Internally illuminated matrix sign
First Claim
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1. A display apparatus comprising:
- a plurality of axles, each of said axles being capable of emitting light at a plurality of selected locations along the axle;
a plurality of display elements rotationally mounted to each of said axles at said selected locations such that light may be emitted through each display element;
said display elements having shutters operable at selective rotational positions of said display elements to vary the amount of light that is emitted through said display elements;
a trigger for selective rotation of each display element about said axles; and
a light source arranged to emit light through said axles to provide illumination for said display elements.
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Abstract
An improved internally illuminated display apparatus for displaying indicia at a front of the apparatus. The invention is comprised of a light source for providing internal illumination to the display. A plurality of axles are connected to the light source to transfer the light emitted from the source to a plurality of light emitting locations located along the length of the axle. Display elements are rotationally connected to the axles at the light emitting locations and include display faces that may be rotated to produce an image on the front face of the apparatus.
28 Citations
45 Claims
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1. A display apparatus comprising:
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a plurality of axles, each of said axles being capable of emitting light at a plurality of selected locations along the axle; a plurality of display elements rotationally mounted to each of said axles at said selected locations such that light may be emitted through each display element; said display elements having shutters operable at selective rotational positions of said display elements to vary the amount of light that is emitted through said display elements; a trigger for selective rotation of each display element about said axles; and a light source arranged to emit light through said axles to provide illumination for said display elements. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 24)
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21. An apparatus for displaying indicia at a front side thereof, comprising:
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A) a frame; B) a plurality of stationary axles aligned in parallel arrangement each having a first end and a second end and each connected to said frame, each of said axles having a plurality of light emitting locations that emit light at a plurality of locations along the axle; C) a plurality of display elements mounted on each of said axles, said display elements each having; 1) a plurality of visually distinct display faces, only one of which will be displayed at a given time, for providing a desired arrangement of said display faces at said front of said display apparatus; 2) a shutter integral with said display element having an aperture which controls the amount of light emitted from said axle through said display face, said shutter rotationally attached to said axle; and 3) a shutter arm connecting said display face to said shutter; and D) a triggering mechanism adapted for bidirectional movement behind said display elements for rotating said display elements. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30)
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31. An apparatus for displaying indicia at a display front thereof, comprising:
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a plurality of light emitting axles, each of said axles having a length and being capable of emitting light at a plurality of selected locations along said length; a plurality of display elements which are individually rotationally mounted to each of said axles at said selected locations, said elements arranged in an array of rows and columns to provide a message on said display front; and a shutter integral with each of said display elements that controls the amount of light emitted through said display elements. - View Dependent Claims (32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40)
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41. A display element adapted to be mounted onto a light-emitting axle to contribute to forming a matrix of horizontal rows and vertical columns for displaying indicia at a display front thereof, said display element comprising:
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a shutter shaped as a bearing so as to be capable of being mounted on a light-emitting axle and having an aperture to allow light to pass radially from said axle; a plurality of visually distinct display faces, one of which will be displayed at a given time to permit a selected arrangement for displaying indicia; and a shutter arm connecting said shutter to said display faces. - View Dependent Claims (42, 43, 44, 45)
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Specification