GB2266986A

GB2266986A - Information display device.

Info

Publication number: GB2266986A
Application number: GB9310067A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Graham Keith Scothern
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1992-05-16
Filing date: 1993-05-17
Publication date: 1993-11-17
Anticipated expiration: 2013-05-17
Also published as: GB2266986B; GB9310067D0

Abstract

An information display device is adjustable to change from displaying one piece of information to another. In one form the device displays a motor vehicle registration number in one condition and in another condition a warning notice to deter, or indicate, unauthorised use of a vehicle or other article, e.g. a caravan or trailer, to which the device is fitted for use. The device comprises a frame (1) and a movable plate (2) supported by the frame movable, by sliding and/or pivoting, between a first position in which information on the plate is displayed and a second position in which other information, which may be on the plate or another part of the device, is presented for display. A lock (9) is provided for locking the movable plate (2) in each of the two positions. <IMAGE>

Description

INFORMATION DISPLAY DEVICE This invention relates to an information display device and more especially a device which can be readily adjusted to change from displaying one piece of information to another.

One such device is a device which is adjustable between displaying the registration number of a motor vehicle and displaying a notice which indicates unauthorised use of the vehicle, or of a caravan, trailer or other article which may be towed by the vehicle having the registration number which the device is able to display. The device is intended to deter stealing of the vehicle, caravan, trailer or other article to which it is applied.

There are other uses for a device which has the facility for readily changing its display of information.

The present invention consists in an information display device comprising a frame, a movable plate which is adjustably supported by the frame for movement between a first position in which information on the plate is displayed and a second position in which other information is presented for display, and locking means operable to lock the plate in each of the two positions.

The plate may be pivotally and/or slidably supported by the frame for the movement between its two positions.

The other information may be presented on an opposite side of the movable plate or on another plate or part of the device which is presented to display that information when the movable plate is moved to the alternative position.

The information on the movable plate may still be displayed when the plate is in the second position and the other information is presented for display.

Alternatively the information on the movable plate may be withdrawn from display when the other information is displayed.

The frame may have mounting means or be otherwise suitably adapted to enable it to be fixed to an article, for example a motor vehicle, caravan or trailer with which it is intended to be used. Runners may be provided on the frame with which guide members on the movable plate co-operate to enable the plate to move slidably, and possibly pivotally, between its two positions. The runners may, for example, be channels or slotted members. The guide members may, for example, comprise pivot pins, rods, lugs or the like which can move along the runners laterally of their longitudinal axes and rotate about their longitudinal axes.

In another arrangement the movable plate may be supported by the frame by means of links which enable the movable plate to be pivoted relative to the frame between the two positions.

In an embodiment in which the information display device displays a registration number of a motor vehicle, the movable plate is conveniently in the form of, or carries, a number plate bearing the registration number on one face and has sliding connection with runners included in the frame. The frame may be of complementary shape to the movable plate. In the first position the movable plate may be fully contained within the frame. The movable plate may be slid downwards, or upwards, relative to the frame to the second position and may project from the frame.

Lateral sliding of the movable plate relative to the frame so as to project from one side of the frame is also a possibility.

In another arrangement the movable plate may be moved from the first position where it is disposed in front of, and conceals the other information on, another plate or part of the device bearing that other information to its second position behind that other plate or part where its information is in turn concealed.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figures 1 and 2 are front perspective views of an information display device in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, the device being shown in alternative conditions of use in these Figures; Figure 3 is a sectional view through the display device in the process of being changed from one condition of use to the other; Figure 4 is a front perspective view of an information display device in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention; Figures 5 and 6 are front perspective views showing the device of Figure 4 being, and, changed from one condition of use to another;; Figures 7 and 8 are front perspective views of an information display device in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention in alternative positions of use; Figure 9 is a fragmentary perspective view of an information display device in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the invention, in a partly open condition; Figure 10 is a simplified section through the device of Figure 9 in a closed condition, and Figure 11 is a fragmentary plan view of part of the device of Figure 9.

In these illustrated embodiments the information display devices display a motor vehicle registration number and are intended to serve as a deterrent to stealing or other unauthorised use of a vehicle, caravan, trailer or other mobile article to which the devices may be applied.

Referring to Figures 1, 2 and 3 of the accompanying drawings, the display device comprises a frame 1 and a movable plate 2 which is pivotally and slidably mounted in the frame for movement between two alternative positions of use in the frame, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. The movable plate 2 is rectangular and dimensioned, and coloured, to comply with the legal requirements relating to number plates for display on vehicles to be used on the public highway. It is made of materials conventionally used for number plates. At each of the narrower ends of the movable plate 2 a metal strip 3 is secured which carries an outwardly-directed pivot pin 4 adjacent to one of the longer sides of the plate. The frame 1 is of rectangular shape to fit closely around the movable plate 2.It is constructed from metal channel-section members 5 at its opposite ends, their channels facing inwardly, and metal L-section members 6 welded to the channel-section members 5 extending along the longer sides of the frame. One limb 7 of each of the L-section members 6 is disposed at the front and extends inwardly of the frame in the plane of a front limb 5' of each of the channel-section members 5. The pivot pins 4 engage in the channels of the channel-section members 3 and provide the pivoting and slidable connection between the movable plate and the frame.

Hinges 8 are fixed to one of the L-section members 6 of the frame 1 and secure to the vehicle or other article with which the display device is required to be used to mount the device for use. To the other L-section member is secured a key-operated lock 9 which co-operates with a keeper 10, Figure 3, which fixes to the vehicle or other article. The lock 9 is used to lock the frame substantially flat against the supporting surface of the vehicle or article on which the display device is mounted for use.

On one face of the movable plate 2 a vehicle registration number is displayed in the usual manner, and on its other face the plate bears a warning notice to deter and indicate unauthorised use of the vehicle or other article to which the display device is fitted for use. In order to alter the position of the movable plate in the frame to change from presenting one face to the other at the front of the frame, the frame is first unlocked and swung away from the supporting surface about the hinges 8, and then the plate is slid and pivoted along the channel-section members 3 to alter its position as required. When the change has been made the frame is swung back against the supporting surface and re-locked to retain the movable plate in the set position.

Reference will now be made to the second embodiment illustrated by Figures 4, 5 and 6 of the drawings. This embodiment differs from that just described essentially in that the information display device has two, first and second, movable plates 11, 12 instead of just the one. As before, the device has a rectangular frame 13 similarly constructed from channel-section and L-section members 18, 15 but differing by having slots 16 extending longitudinally along the web portions of the L-section members 15.

The frame 13 is hinged at one of its L-section members 14 to the forward edge of a horizontal limb 17 of a mounting 18 of inverted L-section. A leg limb 19 of the mounting 18 is arranged for fixing, conveniently by screws or bolts, to a supporting surface of a vehicle or other article for securing the device for use. The first movable plate 11 has metal strips 20 secured to its narrower ends carrying pivot pins 21, adjacent to one of the longer sides of the plate, which engage in the longitudinal slots 16 of the channel-section members 14 to connect the plate pivotally and slidably to the frame.The second movable plate 12 is pivoted, about a parallel pivoted axis to that of the first movable plate 11, by means of pivot pins 22 engaged in short transverse slots 23 in the web portions of the channel-section members, beyond the longitudinal slots 16 and adjacent to that side of the frame which is hinged to the mounting 18.

A key-operated lock 24 on the other L-section member 15 of the frame co-operates with a keeper, not shown, fixed to the leg limb 19 of the mounting to lock the frame against movement relative to the mounting.

When the frame is so locked the frame and two movable plates 11, 12 are disposed parallel to the leg limb 19, the plates being sandwiched, one behind the other, between the frame and the leg limb.

The first movable plate 11 displays a vehicle registration number on a front face and the second movable plate 12 displays a warning notice, similar to that on the movable plate in the first-described embodiment, on its front face. In one position of the first movable plate 11, Figure 4, it is in front of the second movable plate, so that its front face presents the vehicle registration number at the front of the frame. When the frame is unlocked and hinged forwards away from the leg limb 19 of the mounting 18, the first movable plate can be pivoted and slid along the channel-section members 14, Figure 5, to a position behind the second movable plate 12 so that the warning notice on the front of the second movable plate is presented at the front of the frame, Figure 6.The pivot pins 22 of the second movable plate can slide in the transverse slots 23 to enable that plate to be shifted forwards and backwards in the frame to accommodate the first movable plate in these two positions.

Instead of the second movable plate 12, the leg limb 19 of the mounting may possibly have a pivoted panel which bears the warning notice and behind which the first movable plate can be positioned in similar manner to that just described with respect to the second movable plate.

In the third embodiment illustrated by Figures 7 and 8 of the drawings the device comprises a frame 25, a movable plate 26 which is slidably mounted in the frame for movement between two alternative positions of use in the frame, as shown, and a number plate 27. The number plate 27 is of conventional form. The movable plate 26, is rectangular and has the number plate 27 fixed to a front face, the movable plate being a little larger than the number plate. Alternatively the movable plate 26 may be made as, or be a modified, number plate. At opposite ends of the movable plate 26 near its upper corners are outwardly-directed pins or lugs 28. The frame 25 is of rectangular shape to fit closely around the movable plate.It has a back plate 29 along opposite ends of which are inwardly facing end channels 30, and along the top of which extends a further inwardly facing top channel 31 which opens into the upper ends of the end channels 30.

Lower ends of the end channels 30 are closed off.

Front limbs of the end channels 30 are connected by a bottom strip 32 extending along, but spaced in front of, the bottom of the back plate 29. A slot 33 is thus defined along the bottom of the frame 25 between the back plate 29 and the bottom strip 32. The front limb of the top channel 31 and the bottom strip define a rectangular window 34 at the front of the frame of similar size to the number plate 27. The pins or lugs 28 of the movable plate slidingly engage in the end channels 30. They enable the movable plate to be slid relative to the frame between a first position in which the movable plate is fully contained within the frame and the number plate is displayed in the window 34, as shown in Figure 7, to a second position in which it depends through the slot 33 at the bottom of the frame and the number plate is displayed below the frame, as shown in Figure 8.The pins or lugs 28 rest on the closed bottom ends of the end channels 30 to support the movable plate in the second position.

A press-button lock 35, releasable by a key, is mounted centrally on the bottom strip 33 of the frame.

It has a detent, not shown, which co-operates with the bottom of the movable plate to retain it in the first position, and with the top of the movable plate when the plate is in the second position so as to retain the movable plate in that position.

A handle 36 is fixed centrally to the bottom of the movable plate 26 for moving it by hand between the two positions when the press-button lock 35 is released.

Suitable fixings, not shown, are provided on the frame for securing the display device to a vehicle, or other article, the fixings being arranged such that they are concealed from the outside of the vehicle or other article.

On the front face of the back plate 29 a warning notice is printed, or applied, as shown, for example, in Figure 8, to deter and indicate unauthorised use of the vehicle or other article to which the display device is fitted for use. That notice is displayed through the window 34 when the movable plate 26 is in the second position.

Normally the movable plate 26 will be set and locked in the first position to display the number plate in the window 34 of the frame. However, when the user of the vehicle or article parks the vehicle or article and intends to leave it, he can set and lock the movable plate in the second position so that the warning notice is displayed in the window, although the number plate is still visible so as to comply with number plate display regulations.

Whilst the movable plate is in the second position stealing or unlawful driving away of the vehicle or article should be deterred, but if it is not the warning notice on the display should alert other people to the fact that the vehicle or article has been stolen or is being unlawfully used.

In the fourth embodiment illustrated by Figures 9,10 and 11 of the drawings the display device comprises a frame 37, a movable plate 38 which is pivotally mounted in the frame by links 39 for movement between two alternative positions of use in the frame, a number plate 40, a locking plate 41 and a lock 42.

The movable plate 38 is rectangular and has the number plate 40, of conventional form, fixed to a front face, the movable plate, as before, being a little larger than the number plate. A warning notice, such as shown in Figures 2,5,6 and 8 for example, is presented on a rear face of the movable plate. Opposite end portions of the movable plate 38 are turned over to form forwardly-projecting end flanges 43.

The frame 37 is of open rectangular shape to fit as a window around the movable plate and has a rearwardly projecting peripheral flange 44 extending continuously along all four sides. Along a lower one of the two longer sides of the frame 37 the peripheral flange 44 has an in-turned lip 45, Figure 10, extending along the length of that side. The frame 37 has a back plate 46 to which it is pivotally connected adjacent to its other, upper, longer side, the pivoted connection being made by pivot pins 47 which are fixed to forwardly-projecting lugs 48 of the back plate and freely engaged in complementary holes, not shown, in the peripheral flange 44 at the two shorter sides of the frame. A forwardly-projecting flange 49 along the upper longer side of the back plate 46 stiffens the back plate longitudinally.When the frame is in a closed position the front of the frame is parallel to the back plate 46, and the back plate closes the space defined by the rear edge of the peripheral flange 44 at the upper longer side and two shorter sides of the frame and by the inner free edge of the lip 45 on the peripheral flange at the lower longer side of the frame.

The back plate 46 serves as a mounting by which the display device is secured on a vehicle or other article for use, the back plate being secured, for example, by means of nuts and bolts.

There are two links 39 (only one is shown) pivotally mounting the movable plate 38 in the frame 37, one at each end of the movable plate. Each link 39 is pivoted at one end to the peripheral flange 44 at the respective shorter side of the frame near to the lower longer side of the frame, and near its other end centrally to the respective end flange 43 of the movable plate. The links 39 enable the movable plate to be moved relative to the frame between a position in which it is contained within the frame and can lie parallel to, sandwiched between, the frame and the back plate 46 and a position in which it can be turned over, when the frame is swung away from the back plate, as shown in Figure 9, about the pivot pins 47.

In the former position either the front face or the rear face of the movable plate is presented to the front of the frame to display respectively either the number plate 40 or the warning notice, as required.

The locking plate 41 and lock 42 enable the frame to be locked securely closed against the back plate so as to retain the movable plate fixed in the position set to display either the number plate or the warning notice. The locking plate lies against the lower half of the front of the back plate 46, being very slightly longer than the back plate but only about half the width of the back plate. Along a lower edge of the locking plate 41 there is a forwardly projecting flange 50 in which a central gap 51 is formed which also extends a short distance into the locking plate proper. At the opposite ends of the locking plate are forwardly-projecting end flanges 52 positioned to be able to lie closely outside the peripheral flange 44 of the frame, at the shorter sides of the frame, when the frame is closed against the back plate.Shorter flanges 53 near those end flanges 52 project sideways from the locking plate to lie further away from the peripheral flange 44. Bolts 54 fixed to the back plate 46 engage slots 55 in the locking plate which allow limited upwards and downwards sliding of the locking plate on the back plate. The shorter flanges 53 provide thumb and finger holds for sliding the locking plate relative to the back plate. When the frame is closed against the back plate the locking plate can be slid to a locking position in which its lower edge overlies the lip 45 of the frame, Figure 10, for the length of the frame to prevent the frame from being opened away from the back plate. From that position the locking plate can be slid upwards to a release position in which it is clear of the lip 45.

The lock 42, which is key-operated, operates to hold the locking plate 41 in the locking position. A detent 56 of the lock lies fully in the gap 51 in the locking plate when the lock is in an inoperative condition, as shown in phantom in Figure 11, but is turned to lie against the flange 50 adjacent to the gap 51 when the lock is operative, as shown in full lines in Figure 11. With the locking plate in the locking position overlying the lip 45 of the frame, and the detent 56 lying against the flange 50 of the locking plate, the locking plate is prevented from being slid from that position and the frame is held securely closed over the back plate.

Heads 57 of the bolts 53 at the front face of the locking plate can bear on the movable plate to urge it forwards against the frame when the frame is closed.

When the frame is locked closed the movable plate is fully enclosed.

Preferably at least the frame, back plate and locking pate are made of metal so that they are rigid and strongly resist any distortion by which entry might be made to the interior of the display device.

Claims

1 An information display device comprising a frame, a movable plate which is adjustably supported by the frame for movement between a first position in which information on the plate is displayed and a second position in which other information is presented for display, and locking means operable to lock the movable plate relative to the frame in each of the two positions.

2. An information display device according to Claims 1 wherein the other information is presented on an opposite side of the movable plate.

3. An information display device according to Claim 1 wherein the other information is presented on another plate supported by the frame which is presented to display that information when the movable plate is moved to the second position.

4. An information display device according to Claim 1 wherein the other information is presented on a part of the device which is presented to display that information when the movable plate is moved to the second position.

5. An information display device according to any preceding claim wherein the movable plate is slidably supported by the frame for the movement between the two positions.

6. An information display device according to Claim 5 wherein runners are provided on the frame and the movable plate has guide members which co-operate with the runners to guide the movable plate in its movement between the two positions.

7. An information display device according to Claim 6 wherein the movable plate is fully contained within the frame in the first position and projects from the frame in the second position.

8. An information display device according to Claim 5 wherein the movable plate is both pivotally and slidably supported by the frame for the movement between the two positions.

9. An information display device according to Claim 2 and Claim 8 wherein the runners are provided on the frame and the movable plate has guide members which co-operate with the runners to enable the movable plate to be turned over relative to the frame between the two positions.

10. An information display device according to any of Claims 1 to 4 wherein the movable part is pivotally connected to the frame for movement between the two positions.

11. An information display device according to Claim 10 wherein the movable part is pivotally connected to the frame by means of links pivoted at opposite ends respectively to the movable part and the frame.

12. An information display device according to any preceding claim wherein the locking means comprises a key-operated lock secured to the frame and a keeper adapted to be fixed to a support on which the display device is adapted to be mounted for use.

13. An information display device according to any of Claims 1 to 11 wherein the frame has a mounting adapted to be fixed to a support on which the display device is adapted to be mounted for use, the frame is movable relative to the mounting between a closed position in which the movable plate is held in each of the two positions and an open position in which the movable plate can be moved from either one of the two positions to the other position, and the locking means acts between the frame and the mounting to lock the frame in the closed position.

14. An information display device according to Claim 13 wherein the locking means comprises a locking plate slidably supported on the mounting for movement between inoperative and operative positions, the frame has a part with which the locking plate co-operates when the frame is in the closed position and the locking plate is in its operative position, thereby to restrain the frame from movement relative to the mounting, and the locking means further comprises a key operated lock having a detent which when the lock is in an operative condition engages with the locking plate to prevent the locking plate from moving away from the operative position.

15. An information display device according to any preceding claim wherein the movable plate is in the form of, or carries, a motor vehicle registration number plate which is presented for display when the movable plate is in the first position.

16. An information display device according to Claim 15 wherein the other information which is presented for display when the movable plate is in the second position is a warning notice to deter and indicate unauthorised use of the vehicle or other article to which the device is fitted for use.

17. An information display device substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 1 to 3 of the accompanying drawings.

18. An information display device substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 4 to 6 of the accompanying drawings.

19. An information display device substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 7 and 8 of the accompanying drawings.

20. An information display device substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 9 to 11 of the accompanying drawings.