US2504396A - Multiangular reflector sign - Google Patents

Description

April 18, 1950 J, DE MARCO 2,504,396

MULTIANGULAR REFLECTOR SIGN Filed Sept. 4, 1943 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 April 18, 1950 J. c. DE MARCO y 2,504,396

MULTIANGULAR REFLECTR SIGN Filed sept. 4, 194s y 4 sheets-sheet -2 7,3 @a .5.9 6170 yJMS/.5@ 57 53 73 @5646@ gwoon/Yom April 18, 1950 J. c. DE MARCO 2,504,396

MULTIANGULAR REFLEQTOR SIGN Filed sept. 4, 1943 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 111 fOJOJ/mw 107%@ @Mmmm'ww April 18, 1950 J. c. DE MARCO MULTIANGULAR REFLECTOR SIGN 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Sept. 4, 1943 manner in which the supporting units are constructed.

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view through one of the reflector element supporting channels illustrating the construction thereof.

Figure '7 is a diagrammatic plan View of a sign illustrating the different positions from which the sign should be viewed to note the various displays thereupon.

Figure 8 is a top plan View of a pair of reflector supporting units showing the relationship therebetween.

Figure 9 is a top plan view of a series of reflector supporting units of a slightly different construction from those shown in Figures 4 yand 8 of the drawings.

Figure 10 is a view similar to Figures 4 and 8,

but showing another modified form of construction.

Figure 11 is a top plan view of a reflector supporting unit having more than three angular surfaces thereupon on which supporting elements are to be mounted.

Figure 12 is a diagrammatic top plan Aview of a sign constructed of supporting units such as are illustrated in Figure l1, and showing the Various positions in front of the sign from which the various displays may be best viewed.

Figure 13 is a top plan View of another modied form'of reflector supporting units.

Figure 14 is a front elevational view of a section of a sign formed vof reflector element supporting units of a somewhat dierent type from those previously disclosed.

Figure 15 is a View similar to Figure 14 showing the reflector units in a somewhat different relationship.

Figure 16 is an enlarged View of one of the reflector elements which may be used in the sign illustrated in Figures 14 or 15.

Figure 17 is a modified form of construction of the reflector element illustrated in Figure 16.

Figure 18 is a diagrammatic plan view of a modified form of rotating sign construction.

Figure 19 is a top plan view of a portion of a modified form of sign.

Figure 20 is a side elevational view of a portion of the sign illustrated in Figure 19.

Figure 21 is a perspective View of a sign panel, illustrating another form of sign construction.

Figure 22 is a Vertical section through the sign illustrated in Figure 2l showing the arrangement of reflector supports thereupon.

The sign A, illustrated in Figures l through '1 of the drawings, comprises a rectangular frame I0 including spaced parallel horizontally extending T-bars II and I2 and vertically extending connecting strips or elements I3 and I4. As best illustrated in Figures 2 and 3 of the drawings the series of .reflector units supports B are mounted on vertical axes between the upper and lower frame elements II and I2. The elements B are mounted on a single shaft I5 extending vertically through the element, or may be mounted on aligned stub shafts projecting from the ends of each supporting unit. A ball bearing i6 encirclesthe upwardly projecting shaft portion I5 and rotatably supports this shaft portion in the frame element II. A channel bearing I1 rotatably supports the lower projecting shaft end I6 upon the transverse frame element I2. Collars I9 and 20 respectively are provided adjacent the bearings I6 and I1 lso as to hold the supporting elements B from vertical movement.

The worm wheel 2I is provided on the lower projecting shaft portion I5 and is arranged for engagement with a worm gear 22 mounted on a transversely extending shaft 23. The shaft 23 is supported in suitable bearings 24 and is rotated by any desired means, such as by the motor 25. Upon rotation of the motor 25 the supporting units B may be caused to rotate in unison through any desired degree of rotation.

Each of the reflector element supporting units B are constructed as best illustrated in Figures 4 and 5 of the drawings. The rear surface 26 of each supporting element B is flat from side to side. Projecting forwardly from the rear flat surface I provide a pair of converging inclined supporting surfaces 21 and 28 which are connected by a fiat face 30 substantially parallel to the flat rear surface 26. A similar substantially parallel flat surface 3I is provided between the inclined surface 29 and the adjacent edge of the supporting unit. The two parallel surfaces 30 and 3| are arranged to support substantially parallelly arranged reflector units, while the surfaces 21 and 29 may be viewed one from one side of a line bisecting a sign and normal thereto, and the other on the other side of this line.

In order to support readily changeable reflector elements I provide ears 32 extending from the upper and lower ends of the supporting units B adjacent each surface thereof. In other words, a pair of opposed ears 32 are provided at opposite ends of the surface 21. A second pair of ears is provided at opposite ends of the surface 29. Similar pairs of ears 32 are provided at opposite ends of the surfaces 3E) and 3|. These pairs of ears 32 are arranged to pivotally support a channel 33 having aligned stub shafts 34 projecting from opposite ends thereof. Each channel 33 is provided with a base 38 and inwardly tapering side walls 35 so arranged as to retain a wedge shaped body slidably positioned in the same.

Each of the reector elements 36 is provided with a wedge shaped supporting body 31 secured to the rear surface thereof. This wedge shaped body 31 is arranged to slide vertically in the channel 33. The various reflector elements 36 are held in adjusted relation by means of a clamping bar 39 mounted within the channel 33 rearwardly of the wedge shaped bodies 31. Set screws, such as 4l), extend through the base 36 of the channel 33 and press against the bar 39, thus clamping this bar 39 against the base of the Wedge shaped bodies 31, thus wedging these bodies in the channel 33. Thus the reflector elements 36 may be held in any desired adjusted relation by means of the clamping bar 39.

From an examination of Figure 1 of the drawings it will be obvious that the sign is to be arranged so that all of the reflecting elements on corresponding surfaces of the supporting units will be visible from a predetermined location. For example, if the sign is viewed from the point 4I, illustrated in Figure '7 of the drawings, -it is desirable that all of the reectors 36, supported on the surfaces 3d and 3| of the supporting units be positioned at right angles to a line of vision from the point di. This arrangement may be accomplished by adjusting the angular relation of the channels 33 with respect to the surfaces adjacent which they are mounted. For example, in order to adjust the angularity of the channel 33 mounted on the surface 3i), pairs of adjusting bolts 42 and 43 are arranged in vertically spaced relation throughout the height of the 4.angular relationship with respectito .tneisurfaee i 3i! so that-.the -reflectorfunits will befdirectly=-=at .right angles to a linef'fdraWnirom the pointAL .In order to `adjust the .channels 53 in one direc- .tionthe bolts its :are loosened andithe bcltsfdz .lare tightened. Similarly :to .adjust thefchannels 'in opposite ,direction the :bolts-.ll 2 are loosened-.and the bolts 43 are tightened. Similar adjusting boltsare provided foreachhannel fissoithat the position `of all ofthe various channels imrytbe regulated.

iii/Ehen the sigari-is viewedffronitithefpoint 45, illustrated :infEigure 7 oi the:drawings,:onlyth9$ .reflectors mounted .adjacent thefgsupportingfsurfaces 21'wi1l bevisible. Thegjchannels 33,'Inountcii fadjacentthe surfaces?? mayberadjnsteddnther iangularity so-that .the;reilecting zelcinents supported will Iall be maintained vat right :angles :to .aline from the noi-ntffi..

Similarly .the reiiecting elements mounted f gn the channels 33 adjacent-the surfacesfZSfoi Vthe supporting .units vvmay beA adjusted vin -angu1arity so as to `all b e'sat right angles to aline drawn from the point AB shownin Fig-ure?. Thus fat y.the point 4|.one -displa-y'will be visible. From the point 45 a second display willibe visible. From pointli athird display Wllfbe-visible. in `animated sig-n max/thus vbe produced -wtihout the necessity o f moving. parts.

The variousreeetor elementsmay ,beilluminated by the headlights of vvehicles travelling v. D

.by the-sign, or byany other suitable .inea-ns. n.1f .a constant display .of the reiiectorfelementsis Vdesired, illuminating means-such as .the .spot ,lights or floodlights 47 may be provided directed against the reiiector elements oneach angleof the sign. Thusthe .sign would befdisplayed to ,.a pedestrian .passing the same, as l.well as .toga vehicle which might furnishitsownsouroe-.Cf llight.

bln place .of the supporting unit ,construction B, illustratedinFigures ,i .and 5 of Athe drawings, supporting units C, illustrates. in .Figure 8-9i the drawings, may be used. These units which are illustrated only diagrammatically areprovided with aat .rear surface .4B-and.ap aralle1 front surfaces. inclined side surfacesl .and 52am likewise provided Similar .to .theinclinet surfaces 27T and .29. Thisoonstruotioll. ders Vonlyrrom thepreviously described construction in that the. surfaces and thereiiector .ele-

ments mounted thereupon are eliminated in the .construction shown in 4Figure ,8. ltachof the surfaces 5, 5i, and '52 are provided .with ,channels smilar to the. channels 3 uinl-whiohlthelreector elements 35 vare supported. In this construction the parallel.. su1'aces ,5t .aresornewhat wider. apart than in .thebreviously describedccn.- struction, as ,no .intermediate Parallel surfacesg I are. provdedbetweenthe ,inclined surfaces. This constrimtion,r however, has the advantage-,0f 19951.- tioning the inclined surfaces more ...Closely .Z00- getherdne `to theelirnisaticnnt .the suraes l. j The slllil'orting. units .C ay. be mountedsiinilarly tothe supporting. units B.

The sign A is soaritanfged that .durinadaylight the fiat surfaces 2.6 of l.the ,various supporting units .B .may .be exposed -Theseflatfsurfaces Z6 ,may be painted or .otherwisedecorated .to ...p1-.o-

videa. sign visiblebydaylisht.

During the darlgnesshours theoppositesur.-

elio

.fiacesofftbesnisplay@unitsaare exposed lMitwiiight, either a tom.atieally.or` mechanically icon'- ftrolled meansectuetethe motor 25th rotatesunits 'i3-through one-half offonefreyolution. The re- :fiileetor bearing :surfaces are thus exposed: and ja .ser-ies fohdiflierent signsmay be viewed from different angles. :A .t aus,rcxima tely daylight the A motor- 2i5 is `again actuated to rotatethesupport- .ing units 1? into reversegposition v:with the iiat .surfacesfl:thereofexposed.

.I -n Figure 9 of the .drawings ,-I disclose Adiagrammatically another method of compensating ...for :theangularitynof the line of vision toward .the various reectorelements forming the sign. illustrated in Figure 9, `the central portion of the. signisfformedrof supporting units 5.3 ,having H their; forward surfaces p54 .substantially parallel t0 the rearflat surfacesfand `having their displayfsurtaces I5.5 and -5l at similar-angles Ywith respect. to -the frontend rear .surfaces '51! and 55. .-Near. the: left hand-end of the .s ign, however, the 'forward surface y159 of the supporting unit .Ell .isnot ipagrallelto--lthe rear lsurface lthereof so .that :the Vreflector elements/62 mounted Ain the xed channel i33thereuponwill reflect light to- .ward a pointinfront-of Athe center of the sign. .Similarly the torwardsurface Ell-of the supporting units at theirighthand end of thesign =arenot parallelto the rear surfaces 63 of these units, butrather are-:atanaxialev thereto so that the reflector units .B'Iemounted' in the flxedcham .,neleS. on .thewsurfaca 64 l will direct light` toward a pointiorwardlyof the v,center ofthe sign. vAs v,a resultaipersonstanding vdire y tlyfin front `of the center of the sign willseethe .entire display perfectly .as-al1. of the reflectori units. on the front .surfaces ofthe various supportingunits are perpendicular tohisline of vision.

-As will bef-notedin Figure Qfof the drawings the angle of the 1 surface 7i! ,of `the supporting :funltf-E with respecttorthe rear lsurface Gl somewhat greater than fthe angle between the surface. 51 --and the rearzsurface :55 of the supporting unit 53,. Likewisey the anglefbetween the 4surface 'I- Iahnd the rear surfaceg of the supporting unit 65 isl somewhat -less than the angle .,beweenlthe'surfaoe .5 5 .agnd the surface 5'! of Athe f supporting v unit :53. Accordingly reflectors mountediin xed vrelation to the surf acesY 51, 1Q, and 1 lsarefalliat Yzfisfllt angles to the line offvisicn fromaacommon point forwardlyand to the right ...ofnthe sign. Asmay also vbe'notedefrom Figure 9. oftheudrawings.theangle between the surfaces ,7:2 andeEjbfthe.supporting -unit et is somewhat .lessthan the angle .beta/.een thesurfaces 55 and .=56-of the supporting unit 53. This latter angle ``vis:somewhat;.smaller .than thefangle between the A surace-1.3.and-therear surface' of the-sup- ...portng l unit .55. rAsa Aresult the reflector units mounted in fixed-relation.tothe-surfaces ,56, 1 2, Aand 13 sare; all perpendicular toa line of Vision frcmfa predetermined `foredpoint forwardly and .to theief of the-sien,

lhus... .sei-feet, inzniaceof adjusting the angularity-- f .the .individual I.channels 33 with respoot .to .'theesup ,.o1tin g..units B, ,the shapecf .thesupportins .units themselves may be varied .setlist the; reflector. unitsmounted in .Xed re- ,lation thereto wi11 ;all. .be lpero.c ndicular to lines of visiongiromcertain fixed points.

lnlignretlof thedrawingsl vdisclose a modiiied form of ,construction in. which the support- ...insnnitsiD .are provided with a multiplicity. of SUPDQIftng @Surfaces S0 .that more than three --relector supporting. channels maybe supported thereby. In the construction shown in Figure 11 of the drawings the supporting units D are provided with a flat rear surface 14 and a curved or multi-faced forwardV surface 15. Five sets of supporting brackets or tongues 18 are provided, each of which support a channel 33, identical to that previously illustrated. Each of the channels 33 is arranged to support reflecting elements 36 which are capable of reflecting light to a person standing in predetermined relation relative to the sign E, as illustrated in Figure 12.

It will be noted that a person standing at the point 11 in Figure 12 will see light reflected from the reflector elements 36 mounted at one extreme side of each supporting unit D. A person standing at the point 19 will see light reflected from the reflector elements mounted in the next adjacent channel. A person standingdirectly forwardly of the sign at the point 80 will see light reflected from the centrally mounted reflector elements 36. Persons standing at the points 8| and 82 will see light reflected respectively from the remaining two sets of the reflecting elements. Thus to a person moving past the sign and viewing the same from various angles with relation thereto, they will see what might amount to an animated sign and as the various displays show somewhat similar figures in slightly different positions, an effect similar to that of a moving picture may be obtained. The reflecting elements may be illuminated either by the lights of passing vehicles or by fixed spot lights or floodlights, such as the lights 83 arranged to illuminate each set of reflector elements.

The reflector elements are preferably directional so that only one display will be seen at a time by a person viewing the same. In certain constructions and more particularly in those constructions in which several series of angularly arranged rows of reflector buttons are provided in close proximity, it is sometimes desirable to provide shields encircling the reflector elements and projecting therefrom so as to render the reflector elements definitely directional. These shields may or may not be used.

In Figure 10 of the drawings I disclose a construction very similar to the construction shown in Figure 8 of the drawings. The supporting elements F, illustrated in Figure 10 of the drawings, are shaped similarly to the supporting elements C. These supporting elements F include a flat front surface 84 and opposed inclined surfaces 85 and 86. Channels are supported on the surfaces 85 and 86 in any suitable way so as to support reflector elements such as 36. However, the front surface 84 is merely painted with a suitable display so that in daylight an advertising sign is provided without reversing the position of the various supporting elements. In other words, the construction shown in Figure l is similar to that shown in Figure 8, with the exception that the reflector elements and the supporting channels are omitted on the front surfaces S, and a painted or decorated display is provided thereupon, visible in daylight hours.

In Figure 13 of the drawings, I disclose another modified form of reflector supporting element, illustrated in general by the letter G. These supporting elements G are in the form of hexagonal posts 81 provided with shafts 89 projecting therefrom so that the supporting elements may be rotatably supported in a manner similar to the method of supporting the units B. Six channels 90, similar or identical to the channels 33, are angularly spaced about the posts 81 and are secured thereto. Each of these channels 90 support reflecting elements 9| similar or identical to the reflecting elements 36. This light will be reflected from six different angles with respect to the axis of the supporting units G.

This type of construction is capable of numerous uses. In the rst place, a series of supporting units G of the type illustrated, may be mounted in a sign which may be seen from both sides. Thus the sign may be mounted in the parkway between two parallel highways, or may be mounted at right angles to a highway for vision from opposite directions. The supporting units may either be stationary in their position, or may rotate in unison to provide an everchanging display to a person viewing the same.

Where a sign is so situated as to be visible from both sides light shield means may be provided between the individual supporting units and the reflector elements. For example, the spaces between the individual units may be closed by a flexible flap secured to each supporting unit to extend over the opening between this unit and the next adjacent unit.

In Fig- ures 14 and 15 of the drawings I disclose diagrammatically a sign formed of a series of individual reflector supports rotatably mounted in superimposed relation. Figure 14 discloses a series of laterally spaced reflector supports H, each of which is mounted upon a shaft 92. A series of the reflector supports H are mounted on each shaft 92, one above another. The construction shown in Figures 14 and 15 is identical with the exception that the reflector supports H in Figure 15 are in staggered relationship so that the shafts 92 may be horizontally somewhat closer together than in Figure 14. As a result the reflector elements of Figure 15 are Vconsiderably closer together than in Figure 14.

The reflector elements H may be of the type illustrated in Figure 16 of the drawings. This figure illustrates a spherical body 93 having a series of angularly spaced reflecting elements 94 mounted centrally about the same, each reflector 94 being substantially perpendicular to the radius of the sphere. The reflectors 94 are also perpendicular to a plane through the axis of the supporting shaft 92.

A second series of reflector elements 95 are provided above the reflector units 94, as best illustrated in Figure 16, so as to reflect light in an upwardly direction. Similar reflecting surfaces 96 are provided in the lower portion of the spherical body 93 to reflect light in a downwardly direction. Thus the sign illustrated in Figures 14 and 15 will be visible from a level somewhat above the level of the sign, as well as from a level somewhat below the level of the sign. Such a sign would be useful opposite a building where the sign might be viewed from above or below its level, or might well be used on the wall of a hotel lobby, or the like, where it could be viewed from a balcony, as well as from a level below the level of the sign.

The signs shown in Figures 14 and 15 could likewise be made up of the units I, illustrated in Figure 17 of the drawings. This construction has a multi-sided body 98 having a vertical axis. In the construction shown the body 98 is a ve sided figure. At the top of the body 98 appears a truncated pyramid 91. A similar truncated pyramid 99 is provided at the lower end of the body 98. The connected bodies 98, 91, and 99 may be rotatably mounted upon a shaft |09. Re-

-whilemo'ving :maintainssubstantially right angular relationship to the radius of the t.

in'gwor oth'erw1se" g' around the same. Av sries of rilectrs" Aces;-` |95 are provided on the' sign sfa'ce, a h of which are perpendicular to lines f'vision I' cin a` point II'I'I. A series of reileotor surfaces |09 are provided on the cylindrical surface ofth perpendicular'tdof-vision IIII from a point Vingelements ISS are ad cent reflecting elements I 5. An additional v isior'ivII3 f m apoint I-IlI.y ile'cting su fa s I I 2a 15 tioned between adjacent reflecting -siirfa'ces Sinilarly the enrifesurfac of' the siga-J 'may be covered with l ertain of the rereecti'ng elements, alternate reiiecting elements f' of which direct light'towardone point of vision, while the 'rein'aining reieting elements direct light to`wardthe second 'pointof vision. Thus asv the si 'gn'l rotats ra constantly changing dise play'isfpijovided toa personviewing the same.

l `In Figures `1'9faid V20 of the drawings I disclosev a modified forinof construction which differssoniewhat fronrpreviously described constructions. In thesign illnstratedin Figures 1 9 and-2)A ofi vthe drawings a sign board Ypanel IISl isprovided having an opening;II6 therethrough. A

sries of pairsof shafts III and I I9 are mounted'v in any suitable niannerrearwardly of vthe open-- ings IIS. The shafts II'I- arezpositioned relatively near therearsurface of the signv panel I I5, while the shafts IIS are spaced rearwardly from the :shafts II'I. Endless belts or chainsIZY are sup- -ported by rollersor pulleysj-IZ-I and `|22 on the shafts III and II-9,1respective1y,fand lby rotation ,ofthe shafts" the belts may be made to travel {endlessly between the pulleys in; av manner be- ;1ieved obvious from anuexamination of Figure 20 l of thedrawings.

Mounted in spaced relation upon each of the belts- Ii', I provide'reector elements I2-3 which :,are successively displayedvth-rough the openings I I6 of th'e sign. The reector units I-23 are prefi-erably supportedintermediate their ends to the endless belt" IZIIrin order that-the reflector units may maintain proper relationship to the sign iopening H6 as they' travel over the pulleysV or rollers I2I. In other words, the reiiector units pulleys I 2I and when" Thus fthe flat rear sul'- evv each ofwhich are i Y geeseefgreting Surfaces.; I"I 2 are, provided perpendicular to the lines of the Sign Dal II5'W-he` in h' position vof the belts. Y

Each reflector element |23 is provided with three angular-ly arranged faces I25'; I2@y and I2`I. The reflecting surfaces |26' are clearly visible to a person standing directly in -front of the sign and reflect light directly back at a person standing in rfront ofthe sign; The reecting surfaces 25 -re'ect light back to a person standing angularly to one side of thes'ig and in front of the same showing a different or separate display from that displayed on the frontY surfaces |25. The remaining angular surfaces I 21 are visible to a person standingin frontof the sign and to the other side thereof. Thus three separate displaysare visible fron differentV angles with reu spect to the sign panel II5.

As each of the reilector elements |23 assumes a vertical plane behind the display panell I I5 and visible through the opening IIB therein, a different display is created; Thus each of the reflector elements I23 is provided with three separate reflector faces, and as in the form illustrated the belts IZt are each provided with twelve separate reflector elements which successively movey into positionin front of the sign, the sign is capable of displaying thirty-six diierent displays, twelve of which are visible from directly in front of the sign and twelve of which are visible fromv either l side of the front of the sign. Theb'eltsfmay travel continuously andy without stopping or may move intermittently, .the belt stopping which each display element is in position to be viewed through the signopening I I6.

In Figures 21 and 221 disclose another modified form of construction somewhat similar to that shown in 1i'lig`ure`s"19 and 20.l The sign L is provided withv aisign'panell 29 having an opening E30 therethrough through which normally vertically'mounted belts ISI are visible. As best illustratedinFigure 22 the vbelts I3! are inounted ontransvers'ely'ext'ending shafts I32 and IBG and rotate about pulleys |33 and E34 mounted on these shafts,t respectively. Rei'ector elements I35; similarto the reflector elements |23, shown in connection with the sign-K are provided on the belts I 3I. These -reiiector elements IE5 are centrally connected tothe belt I3.I so that they may travel over the plleys I33 and It without ilexing.

A relatively sinall'nuinber of the reilector elements I3'5 are visible through the opening IE6 at a time. A series o'f'suc'cessiv'e illustrations vmay be izwnrovide'd visible through an opening It or a continuous sign may be prbvided, the wording on the sign traveling downwardly or upwardly in order to sncc'essively display all of the reflector elements in unison.

I t 'will besee'n that with-my sign construction a series of illustrations' 'inlay be provided withoutA moving any of the parts theref,`and` similarly a successiveV series of's'igns may be displayed visible from different anglesfor successively brought into view of a person standing in a certain'spot. Reflector elements are embodied in thevai'ous sign constructions, each-'element-being so constructed as to be'substantially directional, sothat only one display of the sign may be 'seenfrom any point at one time.

`In accordance with thev patent statutes, I have described the principles of the construction and operation `of rny signyandjwhile I-have endeavored to set forth thebest embodiments thereof, I desire to have it understood that obvious changesy may be made 'within' the scope of the following claims without departing from the spirit of my invention.

I claim:

l. A reflector sign including a series of. substantially parallel supporting elements, means on said supporting elements for supporting reflector elements substantially on two intersecting planes, each set of reflector elements being arranged into a display and being visible from a point in predetermined angular relation to said supporting elements.

2. A sign comprising a series of spaced substantially parallel supporting elements, a series of reflector elements mounted on said supporting elements to reflect light in one general direction, a second series of reflector elements secured to said supporting elements spaced from said first named reilector elements and in angular relation to said elements of the first named series in a manner to reflect light in a second general direction and substantially angularly spaced from said first named general direction, both of said series of reilector elements being arranged to provide a display.

3. A multi-angular reflector sign comprising a series of spaced multi-angularly surfaced supporting elements, means rotatably supporting said supporting elements on parallel axes, a series of reflector elements secured to one surface oi said supporting elements and arranged to refleet light in one direction therefrom, a second series of reflector elements mounted on another surface of said supporting units to reflect light in a second general direction angularly spaced from said first named general direction, and means for rotating said rotatable supporting elements in unison in a, single direction.

4. A multi-angular reflector sign comprising a series of supporting elements, a flat surface on one side of said supporting elements, a series of angularly arranged faces on the other side of said supporting elements, the corresponding faces of the supporting elements being in substantial parallel relationship, and reflector elements mounted on each of said angular faces and arranged to reilect light directed against the same, the reflector elements on each of the corresponding angular faces of the sign being visible from a predetermined point with respect to the sign,

and the reilector elements of said series of angular faces being arranged to provide a display.

5. A sign comprising a series of supporting elements, means pivotally supporting said elements on parallel axes, each of said supporting elements having a series of angularly spaced surfaces thereupon, reilector elements supported adjacent each of the angularly disposed surfaces of said sign, the reflector elements on the corresponding surfaces of said sign being simultaneously visible from a predetermined point with relation to the sign at substantially right angles to said angularly spaced surfaces, and means for rotating said supporting elements in unison in a single direction.

6. A reilector sign comprising a series of rows of reflector units, each of said rows including a series of independent reflector elements, the reflector elements of alternate rows lbeing generally parallel and arranged to reflect light from a first light source toward a first vision point, said alternate reflector elements being arranged to provide a display at said vision point, said remaining rows of reflector elements being positioned to reflect light from a second light source spaced from the rst light source to a second vision point spaced from the first vision point.

7. A reflector sign comprising a series of rows of reflector elements, the reflector elements of each row being generally parallel, certain of said rows being arranged to reflect light from a first light source toward a first vision point, said certain reflector elements being arranged to provide a display at said vision point, the others of said rows of independent reflector elements being mounted in angular relation to said certain rows, said other series of reflector elements being incapable of directly reflecting light from said first light source to said predetermined vision point, said other rows of reflector elements being positioned to reflect light from a second light source spaced from the first light source to a second vision point spaced from the ilrst vision point.

8. A reflector sign comprising a series of rows of reector elements, the reflector elements of each row being generally parallel, certain of said rows being arranged to reflect light from a rst light source toward a rst vision point, said certain reilector elements being arranged to provide a display at said vision point, the others of v said rows of independent reilector elements being mounted in angular relation to said certain rows, said other series of reflector elements being incapable of directly reflecting light from said first light source to said predetermined vision point, said other rows of reflector elements being positioned to reflect light from a second light source spaced from the rst light source to a second vision point spaced from the first vision point, and illuminating means located at said first and second light source.

9. A sign comprising a series of parallel spaced supporting elements, means pivotally mounting said supporting elements along parallel axes, said elements having one surface thereof substantially dat to provide a relatively flat surface for said sign when all of said ilat surfaces are turned outwardly, and a series of angularly arranged rows of reflector elements secured to the opposite surface of each of said supporting elements, the reflector elements on one of said rows of reflector elements on each of said supporting elements being visible from one general direction, and the reflector elements of another corresponding row of reflector elements on each supporting element being visible from another general direction at an acute angle to said one general direction.

10. A sign comprising a series of parallel supporting elements, a series of channels secured to said supporting elements, the basis of said channels on each supporting element being arranged on intersecting planes, and a series of reilector elements supported in each of rsaid channels.

11. A sign comprising a series of parallel supporting elements, each of said supporting elements comprising a flat surface on one side there-- of and a series of angularly disposed surfaces on the other side thereof, two of said surfaces on said other side being arranged in parallel relationship, and the remaining two surfaces being arranged in angular relationship to said parallel surfaces, reflector elements on the various angularly arranged surfaces, the reflector units of each of said surfaces being arranged to provide a display.

l2. A sign comprising a series of supporting elements, a series of rows of reflector elements arranged in angular relationship about the circumference of said supporting elements, said rows being so positioned that a plurality of rows are simultaneously visible from a single point, each of said reflector elements being arranged to reflect light in a substantially radial direction from each of said supporting units, and the reiiector units of corresponding rows of each of said reflector units being arranged to provide a display.

13. A sign comprising a series of supporting elements, means for rotating said elements on a substantially vertical axis, and reflector elements on said supporting elements visible from, and arranged to direct light from a single source to- Ward a plurality of vertically spaced levels.

14. A sign comprising a series of supporting elements, each of said supporting elements being rotatably mounted on a substantially vertical axis, each said supporting element having reiiector elements mounted thereon, each of said reiiector elements being arranged to reiiect light from a light source in a substantially horizontal direction, certain of said reflector elements in each of said supporting elements being arranged to reflect light from said source in a downward direction therefrom, and each said supporting element including reflector elements arranged to reflect light from said source in an upward direction.

15. A sign comprising a rotatable element including a series of reflecting surfaces, a plurality of angularly spaced surfaces being simultaneously visible from a single point, said surfaces being arranged in alternate relationship, alternate of said reflecting elements being arranged substantially perpendicular to a line of vision from one predetermined point, and the intermediate reflector elements being arranged substantially perpendicularly to lines of vision from a second predetermined point.

16. A sign comprising a series of endless belts arranged in parallel relationship, an opening exposing a portion of each of said belts, and re- 14 flector elements mounted on said belts successively displayed through said opening, the reflector elements being displayed at any time, being arranged to form a display.

17. A sign comprising a sign panel, a series of endless belts mounted adjacent said panel, an opening through said panel through which portions of said endless belts are displayed, and a series of multi-angular reflector elements supported inspaced relation on said belts each said element including a plurality of independent angularly spaced reflectors.

18. A reflector sign comprising a sign panel, an opening therethrough, a series of endless belts secured adjacent said opening and displayed therethrough, a series of multi-angular reflector elements on each of said endless belts, said belts being arranged to successively display each of said multi-angular reflector elements through said opening and thereby to simultaneously display a predetermined number of said angular reflecting elements through said opening, each said element including a plurality of independent angularly spaced reflectors, the reilector elements of each series being arranged to provide a display.

JOSEPH C. DE MARCO.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 302,723 Grimes July 29, 1884 385,912 Coote July l0, 1888 966,538 Fisher Aug. 9, 1910 1,374,921 Houston Apr. 19, 1921 1,445,878 Diamond Feb. 20, 1923 2,050,779 Blanchard Aug. 11, 1936 2,121,132 Ryder June 21, 1938 2,170,874 Ryder Aug. 29, 1939 2,248,129 Sheridan et al July 8, 1941

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