Card – picture – or sign exhibiting – Display with special effects – Electromotor operated
Reexamination Certificate
1999-07-02
2001-10-09
Davis, Cassandra H. (Department: 3628)
Card, picture, or sign exhibiting
Display with special effects
Electromotor operated
C345S031000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06298588
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention concerns a display apparatus. More particularly, the present invention relates to a display apparatus having a plurality of light sources arranged on a movable carrier being driven by a drive device and a control device actuating, the plurality of light sources. These elements cooperate in such a manner as to create a recurring image that passes over a surface associated with the display apparatus.
2. Description of the Related Art
A conventional display apparatus is disclosed in WO 98/05023, which corresponds to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/230,246. This type of conventional display apparatus provides an image that may be visually perceived by an observer. The image may include image information, graphics or text information. This type of conventional display device find is ready application in retail establishments or other advertising venues. Within the conventional display apparatus, separately actuated light sources move together in a group on a movable carrier along a predetermined path or in relation to a surface associated with the display apparatus. The carrier may move from side-to-side in a swinging path or in a circular path. The carrier, and thus the mounted light sources, move at such a high speed that the observer perceives a stationary or a moving optical image generated by the light sources, without noticing the carrier. This result occurs because of the inertia in the human eye. Where the carrier and light sources move in a circular path the display device forms an electronic advertising column.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In one aspect, the present invention is applied to the conventional display apparatus in such a way that it can be used to display advertising images in a more attractive and versatile manner. This object is obtained by use of a receiving device adapted to receive and secure an article that can also, in conjunction with the advertising image, be visually perceived by an observer.
At least in the case of a substantially electronic display apparatus, this receiving device according to the present invention becomes a constituent part of the display apparatus and permits further representation or perception of the article placed therein. The compound effect of image and article enhances the overall advertising effect for a broad class of products. Thus, by means of this article receiving device, the present invention allows an observer to perceive not only the electronically generated image, graphic, and/or text information but also the actual product, product design, model or other representation of the product. The present invention accordingly provides better product placement and advertising, as the arrangement of product with visual image compliment one another in a highly effective manner.
The display apparatus according to the present invention may be readily reused in a commercial setting by replacing the product in the receiving device and changing the electronically generated image. Thus, the inventive display apparatus for the first time combines an attractive product placement mechanism with a visually compelling electronic display to provide an effective advertising platform.
In one particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the receiving device takes the form of a container or receptacle. The container or receptacle is designed such that a product may be easily placed therein and subsequently removed and replaced by another product. As presently preferred, the container will have substantially cylindrical walls and a bottom. It is further preferred that the container be made of a transparent material which will be largely undetected by the observer, thus preserving the free-standing visual effect afforded by the electronically generated image.
In another aspect, the present invention provides that the receiving device be releaseably secured to the display apparatus. With this feature, the receiving device, together with the product contained therein, may be easily replaced in the display apparatus and the actual process of placing or mounting the product within the receiving device can be performed at the manufacturer.
In yet another aspect of the present invention, the advertising effect or attractiveness of the display apparatus is further enhanced by use of the receiving device in a manner which allows it to be moved or rotated by a drive mechanism. As the receiving device moves under the influence of the drive the product contained therein may be view from all sides. Product motion tends to further catch the observer's eye.
In still another aspect, the present invention provides an additional light source illuminating the product within the receiving device. This additional light source allows the product to be viewed regardless of the time of day and serves to further enhance product presentation.
When the display apparatus according to the present invention is used in the form of an electronic advertising column the light sources may be arranged on the carrier such that they are moved in a circular path. This arrangement allows the receiving, device, having a product placed therein, to be positioned within the circular path defined by the moving light sources on the carrier. In this way, the otherwise unused area inside the display apparatus of the electronic advertising column is put to good use as a product placement space. When so used, the present invention allows the product to be viewed from all sides and achieves a particular visual effect by virtue of the arrangement of the cylindrical surface on which the optical image is generated.
When used in the form of an electronic advertising column, the present invention may incorporate an external, transparent casing. This external casing may be secured and will thus serve as a protective casing. Preferably, the receiving device is suspended at an upper portion of the protective casing. Consistent with this purpose, the receiving device may be formed with radially projecting, flange-like projections that co-operate with the cylindrical protective casing at the upper edge thereof.
In yet another aspect, an alternate embodiment of the present invention provides that the receiving device includes a cover so that a product placed in the receiving device remains safe and protected.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4160973 (1979-07-01), Berlin, Jr.
patent: 4689604 (1987-08-01), Sokol
patent: 5057827 (1991-10-01), Nobile et al.
patent: 5818401 (1998-10-01), Wang
patent: 6115006 (2000-09-01), Brotz
Kohne Marcus
Remitz Hans-Jörg
Davis Cassandra H.
Kohne Ingenieur büro, GmbH
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