Interchangable modular programmable neon sign

Card – picture – or sign exhibiting – Illuminated sign – Lamp box

Reexamination Certificate

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Details

C040S545000, C040S552000, C345S042000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06305110

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to neon signs, more particularly to a neon sign formed of a plurality of individual letters, numbers and/or symbols.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Neon signs of multiple letters, numbers and/or symbols traditionally have been made in various forms. In one version, a single continuous length or series of connected lengths of neon tubing form all the elements (letters, numbers and/or symbols) of the neon sign. In another version, individual lengths of tubing form part of and are assembled into each whole letter, number or symbol of the sign. In a further version, individual lengths of tubing are utilized, each of which makes up a whole letter or number.
In the case of the continues length (or series of connected lengths) of tubing, failure of any part of the tubing renders the whole sign, or major parts thereof, inoperable, this generally requiring removal, repair and reinstallation of the sign with consequential underdesirable down-time for the sign. Further, the sign is fixed in the form in which it is manufactured, and the individual letters, numbers and/or symbols cannot be individually varied or replaced to thereby form a new sign.
In the case of individual lengths of tubing that form segments of and are assembled into each whole letter, number or symbol of the neon sign, individual segments that fail can be replaced by unfastening such from support structure and replacing with a new segment. However, neon signs of such design are cumbersome, time consuming and expensive to install, inasmuch as up to seven separate segments of tubing, or multiples thereof, make up each letter, number and/or symbol. Each separate segment of a letter, number and/or symbol also requires a separate power connection, there thus being several power connections to each letter, etc. In some instances of such segmented letters, numbers and/or symbols, electrical signals may be switched to turn on only some of the segments of each letter, etc., thus forming different letters, numbers and/or symbols depending on which of the seven discrete neon segments are energized. The circuitry is also complex and extensive since there are large numbers of neon tube segments involved in a sign of numerous letters, etc.
In the case of neon signs wherein each letter, number and/or symbol is formed of a single length of neon tubing, current has been supplied to the letters, etc. from an external common high voltage transformer or by an individual transformer in each letter, etc. Heretofore, elaborate mechanical and electrical mounting and operating means have been required for such signs. The letters are bolted or secured into the electrical tracks or into each other, and thus replaced in the same manner. The letters generally are all turned on and off together, so that the resultant sign does not have a great deal of versatility in its operation.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is intended to overcome the deficiencies of the above-noted neon sign designs. A neon sign is disclosed having each separate element (letter, number or symbol) formed of a single neon tube. Each tube at its opposite ends extends into a box for that tube which contains a discrete inverter circuit for that tube and a discrete decoding and control circuit for the inverter. Means are provided to manually program and store a unique digital code for the particular tube element (letter, number or symbol) into the decoding circuit. Different letters, etc. for each sign accordingly will each have their own unique programmed and stored code.
A continuous electrified rail is provided, and prongs extend from the rear of each box to easily plug that particular letter, etc. into the rail. The electrified rail provides power and coded signals from a controller to each box and thus to each letter, the decoding circuitry in each box separating the power and coded signals. If the controller sends out a particular code for a particular letter, the decoding means for that letter will compare the stored and programmed code in the decoder with the code from the controller. When they match, the decoding circuitry tells the inverter to turn on or off the particular letter connected thereto. Those other letters of the sign whose stored and programmed unique codes do not match the code from the controller will not activate (or deactivate).
The controller is powered from an AC adapter. The controller contains a clock generator, a counter, a memory for storing the program for the letters, numbers or symbols of the sign in question, and an encoding circuit to generate the coded signals sent to the electrified rail and to the discrete decoding circuits for the each discrete letter in the sign.
Accordingly, the present invention provides for separate letters, etc. being individually purchasable to make up whatever sign the user wishes to design. Thus, the ability to design any sign is essentially unlimited. Each letter, etc. is mechanically and electrically discrete so that the letters are not connected to one another. The letters, etc. by virtue of the prongs at the back of each, can be easily inserted and spaced at any desired spacing along the electrified rail. Likewise, the letters can be easily removed and/or rearranged at different positions to form new words with other letters. Any letter in the sign also can be of a color different from other letters. Defective letters are also easily and instantly replaceable.
A further particularly advantageous feature of the present invention is that the discrete coding for each letter etc. allows a sign of several letters, numbers, or symbols to have its letters activated/deactivated at the same time, serially, in random order, by flashing on and off, in a patterned fashion, etc. to attract the attention of the viewer. Constantly shifting visible patterns may also be utilized to attract attention. The controller and its program determine when and if each letter, etc. is turned on and off, thus providing a neon sign with great versatility.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description, drawings and claims.


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