Patent ID: 6181315
Filing Date: 2001-01-30
Classification: G09F

Abstract:
A magnetically operated display unit comprising:a colored frame having a base and arms projecting upwardly away from the base;a plate pivotably supported by the arms and including a first surface of a color different from that of the frame and a second surface of a color like that of the frame, the plate being pivotable between a first position with the first surface facing away from the base to be visible to a viewer and a second position with the second surface facing away from the base to be visible to the viewer;a magnet attached to the plate, the magnet having ends of opposite magnetic polarity;first and second ferromagnetic rods projecting upwardly away from the base, each rod having an upper tip, wherein the two ends of the magnet are located between the two upper tips of the ferromagnetic rods, and wherein the plate includes a cutout in a first edge thereof arranged to permit the plate to pivot without the first edge striking the rods;a light source mounted adjacent to the plate and having a light emitting surface disposed above the level of the first surface of the plate when it is in its first position so that the light emitting surface is visible to the viewer, wherein the light source is alternately adjacent to opposite edges of the plate with the plate either in its first position or in its second position; anda solenoid circuit coupled to the rods and responsive to two opposite currents selectively directed therethrough sufficient to cause the plate to pivot as the magnet responds to magnetic fields of opposite directions between the upper tips of the rods produced by the opposite currents, whereby the first or second surface of the plate is directed away from the base so as to be visible to the viewer.