Card – picture – or sign exhibiting – Changing exhibitor – Interchangeable plate
Patent
1996-09-06
1999-11-02
Green, Brian K.
Card, picture, or sign exhibiting
Changing exhibitor
Interchangeable plate
40488, G09F 1100
Patent
active
059747099
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a display apparatus. In particular, it relates to a display apparatus capable of sequentially displaying a plurality of static images, such as advertising images.
Display apparatus of this type is extensively used in advertising, especially at the point of sale or on billboards for example. A typical prior art example of an advertising medium capable of presenting more than one image sequentially comprises an array of elongate elements which are triangular in cross-section. Parts of the whole image are provided on each of the elongate faces so that when one set of these face outward a viewer can see an entire image disposed across all the faces. After a time period, each of the element rotates about its longitudinal axis to bring another face forward to view a second image. Such a system therefore enables three different images to be viewed, each for a predetermined period of time.
Such devices are, however, bulky and have a large depth because of the depth required by the triangular section pieces. Also, since advertisements are changed and updated regularly, it can be difficult to change an advertisement since this requires altering the image on each of the three faces on each of the triangular pieces. This can be very time consuming where a large number of triangular pieces are provided to form each image. For example, twenty separate triangular pieces may be laid continuously to form a single image.
Attempts have been made to reduce the complexity of such devices and to overcome the complexity of rotating members by using planar sheets. Examples of these are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,141,393, 3,403,465, 3,421,240 and 3,659,367. Each of these relates to a changeable display structure comprising a plurality of slatted sheets which are interleaved such that relative sliding movement causes images to be selectively exposed to view. Often, as in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,141,398 and 3,659,367 these devices are intended for manual manipulation and are therefore of limited use. Attempts to drive the sheets, by means such as motors, have often tended to complicate their structure, as in U.S. Pat. No. 3,421,240. Also, in prior art devices it has generally been difficult or time consuming to change messages. Training, and therefore skilled personnel, is often required to change the messages displayed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to provide an improved display means which enables the messages displayed to be easily and simply changed by unskilled personnel in a short amount of time.
According to the present invention there is provided a display apparatus comprising an interchangeable cassette including a first static image-bearing slatted panel, at least two further image-bearing slatted panels, each movable relative to the first slatted panel and interleaved therewith, the three or more slatted sheets forming part of a cassette in which any of the sheets can be selectively removed and replaced, and a frame for receiving the cassette comprising a drive means having means for selectively moving the sheets other than the first one to enable the slats on each of the movable sheets to move from a position behind the slats of the first sheet, to a position in front of the slats of the first sheet, to thereby enable the image on the sheet to be viewed.
Preferably the frame includes the drive means on a rear portion thereof. A front frame portion may be provided which can detachably connect to the cassette to detachably secure the cassette within the frame. The cassette may alternatively or in addition be located by one or more pins and cooperating locating holes and sockets on the frame and cassette.
Preferably, the drive means comprises a plurality of pins driven by means such as solenoids and the moveable sneers comprise holes and slots, the holes in one sheet being in register with the slots of other sheets such that each pin can enter a hole in one sheet only to move only that sheet, the pin moving within the slots of the other shee
REFERENCES:
patent: 2141398 (1938-12-01), Loewenstein
patent: 3080668 (1963-03-01), Reali
patent: 3403465 (1968-10-01), Lane
patent: 3421240 (1969-01-01), Bardi
patent: 3430371 (1969-03-01), Phillips
patent: 3430372 (1969-03-01), Rutchick
patent: 3659367 (1972-05-01), Yamoto
patent: 4102068 (1978-07-01), Rutchik
patent: 4489514 (1984-12-01), Honse
patent: 4759141 (1988-07-01), Aoyagi
patent: 4783923 (1988-11-01), Grinwald et al.
patent: 5551905 (1996-09-01), Billings et al.
Green Brian K.
I.D. Cassette Limited
LandOfFree
Display apparatus does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Display apparatus, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Display apparatus will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2119996