Illumination – Revolving
Reexamination Certificate
1999-04-05
2001-01-16
O'Shea, Sandra (Department: 2875)
Illumination
Revolving
C362S559000, C362S581000, C362S125000, C362S367000, C362S812000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06174065
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
I. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to multi-panel display systems in the form of signs, plaques, racks or the like. More particularly, my invention relates to display systems that comprise a plurality of illuminated, translucent panels. Prior art relevant to this invention is found in United States Patent Class 40, Subclasses 546 and 547.
II. Description of the Prior Art
A wide variety of illuminated signs are known in the art. Various display systems comprising boards or frames that are covered by one or more translucent panels are known. Known display systems are commonly illuminated with internal or external lights of either incandescent or fluorescent design. Modem display systems incorporating translucent materials including inexpensive glass, and plastic panels have become relatively successful. The relatively, planar, panels may be removed and reattached as desired to shield lettering or other pictorial indicia protected within the device framework. Often the panels are disposed in the form of rows or stacks, being coupled to each other with various clips or retainers. Alternatively, the panels may be captivated within supporting grooves of the frame structure, or they may be ruggedly secured with fasteners to mounting rails or the like.
Known signs may be edge-illuminated by directing light along the periphery of one or more translucent panels. Light impinging upon panel edges is distributed throughout and along the display, illuminating the interior and signs or indicia disposed between or below the illuminated panels. Such designs avoid concentrating light unevenly. As light is regularly and uniformly distributed, unwanted dark regions often exhibited by earlier, illuminated sign systems are avoided. As a result, the written or pictorial materials contained within the display are evenly brightened to provide a relatively futuristic and appealing “high-tech” appearance.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,561,960 shows panel structures using projecting pins that are captivated within receptive mounting slots for securing the panels
U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,390,436, 5,572,818, 5,283,968, 5,027,258, 4,385,343 and 3,892,959 show display devices wherein translucent panels use edge illumination.
The basic concept of illuminating predetermined display indicia upon a translucent panel is seen in U.S. Pat. No. 4,475,298.
Multiple, vertically-spaced apart rectangular panels are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,738,043 and 5,692,330.
However, no known prior art display system is adapted to mount a plurality of translucent panels and desired written or pictorial indicia in spaced relation, at the same time illuminating the panels with one or more colors to produce a visually appealing, three dimensional effect. No known display rack system is adapted to interfit a plurality of differently illuminated panels in a user configurable arrangement that can be snap-fitted together in a minimal time.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention displays and illuminates information and/or artwork preferably etched onto removable glass panels or plaques. It provides a user-configurable display system that may be configured in many different arrangements.
In the best mode, the system forms a single rack, although two or more racks can be combined side by side. Each display rack comprises a plurality of substantially translucent, etched glass panels disposed in a selected three-dimensional orientation, for colorfully displaying selected written or pictorial indicia or artwork. The panels may overlie desired signage, or written or pictorial material that is to be prominently displayed or exhibited. The numerous, generally rectangular panels may comprise translucent or semi-translucent plastic or glass, etched glass, opaque plastic or glass. Optionally they may include written or pictorial indicia formed (i.e., by etching or painting or with decals or attached posters) on their exposed surfaces.
Sides of the rack are formed by spaced-apart, and parallel rail assemblies. These are comprised of modular parts that may be erected by the user in a variety of configurations. An outer, optional decorative trim piece possibly comprises a convex outer top, or a profiled or fluted external top. The trim piece bottom comprises an elongated, central channel bounded by a pair of spaced apart and parallel clearance slots. Recessed locking keys are mounted periodically along the two clearance slots, adjacent the central channel. The trim piece mounts upon a lower rail. (In an alternative embodiment a stack of rails is employed).
Each rail comprises central top and bottom channels. A pair of parallel clearance slots, defined on both sides of the bottom channel, are aligned with locking pins projecting from the rails. there are periodic locking keys in the clearance slots underneath the rail. Preferably, the rail assemblies comprise shoes attached to the lowermost baseplate. The preferred shoes are somewhat simpler than the rails in design. Pins projecting upwardly from the shoes lock within the rail keys, and pins projecting upwardly from the rails lock within the trim piece keys.
Sides of the rack are formed by spaced-apart, and parallel rail assemblies. These are comprised of modular parts that may be erected by the user. An outer trim piece has a convex external top. At the bottom, an elongated, central channel is bounded by a pair of spaced apart and parallel clearance slots. Recessed locking keys are mounted periodically along the central channel. The trim piece mounts upon a lower rail. (In an alternative embodiment a stack of rails is employed). Each rail comprises central top and bottom channels. A pair of parallel clearance slots, defined on both sides of the bottom channel, are aligned with locking pins projecting from the rails. there are periodic locking keys in the clearance slots underneath the rail. Preferably, the rail assemblies comprise shoes attached to the lowermost baseplate. They are somewhat simpler than the rails in design. Pins projecting upwardly from the shoes lock within the rail keys, and pins projecting upwardly from the rails lock within the trim piece keys.
In the best mode panels are selectively edge-illuminated by a lighting system that is uniquely constrained within the modular assembly. When assembled, the system's fastening system holds a fiber optic light stick within the framework, radiating light towards the edges of panels that are firmly captivated adjacent the light stick in assembly. One or more layers of panels of varying dimensions may be employed. In the best mode a translucent glass backplate is disposed beneath the panels. At the users behest the backplate may instead be opaque, tinted or colored, or mirrorized. When the panels and/or the backplate are illuminated, ideally with a plurality of different colors, each display rack in the system exhibits sensually-pleasing, three dimensional effects.
In the best mode the light stick comprises an elongated length of square aluminum tubing that runs the full length of the column. A fiber optic illuminator directs high intensity light into the light stick. A plurality of light pathways within the light stick illuminate the spaced-apart orifices defined in the tubing. Light is thus directed towards the edges of the adjacent, translucent panels captivated within the assembled rack. Illumination of the proximate panel results. Where multiple panels are disposed over each other, different colors can be combined to produce different optical effects. If the light intensity must be adjusted, or less than the full number of optional panels are installed, various ones of the fiber optic outlets can be masked off with black electrician's tape so no light escapes. The fibers are connected from the illuminator through the conduit to the ‘light stick’ that is placed between the shoe and rail, and the rail and trim piece of the column.
Thus a basic object is to visually display information and/or artwork.
Another basic object is to provide a display that can optionally be illuminated.
Another object o
Carver Stephen D.
Negron Ismael
O'Shea Sandra
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