Card – picture – or sign exhibiting – Changing exhibitor – Alphanumeric device
Reexamination Certificate
1998-05-29
2001-04-10
Knight, Anthony (Department: 3626)
Card, picture, or sign exhibiting
Changing exhibitor
Alphanumeric device
C340S815620
Reexamination Certificate
active
06212806
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field Of The Invention
The present invention relates to a display apparatus, and more particularly to a display apparatus with moveable panels that form selected numeric characters. Although the present invention finds utility in applications such as price signs at fuel service stations, it may operate in a large number of other applications, including those using alphabetic characters or letters.
2. Description Of The Prior Art
The prior art includes a variety of display devices, including manually operable numeric displays with interchangeable characters and automated devices that alter selected segments to form one or more numbers. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,388,356 that issued on Feb. 14, 1995 to Kalivas describes a changeable numeric display with seven panels that form numbers. The seven panels include four vertical panels mounted to revolve about horizontal axes and three horizontal panels mounted to revolve about vertical axes.
Like other prior display devices, however, the Kalivas sign suffers a number of disadvantages. The number of panels in the Kalivas apparatus preclude it from forming readily recognizable numbers. In addition, the method of operation of the Kalivas sign requires the display panels to project outwardly of a background surface during number changes, making the sign susceptible to wind and other forces and increasing the likelihood of malfunction.
The display apparatus of the present invention avoids the disadvantages of the prior art devices. It is a simple construction that forms highly recognizable numeric characters in an effective and consistent manner; and it minimizes the cost of fabrication and assembly.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a display apparatus includes a base member that defines a display surface and nine panel segments mounted to the base member. At least eight of the panel segments move between a first position in which a panel segment lies in a general parallel and overlapping relation with the display surface and a second portion in which the eight panel segments lie generally perpendicularly to the display surface, along edge portions of the surface.
Driving means move the eight panel segments between the first and second positions. The driving means pivots the panel segments between the first and second positions about pivot axes disposed generally parallel to edges of the display surface. One of the nine panel segments remains stationary, while one of the eight moveable segments moves through a central opening in the display surface as it pivots between its first and second positions. Alternatively, a moveable panel segment that operates in the same manner as the other moveable panel segments may replace the stationary panel segment.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4024532 (1977-05-01), Sherwin
patent: 4070668 (1978-01-01), Kawaharada et al.
patent: 4117478 (1978-09-01), Skrobisch
patent: 4161832 (1979-07-01), Bergamini
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patent: 4542603 (1985-09-01), Streeter et al.
patent: 4744163 (1988-05-01), Browne et al.
patent: 4796370 (1989-01-01), Chang
patent: 5388356 (1995-02-01), Kalivas
patent: 5559528 (1996-09-01), Ravid et al.
Article entitled “A Sign Of Quality,”Businesss,1996, pp. 103 and 105.
Article entitled “PWM Keeping Pace with Technology,” 1996.
Article entitled “Attractive Pricing,”Business,Apr. 1993.
Article entitled “Die Visitenkarte Ihrer Tankstelle,”Tankstellen Markt(including English translation).
Article entitled “Das Aushängeschild der Station mit Gesicht” (including English translation).
Article entitled “PWM—die digitale Revolution an der Station” (including English translation).
Article entitled “Herr der Preise,”Tankstelle,Feb. 1994 (including English translation).
Article entitled “Eindrücke und Schnappschüsse von der Tankstelle '92 in Leipzig” (including English translation).
Brochure entitled “Profit today from tomorrows technology”, published in 1990.
Brochure entitled “The growth of your service station”, published in 1994.
Brochure entitled “The calling card for your service station”, published in 1996.
Catalog entitled “PWM electronic price signs”, published in 1997.
Flyer entitled “PWM Complex” (including English translation), published in 1990.
Brochure entitled “Tecnologia del mañana sus Beneficios de hoy” (including English translation), published in 1992.
Brochure entitled “Die Visitenkarte Ihrer Tankstelle” (including English translation), published in 1992.
Knight Anthony
Patel Vishal
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