted at different positions. For example, three quick release mechanisms could be mounted about 120 degrees apart. The number and position of quick release mechanisms will be determined by various factors including cost, type of use, size and weight of the apparatus. The selection of an optimum configuration will be known to those of ordinary skill in the art of mechanical design or engineering .

[0076] As shown in FIG. 6, five spaced apart lugs 36 protrude through elongated apertures or slots 88 as discussed above for mounting the device 100 to a vehicle wheel or rim. Any number of lugs and slots may be used to accommodate different rim or wheel configurations. For example, here, there can be twelve apertures and five lugs, wherein the lugs are configured in a typical 5 pointed star mounting pattern where each lug is about 72 degrees apart.

[0077] FIG. 6A depicts one type of connector 110 for attaching the device to one or more vehicle lugs. In this embodiment, the connector includes a first tapped, threaded female portion 114 of a first diameter for connecting to a vehicle lug and a second tapped, threaded female portion 108 of a second diameter for connecting to the lugs or screws 36 through the wheel adapter 34. The lugs attach through the apertures 88 and screw into section 108 while the lugs from a typical automobile (not shown) engage threaded female section 114.

[0078] Various types of connector can be used to attach the apparatus 100 to the lugs of a wheel or rim. In this way, the wheel or tire assembly (tire and rim) is held in place on the vehicle during operation while the apparatus 100 is securely and removably connected to the tire assembly of a vehicle. The invention contemplates a female/female connector such as 110, a male/male connector, a male/female connector or a female/male connector.

[0079] FIG. 7 depicts a perspective side view of one non- limiting embodiment of the present invention. Here, the trim ring 2 covers the perimeter of the device to form a protective seal and an aesthetically pleasing appearance. Trim ring 2 can be snapped on to the housing 26 as discussed above or attached by other conventional means. The hub driver 30 resides between the housing and the wheel adapter 34. Several protruding lugs 36 for attaching the apparatus 100 to a vehicle as discussed above can be seen in this view.

[0080] FIG. 8 shows a front perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1, wherein the trim ring 2 covers the front perimeter of the device 100 thereby exposing the lens 6, though which an illuminated or non-illuminated display media 10 is visible for the purpose of advertising a product, communicating a message, or for other purposes such as pure aesthetics (i.e. some people may simply want to communicate a color, such as blue, or an artistic design to the public) . The display media 10 is herein depicted as the Street Media Partners company logo or trademark. The media is visible to anyone who sees a vehicle on which one or more devices are installed .

[0081] FIG. 9 includes a perspective side view of some of the components of the present invention. As described from the -Z or inboard facing (mounting side) direction to the +Z or outboard facing (display side) direction. The wheel adapter 34 connects to the vehicle as described above. Here, FIG 9 depicts device 100 including the generator assembly and bearing which move as the wheel (not shown) on which the device is attached rotates. The bearing 60 is used to separate the moving from the non-moving parts. As discussed above, the generator driver 57 rotates within the generator assembly 56 which causes electrical current to flow. The stationary generator plate 59 is mounted to the housing 26, for example with screws. The generator is interconnected to the PCB in order to energize the microprocessor 46 and other components that require power, such as the LEDs 18 and sensors 40. As discussed above, the housing 26 and components mounted thereon do not rotate. Quick disconnects 72 are used to detach or attach the hub driver 30 and housing 26 from the wheel adapter 34.

[0082] Generally, a vehicle wheel will rotate the generator driver causing the generator assembly to send an electrical current to the PCB . The PCB can be connected to the battery which can also energize the LEDs and sensors and be recharged by the generator. In a preferred embodiment, the generator output is used for battery charging or to energize the light source. That is, the light source can be energized by the generator or the battery and the battery can be charged by the generator. Alternate electrical configurations are contemplated to be within the scope of the present invention. In a preferred embodiment, the battery can be a Li-ion polymer rechargeable battery. The battery has a typical capacity of about 2250 mAh with a nominal voltage of about 4.2 V.

[0083] FIG. 10 depicts a flow chart for one non-limiting configuration of the present invention. Wheel adapter 34 is connected to a car wheel 31. Hub driver 30 drives generator assembly 56. Here, generator assembly 56 supplies electrical power to control module 41. Control module 41 includes PCB 44 and microprocessor 46. The control module can receive electrical signals from a motion sensor 40A and a light sensor 40. The programming logic within the control module can be used to determine when to illuminate the light source 18. All electrical components are interconnected by suitable electrical connectors which will be known to those skilled in the electrical arts. In a preferred embodiment, the light sensor can have a peak sensitivity of about 850 nm at 25 °C. The bandwidth of the sensor is preferably between about 400 and about 1100 nm for controlling the ambient conditions and determining when to illuminate the LEDs.

[0084] In this embodiment, the battery is connected to the

PCB to accomplish charging or for illuminating the LEDs. The generator also connects to the PCB for providing power to the LED or the battery and a signal for motion detection, the LEDs and the light sensor are also connected to the PCB for illumination and determination of ambient light conditions respectively .

[0085] Further, the device 100 can include a timer circuit wherein the power to the LED' s is shut off after a predetermined time. In a preferred embodiment, the predetermined time is between about 5 minutes and about 60 minutes. In one embodiment, the time is between about 15 and about 20 minutes. The light sensor can be utilized alone or in combination with a motion sensor.

[0086] In one configuration of the invention, a motion sensor circuit can shut off power to the LED' s after a predetermined time. In a preferred embodiment, the predetermined time is between about 5 minutes and about 60 minutes. In one embodiment, the time is between about 40 minutes and about 60 minutes. The motion sensor can be used alone or in combination with a light sensor to energize or de- energize the light source.

[0087] As discussed above, the wheel adapter is connected to the vehicle. The rotation of the adapter and generator driver generates electrical power. In one embodiment, the power output from the generator is connected through the control module 41 to the battery in order to charge the battery. The battery connects to the control module that includes the PCB and the microprocessor which contains programming logic to control the device as desired. The PCB mounted microprocessor 46 is operable under stored program control and includes the software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware or other logic which is necessary to define the function and operation of the control portion and of MMDS 100.

[0088] The control module is physically and operatively coupled to the electrical power sources 44, 56 by a connector and to the sensors by connectors. Standard computer components for storing the central control logic can be utilized. The PCB mounted microprocessor is physically and electrically operatively coupled to control the MMDS 100.

[0089] By way of example and without limitation, a first signal may be effective to cause the microprocessor or control module to source electricity from the battery or from the generator to one or more light sources, thereby selectively and electrically energizing each of the sources and causing light to be generated.

[0090] A second such signal may be effective to cause the microprocessor or controller assembly to interrupt the transmission of electrical energy to the light source, thereby selectively turning off one or more elements of the light source .

[0091] Particularly, upon receipt of electrical energy, the light source is selectively energized and generates light energy which is communicated through the light guide, and emanated through the display media and the lens into the environment in which the selectively movable assembly, such as a vehicle is operatively deployed.

[0092] Alternatively, or in combination, a light sensor 40, or a motion sensor 40A can be used to detect when conditions are sufficiently dark or when the vehicle is not moving such that illumination is required or not required. It will be understood that software or firmware can be designed to accommodate a wide variety of operational parameters, for example, light always on, light on between dusk and dawn, light on only during motion, light off when vehicle is stationary and on during motion and the like. Such variability in operational programming will be well understood by those skilled in the art of programming and microprocessor control . [0093] As discussed above, in some embodiments, the light source can be illuminated when the sensor generates a "low light" signal, much like automatic car lights in the evening. The light source can be turned on or off by either a motion sensor that detects physical motion or a light sensor that detects low light. Preferably, the light source can be turned on or off by a motion sensor that detects an electrical current when the generator shaft rotates. The generator will be energized when the vehicle wheel rotates, thus indicating to the microprocessor that the light source should be turned on when the vehicle is in motion or off when the vehicle is stopped .

[0094] In some embodiments, the wheel adaptor utilizes a connecting feature, such as teeth or gears, to connect the wheel adapter to the hub driver and the hub driver to the generator. The hub driver and generator can have complementary teeth in order to efficiently transfer rotational forces from a wheel to the wheel adapter, to the hub driver and to the generator driver which rotate thereby causing the generator assembly to produce electricity.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0095] The present invention can be used on most vehicles, including cabs, and leased cabs, because the installation process is simple and does not permanently alter the vehicle. There are no modifications to the vehicle, such as drilling the roof, fenders or trunk in order to install an advertising plate. Advertisements can be easily changed. A new display media can quickly be swapped in or out. While the vehicle is in motion, the media display is stable while the generator creates power from the spinning wheels. The advertising image remains substantially static at all times, if desired. If the vehicle is parked or at a red light, the battery can keep the media illuminated. When the cab is sitting for longer periods of time such as at an airport line, the battery can provide power for at least about 6 hours. If the vehicle is parked for about 15 minutes or longer, and illumination is no longer desired, the device can be programmed to turn the light source off. During the day, a light sensor can be used to turn the light source off and recharge the battery.

[0096] In another aspect of the present invention, the display media can comprise a programmable light source, such as, for example a sheet of LEDs . In this embodiment, the media display can be illuminated to form words, colors, logos, messages and the like. Both static and moving images can be generated in virtually any color.

[0097] A microprocessor including firmware or software can be utilized to control the display media in a wide array of applications. For example, the microprocessor can send signals to enable the LEDs to rotate between one or more advertisements, to flash, to change intensity, or color and other desirable features. The program can also include capabilities for tracking the time or place that each advertisement was displayed.

[0098] In some embodiments of this aspect of the invention, the microprocessor can be remotely programmed, for example, by of a radio frequency signal that sends information to a microprocessor for controlling the LEDs. In some embodiments, the RF transmitting and receiving devices commonly found in smart phones can utilize a 3G or 4G telephone connection, a Wi-Fi connection, or the device can be controlled via a wired connection .

[0099] It is contemplated that device can include a GPS receiver or transmitter. In this way, the advertising on the display media can be targeted to a specific geographic area. Further, the device can be packaged in a kit, for example, including four devices, one for each wheel, wherein one device includes a GPS receiver or transmitter and the other three do not. Thereby saving significant costs when a set of four devices are mounted to the wheels of a vehicle such as a taxi.

[00100] Further, it is contemplated that the device can integrate with a web based computer application such that the display media can be programmed remotely from the web based application or smart phone. As discussed above, the application can utilize telephone or wireless networks for controlling one or more devices in the field. For example, a signal can be sent to a wireless transmitter. The signal can be received by one or more devices in order to download a new advertising campaign for display on the media LEDs. Likewise, the system can upload use information such as time, location, and LED display history for each device.

[00101] As will be appreciated, the scope of the instant invention includes a device comprising a programmable display media. The media can be locally or remotely controlled. The device can be incorporated into a system that includes a network for controlling one or more of the devices in the field and also for obtaining data for creating reports that are useful for determining the actual history and location of the display media. Such data can be integrated with other information, such as purchasing information to gain an in depth understanding about the effectiveness of the display media and to optimize display time or display location for any particular display media.

[00102] Although the invention herein has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative embodiments and that other arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the disclosure herein.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. An apparatus comprising:

(a) a wheel adapter, said wheel adapter including a plurality of apertures for attaching said adapter to a wheel;

(b) a hub driver, said hub driver being connected to said wheel adapter and to a generator;

(c) a housing, said housing including at least one weight mounted to said housing, said housing being removably connected to said wheel adapter;

(d) a light source, said light source being mounted to said housing and connected to a control module, said module being mounted to said housing and;

(e) a display media, said display media being mounted to said housing, wherein said apparatus is capable of mounting to a vehicle wheel and illuminating said display media when said vehicle wheel is in a rotating condition or a non-rotating condition.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further including a plurality of connectors for connecting said wheel adapter to a wheel .

3. The apparatus of claim 1, further including a light guide .

4. The apparatus of claim 1, further including a lens.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said lens has a magnification factor of between about lx and about lOx.

The apparatus of claim 1, further including at least one quick release mechanism for mounting and dismounting said housing to said wheel adapter.

The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said light source is a plurality of LEDs .

The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said plurality of LEDs comprises 48 LEDs.

The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said plurality of LEDs has a luminescence of between about 100 LM and about 300 LM.

The apparatus of claim 1, further including a light sensor for energizing or de-energize said light source.

The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said light sensor has a bandwidth between about 400 nm and about 1100 nm for controlling the ambient conditions and determining when to illuminate said light source.

The apparatus of claim 1, further including a motion sensor for energizing or de-energize said light source.

The apparatus of claim 1, further including a light sensor and a motion sensor for energizing or de-energize said light source.

The apparatus of claim 1, further including a battery for illuminating said light source.

15. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein said battery is interconnected to said control module and is charged by said generator.

16. A method of illuminating a stable display media on a rotating wheel comprising:

(a) installing a wheel adapter on to a vehicle wheel;

(b) mounting a housing to said wheel adapter; and

(c) illuminating a display media, wherein said display media remains substantially stable and readable to an observer when the vehicle wheel is stationary or rotating .

17. The method of claim 17, wherein the step of installing a wheel adapter on to a vehicle wheel further includes the step of installing a plurality of connectors on a plurality of vehicle lugs and on a plurality of wheel adapter lugs .

18. The method of claim 16, further including the steps of:

(a) sensing a low ambient light condition;

(b) transmitting a first electrical signal from a light sensor to a controller; and

(c) energizing a light source.

19. The method of claim 18, further including the step of:

(d) illuminating a display media.

20. The method of claim 18, further including the steps of:

(d) sensing a high ambient light condition;

(e) transmitting a second electrical signal from said light sensor to said controller; and

(f) de-energizing said light source.