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GB2161638A - Illuminated display apparatus - Google Patents

Illuminated display apparatus Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2161638A
GB2161638A GB08512981A GB8512981A GB2161638A GB 2161638 A GB2161638 A GB 2161638A GB 08512981 A GB08512981 A GB 08512981A GB 8512981 A GB8512981 A GB 8512981A GB 2161638 A GB2161638 A GB 2161638A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
sheet
light
indicia
face
light source
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
GB08512981A
Other versions
GB8512981D0 (en
Inventor
Gloria Christina Smith
Paul Steven Smith
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
GLOSIGN
Original Assignee
GLOSIGN
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by GLOSIGN filed Critical GLOSIGN
Publication of GB8512981D0 publication Critical patent/GB8512981D0/en
Publication of GB2161638A publication Critical patent/GB2161638A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/0001—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems
    • G02B6/0011—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems the light guides being planar or of plate-like form
    • G02B6/0081—Mechanical or electrical aspects of the light guide and light source in the lighting device peculiar to the adaptation to planar light guides, e.g. concerning packaging
    • G02B6/0086—Positioning aspects
    • G02B6/0091—Positioning aspects of the light source relative to the light guide
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/0001—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems
    • G02B6/0011—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems the light guides being planar or of plate-like form
    • G02B6/0066—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems the light guides being planar or of plate-like form characterised by the light source being coupled to the light guide
    • G02B6/0068—Arrangements of plural sources, e.g. multi-colour light sources
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/0001—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems
    • G02B6/0011—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems the light guides being planar or of plate-like form
    • G02B6/0066—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems the light guides being planar or of plate-like form characterised by the light source being coupled to the light guide
    • G02B6/007—Incandescent lamp or gas discharge lamp
    • G02B6/0071—Incandescent lamp or gas discharge lamp with elongated shape, e.g. tube
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/0001—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems
    • G02B6/0011—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems the light guides being planar or of plate-like form
    • G02B6/0081—Mechanical or electrical aspects of the light guide and light source in the lighting device peculiar to the adaptation to planar light guides, e.g. concerning packaging
    • G02B6/0083—Details of electrical connections of light sources to drivers, circuit boards, or the like

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Illuminated Signs And Luminous Advertising (AREA)

Abstract

Light is fed into a translucent plastics sheet 12 through one or more edges 14. Where the sheet 12 bears translucent markings (e.g. drawn with wax crayons) or is engraved, light is conducted to the surface. Thus one can provide indicia which glow. Edges 14, 16 of the sheet may be received in tubular frame members 18, 20 which house a light source (30), preferably a fluorescent tube extending adjacent an edge 14. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Illuminated display apparatus The present invention relates to apparatus for providing an illuminated display.
According to the present invention there is provided illuminated display apparatus comprising a sheet of light transmitting material and means for feeding light through said sheet substantially parallel to a main surface thereof. Suitable indicia may be provided on the sheet which act to cause light to pass outwardly through said main surface so that said indicia appear (in use) to glow.
The sheet is preferably of a plastics material having light-guiding properties, e.g. Perspex (Trademark). Indicia may then be applied by simply drawing with wax crayons and/or applying translucent materials by other means, e.g. by screen printing. Another way of providing indicia is by engraving. Indicia may be provided on (or engraved in) the rear face of the sheet, so that they may be tamper-proof.
It is also possible to apply indicia to the front face, e.g. for a temporary display.
Preferably at least one edge region of the sheet is received in a housing of a light source arranged to transmit light into said sheet through the edge face. Generally the light source will be screened so that light passes substantially only into the sheet. Preferably the light source is disposed opposite an edge face of the sheet so that light is fed directly into the sheet through that face.
Some embodiments of the invention will now be described in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a view in elevation of a display apparatus embodying the invention, partly exploded; Figure 2 is a section along line ll-ll in Fig.
1; Figure 3 shows a section through a second embodiment; and Figure 4 is an end elevation of the second embodiment.
The apparatus 10 of Figs. 1 and 2 includes a sheet 1 2 of Perspex, which is in this case planar and rectangular, with tongues 14, 1 6 extending beyond the side (and optionally the top and bottom) edges. There is an opaque backing sheet 17, which may have a dark front face.
A frame is formed from opaque plastics members: two side-tubes 18, top and bottom tubes 20, and four corner pieces 22. Each corner piece 22 has a follow body 24 and a pair of tubular spigots 26 at right angles, dimensioned to be insertable firmly into the tubes 18, 20 so that they can be connected, with the interiors of the tubes being in communication via the pieces 22. At least each side tube has a longitudinal slot 28 which is iarge enough to receive a tongue 14, 1 6 of the sheet 1 2 (and the backing sheet 17). Each side tube 18 contains a fluorescent tube 30, powered via wires 32 passing through the upper corner pieces 22 from a starter assembly 34 conveniently located in the top tube 20.
The side tongues 14 confront the fluorescent tubes 30, so that light from the tubes is channelled into the sheet, which acts like a fibre optic. If there is nothing on the sheet, then virtually no light escapes. The appearance is that of the dark backing sheet 1 7.
However, if something is drawn on the sheet 1 2 with a wax crayon, the drawn lines glow, transmitting outwardly light from within the sheet. A design drawn with variously coloured crayons glows with their colours, appearing as if fluorescing. It is an easy matter to rub off one design and replace it by different indicia.
Designs can be produced by drawing or engraving on either face of the sheet. Of course the rear face is not readily accessible when the apparatus is assembled, so it may be used for indicia which are required permanently.
Of course, the invention can be embodied in many different forms. A sheet could be mounted differently, e.g. in a structure more like a conventional picture frame, preferably with alight source in at least one lateral frame member. Removal of the back of such a frame could remove the backing sheet and/or open up the frame to allow access to the light source.
A display may be double-sided, e.g. with two sheets 1 2 sandwiching a backing sheet 1 7. One light source can feed both sheets 12.
Figs. 3 and 4 show a simple apparatus suitable for small displays. A sheet 12' is supported at its top edge region 16' by a housing 40. This comprises a cylindrical tube 20 with a slot 28 much as in the first embodiment. The sheet 12' has a pair of opposed indents 42 adjacent the top edge region 16'. A pair of cup-shaped caps 44 fit in the ends of the tube 20. The dimensions are such that the edge region 16' can be passed through the slot 28, and the caps 44 can then be pushed home to engage in the indents 42, thus locking the sheet 12' to the housing 40. Beyond the sheet is a light source, suiotably a U-shaped fluorescent tube 30'. A backing sheet may be attached to the sheet 12' (or its place supplied by a coating).
The sheet need not be planar, if of a suitable material light will follow its curves.
1. An illuminated display apparatus comprising a sheet of light transmitting material and means for feeding light through said sheet substantially parallel to a main surface thereof.
2. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein at least one edge region of the sheet
**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims (10)

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. SPECIFICATION Illuminated display apparatus The present invention relates to apparatus for providing an illuminated display. According to the present invention there is provided illuminated display apparatus comprising a sheet of light transmitting material and means for feeding light through said sheet substantially parallel to a main surface thereof. Suitable indicia may be provided on the sheet which act to cause light to pass outwardly through said main surface so that said indicia appear (in use) to glow. The sheet is preferably of a plastics material having light-guiding properties, e.g. Perspex (Trademark). Indicia may then be applied by simply drawing with wax crayons and/or applying translucent materials by other means, e.g. by screen printing. Another way of providing indicia is by engraving. Indicia may be provided on (or engraved in) the rear face of the sheet, so that they may be tamper-proof. It is also possible to apply indicia to the front face, e.g. for a temporary display. Preferably at least one edge region of the sheet is received in a housing of a light source arranged to transmit light into said sheet through the edge face. Generally the light source will be screened so that light passes substantially only into the sheet. Preferably the light source is disposed opposite an edge face of the sheet so that light is fed directly into the sheet through that face. Some embodiments of the invention will now be described in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a view in elevation of a display apparatus embodying the invention, partly exploded; Figure 2 is a section along line ll-ll in Fig. 1; Figure 3 shows a section through a second embodiment; and Figure 4 is an end elevation of the second embodiment. The apparatus 10 of Figs. 1 and 2 includes a sheet 1 2 of Perspex, which is in this case planar and rectangular, with tongues 14, 1 6 extending beyond the side (and optionally the top and bottom) edges. There is an opaque backing sheet 17, which may have a dark front face. A frame is formed from opaque plastics members: two side-tubes 18, top and bottom tubes 20, and four corner pieces 22. Each corner piece 22 has a follow body 24 and a pair of tubular spigots 26 at right angles, dimensioned to be insertable firmly into the tubes 18, 20 so that they can be connected, with the interiors of the tubes being in communication via the pieces 22. At least each side tube has a longitudinal slot 28 which is iarge enough to receive a tongue 14, 1 6 of the sheet 1 2 (and the backing sheet 17). Each side tube 18 contains a fluorescent tube 30, powered via wires 32 passing through the upper corner pieces 22 from a starter assembly 34 conveniently located in the top tube 20. The side tongues 14 confront the fluorescent tubes 30, so that light from the tubes is channelled into the sheet, which acts like a fibre optic. If there is nothing on the sheet, then virtually no light escapes. The appearance is that of the dark backing sheet 1 7. However, if something is drawn on the sheet 1 2 with a wax crayon, the drawn lines glow, transmitting outwardly light from within the sheet. A design drawn with variously coloured crayons glows with their colours, appearing as if fluorescing. It is an easy matter to rub off one design and replace it by different indicia. Designs can be produced by drawing or engraving on either face of the sheet. Of course the rear face is not readily accessible when the apparatus is assembled, so it may be used for indicia which are required permanently. Of course, the invention can be embodied in many different forms. A sheet could be mounted differently, e.g. in a structure more like a conventional picture frame, preferably with alight source in at least one lateral frame member. Removal of the back of such a frame could remove the backing sheet and/or open up the frame to allow access to the light source. A display may be double-sided, e.g. with two sheets 1 2 sandwiching a backing sheet 1 7. One light source can feed both sheets 12. Figs. 3 and 4 show a simple apparatus suitable for small displays. A sheet 12' is supported at its top edge region 16' by a housing 40. This comprises a cylindrical tube 20 with a slot 28 much as in the first embodiment. The sheet 12' has a pair of opposed indents 42 adjacent the top edge region 16'. A pair of cup-shaped caps 44 fit in the ends of the tube 20. The dimensions are such that the edge region 16' can be passed through the slot 28, and the caps 44 can then be pushed home to engage in the indents 42, thus locking the sheet 12' to the housing 40. Beyond the sheet is a light source, suiotably a U-shaped fluorescent tube 30'. A backing sheet may be attached to the sheet 12' (or its place supplied by a coating). The sheet need not be planar, if of a suitable material light will follow its curves. CLAIMS
1. An illuminated display apparatus comprising a sheet of light transmitting material and means for feeding light through said sheet substantially parallel to a main surface thereof.
2. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein at least one edge region of the sheet is received in a housing of a light source arranged to transmit light into said sheet through the edge face.
3. An apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the light source is disposed opposite an edge face of the sheet so that light is fed directly into the sheet through that face.
4. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein indicia are provided on the sheet which act to cause light to pass outwardly through said main surface so that said indicia appear (in use) to glow.
5. An apparatus according to claim 4 wherein at least some of said indicia are provided by translucent material applied to a main surface of the sheet.
6. An apparatus according to claim 4 or 5 wherein at least some of said indicia are provided by engraving a main surface of the sheet.
7. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the sheet is non-planar and is capable of conducting light non-rectilinearly.
8. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the sheet is mounted in a frame comprising hollow frame members which house the light feeding means.
9. An apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 7 including an elongate tubular member which houses the light feeding means and has a longitudinal slot in which is received an edge region of the sheet; the member being closed by end caps which engage the sheet and lock it in place.
10. An illuminated display apparatus substantially as any herein described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
GB08512981A 1984-07-11 1985-05-22 Illuminated display apparatus Withdrawn GB2161638A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB848417713A GB8417713D0 (en) 1984-07-11 1984-07-11 Illuminated display apparatus

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB8512981D0 GB8512981D0 (en) 1985-06-26
GB2161638A true GB2161638A (en) 1986-01-15

Family

ID=10563751

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB848417713A Pending GB8417713D0 (en) 1984-07-11 1984-07-11 Illuminated display apparatus
GB08512981A Withdrawn GB2161638A (en) 1984-07-11 1985-05-22 Illuminated display apparatus

Family Applications Before (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB848417713A Pending GB8417713D0 (en) 1984-07-11 1984-07-11 Illuminated display apparatus

Country Status (1)

Country Link
GB (2) GB8417713D0 (en)

Cited By (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2196461A (en) * 1986-10-20 1988-04-27 Gen Electric Plc Display devices
DE3803246A1 (en) * 1988-02-04 1989-08-17 Fraunhofer Ges Forschung Information sign
EP0460817A1 (en) * 1990-05-21 1991-12-11 Roland Henri Thomas Information display device
GB2271660A (en) * 1992-10-15 1994-04-20 Thomas Joseph Connolly A sign
EP0636918A1 (en) * 1993-07-30 1995-02-01 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Flat-panel display device, illumination system and radiation source suitable for use in such a flat-panel display device
GB2304448A (en) * 1996-11-08 1997-03-19 Peter John Rogers Display device
GB2312313A (en) * 1996-04-20 1997-10-22 Retail Design Solutions Limite Display apparatus
WO1999031430A1 (en) * 1997-12-15 1999-06-24 Zumtobel Staff Gmbh Light with a disc-shaped light guide
WO2000067244A1 (en) * 1999-05-04 2000-11-09 So.L.E. Societa' Luce Elettrica S.P.A. Gruppo Enel Lighted panel device able to be applied onto posts
DE102007027210A1 (en) 2007-04-13 2008-12-18 Hidde, Axel R., Dr. Ing. Transmission technology for electrical installation devices 2
US20120092892A1 (en) * 2010-10-19 2012-04-19 Feelis Co., Ltd. Led light board
US8978405B2 (en) 2007-01-25 2015-03-17 Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V. Food cooling appliance

Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB392628A (en) * 1931-11-25 1933-05-25 Albert Santos Improvements in or relating to signs
US2095558A (en) * 1936-01-02 1937-10-12 Frederick J Oberacker Illuminated sign
GB710176A (en) * 1950-07-27 1954-06-09 Harman Plastics & Engineering Improvements in or relating to illuminated signs
US2917838A (en) * 1955-03-10 1959-12-22 Edwin A Neugass Illuminated writing panel
GB2027551A (en) * 1978-03-15 1980-02-20 Decca Ltd Illuminated panels
GB2030750A (en) * 1978-10-04 1980-04-10 Pierre Lo International Ltd Illuminated signs
GB2039405A (en) * 1978-12-26 1980-08-06 Plumly G Edgeillumined signs
US4355479A (en) * 1980-08-18 1982-10-26 Thornton Arthur G Sign construction having selectively displayable directional signals and improved mounting bracket
GB2113883A (en) * 1982-01-16 1983-08-10 Manfred Schulman Edge lighted display sign

Patent Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB392628A (en) * 1931-11-25 1933-05-25 Albert Santos Improvements in or relating to signs
US2095558A (en) * 1936-01-02 1937-10-12 Frederick J Oberacker Illuminated sign
GB710176A (en) * 1950-07-27 1954-06-09 Harman Plastics & Engineering Improvements in or relating to illuminated signs
US2917838A (en) * 1955-03-10 1959-12-22 Edwin A Neugass Illuminated writing panel
GB2027551A (en) * 1978-03-15 1980-02-20 Decca Ltd Illuminated panels
GB2030750A (en) * 1978-10-04 1980-04-10 Pierre Lo International Ltd Illuminated signs
GB2039405A (en) * 1978-12-26 1980-08-06 Plumly G Edgeillumined signs
US4355479A (en) * 1980-08-18 1982-10-26 Thornton Arthur G Sign construction having selectively displayable directional signals and improved mounting bracket
GB2113883A (en) * 1982-01-16 1983-08-10 Manfred Schulman Edge lighted display sign

Cited By (16)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2196461A (en) * 1986-10-20 1988-04-27 Gen Electric Plc Display devices
DE3803246A1 (en) * 1988-02-04 1989-08-17 Fraunhofer Ges Forschung Information sign
EP0460817A1 (en) * 1990-05-21 1991-12-11 Roland Henri Thomas Information display device
GB2271660A (en) * 1992-10-15 1994-04-20 Thomas Joseph Connolly A sign
GB2271660B (en) * 1992-10-15 1995-11-15 Thomas Joseph Connolly A sign
EP0636918A1 (en) * 1993-07-30 1995-02-01 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Flat-panel display device, illumination system and radiation source suitable for use in such a flat-panel display device
BE1007433A3 (en) * 1993-07-30 1995-06-13 Philips Electronics Nv PLATTE image display apparatus, illumination system RADIATION SOURCE AND SUITABLE FOR APPLICATION IN SUCH A flat picture display device.
GB2312313A (en) * 1996-04-20 1997-10-22 Retail Design Solutions Limite Display apparatus
GB2304448A (en) * 1996-11-08 1997-03-19 Peter John Rogers Display device
WO1999031430A1 (en) * 1997-12-15 1999-06-24 Zumtobel Staff Gmbh Light with a disc-shaped light guide
US6296372B1 (en) 1997-12-15 2001-10-02 Zumtobel Staff Gmbh Ceiling light fitting having light source and reflector arranged on narrow side of plate-shaped light guide
WO2000067244A1 (en) * 1999-05-04 2000-11-09 So.L.E. Societa' Luce Elettrica S.P.A. Gruppo Enel Lighted panel device able to be applied onto posts
US8978405B2 (en) 2007-01-25 2015-03-17 Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V. Food cooling appliance
DE102007027210A1 (en) 2007-04-13 2008-12-18 Hidde, Axel R., Dr. Ing. Transmission technology for electrical installation devices 2
US20120092892A1 (en) * 2010-10-19 2012-04-19 Feelis Co., Ltd. Led light board
US8235575B2 (en) * 2010-10-19 2012-08-07 Feelis Co., Ltd. LED light board

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB8417713D0 (en) 1984-08-15
GB8512981D0 (en) 1985-06-26

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