Cross-Reference to Related Application

[0001] This application claims priority from US Application No. 62/295898 filed 16 February 2016. For purposes of the United States, this application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §1 19 of US Application No. 62/295898 filed

16 February 2016 and entitled VEHICLE DISPLAY STAND which is hereby incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to display stands for vehicles. Such display stands may, for example, be used at an automobile dealership to display new or used vehicles for sale.

Background

[0003] Vehicles, including automobiles such as cars, trucks, motorcycles and other modes of transport, are commonly displayed to potential purchasers on dealership lots, at trade shows, on roadsides, and in other locations where members of the relevant public may be. It is sometimes advantageous for dealers, manufacturers, owners, or other parties interested in displaying such vehicles to make a displayed vehicle stand out.

[0004] Display stands are sometimes used to draw attention to vehicles. Some display stands comprise ramps of welded metal onto which a vehicle may be driven, thereby elevating the vehicle and making it more visible to passersby. Such stands are often made on-site and may be quite crude.

[0005] Some display stands comprise turntables which rotate vehicles placed on top of them, allowing passersby to view the displayed vehicle from multiple angles. Such display stands are often bulky, complex and expensive relative to the elevated stands discussed above. [0006] Other apparatus directed at drawing attention to vehicles include flags, balloons, banners, pennants, tinsel and other decorations. Such decorations may be used to draw attention to car lots but can be somewhat tacky. Further, such apparatus do not position the vehicle itself in a way likely to draw attention.

[0007] There remains a need for alternative systems and apparatus capable of drawing attention to vehicles.

Summary

[0008] This invention has several aspects. One aspect provides display stands for vehicles. The display stands according to some embodiments include a platform on which a vehicle can be supported and an illuminated animated sign supported above the platform. The sign may be configured to be viewable from anywhere on a full circle surrounding the display stand. For example, in some embodiments the sign is cylindrical. Another aspect provides a vehicle display stand comprising a sign and a plurality of security cameras arranged to provide a view of persons approaching the display stand and/or in the area surrounding the display stand.

[0009] An aspect of the invention comprises a base, a vehicle-receiving platform supported by the base, a support supported by the base, and a display connected to and supported by the support, the display positioned above the vehicle-receiving platform. In some aspects, the display is omnidirectional.

[0010] In some embodiments of the invention a width of the display is greater than a width of the vehicle-receiving platform and the display extends beyond a first side of the vehicle-receiving platform and a second side of the vehicle-receiving platform, the first side and second side comprising opposing sides of the vehicle-receiving platform.

[0011] In some embodiments of the invention the display comprises one or more security cameras. Some embodiments include multiple security cameras. The security cameras may have a collective field of view comprising a region extending in all directions in a plane coincident with a surface of the vehicle-receiving platform. [0012] An aspect of the invention provides display stands comprising a logic unit in communication with a security camera, the logic unit comprising a processor and a memory. The logic unit may additionally, or in the alternative, be in communication with a display of the display stand, and may control the display to display visual information.

[0013] In some embodiments a display stand includes a computer-controlled display and one or more security devices. The display stand may include a logic unit that controls the display based at least in part on inputs from the security devices. The security devices may include one or more cameras and/or one or more motion sensors and/or one or more vibration sensors or the like. The logic unit may be configured to control the display to display one type of information when signals from the security devices indicate no persons nearby and to display another type of information when signals from the security devices indicate persons nearby and to control the display to display a third type of information when readings from the security devices indicate the possibility of vandalism being performed on the display stand.

[0014] In some embodiments of the invention, the display comprises a plurality of display panels, the display panels arranged cylindrically. In some embodiments the display comprises one or more display panels having a cylindrical configuration. The display may have a diameter in a range of six to ten feet. The display may comprise a plurality of light-emitting diodes.

[0015] An example aspect of the invention provides a vehicle-receiving platform that is pivotally mounted to the base and tiltable about a tilting axis. In some

embodiments, the vehicle-receiving platform comprises an extension portion, the extension portion extendable from one end of the platform and provides a surface neighbouring a top surface of the vehicle-receiving platform. The extension portion is configured to allow the vehicle-receiving platform to receive a vehicle while the vehicle-receiving platform is in a tilted position relative to the base. The extension portion may be retractable into the vehicle-receiving platform and/or removable. [0016] In some embodiments of the invention, the base comprises a platform stopping surface configured to support the vehicle-receiving platform in a substantially horizontal position or at some other desired angle relative to the base. The base may be supported by lockable wheels.

[0017] In some embodiments the display stand is supported at least in part by a plurality of members that extend radially from the location above the platform.

[0018] Another aspect of the invention provides a display stand useful for displaying a vehicle such as a car or truck. The display stand comprises a base, a platform mounted to the base, and an omnidirectional display supported above the platform by a display support structure. The platform is dimensioned to support a vehicle and is movable relative to the base at least between a first position wherein the platform is generally horizontal and elevated with respect to a surface on which the base is situated and a second tilted position wherein the platform is inclined at an angle to horizontal. The omnidirectional display comprises a plurality of electronic display panels adjacent to one another and supported by the display support structure to provide a substantially continuous display surface extending in a band around the display support structure.

[0019] In some embodiments the display stand comprises a logic unit connected to drive the display. The logic unit may comprise a processor and a memory containing software instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to control the display to display visual information. Different visual information may be displayed based on factors such as time of day, a number of persons detected in a vicinity of the display stand, user input to an interface device, whether or not the logic unit detects activity indicative of vandalism or trespassing, or combinations of these. The logic unit may be configured to, in at least one mode of operation, cause the display to display moving letters.

[0020] In an example embodiment the logic unit is configured to cause the display to display a first set of visual information in response to detecting less than a threshold number of people nearby the vehicle-receiving platform; and the logic unit is configured to cause the display to display a second set of visual information in response to detecting at least the threshold number of people nearby the vehicle-receiving platform.

[0021] Another aspect provides a display stand useful for displaying a vehicle. The display stand comprises a base, a platform mounted to the base, a display supported above the platform by a display support structure, and a logic unit. One or more sensors connected to the logic unit. The logic unit and the sensors are operable to detect people in a vicinity of the display stand. The logic unit is configured to: cause the display to display a first set of visual information in response to detecting fewer than a threshold number of people nearby the display stand; and cause the display to display a second set of visual information different from the first set of visual information in response to detecting at least the threshold number of people nearby the display stand. The platform is movable at least relative to the base between a first position wherein the platform is generally horizontal and elevated and a second tilted position wherein the platform is inclined at an angle. The display may comprise an electronic sign.

[0022] In addition to the exemplary aspects and embodiments described above, further aspects and embodiments will become apparent by reference to the drawings and by study of the following detailed descriptions.

[0023] Further aspects and example embodiments are illustrated in the

accompanying drawings and/or described in the following description.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024] Exemplary embodiments are illustrated in referenced figures of the drawings. It is intended that the embodiments and figures disclosed herein are to be considered illustrative rather than restrictive.

[0025] The accompanying drawings illustrate non-limiting example embodiments of the invention. [0026] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an example vehicle display apparatus.

[0027] Figure 2A is a schematic diagram of an example embodiment of a vehicle display apparatus seen from the side with a platform in an untilted position.

[0028] Figure 2B is a schematic diagram of an example embodiment of a vehicle display apparatus seen from the side with a platform in a tilted position.

[0029] Figure 2C is a schematic diagram of an example embodiment of a vehicle display apparatus seen from a substantially isometric perspective.

[0030] Figure 2D is a schematic diagram of an example embodiment of a vehicle display apparatus seen from above.

[0031] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the display portion of an example embodiment of a vehicle display apparatus.

[0032] Figure 4A is a schematic diagram of an example wheel assembly in an unlocked position.

[0033] Figure 4B is a schematic diagram of an example wheel assembly in a locked position.

Description

[0034] Throughout the following description specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding to persons skilled in the art. However, well known elements may not have been shown or described in detail to avoid

unnecessarily obscuring the disclosure. Accordingly, the description and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative, rather than a restrictive, sense.

[0035] This invention comprises systems and apparatus for displaying vehicles. Some embodiments of the invention comprise a platform on which a vehicle can be positioned. The platform is supported by a base. One or more supporting arms extend from the base and/or the platform and support a display above the vehicle. In some embodiments the display is an omnidirectional digital display, capable of showing static and/or moving images and/or text to onlookers on any side of the vehicle. The platform, in some embodiments, can tilt and/or be extended so as to enable a vehicle to be driven up onto the platform, the platform thereafter locking into a horizontal position. In some embodiments the angle at which the platform can be locked is non- horizontal and/or adjustable. The display may also be outfitted with security cameras. The security cameras may be mounted above the vehicle on the sign or on supports for the sign for example. In some embodiments the security cameras have a combined field of view extending all around the display stand. The base may be, in some embodiments, supported by lockable wheels, enabling the vehicle display to be moved around when desired and yet made difficult to move around according to the needs of its user.

[0036] Figure 1 shows schematically an example display stand 10. Display stand 10 comprises a base 12 and a platform 14. Base 12 may comprise, for example, a rectangular arrangement of supporting beams, a sheet of metal or other material, a plurality of independent supporting structures, a surface of platform 14 (e.g. a bottom surface), and/or any other shape, structure or arrangement capable of supporting platform 14.

[0037] Base 12 may, in some embodiments, rest directly on the ground. In other embodiments, base 12 may comprise and/or be supported by, for example, wheels, feet, and/or hydraulic lifts. For example, in some embodiments base 12 is supported by caster wheels and support feet.

[0038] In such an embodiment, the caster wheels may be retractable and/or the support feet may be extendable such that, display stand 10 is supported by the support feet and does not roll about on the caster wheels when the caster wheels are retracted and/or the support feet are extended. Conversely, in such an embodiment, when the caster wheels are extended and/or the support feet are retracted, display stand 10 is supported by the caster wheels and is able to roll about thereon. In some such embodiments, the caster wheels and/or the support feet may be locked into or held in one or more of the positions described. For example, the wheels and/or feet may be extended or retracted by hydraulic or mechanical jacks and held in place by those jacks or by a locking mechanism, such as a latch. Jacks and/or locking mechanisms are preferably configured to require a key, special tool, access code, or the like for operation and/or located such that they are not easily accessible by persons standing beside display stand 10. In some embodiments a padlock or other mechanical lock may be provided such that the padlock or other mechanical lock must be opened and/or removed to operate the jacks and/or locking mechanisms.

[0039] Figures 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D (collectively, Figure 2) show an example display stand 30 from several perspectives. Display stand 30 comprises a base 12, a platform 14, a vehicle 16, a display support 18, and a display 20.

[0040] In the illustrated embodiment, base 12 comprises wheels 42. Wheels 42 may comprise, for example, caster wheels or other forms of wheels known in the art. Wheels 42 are preferably lockable and unlockable such that display stand 30 may be moved from one place to another using wheels 42 while they are unlocked and, once wheels 42 are locked, display stand 30 is rendered immobile, or at least sufficiently resistant to movement for a vehicle 16 to be driven onto platform 14 without moving display stand 30.

[0041] Figure 4A shows an example wheel assembly 60 in an unlocked position, and Figure 4B shows an example wheel assembly 60 in a locked position. Wheel assembly 60 may be incorporated by, for example, base 12 as depicted in Figure 2. Wheel assembly 60 comprises a wheel 42, wheel housing 61 , wheel stopping surface 62, wheel pivot 64, and catch 66.

[0042] Wheel 42 is rotatably anchored to wheel housing 61 . Wheel housing 61 has, in the illustrated embodiment, a top portion 61 A which may be held in place substantially flush with platform 12. Top portion 61 A may comprise a tab 66A which may engage catch 66 so as to keep top portion 61 A flush with platform 12.

[0043] When tab 66A and catch 66 are disengaged, for example, by retracting catch 66, wheel housing 61 may rotate about wheel pivot 64. Such rotation may cause wheel 42 to come into contact with wheel stopping surface 62. Wheel stopping surface 62 may comprise, for example, a brake pad. [0044] Wheel assembly 60 allows wheel 42 to freely rotate (and thereby allow display stand 30 to move) while tab 66A and catch 66 are engaged, and inhibits movement of wheel 42 at other times. Further, the portion of wheel housing 61 to which wheel 42 is connected may swivel independently of top portion 61 A, thereby permitting steerable and/or omnidirectional movement of display stand 30.

[0045] Base 12 supports platform 14, upon which a vehicle 16 may rest. Base 12 may comprise protrusions or raised portions, including elevated axes, on which an elevated platform 14 is supported. Platform 14 may be connected to and supported by base 12, display support 18 (discussed further below), and/or any other element of display stand 10 that is supported by base 12. In some embodiments, platform 14 is connected to and supported by display support 18 at a fixed point on display support 18. In other embodiments, platform 14 is supportable at several points along display support 18, and may be configured to be moveable between those points.

[0046] Platform 14 may, for example, comprise two tracks of sufficient width and spacing to receive the wheels of a vehicle 16. As another example, platform 14 may comprise a single unitary platform, or a plurality of small platforms, each receiving a wheel (or set of wheels) of vehicle 16.

[0047] Platform 14 may be configured to be stationary (relative to base 12) at all times. In some embodiments, platform 14 may be tiltable so as to better display vehicle 16 and/or to enable vehicle 16 to be driven up onto platform 14 from the ground. Tilting of platform 14 may be unpowered; in such embodiments, the weight and position of vehicle 16 may cause platform 14 to tilt. Additionally, or in the alternative, tilting of platform 14 may be powered by a motor, hydraulic assembly, winch, or the like.

[0048] Platform 14 may, in some embodiments, be extensible. Extensible

embodiments of platform 14 may comprise retractable or removable extension members that elongate platform 14 and assist platform in reaching the ground for the loading and unloading of vehicles 16. [0049] In the embodiment depicted in Figure 2, base 12 comprises a tilting axis 32 from which a platform support 34 extends. Platform support 34 supports platform 14, allowing platform 14 to tilt as platform support 34 rotates about tilting axis 32. Platform support 34 also, in at least this embodiment, elevates platform 14 above base 12.

[0050] In the illustrated embodiment, tilting axis 32 comprises a beam supported by base 12 and extending across base 12. Tilting axis 32 is the axis of rotation of platform support 34; platform support 34, in the illustrated embodiment, extends radially from tilting axis 32 and meets with platform 14.

[0051 ] Platform 14 may, in some embodiments, be moveable between two configurations - a vehicle-loading configuration and a vehicle-displaying

configuration. In the illustrated embodiment, platform 14 is tilted while in the vehicle- loading configuration so that a vehicle 16 can be driven onto platform 14; this configuration is shown in Figure 2B. In the illustrated embodiment, platform 14 is held horizontal in an elevated position while in the vehicle-displaying configuration; this configuration is shown in Figure 2A. Platform 14 may be moved between these configurations by rotating about an axis (e.g. tilting axis 32), by otherwise changing an angle of a platform 14 relative to base 12 (e.g. raising one end of platform 14 relative to another end of platform 14), by raising or lowering platform 14 (e.g. using a lift or elevator, which may keep platform 14 substantially parallel to base 12 or at another desired angle in each configuration), or by otherwise varying the position of platform 14 relative to base 12.

[0052] In some embodiments, platform 14 has more than two configurations. Vehicle 16 may be displayed in one or more of these configurations. For example, platform 14 may be locked in any of multiple tilted positions, which may make the display of vehicle 16 more prominent. Platform 14 may be locked in a position by, for example, a ratchet mechanism, one or more supports or lifts supporting platform 14, adjustable stops or abutments, or other mechanisms for locking tilting surfaces in place. In some embodiments, platform 14 is tiltable about multiple axes, thereby allowing vehicle 16 to be displayed in any of an even broader range of positions. [0053] In the depicted embodiment, base 12 further comprises a platform stopping surface 36. Platform stopping surface 36 prevents platform 14 from tilting past a horizontal position in one direction; for the purpose of this disclosure, that direction shall be referred to herein as "forward", and the opposite direction as "backward". These terms are not intended to indicate any particular direction, but are merely used for the sake of convenience.

[0054] In some embodiments, a portion of platform 14 may touch (or come near to) the ground while in the vehicle-loading configuration, enabling a vehicle 16 to drive directly onto platform 14. In some such embodiments, platform 14 comprises a platform extension 38. Platform extension 38 may be removable, allowing it to be attached at the time of loading or unloading of a vehicle 16 and detached while vehicle 16 is being displayed. Additionally, or in the alternative, platform extension 38 may be retractable into, for example, platform 14. In some embodiments, platform 14 may not meet the ground or near it sufficiently to enable a vehicle 16 to drive on while in the tilted position without the use of platform extension 38.

[0055] In the embodiment depicted in Figure 2, platform stopping surface 36 comprises a protrusion of base 12 (in the depicted example, the protrusion comprises a triangular arrangement of supporting bars that distribute force imparted by a falling platform support 34 to base 12 more-or-less evenly). Platform stopping surface 36 may optionally comprise a bumper of rubber or other resilient material suitable for cushioning a blow. Platform stopping surface 36 prevents platform 14 from tilting beyond the position at which it bears against platform stopping surface 36; in the depicted embodiment, platform stopping surface 36 prevents platform 14 from tilting beyond a horizontal position.

[0056] In some embodiments, at least one end of platform 14 comprises a vehicle stopping surface 44. Vehicle stopping surface 44 prevents vehicle 16 from rolling or driving off the edge of platform 14 at low speeds. Vehicle stopping surface 44 is preferably located at forward end of platform 14, and additional vehicle stopping surfaces 44 may also be incorporated on platform 14. Vehicle stopping surface 44 may comprise a protrusion made of metal or another material suitable for

withstanding impact with vehicle 16.

[0057] Vehicle 1 6, shown in Figure 1 in dotted lines, is not a part of the illustrated apparatus, and is included only to provide context and better illustrate the operation of platform 14. Although the illustrated vehicle 16 is a car, vehicle 16 may comprise any mode of transport capable of being positioned on display stand 10. Such vehicles 16 may be motorized (e.g. motorcycles, cars, trucks, all-terrain vehicles, and so on) or non-motorized (e.g. trailers and so on).

[0058] A display 20 is supported by a display support 18 above platform 14. In the illustrated embodiment, display support 18 is attached to base 12. In some

embodiments, display support 18 is attached to platform 14. Display support 18 may comprise, for example, a single arm extending from base 12 to display 20, or may comprise, in some embodiments, several arms supporting display 20. In at least one embodiment, display support 18 comprises two support arms arranged on opposite sides of base 12. For example, the support arms may be arranged on each of the longer sides of platform 14 (e.g. one on either of the sides of a conventional car resting on platform 14). The support arms may form an arch extending over platform 14.

[0059] Display support 18 may have different configurations in different embodiments. Display support 18 may, in general, take any shape that allows it to extend from base 12 or platform 14 to display 20 and support the weight of display 20. Display support 18 may, in some embodiments, comprise straight vertical supports extending from base 12 to display 20. In another embodiment where display support 18 comprises two supporting arms, the supporting arms may extend substantially vertically from the base and curve inwardly to meet display 20 at a point above vehicle 1 6.

[0060] As another example, display support 18 may comprise one or more arms that are curved like a segment of a circle or ellipse, extending from base 12 to display 20 in an arc. In such an embodiment, the arc may bend away from vehicle 16, or remain parallel to vehicle 16, or extend in any other direction. Display support 18 may also, or in the alternative, take irregular shapes (or regular shapes in addition to those discussed above).

[0061] In the illustrated embodiment, display support 18 comprises two arms extending from either side of base 12 to a height above vehicle 16. The arms of display support 18 then bend and extend parallel to base 12, above vehicle 16.

Display 20 is supported on the parallel portion of display support 18. Display 20 and the particular example structures supporting display 20 in the illustrated embodiment are shown in greater detail in Figure 3 and described below.

[0062] Display 20 is supported by display support 18 and is positioned above vehicle 16 (or, rather, display support is positioned above the location where a vehicle 16 will be displayed on display stand 10). In some embodiments, display 20 may not be entirely located directly above vehicle 16; for example, display 20 may extend beyond vehicle 16 in one or more directions. For example, display 20 may be wider than vehicle 16, or may be horizontally displaced relative to vehicle 16. Herein, the term "above" will include these examples and like positions. In some embodiments display 20 is centred above a longitudinal centre line of platform 14. In some embodiments display 20 is centred above a centre of platform 14.

[0063] In some embodiments, display 20 is positioned such that the bottom of display 20 is in the range of 1 .6 metres to 3 metres above the top of platform 14 (if platform 14 is tiltable or otherwise movable, this distance may be measured while platform 14 is horizontal or in a position intended for display of vehicle 16). For example, in at least one embodiment the bottom of display 20 is approximately 1 .8 metres above platform 14. Such positioning may be advantageous for displaying conventional cars, as display 20 may be positioned close to the roof of a displayed vehicle 16. In some embodiments, display 20 is positioned at a height in a different range; for example, in a display stand 10 configured to display taller vehicles, such as conventional pickup trucks, the bottom of display 20 may be positioned in the range of 2 metres to 3.5 metres above the top of platform 14. In some embodiments the elevation of display 20 above platform 14 is adjustable, for example, support 18 may comprise extendable members. [0064] Display 20 may comprise different configurations in different embodiments. For example, when viewed from above, display 20 may be circular (with an outward- facing image-displaying area), triangular, arcuate (e.g. a semicircular display), flat (e.g. like a banner), oval-shaped, or in any other shape that one or more displays can comprise or be arranged into.

[0065] Display 20 is preferably viewable from any position horizontally adjacent to display stand 10 - i.e. viewable by a person standing on the ground at any angle around display 20, provided that person is within viewing distance of display 20 and his or her view is not obstructed. Such a display is referred to herein as an

"omnidirectional" display. Note that "omnidirectional" does not, in this disclosure, require that the display be viewable from every possible direction in 3D space; for example, a display 20 that is not viewable from directly above or below may be an omnidirectional display if it is viewable from all sides.

[0066] In some embodiments, omnidirectional displays comprise cylindrical surfaces or polygonal prisms. Some such displays may be described as circular, triangular, hexagonal, polygonal or with other two-dimensional terms when viewed from above (e.g. a cylindrical display may be described as circular in cross section). In this disclosure, cylindrical surfaces include deformed cylinders (e.g. ovals when viewed from above) and approximated cylinders (e.g. viewed from above, multiple straight segments arranged into a closed shape which, in some embodiments, is polygonal or substantially circular shape).

[0067] Display 20 may be a static display, such as a printed banner or sign. However, in some embodiments, display 20 is a digital display. Digital displays may comprise light-emitting diode (LED) displays, liquid crystal displays (LCDs), plasma displays, projection displays (e.g. rear projection displays), and other types of display now known in the art or later discovered. In some embodiments display 20 comprises a light-emitting display. In some embodiments display 20 comprises a colour display; for example, display 30 may comprise independently-controllable red, green and blue LEDs. In some embodiments display 20 is covered by or enclosed in a transparent shield. Such a shield may protect display 20 from vandals, harsh environments and/or accidental damage. Such a shield may comprise, for example, polycarbonate, other resistant plastics, resistant glass and/or the like.

[0068] Figure 3 shows an example embodiment of a display 20. As previously discussed, display 20 is located above a vehicle 16 (when a vehicle 16 is present on platform 14) and supported by display support 18.

[0069] Display 20, in some embodiments, comprises display panels 52A, 52B, 52C, and so on (collectively, display panels 52). In some embodiments, including the illustrated embodiment, display panels 52 may be arranged into a cylindrical display. In such embodiments, the image-displaying area of the display 20 preferably faces outwards, away from the center of the cylindrical display.

[0070] The image-displaying surface of display panels 52 may comprise, for example, arrays of light emitting diodes (LEDs) controlled by logic unit 46. Logic unit 46 may comprise, for example, a processor, controller, integrated circuit, memory and/or other logical devices known in that art. In the illustrated embodiment, logic unit 46 is located on the inward-facing surface of display 20; in some embodiments, logic unit 46 is located remotely and communicates with display 20 via a wireless network or other wired or wireless signal. Alternatively, or in addition, logic unit 46 may be integrated directly into display panels 52. In some embodiments logic unit 26 comprises a personal computer or embedded computer equipped with an interface for driving display 20 and software to control display of images on display 20.

[0071 ] Logic unit 46 controls display 20 to display visual information, such as moving or static images, on the image-displaying area of display panels 52. Such displayed information may be stored in a memory, such as a memory in logic unit 46. Such displayed information may comprise, for example, advertisements relating to vehicle 16, additional information about vehicle 16 (such as price or optional features) or any other information adapted to display 20, whether or not relating to vehicle 16.

[0072] In some embodiments, logic unit 46 may activate an "attract mode" of display 20; in attract mode, logic unit 46 controls display 20 to display bright, colorful or otherwise attention-grabbing images (e.g. large text reading "NEW CAR" and/or "DEALS DEALS DEALS", animations featuring cars or other vehicles, and/or bright white backgrounds to illuminate the surrounding area, particularly at night).

[0073] Logic unit 46 may be in communication with motion detectors that enable logic unit 46 to determine whether persons are currently standing nearby display stand 30. In such an embodiment, logic unit 46 may enable attract mode in response to determining that no persons (or less than a threshold number of persons) are standing nearby display stand 30. Logic unit 46 may disable attract mode in response to determining that some persons (or at least a threshold number of persons) are standing nearby display stand 30; when not in attract mode, logic unit 46 may control display 20 to display information related to vehicle 16 (e.g. pricing and/or features) discernible by a nearby viewer or other information.

[0074] In some embodiments, display stand 30 has a user control such as one or more pushbuttons, a touch screen or the like connected to logic unit 46. Logic unit 46 may be configured to alter a mode of operation of display 20 according to inputs received from the user interface. For example, logic unit 46 may be configured to display more details of a car on display on display stand 30 or one or more other vehicles for sale in response to a user input at the user interface. Logic unit 46 may optionally be configured to transmit messages in response to user input. The messages could, for example, comprise email messages, text messages, SMS messages, voice messages, or the like. For example, a sales person could be notified by such messages when a user is indicating interest in a particular vehicle or indicating a desire to speak to a person by way of the user interface. Logic unit 46 may record interactions with the user interface. By analyzing such interactions one may be able to evaluate the effectiveness of display stand 30 at drawing potential purchasers.

[0075] In at least one embodiment, display 20 has a diameter of approximately 2.4 metres (approximately eight feet), and may therefore be wider than base 12 or platform 14. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, display 20 may be made more or less wide depending on the available sizes of display panels 52, the lengths of radial supports 50 (described further below), and other factors. In embodiments directed at displaying conventionally-sized cars and trucks, it is sometimes preferable to have a display with a diameter between 1 .8 and 3 metres (approximately six to eight feet); displays in this size range may combine adequate viewability with ease of portability. Larger displays can be difficult to transport and smaller displays can be difficult to see.

[0076] In the illustrated embodiment, display support 18 comprises a parallel portion above vehicle 16. The parallel portion of display support 18 supports a central support 48. Central support 48 is anchored to display support 18 and extends away from vehicle 16 (i.e. up). In other embodiments, display 20 may rest on the parallel portion of display support 18 (if provided in such an embodiment) or on another available support without a central support 48. Although central support 48 is a single centrally- located support in the illustrated embodiment, in other embodiments it may comprise multiple support elements in central or non-central locations.

[0077] Anchored to central support 48 are radial members 50. Radial members 50 extend radially from central support 48 to support display 20. Radial members 50 are received by panel supports 54. Each display panel 52 is anchored to one or more panel supports 54. In the illustrated embodiment, panel supports 54 serve a dual purpose of fastening display panels 52 together side-by-side and enabling central support 48 to support display panels 52 and display 20 generally.

[0078] Display stand 30 may optionally comprise one or more security devices 40. Security devices 40 may comprise, for example, security cameras, microphones, motion detectors, vibration sensors, or other security-enhancing implements known in the art. It is not necessary for all security devices 40 to be of the same type or perform the same function, although in some embodiments security devices 40 may all comprise the same type of device (e.g. in an example embodiment security device 40 may consist of one or more security cameras).

[0079] In the illustrated embodiment, security devices 40 comprise security cameras that are positioned along the bottom surface of display 20. Alternatively, or in addition, security devices 40 may be positioned on the top surface of display 20, or along a non-image-displaying portion of the outward-facing surface of display 20 (such as, e.g., a framing portion of the surface). Other suitable positions may be available in a given embodiment, depending on the shape of display 20, the configuration of display support 18, and/or and the configuration of other elements of display stand 30.

[0080] In some embodiments, and in particular in the illustrated embodiment, security devices 40 may comprise security cameras arranged along the circumference of display 20 so as to provide a complete field of view around vehicle 16. The collective fields of view of the individual security devices 40 may overlap or have aligned edges such that a user viewing the video feed or feeds of the security devices 40 or images acquired by security devices 40 can see in any substantially horizontal direction. Such an arrangement enhances the security of displayed vehicle 16 and surrounding area by reducing "blind spots" in security footage.

[0081] In some embodiments, security devices 40 are in communication with logic unit 46 such that a user may access security information gathered by security devices 40 through logic unit 46. For example, logic unit 46 may receive images and/or video feeds from security cameras on display 20 and transmit them via a wireless network to a computer, where the video feeds may be viewed by a user. Logic unit 46 may additionally or in the alternative record images, audio, and/or video feeds to a memory in display stand 30 and/or located remotely from display stand 30 for later retrieval and viewing. Recording of images, audio, and/or video feeds may, in some embodiments, be triggered when motion is detected by motion detectors in communication with security devices 40 and/or logic unit 46. The motion detectors may comprise separate devices (e.g. IR motion sensors) and/or may comprise processing performed on images acquired by security devices 40 to detect motion of objects in the images.

[0082] In some embodiments display stand 30 comprises motion detectors and a logic unit 46. Logic unit 46 may be configured to control display 20 to display bright images (which may optionally comprise otherwise-blank white or colored images), thereby illuminating the surrounding area, when security devices 40 acquiring images or video. Such illumination may be persistent over a period of time and/or it may occur over one or more short bursts, e.g. for a single frame. Such illumination may assist in obtaining clear images of the area around display stand 30.

[0083] In some embodiments display stand 30 comprises vibration detectors, detectors configured to detect motion of display stand 30 relative to the ground, sensors configured to detect rocking or shaking of display stand 30 or other sensors configured to detect vandalism directed at display stand 30. In response to receiving signals from such detectors indicating possible vandalism, logic unit 46 may be configured to take one or more actions. The actions may, for example, include one or more of:

• generating and transmitting an alarm signal or message. The alarm signal or message may, for example comprise an email message, prerecorded or speech synthesized telephone message, and/or other alarm signal and may be directed to one or more recipients. In some embodiments the recipients include an alarm monitoring company. In some embodiments logic unit 46 triggers a wireless switch of an alarm system.

• Sounding an audible alarm;

• Changing a mode of operation of security devices 40 (for example, by starting to acquire video continuously, acquiring images at an increased rate or the like);

• Changing a mode of operation of display 20 (for example, by displaying

information on display 20 - e.g. "POLICE COMING" or causing display 20 to flash in a distinctive way - e.g. red flashing);

• Triggering an audio recording function to record sound from a microphone located in display stand 30.

[0084] As will be apparent to one skilled in the art, a system comprising display 20, logic unit 46 and security devices 40 operating substantially in the manner described above may be used independently of base 12, platform 14, display support 18 and/or other elements of display stand 30. Such a system may, for example, be suspended from a ceiling, supported by another structure {e.g. a wall, support beams, legs supporting the system above the ground, etc.), resting on the ground, integrated into another structure (e.g. forming a portion of the outer surface of a cylindrical structure), and so on.

[0085] Display stand 30 may optionally comprise lights, such as pot lights, for illuminating vehicle 16 and/or the area surrounding display stand 30. Such lights may be positioned, for example, on a bottom or inward-facing surface of display 20, on display support 18, on platform 14, on base 12, and/or on any other suitable elements of display stand 30. In the illustrated embodiment, pot lights (not shown) are housed in the bottom surface of display 20. Such lights may optionally be controlled by logic unit 46. Logic unit 46 may optionally control the lights in coordination with display 20.

[0086] Display stand 30 may draw power from batteries, electrical cables, and/or other power sources.

[0087] In at least one example embodiment, platform 14 is tiltable and, when tilted into a horizontal position, supports vehicle 16 at an elevation of ½ to 1 metre above ground. In this example embodiment, display 20 is a substantially cylindrical sign comprising six outward-facing display panels 52. Display 20 has a diameter in the range of 1 .8 to 3 metres, and display 20 is supported over the center of platform 14 with the bottom of display 20 elevated 1 .6 to 3 metres above platform 14. The image- displaying area of display 20, in this example embodiment, is animated and illuminated and has multiple modes of operation. Security cameras are mounted above platform 14 (e.g. on display 20) and together the security cameras provide a 360-degree view of the area around display stand 30.

[0088] In an illustrative example, a car dealer has a car that it wishes to promote; the car dealer also wishes to attract customers to the car dealer's lot generally. The car dealer may pull display stand 30 to a desired location, retract and lock wheels 42, extend feet to support base 12, and place platform 14 in the vehicle-loading position by protracting platform extension 38 and tilting platform 14 so that platform extension 38 meets the ground. The car dealer (or an employee or other party) may drive a car onto platform 14 and, by wireless link, load images and videos related to the car into a memory of logic unit 46. The car dealer may load images and videos that include the price of the car, notable features of the car, videos of the car in action, and the corporate logo of the dealership. The car dealer may mark some images and/or videos as "attracting" videos (such as videos of the car in action) and others as non- attracting (such as lists of car features).

[0089] In this illustrative example, once display stand 30 is set up, security cameras positioned on display 20 monitor the area around display stand 30 and record video into memory and/or stream the video to a server inside the dealership. If there is trouble around display stand 30 the dealer can be notified and come out to help or, if vandalism occurs, the dealer can view the video remotely at a later time. Display stand 30 can be easily moved around by the dealer to promote public interest in vehicle 16 but, due to the locking mechanisms not being positioned where bystanders can easily access them, display stand 30 is not easily moved by vandals or hoodlums.

[0090] In certain embodiments logic unit 46 includes a means for communicating data to recipients outside of display stand 30. The means for communicating data may, for example, comprise a wireless network interface (e.g. a WiFi interface), a cellular telephone (e.g. a built in cellular phone connectable to transmit and/or receive data on a cellular data network such as a 3G or 4G or LTE network), a special purpose RF, infrared, microwave, or acoustic data transceiver, an optical fiber or other data cable or the like.

[0091] While a number of exemplary aspects and embodiments have been discussed above, those of skill in the art will recognize certain modifications, permutations, additions and sub-combinations thereof. It is therefore intended that the following appended claims and claims hereafter introduced are interpreted to include all such modifications, permutations, additions and sub-combinations as are within their true spirit and scope.

Interpretation of Terms

[0092] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims: • "comprise", "comprising", and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of "including, but not limited to";

• "connected", "coupled", or any variant thereof, means any connection or coupling, either direct or indirect, between two or more elements; the coupling or connection between the elements can be physical, logical, or a combination thereof;

• "herein", "above", "below", and words of similar import, when used to describe this specification shall refer to this specification as a whole and not to any particular portions of this specification;

• "or", in reference to a list of two or more items, covers all of the following

interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of the items in the list;

• the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" also include the meaning of any

appropriate plural forms.

[0093] Words that indicate directions such as "vertical", "transverse", "horizontal", "upward", "downward", "forward", "backward", "inward", "outward", "vertical",

"transverse", "left", "right" , "front", "back" , "top", "bottom", "below", "above", "under", and the like, used in this description and any accompanying claims (where present) depend on the specific orientation of the apparatus described and illustrated. The subject matter described herein may assume various alternative orientations.

Accordingly, these directional terms are not strictly defined and should not be interpreted narrowly.

[0094] Embodiments of the invention may include a logic unit implemented using specifically designed hardware, configurable hardware, programmable data processors configured by the provision of software (which may optionally comprise 'firmware') capable of executing on the data processors, special purpose computers or data processors that are specifically programmed, configured, or constructed to perform one or more steps in a method as explained in detail herein and/or combinations of two or more of these. Examples of specifically designed hardware are: logic circuits, application-specific integrated circuits ("ASICs"), large scale integrated circuits ("LSIs"), very large scale integrated circuits ("VLSIs") and the like. Examples of configurable hardware are: one or more programmable logic devices such as programmable array logic ("PALs"), programmable logic arrays ("PLAs") and field programmable gate arrays ("FPGAs") ). Examples of programmable data processors are: microprocessors, digital signal processors ("DSPs"), embedded processors, graphics processors, math co-processors, general purpose computers, server computers, cloud computers, mainframe computers, computer workstations, and the like. For example, one or more data processors in a logic unit may implement methods as described herein by executing software instructions in a program memory accessible to the processors.

[0095] Processing may be centralized or distributed. Where processing is distributed, information including software and/or data may be kept centrally or distributed. Such information may be exchanged between different functional units by way of a communications network, such as a Local Area Network (LAN), Wide Area Network (WAN), or the Internet, wired or wireless data links, electromagnetic signals, or other data communication channel.

[0096] For example, while processes or blocks are presented in a given order, alternative examples may perform routines having steps, or employ systems having blocks, in a different order, and some processes or blocks may be deleted, moved, added, subdivided, combined, and/or modified to provide alternative or

subcombinations. Each of these processes or blocks may be implemented in a variety of different ways. Also, while processes or blocks are at times shown as being performed in series, these processes or blocks may instead be performed in parallel, or may be performed at different times.

[0097] In addition, while elements are at times shown as being performed

sequentially, they may instead be performed simultaneously or in different sequences. It is therefore intended that the following claims are interpreted to include all such variations as are within their intended scope. [0098] Software and other modules, for example, software or other modules which control display 20 and/or are in data communication with security cameras or other sensors, may reside on servers, workstations, personal computers, tablet computers, displays, and other devices suitable for the purposes described herein. Those skilled in the relevant art will appreciate that aspects of the system can be practised with other communications, data processing, or computer system configurations.

[0099] The invention may also be provided in the form of a program product. The program product may comprise any non-transitory medium which carries a set of computer-readable instructions which, when executed by a data processor, for example, a data processor of logic unit 46, cause the data processor to execute a method of the invention. Program products according to the invention may be in any of a wide variety of forms. The program product may comprise, for example, non- transitory media such as magnetic data storage media including floppy diskettes, hard disk drives, optical data storage media including CD ROMs, DVDs, electronic data storage media including ROMs, flash RAM, EPROMs, hardwired or preprogrammed chips (e.g., EEPROM semiconductor chips), nanotechnology memory, or the like. The computer-readable signals on the program product may optionally be compressed or encrypted.

[0100] In some embodiments, aspects of the invention may be implemented in software. For example, software stored in logic unit 46 may configure one or more processors of the logic unit 46 to perform methods and steps as described herein. For greater clarity, "software" includes any instructions executed on a processor, and may include (but is not limited to) firmware, resident software, microcode, and the like. Both processing hardware and software may be centralized or distributed (or a combination thereof), in whole or in part, as known to those skilled in the art. For example, software and other modules may be accessible via local memory, via a network, via a browser or other application in a distributed computing context, or via other means suitable for the purposes described above.

[0101] Where a component (e.g. a member, frame, software module, processor, assembly, device, circuit, etc.) is referred to above, unless otherwise indicated, reference to that component (including a reference to a "means") should be interpreted as including as equivalents of that component any component which performs the function of the described component (i.e., that is functionally equivalent), including components which are not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure which performs the function in the illustrated exemplary embodiments of the invention.

[0102] Specific examples of systems, methods and apparatus have been described herein for purposes of illustration. These are only examples. The technology provided herein can be applied to systems other than the example systems described above. Many alterations, modifications, additions, omissions and permutations are possible within the practice of this invention. This invention includes variations on described embodiments that would be apparent to the skilled addressee, including variations obtained by: replacing features, elements and/or acts with equivalent features, elements and/or acts; mixing and matching of features, elements and/or acts from different embodiments; combining features, elements and/or acts from embodiments as described herein with features, elements and/or acts of other technology; and/or omitting combining features, elements and/or acts from described embodiments.

[0103] It is therefore intended that the following appended claims and claims hereafter introduced are interpreted to include all such modifications, permutations, additions, omissions and sub-combinations as may reasonably be inferred. The scope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments set forth in the examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.