WO1990003636A1

WO1990003636A1 - Display signs

Info

Publication number: WO1990003636A1
Application number: PCT/AU1989/000411
Authority: WO
Inventors: Dale Symington
Original assignee: Dale Symington
Priority date: 1988-09-23
Filing date: 1989-09-25
Publication date: 1990-04-05

Abstract

A display sign has a flow surface (10) such as the inner face (9) of a viewing panel (2) or front face (4) of a backing panel (3) over which liquid flows. A liquid pump (13, 107, 161) supplies liquid which runs over the flow surface (10) and encounters means (20) such as projecting interruptions (21) for causing irregularities in the transient light effects are created which accentuate a sign element (25). The means for causing flow irregularities may also comprise means (5) for intermittently varying the volume of liquid. The sign element (25) may comprise a part of the flow surface (10) and may be defined by the conformation of the interruptions (21).

Description

DISPLAY SIGNS

This invention relates to display signs for advertising, information or aesthetic purposes.

Display signs are known which make use of reflective elements_. like sequins which move with air movements to produce transient light or sh-Uiraering effects. Other effects may be produced by electrical means, for example, an array of light sources intermittently switched by associated electric circuits.

It is an object of the present invention is to provide a display sign using transient light effects to accentuate a sign element.

According to the present invention there is provided a display sign comprising: a flow surface over which liquid in use flows; a liquid supply means for supplying liquid to the flow surface so that the liquid flows across the flow surface during operation of the liquid supply means; means for causing irregularities in the flow of liquid over the flow surface; and a sign element associated with the flow surface and arranged to enable a viewer to see at least a portion of the flow surface and the liquid flowing on the flow surface whereby in use the irregularities in flow cause transient light effects discernible by the viewer and which accentuate the sign element.

Preferably the means for causing irregularities in the flow of liquid comprise means for causing temporal irregularities in the flow of liquid, such as means for intermittently varying the volume of liquid flowing across the flow surface.

Alternatively or additionally the means for causing irregularities in the flew of liquid may comprise means spatially distributed in relation to the flow surface and operative to cause irregularities in the liquid flow occurring at spatially distributed locations. For example, interruptions in use may be encountered by the liquid flowing over the flow surface, the interruptions causing disturbances to the flow of liquid. In this case, the sign element may be defined by the interruptions. The sign element may cotrprise a part of the flow surface so that the liquid flowing over the flow surface also flows over the sign element. The sign element may include a sign member which is located in the light path from the liquid flowing over the flow surface to the viewer, the sign element having a predetermined discernible conformation to the viewer. Alternatively, the flow surface may be provided on a flow panel which is transparent or translucent and the sign element-may include a sign portion of a predetermined discernible conformation located on the far side of the flow panel relative to the viewer so that light transmitted from the sign element through the flow panel experiences transient scattering or diffraction effects due to the irregularities in the flow of liquid over the flow surface.

The display sign may further include a viewing panel interposed between the viewer and the liquid flow, the viewing panel having an outer face facing towards the viewer and an inner face, the display sign further including a backing panel having a front face spaced from and facing towards the inner face of the viewing panel, the flow of liquid occurring within the space between the inner face of the viewing panel and the front face of the backing pemel. In a first embodiment, the flow surface may be defined by the inner face of the viewing panel and the means for causing irregularities in the flow of liquid may comprise flow interrupting irregularities located at the inner face of the viewing panel, the viewing panel being transparent or translucent so as to enable viewing of the liquid flow over the inner face. In an alternative embodiment, the flow surface may be defined by the front face of the backing panel and the means for causing irregularities in the flow of liquid may cotαprise flow interrupting irregularities located at the front face of the backing panel, the viewing panel being transparent so as to enable viewing of liquid flowing over the front face of the backing panel.

Lighting means may illuminate the liquid flowing over the flow surface at least in the region of the sign element so that the irregularities in the flow of liquid cause transient light reflections and/or refractions from the lighting means.

Possible and preferred features of the present invention will now be described with particular reference to the accompanying drawings. However it is to be understood that the features illustrated in and described with reference to the drawings are not to be construed as limiting on the scope of the invention. In the drawings: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a display sign according to one embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary cross-section of the circled portion of the embodiment of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary cross-section of an upper portion of an embodiment similar to Fig. 4;

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary cross-section of the upper portion of the embodiment of Figs. 1 and 2;

Figs. 5 and 6 are fragmentary cross-sections, equivalent to the cross-sections of Figs. 3 and 4, of the upper portions of two further embodiments of display signs according to the invention;

Figs. 7 and 8 are front and top plan views of a further display sign embodying the invention;

Figs. 9 and 10 are front and side sectional views of a liquid flow interrupting means;

Fig. 11 is a schematic front view of a further possible arrangement of sign elements in a display sign;

Figs. 12 and 13 are respectively horizontal and vertical sectional views of a cylindrical display sign;

Figs. 14 and 15 are front and side sectional views of possible sign elements in a further display sign; and

Figs. 16 and 17 are side and front views of alternative water supply means.

Referring to Fig. 1, the display sign 1 is shown as an upright assembly having a viewing panel 2 at the front of the display sign and a backing panel 3 which, together with the end walls 5, 6 define an enclosed space 7. The inner face 9 of the viewing panel 2 defines a vertical flow surface 10 over which liquid in use flows although other angles are possible and even a horizontal flow surface is possible if the liquid is caused to flow across that surface.

To supply liquid, such as clear or dyed water so as to cause it to flow over the flow surface 10, there is provided a liquid is pumped by pump 13 powered from electrical cable 14. Liquid is pumped upwardly through the line 15 to a dispenser tank 16 which extends across the width at the top of the display sign. Liquid which fills the dispenser tank 16 will spill over the weir 17 which, as best seen in Fig. 4, has a lip so that the liquid runs onto the inner face 9 of the viewing panel 2. The display sign includes means 20 for causing irregularties in the flow of liquid over the flow surface 10. In Figs. 1 to 6, the means 20 for causing irregularities in the flow comprise means which is spatially distributed in relation to the flow surface 10 and is operative to cause irregularities in the liquid flow. The irregularities illustrated coctprise interruptions 21 shown in the form of serrations or prisms formed in the flow surface 10 (although other interruptions such as indentations are possible) and which in use are encountered by the liquid flowing over the flow surface 10 so that the interruptions 21 cause disturbances to the flow of liquid. In particular, laminar flow of liquid which would occur if surface 10 is worth will be interrupted and turbulence created when the liquid flows over the irregularities 21 so that light illuminating the liquid flowing over the flow surface at the location of the interruptions 21 is reflected and/or refracted in an irregular manner so as to cause transient light effects.

The display sign 1 also includes a sign element 25 shown in Fig. 1 as the letter E. The sign element 25 is associated with the flow surface 10 and is arranged to enable a viewer to the left of the viewing panel 2 to see at least a portion of the flow surface 10 and the liquid flowing on the flow surface. In Figs. 1, 2 and 4, the sign element 25 is defined by the interruptions 21. The interruptions 21 may be provided only at the locations where flow interruptions are desired so that the interruptions themselves define the sign element. In Fig. 4 the remaining surface area of the viewing panel 2 may be provided with pictorial or graphic matter or may be of one colour and may be opaque as desired. If the balance of the area of the viewing panel 2 is opaque, the interruptions 21 may be provided uniformly across the entire area of the inner face 9 of the viewing panel 2 since only the interruptions 21 in the regions where the panel 2 is not opaque and which define the sign element 25 will be visible and hence it is only in these areas that the transient light effects caused by the irregularities in the flow of liquid will be visible.

In Fig. 3 the liquid flowing from the dispenser tank 16 over the weir 17 flows down the flow surface 10 which is defined by the front face 4 of the backing panel 3. The viewing panel 2 can be a transparent screen or may additionally be provided with pictorial or graphic matter on the inner or outer face thereof. The flow surface 10 is provided with interruptions 21 as in Fig. 4 which cause transient light effects in the light being transmitted through the backing panel 3 from rear light source 27. Edge or front lighting means may be provided in addition or. alternatively to the back lighting. The sign element 25 may be defined by opaque regions 28 of the backing panel 3 leaving a transparent zone where the interruptions 21 are provided, the opaque zones 28 having the required conformation to define the required shape of the light transmitting zone. The interruptions 21 may be provided in this case over the entire front face 4 of the backing panel 3. In an alternative possibility, the entire backing panel 3 may be transparent or translucent and the interruptions 21 may be located only in the areas where the transient light effects are desired so that the interruptions define the sign element by their spatial distribution.

In the embodiment of Fig. 5, the backing panel 3 cortprises a sign element 25 on its front face 4. In this case, the sign element 25 cortprises an array of prisms 21 constituting the means 20 causing irregularities in the flow. Sign element 25 is viewed through transparent section 26 in the screen 2, the remainder of the screen 2 being transparent, translucent or opaque as required. As in Fig. 3, liquid flows from dispenser tank 16 over weir 17 and down over sign element 25. The sign element 25 may be illuminated from the front or from the rear, since in this case backing panel 3 is transparent. Backing panel 3 may alternatively be reflective and front or edge lighting can be used to illuminate the liquid flowing over the projections 21.

Referring to Fig. 6, the flow surface 10 is provided on the inner face of the viewing panel 2 which is transparent or translucent. The sign element 25 includes sign portions of predetermined conformations located on the far side of the viewing panel 2 relative to the viewer and in particular is located on the front face 4 of the backing panel 3 so that the light transmitted from the sign element 25 through the viewing panel 2 experiences transient scattering or iffraction effects due to the irregularities in the flow of liquid caused by the interruptions. This contrasts to Figs. 4 and 5 where clear transparent sections of the viewing panel 2 the viewing panel 2 which is otherwise opaque defines sign members which are located in the light path from the liquid flowing over the flow surface 10.

In Fig. 1 the liquid reaching the bottom of the space 7 between the viewing panel 2 and the backing panel 3 is returned to the reservoir 12 by a passage 30 beneath the lower edge of the backing panel 3. In Fig. 6 the liquid is collected by deflecting surface 31 to return the liquid to the reservoir 12.

In addition to or as an alternative to causing irregularities in the flow of liquid by providing spatially distributed interruptions, the means for causing irregularities in the flow of liquid may comprise means for causing temporal irregularities in the flow of liquid. The means for causing temporal irregularities may comprise means 50 for intermittently varying the volume of flow of liquid flowing across the flow surface 10. The means 50 for intermittently varying the volume of liquid may comprise means for periodically interrupting the flow of liquid as will be described in relation to Figs. 7 to 10. In another possible embodiment (not shown) , the means 50 for intermittently varying the volume of liquid may comprise means for agitating the liquid in the dispenser tank 16 so that waves created in the tank cause liquid to overflow the weir 17 in an irregular manner so that water flows down the flow surface 10 in waves or beads of liquid to thereby cause transient light effects.

Figs. 7 and 8 show a display sign in which there are five segments 101-105 each being at least partially independently supplied with liquid through the liquid supply manifold 106. The pump 107 supplies liquid under pressure through the non-return valve 108 and through a first solenoid valve 109 or other selectively operable valve to the first sentient dispenser tank 111 so that liquid is caused to flow down the flow surface in the first sequent 101 so as to accentuate or animate the sign element 25 associated with the first segment 101. When the second solenoid valve 116 is opened, liquid is then supplied both to the first and the second sec ne ts 101, 102 so that the sign element associated with the second segment 102 is supplied with water to accentuate or irtpart animation thereto. This process continues under the operation of the control circuit 118 so that each segment 101-105 in turn is supplied with liquid. In this way the display sign is progressively operated from left to right from the viewer's side (remembering that Fig. 7 is a rear view), e.g. for the pjurpose of spelling out a message or trade mark or providing a desired sequence of displays. .

Of course, if desired, alternative methods of independently, randomly or sequentially supplying liquid to a number of segments of the display sign can also be provided. For example, instead of supplying the five sec nents 101-105 from a common supply manifold 106, independent supply lines may be provided from the reservoir 120 to each segment, each supply line being provided with a selectively operable control valve so that the sequence of operation of the segments 101-105 can be varied.

In Figs. 9 and 10 there is schematically illustrated a liquid powered switching means 50 for effectively intermittently interrupting supply of liquid to the flow surface. The switching means 50 comprises a liquid driven vaned wheel 130 which can be driven by liquid under pressure through inlet 131 from the liquid supply pump so that the wheel 130 rotates. The rotation of the wheel 130 interrupts the supply of liquid from a liquid supply inlet 132 to an outlet 133 which conveys liquid to the flow surface. For this purpose, the wheel 130 is provided with an aperture 134 that intermittently is aligned between the inlet 132 and outlet 133 to allow flow through the interrupting wheel 130 while at other times flow from the inlet 132 to the outlet 133 is prevented or restricted. This liquid operated interrupting wheel 130 can be used in place of the solenoid valves in Figs. 7 and 8.

In Fig. 10 a take off shaft 140 extends from the rotation axle of the wheel 130, the take off shaft 140 extending to a small generator 141 or alternator for generating power, e.g. to illuminate light sources associated with the display sign.

The embodiments shown in Figs. 7 to 10 utilise intermittent supply of liquid to the flow surface or to individual flow surfaces associated with segments 101-105 of the display sign. This creation of intermittent flow can be used to create additional visual effects in the display sign. For exaπple, in Fig. 11 there is schematically shown a display sign having sign elements where movement effects can be created. In particular, the sign elements 25 in Fig. 11 represent a beverage dispenser tap 145 and drinking glass 146 being filled with beverage. The sign elements having associated flow surfaces over which liquid flows to create movement effects can be the stream of beverage 147 emerging from the nozzle 149 and a region 150 at the top . of the drinking glass 146 representing froth overflowing the top of the drinking glass. If desired, the trade mark matter 151 shown at the top of the dispensing tap can also be animated by flowing liquid. Of course, the portions of the display sign which are not to be accentuated by transient light effects can overlay and mask the remainder of the flow surface or surfaces so that only the desired sign elements 147, 150, 151 will be animated. Intermittent operation of the supply of liquid to the flow surface associated with the beverage stream 147 and the froth 150 on the drinking glass 146 can simulate a pouring operation.

In Figs. 12 and 13 there is shown a display sign in which the flow surfaces 10 are provided around a three dimensional display sign shown as a cylindrical sign. The pump 161 supplies liquid from the bottom reservoir 162 through a central supply line 163 to the upper dispensing region 164 where water flows outwardly to spill over the peripheral edge weirs 165 provided around the dispensing region 164. The water flows down over the flow surface 10 provided with interruptions 21 to cause the irregularities in the liquid flowing down the surface around the periphery of the display sign. The sign elements 25 can be defined by desired patterns of opaque and transparent printed natter arranged around the cylindrical surface so that the transient light effects are discernable in the desired areas. For example, the display sign in Figs. 12 and 13 may be provided with sign elements 25 to simulate a beverage can or, say, the drinking glass 146 in Fig. 11. The sign elements and associated flow surfaces which operate to create the transient light effects can for example, simulate liquid or froth flowing down the sides of the beverage can or drinking glass.

In Figs. 14 and 15 there is shown a display sign in front and vertical cross sectional views. The display sign represents in part a body of water 170 where transient light effects are to be created to simulate movement, such as waves in the body of water, while the remainder of the sign elements may be statically depicted. As seen in Fig. 15 the flow surface 10 may be provided with flow disturbing projections 21 such as prisms and the projections 21 have a progressive gradation in the surface roughness so that the irregularities in the flow become progessively more accentuated towards the bottom of the flow surface. In this way, a perspective effect may be simulated in the body of water 170 when viewed from the front face as a result of the "water" in the foreground of the scene depiction having greater degree of animation of the transient light effects.

In Figs. 16 and 17 there is illustrated an alternative liquid supply means which comprises water nozzles 180 which are supplied with water from supply manifold 181 through connector piece 182. The nozzles 180 are shown as projecting water jets or sprays in a fan shape, although a single continuous arcuate slot may be used. This arrangement is suitable for causing water to run over individual characters such as letters, if desired being sequentially switched as in Figs. 7 and 8.

The connector piece 182 is shown as having a near leg 183 closed by a window or lens 184 through which light is directed from light source 185. This enables light to be projected out of the nozzles 180 to illuminate the water as it flows over the flow surface 20.

It is to be understood that various alterations, modifications and/or additions may be made to the features of the possible and preferred embodiments) of the invention as herein described without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A display sign comprising: a flow surface (10) over which liquid in use flows; a liquid supply means (13, 107, 161) for supplying liquid to the flow surface (10) so that the liquid flows across the flew surface during operation of the liquid supply means; means (20, 50) for causing irregularities in the flow of liquid over the flow surface; and a sign element (25) associated with the flow surface (10) and arranged to enable a viewer to see at least a portion of the flow surface (10) and the liquid flowing on the flow surface whereby in use the irregularities in flow cause transient light effects discernible by the viewer and which accentuate the sign element (25).

2. A display sign as claimed in Claim 1 characterised in that the means for causing irregularities in the flow of liquid comprise means (50) for causing temporal irregularities in the flow of liquid.

3. A display sign as claimed in Claim 2 characterised in that the means (50) for causing teπporal irregularities cortprises means for intermittently varying the volime of liquid flowing across the flow surface (10) .

4. A display sign as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 3 characterised in that the means for causing irregularities in the flow of liquid comprise means (20) spatially distributed in relation to the flow surface (10) and operative to cause irregularities in the liquid flow occurring at spatially distributed locations.

5. A display sign as claimed in Claim 4 characterised in that the spatially distributed means (20) for causing irregularities comprise interruptions (21) which in use are encountered by the liquid flowing over the flow surface (10), the interruptions (21) causing disturbances to the flow of liquid.

6. A display sign as claimed in Claim 5 characterised in that the sign element (25) is defined by the interruptions (21).

7. A display sign as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 5 characterised in that the sign element (25⁾ comprises a part of the flow surface (10) so that the liquid flowing over the flow surface also flows over the sign element.

8. A display sign as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 1 characterised in that the sign element (25) includes a sign member which is located in the light path from the liquid flowing over the flow surface (10) to the viewer, the sign element having a predetermined discernible conformation to the viewer.

9. A display sign as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 7 characterised in that the flow surface (10) is provided on a flow panel (2) which is transparent or translucent and the sign element (25) includes a sign portion of a predetermined discernible conformation located on the far side of the flow panel (2) relative to the viewer so that light transmitted from the sign element through the flow panel (2) experiences transient scattering or diffraction effects due to the irregularities in the flow of liquid over the flow surface (10) .

10. A display sign as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 9 characterised in that the display sign further includes a viewing panel (2) interposed between the viewer and the liquid flow, the viewing panel (2) having an outer face facing towards the viewer and an inner face (9), the display sign further including a backing panel (3) having a front face (4) spaced from and facing towards the inner face (9) of the viewing panel (2), the flow of liquid occurring within the space (9) between the inner face (9) of the viewing panel (2) and the front face (4) of the backing panel (3) .

11. A display sign as claimed in Claim 10 characterised in that the flow surface (10) is defined by the inner face (9) of the viewing panel (2) and the means (20) for causing irregularities in the flow of liquid cortprises flow interrupting irregularities (21) located at the inner face (9) of the viewing panel (2) , the viewing panel (2) being transparent or translucent so as to enable viewing of the liquid flow over the inner face (9).

12. A display sign as claimed in Claim 10 characterised in that the flow surface (10) is defined by the front face (4) of the backing panel (3) and the means (20) for causing irregularities in the flow of liquid comprise flow interrupting irregularities (21) located at the front face (4) of the backing panel (3) , the viewing panel (2) being transparent so as to enable viewing of liquid flowing over the front face (4) of the backing panel (3) .

13. A display sign as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 12 characterised by lighting means (27) operable to illuminate the liquid flowing over the flow surface (10) at least in the region of the sign element (25) so that the irregularities in the flow of liquid cause transient light reflections and/or refractions from the lighting means.