US3688425A

US3688425A - Remote controlled lighted hymn board

Info

Publication number: US3688425A
Application number: US64336A
Authority: US
Inventors: Paul M Hobbs
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1970-08-17
Filing date: 1970-08-17
Publication date: 1972-09-05
Anticipated expiration: 1989-09-05

Abstract

A lighted hymn board in the form of a lighted sign adapted especially for use in a church to selectively identify a specific page number or song number in a hymn book. The apparatus is comprised of spaced apart indicia bearing lighted stations. The illuminating means associated with each station is remotely controlled to selectively highlight the indicia contained thereon. The indicia selectively affixed to each station is of a size and configuration to facilitate recognition from a considerable distance when illuminated.

Description

United States Patent Hobbs REMOTE CONTROLLED LIGHTED HYMN BOARD [4 1 Sept. 5, 1972 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 3,055 7/ 1926 Australia ..40/132 D 463,092 2/ 1914 France ..40/132 D Primary Examiner-Robert W. Michell Assistant Examiner-Richard Carter Attorney-Marcus L. Bates ABSTRACT A lighted hymn board in the form of a lighted sign adapted especially for use in a church to selectively identify a specific page number or song number in a hymn book. The apparatus is comprised of spaced apart indicia bearing lighted stations. The illuminating means associated with each station is remotely controlled to selectively highlight the indicia contained thereon. The indicia selectively affixed to each station is of a size and configuration to facilitate recognition from a considerable distance when illuminated.

6Claims,8DrawingFigures PATENTEDSEP 5 m2 JNVENTOR PAUL MJ'IOBBS MARCUS I... BATES HA5 F/GENT REMOTE CONTROLLED LIGHTED HYMN BOARD BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Many churches still follow the gratifying old time custom of allowing the entire congregation to participate in the musical worship rather than providing planned music from individual members or by a small select group. Hymn books are distributed throughout the auditorium and each member of the congregation has a copy of hymns from which to sink the songs selected by the song leader or pastor.

In a large congregation the announcement by the song leader of the page number or hymn next to be sung is usually followed by a whispered undertone heard throughout the church, caused by many members asking their neighbor What page did he say?. This annoying habit is particularly associated with the older members who may be somewhat hard of hearing, those seated in areas of the church having poor acoustical properties, and especially those parishioners seated in the rear of the auditorium and the balcony.

It is therefore desirable to be able to visually inform each individual member of the congregation the number of the next hymn to be sung. Also desirable is that this information be presented in a positive and unobjectionable manner by utilization of an apparatus which is an attractive addition to the auditorium decor. A further desirable requirement of such an apparatus is the ability to simultaneously inform the entire congregation of all the hymns selected and which will at all times place emphasis upon the next particular hymn to be sung.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention comprehends a lighted hymn board in the form of a sign apparatus especially adapted for presenting high-lighted indicia in a church. The apparatus is comprised of a suitably constructed attractive frame member enclosing a translucent light passing panel and a plurality of illuminated stations associated with hidden enclosures. The light or illuminating means associated with each station is selectively and remotecontrollably energized and de-energized. Each station contains removable indicia thereon which is of a size and configuration easily recognized from a distance when electrically high-lighted. More specifically, the invention comprehends an electric sign comprised of a frame, a translucent panel, a plurality of adjacent outwardly opening stations or enclosures; with each station removably supporting indicia; with each adjacent station being separated by a bulkhead; and which contains an illumination means or light within each bulkhead; and wherein each bulkhead cooperates with a ledger plate affixed to the translucent panel with the ledger plate preventing diffusion of light from one station into another. Each illuminating means is provided with suitable circuitry to permit remote control thereof.

It is therefore a primary object of the present invention to provide a lighted sign having stations thereon which support removable indicia, with each station being controllably high-lighted so as to cause one station to be more visually prominent than another.

Another object of the present invention is the provision of a remotely controlled, electrically high-lighted sign which is especially adapted for conveying specific data.

A further object of this invention is the provision of an attractive electrically operated hymn number selector board which enhances the decor of a church.

A still further object of the present invention is the provision of a plurality of hymn boards having selectively high-lighted indicia which can be viewed from any location of an auditorium and which can be actuated from a plurality of remote switch means.

The above objects are attained in accordance with the present invention by the provision of an electrically lighted sign made essentially as outlined in the above abstract and summary. Various other objects and advantages of this invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description and by referring to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is an elevational fragmentary view of a sanetuary of a church with an alcove being disposed therein and showing the invention associated therewith;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged elevational view of part of the foregoing structure, with parts thereof being broken away and other parts being shown sectioned so as to better illustrate the invention;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary partly cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary enlarged cross-sectional view of part of the structure seen in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a further enlarged portion of indicia adapted to be used in conjunction with the foregoing figures;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a remote control panel used in conjunction with the apparatus of FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary partly cross-sectional view of a relay control box; and

FIG. 8 is a schematical representation of circuitry FIG. 1 illustrates a church as may be viewed by a member of the congregation, wherein numeral 10 represents an alcove located within the sanctuary. A lectem 12 located forward of seats 14 is placed on a raised platform.

Lighted signs

15 and 16 are disposed on opposite walls in view of the entire main body of the congregation. A smaller lighted sign, not shown, can alternatively be located in the general area indicated by the arrow at numeral 17 so as to enable those seated at 14 to view the identical indicia presented by the signs at 15 and 16.

Any number of remote control boxes can be located in any convenient location, as for example, on top of the lectem, or on a front wall of the church.

Hymn boards

15 and 16 are identically constructed and include a translucent light diffusing panel 28 faced with a suitable frame 19 such as oak or other attractive material which corresponds to the general decor of the church interior. Spaced apart

borders

20, 27 provide means by which indicia may be affixed to the outwardly disposed face of the panel as well as separating one station from another. The uppermost station 21 has permanently affixed thereto the illustrated indicia below which there is located several

adjacent stations

22, 23 each having the illustrated removable indicia attached thereto. As an optional detail of design, the indicia at station 21 can also be removably affixed, should such an expedient be found desirable. Aligned with each of the borders there is seen a series of spaced apart parallel partitions or bulkheads 24. Three marginal edge portions of each partition is received within the illustrated groove which extends about the inside periphery of walls 25 to form each individual outwardly opening enclosure or station. An electric light 26, preferably an elongated 25 watt bulb approximately 4 l inches in effective length, is centrally disposed within the enclosed portion of each station.

Each of the spaced apart

parallel borders

20, 27 are cemented or otherwise rigidly secured to the outwardly disposed face of a light passing sheet of material 28, as for example, glass or plexiglass, so as to rigify the translucent panel and at the same time present an upwardly opening vertical groove 29 longitudinally disposed across the entire length of the border for supporting removable indicia 33.

Ledger plate 30 depends in a rearward direction from and is firmly attached to the rear face of panel 28. The ledger plates are spaced apart from one another in the illustrated manner of FIG. 3 and 4 and are parallel to and closely adjacent each of the before mentioned partitions so as to present overlapping nonengaging coacting members having a small air gap 31 therebetween. Member 30 is preferably fabricated from a light absorbing material, as for example, black plastic or plastic-like material, to prevent the transfer of light from one station compartment into another. Rearward face 32 of the plastic panel member is abuttingly received by the free edge portion of the main enclosure. The outer face of the panel member is sprayed with a coating or film of paint or alternatively can be rough-ground by using a coarse grinding compound so as to diffuse light passing therethrough and at the same time impart a desirable subdued illuminated appearance.

A remote control box 34, preferably fabricated of metal, is located at one or more locations throughout the church house and includes a plurality of removable face plates 34', each containing switches 35 therein. Each switch is a single pole-double throw type such as exemplified by a 3 amp, 25 volt, G. E. commercially available touch switch.

Located closely adjacent to the lighted sign, or equidistant from a plurality of signs, or alternatively within the sign itself, is a relay box 36, preferably of metal and having a bulkhead therein which receives a relay 37 for each of the before described

stations

21, 23. The relays have a 110 volt switch side 38 which is actuated to the opened or closed position by the low voltage coil side 39, so as to enable the double pole touch switch to positively engage or disengage the 110 volt side of the relay by the action of a touch switch.

FIG. 8 schematically illustrates circuitry for three of the panels of the hymn board. Those skilled in the art will realize that any number of switches, relays, and bulbs can be connected in parallel so as to enable any number of lighted stations to be employed.

OPERATION In operation one or more lighted signs 15, I6, 17 are disposed in a manner to be viewed by the congregation. The remote control box 34 is preferably hidden from view at a discreet location where it can be actuated by a deacon who has been assigned this function. The relay box 36 is usually mounted near the pulpit with each of the before mentioned devices being wired according to the circuitry of FIG. 8. The removable indicia 33 is placed on the lighted panel in the manner of FIG. 2 with the proper selection of the hymns being determined prior to the arrival of the congregation.

When desired, the congregation can predetermine each of the hymns to be sung by closely observing the unlighted indicia. When time to commence singing has arrived, the indicia at 21 is high-lighted, thereby signifying that everyone should make the hymn books available. The first hymn to be sung is presented at station 22 and when that time arrives the proper button of the touch switch is actuated. This actuates the relay which closes the switch which in turn illuminates the station with the proper indicia thereon. When the time arrives for the second hymn, the touch switch for illuminating station 23 is pressed, thereby signifying the next hymn number to the congregation. If desired, station 22 can be de-energized at this time by merely pressing the previous touch switch so as to actuate the relay to the standby configuration so that only the present hymn is emphasized.

Several remote control boxes can be connected together and to several different hymn boards, with the touch switch of one box being arranged parallel to the corresponding touch switch of another box. This expedient enables one at the rear of the church to actuate the hymn board, as well as enabling the song director at 12 to manipulate the board.

When a touch switch is closed, current flows from the low voltage side of transformer T, through the touch switch, and to a winding of relay 37, causing the relay switch contacts to close, thereby completing the circuit to the bulb associated with the relay. When the touch switch is pressed in the opposite direction, the relay is moved to the second position, thereby opening the relay switch contacts and interrupting current flow to the bulb. The illustrated rectifier is not essential in the circuits of FIG. 8.

While various substitutions and changes can be made by those skilled in the art while still remaining within the comprehension of my invention, the following circuit components have been found to be satisfactory in operation: transformer T: G.E.R.T.l v/30v; rectifier: G.E.R.A.9; touch switch 35 G.E. RFS-Il; relay 37: G.E. RR-3; and bulb 26: 25 watt lamp, GE. 25 T-lO.

It is pointed out that the number and position of the hymn boards and remote control switches are optional. Any switch of any control box will actuate its associate relay which in turn will actuate its associate light station of all of the hymn boards. The present system disclosed herein is trouble free, fool proof, attractive in appearance and low in cost. They hymn board can be fabricated from metal, wood, or plastic which can be finished in a manner to accent the existing decor of any church. The specific construction of the front panel enables the framing member 19 to be finished in natural wood which preferably is selected in accordance with the wall to which it is associated.

The coating or film of paint which is applied to the plastic panel 28-can be selected to'give any desired color of light. A frosted glass can be used in lieu of the film of paint where deemed desirable.

The panel frame 19 is preferably hinged along one vertical edge portion and provided with a latch at the remaining vertical edge portion so as to enable the panel to be unfastened and moved about the hinge, thereby enabling the interior of the board to be serviced. It should be noted that ledger member 30 is moved into overlapping relationship with a partition 24 as the front panel is rotated about its hinge to the closed position.

Where only one hymn board is used in the church, the relay box 36 can be included inside the board and the board affixed to the congregation side of the pulpit so as to enable it to be viewed by a maximum number of people.

I claim:

1. A lighted sign having a plurality of controlled lighted stations comprising:

structure forming an enclosure which includes spaced apart sides, and a back; a front panel affixed to said structure;

a plurality of spaced apart bulkheads affixed to said structure and dividing the enclosure into several stations, said bulkheads extending from the back of said structure and having a forward edge portion terminating short of the front panel so as to be spaced from the rear surface of said front panel;

a plurality of adjacently arranged spaced apart parallel light absorbing ledger plates affixed to the rear of said front panel, each of said ledger plates being parallel to each of said bulkheads, each adjacent said ledger plates adapted to overlie the forward edge portion of a bulkhead so as to present a ledger plate adjacent to a bulkhead, with each of the ledger plates and its adjacent bulkhead lying closely adjacent to each other in spaced apart relationship;

said front panel having most of the surface area thereof made of light passing material;

means for removably affixing indicia on said front panel; and, illuminating means located between bulkheads of each station.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 and further including remote control means for controlling the illumination means of each station; said illumination means being an electrical powered light, said remote control means being a switch, a relay circuit means connecting said switch and light together whereby said switch actuates said relay to cause current to flow from a source to said light.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for removably affixing indicia includes spaced apart members which are parallel to one another and to the panel, each member being superimposed upon a ledger plate with the light passing material being interposed therebetween;

each member having an upwardly opening groove therein with the groove being longitudinally disposed with respect to the ledger plate; whereby:

members forming indicia can be captured within the groove.

4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein a plurality of signs are connected to a remote control means; said remote control means including means for simultaneously controlling the illumination means of each station; said illumination means being an electrical powered light, said remote control means being a switch, a relay circuit means connecting said switch relay and light together whereby said switch actuates said relay to cause current to flow from a source to said light.

5. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein a plurality of signs are connected to a plurality of remote control means, said remote control means being connected to the illumination means of each station; said illumination means being an electrical powered light, said remote control means including a switch, a relay circuit means connecting said switch, relay, and light together whereby said switch actuates said relay to cause current to flow from a source to said light.

6. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said indicia includes a base adapted to be received within said groove; an upstanding plane attached to said base, said plane being in the configuration of indicia; the upper terminal end of said plane adapted to be receivedin spaced apart relationship with respect to the lower portion of the upper adjacent member.

Claims

1. A lighted sign having a plurality of controlled lighted stations comprising: structure forming an enclosure which includes spaced apart sides, and a back; a front panel affixed to said structure; a plurality of spaced apart bulkheads affixed to said structure and dividing the enclosure into several stations, said bulkheads extending from the back of said structure and having a forward edge portion terminating short of the front panel so as to be spaced from the rear surface of said front panel; a plurality of adjacently arranged spaced apart parallel light absorbing ledger plates affixed to the rear of said front panel, each of said ledger plates being parallel to each of said bulkheads, each adjacent said ledger plates adapted to overlie the forward edge portion of a bulkhead so as to present a ledger plate adjacent to a bulkhead, with each of the ledger plates and its adjacent bulkhead lying closely adjacent to eacH other in spaced apart relationship; said front panel having most of the surface area thereof made of light passing material; means for removably affixing indicia on said front panel; and, illuminating means located between bulkheads of each station.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for removably affixing indicia includes spaced apart members which are parallel to one another and to the panel, each member being superimposed upon a ledger plate with the light passing material being interposed therebetween; each member having an upwardly opening groove therein with the groove being longitudinally disposed with respect to the ledger plate; whereby: members forming indicia can be captured within the groove.

6. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said indicia includes a base adapted to be received within said groove; an upstanding plane attached to said base, said plane being in the configuration of indicia; the upper terminal end of said plane adapted to be received in spaced apart relationship with respect to the lower portion of the upper adjacent member.