US3298172A

US3298172A - Illuminated display means

Info

Publication number: US3298172A
Application number: US422849A
Authority: US
Inventors: Arthur I Bodkins
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1964-12-31
Filing date: 1964-12-31
Publication date: 1967-01-17
Anticipated expiration: 1984-01-17

Description

Jan. 17, 1967 A. BODKINS 3,298,172

ILLUMINATED DISPLAY MEANS Filed Dec. 51, 1964 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 i FIG. I

INVENTOR.

- gazwrfimzm ATTORNEYS Jan. 17, 1967 A. BQDKINS 3,

ILLUMINATED DISPLAY MEANS Filed Dec. 51, 1964 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 led 23 \U/ZZ 23 FIG. 5

IN l/E N TOR ATTORNEYS Jan. 17, 1967 A. 1. BODKINS ILLUMINATED DISPLAY MEANS 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Dec. 31, 1964 FIG. 8

ATTORN EYS Jan. 17, 1967 A. l. BODKINS 3,293,172

ILLUMINATED DISPLAY MEANS Filed Dec. 31, 1964 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR.

ATTORNEYS Jan. 17, 1967 A. BODKINS ILLUMINATED DISPLAY MEANS 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Dec. 31, 1964 INVENTOR. dig/49. 80%;,

ATTORNEYS United States Patent Office 3,298,172 Patented Jan. 17, 1967 3,298,172 ILLUMINATED DISPLAY MEANS Arthur I. Bodkins, 69 Locust St., Winthrop, Mass. 02152 Filed Dec. 31, 1964, Ser. No. 422,849 18 Claims. (Cl. 5850) The present invention relates to a display means and more particularly to a display having dynamic chromatic effects.

The present invention provides means for displaying signs, messages and time utilizing color changes and other dynamic indicia in a novel and unique construction. The present invention is particularly adapted for use in connection with advertising flash signs and display clocks.

Thus, it is a particular object of this invention to provide a sign or clock for display purposes which has a light transmitting, preferably translucent, face. Dynamically changing segments of contrasting chromatic light are projected through the face for illustrating, indicating or emphasizing particular messages or time. The invention may be embodied in a clock to indicate chromatically the minutes past the hour or the hour or both. In a simple embodiment of this invention, as embodied in a clock, the hour is chromatically displayed, but, the minutes past the hour are not. In such an embodiment the hour may be indicated by conventional means by an hour hand moving over the translucent face of the clock. The minutes past the hour are indicated by a continuously growing pieshaped segment with a fixed edge of the segment aligned with 12 oclock and an advancing edge indicating the minute of the hour. This pie-shaped segment may be formed of any brilliant color desired which is illuminated from the back of the clock through the translucent face. The balance of the clock face is also illuminated but in chromatic contrast to the pie-shaped segment. As the minutes of the hour advance, the pie-shaped segment grows larger and larger until the minute hand reaches 12 oclock at the end of the hour. At this point the entire clock face is illuminated in the color of the original segment. During the sequential hour a new segment may be formed of a still different contrasting color. This process may be continued throughout the day with a diflerent color for each hour, or may be varied from one col-or to a second color only, depending upon the specific embodiment utilized.

The present invention also contemplates means for chromatically indicating the minutes past the hour in a clock arrangement. In such an embodiment a clock mechanism is provided with a conventionally actuated hour hand. The face of the clock over which the hand travels is translucent. Behind this face there is provided a thin bafiie means aligned with the 12 oclock radius of the clock. A movable baffie is actuated by the minute hand mechanism to rotate about the axial center of the clock face. A translucent continuous strip of material segmented into successively contrasting chromatic portions is arranged behind the translucent face. Light means are also positioned behind the clock face to project light rays through the translucent strip on both sides of the moving bafiies and onto the rear surface of the clock face. Means are provided to move the translucent strip longitudinally so that successive chromatic portions pass around the clock face on the rear side of it. The lines defining one chromatically contrasting portion from another of the strip are arranged to move in synchronism with the movable baffie so that the light passing through this one portion of the strip will fall on one side of the movable baflle and light passing through an adjacent portion of the moving strip will project onto the other side of the movable baffle. Thus there is provided an illuminated clock with a face having a growing pie-shaped segment which enlarges in synchronism with the advancement of the minute hand.

This invention also contemplates a structure such as set forth above except for modifications which permit color changes once a minute. In this construction the color variations are attained by synchronizing the movement of the elongated strip and the movable baffle with a second hand instead of a minute hand. In this arrangement both the minute and hour hands may be conventionally arranged and actuated.

In another embodiment of this invention, an annular ring concentrically arranged about the clock face is segmented in twelve portions corresponding to each numeral of the clock face. The particular hour is illustrated in a color by illuminating the ring from 12 oclock to the particular hour in a color contrasting with the color of the balance of the ring. In another form numerals indicating the hour may be arranged about the clock with the numeral being sequentially illuminated to indicate the particular hour.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a display sign in which various color sweeps are adapted to move across a translucent or transparent display sign face to dynamically form or illuminate a particular message. In such an arrangement messages imprinted in varying colors on the face of the sign will react with the color sweep depending upon the nature of the colors utilized.

In a preferred embodiment of this invention a display mechanism is utilized in combination with a clock. The clock itself consists essentially of a tranlsucent clock face behind which is located a light source. This light source may preferably comprise one or more fluorescent tubes arranged circumferentially about the clock face. Positioned behind the clock face and light source is a mirror which reinforces the fluorescent light rays passing through the clock face. A continuous strip of light transmitting film or linked panels for larger units having successive segments of contrasting colors is positioned behind the clock face. Each of these segments preferably should have a length equal substantially to the circumference of the clock face. This continuous strip lies partially outside -and partially within the ring of fluorescent tubes with the portion within forming a loop which is guided close to the inner circumference of this fluorescent ring so that light, from the fluorescent ring will pass inwardly through the loop to be reflected through the clock face. Means are provided for advancing the loop continuously in clockwise direction so that the light will pass through successive segments of the strip as it is moved.

Also provided is a battle which is mounted for rotation about the clock axis immediately behind the clock face. This baffle moves in synchronism with the line of demarcation between successive segments of the continuous strip. Thus, as the bafiie rotates once each time period, it will physically separate one color created by the light shining through one segment from the other color in the adjacent segment. A second bafiie preferably is provided in alignment with 12 oclock which acts as a permanently located bafile coincident with the point of origination of the changing color on the face of the clock. These baflies function to clearly define one color segment from another of the clock face. The time period for cycling each segment of the strip and the movable baffle about the clock axis is preferably one minute so that the changing color segment on the clock face acts as a second hand. If desired conventional minute and hour hands may be provided.

Other modifications of this invention as well as objects and advantages will be more clearly understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary erspective view of a preferred FIG. 7 is a plan elevational view of the modification I of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary perspective partially cross sectional view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary perspective of a modification of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1; 2 FIG. 10 is a detailed fragmentary perspective of elements shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a perspective fragmentary view of a modiiication of elements shownin FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is an enlarged exploded view of elements shown in FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a fragmentary perspective view of another modification of the present invention.

The preferred embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 comprises a display having a clock mechanism in which the clock face changes color once a minute. It should be understood, however, that this preferred embodiment may be modified so that the clock face will change colors over other periods of time. In this preferred embodiment, a case 1 is shaped and arranged to contain a clock mechanism. This case 1 is positioned above a second case 2 which forms a magazine for a moving tape. A clock motor 4 is positioned at the rear of the case 1. This motor 4 may be of conventional design and is provided with an output shaft 5 adapted to rotate a minute, hour and, if desired, a second hand. An hour hand 6 is connected to the shaft 5 of the motor 4 and rotates once every twenty-four hours. The minute hand 7 is connected to a coaxial shaft 5 and is adapted to rotate once an hour. A third shaft 5" is also coaxial with shafts 5 and 5' and is arranged to rotate once a minute. Shaft 5" surrounds shafts 5 and 5'. These coaxial shafts 5, 5' and '5" extends through and intermediate plate 8 that is normal to the

shafts

5, 5 and 5". This plate 8 preferably has a mirrored front surface and is positioned in parallel alignment with a translucent cover or face 9 on the forward side of the clock. The

shafts

5, 5 and 5" preferably extend through both the plate 8 and cover 9 and support the

hands

6, 7 and 12'on the outer side of the cover or face 9. If desired, the second hand may be eliminated or one or more of the hands positioned on the inner surface of face 9 by suitable modification. The plate 8 and cover 9 are connected together by an annular collar 10 which is formed of a transparent plastic material. A baffle 11 is connected to shaft 5" and rotates with it. The baflie 11 is connected along its inner edge to the shaft 5" with its outer edge brushing in the inner surface of the annular collar 10. The forward edge of the baflie 11 fits in close adjacency to the rear surface of the translucent cover or face 9 while the rear edge of the baflie 11 fits closely to the mirrored surface of plate 8. Plate 8 is formed with a rectangular aperture 15 (FIG. 4) the vertical center axis of which is aligned with 12 oclock. This aperture 15 is symmetrically positioned immediately above the

shafts

5, 5' and 5". A rotatable bafiie 16 is mounted in this aperture 15 and is adapted to be rotated by engagement with baflle 11 as b-afiie 11 is carried around on rotation of shaft 5". Baffle 16 comprises four

panels

16a, 16b, 16c and 16d. Each panel is positioned at right angles to the adjacent panels and each is connected along a vertical center axis 17 coincident with the center axis of the aperture 15. The baffle 16 is mounted for rotation in the aperture 15. This baflie 16 is preferably mounted with an annular spring 20 coaxial with the shaft 17 and positioned within a journal 21 in the plate 8. The spring 20 at the upper end of the axis 17 is designed to exert a downwardly directed force on the baffle 16. The baflie panels are each preferably provided with a wedge 22 flared upwardly from the bottom edgeof the panel. These wedges are adapted to successively engage the rotating baflie 11 each time that the lbaffle 11 rotates past 12 oclock. Spring stops 23 at the side edge of each panel 16a to 16d are adapted to engage the side edges of the aperture 15 and spring tension the baffle 16 in the position illustrated in FIG. 5 until the next rotation of the baffle 11. The baffle 11 is moved with sufficient force to overcome the resistance of spring 23 and cause the baffle 16 to rotate 90 degrees.

A light source preferably in the form of an annular fluorescent tube 3 is positioned between the collar 10 and the outer annular wall 31 of the casing 1. This annular fluorescent tube is suitably wired and is adapted to illumi mate the interior of the clock through the collar 10. Light rays passing through the collar 10 are directed pri-. marily to and through the cover or face 9 by use of the mirrored surface on plate 8. A moving web or strip 35 is formed of a continuous length of transparent or translucent film material. This endless web is formed with successive segments of contrasting color 35a and 35b defined from each other by line 36. Any number of successive segments of colors may be used but for illustrative purposes, six different successive color segments may be used for an arrangement in which the color 3 of the clock face will change once a minute with the series of color changes repeating every six minutes. The endless web 35 has its major portion 37 positioned within casing 2 (FIG. 1) and is supported for continuous movement in and out of the casing 2 on suitably arranged rollers 38, preferably positioned at each end of the casing 2 and providing means by which the endless web 35 may be stored in a relatively compact fashion by extending segments of the web back and forth between parallel rolls. The web 35 extends out of the casing 2 in the direction of arrow A shown in FIG. 2.

. on the other side of the 12 oclock position is carried by idler sprocket 43 around one end of light source 30. Suitable means (not shown) which may comprise an annular collar on the outer side of the light source 30 may be provided to support the portion of web 35 outside the light source. The web 35 extends down to sprocket 46 and into the magazine as illustrated in FIG. 2. The endless web 35 is driven with its innermost portion moving in a clockwise direction as indicated by arrow B by means of a suitable drive source such as schematically illustrated in FIG. 2. In this arrangement, the power source 50, which may be a portion of the clock-motor mechanism, is connected by a suitable gear reduction train 51 to the

shafts

52 and 53.

Shafts

52 and 53 rotate in a clockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 2. Shaft 52 carrying sprocket 40 moves the endless-web 35 from the magazine and shaft 53 carrying sprocket 46 in a takeup operation.

It will be noted that the outer portion of the web 35 moves in a counter clockwise direction while the inner portion moves in .a clockwise direction. Thus, if desired, the transparent member 55 may be mounted on the clock casing 1 and may extend through it with the inner side of the member 55 facing the outer portions of the web 35. Thus, as web 35 is formed of a film of successively contrasting colors, these colors will move counterclockwise on the outer portion. As a result a moving light will shine through the member 55 in a different color than in the clock face. In addition, the clock face will have a growing pie-shaped segment which moves from 12 oclock in a clockwise direction in synchronism with the second hand mechanism. The member 55 on the other hand will change colors in a counterclockwise direction.

Lines 36 define successive segments 35a, 35b of the endless web 35. This web 35 moves in synchronism with the second hand mechanism of the clock mechanism so that a line 36 reaches the 12 oclock position of the clock face at the same instant as the second hand. Bafiie 11 is keyed to radially align with successive lines 36 each time it reaches the 12 oclock position. The color projected onto cover 9 from baffie 16 to the trailing surface of the moving baflie 11, as it moves in a clockwise direction, thus will be uniform in color.

Referring now to FIGS. 7 and 8, there is illustrated a further modification of the present invention which may be useful in larger displays or mechanisms. In this arrangement, the case 100 is provided with a face 101 having a translucent center portion 102 and an outer portion 103 which may, if desired, be opaque and which may bear transparent or translucent numerals of the clock face. An intermediate wall 104 parallel to the rear wall 105 and the face 101 extends across the entire diameter of the casing 100. This wall 104 preferably has a mirrored forward face. Positioned between the wall 104 and face 101 is an annular transparent member 106 which extends from the wall 104 preferably to and in close relationship with the inner surface of the face 101. The front member 106 is shown as extending short of the face 101 in FIG. 8 for clarity in illustrating other elements. This annular member 106 is preferably coaxial with the axis of the casing and the shafts generally indicated at 107. A second annular member 108 is coaxial with and surrounds the annular member 106. This member 108 also extends from the intermediate wall 104 to the face 101, but is provided with a slot at the 12 oclock position parallel to the axis of the member. The light emitting source, preferably an annular fluores cent tube 109, is positioned between the members 106 and 108. The light source 109 is suitably energized by means not shown. Endless film 111 is looped about and lies in facing relation with the outer surface of member 106. This loop extends through the slot 110 of member 108, and extends about the outer surface of the second annular member 108. The endless web 111 is adapted to move continuously about the annular member 106 and the annular member 108. This web is driven in a clockwise direction as viewed from the face of the clock about the member 108 by means of a drive shaft 112. This drive shaft 112 is provided with sprockets that are adapted to engage the chain of slots 113 formed at one side of the web 111. I

The web 111 is divided into a series of successive segments of contrasting color. Each segment has a length equal to the outer circumference of annular member 106. By selectively proportioning the various components in this clock, two or more segments of different colored film may be used. The web 111 is held in close adjacency to the outer surface of the annular member 106 by suitable rollers such as roller 114, journaled between the intermediate wall 104 and a projecting pin or boss or other suitable means (not shown) projecting from the outer surface of the annular member 106. Shaft 112 is driven from a suitable power source such as motor 120 which may also serve as a power source for the clock hands. In this embodiment, the hour hand may carry a gear 121 connected by a sprocket and chain arrangement 123 to a shaft 124 in turn connected by .gear train 125 to the shaft 112. Other suitable arrangements may also be used.

The shaft assembly 107 preferably comprises three coaxial shafts including an inner shaft 107a, intermediate shaft 107b and outer shaft 1070. Inner shaft 107:: preferably carries the hour hand 129. The outer shaft 1070 has attached to it a bafiie 132 which extends from the forward surface of the intermediate wall 104 to the inner surface of the translucent face 101. Baflie 132 has its outer edge parallel to shaft 107 and in brushing relation with the inner surface of annular member 106. This baffie 132 moves the second hand shaft 1070.

A second baffle 135 is vertically positioned and is aligned with 12 oclock on the clock face. This bafile extends from the shaft assembly 107 to the inner surface of annular member 106. The shaft is supported in guides :and 141 for reciprocal movement between a position within the annular member 106 and a position rearward of the intermediate wall 104. The baffle 135 has a length such that it extends from the intermediate wall 104 to the rear surface of translucent portion of face 101 when it is positioned within the annular member 106. And when it is withdrawn from within the annular member 106, it is positioned entirely rearwardly of the intermediate wall 104. A slot 142 in the intermediate wall is provided to permit the reciprocating movement of the baffle 135. The reciprocating movement of the baffle 135 is effected by an actuating means generally designated at 150. This arrangement may comprise a solenoid 151 suitably mounted on the rear wall 105 of the casing connected by a linkage system 152 to the bafile 135.

In the operation of this embodiment, the minute and hour hands operate in a conventional fashion. The web 111 moves in synchronism with the second hand shaft 107c. The defining lines of the tape are synchronized to move around the annular member 106 in radial alignment with baflie 132. Thus, as the baffle 132 reaches 12 oclock position, a new segment of the color tape begins to move in a clockwise direction about the annular member 106. As the web advances in a clockwise direction about the annular member 106, the portion of the web leaving a facing relation position with the annular member 106 will be of a color contrasting to the new segment. Thus, the color of the portion of the web around the annular member 106- will gradually change. The light from the light source 109 will shine through the web 111 and the annular member 106. The colored light passing into the center portion of the clock within the annular member 106 will be colored, with the color from 12 oclock in a clockwise direction to the position of bafiie 132 being of a color contrasting to the remaining color. This color differentiation will show up on the translucent face of the clock as a growing pieshape.

The bafile 132 will rotate within the annular member 106 until bafiie 132 approaches a 12 oclock position. When it reaches a 12 oclock position, it will actuate solenoid 151 by a suitable switch means (not shown) to cause the withdrawal of bafile 135 allowing bafiie 132 to pass the 12- oclock position. When it is past, a time delay means will cause solenoid 151 to reactuate and reposition the baffle 135 within the annular member 106.

Referring to the embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 9'12, there is illustrated an arrangement which is particularly useful for very large clocks and displays. In this arrangement, there is provided a casing 200 having a rear wall 201 with a forward surface that is preferably polished and reflective. The face 202 of the cas-' ing is a light transmitting and preferably translucent member. If desired, this face 202 may be formed of a center portion 203 of a material having different light transmitting characteristics than the annular or outer portion 204. Shaft means 210 extends through and preferably normal to the wall- 201 and the face 202. This shaft means comprises at least a pair of coaxial shafts. If two coaxial shafts are used, the inner shaft has an end engaging the hour hand 211 and the other shaft may have an end engaging a minute hand 212. If three coaxial shafts are used, the outer one is rotatable at 60 rotations per minute and may have a second hand (not shown) attached to its end. The

hands

211 and 212 are adapted to be rotated adjacent to the face 202 by a suitable drive means such as a clock mechanism 214. The shaft supporting the hour band 211 preferably extends through the minute hand shaft of the shaft means 210. Collar 2140f light transmitting material extends between the rear Wall 201 and'the face 202. The forward edge of this collar 214 is preferably aligned with the junction of the annular portion 204 and the center portion 203 of the clock base. This collar 214 defines the annular portion 215 within the casing. This annular portion 215 is preferably divided into a forward and rear annular cornpartment by the continuous annular member 216. The member 216 may be formed of a light transmitting material of a color different from the color of the light transmitting material forming the annular member 214. A light generating means such as an annular fluorescent light 217 is positioned in the rearmost section of the member 215. Suitable means are provided to support and actuate this light means 217. Light from the light emitting means 217 projects through the members 216 and A baffle 220 is supported within the center portion of the casing with one edge adjacent to the rear wall 201, another edge adjacent to the inner surface of the face 202, a third edge brushing against the inner surface of the collar 214, and the fourth edge integrally connected to the shaft 'of the shaft means 210. Thebaflie 220 is preferably formed of a series of slats best illustrated in FIG. 10. These slats 223 are connected together at one end by a continuous arm 224 which in turn is connected to the outermost shaft of the shaft means 210 which in one embodiment drives the minute hand 212 and in another rotates as a second hand. Fixed baflie 228 is positioned at the 12 oclock position of the clock. This fixed baflie comprises a series of slats 229 each connected tog'ether by an elongated'member 230 which is positioned on the side of the clock casing opposite to the side at which the arm 224 is connected. Slats 229 of baflie 228 are adapted to be aligned with the spaces between the slats 223 of baflle 220 as bafile 220 is rotated by shaft means 210 past the 12 oclock position.

Synchronized with movement of the minute hand 212 and the shaft of the' shaft means 210, which drives it,

is an endless web 240 of successive segments of contrasting light transmitting characteristics. The web may take the form of a conventional plastic film having segments preferably equal to the circumference of collar 214 and with each segment having light transmitting characteristics different from those of adjacent segments. This film is driven by'a sprocket drive 241 suitably positioned within the casing and engaging the web 240. The sprocket 241 may be connected to the motor means 214' by a suitable gear and shaft linkage generally indicated at 243. The film' may be provided with a storage section equivalent to that illustrated in FIG. 1 so that continuously changing segments may be introduced and rotated about the shaft means 210 in synchronism with the baffle 220. The portion of the film within the casing 200 may be positioned between the fluorescent tubes 217 and the outer surface ofthe collar 214 and between the rear wall 201 and the member'216 The web may also be made of a series of successive links illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12. This construction is particularly useful for very large signs. In this arrangement, a series of links 260 of suitable light transmitting materials may be linked together by pins 261 extending through'tabs 263 of one link int-o pivoting engagement with a tongue 264 of an adjacent link.

In the arrangement of FIG. 10, a light transmitting face or screen 300 is formed preferably of a translucent plastic on which opaque or colored letters 301 may be printed or cut. Disposed behind this sign and within a casing of suitable design is an endless film or Web 290. This film is suitably supported on a plurality of sprocket wheels 291 with one sprocket wheel 201a connected to, a drive shaft 292 in turn connected through a shaft 293 to a motor 294. The film 290 extends at least along a portion of one edge of the sign immediately behind the translucent light transmitting face 300 and in a plane angular and preferably normal to the plane of the face 300. A light source preferably formed of fluorescent lights 302 is positioned immediately below the portion 301 and is arranged to project light rays upwardly through the portion 301 onto the rear surface of the translucent member 300. The film 290 is formed with a plurality of successive segments 305 of contrasting colors with these segments defined from one another by lines 306. The length of each segment may be varied but preferably should comprise at least the length of the member 300 although in certain embodiments a length shorter than the length of the member 300 may be desirable. Thus, the light emitted from the fluorescent light 302 and directed onto member 300 changes color with the movement of the web or film 290. A plurality of baffles 310 are mounted on and between opposite

endless conveyor chains

311 and 312. These chains are mounted on and carried by pairs of

sprockets

313 and 314 in turn mounted respectively on

shafts

315 and 293.

Since shaft 293 is a driven shaft, it will in turn rotate the

sprockets

313 and 314 and the

endless chains

311 and 312. These chains will in turn carry the bafiies 310 behind the wall 300. The baflles 310 are positioned apart a distance equal to the distance between the lines 306 and are adjusted in relation to the film 290 so that they are vertically aligned with dividing lines 306 as they move behind the face 300 and over the light source 306.

What is claimed is:

1. A display clock comprising a casing having light transmitting face, at least one of an hour hand and a minute hand, means supporting said hands for rotation about a common axis over a surface of said face, means for rotating said-hands about said axis with said hour hand making a complete revolution in an hour and said minute hand making a complete revolution in a minute, a cylindrical member of light transmitting material coaxial with said axis and positioned rearward of said face with one end of said cylinder terminating close .to the inner surface of said face, an elongated endless light transmitting web having a plurality of successive segments of contrasting colors with said segments each having a length equal to the outer circumference of said cylindrical member and with a portion of said web looped about said cylindrical member, means for moving said Web longitudinally about said cylindrical member in a clockwise direction as viewed from said face whereby said segments will successively encircle said cylindrical member, light generating means positioned outside of and substantially encircling said portion of said web whereby light may be transmitted through said portion and said cylindrical member, a pair of baflle means disposed within said cylindrical member and lying in planes passing through said axis, means for rotating one of said baflle means about said axis in synchronism with one of said hands, means supporting the other of said batfie means in a position coincident with twelve oclock, and means for permitting the passage of one baffle means past the other as said one baffie means moves past twelve oclock.

2. A device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said other baffle means comprises four wings connected together at a common edge and lying in planes normal to the adjacent wings, means mounting said other baffle means for rotation on an axis coincident with said common edge and radially aligned with said twelve oclock position and lying in a plane no further forward then the plane in which the rearward edge of said one baffle means moves. 3. A device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said other bafile means comprises a flat member having a width at least substantially the radius of said cylindrical member, means for supporting said flat member for reciprocal movement in the plane in which said fiat member lies, means for reciprocating said flat member between a position within said cylindrical member extending radially from said axis in a plane coincident with the twelve oclock position and a position outside of said cylindrical member.

4. A device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said baffle means each comprise slotted members with the slots in one bafile means parallel and relatively displaced from slots in the other bafile means whereby said other bafile means may pass through said one bafile means as said other bafiie means is carried past twelve oclock.

5. A display mechanism comprising a casing having a light transmitting face, a continuous substantially planar light transmitting web having successive segments of contrasting color means supporting said web behind and with the plane of said web arranged to intersect and be angular to said face for movement about a center axis and in a direction longitudinal of said web, means for moving said web in said direction, and means for transmitting light through said web towards said axis and onto the rear surface of said face.

6. A display mechanism comprising a casing having a light transmitting face, a continuous light transmitting web having successive segments of different light transmission qualities, means supporting a portion of said web behind said face for movement about a center axis arranged at an angle to said face in a direction longitudinal of said web :and with said support means constructed and adapted so that said portion of said web substantially forms a cylindrical light transmitting means, means for moving said web, and light generating means for generating light through said portion of said web towards said central axis and onto the rear portion of said face.

7. A display mechanism as set forth in claim 6 wherein said portion forming a cylindrical light transmitting means has a circumference equal to at least the length of one of said segments.

8. A display as set forth in claim 7 wherein said light generating means is positioned external of and substantially surrounding said cylindrical light transmitting means and is adapted to generate light therethrough.

9. A display mechanism comprising a casing having a light transmitting face,

a continuous light transmitting web having successive segments of different light transmission qualities,

means supporting a portion of said web behind said face for movement about a center axis in a direction longitudinal of said web and with said support means constructed and adapted so that said portion of said web substantially forms a cylindrical light transmitting means having a circumference equal to at least the length of one of said segments,

means for moving said web,

light generating means for generating light through said portion of said web and onto the rear portion of said face with said light generating means positoned external of said cylindrical light transmitting means and adapted to generate light therethrough,

and a baffle disposed within said cylindrical light transmitting means, and means for rotating said braffie about the axis of said cylindrical light transmitting means in synchronism with the movement around said cylindrical light transmitting means of successive segments.

10. A display as set forth in claim 9 including a clock mechanism having shaft means coincident with the axis of said cylindrical light transmitting means and supporting said baffle for rotation, a second baffle positioned at twelve oclock, and means supporting said second baflle for movement from a position within said cylindrical means at twelve oclock and a position external of said cylindrical means and means for moving said second bafiie between said positions.

11. A display clock comprising a clock mechanism having rotatable shaft means including a pair of coaxial shafts with one shaft rotating once a minute and the other once an hour, a casing containing said shafts with said casing having a light transmitting face extending angular to said shaft means at one end thereof, a minute hand and an hour hand connected to said shaft means and positioned to rotate about said shaft means in close adjacency to said face, an elongated light transmitting web divided into a plurality of successive segments of different light transmitting characteristics, means supporting said web within said case behind said face with a portion of said web forming a substantially cylindrical element having an axis coaxial with said shaft means and with said cylindrical element having a circumference no greater than said portion, light emitting means positioned within said casing to project light through said cylindrical element onto said clock face, means for moving said web longitudinally and in a direction clockwise with respect to the front of said face and in synchronism with the movement of said hands. 12. A device as set forth in claim 11 wherein a second portion of said web continuous with said first portion is positioned within said casing in an area remote from said light transmitting face.

13. A display mechanism comprising a light transmitting face adapted to have information projected thereon, an endless substantially planar web having successive light contrasting segments, means for moving said web in a direction longitudinal of its length and adjacent and with the plane of said web angular to said face, and means for transmitting light through said web onto the rear surface of said face.

14. A display mechanism comprising a light transmitting face adapted to have information projected thereon,

an endless web having successive light contrasting segments,

means for moving said web in a direction longitudinal of its length and adjacent and angular to said face,

means for transmitting light through said web onto the rear surface of said face, i

bafile means,

means supporting said bafile means for movement in a plane angular to and behind said face and angular to said web,

and means for moving said baflle means in synchronism with said web movement with one edge of said baflle means aligned with the junction of adjacent segments.

15. A device as set forth in claim 14 including a sign bearing a message positioned behind said face and light means for transmitting said message on said face.

16. A clock mechanism comprising shaft means having a pair of coaxial shafts, means for rotating one shaft once an hour and the other once a minute, a light transmitting clock face positioned angular to its said shafts, a plurality elongated light transmitting webs each having successive segments of diiferent light transmitting qualities, each of said Webs having portions substantially circumscribing said shafts in an area behind said face, and with one of said portions spaced from the other, means for moving said webs in said portions in a clockwise direction as viewed from said face with one web moving in synchronism with said one shaft and the other in synchronism with said other shaft, light emitting means for projecting light through each of said portions onto the rear surface of said face, and means attached to each said shafts to rotate, with one means moving in alignment with the junction of adjacent segments as they move through the portion of said one web and the other means moving in alignment with the junction of adjacent segments as they move through the portion of said other web.

17. A display device comprising a casing having a light transmitting face,

a a cylindrical member of light transmitting material hav-.

ing a central axis positioned rearwardly of said face with one end of said cylindrical member terminating close to the inner surface of said face,

-- an elongated endless light transmitting web having a plurality of successive segments of oontnasting colors with said segments each having a length equal to the outer circumference of said cylindrical member and with a portion of said web looped about said cylindrical member, 1

means for moving said web longitudinally about said cylindrical member in a clockwise direction as viewed from said face whereby said segments will successively encircle said cylindrical member,

light generating means positioned outside of and substantially encircling said portion of said web whereby light may be transmitted through said portion and said cylindrical member,

a pair of baflle means disposed within said cylindrical member and lying in planes passing through said axis,

' means for rotating one of said bafile means about said axis, means supporting the other of said baffl'e means substantially along a vertical line, i

12 and means for permitting the passage of one baffle means past the other as said one bafiie means moves past said line. 18. A device as set forth in claim 17 wherein said other 5- baflle means comprises four wings connected together at a common edge and lying in planes normal to the adjacent wings, a

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,968,987 /1934 Block 5850 3,028,482 4/1962 Koehler 24o -1o.1 3,208,174 9/1965 Wrenshall 240-101 RICHARD B. WILKINSON, Primary Examiner.

GERALD F. BAKER, Examiner.

Claims

1. A DISPLAY CLOCK COMPRISING A CASING HAVING LIGHT TRANSMITTING FACE, AT LEAST ONE OF AN HOUR HAND AND A MINUTE HAND, MEANS SUPPORTING SAID HANDS FOR ROTATION ABOUT A COMMON AXIS OVER A SURFACE OF SAID FACE, MEANS FOR ROTATING SAID HANDS ABOUT SAID AXIS WITH SAID HOUR HAND MAKING A COMPLETE REVOLUTION IN AN HOUR AND SAID MINUTE HAND MAKING A COMPLETE REVOLUTION IN A MINUTE, A CYLINDRICAL MEMBER OF LIGHT TRANSMITTING MATERIAL COAXIAL WITH SAID AXIS AND POSITIONED REARWARD OF SAID FACE WITH ONE END OF SAID CYLINDER TERMINATING CLOSE TO THE INNER SURFACE OF SAID FACE, AN ELONGATED ENDLESS LIGHT TRANSMITTING WEB HAVING A PLURALITY OF SUCCESSIVE SEGMENTS OF CONTRASTING COLORS WITH SAID SEGMENTS EACH HAVING A LENGTH EQUAL TO THE OUTER CIRCUMFERENCE OF SAID CYLINDRICAL MEMBER AND WITH A PORTION OF SAID WEB LOOPED ABOUT SAID CYLINDRICAL MEMBER, MEANS FOR MOVING SAID WEB LONGITUDINALLY ABOUT SAID CYLINDRICAL MEMBER IN A CLOCKWISE DIRECTION AS VIEWED FROM SAID FACE WHEREBY SAID SEGMENTS WILL SUCCESSIVELY ENCIRCLE SAID CYLINDRICAL MEMBER, LIGHT GENERATING MEANS POSITIONED OUTSIDE OF AND SUBSTANTIALLY ENCIRCLING SAID PORTION OF SAID WEB WHEREBY LIGHT MAY BE TRANSMITTED THROUGH SAID PORTION AND SAID CYLINDRICAL MEMBER, A PAIR OF BAFFLE MEANS DISPOSED WITHIN SAID CYLINDRICAL MEMBER AND LYING IN PLANES PASSING THROUGH SAID AXIS, MEANS FOR ROTATING ONE OF SAID BAFFLE MEANS ABOUT SAID AXIS IN SYNCHRONISM WITH ONE OF SAID HANDS, MEANS SUPPORTING THE OTHER OF SAID BAFFLE MEANS IN A POSITION COINCIDENT WITH TWELVE O''CLOCK, AND MEANS FOR PERMITTING THE PASSAGE OF ONE BAFFLE MEANS PAST THE OTHER AS SAID ONE BAFFLE MEANS MOVES PAST TWELVE O''CLOCK.