Abstract:
An electrically powered sign is provided having a flat transparent sign display panel containing an alphanumeric sign message, a flat light source placed in close proximity, or directly affixed, to the sign display panel, a frame of varying configurations supporting the flat light source and the sign display such that the flat light source, when powered on, shines light through the sign display making the sign message visible in low light conditions, and a serviceable portable power source to provide electrical power to the flat light source, attached to the frame, whereby the electrically powered sign is self-contained and portable, and capable of being placed anywhere for displaying the sign displays alphanumeric sign message.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     The present invention relates generally to electric signs with flat light sources, and more particularly to a sign incorporating a flat light source as a backlight, thereby providing a sign readable at night or in low light conditions which is controllable and energy efficient.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     Although many lighting systems have been devised in the past, very few have remote site operation capability. One of these systems incorporates a flood light illuminating a sign by emitting a high voltage light from a point in front of the sign. This type of sign is not only expensive to operate, unusable in remote locations but is often seen as a generator of light pollution.  
         [0003]     Plastic signage incorporating a light source behind the translucent portion of the sign have been designed, however, again the design requires the attachment of a separate source of electricity. Very often, this light is fluorescent or high voltage incandescent and again emits light pollution and requires a source of the electricity so, prevents location of signage out of range of such external sources of power and are relatively expensive to operate.  
         [0004]     As a consequence, there has been a need for an improved electric sign with flat light source which may be operated by battery power and thus provide light for signage or portions of signage in remote sites, which is energy efficient for use in remote or distant sites, which is also efficient, flexible and economical to manufacture and which is weather resistant and vandalism and theft resistant.  
         [0005]     In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. In addition, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0006]     The present invention provides an improved electric sign with flat light source arrangement which requires virtually no added expense in producing an illuminated sign in a remote location. The battery operated lighting will provide for the illumination of all or portions of a sign and can do so in remote locations with little or no light pollution. This sign arrangement provides for the greatest flexibility in remote or distant locations which may be far from electrical outlets such as curbside real estate signs.  
         [0007]     This particular sign arrangement provides a flat light source which operates on low levels of electricity. The flat light source may utilize a battery for power. A light sensor may then trigger a timer which then triggers an on or off relay switch and which may be adjustable to conserve on electricity.  
         [0008]     The sign may be attached to a standard real estate yard sign. This “sign” can be attached to the standard real estate yard sign in multiple positions. The “sign” can be done as a simple rider, as a rider on top and along the side, or it can be hanging able the sign. The power runs along the main vertical beam to the electronics container.  
         [0009]     The flat light source is mounted on a frame. This frame is made from weather resistant alloys, custom built to house the flat light source and frame.  
         [0010]     The electronics container shows the interior view, the container holds the batteries, the solar sensor, the circuit board, the inverter and all other necessary electrical components. The electronics container is made from a hard plastic which is weather resistant and contains a locking mechanism for preventing vandalism and theft.  
         [0011]     The principle object of this invention is to provide for a sign arrangement that includes a flat light source which operates on low levels of electricity, with flexibility for a variety of locations, security from theft and protection from elements. The embodiments of the sign may be real estate yard signs, sidewalk signs, billboard signs, sandwich signs and hanging signs and many other types of signs.  
         [0012]     Another object of this invention is to create a signage arrangement that is flexible, attachable to a pre-existing frame in a variety of positions, may be made to order as an integral portion of the sign, economical to operate, protected from vandalism, theft or inclement weather and is provided with an integrated power source.  
         [0013]     Briefly, the present invention is directed to an electrically powered lighted sign having a flat light source to illuminate a sign display message. The flat light sources are typically light emitting capacitors (LECs) having very low energy consumption, thereby being energy efficient to operate. The flat light source is integrated into a frame portion of the sign, and a power source is provided requiring no additional or external electricity wired in for use. The flat light source may be provided with sensors and timers by which the light is switched on when low light conditions occur, making the sign optimally visible over unlighted signs. When light sources are too low to provide readable light for a non-illuminated sign, flat panel light bulb back lighted signs may effectively and conveniently operate without the additional expense of having to provide external electrical power lines. The source of electrical energy typically comes from one or more batteries, such as compact 6 volt batteries, which make power available to the signs without wired electrical power sources in the near vicinity. Because the power sources are integrated into the sign, the electric sign with flat light source will be efficient and economical to produce and use, and because they are self-contained and portable, provide the largest possible coverage area for signs without requiring externally supplied wired electrical power service.  
         [0014]     Therefore, an electrically powered sign is provided having a flat transparent sign display panel containing an alphanumeric or graphic sign message, a flat light source placed in close proximity, or directly affixed, to the sign display panel, a frame of varying configurations supporting the flat light source and the sign display such that the flat light source, when powered on, shines light through the sign display making the sign message visible in low light conditions, and a serviceable portable power source to provide electrical power to the flat light source, attached to the frame, whereby the electrically powered sign is self-contained and portable, and capable of being placed anywhere for displaying the sign display&#39;s alphanumeric or graphic sign message.  
         [0015]     It must be clearly understood at this time although the preferred embodiment of the invention consists of the frame, the flat light source and the electronics container with batteries, solar sensor, circuit board compose the electrical sign and frame combinations which is an addition to a standard curbside real estate sign, that many conventional signage configurations exist that will achieve a similar operation and they will also be fully covered within the scope of this patent.  
         [0016]     With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0017]     The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this invention.  
         [0018]      FIGS. 1A, 1B  and  1 C depict an overview of a frontal view of a standard real estate sign incorporating embodiments of this invention, the “rider” sign may be used as a simple rider (A), as a rider on top and along the side (B), or it can be hanging above the sign (C), constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0019]      FIG. 2  depicts a frontal view again showing the “sign” configured in multiple locations on the real estate yard sign frame, constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0020]      FIG. 3  depicts a partial cross sectional view of one end of a sign frame configuration, illustrating one sign mounting arrangement and the power supply wires which lead to the flat light source, constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0021]      FIG. 4  depicts a cross sectional view of a frame and the flat light source mounting, constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0022]      FIGS. 5A, 5B ,  5 C,  5 D and  5 E illustrate in order, a side elevational view showing the sign face (A), a top view of one end (B), a closed end view (C), a cross sectional view (D), and a top view (E), constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0023]      FIG. 6  depicts an electronics container with a cross section showing the interior view, with batteries, a solar sensor, the circuit board, the inverter and all other necessary electrical components, constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0024]      FIG. 7  is a block diagram illustrating the basic wiring logic of the flat light source, light sensor, and timer, constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0025]      FIGS. 8A, 8B  and  8 C depicts an embodiment of a sidewalk sign showing a frontal view of the sign (A), with a top view (B), and a side view (C), constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0026]      FIGS. 9A and 9B  shows an embodiment of a billboard sign in accordance with the present invention with a frontal view (A), and a side view (B), constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0027]      FIGS. 10A  and B depict an embodiment of a sandwich sign in accordance with the present invention with a side view (A), and a frontal view (B), constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0028]      FIGS. 11A and 11B  is an embodiment of a hanging sign in accordance with the present invention with a frontal view (A), and a side view (B), constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0029]      FIGS. 12A and 12B  depicts a double slotted insert embodiment of a sign with a side view with a frame outer covering (A), and a slotted side insert without a frame outer covering (B), constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0030]      FIGS. 13A and 13B  depicts an alternate double slotted insert embodiment of a sign illustrating a side view with a frame outer covering (A), and a slotted side insert without a frame outer covering (B), constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0031]      FIGS. 14A and 14B  depicts yet another double slotted insert embodiment of a sign illustrating a side view with a frame outer covering (A), and a slotted side insert without a frame outer covering (B), constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0032]      FIGS. 15A, 15B  and  15 C depicts a single slotted insert embodiment of a sign illustrating a side view with a frame outer covering (A), a slotted side insert without a frame outer covering (B), and a top view (C); and  
         [0033]      FIGS. 16A, 16B ,  16 C,  16 D and  16 E depicts an alternate frame arrangement embodiment with slotted frame members (A) and (C), and end caps (B) illustrating a screw fastening mechanism (D) and (E), constructed in accordance with the present invention. 
     
    
       [0034]     For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this invention.  
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0035]     For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein similar parts of the invention are identified by like reference numerals. There is seen in  FIG. 1 , a configuration  1 A of real estate yard sign  10  with a primary rider sign  24  supported on top of a cross support  22 . The cross support  22  also provides support for the main sign  26  which is secured under the cross support  22 . A battery pack  28  is shown adjacent to the outer face of the main post  20 . This battery pack  28  supplies energy for the rider sign  24  and the main sign  26 . Configuration  1 B  12  of a sign shows the main post  30  and a cross support  32 . A rider sign  34  is shown on top of the cross support  32 . A second rider sign  37  and battery pack  38  are supported by the main post  30  in a vertical position. The battery pack  38  provides power for the rider signs  37  and  34  and the main sign  36 . Configuration IC of a real estate yard sign shows a main sign  46  and a rider sign  44  supported by the cross support  42 . The cross support  42  is attached to and is supported by the main post  40 . The battery pack  48  provides power for the rider sign  44  and the main sign  46 .  
         [0036]      FIG. 2  represents a frontal view of the preferred embodiment of the real estate yard sign  50  according to the present invention, illustrating the real estate yard sign  50  with the cross support  52  and the main post  54  providing support for the primary rider sign  58 , secondary rider sign  60  and the main sign  56 . The vertical rider sign  62  and vertical rider sign  64  are attached to the main post  54 . Energy for illumination of the main rider sign  58 , secondary rider sign  60 , and the vertical rider sign  62  and vertical rider sign  64  and main sign  56  are provided by the battery pack  66  and the battery pack  68 .  
         [0037]      FIG. 3  is a partial cross-sectional view of a double-sided sign frame and double flat light source mount  70 . The flat light sources  72  and  74  are protected from the elements by plastic transparent covers/sign  76  and  78 . The frame  80  contains block supports  82  and  84 . Velcro fasteners  86  and  88  provide a mount for block supports  82  and  84 . A center divider provides support for the flat light sources  72  and  74 . Power supply wires  92  and  94  are secured by wiring connectors  96  and  98 .  
         [0038]     A cross-sectional single-sided sign frame and single flat light source mount  100  is seen in  FIG. 4 . A flat light source  102  is shown. Velcro fasteners  104  and  106  secure the flat light source  102 , matte frames  108  and  110  in position. A plexiglass or glass transparent cover/sign  112  is back lit by the flat light source  102 . A lead wire  114  supplies power for the flat light source  102  via wiring connector  116 .  
         [0039]     A main sign frame  150  is shown in  FIG. 5 . A cross section of the sign reveals a center divider  152 .  
         [0040]      FIG. 6  illustrates a cross-sectional view of a battery pack  130 . Two 6-volt batteries  132  and  134  provide power for a printed circuit board. An inverter  138  (please explain exactly how this works). A battery pack housing  140  protects the batteries  132  and  134 . A sensor  142  is located on the top of the battery pack housing. Power supply wires  144  with a connector  146  pass through a sealed opening in the housing cover  148 .  
         [0041]      FIG. 7  is a block diagram illustrating the basic wiring logic of the flat light source, light sensor and timer, constructed in accordance with the present invention. A relay acts to switch power from the battery to the flat light source. An inverter (not shown) allows 12 volt DC batteries to provide the flat light source with AC current. The typical flat light source is a light emitting capacitor technology flat panel light bulb, such as that available from the Ceelite™ Company (www.ceelite.com), and runs on approximately 380 volts AC. A light sensor and timer can be included. The circuit can be set to switch on in low light conditions and switch off in brighter light conditions, such as when daylight returns to signs placed outdoors, etc. In addition, the time interval can be adjusted to any time period to keep the flat light source on in numerous applications.  
         [0042]     In the next several drawing figures, several embodiments of sign configurations which utilize the novel flat light source/sign display combinations are shown. A sidewalk sign  160  is seen in  FIG. 8 . The main sign face  162  and battery pack  164  are supported by a stand  166 . The main sign frame  168  secures the sign  160  and battery pack  164 .  
         [0043]     A double-post sign  170  is seen in  FIG. 9 . The main sign face  172 , the main sign frame  174 , and the battery pack  176  are supported by support posts  178  and  179 .  
         [0044]     A sandwich sign  180  is seen in  FIG. 10 . The main sign face  182  and sign frame  184  are supported by support legs  185  and  189 . A battery pack  186  provides energy for the sandwich sign  180 . A vertical support rod  187  and a horizontal support secure the sandwich sign  180  in place.  
         [0045]     A hanging sign  190  is seen in  FIG. 11 . The main sign face  192  and sign frame  198  are supported by wire support with power supply wire  194  and a chain sign support  196 .  
         [0046]      FIG. 12  shows an embodiment of a double slide mount sign  200  with slotted slide insert  202 , frame outer covering  204 . The end cap  206  holds the slotted slide insert  202  in place. The slots  208 ,  210 ,  212 , and  214  may accommodate signage.  
         [0047]      FIG. 13  is a second embodiment of a double slide mount sign  220 . The internal slotted slide inserts  222  and  224  are protected by frame outer covering  226  and the end caps  228  and  229 .  
         [0048]      FIG. 14  is a third embodiment of a double slide mount sign in accordance with the present invention with internal slotted slide inserts  232  and  234 . A frame outer covering  236  and end caps  238  and  239  protect the sign from the elements. Slots  240 ,  242 ,  244 , and  246  may accommodate signage.  
         [0049]      FIG. 15  is an embodiment of a single insert slide mount sign  250  with an internal slotted frame  252  and an outer main frame. Slots  256  and  258  are available to accommodate signage.  
         [0050]      FIG. 16  illustrates an alternate embodiment of a sign frame  260  including upper and lower frame members, as depicted by frame member  262 . The frame members are held together by two end caps, as depicted by end cap  264 . Each frame member  262  includes a threaded well  266  and slots  268  and  272 . The flat light source sign (not shown) is slid into one or both slots  268  and  272 , before the end caps are fastened into place using upper screw  274  and lower screw  276 . Rail guides, as illustrated by rail guide  278  and rail guide  282 , located on both sides of the end cap  264 , act to hold the frame member  272  in place. Upper screw  274  passes through screw hole  284  and rests in recess  288 , after being threaded into threaded well  265 . Like wise lower screw  276  acts to fasten the end cap  264  by passing through hole  286  and threading into threaded well  266 . The end caps are fastened to the frame members after each sign has been slid into place in the slots, as exemplified by slots  268  and  272 .  
         [0051]     In this and all other sign configurations described herein, the signs slid into the frame are either a flat light source and transparent sign sandwiched together, that is, a two piece combination, or a flat light source having a transparent sign integrated thereon, that is, a one piece sign/flat light source combination. In either case, the sign portion may be plastic, cellulose, or some other transparent material. In the one piece combination, the sign portion is lettered prior to being fused together with the flat light source. With the two piece combination, the sign may be pre-made, then subsequently combined with the flat light source at the time of display.  
         [0052]     Electric signs with flat light source shown in the drawings and described in detail herein disclose arrangements of elements of particular construction and configuration for illustrating the preferred embodiment of structure and method of construction of the present invention. It is to be understood however, that elements of different construction and configuration and other arrangements thereof, other than those illustrated and described may be employed for providing an electric sign with independent light source in accordance with the spirit of this invention, and such changes, alternations and modifications as would occur to those skilled in the art are considered to be within the scope of this invention as broadly defined in the claims.  
         [0053]     Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The abstract is neither intended to define the invention of the application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way.