WO2003088194A1

WO2003088194A1 - Illuminated display device

Info

Publication number: WO2003088194A1
Application number: PCT/AU2002/000769
Authority: WO
Inventors: Todd Fletcher
Original assignee: Pos Concepts Pty Limited
Priority date: 2002-04-09
Filing date: 2002-06-11
Publication date: 2003-10-23
Also published as: AUPS168102A0

Abstract

An illuminated display device which allows for the rear illumination of display information contained on a sheet such as a transparency has a base (11) which is adapted to contain rechargeable batteries and support a source of illumination (19). An upright diffuser (12) cooperates with one or more bezels (13) to retain the display information.

Description

ILLUMINATED DISPLAY DEVICE TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to illuminated signs and more particularly to a cordless illuminated display device. BACKGROUND ART

Illuminated signs and illuminated advertising materials are well known. Generally, the message, content or advertisement is produced on a light transmissive film or sheet and is illuminated, from behind. In some instances, an illuminated sign comprises a light box with a white, translucent panel over which the sheet or film is laid. Such forms of display and advertising are particularly effective in low light environments but may be used in other situations as well.

Known illuminated display devices are relatively large because they are actually broadcasting a particular message or advertisement to a large number of people or over a distance of several meters or more. Such devices require external power and are costly because of their size and power requirements.

The present invention seeks to bring the advantages of illuminated advertising and illuminated display to a more physically immediate audience such as might be found at or around a table in a restaurant, bar or night club. It would be advantageous for such a device to be small, relatively inexpensive, physically attractive, versatile and preferably but not necessarily cordless. It will be appreciated that any number of combinations of these features may serve to provide a reasonable alternative to prior art illuminated display devices. DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, there is provided an illuminated display device comprising a base assembly, a diffuser and a pair of bezels. The diffuser is preferably in the form of an inverted open ended container and a pair of bezels snaps onto the diffuser.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the bezels, snap on to the diffuser, revealing a peripheral edge of the diffuser. The device may be powered by batteries, particularly rechargeable batteries. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the illuminated display device according to one embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2 is another perspective view of the device shown in

Fig. 1 ; and Fig. 3 is an exploded view of the device shown in Figs. 1 and 2. MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

As shown in Figs. 1 to 3, an illuminated display device 10 according to one embodiment of the invention comprises a base 11 , a diffuser assembly 12, bezels 13 and optionally, sheets of art or display material 14.

The base 11 comprises an injection moulded plastic assembly 15 which, in this instance, contains batteries, preferably rechargeable batteries 16. The base includes a covering portion 17 which supports a post 18 onto which is affixed a light bulb or globe 19, for example a 0.25A or 0.5A globe which is adapted to provide even illumination of the artwork 14 without hotspots. Other means of illumination such as LEDs are also contemplated.

In this embodiment, the cover portion 17 includes scalloped corners 20 as well as circuit components such as the battery charging receptacle 21 and, for example, a printed circuit board whose function it is to ensure that the device cannot be turned on when the batteries are being charged. The diffuser assembly 12 includes a diffuser support 30 over which the diffuser 31 fits. The diffuser 31 may be transparent or translucent, as required. It will be understood that no materials are perfectly transparent and that the degree of transparency or translucency is not essential to the scope or spirit of the invention. The diffuser support 30 has a central opening 32 which admits the post 18 and globe 19. Hollow cylindrical legs 33 cooperate with springs 34 and pass through the scalloped comers 20. The springs 34 bias the diffuser assembly upwards so that the entire assembly can function as the working portion of an on/off switch which regulates the globe 19. The actual switching components may be held within the base 11 or on the cover portion 17. Thus, in this embodiment the sign can be illuminated by pressing down on the diffuser assembly 12 and bezels 13.

In another form of the invention, a switch is provided on the bottom of the base 11. The diffuser 31 resembles an inverted, open-topped container. The bottom of the diffuser 31 is open whereas the sides and the top are integrally formed. The diffuser 31 includes smooth side panels 35 and an outwardly projecting peripheral edge 36.

In this example the diffuser 31 has two side panels 35 which are opposite one another. Any number of side panels may be provided, depending on the shape and configuration of the device.

The bezels 13 are adapted to snap over and engage with the diffuser 31 without obstructing the flat side panels 35. It thus acts as a frame, for example, suitable for clamping the edges of a thin transparency, or sheet bearing a display message. The bezels 13 may also engage the diffuser support 33 along their bottom edges 37. When assembled, the illuminated display 10 of this embodiment presents a stable base with approximate dimensions of 145mm x 60mm and an overall height of about 160mm. When charged by either 2 or 4NiCad batteries, the device will stay illuminated for approximately 2.5 to 5 hours. The openings in the bezels are approximately 118mm wide by 95mm high. The diffuser, being opalescent or translucent white helps diffuse the light evenly over the graphic panels 14 and also provides for a blade of light along the exposed peripheral portion 36. The removable bezels 13 allow the graphic or display panels or sheets 14 to be easily interchanged. There are no visible switches as the diffuser assembly itself serves as the user operated portion of the electrical switch which controls the globe 19.

The internal batteries 16 may be recharged, preferably with a proprietary charger supplied with the device 10. An LED 40 indicates when the batteries are being charged and flashes when the batteries are fully charged. Non-slip polyurethane feet 41 may be provided to minimise slipping or toppling during operation.

Although the invention has been disclosed with reference to particulars details of design and construction, these should be understood as having been provided by way of example and not as limitations to the scope or spirit of the invention. For example, the batteries may be replaced or supplemented by a low voltage or mains power supply.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. An illuminated display device comprising: a base which supports a source of illumination; a diffuser which is supported by the base and which has one or more transparent or translucent surfaces which emanate the light provided by the source of illumination; and one or more bezels cover a portion of the diffuser and cooperate with the diffuser to act as a frame.

2. The device of claim 1 , wherein: the one or more transparent or translucent surfaces are vertical.

3. The device of claim 1 , wherein: the base contains a source of power.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein: the source of power is a battery or batteries.

5. The device of claim 1 , wherein: the base further contains an electrical switch for regulating the source of illumination and the switch is activated by depressing the bezel or diffuser.

6. The device of claim 1 , wherein: the one or more bezel snap fit onto the diffuser and leave unobstructed at least one display area and an illuminated edge of the diffuser.

7. The device of claim 1 , further comprising: a diffuser support which carries a bottom portion of the diffuser and which includes an opening through which extends the source of illumination.

8. The device of claim 5, further comprising: a diffuser support which carries a bottom portion of the diffuser and which impinges on springs located within the base so as to interact with the switch.

9. The device of claim 1 , wherein: the transparent or translucent surfaces are two in number.

10. The device of claim 1 , wherein: the transparent or translucent surfaces are opposite one another, an illuminated edge of the diffuser visably separating the surfaces.