WO2007026342A2

WO2007026342A2 - Improved multi-picture louvered advertising sign apparatus, and method of use thereof

Info

Publication number: WO2007026342A2
Application number: PCT/IL2005/000924
Authority: WO
Inventors: Oleg Zukov
Original assignee: M.P. Sign Ltd
Priority date: 2005-08-29
Filing date: 2005-08-29
Publication date: 2007-03-08
Also published as: WO2007026342A3

Abstract

A multi-picture louvered advertising sign, using sign louvers (16) that move around individual tracks (14) in electromechanical synchronization. The synchronization mechanism utilizes sensors (32) and a transmission mechanism (23) that operates in response to control commands, such that the louvers (16) come into an exposed position, at which point they temporarily rest, providing the required display. In sequential fashion, other louvers (16) on the track (14) are moved into the exposed position, so that the display is constantly updated. In a typical construction, each track (14) has twenty louvers (16), with the faces of the louvers (16) oriented generally perpendicular to the track (14) that they traverse. Thus, per the louver mounting orientation of the present invention, an increase may be achieved over the prior art in the number of pictures that can be displayed. The louvers (16) are flexible and are readily removable from the frame (12), by sliding the louvers from the mounting.

Description

IMPROVED MULTI-PICTURE LOUVERED ADVERTISING SIGN APPARATUS, AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to mechanized advertising signs, and more particularly to a multi-picture louvered advertising sign, featuring sign louvers that move around individual tracks in electromechanical synchronization.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The prior art of advertising sign exhibiting, is almost exclusively based on use of a plurality of triangular shaped members, rotatably mounted in a frame. These triangular shaped members are commonly referred to as prisms. As described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,189,859 to Ahlgren (1980), each of the prisms includes adjacent longitudinally extending side surfaces so that each set of associated side surfaces of the prisms provides a display when rotated to a side by side position. Thus the number of side surfaces defines a recurring display sequence. Each prism is provided with a pair of rotation axles disposed longitudinally at opposite ends of the prism. A drive motor and a transmission rotate the prisms synchronously, the drive motor being connected to one of the rotation axles.

Examples of such designs for devices employing triangular shaped members^' may be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,921,321 to Weisskopf (1975), 4,528,763 to Ahlgren (1985), 5,003,716 to Dyar (1991), 5,255,465 to Perez (1993), 5,416, 996 to Clemens et al (1995), and 5,572,816 to Anderson, Jr. et al (1996).

From the above survey it is apparent that within a time-frame of twenty one years, 1975 - 1996, there exists an almost total dependence on and usage of the triangular members as the basis for louvered advertising signs. In U.S, Pat. No. 3,826,027 to Abbema (1974), the inadequacies of the prisms are described as including:

• The display of three different advertising panels per prism does not adequately cope with the problem of limited outdoor advertising space.

• To effectively convey an advertising message, more than three different pictures per advertising unit are generally required and consequently several units are used mounted side by side. The need to use many units per advertisement makes the prism solution expensive and as a result, their use has generally been limited to prime outdoor locations where they are constantly visible to the public.

• The tri-faced sign has made few inroads on the indoor advertising market, as well, since it is an expensive solution.

Simple arithmetic indicates that in order to display almost any but the simplest advertisements, a large number of adjacent units must be used. This translates into inefficient use of limited outdoor advertising space, or of expensive indoor advertising space.

Abbema (U.S, Pat. No. 3,826,027) discloses a display sign which employs a plurality of endless loops, upon which are mounted adjacently to one another a plurality of planar elements, with the loop rotating to present, in succession and with precision, numerous advertising images for a brief period of time.

The Abbema device appears to be quite cumbersome, and it is highly likely that the added cost of many additional device elements, such as the endless loop conveying apparatus, and additional connector means would seem to make the Abbema solution both expensive and complex.

A review of the deficiencies of the prior art exposed a need for a multi-picture louvered advertising sign, which would:

• Enable displaying a much larger number of different pictures per advertising unit.

• Result in a large reduction in the number of adjacent advertising units required to convey a slightly complex advertising message. • Result in a large saving in the expenditure required to build, set-up and maintain a large number of adjacent advertising units, as had been required by the prior art.

• Result in a substantial reduction in the inefficient use of limited outdoor advertising space.

• Make it economically feasible to use louvered advertising signs for indoor advertising space.

Therefore, it would be desirable to provide an advertising sign, simple in design and operation, having the capability of displaying a large number of pictures at minimum cost and with minimum space requirements.

PCT patent publication WO 03/090189 by the inventor discloses a multi- pictured louvered apparatus with a frame supporting a plurality of tracks upon which the louvers rotate, with the apparatus capable of displaying a large number of advertisements in a recurring display sequence. The apparatus of WO 03/090189 suffers from the drawback that after assembly of the louvers within the frame and pasting of advertisements upon them, when display of the particular advertisements is no longer desired, it is difficult to remove the louvers to change the pasted advertisements. Additionally, the advertisements are most often pasted upon the louvers on site, where the user / sign installer must suffer the environmental elements. which may hamper his efforts to precisely align the advertisements.

It would therefore be desirable to provide a louvered advertising sign for displaying a large number of advertisements, in which the louvers could be easily removed to change the pasted advertisements. It would also be desirable to have the option of pre-pasting advertisements upon the louvers in a controlled and comfortable environment, then readily fitting them onto the apparatus on-site, to simplify the user's efforts and achieve aesthetically pleasing signs that are also graphically precise.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is a principal object of the present invention to overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages and provide a multi-picture louvered advertising sign, using sign louvers that move around individual tracks in electromechanical synchronization. The synchronization mechanism utilizes sensors and a transmission mechanism that operates in response to control commands. The electromechanical synchronization is such that the louvers come into an exposed position, at which point they temporarily rest, providing the required display. In sequential fashion, other louvers on the track are moved into the exposed position, so that the display is constantly updated. The apparatus is improved in that the louvers are flexible and are readily removable from the frame, by sliding the louvers from their supports.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a multi-picture louvered advertising sign apparatus comprising: a frame having a plurality of individual tracks; a plurality of louvers mounted so as to move along an associated one of the tracks in the frame, each of the louvers having a pair of longitudinally extending side surfaces, each providing a display portion; and transmission means for moving the louvers on each of the associated tracks synchronously, each of the louvers being mounted so as to be oriented perpendicularly to its associated track, such that when moved by the transmission means into a display position, the side surfaces of the louvers define a recurring sequence of the display portions presenting a multiple number of advertising pictures. The louvers are flexible and are readily removable from the frame, by sliding them from their support.

In a typical construction, each track has twenty louvers, with the faces of the louvers oriented generally perpendicular to the track that they traverse. This is in sharp contrast to the approach taken by the prior art Abbema patent (see Background;, in which the planar elements are oriented with their faces positioned parallel to the circuit or track that they traverse. A simple analogy would be to compare the packing of dominoes standing side-by-side to dominoes arranged face to back. Clearly, many more dominoes can be packed into the same given space when employing the face-to- back orientation. Thus, per the louver mounting orientation of the present invention, an increase may be achieved in the number of pictures that can be displayed, beyond the number per Abbema, to twenty pictures or more per the present invention.

Each track enables motion of the louvers at a speed that enables exchanging or replacing individual louvers at a rate of 2 louvers per second, thereby displaying twenty different pictures using a slightly slower rate than that used in film speed, but still a high enough rate to allow for the eye to integrate the motion and make it a smooth one for purposes of conveying motion of the object, displayed in the advertisement. Yet another important feature of this design enables a section of louvers on different tracks to be controlled at a speed that is different than the other louvers of other tracks so that a section of the advertisement can be dedicated to a slower exchange rate of louvers. This enables a portion of the multi-image advertising display to proceed with dynamic movement and a portion of the advertising display to be presented as a static display of one or more various pictures.

Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the drawings and the description contained hereinbelow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the invention, with regard to the embodiments described, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which like numbers designate corresponding elements or sections throughout, and in which:

Fig. 1 shows an overall perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the multi-picture louvered. advertising sign apparatus, constructed and operated, in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

Fig. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of Fig. 1, showing louvers mounted in a frame;

Fig. 3 shows a front view of the apparatus of Fig. 1, showing transmission means for rotation of louvers;

Fig. 4 shows a top view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of Fig. 1, showing a plurality of louvers mounted in a plurality of tracks, with the transmission provided via a driving gear mounted so as to internally engage the chain loop of the track at its curved end portion;

Figs. 5a-c show, respectively, top and enlarged detailed views of an alternate embodiment of the apparatus of Fig.1, showing a plurality of louvers mounted in a plurality of tracks, with the transmission provided via a driving gear mounted so as to externally engage the chain loop of the track;

Fig. 6 shows an electronic schematic diagram of a transmission controller;

Fig. 7 shows a front view of the apparatus of Fig. 4, including a detailed view of the transmission means;

Fig. 8 shows a front view of the apparatus of Fig. 5, including a detailed view of the transmission means; Fig. 9 shows an enlarged view of the transmission means of Fig. 8, including a detailed view of the control sensor;

Fig. 10 shows a top view of an alternate embodiment of the apparatus of Fig. l . in which the louvers have been mounted one on every two links, thereby allowing presentation of more pictures per track of given dimensions;

Fig. 11 illustrates a paired louver assembly in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 12 illustrates -the paired louver assembly, after partial removal of a single louver to expose strut upon which louver may slide;

Fig. 13 is a rear view of the paired louver assembly of Fig. 12;

Fig. 14 is a horizontal cross-section of aluminum struts, with louvers fitted upon the struts;

Fig. 15 is an upper view of the apparatus, showing a louver partially removed to reveal narrowing of the lower portion of the strut;

Fig. 16 illustrates a perspective view of the apparatus;

Fig. 17 is a front view of the apparatus, illustrating the direction of rotation of two adjacent tracks and their associated gears;

Fig. 18 is an enlargement of the double chain;

Fig. 19 is a cross-section of the double chain and its support shoes and internal guide; and

Fig. 20 is a side view of the apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Figures 1-10 describe the basic mechanism and design of the apparatus of the invention, similar to that disclosed in our PCT patent publication WO 03/090189. Figures 11-20 describe an improved embodiment, in which the louvers are flexible, and are readily removable from the apparatus.

Referring to Fig. 1, there is shown an overall perspective view of a multi- picture louvered advertising sign apparatus 10 to be supported by a frame 12 (see Fig. 7). The apparatus 10 has a plurality of individual tracks 14, each track 14 comprising a chain loop, to which are mounted a plurality of louvers 16. The faces of the louvers 16 are oriented generally perpendicular to the track 14 that they traverse. Each of the louvers 16 has a pair of longitudinally extending side surfaces 18a, 18b, each providing a display portion. The advertising display can be pasted as a complete advertising "panel" onto these side surfaces 18a- 18b on all the tracks at once, and then slits can be formed between the portions of the display by slitting the advertising panel between the louvers 16.

Each of the louvers 16 is attached to a corresponding support base (see Fig. 3), which in turn is mounted on its associated track 14. The transmission is provided via a driving gear 22, mounted so as to internally engage the chain loop of track 14 at its curved end portion. Gear 22 is rotated by a transmission means (see Figs. 3, 7), and in turn transmits motion via track 14 to the support bases 20 and to the louvers 16. which are attached thereon, so that they travel as track 14 moves around.

In Fig. 2, there is shown a cross-sectional view of the apparatus 10 of Fig.1 , showing louvers 16. In this alternate embodiment, driving gear 22 is not shown, but it is mounted on the same shaft as a transmission gear 25 (best shown in Fig. 5A), and gear 22 is arranged so as to externally engage the chain loop of track 14, to transmit motion to track 14 and to the associated louvers 16.

Fig. 3 is a front view of the apparatus of Fig. 1, showing transmission means 23 for rotation of louvers 16. Each of the louvers 16 is attached to a corresponding support base 20, which in turn is connected to its associated track 14. The chain loops of track 14 are shown positioned above and below the louvers 16. Connecting the ends of the louvers to the support bases 20 mounted on the tracks 14, one at the top of the louver 16 and the other at its bottom, ensures maximum synchronization of louver 16 movement. Gear 22, mounted so as to internally engage the chain loop of track 14 at its curved end portion, is rotated by transmission means 23 via transmission chains 26, and in turn causes the louvers 16 to progress along the corresponding track 14,

A contact sensor 32 containing a micro-switch with an actuator 31, extends upward from the frame 12 positioned below the track 14, so as to come into contact with the lower edge of each of moving louvers 16. As described in connection with Fig. 6, contact sensor 32 determines the point at which the louvers 16 come to rest in the display position.

Fig. 4 shows a top view of the apparatus of Fig.l, showing a plurality of louvers 16 mounted in a plurality of tracks 14, with the transmission provided via a driving gear 22 mounted so as to internally engage the chain loop of the track 14 at its curved end portion. In this embodiment, the louvers are mounted one for every three links of the track 14 chain loop. The track 14 chain loop links may ride on a track support shoe 28, typically of rigid smooth plastic, to provide sliding support. The shoe supports the chain loop, and thus prevents undesirable movement of the chain and of the louvers mounted thereupon, in response to air currents, which could distort the advertising display.

Fig. 5a shows a top view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus 10 of Fig.l, showing a plurality of louvers 16 mounted in a plurality of tracks, with the transmission provided via a driving gear 22 mounted so as to externally engage the chain loop of the track 14. The arrows ("F") show the direction of louver 16 motion.

Figs. 5b-c show enlarged detail views of the track arrangement of Fig. 5a, with track 14 having a guide 29 around which the track chain loop links may ride. Elliptical guide 29 is internal to the chain loop, and is shaped to fill the inner area present in the center of the chain loop. Ridges of the guide 29 may be seen in Fig. 5B to fit into the chain link. In Fig 5B, dowels extend from above the chain link; these dowels enter holes in the support bases 20 shown in Fig. 3, thus mounting the louvers 16 upon the chain loop.

Fig. 5c shows external shoe 28 and guide 29, which act together to brace the chain loop from undesired movement originating in air currents.

Referring to Fig. 6, there is shown an electronic schematic diagram of a transmission controller 33. The synchronization between the moving louvers 16 and the louvers 16 to be exposed in the display position is achieved by use of a counter 35. This counter 35 is triggered by the contact sensor 32 and counts the louvers 16 as they pass by and touch the actuator 31 (see Fig. 3) of sensor 32. When a preset number of louvers 16 is reached by counter 35, a control command is given to the transmission mechanism via an opening motion of toggle switch Sl from its normally closed position, to stop the motor 34 and to reset and activate a timer T. The timer T setting defines how long the louvers 16 remain in the display position, before changing the display. This results in an exposed pair of louvers 16 and side surfaces 18a-b remaining temporarily stationary in the display position, for advertising purposes.

At the end of the specified display period, the timer T activates the motor 34 by closing switch S2, providing power to motor 34, and when the next louver 16 passes the micro-switch of sensor 32, power to the timer T is cut off by re-setting counter 35, which recloses switch Sl in the normal position and reopens switch S2.

Alternately, a slidably adjustable pin 30 (see Figs. 8-9) may be used instead of the counter 35. The pin 30 is mounted in slidably adjustable fashion on a lower edge of the louvers. The slidably adjustable pin 30 can be set on pre-selected louvers 16 to come into contact with the sensor 32. When the pin 30 is set, only the pre-selected louvers 16 contact the sensor 32 and this design makes for easy changing of the sequence by the installer of the advertising panels. Thus, by simple thumb adjustment of the pin 30 — the sequence is defined.

Preferably, programmable logic controller (PLC) technology may be used in designing the transmission controller 33.

Fig. 7 shows a front view of the apparatus of Fig. 4, including a detailed view of the transmission means 23, comprising motor 34, driver gears 36, and transmission chains 26. Controller 33 starts and stops motor 34, as described in the electronic schematic diagram of Fig. 6. Driver gears 36 are mounted on drive shaft 24. When the motor 34 is activated it transmits motion to the driver gears 36, which in turn transmit the motion in a synchronized manner to the gears 22 of each track 14, via the transmission chains 26.

Fig. 8 shows a front view of the apparatus of Fig. 5a.

Fig. 9 shows an enlarged view of Fig. 8, including a detailed view of the transmission means and the contact sensor 32 (inset "A").

Referring to Fig. 10, there is shown a top view of an alternate embodiment of the apparatus of Fig. 1, in which one louver 16 and its associated support base 20 is mounted on every second link, thereby allowing presentation of more pictures per track of given dimensions. Optional louver mounting holes 37 are shown in base 20.

Referring to Fig. 11 , an alternative embodiment of the invention is shown, in which support bases 40a, 40 b are present at the upper and lower extremities of a pair of louvers 16a, 16b, all of which forms a paired louver assembly 50. Louvers 16a, 16b are paired and lie parallel to one another, and will move upon the tracks of the apparatus as a single unit having two display sides, each display side associated with a single louver 16a or 16b. Louvers 16a, 16b are formed of a flexible material, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Support bases 40a, 40b each have a lip 42a, 42b projecting parallel to the surfaces of louvers 16a,b. The lip 42a, 42b guards the louvers 16a,b and prevent the louvers from falling off the support bases 40a,b.

A pair of holes 46a,b and 48a,b is formed in each respective support base 40a. 40b. Holes 46a,b enable insertion of dowels protruding from the chains present upon each track (see Fig. 19), to mount the entire paired louver assembly 50 upon the transmission means. Thus, the mounted assembly 50 may move upon the track, into a display position.

Referring to Fig. 12, paired louver assembly 50 is shown, after louver 16a has been partially removed revealing strut 44a upon which louver 16a can slidably fit. Strut 44a is preferably formed of aluminum. Each of louvers 16a, 16b, is supported by a single strut so that support bases 40a, 40b secure two struts 44a, (44b not shown), parallel to one another, and two associated louvers 16a, 16b. Struts 44a, 44b (44b not shown), will move as a single unit when the transmission means is activated. Louvers 16a, 16b slide upon the struts 44a, (44b not shown) and can be easily removed or introduced at the narrowed strut portion 58. The flexible nature of louver 16a ib apparent in Figs. 12 and 15, showing that its lower portion, which has been removed from strut 44a, is bent.

The flexibility of the louvers is especially useful when inserting or removing louvers into sign apparatus 10 where the lowermost border is approximately 3 meters from the ground (see Fig. 15). In such an arrangement, a single user may easily remove the louvers 16a,b from the lowermost portion of the frame, without the need for a ladder, the typical prior art technique to remove louvers from the top of the sign.

In the present invention, although the bottom of the louvers 16a,b will contact the ground upon their removal from the lower portion of the frame, their downward progress will not be halted since they will bend and the removed portion of the louver which extends out of the apparatus, can be brought into a position parallel to the ground, to allow the entire louver to be slid out of the apparatus 10. In prior art louvered signs, which do not have flexible louvers, more than one user /sign installer is usually required to remove the louvers from the top of the sign, while both users are uncomfortably perched upon a ladder or scaffold.

The need may arise for a single louver to be changed, such as in a sign indicating prices which may vary over time, for instance, a gas-station sign. In the present invention, individual louvers may easily be removed and new louvers reinserted. This feature is an improvement over the invention described in our prior patent publication WO 03/090189, where the louvers were not readily removable from the apparatus. The feature of readily removable louvers allows the preparation of advertisements off-site from the sign apparatus 10, by pasting the advertisements upon the louvers, and then transporting the louvers to the apparatus for installation. Thus, a graphic artist may comfortably paste the advertisement upon the louvers in the graphics design office, without the interference of external elements at the sign apparatus 10 site. Precise and aesthetically pleasing advertisements are easier to obtain when the graphic artist may work in the comfort of his design environment.

After the advertisements have been pasted and displayed upon the louvers, and display of the particular advertisement is no longer of interest at that site, the louvers may be easily removed from the apparatus and stored for future use of the advertisement, or may be transported to a second site for display at that second site. These options are an additional feature providing an improvement over our prior patent publication WO 03/090189.

Referring to Fig. 13, a rear view of Fig. 12 is shown. The underside of louver 16a has rims 52a, 52b, which fit over either edge of strut 44a, allowing louver 16a to slide upon the edges of strut 44a for easy removal or insertion of louver 16a.

Louver 16b is being readied for removal, since it is shown lifted upwards towards upper support base 40b, and the lower portion 54 of the louver 16b is pulled outwards and over lip 42a of lower support base 40a, to allow sliding of the louver 16b downwards and off of its supporting strut (not shown). Tools are generally unnecessary for removal of the louvers 16a, 16b from the apparatus 10, which is novel over prior art louvered signs.

Referring to Fig. 14, a horizontal cross-section is shown of the aluminum struts 44a, 44b, with louvers 16a, 16b fitted upon them. Struts 44a,b are shaped as an extruded aluminum profile having respective spacer elements 53a,b which are formed with bolt-holes 54a,b to enable them to be secured to the support bases 40a,b. As seen in Fig 11, screws 56a,b are apparent upon support base 40a, and these screws 56a,b engage bolt^:holes 54a,b to secure struts 44a,b via their spacer elements 53a,b to the support base 40a. Spacer elements and bolt holes are present at the other extremity of the louvers, so that each of the upper and lower extremities of the struts are secured to the appropriate support bases 40a,b. Rims 52a,b of louvers 16a,b fit over the struts 44a,b, and are secured thereon by the pressure upon struts 44a,b at points 56. Holes 48a,b are shown formed in support base 40b for insertion of dowels for mounting the paired louver assembly 50 on the transmission means 59 (see Fig. 16).

Referring to Fig. 15, the apparatus 10 is shown with louver 16a almost entirely removed from strut 44a, showing narrowed lower end 58 of strut 44a. Narrowed strut portion 58 is provided to simplify the task of slidably fitting the louver over the strut. Referring to Fig. 16, in the embodiment shown, transmission means 59 comprises upper and lower drive shafts 60a, 60b, designed to rotate in response to activation of motor 62. A plurality of beveled gears (64a-h) are mounted on drive shafts 60a, 60b, and each beveled gear 64a-h engages an appropriate additional beveled gear 66a-h associated with a single track 14.

Use of beveled gears mounted along a drive shaft is an improvement over use of multiple transmission chains as is described in relation to Figures 3, 7, 8, since beveled gears are easier to assemble, require fewer parts, and provide more stability over time, with less maintenance and less noise generation than the multiple transmission chains.

The chain loop 72 on each track 14 is preferably a double chain, described hereinbelow.

Note paired louver assemblies 50, comprised of two louvers mounted using support bases and internal struts, as described hereinabove.

Referring to Fig. 17, beveled gears 64a-h mounted on each of the drive shafts 60a,b are oriented in alternating orientations, so that rotation of each track occurs in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation of the adjacent track. Note arrows of rotation indicated for drive shaft 60b, and arrows indicated for rotation of beveled gears 64g, 64h. For instance, drive shaft 60b rotates in the downward direction: therefore mounted gear 64h induces rotation of track-associated gear 66h in the counterclockwise direction. The louver assemblies 50 on the associated track 14h will therefore travel in response to movement of their associated chain loop, in the direction indicated by arrow 68.

As seen in Fig. 17, mounted gear 64g is oriented in the direction opposite to that of gear 64h, therefore rotation of drive shaft 60b induces rotation of track- associated gear 66g in the clockwise direction. The louver assemblies 50 on the associated track 14g will therefore travel in response to movement of their associated chain loop, in the direction indicated by arrow 70. This acts to prevent friction between louver assemblies on adjacent tracks as they rotate, since this arrangement causes louver assemblies 50g, 5Oh on adjacent tracks 14g, 14h to move together backwards (into the page in Figure 17) until they reach the curved end portion of the chain loop, and they then begin their frontward motion.

Referring to Fig. 18, an enlargement is shown of the double chain 72 of a single track. The double chain comprises a first chain loop 74 having links, placed above a second chain loop 76 having links. The upper and lower chains 74, 76 are fixed to one another, and rotate in unison. Support shoes 78, 80, which may be formed of tough plastic, lie external and parallel to upper chain 74. The support shoes 78, 80 provide sliding support to upper chain 74, and prevent undesirable movement of the chain and of the associated louvers in response to air current. Toothed driving gears (not shown) internally engage each of the two curved end portions of upper chain 74.

A guide (not shown) is present within the inner area of the lower chain loop 76, such that the chain loop rides around the guide upon activation of the transmission means 59. The guide preferably encompasses the entire inner area of the chain loop 76, and is suited to the shape of the inner area of the chain, usually oblong in shape. The guide may be formed of plastic. The guide additionally aids shoe in preventing undesirable movement of the chains and of the associated louver assemblies, in response to air currents.

Referring to Figure 19, a cross-sectional side view is shown of some of the elements described in Fig. 18. Support shoes 78, 80 are external to upper chain 74. A tooth of driving gear 84 is seen to engage the links of upper chain 74; driving gear 84 is rotated by rod 88 which is in turn rotated via beveled gears (not shown) driven by driving shaft 60a. Lower chain 76 rides around internal guide 82. Dowels 86 protrude from the links of lower chain 76, to enter support bases (not shown) of louvers. Louvers may be mounted on as many or as few dowels as is of interest, according to the number of advertisements needed to be displayed.

Fig. 20 illustrates a side view of the apparatus.

With appropriate mechanical design, the dimensions of frame 12, the number of tracks 14 and the number of louvers per track 14 can be established for a given advertising application, so that larger and smaller signs can be constructed as needed.

In operation, the multi-picture louvered advertising sign apparatus projects an effect of continuous movement of a display object to viewers. A recurring sequence may present animation of a set of still images. For example, the display may be arranged to show a car moving down a road, by the sequence of interleaved louvers which, when moving with a regular smooth motion, provide an effect of a continuous motion on the advertising display. The speed of the motor can be varied and therefore the rate of replacement of louvers and changing of pictures can also be controlled. For example, a particular portion of the advertising sign associated with certain tracks 14 may be assigned a slower rotation speed and slower turnover of different pictures, whereas other louvers in another portion may have a more rapid turnover. Operation in this fashion presents an effect of different activities occurring on the same advertising sign, at different speeds. This allows for the sign to convey a given message in an integrated fashion. A recurring sequence may present an interactive picture using a set of still images.

This operation is for the enjoyment and entertainment of the viewer, who will then get the message of the advertisement in a particular fashion. This enables a multi-image advertising display in which a portion of the advertising display exhibits dynamic movement and a portion of the display exhibits a static arrangement of various pictures. This provides a display having an integration of dynamic and static information, enabling development of an impression by the viewer of moving pictures and static pictures. A recurring sequence may therefore present a developing message using a related set of still images. This can be exploited for many effects in advertisement and communication, for the benefit of conveying the message more effectively.

For example, in a developing message, a small image may be displayed which is superimposed on a larger image, and as the display continues to operate, the smaller image grows in size in subsequent images until it completely fills the display area. This same technique may be reversed, so that an image is reduced until it is replaced.

Having described the invention with regard to certain specific embodiments, it is to be understood that the description is not meant as a limitation since further modifications may now suggest themselves to those skilled in the art, and it is intended to cover such modifications, as fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

WE CLAIM:

1. A multi-picture louvered advertising sign apparatus comprising: a frame having a plurality of individual tracks; a plurality of louvers mounted so as to move along an associated one of said tracks in said frame, each of said louvers having a pair of longitudinally extending side surfaces, each providing a display portion; and transmission means for moving said louvers along each of said associated tracks synchronously, each of said louvers being mounted so as to be oriented perpendicularly to its associated track, such that when moved by said transmission means into a display position, said side surfaces of said louvers define a recurring sequence of said display portions presenting a multiple number of advertising pictures, wherein said apparatus is improved in that said louvers are flexible and are readily removably insertable by sliding of said louvers onto said apparatus.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said recurring sequence is defined by the number of louvers which move on one of said associated tracks until said display position is reached.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 further comprising electromechanical means for determining said number of louvers which move on an associated track until said display position is reached.

4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said electromechanical means comprises a pin mounted in slidably adjustable fashion on a lower edge of said louver, which contacts a micro-switch during louver movement.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said recurring sequence is provided in accordance with a rate of motion of louvers per elapsed time.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said louver motion rate is between approximately one louver per second.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said multiple number of pictures is related to said frame size.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said transmission means comprises a plurality of chains, each chain associated with a single track, and each chain forming a loop which engages a driving gear.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein each of said driving gears is mounted so as to internally engage the chain loop of a track at the curved end portion of said chain loop.

10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein each of said driving gears is mounted so as to externally engage the chain loop of a track along the length of said track.

11. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said recurring sequence presents animation of a set of still images.

12. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said recurring sequence presents a developing message using a related set of still images.

13. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said recurring sequence presents an interactive picture using a set of still images.

14. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said flexible louvers are formed from polyvinylchloride for granting said flexibility to said louvers.

15. The apparatus of claim 1 comprising a plurality of perpendicular struts, each strut capable of supporting a single flexible louver and displaying a single side surface of said louver, said louvers slidably fit over said struts.

16. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein said struts are formed from aluminum.

17. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said struts are narrowed at their lower end, for ease of slidably fitting said louvers over said struts.

18. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said struts are paired and parallel to one another, wherein each pair of struts moves as a single unit when moved by said transmission means; and said struts, a pair of louvers mounted upon said struts, and a pair of support bases for mounting said louvers, comprise a paired louver assembly.

19. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein each of said louvers is mounted via a support base present at the upper extremity of said louver, and via a second support base present at the lower extremity of said louver.

20. The apparatus of claim 19 wherein said support bases comprise a lip projecting parallel to said side surfaces of said louvers, said lip guarding the louver upon said support base.

21. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein removal of said louver from said apparatus is accomplished by lifting the louver upwards then pulling it outwards and downwards beyond said lip.

22. The apparatus of claim 19 wherein each of said support bases has a pair of holes into which dowels may enter to mount said support upon said apparatus, said dowels associated with said transmission means, such that after mounting of said support, movement of said dowels results in movement of said support bases and of said associated louvers.

23. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said louvers are flexible to the degree that a single user may mount or remove said louvers.

24. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said louvers are readily removable to the degree that tools are not required for the removal.

25. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said transmission means are designed to rotate each track in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation of the adjacent track, thus preventing friction between louvers on adjacent tracks.

26. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said transmission means comprise a drive shaft upon which are mounted a plurality of beveled gears, each of said beveled gears engaging an additional beveled gear associated with a single track.

27. The apparatus of claim 26 wherein said beveled gears mounted on said drive shaft are oriented in alternating orientations, so as to ensure rotation of each track in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation of the adjacent track.

28. The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising a plurality of guides, each guide present within a track chain loop, encompassing the inner area of said track chain loop, wherein said chain loop rides around said guide upon activation of said transmission means.

29. The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising a support shoe external to said track chain loop, said shoe providing sliding support and preventing undesirable movement of said louvers in response to air currents.

30. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said track chain loop is a double chain loop, comprised of a first set of chain having links, placed above a second chain having links, and said first and second chains are fixed to one another, wherein said first and second sets of chain rotate in unison.

31. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein a guide is present within the inner area of one said sets of chain loop, wherein said chain loop rides around said guide upon activation of said transmission means, and wherein driving gears internally engage each of the two curved end portions of the other of said sets of chain loop.

32. A method of presenting multi-picture louvered advertising comprising: providing a frame having a plurality of individual tracks; providing a plurality of louvers mounted so as to move along an associated one of said tracks in said frame, each of said louvers being mounted so as to be oriented perpendicularly to its associated track and having a pair of longitudinally extending side surfaces, each providing a display portion; and moving said louvers along each of said associated tracks synchronously, such that when moved into a display position, said side surfaces of said louvers define a recurring sequence of said display portions presenting a multiple number of advertising pictures, wherein said method is improved in that said louvers are flexible and are readily removably insertable by sliding of said louvers on said mounting.