Luminescent display and copying apparatus and method for using same

• US 5,324,202 A
• Filed: 08/27/1992
• Issued: 06/28/1994
• Est. Priority Date: 01/27/1992
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: The Ohio Art Company
• Original Assignee: The Ohio Art Company
• Inventors: Kondo, Masayuki, Meyers, Norman O.
• Primary Examiner(s): Mancene, Gene
• Assistant Examiner(s): Smith, Jeffrey A.
• Application Number:
  US07/936,943
• Time in Patent Office: 670 Days
• Field of Search: 434/408, 434/410, 434/415, 428/488.1, 428/488.4
• US Class Current: 434/410
• CPC Class Codes: B43L 1/00 Repeatedly-usable boards or tablets for writing or drawing drawing-boards B43L5/00
• CPC Class Codes: B43L 1/006 with luminescent substances
• CPC Class Codes: B43L 1/123 Flexible writing surface or backing
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 2003/0272 Labels for containers

Abstract

An apparatus and method for providing a luminescent display by applying pressure to a transparent planar sheet containing a luminescent dye or pigment where such pressure is sufficient to cause one smooth surface of the transparent sheet to contact a facing smooth surface of an opaque planar sheet, the smooth surfaces of the transparent and opaque sheets tending to adhere together at the area of contact, thereby creating a luminescent image at the area of contact which can be selectively erased by separating the smooth surfaces of the transparent and opaque sheets at the area of contact, and for allowing copying of the image by positioning a sheet of carbon paper between the opaque sheet and a sheet of plain paper so that the application of pressure to the transparent sheet causes pressure to be applied through the carbon paper to the sheet of plain paper, thereby copying the image displayed on the transparent sheet onto the sheet of plain paper, the carbon paper being selectively movable to allow segments of carbon paper which can produce images of different colors to be positioned between the opaque sheet and the sheet of plain paper during the drawing of an image to facilitate the production of a multi-colored copy of the displayed image, the apparatus allowing the use of different sizes and multiple sheets of plain paper and providing means for ejecting such paper from the apparatus.

Claims

1. An apparatus for providing a luminescent display and producing a multi-colored paper copy of said display, comprising:

a transparent sheet of pliable plastic having dispersed therein a luminescent pigment or dye, said sheet having outer edges, an upper surface and a smooth lower surface;

a frame which is coextensive with the outer edges of said transparent sheet, said frame being secured to the outer edges of said transparent sheet;

a housing, wherein said frame is hingedly connected to said housing;

a pliable, planar opaque sheet having a smooth upper surface and a lower surface, said opaque sheet being secured to said housing, wherein when said transparent sheet and frame are overlaid on top of said opaque sheet said lower surface of said transparent sheet and said upper surface of said opaque sheet are in close proximity, a portion of said lower surface of said transparent sheet selectively adheres to said upper surface of said opaque sheet when sufficient pressure is applied to said portion of said transparent sheet so that said portion of said lower surface of said transparent sheet contacts said upper surface of said opaque sheet, said portion providing a luminescent display;

carbon paper situated in said housing underneath said opaque sheet, said carbon paper having a plurality of segments, each of which is capable of producing images of a different color on a sheet of plain paper, said carbon paper forming a belt that is selectively rotatable within said housing;

means for selectively moving said carbon paper without displacing said transparent or opaque sheets to change the segment of said carbon paper position directly beneath said lower surface of said opaque sheet;

means for visually indicating the color of said carbon paper segment directly beneath said lower surface of said opaque sheet;

a selectively removable tray in said housing beneath the segment of said carbon paper positioned directly beneath said lower surface of said opaque sheet, said tray having a planar surface for supporting a plurality of sheets of paper and means for selectively accommodating paper of a plurality of sizes;

means for visually indicating the presence of paper within said tray;

a sheet of paper selected from a plurality of sizes supported by said tray and situated between said tray and said segment of carbon paper positioned directly beneath said lower surface of said opaque sheet, whereby the selective application of pressure to areas of said transparent sheet is communicated through said opaque sheet to said carbon paper so that an image is created on said sheet of paper corresponding to said areas of said transparent sheet over which pressure is applied; and

a powered, selectively rotatable roller rotatably mounted in said housing for selectively ejecting from said housing said sheet of paper bearing said image.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising means for removably securing said transparent sheet to said frame.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said means includes a rigid, rectangular, planar frame.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising means for removably securing said opaque sheet to said housing.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said means includes a rigid, rectangular, planar frame.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a light source selectively operable along with said roller for providing a visual indication of the operation of said roller.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a planar stencil for applying to said transparent sheet and assisting in creating said luminescent display.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a stylus having a rounded point for applying pressure to said transparent sheet so as to create said luminescent display without damaging said transparent sheet.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said stylus is attached to said housing by a tether.

10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said housing has formed therein a retaining well for storing said stylus.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said plurality of segments include segments colored red, blue and black.

12. An apparatus for providing a luminescent display and producing a multi-colored paper copy of said display, comprising:

a pliable, planar transparent sheet having dispersed therein a luminescent pigment or dye and having a smooth lower surface;

a pliable, planar opaque sheet having a smooth upper surface and a lower surface, said opaque sheet positioned below said transparent sheet so that said lower surface of said transparent sheet and said upper surface of said opaque sheet are facing each other and in close proximity;

carbon paper having a plurality of colored segments, a first segment being positioned directly beneath and in close proximity to said lower surface of said opaque sheet;

means for selectively moving said carbon paper without displacing said transparent or opaque sheets to change the color of said first segment of said carbon paper and allow the creation of multi-colored copies;

a sheet of paper underneath and in close proximity to said first segment of said carbon paper; and

a stylus having a rounded point at one end thereof for applying pressure to a discrete portion of said transparent sheet sufficient to cause said lower surface of said transparent sheet to selectively adhere to said upper surface of said opaque sheet, thereby creating a luminescent display at said portion of said transparent sheet, and to transmit said pressure through said opaque sheet and to said carbon paper so as to create an image on said paper underneath said portion of said transparent sheet, thereby producing a copy of said display on said paper.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein said means for selectively moving said carbon paper is manually actuated.

14. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein said means for selectively moving said carbon paper includes a shaft having a plurality of rollers.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein said carbon paper forms a roll having regularly-spaced perforations along a lateral edge thereof and wherein one of said rollers has protruding pins that engage said perforations.

16. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising a housing and means for removably securing said opaque sheet to said housing.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein said means for removably securing includes a rigid, rectangular, planar frame.

18. The apparatus of claim 16, further comprising a means for visually indicating the color of said first segment of said carbon paper.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein said means for indicating includes an aperture in said housing.

20. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein said means for removably securing includes a rigid, rectangular, planar frame.

21. The apparatus of claim 16, further comprising a frame hingedly secured to said housing and means for removably securing said transparent sheet to said frame.

22. An apparatus for providing a luminescent display and producing a multi-colored paper copy of said display, comprising:

a pliable planar transparent sheet having dispersed therein a luminescent pigment or dye and having a smooth lower surface;

a pliable planar opaque sheet having a smooth upper surface and a lower surface, said opaque sheet positioned below said transparent sheet so that said lower surface of said transparent sheet and said upper surface of said opaque sheet are facing each other and in close proximity;

carbon paper having a plurality of colored segments, a first segment being positioned directly beneath and in close proximity to said lower surface of said opaque sheet;

means for selectively moving said carbon paper; and

means for supporting paper underneath and in close proximity to said first segment of said carbon paper.

23. The apparatus of claim 22, further comprising means for indicating the color of said first segment of said carbon paper.

24. An apparatus for providing a luminescent display and producing a paper copy of said display, comprising:

a pliable, planar transparent sheet having dispersed therein a luminescent pigment or dye and having a smooth lower surface;

a pliable, planar opaque sheet having a smooth upper surface and a lower surface, said opaque sheet positioned below said transparent sheet so that said lower surface of said transparent sheet and said upper surface of said opaque sheet are facing each other and in close proximity;

carbon paper positioned directly beneath and in close proximity to said lower surface of said opaque sheet; and

means for supporting adjustably, aligning and positively locating a sheet of paper selected from a plurality of sizes underneath and in close proximity to said carbon paper.

25. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein said plurality of sizes include 81/2" by 11" and A4.

26. The apparatus of claim 24, further comprising means for determining the presence of a sheet of paper in said means for supporting.

27. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein said means for supporting a sheet of paper comprises a selectively removable tray having a planar surface below and in close proximity to said first segment of said carbon paper.

28. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein said planar surface is lined with paper adhered to said planar surface.

29. An apparatus for providing a luminescent display and producing a paper copy of said display, comprising:

a pliable, planar transparent sheet having dispersed therein a luminescent pigment or dye and having a smooth lower surface;

a pliable, planar opaque sheet having a smooth upper surface and a lower surface, said opaque sheet positioned below said transparent sheet and said upper surface of said opaque sheet are facing each other and in close proximity;

carbon paper positioned directly beneath and in close proximity to said lower surface of said opaque sheet;

means for supporting a plurality of sheets of paper underneath and in close proximity to said carbon paper; and

means for selectively ejecting said plurality of sheets of paper, one at a time, from said apparatus.

30. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein said means for supporting includes a tray having a planar surface underneath and in close proximity to said carbon paper.

31. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein said means for ejecting includes a selectively rotatable, powered roller above said tray, said roller being urged downwardly toward said tray into contact with any paper within said tray.

32. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein said means for ejecting further includes an electric motor and a gear train operatively connecting said electric motor and said roller.

33. The apparatus of claim 32, wherein said means for ejecting further includes a battery electrically connected to said electric motor for powering said electric motor.

34. The apparatus of claim 32, wherein said means for ejecting further includes a switch for selectively operating said motor.

35. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein said switch includes a cam for causing activation of said switch to operate said motor for a predetermined period of time sufficient to eject a sheet of paper from said apparatus.

36. The apparatus of claim 34, comprising a light electrically connected to said motor and said switch, said light being illuminated while said motor is operated.

37. The apparatus of claim 29, further comprising means for visually indicating the presence of paper on said means for supporting.

38. The apparatus of claim 29, further comprising means for visually indicating the color of said carbon paper.

39. An apparatus, comprising:

a transparent sheet having dispersed therein a luminescent pigment or dye;

an opaque sheet positioned directly beneath and in close proximity to said transparent sheet;

carbon paper positioned directly beneath and in close proximity to said opaque sheet;

means for supporting a plurality of sheets of paper directly underneath and in close proximity to said carbon paper; and

means for selectively ejecting said plurality of sheets of paper, one at a time, from said apparatus,

40. The apparatus of claim 39, further comprising means for selectively ejecting sheets of paper from said apparatus.

41. An apparatus, comprising:

a transparent sheet having dispersed therein a luminescent pigment or dye;

an opaque sheet positioned directly beneath and in close proximity to said transparent sheet;

multi-colored, moveable carbon paper, a portion of said carbon paper being positioned directly beneath and in close proximity to said opaque sheet; and

means for supporting a sheet of paper directly underneath and in close proximity to said carbon paper, whereby the multi-colored carbon paper in movable relative to said sheet of paper such that a multi-colored paper copy of a luminescent display produced using said apparatus may be made.

42. An apparatus, comprising:

a transparent sheet having dispersed therein a luminescent pigment or dye;

an opaque sheet positioned directly beneath and in close proximity to said transparent sheet;

carbon paper positioned directly beneath and in close proximity to said opaque sheet; and

means for supporting adjustably aligning and positively locating a sheet of paper chosen from a plurality of sizes directly underneath and in close proximity to said carbon paper.

43. An apparatus for providing a luminescent display and allowing ready replacement of components, comprising:

a housing having a generally planar surface having an aperture therethrough, said housing and aperture surrounded by a first lip extending from said housing perpendicular to said planar surface of said housing aperture;

a pliable opaque sheet having edges forming a periphery, said sheet being stretched across said housing aperture, over said first lip and against said housing, said edges of said opaque sheet extending outside said first lip;

a first generally planar, rectangular retaining frame having a central aperture therethrough large enough to fit over said first lip;

a plurality of fasteners fastening said retaining frame to said housing, thereby urging said opaque sheet about said periphery thereof firmly against said housing and stretching said opaque sheet over said first lip so that said opaque sheet is stretched taut across said housing aperture;

a frame rotatably attached to said housing having an aperture therethrough, said frame aperture is surrounded by a second lip extending from said frame perpendicular to said planar surface of said frame aperture;

a pliable transparent sheet having fluorescent pigment dispersed therethrough stretched across said frame aperture over said second lip and against said frame, said edges of said transparent sheet extending outside said second lip;

a second generally planar, rectangular retaining frame having a central aperture large enough to fit over said second lip; and

a plurality of fasteners fastening said second retaining frame to said frame, thereby urging said transparent sheet about said periphery thereof firmly against said frame and stretching said transparent sheet over said second lip, whereby the portion of said transparent sheet within said frame aperture may be overlaid on the portion of said opaque sheet within said housing aperture in a close parallel relationship.

44. The apparatus of claim 43, wherein said first retaining frame includes four straight segments.

45. The apparatus of claim 43, wherein said second retaining frame includes four straight segments.

46. A method of creating a luminescent display and a multi-colored paper copy of said display, comprising the steps of:

providing a pliable, planar transparent sheet having dispersed therein a luminescent pigment or dye and having a smooth lower surface;

providing a pliable, planar opaque sheet having a smooth upper surface and a lower surface, said opaque sheet positioned below said transparent sheet so that said lower surface of said transparent sheet and said upper surface of said opaque sheet are facing each other and in close proximity;

providing carbon paper having a plurality of colored segments, a first segment being positioned directly beneath and in close proximity to said lower surface of said opaque sheet;

providing means for selectively moving said carbon paper without displacing said transparent or opaque sheets to change the color of said first segment of said carbon paper and allow the creation of multi-colored copies;

providing a sheet of paper underneath and in close proximity to said first segment of said carbon paper;

providing a stylus having a rounded point at one end thereof;

using said means for selectively moving to select a first color of said first segment of said carbon paper;

applying pressure with said stylus to a first portion of said transparent sheet sufficient to cause said lower surface of said transparent sheet to selectively adhere to said upper surface of said opaque sheet, thereby creating a luminescent display at said first portion of said transparent sheet, and to transmit said pressure through said opaque sheet and to said carbon paper so as to create an image of said first color on said paper underneath said first portion of said transparent sheet;

using said means for selectively moving to move said carbon paper and select a second color of said first segment of said carbon paper; and

applying pressure with said stylus to a second portion of said transparent sheet sufficient to cause said lower surface of said transparent sheet to selectively adhere to said upper surface of said opaque sheet, thereby creating a luminescent display at said second portion of said transparent sheet, and to transmit said pressure through said opaque sheet and to said carbon paper so as to create an image of said second color on said paper underneath said second portion of said transparent sheet, whereby a multi-colored copy of said luminescent display is created on said paper.

47. A method of creating a luminescent display and a paper copy of said display, comprising the steps of:

providing a transparent sheet having dispersed therein a luminescent pigment or dye;

providing an opaque sheet positioned directly beneath and in close proximity to said transparent sheet;

providing means for supporting a plurality of sheets of paper directly underneath and in close proximity to said carbon paper;

providing a plurality of sheets of paper in said means for supporting, the top sheet of said plurality of sheets being directly underneath said carbon paper;

applying pressure to a selected portion of said transparent sheet, through said opaque sheet and to said carbon paper, thereby creating a luminescent image on said portion of said transparent sheet and an image directly underneath said portion on said top sheet.

48. The method of claim 47, further comprising the step of ejecting said top sheet from said means for supporting.

49. A method of creating a luminescent display and a multi-colored paper copy of said display, comprising the steps of:

providing a transparent sheet having dispersed therein a luminescent pigment or dye;

providing an opaque sheet positioned directly beneath and in close proximity to said transparent sheet;

providing multi-colored, moveable carbon paper, a first portion of said carbon paper being positioned directly beneath and in close proximity to said opaque sheet;

providing means for supporting a sheet of paper directly underneath and in close proximity to said carbon paper; and

selecting a first color of said first portion of said carbon paper;

applying pressure to a first selected portion of said transparent sheet, through said opaque sheet and to said carbon paper, thereby creating a luminescent image on said first selected portion of said transparent sheet and an image of said first color directly underneath said first selected portion of said sheet of paper;

selecting a second color of said first portion of said carbon paper; and

applying pressure to a second selected portion of said transparent sheet, through said opaque sheet and to said carbon paper, thereby creating a luminescent image on said second selected portion of said transparent sheet and an image of said second color directly underneath said second selected portion on said sheet of paper.

50. A method of creating a luminescent display and a multi-colored paper copy of said display, comprising the steps of:

providing a transparent sheet having dispersed therein a luminescent pigment or dye;

providing an opaque sheet positioned directly beneath and in close proximity to said transparent sheet;

providing carbon paper positioned directly beneath and in close proximity to said opaque sheet; and

providing means for supporting a sheet of paper chosen from a plurality of sizes directly underneath and in close proximity to said carbon paper;

selecting a sheet of paper from said plurality of sizes;

adjusting said means for supporting to align and positively locate said sheet of paper;

placing said sheet of paper onto said means for supporting;

applying pressure to a selected portion of said transparent sheet, through said opaque sheet and to said carbon paper, thereby creating a luminescent image on said portion of said transparent sheet and an image directly underneath said portion on said sheet of paper.

51. A method for producing a belt of carbon paper, comprising:

providing a generally rectangular planar carrier sheet having first and second opposing sides, two parallel edges and two ends;

providing a planar sheet of carbon paper;

adhering said sheet of carbon paper to said first side of said carrier sheet; and

fastening said ends of said carrier sheet together to form a continuous belt having parallel edges, said carbon paper facing the interior of said belt.

52. A method for producing a belt of carbon paper, comprising:

providing a generally rectangular planar carrier sheet having first and second opposing sides, two parallel edges and two ends;

applying ink to said first side of said carrier sheet; and

fastening said ends of said carrier sheet together to form a continuous belt having parallel edges, said first side facing the interior of said belt.

53. A method of replacing an opaque sheet on a luminescent display and copying apparatus, comprising the steps of:

providing a luminescent display and copying apparatus, including;

a housing having a generally planar surface having an aperture therethrough, said aperture surrounded by a lip extending from said housing perpendicular to said planar surface of said aperture;

a pliable opaque sheet having edges forming a periphery, said sheet being stretched across said aperture, over said lip and against said housing, said edges of said opaque sheet extending outside said lip;

a generally planar, rectangular retaining frame having a central aperture large enough to fit over said lip; and

a plurality of fasteners fastening said retaining frame to said housing, thereby urging said opaque sheet about said periphery thereof firmly against said housing and stretching said opaque sheet over said lip; and

removing said fasteners;

removing said retaining frame;

removing said opaque sheet from said housing;

placing a replacement opaque sheet against said housing, across said aperture and over said lip;

replacing said retaining frame against said replacement sheet; and

securing said retaining frame to said housing with said fasteners, thereby urging said replacement sheet about said periphery thereof firmly against said housing and stretching said replacement sheet over said lip.

54. A method of replacing a transparent sheet on a luminescent display and copying apparatus, comprising the steps of:

providing a luminescent display and copying apparatus, including;

a housing;

a frame rotatably attached to said housing having a generally planar surface having an aperture therethrough, said aperture surrounded by a lip extending from said frame perpendicular to said planar surface of said aperture;

a pliable transparent sheet having edges forming a periphery, said sheet being stretched across said aperture, over said lip and against said frame, said edges of said transparent sheet extending outside said lip;

a generally planar, rectangular retaining frame having a central aperture large enough to fit over said lip; and

a plurality of fasteners fastening said retaining frame to said frame, thereby urging said transparent sheet about said periphery thereof firmly against said frame and stretching said transparent sheet over said lip; and

removing said fasteners;

removing said retaining frame;

removing said transparent sheet from said frame;

placing a replacement transparent sheet against said frame, across said aperture and over said lip;

replacing said retaining frame against said replacement sheet; and

securing said retaining frame to said frame with said fasteners, thereby urging said replacement sheet about said periphery thereof firmly against said frame and stretching said replacement sheet over said lip.