Card – picture – or sign exhibiting – Display device with gas or liquid movement
Patent
1996-04-01
1998-06-30
Dorner, Kenneth J.
Card, picture, or sign exhibiting
Display device with gas or liquid movement
G09F 1900
Patent
active
057716153
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
AN ANIMATED DISPLAY ASSEMBLY
This invention relates to an animated display assembly.
This invention has particular but not exclusive application to a bubbling liquid display such as a carbonated beverage display or an aerated liquid display, and for illustrative purposes reference will be made to such application.
BACKGROUND ART
There are many difficulties associated with the provision of such display assemblies, depending upon the effect to be achieved. For example in a beverage sign it may be desired to simulate the rising bubbles as well as the head of foam which often forms on the surface of the beverage. In a simulated aerated water display it may also be necessary to maintain a clear liquid appearance in a closed cycle environment exposed to light. In practically all instances it is necessary to provide an arrangement which is not unduly heavy and which facilitates ease of manufacture, transport and maintenance as well as long term effectiveness.
The present invention aims to alleviate one or more of the above disadvantages and to provide a display assembly which will be reliable and efficient in use.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In one broad form, this invention provides display apparatus for simulating a container of gaseous liquid, comprising inner and outer walls at least partially defining a reservoir, the outer wall being at least light transmissive and shaped or contoured to resemble at least a portion of the container, the inner wall generally following the shape or contour of the outer wall but spaced inwardly therefrom, a foamable liquid contained, in use, in the reservoir, and aeration means for introducing gas into the liquid at a bottom portion of the reservoir to thereby form bubbles which rise through the liquid and form a head of foam in a space above the liquid, and foam regulating means for venting gas from burst foam bubbles but returning liquid component of the burst foam bubbles to the reservoir.
The reservoir may be an open reservoir which may be contained within a closed environment. Alternatively the reservoir may be a closed reservoir, or a substantially closed reservoir having an inlet and/or an outlet through which liquids and gases may pass.
The reservoir walls may be any suitable shape. For example, the reservoir may be shaped like a receptacle used for the purposes of drinking and/or storing beverages such as a drinking glass, a bottle or a can.
The reservoir walls may be constructed from any suitable material including plastics materials, acrylic materials or glass. Furthermore, the construction of the reservoir walls may be unitary or may comprise a plurality of sealably connected wall panels.
In order to minimise the volume of liquid contained in the reservoir without substantially affecting the external visual appearance of the reservoir, the opposing inner and outer walls of the reservoir may be narrowly separated, particularly in the line of sight.
In order to suppress the growth of mould and fungus, particularly on the internal surfaces of the assembly such as those of the liquid reservoir, the materials used in the construction of the assembly may include an anti-fungal additive and/or may be coated with an anti-fungal agent.
In order to create certain desired visual effects such as the colour of the beverage, portions of the reservoir may be coloured and/or there may be provided an appropriately coloured insert. Similarly, in order to create an illusion of depth, portions of the reservoir may be coated with a reflective material and/or the reservoir may include a reflective insert.
The liquid used to fill the reservoir is preferably stable at operating temperatures. For example, the liquid may have a relatively high flash point, a relatively high boiling point and/or a high temperature at which it will ignite. Preferably the liquid is an oil such as an iso-paraffin.
The liquid may be clear, or may be coloured naturally or by the addition of an appropriately coloured dye or colouring agent. For example, in the case of liquids used to simulate beers, a yellow o
REFERENCES:
patent: 2667001 (1954-01-01), Sheridan
patent: 4631210 (1986-12-01), McGee
patent: 5075992 (1991-12-01), Kahn
patent: 5109620 (1992-05-01), Torrence
'81 Patent Abstract of Japan, M-85, p. 162, JP,A, 56-70986 (Honshiyuu Seishi K.K.).
Colour Index (third edition), vol. 5, The Society of Dyers and Colourists pp. 5838-5839; and vol. 3, pp. 3578-3579, 3594-3595 and 3624-3625.
'90 Patent Abstract of Japan, P-1110, p. 55, JP, A, 2-176694 (Taisei Corp).
Daly Keith Michael
Davidson Rodney David
Staples Colin John
Thornton Kenneth John
Welldon Kenneth George
3D Displays Pty. Ltd.
Davis Cassandra
Dorner Kenneth J.
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