US2058312A - Electrical advertising device - Google Patents

Description

Oct. 20, 1936. K. HENGEL 2,053,312

ELECTRICAL ADVERTISING DEVICE Filed May 51, 1934 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 '.A% l I; i TRANSPARENT Oct. 20,1936. K. HENGEL 2,058,312

ELECTRICAL ADVERTISING DEVICE Filed May 51, 1934 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Fig.5

Patented a. 20, 1936 PATENT OFFICE nucc'raronr. anvr-mrrs'ma; DEVICE Iiarl Henge],

Application V In Germany 18 Claims.

' This invention relates. to iluminated signs, more particularly to signs for display purposes, and has among others for its major object the provision of a sign of this character which is simple and'cheap in construction and operation and adapted to fully simulate the well-known highly attractive and catching efiect of signs using gaseo'us discharge tubes, such as the well known neon signs, but without the disadvanl0 .tagesand deficiencies of the latter; such as the high initial and operating costs, the necessity of using high electric operating voltages, and other well known disadvantages. I

It is an object of this invention to provide an imitation sign of the character described in which the sign emblems consisting of 'a translucent and unbreakable material are arranged and illuminated in such' a manner that they appear freely suspended in space and self-luminescent in such a manner as to fully simulate-the eiIect of a gaseous discharge tube such'as the wellknown neon signs.

One of the disadvantages of neon tube signs is the fact that it is difficult or in most cases impossible to change the sign such as by exchanging the letters or figures in order to vary the character of the sign. I

Accordingly it is a further object of my invention to provide a luminous sign of the character described in which the individual emblems may be exchanged or replaced in an easy and simple manner and the character-of the sign varied as desired.

A further object of the a luminous sign of the type described which can be easily moved from one place to another without the danger of breakage or requiring the removal of heavy accessory apparatus as in the case of the known neon sign devices. a

Another object of the invention is to provide a luminous sign which retains its advertising efiect during the daytime when the source of illumination is shut off.

The invention has further objects in view which will appear hereinafter in connection with the following'detailed description taken with reference to the accompanying drawings'wherein I have illustrated a few practical embodiments of a luminous sign device in accordance with the 50 invention. r j with the above objects in view the invention principally involves the arrangement-of one or more sign emblems such as letters, figures, etc.,

freely suspended in space and consisting 01' a 5 suitable translucent and preferably unbreakable invention is to provide May 31, 1934, Serial No.728,375

June 6, 1933 material such as celluloid and the like and means for illuminating said emblems from the rear by means of a suitable source of light being invisible in the normal viewing direction in such a manner that they appear to be self-luminescent by irra- 5 diation. To increase the illusion of a neon tube, the edges of the emblems are preferably bent in a rear-ward direction to enhance the impression of plasticity as will be described in greater detail hereafter.

In the drawings Figure 1 represents a perspective rear view of a form of anadvertising sign according to the -invention. j I

Figure 2 is a front view of the device shown by 15 Figure 1. Figure 31s a cross section taken along line A-B of Figure 2.

Figure-4 is a perspective view of a single letter for main the novel advertising device according 20 to the inventions? Figure 5-represents a modification of the arrangement according to the previous figures with a narrow luminous band or line below the row of letters. 25

Figure 6 shows the advertising device according to Figure 5 as seen from the rear.

Figure '7 shows a further modification of the novel device adapted for .the simultaneous illumination of articles displayed in showwindows 30 and the like. I

Figure 8 shows a modification according to the invention as applied to a moving display sign.

Figure 9 is a section along line E--.F of Figure 8. According to, the construction illustrated by 5 Figures 1 to 31 have shown an elongated box or case I housing a source-of light 2 in the form of a tubular bulb such as a tungsten lamp or a gaseous electrical discharge lamp, which is invisible in thenormal viewing direction of the 4 device. The front wall 3 of the box I is provided with a slot or channel 5 formed by a longitudinal rail 4; and serving for the mounting of the letters 6 which appear to be brightly luminescent throughthe illumination from the source of light 45 2. In order to better utilize the light emitted by the source of light, a metal reflector I is provided in the box I, reflecting the rays against the indi-.

vidual' freely supported letters 6 and in partlcu- H lar against the upper half of said letters.

The, rear wall 8 of the supporting case or box I is adapted to be swung downward. such as by means of hinges 9 and forms a light-screen, leaving a narrowslot It at the top for the emission of the light. The slot I0 is of such width,

that with a definite location of the lamp 2 solely rays will be emitted from the box I in the direction of the letters 6. Through this arrangement any disturbing side-light, which would unneces-' sarily illuminate the dark space surrounding the letters 6 such as a. dark show-window and thereby impair the illuminating eifect of the letters, is shut oil. If it is desired, however, to utilize the light emitted by the source of light 2 at the same time for the illumination of the space, this can be done in a simple manner by moving the light screen 8 in a downward direction. In order to avoid the disturbing appearance of the upper edge II of the rear wall 8 of the box when looking at the device from above in an inclined direc-- tion, the edge I2 is shown to be at a lower level than the upper edge l2 of the front wall 3 of the box For a better utilization of the light emitted by the incandescent lamp 2 a transparent sign is preferably inserted in the front wall 3 of the box receiving its light from the said source of light simultaneously with the letters 6. In order to make sure that the letters 6 will appear to luminesce under the actionof the light, they are made of a transparent unbreakable material, such as celluloid, cellulose acetate, synthetic resin or the like substances suited to act like self-luminous elements under the influence of incident light and available on the market.

In particular bright-colored, milky opaque materials exhibit a high illuminating effect, in which the fundamental substance is highly translucent and the coloring matter is distributed therein as flnely in as possible condition and with not too great a density. The coloring matter proper should be highly adapted to let the light pass through and likewise possess a high brillancy. Since the letters made of such unbreakable material as celluloid, acetyl cellulose, synthetic resin or the like, the arrangement of the illuminating elements in a free and self-supporting manner as shown so highly inferior in the known arrangements such as neon discharge tubes ofiers no longer any danger of breakage or other damage.

The letters 6 as pointed out consist only of the portions forming the sign or symbol proper, that is to say, there are no adjacent portions of the material, or portions embraced by parts of said letters, there is no rear wall or inclined surfaces in the rear of said letters, as such is the case with one known arrangement for the direction of the light. The portions" enclosed by the letters 6 or by parts thereof therefore represent perforations. In view of this construction the letters appear to luminesce under the incident light action of the rays and will stand off in a particularly marked way to the observer, conveying to the latter the impression of selfluminous elements. The whole arrangement due to the individual self-contained mounting of the letters or similar symbols and due to the absence of any. non-luminous parts presents a highly plastic appearance giving the illusion of a neon tube or similar gas discharge device.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a single letter adapted for use in the novel electrical display device. The edges of the letter are bent rearwardly giving the letter a good stability and making it possible to use very thin material, as shown in the drawings. When using thin material the loss of light passing through the letter -is very small and an intense lighting effect may be obtained by means of a small light source. Besides the luminous plastic effect of the elements is increased through this embossing or bending ofthe edges of the letters in a rearward direction. The bent edges of the letters furthermore when illuminated from below produce a shading effect of the luminous elements, resulting in a further increase of their plastic effect or solid appearance. It is desirable to prevent the formation of disturbing cast-shadows when the light will enter under a highly acute angle. This may be accomplished by a construction whereby the horizontal lower flanged portions l5 project rearwardly to a lesser degree than the vertical flanged portions 6 and the horizontal upper flanged portions IT. The lower extension l8 constitutes the mounting means for the letter in the slot 5 of the case If red or orange-coloredmaterial is used for the letters, it is possible to obtain the impression as if the advertising sign consists of neon tubes. This impression is still enhanced to a high degree, if the letters or other advertising symbols are combined and underscored, by long narrow luminous bands, which may consist either of real gaseous electric discharge tubes or means to create the impression of a gaseous discharge tube as disclosed by the invention. An embodiment of a device of this type is shown in Figures 5 and 6.

Here an underscoring luminous band 24 is provided on the front wall 2| of the case 22 below the row of letters 23.

This luminous band is formed in that the front wall is provided with a narrow longitudinal slot 25, into which is inserted a narrowsemi-circw larly bent strip 26 of celluloid, or the like, with its convex surface positioned towards the front. This strip 26 is illuminated in the same manner as the letters 23 through the rays of the common source of light arranged behind the wall 2|, so that it will look like a luminous body and simulate a gaseous discharge tube. This impression is still enhanced by the curvature or convexity towards the front of the said strip. As the luminous band 24 will be illuminated simultaneously by the source of light 21 for the letters or symbols, the source of light 21 is utilized to a still higher degree. At the same time the luminous band provides an added attraction to the observers or passers-by.

For this purpose, that is to say, in order to emphasize the letters illuminated by a separate source of light and to increase the neon-tube like impression thereof, the luminous band may also consist of a standard gaseous electrical discharge tube, operated by known means, in which case the transformer may be also accommodated in the box 22. In lieu of one single luminous band according to this invention a plurality of such bands may be provided as is readily understood.

According to the construction shown by Figures 5 and 6 a base plate 28 is connected with the front wall 2|, to which is secured a light screeen 29 which may be swung in a backward direction in a manner similar as described by Figure 1.

. The front wall 2|, the base plate 28 and the screen 29 form a box-like unit 22, which may be swung about the elongated foot or support 30 by means of hinges 3|. In this manner the angle of observation of the display m y be changed- The broken line 32 in Figure 5 indicates the inclined position of the letter carrier 2|, by tuming it backwards. In order to render possible a movement of the box 22, the elongated base 30 viewing direction.

is provided with a recess 32. The lead 33 serves for the supply of the operating current.

Figure '7 shows a further embodiment of a dis play device for the simultaneous illumination oi opening 39 for the exit of light for the purpose" of illuminating the articles or the like displayed in the show-window. The emission of light-from the upper slot 31 is such, that only the row of letters 38 will just be uniformly lighted, so that the upper portion of the show-window will remain as dark as possible, causing the luminous letters 38 to emerge most markedly from the dark back-ground. Into the front wall of the case 35 there may be inserted yet a transparent sign portion 40 or a luminous band of the kind referred to above.

With the construction according to Figures 8 and 9 the novel advertising device is designed-in the manner of the known advertising devices with travelling text.

, The independent transparent luminous letters 4| are secured to an endless band or belt 42, passing over rollers 43 and drivendn known manner by an electric motor not'show'n. The letters are illuminated under an angle from below, in the same manner as already explained, by means of a source of light 44, not visible in the normal As these letters consist of very light material, as described hereinbefore, they will be easily carried by the conveyor band 42 without special arrangements, so that the construction of the apparatus is very simple.

When mounting the novel advertising device in a dark or approximately dark room (showwindow) the rays emitted by the source of light not impinged on the letters or symbols to be 11- luminated, may cause a disturbing accidental light on the walls or the ceiling of the room. In order to eliminate the disturbing action of thisaccidental light, the same color is imparted to the" light as that of the letters or symbols to be illuminated by a separate source of light.

Thus, for instance, inthe event of using incandescent, lamps a light filter is placed in front of the lamps, or even the whole lamp may be provided with a corresponding coating of color.

I claim:

1. A luminous sign comprising insignia constituted by portions of translucent sheet-like material, a support, said insignia having one edge secured to an edge of said support and extending therefrom and protruding beyond said support, a source of light invisible in the normal direction of observation of said sign and adapted to irradiate said insignia from the rear at an oblique angle to impart to them the appearance of luminescence similar to gaseous electric discharge devices.

2. A luminous sign comprising a support, sign insignia constituted by portions of a translucent sheet-like material, said insignia having one edge thereof secured to an edge of said support and extending upwardly therefrom and protruding 'above said support, a source of light concealed by said support from the observer in the normal viewing direction, a reflector for said source adapted to throw light of said source obliquely from the rear onto said insignia to impart to Opposite the slot 39 on the a gaseous electric discharge devicea,

said light source.

them the appearance of luminescence similar to luminous gaseous discharge devices.

- 3. A luminous sign as claimed in claim 1 in which said elements consist of: a cellulose acetate. material.

4,. A, luminous sign comprisingelements forming the insignia of the sign constituted by cutout portions of translucent sheet-like material, said elements, being provided with rearwardly bent edgeportionswith regard to the direction of observationor said sign, a source of light invisible in the normal direction ofobservation of said sign and adapted to irradiate said elements from the rear at an oblique. angle to impart to them the appearanceof luminescence similar to 5. A luminous sign as claimed in claim? including -a base for said support and means for swinging said support about said base for vary.- ing the viewing direction of said sign. 6. A luminous sign comprising a casing, a plurality' of elements forming theinsignia of said Sign constituted by portions of translucent 'sheetupon the front edge of said casing so as to stand up freely therefrom in the normal direction of pbservationof said sign and a transparency supplementing said sign insignia and arranged in the front wall of said casing andilluminated by g '7. A luminous sign comprising a support,.a plurality of elements forming the insignia of said sign constituted by cut-out portions of a sheetlike translucent material, a source of light concealed .by said support in the normal direction of observation of said sign to illuminate said elements obliquely from the rear and to cause them to appear self-luminous by irradiation, saidelements having one edge'secured to the front edge of said support and extending upwardly therefrom and protruding above said support,-and a transparency supplementing said. sign insignia carriedby said support and being illuminated by said light source.

8. A luminous sign comprising a-casinggaplurality of elements forming the symbols'of: said sign constituted by cut-out portions of a sheetlike translucent material, a source of light'iwithin said casing, an opening in said casing adapted to pass light from said source to illuminate said elements obliquely from the rear and to cause them to appear self-luminous by irradiation, said elements having one edge mounted upon the front edge of said casing so as to stand olf therefrom when viewed in the normal direction of observation of said sign and a transparency arranged in the front wall of said casingalso illuminated by said light source, said transparency'consisting of a strip of translucent material convexly bent in a forward direction and covering "a slot in the front wall of said casing sign, and further means for swiveling said support tovary the viewing direction of said sign.

10. A luminous sign comprising a support, sign elements forming the symbols of said sign con-' stituted by portions of translucent colored sheetlike material and having one edge secured to an edge of said support and extending upwardly therefrom and protruding above said support, a source of light concealed by said support in the normal viewing direction of said sign and adapted to illuminate said elements from the rear obliquely to impart to them the appearance'of self-luminescence, the color of said light being substantially similar to the color of said elements.

11. A luminous sign comprising a support,

-. translucent elements shaped to form symbols of said sign and having one edge thereof secured to said support and extending upwardly from and protruding above said support, and a source of light irradiating said elements from the rear obliquely relative to the viewing direction of said sign and concealed by said support from theobserver in the normal viewing direction of said sign from in front of said support.

12. A luminous sign of the character described comprising a support, sign elements forming the symbols of said sign constituted by portions of translucent sheet-like material and having one edge exchangeably secured to the front edge of said support and extending upwardly therefrom and protruding above said support, a source of light concealed by said support, a reflector to project a beam of light from said source with an opening angle to substantially cover and illuminate said elements I obliquely from the rear obliquely to .impart to them the appearance, of luminescence.

13. A luminous sign of the character described comprising a box-like support, sign elements forming the symbols of said sign being constituted by cut-out portions of translucent sheet-like material, said elements having one edge exchangeably mounted upon the front edgeof said support to stand off therefrom when viewed in the normal direction of observation of said sign, a source of light in said box, a reflector in said box, said box having a slot-like opening adapted to project a beam of light from said source and reflector having a predetermined opening angle to substantially cover and illuminate said elements from the rear obliquely to impart to them the appearance of self-luminescence, and a transparency comprised of a strip of translucent material of convex cross-section with regard to the direction of ob- 'servation of said sign similar to said elements covering a slot in the front wall of said box, said transparency being also illuminated by said light source.

14. A luminous sign of the character described comprising a support, a sign element forming the symbol of said sign constituted by a cut-out porcomposed of sheet-like translucent material and having edges bent rearwardly with regard to the normal viewing direction of said sign; a source of light invisible in the normal viewing direction and adapted to irradiate said symbols from the rear to imparttto them the appearance of self-luminescence, said symbols being mounted to said support so as to appear freely suspended in space to imitate the appearance of gaseous discharge tube signs.

16. A luminous sign comprising a casing, a plurality of substantially translucent elements shaped to form display characters and having their bases secured to the front of said casing to extend upwardly from and protrude above said casing, and a source of illumination mounted in said casing concealed from direct observation in the normal viewing direction of said sign from in front of said casing and adapted to irradiate said characters from the rear obliquely relative to the viewing direction of said sign through a light outlet in said casing behind said characters.

17. A luminous sign comprising a casing, a

transparent display panel in the front wall of said casing, a plurality of substantially translucent 7 elements shaped to form display characters and having their bases secured to the front of said casing to extend upwardly from andprotrude above said casing, and a source of illumination mounted in said casing adapted to illuminate said display panel and to irradiate said characters from the rear obliquely relative to the normal viewing direction of said sign from in front of said casing through alight outlet in said casing behind said sign.

18. A luminous sign comprising a casing, a plurality of translucent elements shaped to form display characters and having their bases secured to the front of said casing to extend substantially vertically from and protrude above the top of said casing, a source of illumination mounted in said casing irradiating said characters from the rear obliquely relative to the viewing direction of said sign from in front of said casing through a light outlet in the top of said casing, said source being concealed from direct observation when said sign is viewed in a substantially horizontal direction from in front of said casing.

KARL HENGEL.

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