U.S. patent number 3,686,781 [Application Number 04/888,556] was granted by the patent office on 1972-08-29 for sign or display device.
Invention is credited to Hugh C. Calhoun, Jr..
United States Patent |
3,686,781 |
Calhoun, Jr. |
August 29, 1972 |
SIGN OR DISPLAY DEVICE
Abstract
A sign or display device providing changeable indicia, or
movement of scenes or figures, with color changeable as desired, is
produced by means of linear indicia on an object member, aligned
with elongate optical magnifying members, preferably cylindrical to
reproduce enlarged changeable images on a translucent frosted
viewing surface. The shape of the device may be varied to provide
360 degree exposure or less. Interchangeable object members provide
an economical variety of images and colors using the same light
source for all. The structure and its method of manufacture are
simple and economical.
Inventors: |
Calhoun, Jr.; Hugh C. (Dallas,
TX) |
Family
ID: |
25393396 |
Appl.
No.: |
04/888,556 |
Filed: |
December 29, 1969 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
40/437; 352/81;
40/454; 359/619 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G09F
19/12 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
G09F
19/12 (20060101); G09f 013/04 () |
Field of
Search: |
;40/137,106.51,106.53,132F,106.52,132E ;352/81 ;350/167 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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|
|
|
|
|
175,993 |
|
Nov 1922 |
|
GB |
|
1,185,129 |
|
Jul 1959 |
|
FR |
|
468,492 |
|
Jun 1952 |
|
IT |
|
Primary Examiner: Michell; Robert W.
Assistant Examiner: Carter; Richard
Claims
What is claimed and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:
1. A movable indicia signal or sign including: a translucent
viewing screen having smooth front and rear sides; a plurality of
elongate side by side optical magnifying members each having a
complete full circular shape in cross-section disposed contiguous
to the rear side of said screen; an object member having indicia
consisting solely of rectilinear lines thereon disposed to be
positioned longitudinally linearly tangentially contiguous to said
magnifying members on the side thereof opposite the rear side of
said viewing screen, said rectilinear lines being of varying
predetermined lengths and being arrayed on said object member in
predetermined spaced parallel positions to register with
corresponding ones of said magnifying members in said
longitudinally extending tangential contiguous manner to produce an
image of each such line the length of the line and the full
diametrical width of the magnifying member to which it is
contiguous to produce the images of each of said rectilinear lines
on said viewing screen in segments forming a desired complete
figure or image display on said viewing screen when all such images
of the lines are displayed on said viewing screen; and means for
illuminating said indicia to produce said images forming said
display through said screen.
2. A movable indicia signal or sign of the character set forth in
claim 1 wherein: said rectilinear lines of said indicia are arrayed
in parallel spaced sets and said object member is movable with
respect to said magnifying members to move predetermined ones of
said sets of lines of said indicia into longitudinal contiguous
registry with said magnifying members to produce a varying display
through said viewing screen.
3. A device of the character set forth in claim 2 wherein said
object member is movable with respect to said magnifying members
and said viewing screen in a direction transverse to the
longitudinal axes of said elongate magnifying members to produce a
plurality of images displayed through said viewing screen.
4. A device of the character set forth in claim 1 wherein said
viewing screen is cylindrical and said elongate side by side
magnifying members are mounted longitudinally tangentially
contiguous to the inner surface of said viewing screen and said
object member is arcuate to conform substantially to the curvature
of said translucent viewing screen and said array of magnifying
members and is movable in an arcuate path adjacent said magnifying
members to move to register said rectilinear line indicia on said
object member in longitudinally extending tangential contiguous
relationship with said magnifying means in a predetermined desired
manner to produce a desired display in magnified form through said
cylindrical viewing screen.
5. A device of the character set forth in claim 4 wherein said
object member is cylindrical in form and has a plurality of sets of
said rectilinear line indicia disposed thereon arranged to register
with said magnifying members in said longitudinal tangential
contiguous relationship to produce a desired display in varied form
through said viewing screen as said object member is rotated about
its longitudinal axis.
6. A device of the character set forth in claim 5 wherein the
cylindrical inner object member is removable and replaceable
without disturbing the viewing screen and magnifying members to
provide a different array of indicia to vary the images
produced.
7. A device of the character set forth in claim 1 wherein said
magnifying members are glass rods.
8. A device of the character set forth in claim 1 wherein the
magnifying members are plastic rods.
9. A device of the character set forth in claim 1 wherein the
object member comprises an elongate film and said rectilinear lines
of said indicia are arrayed thereon in predetermined relationship
and movable transversely with respect to the longitudinal axes of
said magnifying members to produce a desired series of images on
said viewing screen.
10. A device of the character set forth in claim 9 wherein a
plurality of film strips having rectilinear line indicia arrayed
thereon are disposed in side by side relationship adjacent said
magnifying members for simultaneously producing a plurality of
images on the viewing screen.
11. A movable indicia signal or sign including: a translucent
viewing screen having smooth front and rear surfaces; a plurality
of elongate uniformly sized side by side cylindrical optical
magnifying members of uniform full circular cross-section secured
in parallel longitudinal tangential array with respect to each
other contiguous the rear surface of said viewing screen, an object
member having a configuration conforming to that of the viewing
screen and having indicia consisting solely of a plurality of
parallel spaced rectilinear lines of predetermined lengths thereon
arrayed in a predetermined plurality of parallel intermeshed sets
in each of which sets the lines of said set are spaced to
correspond to the spacing of the longitudinal axes of said side by
side cylindrical optical magnifying members and disposed to be
moved to position said lines of said set to register with
corresponding ones of said magnifying members in said
longitudinally tangentially contiguous manner to said magnifying
members on the side thereof opposite said viewing screen to produce
an image of each of said lines of said set the length of said line
and the full diametrical width of the magnifying member to which it
is contiguous to produce an image of each such line of said set on
said viewing screen in segments forming a desired complete figure
or picture display on said viewing screen when all such segments
are displayed on said screen, said object member being movable with
respect to said magnifying members to move said sets of parallel
lines of said indicia at right angles to the longitudinal axes of
said magnifying members to dispose sequential sets of said spaced
rectilinear lines sequentially in longitudinal tangential
contiguous registry with said magnifying members to produce a
plurality of sequential images forming varying sequential figures
or pictures on said viewing screen; and means for illuminating said
object member to produce said images on said screen.
12. A movable indicia signal or sign including: a plurality of
elongate side by side optical magnifying members each having a
complete full circular cross-sectional configuration disposed in
side by side parallel longitudinally contiguous array; an object
member having indicia consisting solely of parallel rectilinear
lines thereon disposed adjacent said magnifying members on one side
thereof; said rectilinear lines being arrayed on said object member
in predetermined parallel laterally spaced positions corresponding
to the spacing of the longitudinal axes of said magnifying members
and disposed to be moved with said object member at right angles to
said longitudinal axes of said magnifying members to positions in
which said lines are disposed to register with predetermined ones
of said magnifying members in a longitudinally extending tangential
contiguous manner to produce an image of each of said lines the
length of said lines and the full diametrical width of the
magnifying member with which it is incontiguous registry to produce
a desired display of such images on the side of said array of
magnifying members opposite said object member; and means for
illuminating said indicia to produce said display.
Description
This invention relates to new and useful improvements in movable
indicia signals, figures or signs.
A particular object of the invention is to provide an improved
method and system of producing large movable signs or indicia
signals, in which the signals or figures depicted on the sign
change or show motion, may be formed in color, utilize minimum
light energy, and are visible from all exposed angles of the viewer
to the sign.
A further object of the invention is to provide a sign or indicia
bearing signal device of the character described in which the
figures or indicia upon the sign or signal carrying device are
movable, and are produced in various colors, if desired; which may
be viewed at day or at night; and which sign is adaptable for use
on counters, in show windows, or walls, and large displays on
buildings or the like.
A further object of the invention is to provide a sign and a method
of producing the same in which the sign presents a movable picture
viewable from 360.degree. entirely around the sign, if desired.
An important object of the invention is to provide a method of
producing a movable indicia signal display device or sign in which
movement is produced by means of a plurality of sets of spaced
lines on a primary pictorial surface movable with relation to a
plurality of spaced magnifying elements such as cylindrical glass
rods, or elongate conical segiment glass rods, fixed in position
with respect to a frosted or translucent reproduction or display
surface on which the magnified images of the lines are reproduced
to form a figure or indicia of any desired pattern or color which
moves from one rod or conical section or segment of the magnifying
portion of the device to another to produce movement of the sign or
indicia reproduction across or around the reproductive surface.
Still another object of the invention is to provide a sign and a
method of making the same in which the pictorial image or indicia
carrying primary plate, sleeve, roll or cylinder, the magnifying
rods or conical segments or sections, and the reproductive
translucent display surface are movable with respect to each other
to produce movement of the sign or indicia enlargement produced and
appearing on the reproductive or display surface.
Still another object of the invention is to provide a method of
producing a moving image of indicia or figures or pictures or the
like on a translucent reproductive or display surface from a
magnified series of spaced sets of linear indicia printed on or
otherwise produced on a pictorial primary surface in which the
lines are spaced from each other a distance equal to multiples of
the distance between the centers or axes of the cylindrical glass
rods or conical segment or section members.
Still another object of the invention is to provide a device of the
character described and a method of making the same which provides
for economical production of the signal or indicia on the primary
pictorial surface for reproduction on the viewing surface or
reproductive or display surface whereby the signs or signals
displayed may be economically changed as desired without otherwise
affecting the installation.
A further object f the invention is to provide a sign and a method
of making the same which produces a picture or reproduction which
may be viewed either in the daylight or at night, and in which the
daylight viewing may be by means of natural illumination or
additional artificial illumination provided in the device, and the
evening or night time viewing may be produced by the artificial
illumination, with a minimum of power required for the same.
Still another object of the invention is to provide a method of
making a sign of the character described wherein the indicia or
pictorial reproduction produced may be constantly changed or may be
repeated in sequence, or in segments, and wherein the colors of the
indicia or signal produced on the reproductive or display surface
may be varied as desired.
FIG. 1 is a schematic isometric illustration of an indicia symbol
and a magnifying rod and the magnified image on the reproductive or
display surface, illustrating the manner in which the indicia or
picture reproduction is formed;
FIG. 2 is a fragmentary schematic plan view illustrating the manner
in which the indicia lines are magnified by the magnifying rods to
provide the desired signal or image on the viewing surface;
FIG. 3 is a fragmentary end view showing the arrangement of the
sign or signal structure, and the illumination thereof;
FIG. 4 is a view, in perspective, of the device of FIG. 3 showing
an image reproduced on the viewing surface or reproductive display
surface;
FIG. 5 is an enlarged exploded view of the indicia baring primary
surface or pictorial surface, the magnifying rods and the
reproductive or viewing surface of the device shown in FIG. 4,
illustrating the manner in which the signal, indicia or picture is
reproduced on the viewing or display surface;
FIG. 6 is a plan view of the indicia lines as applied to the
surface of the pictorial surface of FIG. 5 showing the manner in
which the lines forming the letters A and B are ruled or drawn in
spaced relationship on the primary surface to provide for
sequential or selective showing of the same on transverse movement
of the pictorial or primary signal carrying surface or member
relative to the magnifying rods;
FIG. 7 is a fragmentary schematic plan view of a device constructed
in an arcuate or cylindrical shape to provide a sequential
constantly moving display around the arcuate or cylindrical
reproduction or viewing surface;
FIG. 8 is a schematic exploded view showing the manner in which a
movable sign or display may be constructed to produce a
continuously changing or sequentially changing signal or picture on
the viewing surface and to produce varying color arrangements in
said signal or sign or display;
FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 5 showing the manner in which
movement is produced to provide a continuously growing signal or
picture upon movement of the indicia gearing or pictorial primary
surface or member with respect to the magnifying rods to produce
the desired shape or the viewing or reproductive or display
surface; and,
FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIG. 6 showing the manner in which the
lines are ruled or drawn or produced in spaced relationship on the
indicia or pictorial bearing pictorial primary surface and spaced
with respect to each other into groups to produce a first, second,
third and fourth group of indicia or pictorial signals on the
viewing or reproductive surface to show motion.
As shown in FIG. 1, the cylindrical glass or plastic rods 17 are
spaced from the translucent display reproductive or display screen
20, but in FIG. 2, as in actual practice, the cylindrical rods or
members 17 are adjacent or abutting and may be affixed to the rear
surface 21 of such panel or translucent reproductive screen, and
the primary or object panel 15 having the indicia 16 thereon may be
placed closely adjacent the diametrically opposite portion of the
cylindrical rods, substantially as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. Light
sources such as fluorescent light tubes 30 may be positioned behind
or on the opposite side of the object plate or panel 15 to
illuminate the panel and the cause the indicia 16 to be readily
transmitted through the magnifying rods 17 to the translucent
display screen or panel 20.
In FIGS. 3 and 4, a large number of cylindrical rods 17 are shown
mounted adjacent the rear face 21 of the translucent display screen
or member 20, and the primary or object panel or member 15 having a
plurality of spaced indicia 16 thereon is positioned on the
diametrically opposite side of the rods 17 so that the light
sources 30 may illuminate the indicia 16 to project the same
through the rods to the display screen 20. As will be noted, the
indicia lines 16 may be provided at intervals spaced from points
spaced from the surface of the rods 17 diametrically opposite the
translucent surface or panel 20, for purposes to be hereinafter
more fully explained. As shown in FIG. 4, a letter A has been
formed by the selection of indicia 16 of suitable length and
arrangement disposed in spaced relationship on the object panel to
be aligned with the rods 17 diametrically opposite the translucent
panel 20 to cause the representation of the letter "A" designated
by the numeral 35 to be displayed on the translucent surface 20 as
result of the illumination from the light sources 30. The indicia
lines 16 are arranged suitable on the object or primary panel 15 to
form the magnified images 19 to produce "A" as illustrated in the
exploded isometric view of the device shown in FIG. 5. A plurality
of vertical lines 16 are provided on the object panel or primary or
objective panel 15 in a position to be disposed on the adjacent
tangent side of the elongate rods 17 in proper relationship to
produce the enlarged images 19 which form the letter "A" shown at
35 on the translucent reproduction screen or display panel. As will
be seen, at the lower left hand corner of the letter "A," the lines
16a and 16b are disposed in spaced relationship corresponding to
the distance between the axes 18 of two adjacent rods 17a and 17b
at the left hand side of the sign structure, the rods being the
second and third from the left in the view. Since the projected
images 19a and 19b on the screen 20 are enlarged to substantially
the full diameter of the rods or cylinders 17, only a very narrow
linear indicia line 16a and 16b spaced to correspond to the spacing
of the axes of the rods is necessary to provide a full section of
the letter "A" on the screen 20. Similarly, other sections of the
letter "A" are formed by other lines spaced apart a distance
corresponding to the spacing of the axes 18 of the rods 17. Thus,
the linear indicia lines on the primary or object plate or panel 15
are magnified by the rods 17 to produce the images 19 on the
translucent screen or display surface 20 to produce the letter "A"
shown at 35.
In FIG. 6, is shown the manner in which the lines 16a, 16b, 16c,
16d, et seq. are drawn or formed on the primary or object plate or
panel 15 to produce the letter "A." To produce a letter "B," a
plurality of similar lines 46a, 46b, 46c, et seq. are formed on the
panel at positions spaced from the lines 16a, 16b, 16c, etc. as
shown. The lines 46a, 46b, 46c, et seq. are also each spaced from
each other a distance equal to the distance W between the axes 18
of the rods 17, so that when the primary or object panel or plate
15 is moved laterally or transversely of the rods in the sign to
position the lines 46a, 46b, 46c, etc., tangent the side of the
rods diametrically opposite the display or translucent screen 20,
the letter "B" will appear. The line 16a, 16b, 16c, etc., which are
spaced a distance "S" from the lines 46a, etc., will be out of
focus or out of tangential registry with the rods 17, and therefore
will not appear on the display screen 20. Only the lines 46a, 46b,
46c, 46d, etc., will be magnified and reproduced, and therefore the
letter "B" will be shown on the screen 20 rather than the letter
"A." In this manner the letters appearing on the screen may be
changed or altered by shifting the primary or object panel 15
laterally with respect to the rods 17 to bring a different set of
lines or indicia into tangential registry with the portions of the
rods 17 diametrically opposite the display screen or translucent
display surface 20, to permit changing the image displayed on the
translucent screen or display surface.
If the indicia lines 16a, 16b, 16c, etc. are opaque, then a dark
images 19 are produced on the display screen or translucent panel
20. If the lines 16 are translucent and colored, a colored image or
reproduction 19 of the lines will appear on the surface of the
display screen or panel 20. Likewise, it is believed readily
apparent that, if desired, the lines 16a, 16b, 16c, etc. may be
red, while the lines 46a, 46b, 46c, etc., may be blue or green or
yellow, or any other desired colored, so that letters of different
colors may be reproduced or displayed on the display surface of the
translucent screen or display panel 20.
As shown in FIG. 6, the distance g between the sets of lines or
indicia 16a, 16b, 16c, etc., forming the letter "A" is shown to be
a distance "W" corresponding to the distance between the axes 18 of
the rods 17. The lines 46a, 46b, 46c, etc, are spaced from the
lines 16a, 16b, 16c, a distance shown as "S" in FIG. 6, but the
distance between each of the lines of the set of lines forming the
letter "B" is equal to the distance "W," so that the lines appear
as separate sets on the reproductive screen or translucent display
screen 20 after having been magnified by the rods with which they
register. The lines 16a, 16b, 16c, etc., are spaced from tangential
registry with the rods 17 when the lines 46a, 46b, etc. are in
tangential registry with the portions of the rods diametrically
opposite the translucent screen or display screen 20, so that the
lines 16 are not transmitted to the rods 17 to the screen while the
lines 46 are reproduced. It will readily be seen that so long as
the distance "S" between the sets of indicia lines defining the
different letters of the alphabet or other symbols to be displayed
on the panel 20 is sufficiently great, so that the lines of one set
are spaced apart a sufficient distance from the next set of lines,
the lines which do not register with the glass or plastic rods 17
will not be reproduced and any number of sets of lines forming any
number of sets of figures, letters or other indicia may be drawn or
formed on the primary or object panel 15 between the adjacent
indicia lines of any other set of such lines. The width of each of
the indicia lines 16, 46 and the like, is such that when it is
tangentially registered with its adjacent rod 17, a substantially
solid continuous enlarged reproduction is formed on the image
screen or display screen 20, and the spacing between the indicia
lines is dependent upon the distance between the axes 18 of the
rods 17, so that the number of sets of lines is dependent upon the
diameter of the rods 17.
Moreover, it is readily apparent that, if desired, a plurality of
elongate longitudinally movable strips 50 having a plurality of
separate sets 56 of indicia lines thereon may be moved into
position tangentially registered with the adjacent sides of the
rods 17 to produce images on the display screen, and the indicia
appearing on the primary of object strip 50 may be varied by moving
the strip 50 longitudinally to position a different set of indicia
lines in registry with the glass rods 17. It is also believed
obvious that a plurality of such strips may be positioned in
adjacent parallel side by side relationship to provide a plurality
of sets of strips of indicia lines in registry with the glass rods
17 to form words, such as the word "AND" as shown in FIG. 8, and
that these indicia may be altered as desired to spell words or
convey messages by means of design structure. Also, an elongate
strip 51 of colored film may be disposed as shown in dotted lines
adjacent the indicia bearing strip 50 and the light from the light
source be transmitted therethrough to the indicia and through the
rods to the display panel or translucent screen 20 to give a color
reproduction. The indicia lines or symbols 56 may be solid as shown
in FIG. 8, or may be lines as indicated in FIG. 6. In either case,
the symbols may be opaque and the background clear, or the symbols
may be clear and the background opaque, in which event the color
strip or film 51 will impart a color to either the translucent or
transparent indicia or figure, or to the background for the opaque
figure or indicia as desired. Also, it is believed readily apparent
that a plurality of different color areas 53 may be provided on a
strip 52 to move a segment of color 53 into alignment with the
portion of the sign in which the indicia or figure is being
displayed, thus, different colors may be transmitted to the
translucent or frosted display screen 20 as desired. Also, the
colors may change in a continuous fashion on the strip 51.
As shown in FIG. 7, the translucent display screen or reproductive
screen 120 may be formed in a cylindrical shape or as a part of a
cylinder or cone, or the like, and the rods or tubes 117 may be
affixed to the inner surface 121 of the screen in parallel
relationship, while the primary or object film or panel or plate
115 may have a configuration corresponding to that of the
cylindrical translucent display screen 120 and may be supported, if
desired, by a suitable cylindrical backing member 115a for
supporting the same as it is moved about an axis corresponding to
the axis of the display screen 120. A suitable light source 130
within or on the concave side of the arcuate or curved or
cylindrical screen 120 will transmit light through or past the
indicia appearing on the primary or object screen 115 and cause the
images to be transmitted to the surface of the frosted display
screen 120 for viewing on the convex side thereof. Obviously, if
the screen 120 is cylindrical, a continuous rotary object film or
member 115 may be sued to cause a continuous reproduction of a
scene to pass around the 360.degree. surface of the cylindrical
display screen 120 for viewing on all sides thereof.
If desired, of course, the plastic or glass rods 17 may be slightly
conical to produce a desired configuration on the display screen
surface. Also, the apical portion of the conical segments of
adjacent rods may be reversed in direction to produce an unusual
lighting and reproductive display effect, if desired.
While the object or primary sheet, plate or member 15 has been
described as moving with respect to the rods 17 and the translucent
image screen 20, it is believed readily apparent that the rods may
move with respect to the primary object plate or member, if
desired, and that such movement may take place between a stationary
translucent display screen 20 and a stationary object or primary
member 15.
Also, it is believed readily apparent that the rods 17 may be
suitable formed integral with the translucent image or display
screen 20, if desired, to move integrally therewith, or to be held
stationary thereby while relative motion between the rods is
brought about by movement of the primary object member with respect
to the rods, or the rods with respect to the object member, as
desired.
To produce a continuing enlarging or expanding image, such a a
shooting star or similar pictorial representation of continued
movement from an initial stage or source through a continuously
growing or expanding set of stages, the primary or object sheet or
member 215 may be provided with a plurality of sets of lines
arranged in stages, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. The stages, 1, 2, 3
and 4, are arranged in such a manner that one set of such lines
registers with the rods 217 to provide an initial image 219a on the
face of the translucent screen 220. The second set of lines in the
first stage 216a also registers with the rods 217 at the same time
that a first set of lines in the three sets of lines 216b in the
second stage of the picture registers with another group of the
rods 217 to produce the elongated image 219b which includes the
area of 219a and the additional area added thereto by stage 2 to
produce the further elongation of the figure or design. The third
set of indicia lines 216a in stage 1, the second set of lines 216b
in stage 2, and the first of two sets of lines 216c are then moved
into registry with the rods 217 to produce the further enlarged
FIG. 219c. Next, the set of lines 216d of stage 4, together with
the last set of lines in the sets of lines 216a, 216b and 216c are
moved into registry with the rods to provide the completed
elongated FIG. 219d.
In the first stage, the sets of lines 216a are spaced apart
one-fourth of the distance between the axes of the rods 17 so that
one set of the four sets of lines 216a in stage 1 is in tangential
registry with the rods 217 at each position of the primary or
object film with respect to the rods. Similarly, the sets of
indicia lines 216b, of the second stage which are moved into
registry with the rods 217 after the first stage has been displayed
to produce the combined first and second stages and a larger image
219b, includes three sets of the indicia lines each spaced to
correspond to the spacing between the adjacent rods 217 for the
next three successive steps, so that the image remains continuous
through the stages 219a, 219b, 219c and 219d. The third stage
including the two acts of indicia lines 216c is moved into registry
with the rods 217 after the first two stages have been moved into
registry, so that when the primary or object screen or plate or
film 215 is moved to its next position, the first set of lines or
indicia lines 216c is moved into registry with the adjacent rods
217 while the second set of lines 216b in the second stage is moved
into registry and the third set of lines 216a in the first stage is
moved into registry with corresponding rods to produce the still
further enlarged image 219c. Final stage four, formed by the
indicia lines 216d, is moved into position in registry with the
rods 217 and the second set of lines 216c of the third stage is
simultaneously moved into registry, while the third set of lines
216b of the second stage is moved into registry, and the fourth set
of lines 216a of the first stage is moved into registry with rods,
so that a continuous gradually elongating or moving expanding
picture is formed on the screen 220. Obviously, while a gradually
flared picture or image is shown in FIG. 9 as having been depicted
or displayed on the screen 220 by the successive stages of sets of
indicia lines 216a, 216b, 216c, and 216d, other pictorial
representations may be formed by the proper arrangement of a
plurality of stages of indicia lines on the primary or object sheet
or film. In this manner a moving man, a moving animal, or a moving
article may be depicted as the stages of sets of lines move with
respect to the rods 217, or as the rods move with respect to the
indicia lines. Any portion of the scene or figure or picture which
is constant, as the body of a man which does not itself move, may
be formed of solid lines, or a solid block of indicia material, so
that it is not necessary to form separate lines for that portion of
the scene or picture.
While a light source has been provided in each case, it is believed
readily apparent that the only requirement for satisfactory
operation of the device is that sufficient light of sufficient
intensity be present at the sign or signal to cause the pattern on
the belt, plate or roll of the primary objective film, plate or
screen or strip 15 to be reproduced on the frosted or diffusing
area of the plate or viewing screen 20. Thus, a light would not be
necessary in the daytime if the device were exposed in a window in
which light is received from behind the object or primary sheet or
film or member, or in which sufficient light is directed to the
indicia appearing on the primary of object film, plate or sheet to
cause the same to be readily visible through the magnifying rods
and on the diffusing image screen or viewing screen 20. Also, the
light need not be intense, and a low powered light may be used, if
desired.
It is believed readily apparent, also, that the figures may be
changed, movement may be caused, color may be altered, movement of
figures, pictures and the like may be created by setting the
indicia lines out of phase with any of the lines previously used so
that a jump or movement of the figure being depicted may be
obtained. The size of the rods, in diameter, will define the
sharpness and shape definition of the picture presented on the
viewing screen or translucent display surface 20, since obviously,
when the rods are smaller the pictures will be sharper and more
accurate.
Also, it is believed readily apparent that a suitable means of
producing the indicia lines on the primary or object plate, sheet
or belt 15 may be by means of a roller having radially projecting
circumferentially spaced longitudinal ribs thereon extending
outwardly radially from the center or axis of the roller and
disposed to engage the primary objective plate at a distance equal
to the distance between the axes 18 of the rods 17. The lines 16
may be picked up from a negative roll or transfer roll similar to
the lithographic process to transfer the desired lines to the
object or primary plate, film or sheet.
Also, actual photographs from figures, such as humans, in motion
may be made from pictures of five stages of motion with lines
blanking out all but one properly spaced set of indicia lines for
each stage of the motion. All five of the sets of lines may then be
projected on a single area on the primary or objective sheet or
film 15 and would provide five picture states of five sets of
separate lines spaced in a manner to match the rod spacing to
obtain the desired motion, human motion or motion of other objects
on the translucent viewing screen. Of course, more or less than
five stages and sets of lines may be utilized, if desired, to
obtain a proper satisfactory result.
By drawing or producing the lines on the object or primary member
out of phase with any of the lines previously used in any set of
lines or stages, a jump movement may be obtained.
The rods have been described as being made of glass, but may be
obviously made of a clear plastic or similar material such as
Plexiglass or other suitable optically satisfactory light
transmitting material. Of course, a cylindrical tube filled with
water or the like might function properly, though the solid rods
are preferable. Also, the rods may be joined or fused along their
abutting longitudinal side edges or surfaces, and may be fused to
the translucent display glass or panel 20, if desired.
Also, it is believed readily apparent that the display screen may
be omitted, if desired, and the indicia or picture reproduction
viewed directly by means of the rods. This result is particularly
obtainable if the rods are joined along their lateral abutting
longitudinal side edges, as where extruded from a mold with a thin
web between adjacent rods for holding them together. In this
manner, the viewing or display screen could be eliminated.
Furthermore, the terms "indicia" or "figures" as used herein
includes cut out openings in opaque object panels or strips, if
desired, as well as any other medium of depicting desired indicia
or configurations.
Also, it is to be noted that the depictions of the outline of the
form of the indicia on the object panel 15 in FIG. 5 is merely
informative and used to illustrate generally the figure or indicia
to be formed by the lines 16 on such plate.
The foregoing description of the invention is explanatory only, and
changes in the method and details of construction illustrated and
described may be made by those skilled in the art, within the scope
of the appended claims, without departing from the spirit of the
invention.
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