CA2287629C - Back and edge-illuminated sign - Google Patents
Back and edge-illuminated sign Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2287629C CA2287629C CA 2287629 CA2287629A CA2287629C CA 2287629 C CA2287629 C CA 2287629C CA 2287629 CA2287629 CA 2287629 CA 2287629 A CA2287629 A CA 2287629A CA 2287629 C CA2287629 C CA 2287629C
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- Prior art keywords
- edge
- grooves
- illuminated sign
- sign
- illuminated
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Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/0001—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems
- G02B6/0011—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems the light guides being planar or of plate-like form
- G02B6/0013—Means for improving the coupling-in of light from the light source into the light guide
- G02B6/0015—Means for improving the coupling-in of light from the light source into the light guide provided on the surface of the light guide or in the bulk of it
- G02B6/002—Means for improving the coupling-in of light from the light source into the light guide provided on the surface of the light guide or in the bulk of it by shaping at least a portion of the light guide, e.g. with collimating, focussing or diverging surfaces
- G02B6/0021—Means for improving the coupling-in of light from the light source into the light guide provided on the surface of the light guide or in the bulk of it by shaping at least a portion of the light guide, e.g. with collimating, focussing or diverging surfaces for housing at least a part of the light source, e.g. by forming holes or recesses
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/0001—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems
- G02B6/0011—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems the light guides being planar or of plate-like form
- G02B6/0033—Means for improving the coupling-out of light from the light guide
- G02B6/005—Means for improving the coupling-out of light from the light guide provided by one optical element, or plurality thereof, placed on the light output side of the light guide
- G02B6/0055—Reflecting element, sheet or layer
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
- G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
- G09F13/00—Illuminated signs; Luminous advertising
- G09F13/04—Signs, boards or panels, illuminated from behind the insignia
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/0001—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems
- G02B6/0011—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems the light guides being planar or of plate-like form
- G02B6/0033—Means for improving the coupling-out of light from the light guide
- G02B6/0035—Means for improving the coupling-out of light from the light guide provided on the surface of the light guide or in the bulk of it
- G02B6/0036—2-D arrangement of prisms, protrusions, indentations or roughened surfaces
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- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Optics & Photonics (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
- Illuminated Signs And Luminous Advertising (AREA)
Abstract
A back and edge-illuminated sign including an intermediate panel of light transmitting material having sloped sides grooves on its back surface that represent a pictorial representation. The intermediate panel comprises channels that receive light emitting diodes or ultraviolet laser diodes for edge illumination of the grooves. The areas of the pictorial representation surrounding the grooves are illuminated by backlighting a coloured translucent film provided on the back surface of the intermediate panel. In order to prevent any loss of light, a reflective film is provided on the side surface of the channels facing the back of the light sources and extends to the bottom of the channels. A similar reflective film is provided on the front surface of a back panel. The illuminated sign is completed by a front panel of opaque material having openings corresponding to the pictorial representation area, and a frame that hold the three panels together.
Description
BACK AND EDGE-ILLUMINATED SIGN
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to back and edge-illuminated sign, particularly for use as an advertising sign, an informative sign, a road sign, or the like.
Edge-illuminated signs are known in which a panel of transparent material is illuminated by light sources disposed along at least one edge thereof so that light passes through the panel material in a direction along the plane of the panel. An image to be displayed is formed on one of the faces of the panel whereby the light contrast between the image and the remainder of the panel increases the visual impact of the image to a person viewing the sign. A typical known edge-illuminated sign is disclosed in the Wragg U.S. Pat. No. 4,373,282 published on February 15, 1983. Wragg discloses an illuminator in which light is introduced through one edge of a transparent substrate having front and back plane parallel opposed surfaces. The back surface is textured with a multiplicity of shallow depressions such as grooves or dimples which have shallow sloped sides such that light is selectively directed from the interior of the substrate through a limited angle out of the substrate towards a display surface adjacent and coextensive with the back surface of the substrate and away from a viewer observing the display surface through the substrate.
Other edge-illuminated signs are also disclosed in the Trusiani U.S. Pat. No.
5,369,553 published on November 29, 1994 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,636,914 published on June 10, 1997. Trusiani discloses an illuminated panel device comprising a clear or transparent panel of acrylic material having a plurality of cut-out lines in a predetermined arrangement to form the peripheral edges of a pictorial representation. A lighting unit is secured to the peripheral edge of the panel and is used to illuminate the cut-out lines so that the pictorial representation stands out from the remainder of the panel.
One disadvantage of these known edge-illuminated signs is that it is not possible to achieve the illumination of different areas of the pictorial representation with different colours. Another disadvantage is that there is nothing provided in order to prevent undesired loss of light.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel and improved illuminated sign for illumination of different portions of the sign with different colours.
Another object of the present invention is to prevent undesired loss of light in an illuminated sign.
Still another object is to provide an illuminated sign which can be cheaply and easily fabricated, and which can be electrically supplied with a low energy consumption system.
These and other objects and advantages are accomplished in an illuminated sign in which light is introduced through one side of a multiplicity of sloped sides grooves provided on the back surface of an intermediate transparent substrate. In fact, the light is selectively directed from the interior of the substrate through a metallized polyester reflective film towards one side of the grooves. The metallized polyester reflective film is translucent on the side facing the light and reflective on its opposed side to concentrate the light into the grooves. Another portion of the sign is illuminated by backlighting a coloured translucent film provided on a flat portion of the back surface of the sign. In this case, the light are directed from the back of the substrate through the metallized polyester reflective film towards the coloured translucent film. Again , the metallized polyester reflective film is used to allow the light to pass through its translucent side and then concentrate the light on the coloured translucent film because of its reflective side. Thus, it is possible by way of this invention to illuminate different portions of a pictorial representation with different colours since the lights are positioned along the periphery of the grooves and that portions between the grooves can be illuminated using backlighting in conjunction with the coloured translucent film.
The lighting elements may be of any conventional light source, but in order to provide the illuminated sign with an energy-saving illumination, the light sources that can be used are light emitting diodes (LEDs) or ultraviolet laser diodes (UVLDs) which are connected in parallel to a low-voltage electrical feeding system.
The LEDs or UVLDs used can be of all the same colour or of different colours, so as to produce various colour effects. Any desired colour could be obtained using LEDs or UVLDs in conjunction with the coloured translucent film or a coloured transparent liquid (fluorescent gel) which is solidified within the grooves. For example, different shades of red could be obtained by providing a red LED having a given shade and modifying its shade using a red translucent film of a different shade.
A multiplicity of coloured LEDs are available on the market. There is the red LED that oscillate at 660Nm, the yellow LED that oscillate at 580Nm, the green LED that oscillate at 568Nm or 525Nm, the blue LED that oscillate at 470Nm, the white or any combination of those coloured LEDs.
The UVLDs must be used in conjunction with the solidified coloured transparent liquid or any other translucent material that will absorb all the energy coming from the laser beam and will then provide an incredible luminosity. The UVLDs are oscillating at wavelengths of between INm and 420Nm, these wavelengths covering the ultraviolet electromagnetic spectrum.
The low-voltage electrical feeding system could be a photovoltaic module which is set to follow the suri s trajectory with the aid of a motor which is driven at 12 to 24 volts of direct current (DC).
A rechargeable battery will be used in conjunction with the photovoltaic module and will be charged by the latter in order to provide illumination of the sign during the night.
Moreover, a handle will be used to manually tilt the photovoltaic module in order to perform the seasonal adjustments due to the different positions of the sun throughout the seasons.
A second embodiment of the low-voltage electrical feeding system is the use of an AC/DC
(alternating current to direct current) converter that will directly feed the illuminated sign. The converter could also be used to charge a battery that will be used in case of a power failure.
A third embodiment of the low-voltage electrical feeding system concerns the use of a simple low-voltage battery that will be replaced when necessary.
Other electronic elements could also be used in conjunction with the aforementioned embodiments of the low-voltage electrical feeding system in order to provide intermittent illumination of the sign.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING
The present invention will be better understood from the following detailed description of some preferred embodiments of the invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts, and in which:
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the illuminated sign of the invention showing the combination of back and edge illumination.
FIG. 2 is a rear view of the illuminated sign showing the position of the light source within the channels for edge illumination of the grooves.
FIG. 3 is a top view of the illuminated sign showing the front rectangular panel of opaque material.
FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the low-voltage electrical feeding system showing all the components being part of the three different embodiments of the low-voltage electrical feeding system for the illumination of the illuminated sign of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIGS 1 to 3 of the drawings illustrate an illuminated sign ( I ) according to a first embodiment of the invention. The sign ( 1 ) basically comprises an intermediate flat rectangular panel (2) of light transmitting material which may be transparent or translucent, such as acrylic plexiglass, well known under the trademark LEXANTM, or similar materials. The intermediate panel (2) is provided with sloped sides grooves (3) illustrating a pictorial representation such as a logo accompanied with some advertising text. The sloped sides grooves (3) may be formed by grinding or molding the back surface of the panel (2). The grooves (3) are edge-illuminated along their contour lines by light emitting diodes (LEDs) (4) that projects their light through the translucent side of a metallized polyester reflective film (5) before impinging upon one side of the grooves (3).
The surface areas (~ extending between the grooves (3) are back-illuminated by LEDs (7) that projects their light through the translucent side of the metallized polyester reflective film (5) before impinging upon a coloured translucent film (8) stuck to the flat back surface of the intermediate panel (2). It is noted that coloured translucent film (8) is only covering the surface areas (6) that needed to be illuminated.
The LEDs (4) are embedded into channels (9) running along the outer periphery of the grooves (3) while the LEDs (7) are embedded into through bores (10) drilled into a back rectangular panel ( 11 ) of light transmitting material and similar to the intermediate rectangular panel (2).
In order to prevent any loss of light, a reflective film ( 12) is provided on the side surface of the channels (9) facing the back of the LEDs (4) and extends to the bottom of the channels (9). A similar reflective film (13) is also provided on the front surface of the back panel (11). Thus, the LEDs (4) are surrounded with reflective films ( 12, 13 ) except for the surface of the channels (9) facing the LEDs (4) where the rays of the LEDs (4) must pass to illuminate the grooves (3). In this way, all the light coming from the LEDs (4) can be concentrate into the grooves (3) to obtain a maximum of lumino sity.
The illuminated sign (1) also comprises a front rectangular panel (14) of opaque material, such as Gravol PIyTM, having openings (15) corresponding to the grooves (3). The front panel (14) is preferably composed of two layers of different colours so that shallow grooves (16) can be made to illustrate a logo or any advertising text that will not be illuminated. The front rectangular panel (14) is essentially used to hide the LEDs (4) to a viewer of the sign (1). The three panels (2, 11 and 14) are brought together as shown in FIG. 1 and are held in that position with the aid of a frame (17).
FIG. 4 schematically illustrates all the components used in the realization of the three different embodiments of a low-voltage electrical system (18) of the illuminated sign (1). The first embodiment comprises the use of a photovoltaic module (19) to accumulate the solar energy into a rechargeable battery (20) of a suitable dimension for feeding the illuminated sign (1). Thus, the photovoltaic module (19) will be used to feed the battery (20) during the day in order to illuminate the sign (1) during the night. The photovoltaic module (19) also comprises a handle (not shown) to manually tilt the photovoltaic module (19) in order to perform seasonal adjustments. Moreover, the first embodiment of the low-voltage electrical feeding system (18) comprises a safety diode (21) that will automatically cut off the current that feeds the battery (20) when the latter is fully charged.
The second embodiment comprises the use of an AC/DC (alternating current to direct current) converter (22) that is connected to a wall plug (not shown) via an electrical plug (23), and that will directly feed the illuminated sign (1). The converter could also be used to charge the battery (20) that will be used in case of a power failure. Again, the second embodiment could also comprise a safety diode (24) that will automatically cut off the current that feeds the battery (20) when the latter is fully charged.
The third embodiment of the low-voltage electrical feeding system concerns the use of a simple low-voltage battery (20) that will be replaced when necessary.
Other electronic components could also be used in conjunction with the aforementioned embodiments of the low-voltage electrical feeding system. For example, a manual switch (25) could be used to manually turn on and turn offthe light as needed. A photosensitive switch (26) could also be used in order to automatically turn on the light during the night and automatically turn off the light during the day.
A miniature surveillance camera (not shown) could be connected to the system ( 18) depending of the type of illuminated sign (1) provided. Finally, a diode (not shown) could be provided to create intermittent illumination of the sign ( 1 ).
Although the preferred embodiment of the illuminated sign of this invention has been described, it will be understood that various changes may be made in the form, details, proportion and arrangement of parts without departing from the teachings of the invention.
The matter set forth in the foregoing description and accompanying drawings is offered by way of illustration only and not as a limitation. The actual scope of the invention is intended to be defined in the following claims when viewed in their proper perspective based on the prior art.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to back and edge-illuminated sign, particularly for use as an advertising sign, an informative sign, a road sign, or the like.
Edge-illuminated signs are known in which a panel of transparent material is illuminated by light sources disposed along at least one edge thereof so that light passes through the panel material in a direction along the plane of the panel. An image to be displayed is formed on one of the faces of the panel whereby the light contrast between the image and the remainder of the panel increases the visual impact of the image to a person viewing the sign. A typical known edge-illuminated sign is disclosed in the Wragg U.S. Pat. No. 4,373,282 published on February 15, 1983. Wragg discloses an illuminator in which light is introduced through one edge of a transparent substrate having front and back plane parallel opposed surfaces. The back surface is textured with a multiplicity of shallow depressions such as grooves or dimples which have shallow sloped sides such that light is selectively directed from the interior of the substrate through a limited angle out of the substrate towards a display surface adjacent and coextensive with the back surface of the substrate and away from a viewer observing the display surface through the substrate.
Other edge-illuminated signs are also disclosed in the Trusiani U.S. Pat. No.
5,369,553 published on November 29, 1994 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,636,914 published on June 10, 1997. Trusiani discloses an illuminated panel device comprising a clear or transparent panel of acrylic material having a plurality of cut-out lines in a predetermined arrangement to form the peripheral edges of a pictorial representation. A lighting unit is secured to the peripheral edge of the panel and is used to illuminate the cut-out lines so that the pictorial representation stands out from the remainder of the panel.
One disadvantage of these known edge-illuminated signs is that it is not possible to achieve the illumination of different areas of the pictorial representation with different colours. Another disadvantage is that there is nothing provided in order to prevent undesired loss of light.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel and improved illuminated sign for illumination of different portions of the sign with different colours.
Another object of the present invention is to prevent undesired loss of light in an illuminated sign.
Still another object is to provide an illuminated sign which can be cheaply and easily fabricated, and which can be electrically supplied with a low energy consumption system.
These and other objects and advantages are accomplished in an illuminated sign in which light is introduced through one side of a multiplicity of sloped sides grooves provided on the back surface of an intermediate transparent substrate. In fact, the light is selectively directed from the interior of the substrate through a metallized polyester reflective film towards one side of the grooves. The metallized polyester reflective film is translucent on the side facing the light and reflective on its opposed side to concentrate the light into the grooves. Another portion of the sign is illuminated by backlighting a coloured translucent film provided on a flat portion of the back surface of the sign. In this case, the light are directed from the back of the substrate through the metallized polyester reflective film towards the coloured translucent film. Again , the metallized polyester reflective film is used to allow the light to pass through its translucent side and then concentrate the light on the coloured translucent film because of its reflective side. Thus, it is possible by way of this invention to illuminate different portions of a pictorial representation with different colours since the lights are positioned along the periphery of the grooves and that portions between the grooves can be illuminated using backlighting in conjunction with the coloured translucent film.
The lighting elements may be of any conventional light source, but in order to provide the illuminated sign with an energy-saving illumination, the light sources that can be used are light emitting diodes (LEDs) or ultraviolet laser diodes (UVLDs) which are connected in parallel to a low-voltage electrical feeding system.
The LEDs or UVLDs used can be of all the same colour or of different colours, so as to produce various colour effects. Any desired colour could be obtained using LEDs or UVLDs in conjunction with the coloured translucent film or a coloured transparent liquid (fluorescent gel) which is solidified within the grooves. For example, different shades of red could be obtained by providing a red LED having a given shade and modifying its shade using a red translucent film of a different shade.
A multiplicity of coloured LEDs are available on the market. There is the red LED that oscillate at 660Nm, the yellow LED that oscillate at 580Nm, the green LED that oscillate at 568Nm or 525Nm, the blue LED that oscillate at 470Nm, the white or any combination of those coloured LEDs.
The UVLDs must be used in conjunction with the solidified coloured transparent liquid or any other translucent material that will absorb all the energy coming from the laser beam and will then provide an incredible luminosity. The UVLDs are oscillating at wavelengths of between INm and 420Nm, these wavelengths covering the ultraviolet electromagnetic spectrum.
The low-voltage electrical feeding system could be a photovoltaic module which is set to follow the suri s trajectory with the aid of a motor which is driven at 12 to 24 volts of direct current (DC).
A rechargeable battery will be used in conjunction with the photovoltaic module and will be charged by the latter in order to provide illumination of the sign during the night.
Moreover, a handle will be used to manually tilt the photovoltaic module in order to perform the seasonal adjustments due to the different positions of the sun throughout the seasons.
A second embodiment of the low-voltage electrical feeding system is the use of an AC/DC
(alternating current to direct current) converter that will directly feed the illuminated sign. The converter could also be used to charge a battery that will be used in case of a power failure.
A third embodiment of the low-voltage electrical feeding system concerns the use of a simple low-voltage battery that will be replaced when necessary.
Other electronic elements could also be used in conjunction with the aforementioned embodiments of the low-voltage electrical feeding system in order to provide intermittent illumination of the sign.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING
The present invention will be better understood from the following detailed description of some preferred embodiments of the invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts, and in which:
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the illuminated sign of the invention showing the combination of back and edge illumination.
FIG. 2 is a rear view of the illuminated sign showing the position of the light source within the channels for edge illumination of the grooves.
FIG. 3 is a top view of the illuminated sign showing the front rectangular panel of opaque material.
FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the low-voltage electrical feeding system showing all the components being part of the three different embodiments of the low-voltage electrical feeding system for the illumination of the illuminated sign of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIGS 1 to 3 of the drawings illustrate an illuminated sign ( I ) according to a first embodiment of the invention. The sign ( 1 ) basically comprises an intermediate flat rectangular panel (2) of light transmitting material which may be transparent or translucent, such as acrylic plexiglass, well known under the trademark LEXANTM, or similar materials. The intermediate panel (2) is provided with sloped sides grooves (3) illustrating a pictorial representation such as a logo accompanied with some advertising text. The sloped sides grooves (3) may be formed by grinding or molding the back surface of the panel (2). The grooves (3) are edge-illuminated along their contour lines by light emitting diodes (LEDs) (4) that projects their light through the translucent side of a metallized polyester reflective film (5) before impinging upon one side of the grooves (3).
The surface areas (~ extending between the grooves (3) are back-illuminated by LEDs (7) that projects their light through the translucent side of the metallized polyester reflective film (5) before impinging upon a coloured translucent film (8) stuck to the flat back surface of the intermediate panel (2). It is noted that coloured translucent film (8) is only covering the surface areas (6) that needed to be illuminated.
The LEDs (4) are embedded into channels (9) running along the outer periphery of the grooves (3) while the LEDs (7) are embedded into through bores (10) drilled into a back rectangular panel ( 11 ) of light transmitting material and similar to the intermediate rectangular panel (2).
In order to prevent any loss of light, a reflective film ( 12) is provided on the side surface of the channels (9) facing the back of the LEDs (4) and extends to the bottom of the channels (9). A similar reflective film (13) is also provided on the front surface of the back panel (11). Thus, the LEDs (4) are surrounded with reflective films ( 12, 13 ) except for the surface of the channels (9) facing the LEDs (4) where the rays of the LEDs (4) must pass to illuminate the grooves (3). In this way, all the light coming from the LEDs (4) can be concentrate into the grooves (3) to obtain a maximum of lumino sity.
The illuminated sign (1) also comprises a front rectangular panel (14) of opaque material, such as Gravol PIyTM, having openings (15) corresponding to the grooves (3). The front panel (14) is preferably composed of two layers of different colours so that shallow grooves (16) can be made to illustrate a logo or any advertising text that will not be illuminated. The front rectangular panel (14) is essentially used to hide the LEDs (4) to a viewer of the sign (1). The three panels (2, 11 and 14) are brought together as shown in FIG. 1 and are held in that position with the aid of a frame (17).
FIG. 4 schematically illustrates all the components used in the realization of the three different embodiments of a low-voltage electrical system (18) of the illuminated sign (1). The first embodiment comprises the use of a photovoltaic module (19) to accumulate the solar energy into a rechargeable battery (20) of a suitable dimension for feeding the illuminated sign (1). Thus, the photovoltaic module (19) will be used to feed the battery (20) during the day in order to illuminate the sign (1) during the night. The photovoltaic module (19) also comprises a handle (not shown) to manually tilt the photovoltaic module (19) in order to perform seasonal adjustments. Moreover, the first embodiment of the low-voltage electrical feeding system (18) comprises a safety diode (21) that will automatically cut off the current that feeds the battery (20) when the latter is fully charged.
The second embodiment comprises the use of an AC/DC (alternating current to direct current) converter (22) that is connected to a wall plug (not shown) via an electrical plug (23), and that will directly feed the illuminated sign (1). The converter could also be used to charge the battery (20) that will be used in case of a power failure. Again, the second embodiment could also comprise a safety diode (24) that will automatically cut off the current that feeds the battery (20) when the latter is fully charged.
The third embodiment of the low-voltage electrical feeding system concerns the use of a simple low-voltage battery (20) that will be replaced when necessary.
Other electronic components could also be used in conjunction with the aforementioned embodiments of the low-voltage electrical feeding system. For example, a manual switch (25) could be used to manually turn on and turn offthe light as needed. A photosensitive switch (26) could also be used in order to automatically turn on the light during the night and automatically turn off the light during the day.
A miniature surveillance camera (not shown) could be connected to the system ( 18) depending of the type of illuminated sign (1) provided. Finally, a diode (not shown) could be provided to create intermittent illumination of the sign ( 1 ).
Although the preferred embodiment of the illuminated sign of this invention has been described, it will be understood that various changes may be made in the form, details, proportion and arrangement of parts without departing from the teachings of the invention.
The matter set forth in the foregoing description and accompanying drawings is offered by way of illustration only and not as a limitation. The actual scope of the invention is intended to be defined in the following claims when viewed in their proper perspective based on the prior art.
Claims (15)
1. A back and edge-illuminated sign comprising:
an intermediate rectangular panel of light transmitting material having a front and a back flat surface, the intermediate rectangular panel having a plurality of sloped sides grooves representing a pictorial representation, a logo or any advertising text, said sloped sides grooves being provided at the back flat surface of said intermediate panel;
the intermediate rectangular panel further comprising longitudinal channels extending along outer edges of the grooves to receive light sources for edge illumination of said grooves, said channels each having a bottom wall, an outer side wall and an inner side wall;
a back rectangular panel of light transmitting material having a front and a back flat surface, said back panel comprising through bores that receive light sources for back illumination of areas of the sign that are surrounded by said grooves;
a coloured translucent film stuck to the flat back surface of said intermediate panel in said areas of the sign that are surrounded by said grooves;
a reflective film provided on the bottom walls of said channels, on the outer side walls of said channels and on the front flat surface of said back panel;
a metallized polyester reflective film covering the inner side walls of said channels, the sloped sides grooves and the coloured translucent film, said metallized polyester reflective film having a translucent side and a reflective side; and a front rectangular panel of opaque material having openings corresponding to said pictorial representation.
an intermediate rectangular panel of light transmitting material having a front and a back flat surface, the intermediate rectangular panel having a plurality of sloped sides grooves representing a pictorial representation, a logo or any advertising text, said sloped sides grooves being provided at the back flat surface of said intermediate panel;
the intermediate rectangular panel further comprising longitudinal channels extending along outer edges of the grooves to receive light sources for edge illumination of said grooves, said channels each having a bottom wall, an outer side wall and an inner side wall;
a back rectangular panel of light transmitting material having a front and a back flat surface, said back panel comprising through bores that receive light sources for back illumination of areas of the sign that are surrounded by said grooves;
a coloured translucent film stuck to the flat back surface of said intermediate panel in said areas of the sign that are surrounded by said grooves;
a reflective film provided on the bottom walls of said channels, on the outer side walls of said channels and on the front flat surface of said back panel;
a metallized polyester reflective film covering the inner side walls of said channels, the sloped sides grooves and the coloured translucent film, said metallized polyester reflective film having a translucent side and a reflective side; and a front rectangular panel of opaque material having openings corresponding to said pictorial representation.
2. A back and edge-illuminated sign as claimed in claim 1, wherein the light sources used for edge illumination of said sloped sides grooves and for back illumination of said areas of the sign that are surrounded by said grooves comprise light emitting diodes or ultraviolet laser diodes.
3. A back and edge illuminated sign as claimed in claim 2, wherein the rays of the light sources are directed to the translucent side of said metallized polyester reflective film before impinging upon the outer edges of said sloped sides grooves and upon the coloured translucent film.
4. A back and edge-illuminated sign as claimed in claim 3, wherein the light sources are connected in parallel to a low-voltage electrical feeding system.
5. A back and edge-illuminated sign as claimed in claim 4, wherein the intermediate rectangular panel and the back rectangular panel are composed of acrylic plexiglass.
6. A back and edge-illuminated sign as claimed in claim 1, wherein the front rectangular panel is composed of two layers of different colours so that shallow grooves can be made to illustrate a logo or any advertising text that is not intended to be illuminated.
7. A back and edge-illuminated sign as claimed in claim 4, wherein the low-voltage electrical feeding system comprises a photovoltaic module that accumulate solar energy into a rechargeable battery.
8. A back and edge-illuminated sign as claimed in claim 7, wherein said low-voltage electrical feeding system further comprises a safety diode that will automatically cut off the current that feeds the rechargeable battery when said rechargeable battery has reached its full capacity.
9. A back and edge-illuminated sign as claimed in claim 8, wherein said photovoltaic module comprises a handle to manually tilt the photovoltaic module in order to perform seasonal adjustments.
10. A back and edge-illuminated sign as claimed in claim 4, wherein the low-voltage electrical feeding system comprises an AC/DC converter that is used to feed a rechargeable battery and a safety diode that will automatically cut off the current that feeds the rechargeable battery when said rechargeable battery has reached its full capacity.
11. A back and edge-illuminated sign as claimed in claim 4, wherein the low-voltage electrical feeding system comprises a low-voltage battery that will be changed as needed.
12. A back and edge-illuminated sign as claimed in claim 5, wherein the front rectangular panel, the intermediate rectangular panel and the back rectangular panel are brought together and held in that position by a frame.
13. A back and edge-illuminated sign as claimed in claim 4, wherein the low-voltage electrical feeding system comprises a manual switch that will turn on and turn off the light sources as needed.
14. A back and edge-illuminated sign as claimed in claim 4, wherein the low-voltage electrical feeding system comprises a diode that will provided intermittent lighting of the sign.
15. A back and edge-illuminated sign as claimed in claim 2, wherein the ultraviolet laser diodes project their laser beams on the coloured translucent film and through a coloured transparent liquid which is solidified within said sloped sides grooves.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2287629 CA2287629C (en) | 1999-10-26 | 1999-10-26 | Back and edge-illuminated sign |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2287629 CA2287629C (en) | 1999-10-26 | 1999-10-26 | Back and edge-illuminated sign |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2287629A1 CA2287629A1 (en) | 2001-04-26 |
| CA2287629C true CA2287629C (en) | 2006-01-24 |
Family
ID=4164491
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2287629 Expired - Fee Related CA2287629C (en) | 1999-10-26 | 1999-10-26 | Back and edge-illuminated sign |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2287629C (en) |
Cited By (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE102005033485A1 (en) * | 2005-02-10 | 2007-02-01 | Wladimir Belski | Multifunctional device for decorative illumination of transparent and translucent objects after application DE102005006046.3 has two-part light-conductive elements one above the other |
| EP2485208A1 (en) * | 2011-02-03 | 2012-08-08 | Norbert Maierhofer | Lighting body |
| AT511009A1 (en) * | 2011-02-03 | 2012-08-15 | Maierhofer | illuminant |
| AT511756A1 (en) * | 2011-08-01 | 2013-02-15 | Sattler Erich Ernst | SIGN |
Families Citing this family (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AUPR625401A0 (en) * | 2001-07-10 | 2001-08-02 | East, Michael Kenneth | An illuminatable display assembly |
| US6994448B1 (en) * | 2002-08-15 | 2006-02-07 | Gorrell John H | Solar powered illuminated devices |
| US7810262B2 (en) | 2008-03-17 | 2010-10-12 | Eli Sadon | Solar powered led illuminated alphanumeric display |
| GB2464915A (en) * | 2008-09-23 | 2010-05-05 | Egush Ltd | Lighting device |
| WO2020083647A1 (en) * | 2018-10-25 | 2020-04-30 | Signify Holding B.V. | Led panel using led filaments for providing efficient and homogeneous lighting |
-
1999
- 1999-10-26 CA CA 2287629 patent/CA2287629C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Cited By (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE102005033485A1 (en) * | 2005-02-10 | 2007-02-01 | Wladimir Belski | Multifunctional device for decorative illumination of transparent and translucent objects after application DE102005006046.3 has two-part light-conductive elements one above the other |
| DE102005033485B4 (en) * | 2005-02-10 | 2015-11-12 | Wladimir Belski | Multifunctional device for the decorative lighting of transparent and semitransparent objects |
| EP2485208A1 (en) * | 2011-02-03 | 2012-08-08 | Norbert Maierhofer | Lighting body |
| AT511009A1 (en) * | 2011-02-03 | 2012-08-15 | Maierhofer | illuminant |
| AT511009B1 (en) * | 2011-02-03 | 2013-04-15 | Norbert Maierhofer | illuminant |
| AT511756A1 (en) * | 2011-08-01 | 2013-02-15 | Sattler Erich Ernst | SIGN |
| AT511756B1 (en) * | 2011-08-01 | 2013-06-15 | Sattler Erich Ernst | SIGN |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2287629A1 (en) | 2001-04-26 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |
Effective date: 20191028 |