GB425760A - Improvements in and relating to illuminated signs - Google Patents

Abstract

425,760. Electric discharge tube signs. BRACKENSEY, A. H., and FRANCOBRITISH ELECTRICAL CO., Ltd., 25, Oxford Street, London. Aug. 21, 1933, No. 23241. [Class 3 (ii)] A sign comprises electric discharge tubes positioned at the rear surface of a glass or other transparent panel adjacent to or in register with the display matter, or with grooves, either comprised in or spaced from the display matter, sandblasted or otherwise formed in or arranged upon one or both faces of the panel. Fig. 2 shows an arrangement in which display matter A on a panel 1 is illuminated by discharge tubes 4 secured on a glass plate 6 and in register with parallel grooves 3 forming a surround to the display matter. In a modification, two panels, separated by opaque screens, are arranged back-to-back in a casing and illuminated by the same discharge tubes. In Fig. 9 the display matter comprises a groove 3 in the rear surface 2 of the panel provided with frosted margins 3<a>, the groove 3 being formed with bridge pieces 3<b> against which the discharge tube 4 abuts. The groove may, however, be continuous and be covered with a thin glass sheet as in Fig. 2. In Fig. 5, the display matter is etched or sandblasted on the front of the panel and illuminated by a correspondingly shaped tube 4. Alternatively, the display matter comprises chromium plated metal or other opaque material mounted upon a correspondingly etched or sandblasted background on the front of the panel. In an arrangement shown in Fig. 10, the display matter 2<a> is etched or sandblasted in the rear face of the panel so as to leave a clear strip 11 against which the tube 4 is mounted, while a groove 3 or, in a modification, a diffusing strip is sandblasted in the front face of the panel in register with the strip 11. In a further arrangement, Fig. 12, the display matter comprises parallel grooves 3 in the rear face of the panel illuminated by a correspondingly shaped tube 4 between the grooves.