GB2407907A

GB2407907A - Illuminated variable message display.

Info

Publication number: GB2407907A
Application number: GB0326019A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Alan Ramsay
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2003-11-07
Filing date: 2003-11-07
Publication date: 2005-05-11
Also published as: GB0326019D0

Abstract

An illuminated message display 1 comprises a lightbox 2 having a display surface 3 in the form of an opaque card retained within or by its front cover 2a, characterised in that the display surface has partially punched perforations 4 arranged in a grid pattern and forming opaque plugs. The removal of selected opaque plugs may form a word which is displayed by illumination means. The display may be used to display messages, such as "help", "petrol" and "Thank you", from the rear window of a vehicle. The opaque plugs are preferably formed from a resilient material enabling them to be removed and replaced as required. A faintly printed template of the most popular messages may be provided on both sides of the display surface to assist in the correct removal of opaque plugs. The light source may be operated in a flashing sequence and the lightbox may be divided into separate distinct lightsource sections.

Description

Message Light Display

Field of Invention

This invention relates to a budget priced message light display consisting of a lightbox used to display messages from outwith a motor vehicle, caravan or building window. The predominant use being a vehicle window. The message or messages being predetermined by the operator.

Background to the invention

There are many type of message or information type displays available consisting of electronically controlled' static or Light Emitting Diode (L.E.D) displays in which the operator can programme virtually any short message. Further mechanical or electrical message displays predominantly consist of opaque material incorporating translucent messages or information, the lettering being interchangeable like those used for information displays in railway stations. Further information type displays consist of flexible opaque material with translucent lettering capable of being wound from one roll to another through the light box such that the relevant message or information being used within the ret _r'^ lightbox display could be one of many pre-arranged messages. This type of display is often used as a destination display for buses.

Static lightbox displays such as "exit" signs are also well known, however these lightbox type message or information type displays are either set like the "exit" type displays or are relatively expensive like the LED type displays.

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Summary of the invention

According to the present invention there is provided a budget priced message light display device whereas the actual displayed message or information can be predetermined by the operator. The message light display is designed, though not exclusively, for the display of messages or information from outwith a motor vehicle or caravan rear window comprising of a light box having a retaining slot or alternatively an opening or removable front cover whereby an opaque card having removable opaque plugs can be retained to form the lightbox front display surface. The card surface incorporates a matrix or array of opaque plugs in the form of partially punched perforations in a grid pattern, the partially punched perforations being easily removable as required by an implement such as a pen or pencil point to form, dependent on, the predetermined amount or opaque plugs a word or short sentence. In use when the card is used as the display surface of the lightbox the light within the lightbox radiates only through the perforations formed in the matrix when the opaque plugs have been removed to form a word or short sentence (dependent on matrix size).

Due to their low cost a kit of several cards can be supplied with the lightbox enabling a choice of messages to be displayed. The cards Pane Of 19 preferably having various words being faintly printed on their surface as a template or guide to assist the correct removal of the partially punched perforations, the words such as "petrol", "thank you" and "help" being a sample.

In a further example of the present invention the card type display surface is replaced by a detachable front cover having a similar grid pattern matrix of preferably circular perforations within its front display surface.

The section of the front display surface being substantially thicker than that of the card. Opaque resilient plugs can be inserted into the circular perforations in order to mask the emitted light from within the lightbox.

The resilient opaque plugs are removed or replaced as required to form a word, words or short sentence giving the obvious restraint of the predetermined quantity of perforations within any given front display surface. To facilitate the option of multiple messages the lightbox can be divided into distinct light source sections which radiate only through their part of the message light display surface.

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Brief description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig 1 - Is a perspective view of the message light display wherein the embodiment shown the light display surface comprises of partially punched perforations in a grid pattern wherein some of the opaque plugs are removed to form a word.

Fig 2 - Is a perspective view of disassembled parts of one embodiment of the message light display.

Fig 3 - illustrates a message light display whereas an implement is being used to dislodge the partially punched perforations acting as removable opaque plugs from the card forming the light display surface.

Fig 4 - Is a diagrammatic perspective view of the message light display in operation within the back window of a motor vehicle.

Fig 5 - Illustrates a message light display whereas the lightbox is divided into distinct light source sections whereas each light source only radiates only through a section of a light display surface.

Fig 6 -illustrates a message light display wherein the card forming the light display surface has pre cut lettering within its surface P.47^ of With Reference to the accompanying drawings the following numbers relate to the following features 1. Message light display 5. Opaque Plugs 2. Lightbox 5a. Resilient opaque plugs 2a. Lightbox front cover 6. Internal light source 2b. Lightbox mounting 7. Removal implement 2c Lightbox lightsource sections 8 Motor vehicle 2d. Lightbox slot 8a Motor vehicle rear window 3. Display Surface 9. Pre cut lettering 3a. Display surface grip portion 3b. Display surface opaque card 3c. Display surface thick section 4. Perforations 4a.Partially punched perforations 4b. Perforations grid pattern 4c. Perforations word template 4d. Perforations forming words Pail'- Of 1 9

Detailed Description of the embodiments

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. the various embodiments described below like reference numbers will be used to indicate like features throughout the drawings. Referring to Fig 1 the message light display (1) comprises a lightbox (2) with a front cover (2a) which when closed retains the display surface (3) which consists of an array of opaque plugs (5) in the form of partially punched perforations (4a) formed in a grid pattern (4b) the removal of said selected opaque plugs (5) can usefully form a word or words (4d). When the internal light source (6) is switched on light radiates through the vacated perforations (4) creating a said message light display (1) which can be easily seen especially in subdued light conditions. In a further embodiment of the present invention the said display surface (3) is retained within a slot (2e) within the said lightbox (2) the said display surface (3) having an external grip portion grip (3a) to facilitate easy removal or replacement of the said display surface (3) . Fig 2 refers to the said message light display (1) wherein the main parts are shown disassembled the said lightbox (2) is illustrated with its said front cover (2a) open. The said light source (6) shown within the lighibox enclosure (2d). An example of a said lightbox (2) mounting (2b) is illustrated. The said display surface (3) having said partially punched P719 perforations (4a) formed in a said grid pattern (4b) a faintly printed word template (4c) printed on the said display surface (3) acting as a guide to assist Me correct removal of the said partially punched perforations (4a) forming opaque plugs (5). Fig 3 shows the said display surface (3) whereas the operator is removing the said opaque plugs (5) using a removal implement (7) to form said perforations (4). In one example of the present invention the said opaque plugs (S) are formed by said irreplaceable partially punched perforations (4a) such that when removed form a fixed word (4d). in a further embodiment of the present invention the said opaque plugs (S) are made from a resilient material enabling the resilient opaque plugs (Sa) to be removed or replace as required within the said perforations (4) within a thick section display surface (3c) to form a said word, words (4d) or a short sentence giving the obvious restraint of the predetermined quantity of said perforations (4) within any given said display surface (3). Fig 4 is a diagrammatic perspective view ofthe said message light display (1) in operation in a back window (8a) of a motor vehicle (8). The light from the said light source (6) radiating through the said perforations (4) within the said display surface (3) forming the predetermined message or information required. Fig S illustrates a said message light display ( 1) whereas the said lightbox (2) is divided into distinct light source sections (2c) enabling a plurality of separate messages to be incorporated into the said display surface (3) as Pa'7^ 52 of 19 % said individual sections (2c) can be lit as required by their said individual light sources (6). Fig 6 illustrates a said message light display (1) wherein the said display surface (3) has pre cut lettering (9) within its said surface (3) through which the light from the said light source (6) can radiate when operated.

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Claims

Claims Claim 1 - A budget priced message light display (1) comprises a

lightbox (2) having a display surface (3) in the form of an opaque card retained within, or by, its front cover (2a), characterized in the said display surface (3) having partially punched perforations (4a) forming said opaque plugs (5) arranged in a grid pattern, the removal of selected opaque plugs (5) can usefully form a word or words (4d) such that when the device is switched on, the light from the internal light source (6) radiates through the vacated perforations (4) created a message like display (1) which can be usefully used to display a said message or information from such areas as the rear window (8a) of a motor vehicle (8) Claim 2 - A message light display ( 1) as claimed in claim 1 wherein the opaque plugs (5) are preferably formed from a resilient material enabling the said opaque plugs (5) to be removed or replaced as required within the perforations (4) in order to form new letters, words (4d) or short sentences as required.

Claim 3 - A message light display ( 1) as in claim I and 2 wherein the display surface (3) perforations (4) or partially punched perforations (4a) are formed in a grid pattern (4b) Claim 4 - A message light display (1) as in previous claims wherein the display surface (3) perforations (4) or partially punched perforations (4a) Pane 1 n n, 19 l formed in a grid pattern (4b) have a faintly printed template (4c) of the most popular messages or information printed on both sides of the said display surface (3) acting as a guide to assist the correct removal of the opaque plugs (5).

Claim 4 - A message light display (1) as in previous claims wherein the lightbox (2) is divided into distinct lightbox lightsource sections (2c) enabling a purity of separate messages to be incorporated into the display surface (3), as the said individual lightsource sections (2c) can be lit by as required by individual lightsources (6).

Claim S - A message light display (I) as in previous claims wherein the internal lightsource (6) when operated is lit in a flashing sequence.

Claim 6 - A message light display (I) substantially as herein before described with reference to, as illustrated, in the accompanying drawings.

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