CA2080312A1 - Backlit advertisement display for vehicles - Google Patents
Backlit advertisement display for vehiclesInfo
- Publication number
- CA2080312A1 CA2080312A1 CA002080312A CA2080312A CA2080312A1 CA 2080312 A1 CA2080312 A1 CA 2080312A1 CA 002080312 A CA002080312 A CA 002080312A CA 2080312 A CA2080312 A CA 2080312A CA 2080312 A1 CA2080312 A1 CA 2080312A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- display sign
- display
- passenger vehicle
- mounting member
- cover member
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
- G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
- G09F21/00—Mobile visual advertising
- G09F21/04—Mobile visual advertising by land vehicles
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R13/00—Elements for body-finishing, identifying, or decorating; Arrangements or adaptations for advertising purposes
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
- G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
- G09F21/00—Mobile visual advertising
- G09F21/04—Mobile visual advertising by land vehicles
- G09F21/042—Mobile visual advertising by land vehicles the advertising matter being fixed on the roof of the vehicles
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
- G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
- G09F21/00—Mobile visual advertising
- G09F21/04—Mobile visual advertising by land vehicles
- G09F21/049—Mobile visual advertising by land vehicles giving information to passengers inside the vehicles
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
- G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
- G09F7/00—Signs, name or number plates, letters, numerals, or symbols; Panels or boards
- G09F7/18—Means for attaching signs, plates, panels, or boards to a supporting structure
- G09F2007/1856—Means for attaching signs, plates, panels, or boards to a supporting structure characterised by the supporting structure
- G09F2007/186—Means for attaching signs, plates, panels, or boards to a supporting structure characterised by the supporting structure suspended, e.g. secured to the ceiling
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
- Accounting & Taxation (AREA)
- Marketing (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Arrangements Of Lighting Devices For Vehicle Interiors, Mounting And Supporting Thereof, Circuits Therefore (AREA)
- Vehicle Waterproofing, Decoration, And Sanitation Devices (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
A display sign for mounting at the ceiling of a passenger vehicle, typically a taxi, is disclosed. The display sign comprises a mounting member and a cover member that is removably attachable to the mounting member. The mounting member includes a first insertion member, a second insertion member, a spanning portion therebetween that joins the first and second insertion members and a support means adapted to receive the cover member in supporting relation thereto. The first and second insertion members are adapted for insertion at the pillars of a passenger vehicle behind the trim coverings thereof thereby to secure the display sign to the vehicle. The cover member includes a first panel and a second panel, and has a support receiving means adapted to be received in supporting relation by support means positioned of the mounting member. The first panel faces substantially rearwardly in the passenger vehicle and includes a display means associated therewith. Preferably, an illumination means within the interior of the display sign illuminates the display means.
A display sign for mounting at the ceiling of a passenger vehicle, typically a taxi, is disclosed. The display sign comprises a mounting member and a cover member that is removably attachable to the mounting member. The mounting member includes a first insertion member, a second insertion member, a spanning portion therebetween that joins the first and second insertion members and a support means adapted to receive the cover member in supporting relation thereto. The first and second insertion members are adapted for insertion at the pillars of a passenger vehicle behind the trim coverings thereof thereby to secure the display sign to the vehicle. The cover member includes a first panel and a second panel, and has a support receiving means adapted to be received in supporting relation by support means positioned of the mounting member. The first panel faces substantially rearwardly in the passenger vehicle and includes a display means associated therewith. Preferably, an illumination means within the interior of the display sign illuminates the display means.
Description
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- --' 2~ 12 FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to display signs and more particularly illuminated display signs. Specifically, an illuminated display sign for mounting on the interior of a passenger vehicle is disclosed.
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BAC~ROUND OF TH~ INVFNTION
It is common practise in modern society to place highly visible advertisements almost anywhere where the general public will be exposed to them. It is common to find advertising on the exterior of public passenger vehicles such as taxies and buses.
Such advertising is generally in the form of large flat signs 1 15 removably fastened to the exterior of the vehicle.
i Further, larger public vehicles such as buses have ; display signs located in the interior thereof. These signs are usually placed over the windows along the sides of a bus. Such signs are also usually illuminated. Smaller public vehicles, such as taxies, do not generally have such signs due to the limited amount of space available. Taxies presently do have display signs, however, on the exterior thereof, including the illuminated display sign on top of the roof of the taxi that typically indicates the name of the taxi cab company and the telephone number. It is believed that there are no presently available advertising display signs for positioning in the interior of taxies.
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~` 20~312 It would be preferable that any display signs used in the interior of taxies be illuminated as are many display signs in larger public vehicles such as buses, so as to be more readily apparent, especially in the evening or at night.
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Further, it would be preferable to have such a sign mounted transversely across the passenger compartment of the taxi so as to be in the line of sight of a passenger sitting in the rear seat of the taxi. However, such mounting must not unduly impede the rearward visibility of the driver.
Mounting articles such as signs at the interior of an automobile, typically a taxi, is difficult to do because the ceiling lining material precludes direct access to the metal lS structure of the roof. Further, there are limited places to mount a display sign on the metal structure of the ceiling so as to be rigidly supported by the ceiling and so as not to unduly intrude into the passenger area of the vehicle. Typically only the dome light mount (with the dome light cover removed) would provide a suitable mounting location, with ready provision for electrical connection of illumination means within the sign to the original wiring of the dome lamp. It is generally not acceptable to mount a display sign to the ceiling with fasteners that penetrate the roof. Further, it is most likely unacceptable, or at least highly undesirable, to mount the display sign to the ceiling by a non-puncturing means such as welding, as this makes removal of the display sign difficult, as ` where the taxi is converted to private use.
- --' 2~ 12 FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to display signs and more particularly illuminated display signs. Specifically, an illuminated display sign for mounting on the interior of a passenger vehicle is disclosed.
~,. .
BAC~ROUND OF TH~ INVFNTION
It is common practise in modern society to place highly visible advertisements almost anywhere where the general public will be exposed to them. It is common to find advertising on the exterior of public passenger vehicles such as taxies and buses.
Such advertising is generally in the form of large flat signs 1 15 removably fastened to the exterior of the vehicle.
i Further, larger public vehicles such as buses have ; display signs located in the interior thereof. These signs are usually placed over the windows along the sides of a bus. Such signs are also usually illuminated. Smaller public vehicles, such as taxies, do not generally have such signs due to the limited amount of space available. Taxies presently do have display signs, however, on the exterior thereof, including the illuminated display sign on top of the roof of the taxi that typically indicates the name of the taxi cab company and the telephone number. It is believed that there are no presently available advertising display signs for positioning in the interior of taxies.
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~` 20~312 It would be preferable that any display signs used in the interior of taxies be illuminated as are many display signs in larger public vehicles such as buses, so as to be more readily apparent, especially in the evening or at night.
S
Further, it would be preferable to have such a sign mounted transversely across the passenger compartment of the taxi so as to be in the line of sight of a passenger sitting in the rear seat of the taxi. However, such mounting must not unduly impede the rearward visibility of the driver.
Mounting articles such as signs at the interior of an automobile, typically a taxi, is difficult to do because the ceiling lining material precludes direct access to the metal lS structure of the roof. Further, there are limited places to mount a display sign on the metal structure of the ceiling so as to be rigidly supported by the ceiling and so as not to unduly intrude into the passenger area of the vehicle. Typically only the dome light mount (with the dome light cover removed) would provide a suitable mounting location, with ready provision for electrical connection of illumination means within the sign to the original wiring of the dome lamp. It is generally not acceptable to mount a display sign to the ceiling with fasteners that penetrate the roof. Further, it is most likely unacceptable, or at least highly undesirable, to mount the display sign to the ceiling by a non-puncturing means such as welding, as this makes removal of the display sign difficult, as ` where the taxi is converted to private use.
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' ; ' one solution to mounting a display sign at the ceiling of a car transversely thereacross would be to mount the display sign to other parts of the automobile that are positioned near the area of the ceiling. The nearest parts of the vehicle to be positioned as such are the vertically displaced pillars between the front and back doors of a four door vehicle.
These pillars are typically each covered by a moulded plastic trim. The top edge of these covers is typically located near the level of the top of the door. The covers extend downwardly therefrom, such that the bottom thereof is typically located at the level of the floor of the passenger vehicle. A
small slot-like space exists between the plastic trim covers and the respective pillar underlying each cover. This space between the plastic trim cover and the respective pillar is suitable for insertion of a slender object therein and can thereby be used for the mounting of a display sign.
A display sign that is located in a public vehicle, such as a taxi, must however permit periodic changing of any display means such as an advertisement, that is part of the display sign.
Preferably, access to the interior of the display sign is gained quite easily so as to minimize any problems with removing and replacing any display means therein.
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~$~3~2 It is an object of the present invention to provide a display sign for mounting within passenger vehicles.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a display sign for mounting within automobiles, specifically taxies.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an illuminated display sign for mounting in taxies.
It is yet a further object of the present invention to lS provide a display sign for mounting in a taxi that is easily mounted transversely across the interior at the ceiling thereof, and which converts to the existing electrical wiring from the dome lamp of the taxi to provide for illumination of the display sign.
It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a display sign for mounting in taxies, which is mounted at the pillars between the front and back doors of a four door ` vehicle.
It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a display sign for mounting in taxies, which has inserts for insertion behind the plastic trim covers over the pillars :: ~ .
--` 2~312 between the front and back doors of the vehicle so as to provide for quick and easy installation of the display sign in the taxi without the need for supplementary attachment or affixation means.
s It is yet a further object of the invention to provide a display sign for mounting in taxies with the display sign having removable and replaceable display means.
~0 It is yet a further object of the invention to provide a display sign for mounting in taxies with the display sign having easily accessible display means for maintenance and replacement of the materials displayed therein.
~S Other objects, features and characteristics of the present invention, as well as methods of operation and functions of the related elements of the structure, and the combination of parte and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description and the appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification.
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, a display sign for mounting at the ceiling of a passenger vehicle 25~ having a front seat area and a rear seat area, is disclosed. The display sign co~prises a mounting member and a cover-member, with the mounting member comprising a first insertion member, a second insertion member and a spanning portion therebetween. The . ~ .
.:
: . . ' ' - 2 ~ 2 spanning portion joins the first and second insertion members and is further adapted for secure attachment to the ceiling of the passenger vehicle. The mounting member also comprises a support means adapted to receive the cover member in supporting relation.
S The cover member has a first panel and a second panel, the first panel facing substantially rearwardly in the passenger vehicle and the second panel facing substantially forwardly in the passenger vehicle. The first panel has at least one display means associated therewith, and has a support receiving means adapted to be received in supporting relation by the support means of the mounting member. The first and second insertion members extend generally outwardly and downwardly from the spanning portion of the mounting member and are adapted for insertion at the pillars of a passenger vehicle behind the plastic trim coverings thereof to hold the mounting member in place at the ceiling of the passenger vehicle. Additionally, the mounting member is adapted for secure attachment of the spanning portion to the ceiling of the passenger vehicle. The mounting member supports the cover member in place at the ceiling of the passenger vehicle such that the display means is visible from the rear seat area of the passenger vehicle.
DETAILED DE8CRIPTION OF A PREFERRED E~BODI~ENT
Introduction to the Drawings Figure 1 is an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of a display sign according to the present invention from the lower right rear thereof;
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~03~2 Figure 2 is an isometric outline view of a typical passenger vehicle having the display sign of Figure 1 mounted therein at the ceiling area thereof;
t S Figure 3 is a partially cut away outline side view of the passenger vehicle of Figure 2;
:, Figur- ~ is an exploded isometric view of the display sign of Figure 1 from the lower right front thereof;
' 10 Figure 5 is a partial view of one end of the display sign of Figure 1, with one insertion member of the mounting member partially inserted at the pillar of the passenger vehicle behind the plastic trim covering thereof;
Figure 6 is a view similar to Figure 5, with one insertion member of the mounting member fully inserted into the pillar behind the plastic trim covering thereof;
~ 20 Figure 7 is a sectional side view of the display sign - of Figure 1 showing a selectively operable vehicle light illuminating forwardly and the display means displaying rearwardly; and, Figure 8 is a side view similar to Figure 7, but showing the support receiving means of the second panel being released from the support means of the mounting member, thus allowing access to the interior of the display sign.
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Reference will now be made to Figures 1-3 which show a preferred embodiment of a display sign according to the present invention, indicated by the general reference numeral 20, mounted within a passenger vehicle 22, typically a taxi, at the ceiling S 24 thereof. The display sign 20 has one or more display means 26 thereon, which will be subsequently described in more detail.
The display means 26 face substantially rearwardly toward the rear seat area 23 of the passenger vehicle 22, so as to be visible to passenger seated in the rear seat area 23. A
selectively operable vehicle light 28, having an on-off switch 29 is mounted on a second panel 54 and faces substantially forwardly toward the front seat area Z5 of the passenger vehicle 22 so as to selectively illuminate the front seat area 25, and to thereby have the same function as a standard dome light in a passenger vehicle. It can be seen that the display sign 20 is mounted at the pillars 60 of the passenger vehicle 22, as will be described in greater detail subsequently.
Reference will now be made to Figur- ~ to more specifically describe the display sign 20 of the present invention. The display sign 20 comprises a mounting member 30 and a cover member 50, with the cover member 50 being removably attachable to the mounting member 30. The mounting member 30 has a first insertion member 32 and a second insertion member 34.
A spanning portion 36 spans between the first insertion member 32 and the second insertion member 34 so as to join the first 32 and second 34 insertion members to each other. The mounting member 30 is preferably made from a single piece of flexible ,. , - .
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2~312 sheet metal or flexible plastic. The first 32 and second 34 insertion members extend generally outwardly and downwardly from the spanning portion 36 of the mounting member 30 and are adapted for insertion at the so called "B" pillars 60 of the passenger vehicle 22, behind the plastic trim coverings 62 thereof. The spanning portion 36 is further adapted for secure attachment to the ceiling 24 the passenger vehicle 22 by way of an aperture 37 and screw holes 39. The aperture 37 is adapted to receive the dome light mount 66 of the passenger vehicle 22 thereat. The mounting member 30 is thereby adapted to be mounted to the pre-existing dome light mount 66 with the originally existing dome light cover 67 removed. Typically, there are a plurality of screw holes 68 in the dome light mount 66 that are located in cooperating relation with the screw holes 39 in the spanning lS portion 36, so as to allow the spanning portion 36 of the mounting member 30 to be threadably connected to the dome light mount 66 by threaded fasteners 69. The dome light mount 66 is often the only suitable place in the ceiling of a vehicle for such threadably engaged attachment. The spanning portion 36 may be attached by threaded fasteners at other locations if appropriate. Moreover, tack-welding of the spanning portion 36 to the dome light mount 36, or indeed, the metal skin 31 of the vehicle's roof is possible, although less preferable. Thus, the mounting member 30 is preferably held in place at the ceiling 24 of the passenger vehicle 22 by the first 32 and second 34 insertion members and the secure attachment of the spanning portion 36 to the dome light mount 66.
2~g~31~
The mounting member 30 has a first support flange 40 and a second support flange 42 formed as an integral part thereof. These first 40 and second 42 support flanges extend inwardly from the rear 41 and front 43 edges, respectively, of the mounting member 30 and thus form a support means that is adapted to receive in supporting relation the cover member 50.
In this manner, the mounting member 30 thereby supports the cover member 50 in place at the ceiling 24 of the passenger vehicle 22, as will be described in greater detail subsequently, such that the display means 26 is visible from the rear seat area of said pas6enger vehicle 22.
The cover member 50 has a first panel 52 and a second panel 54, which are contiguous with one another in the preferred embodiment illustrated. The first panel 52 faces substantially rearwardly toward the rear seat area 23 and the second panel 54 faces substantially forwardly toward the rear seat area 25 when the display sign 20 is mounted as shown according to the present invention in the passenger vehicle 22. The first panel 52 of the cover member 50 presents a number of openings 54 through which the display means 26 are visible. The display means 26 are removably mounted behind the first panel 52, as described more fully below. The mounting member 50 and the cover member 50 are shaped such that when the cover member 50 is mounted on the 25~ mounting member 30, a substantially hollow interior 46 is formed - therebetween. This hollow interior 46 contains an illumination means described in greater detail below.
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2~312 Preferably, the display means 26 comprises a light transmitting material 27 removably placed behind the openings 53 in the first panel 54, thereby to display information contained on the light transmitting material 27. Typically, the light transmitting material 27 would be a piece of translucent plastic material, such as mylar, with advertisements printed or photographically reproduced thereon. The light transmitting material 27 is preferably retained in removable relation behind the first panel 54 by means of a transparent plastic sheath 33 of U-shaped cross-section, which frictionally, but removably, retains the sheet of light transmitting material 27 between its arms. The sheath is glued or otherwise permanently affixed to the inside of the first panel 52 as best seen in Figures 7 and 8. Thus, the advertisements would be visible from the rear seat 15 area 23, and would therefore, be readily noticed by a passenger sitting in the rear seat of the taxi.
The first 52 and second 54 panels o the cover member 50 have first 56 and second 58 receiving flanges respectively positioned one each on the first 52 and second 54 panels. The first 56 and second 58 receiving flanges extend inwardly from the rear 57 and front 59 edges thereof respectively and form a support receiving means that is adapted to be received in supporting relation by the support means. The first support flange 40 and the second support flange 42 receive in supporting relation a respective one of the first receiving flange 56 and the second receiving flange 58. The cover member 50 is thereby supported in removably attachable relation by the mounting member , :
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30 in place at the ceiling 24 of the passenger vehicle 24.
The display sign 20 further preferably comprises illumination means in the form of a plurality of lights 70 distributed about the interior of the display sign 20, preferably distributed substantially along the length thereof. The lights 70 are wired to the existing wiring for the otherwise existing -dome light after removal of the dome light cover 67. The plurality of lights 70 is typically a light bar that is readily commercially available. Such light bars provide substantially even low-voltage illumination along the entire length of the interior of the display sign 20.
The display sign 20 is installed in the following lS general manner, as will be best seen in Figures 5 and 6. The first insertion member 32 of the first mounting member 30 is carefully inserted into the space between one of the pillars 60 and plastic trim coverings 62, until it is fully seated between the pillar 60 and the plastic trim covering 62. The plastic trim covering 62 may be partially removed from the pillar 60 to help facilitate insertion of the first insertion member 32. The second insertion member 34 is then inserted into the space between the other pillar 60, and the respective plastic trim -~ covering 62 at the opposite side of the passenger vehicle 22.
It may be necessary to flex the mounting member 30 in order to insert the second insertion member 34, in which case the cover member 50 may be temporarily removed therefrom. Alternatively, the second insertion member 34 may be inserted before the first ,' ' ' ' , ' ,. : :
20~312 insertion member 34. Self-topping metal screws (not shown) may be optionally used to secure the first 32 and second 34 insertion members to the respective pillars 60, if such additional securement is felt desirable.
The preferred method of removal and replacement of a piece of light transmitting material 27, which forms a display means advertisement, will now be described with reference to Figures 7 and 8. The first panel 52 of the cover member 50 is pushed inwardly such that the first receiving flange 56 is no longer received in supporting relation by the first support flange 40. The cover member 50 is then lowered in a pivotal manner s~ch that the transparent sheath 33 and the light transmitting material 27 are fully accessible. The piece of light transmitting material 27 is slid upwardly and replaced by a replacement piece of light transmitting material 27 with different advertisements or artwork etc. thereon. The cover member 50 i8 then pivoted upwardly such that the first receiving flange 56 re-engages the first support flange 40. The interior 46 may also be accessed in the same manner for general maintenance of the display sign 20.
In an alternative embodiment, it is contemplated that the mounting member and the cover member are one integral piece, preferably made of flexible material, operably joined together along a portion thereof so as to allow access to the interior thereof.
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~8~3~2 In another alternative embodiment, it is contemplatedthat the mounting member supports the cover member in place at the ceiling of a passenger vehicle by way of a fastening means such as VELCRO~.
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~; . , ' : .' ; :, :~: , .. ..
' ; ' one solution to mounting a display sign at the ceiling of a car transversely thereacross would be to mount the display sign to other parts of the automobile that are positioned near the area of the ceiling. The nearest parts of the vehicle to be positioned as such are the vertically displaced pillars between the front and back doors of a four door vehicle.
These pillars are typically each covered by a moulded plastic trim. The top edge of these covers is typically located near the level of the top of the door. The covers extend downwardly therefrom, such that the bottom thereof is typically located at the level of the floor of the passenger vehicle. A
small slot-like space exists between the plastic trim covers and the respective pillar underlying each cover. This space between the plastic trim cover and the respective pillar is suitable for insertion of a slender object therein and can thereby be used for the mounting of a display sign.
A display sign that is located in a public vehicle, such as a taxi, must however permit periodic changing of any display means such as an advertisement, that is part of the display sign.
Preferably, access to the interior of the display sign is gained quite easily so as to minimize any problems with removing and replacing any display means therein.
, . .
~$~3~2 It is an object of the present invention to provide a display sign for mounting within passenger vehicles.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a display sign for mounting within automobiles, specifically taxies.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an illuminated display sign for mounting in taxies.
It is yet a further object of the present invention to lS provide a display sign for mounting in a taxi that is easily mounted transversely across the interior at the ceiling thereof, and which converts to the existing electrical wiring from the dome lamp of the taxi to provide for illumination of the display sign.
It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a display sign for mounting in taxies, which is mounted at the pillars between the front and back doors of a four door ` vehicle.
It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a display sign for mounting in taxies, which has inserts for insertion behind the plastic trim covers over the pillars :: ~ .
--` 2~312 between the front and back doors of the vehicle so as to provide for quick and easy installation of the display sign in the taxi without the need for supplementary attachment or affixation means.
s It is yet a further object of the invention to provide a display sign for mounting in taxies with the display sign having removable and replaceable display means.
~0 It is yet a further object of the invention to provide a display sign for mounting in taxies with the display sign having easily accessible display means for maintenance and replacement of the materials displayed therein.
~S Other objects, features and characteristics of the present invention, as well as methods of operation and functions of the related elements of the structure, and the combination of parte and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description and the appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification.
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, a display sign for mounting at the ceiling of a passenger vehicle 25~ having a front seat area and a rear seat area, is disclosed. The display sign co~prises a mounting member and a cover-member, with the mounting member comprising a first insertion member, a second insertion member and a spanning portion therebetween. The . ~ .
.:
: . . ' ' - 2 ~ 2 spanning portion joins the first and second insertion members and is further adapted for secure attachment to the ceiling of the passenger vehicle. The mounting member also comprises a support means adapted to receive the cover member in supporting relation.
S The cover member has a first panel and a second panel, the first panel facing substantially rearwardly in the passenger vehicle and the second panel facing substantially forwardly in the passenger vehicle. The first panel has at least one display means associated therewith, and has a support receiving means adapted to be received in supporting relation by the support means of the mounting member. The first and second insertion members extend generally outwardly and downwardly from the spanning portion of the mounting member and are adapted for insertion at the pillars of a passenger vehicle behind the plastic trim coverings thereof to hold the mounting member in place at the ceiling of the passenger vehicle. Additionally, the mounting member is adapted for secure attachment of the spanning portion to the ceiling of the passenger vehicle. The mounting member supports the cover member in place at the ceiling of the passenger vehicle such that the display means is visible from the rear seat area of the passenger vehicle.
DETAILED DE8CRIPTION OF A PREFERRED E~BODI~ENT
Introduction to the Drawings Figure 1 is an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of a display sign according to the present invention from the lower right rear thereof;
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~03~2 Figure 2 is an isometric outline view of a typical passenger vehicle having the display sign of Figure 1 mounted therein at the ceiling area thereof;
t S Figure 3 is a partially cut away outline side view of the passenger vehicle of Figure 2;
:, Figur- ~ is an exploded isometric view of the display sign of Figure 1 from the lower right front thereof;
' 10 Figure 5 is a partial view of one end of the display sign of Figure 1, with one insertion member of the mounting member partially inserted at the pillar of the passenger vehicle behind the plastic trim covering thereof;
Figure 6 is a view similar to Figure 5, with one insertion member of the mounting member fully inserted into the pillar behind the plastic trim covering thereof;
~ 20 Figure 7 is a sectional side view of the display sign - of Figure 1 showing a selectively operable vehicle light illuminating forwardly and the display means displaying rearwardly; and, Figure 8 is a side view similar to Figure 7, but showing the support receiving means of the second panel being released from the support means of the mounting member, thus allowing access to the interior of the display sign.
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~ ~8~3~
Reference will now be made to Figures 1-3 which show a preferred embodiment of a display sign according to the present invention, indicated by the general reference numeral 20, mounted within a passenger vehicle 22, typically a taxi, at the ceiling S 24 thereof. The display sign 20 has one or more display means 26 thereon, which will be subsequently described in more detail.
The display means 26 face substantially rearwardly toward the rear seat area 23 of the passenger vehicle 22, so as to be visible to passenger seated in the rear seat area 23. A
selectively operable vehicle light 28, having an on-off switch 29 is mounted on a second panel 54 and faces substantially forwardly toward the front seat area Z5 of the passenger vehicle 22 so as to selectively illuminate the front seat area 25, and to thereby have the same function as a standard dome light in a passenger vehicle. It can be seen that the display sign 20 is mounted at the pillars 60 of the passenger vehicle 22, as will be described in greater detail subsequently.
Reference will now be made to Figur- ~ to more specifically describe the display sign 20 of the present invention. The display sign 20 comprises a mounting member 30 and a cover member 50, with the cover member 50 being removably attachable to the mounting member 30. The mounting member 30 has a first insertion member 32 and a second insertion member 34.
A spanning portion 36 spans between the first insertion member 32 and the second insertion member 34 so as to join the first 32 and second 34 insertion members to each other. The mounting member 30 is preferably made from a single piece of flexible ,. , - .
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2~312 sheet metal or flexible plastic. The first 32 and second 34 insertion members extend generally outwardly and downwardly from the spanning portion 36 of the mounting member 30 and are adapted for insertion at the so called "B" pillars 60 of the passenger vehicle 22, behind the plastic trim coverings 62 thereof. The spanning portion 36 is further adapted for secure attachment to the ceiling 24 the passenger vehicle 22 by way of an aperture 37 and screw holes 39. The aperture 37 is adapted to receive the dome light mount 66 of the passenger vehicle 22 thereat. The mounting member 30 is thereby adapted to be mounted to the pre-existing dome light mount 66 with the originally existing dome light cover 67 removed. Typically, there are a plurality of screw holes 68 in the dome light mount 66 that are located in cooperating relation with the screw holes 39 in the spanning lS portion 36, so as to allow the spanning portion 36 of the mounting member 30 to be threadably connected to the dome light mount 66 by threaded fasteners 69. The dome light mount 66 is often the only suitable place in the ceiling of a vehicle for such threadably engaged attachment. The spanning portion 36 may be attached by threaded fasteners at other locations if appropriate. Moreover, tack-welding of the spanning portion 36 to the dome light mount 36, or indeed, the metal skin 31 of the vehicle's roof is possible, although less preferable. Thus, the mounting member 30 is preferably held in place at the ceiling 24 of the passenger vehicle 22 by the first 32 and second 34 insertion members and the secure attachment of the spanning portion 36 to the dome light mount 66.
2~g~31~
The mounting member 30 has a first support flange 40 and a second support flange 42 formed as an integral part thereof. These first 40 and second 42 support flanges extend inwardly from the rear 41 and front 43 edges, respectively, of the mounting member 30 and thus form a support means that is adapted to receive in supporting relation the cover member 50.
In this manner, the mounting member 30 thereby supports the cover member 50 in place at the ceiling 24 of the passenger vehicle 22, as will be described in greater detail subsequently, such that the display means 26 is visible from the rear seat area of said pas6enger vehicle 22.
The cover member 50 has a first panel 52 and a second panel 54, which are contiguous with one another in the preferred embodiment illustrated. The first panel 52 faces substantially rearwardly toward the rear seat area 23 and the second panel 54 faces substantially forwardly toward the rear seat area 25 when the display sign 20 is mounted as shown according to the present invention in the passenger vehicle 22. The first panel 52 of the cover member 50 presents a number of openings 54 through which the display means 26 are visible. The display means 26 are removably mounted behind the first panel 52, as described more fully below. The mounting member 50 and the cover member 50 are shaped such that when the cover member 50 is mounted on the 25~ mounting member 30, a substantially hollow interior 46 is formed - therebetween. This hollow interior 46 contains an illumination means described in greater detail below.
: : . ~ : :
- :
-~.~,, ' . ~ :
2~312 Preferably, the display means 26 comprises a light transmitting material 27 removably placed behind the openings 53 in the first panel 54, thereby to display information contained on the light transmitting material 27. Typically, the light transmitting material 27 would be a piece of translucent plastic material, such as mylar, with advertisements printed or photographically reproduced thereon. The light transmitting material 27 is preferably retained in removable relation behind the first panel 54 by means of a transparent plastic sheath 33 of U-shaped cross-section, which frictionally, but removably, retains the sheet of light transmitting material 27 between its arms. The sheath is glued or otherwise permanently affixed to the inside of the first panel 52 as best seen in Figures 7 and 8. Thus, the advertisements would be visible from the rear seat 15 area 23, and would therefore, be readily noticed by a passenger sitting in the rear seat of the taxi.
The first 52 and second 54 panels o the cover member 50 have first 56 and second 58 receiving flanges respectively positioned one each on the first 52 and second 54 panels. The first 56 and second 58 receiving flanges extend inwardly from the rear 57 and front 59 edges thereof respectively and form a support receiving means that is adapted to be received in supporting relation by the support means. The first support flange 40 and the second support flange 42 receive in supporting relation a respective one of the first receiving flange 56 and the second receiving flange 58. The cover member 50 is thereby supported in removably attachable relation by the mounting member , :
2 0 ~
;
30 in place at the ceiling 24 of the passenger vehicle 24.
The display sign 20 further preferably comprises illumination means in the form of a plurality of lights 70 distributed about the interior of the display sign 20, preferably distributed substantially along the length thereof. The lights 70 are wired to the existing wiring for the otherwise existing -dome light after removal of the dome light cover 67. The plurality of lights 70 is typically a light bar that is readily commercially available. Such light bars provide substantially even low-voltage illumination along the entire length of the interior of the display sign 20.
The display sign 20 is installed in the following lS general manner, as will be best seen in Figures 5 and 6. The first insertion member 32 of the first mounting member 30 is carefully inserted into the space between one of the pillars 60 and plastic trim coverings 62, until it is fully seated between the pillar 60 and the plastic trim covering 62. The plastic trim covering 62 may be partially removed from the pillar 60 to help facilitate insertion of the first insertion member 32. The second insertion member 34 is then inserted into the space between the other pillar 60, and the respective plastic trim -~ covering 62 at the opposite side of the passenger vehicle 22.
It may be necessary to flex the mounting member 30 in order to insert the second insertion member 34, in which case the cover member 50 may be temporarily removed therefrom. Alternatively, the second insertion member 34 may be inserted before the first ,' ' ' ' , ' ,. : :
20~312 insertion member 34. Self-topping metal screws (not shown) may be optionally used to secure the first 32 and second 34 insertion members to the respective pillars 60, if such additional securement is felt desirable.
The preferred method of removal and replacement of a piece of light transmitting material 27, which forms a display means advertisement, will now be described with reference to Figures 7 and 8. The first panel 52 of the cover member 50 is pushed inwardly such that the first receiving flange 56 is no longer received in supporting relation by the first support flange 40. The cover member 50 is then lowered in a pivotal manner s~ch that the transparent sheath 33 and the light transmitting material 27 are fully accessible. The piece of light transmitting material 27 is slid upwardly and replaced by a replacement piece of light transmitting material 27 with different advertisements or artwork etc. thereon. The cover member 50 i8 then pivoted upwardly such that the first receiving flange 56 re-engages the first support flange 40. The interior 46 may also be accessed in the same manner for general maintenance of the display sign 20.
In an alternative embodiment, it is contemplated that the mounting member and the cover member are one integral piece, preferably made of flexible material, operably joined together along a portion thereof so as to allow access to the interior thereof.
. . : ` - :
:. : .-- -.' ' ' . ~
.
~8~3~2 In another alternative embodiment, it is contemplatedthat the mounting member supports the cover member in place at the ceiling of a passenger vehicle by way of a fastening means such as VELCRO~.
Claims (10)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A display sign for mounting at the ceiling of a passenger vehicle having a front seat area and a rear seat area, said display sign comprising:
a mounting member and a cover member;
said mounting member comprising a first insertion member, a second insertion member and a spanning portion therebetween, said spanning portion joining said first and second insertion members and further being adapted for secure attachment to the ceiling of said passenger vehicle, and a support means adapted to receive in supporting relation said cover member;
said cover member having a first panel and a second panel, said first panel facing substantially rearwardly in said passenger vehicle and said second panel facing substantially forwardly in said passenger vehicle, said first panel having at least one display means associated therewith, and having a support receiving means adapted to be received in supporting relation as aforesaid by said support means;
wherein said first and second insertion members extend generally outwardly and downwardly from said spanning portion of said mounting member and are adapted for insertion at the pillars of a passenger vehicle behind the trim coverings thereof;
wherein, said mounting member is held in place at the ceiling of the passenger vehicle by said first and second insertion members and by said secure attachment of said spanning portion to said ceiling of said passenger vehicle; and, wherein, said mounting member supports said cover member in place at the ceiling of said passenger vehicle such that said display means is visible from the rear seat area of said passenger vehicle.
a mounting member and a cover member;
said mounting member comprising a first insertion member, a second insertion member and a spanning portion therebetween, said spanning portion joining said first and second insertion members and further being adapted for secure attachment to the ceiling of said passenger vehicle, and a support means adapted to receive in supporting relation said cover member;
said cover member having a first panel and a second panel, said first panel facing substantially rearwardly in said passenger vehicle and said second panel facing substantially forwardly in said passenger vehicle, said first panel having at least one display means associated therewith, and having a support receiving means adapted to be received in supporting relation as aforesaid by said support means;
wherein said first and second insertion members extend generally outwardly and downwardly from said spanning portion of said mounting member and are adapted for insertion at the pillars of a passenger vehicle behind the trim coverings thereof;
wherein, said mounting member is held in place at the ceiling of the passenger vehicle by said first and second insertion members and by said secure attachment of said spanning portion to said ceiling of said passenger vehicle; and, wherein, said mounting member supports said cover member in place at the ceiling of said passenger vehicle such that said display means is visible from the rear seat area of said passenger vehicle.
2. The display sign of claim 1, wherein said cover member is removably attachable to said mounting member.
3. The display sign of claim 2, wherein said support receiving means of said cover member comprises first and second receiving flanges respectively positioned one each on said first and second panels, and wherein said support means of said mounting member comprises first and second support flanges each adapted to receive in supporting relation a respective one of said first and second receiving flanges of said cover member.
4. The display sign of claim 3, wherein said cover member and said mounting member are shaped so as to form a substantially hollow interior therebetween.
5. The display sign of claim 4, wherein said display means comprise light transmitting material placed behind one or more openings in said first panel so as to display information contained on said light transmitting material.
6. The display sign of claim 5, further comprising illumination means within the interior of said display sign.
7. The display sign of claim 6, wherein said illumination means comprises a plurality of lights distributed about the interior of said display sign.
8. The display sign of claim 7, wherein said mounting member is adapted to be mounted to a pre-existing dome light mount of said vehicle.
9. The display sign of claim 8, further comprising a selectively operable light operatively mounted on said second panel, said selectively operable light adapted to selectively illuminate said front seat area of the vehicle.
10. The display sign of claim 1, wherein said mounting member and said cover member are one integral piece.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002080312A CA2080312A1 (en) | 1992-10-09 | 1992-10-09 | Backlit advertisement display for vehicles |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002080312A CA2080312A1 (en) | 1992-10-09 | 1992-10-09 | Backlit advertisement display for vehicles |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2080312A1 true CA2080312A1 (en) | 1994-04-10 |
Family
ID=4150528
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002080312A Abandoned CA2080312A1 (en) | 1992-10-09 | 1992-10-09 | Backlit advertisement display for vehicles |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2080312A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US7757419B2 (en) | 2004-09-16 | 2010-07-20 | Airbus Deutschland Gmbh | Holder for a ceiling sign |
-
1992
- 1992-10-09 CA CA002080312A patent/CA2080312A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US7757419B2 (en) | 2004-09-16 | 2010-07-20 | Airbus Deutschland Gmbh | Holder for a ceiling sign |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Discontinued | ||
| FZDE | Discontinued |
Effective date: 19950409 |