DISPLAY APPARATUS

Abstract: this invention relates to a display apparatus for movably displaying posters or the like. A pair of opposing annular rings (3) are respectively located to be driven to rotate at 2 RPM together in the direction of arrow C about a common axis. Opposing pairs of pin members (10) are slidably located in channels in each ring and carry a display panel (11) spanning between the rings around a defined annular path. A pair of rollers (6, 6'), driven at a faster speed in the direction of arrows A and B respectively, are located a minimal gap (30) apart on the defined path. A panel arriving at the rollers enters the gap and is swiftly urged between the rollers. It forms a loop and encounters a cowling (12) provided after the rollers which urges the looped portion to flop over towards the axis Y where it encounters a support cowling (13). Consequently, to a viewer looking through a first window (8), a panel is in view until it arrives at the roller and is swiftly removed from sight exposing the next panel in line before it too arrives at the rollers. To a viewer looking through a second window (9), a panel is in view until the panel that has just passed between the rollers suddenly flops down over the cowling under the action of gravity.

Description: DISPLAY APPARATUS This invention relates to a display apparatus, and more particularly to apparatus for movably displaying posters or the like. When it is required to display information, such as advertising posters, there is always a requirement to enhance the appeal of the apparatus . employed for that display. It will be understood that although this specification refers primarily to posters, the information to be displayed can take many forms and have differing appeals to a viewer, e.g. informative or advertising. Naturally the information should be readily and easily understandable to a viewer. It has been found that display apparatus which moves the posters can enhance the appeal to a viewer. In addition, the effectiveness of the appeal to the viewer is enhanced if more than one poster can be displayed. Hitherto, such known display apparatus have been complicated and expensive. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved display apparatus which is simpler and thereby more cost effective, whilst at the same time attempting to improve the appeal to a viewer. According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a display apparatus for displaying panels or the like before one or more windows, the apparatus comprising:- a plurality of flexible planar display panels? driven panel carrying means for mounting and carrying said panels at a selected speed along a defined path passing, in use, before at least one said window; driven panel gripping means provided at a selected location on said path to urge a panel arriving at said location generally along the path at another speed greater rhan said selected speed until the panel is past said location; whereby the action of the panel gripping means results in the display of a new panel before a windov;. In this way, the apparatus can be set up in a simple manner to swiftly display a new panel at specific time intervals. Thus, the apparatus provides an economical and effective way of displaying information to a viewer which is of particular use in the advertising world. Preferably, the panel carrying means comprises a pair of opposing transit means respectively mounted for movement about a common axis, the transit means including respective panel mounting means whereby panels are mounted to extend between the transit means to be carried along said defined path. This makes for simple construction. Conveniently, the apparatus includes a store means; said transit means having an unloading position on said path whereat the panels are demounted into the store means, and a loading position on said path whereat the panels are mounted from the store means. By employing a store means, the number of panels that can be displayed for a single apparatus is considerably increased so that a viewer of the panels does not get bored by a limited display of panels. With the apparatus, the loading and unloading of said panels can be achieved alternatively by the action of gravity on the panels or oy spring means being located to urge a panel at the unloading position to demount into the store means. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the store means comprises a pair of opposing channels respectively mounted substantially within the boundary defined by said path and connecting between said unloading and loading positions. Once again, this leads to a simple construction of the apparatus which makes it economical to produce. In the apparatus, the transit means can comprise an annular ring located to rotate about the axis whereby said path is substantially circular, the annular ring including said panel mounting means. Alternatively, the transit means can comprise an endless chain means located to move around said defined path, the chain means including said panel mounting means. The circular path is particularly economical in terms of the space required for the apparatus. However, the use of an endless chain means does allow the shape of the path to be varied so that the apparatus can be used in a more flexible way. The panel mounting means comprises one or more mounts and a respective panel carrying element provided at one end of a panel. The panel carrying element can take many forms. For example, the panel carrying element can comprise a pin member attached to partially extend across a panel, or a rod member spanning between the pair of transit means, or a cable or thread spanning between the pair of transit means, or an elongate planar member spanning between the pair of transit means. The particular element to employ is dependent on the nature of the panel and its size. For example, the use of a cable or thread is particularly convenient for panels extending over 1 metre between the pair of transit means. The panel itself can also take many forms. For example, each panel can include an inner sleeve wherein the panel carrying element moves from one end to the other end of the panel after each passage past said selected location. Instead, each panel can include a hook means at either end thereof whereby one hook means at one end is attached to the panel carrying member prior to passage past said selected location and after said passage the hook means at the other end is attached to the panel carrying member. This makes it possible to reverse the side of the panel that passes a window effectively producing double sided display. Thus, the amount of information that can be displayed to a viewer is further enhanced. As another alternative, tne edge portion of the panel arriving at said panel gripping means can be formed so as not to be fully gripped thereby prior to being urged past said location. This can result in slippage of panel which produces wobbling thereof and enhancement of viewer appeal. One of the problems encountered with the apparatus has been the folding of panels just as they are passing the panel gripping means. In order to overcome this problem, each said mount is formed to permit limited movement of the panel carrying member along said path under the action of the gripping means and independently of the movement of the transit means. Consequently, just for the interval when the folding problem may occur, the mount allows the panel to advance slightly. Preferably, the mount comprises a recess generally parallel to the path at said selected location. When a store means is employed, there is a danger that more than one panel may load into a mount. This is conveniently avoided by the recess being formed to have an entrance sufficient to allow only single entry of a panel carrying member. The panel gripping means preferably comprises a pair of opposing roller means defining a space through which the arriving panels pass, the roller means being rotated at said greater speed. This is a particularly economical way of producing the gripping means. Generally, the roller means have a facing of sponge like resilient material so that the panel is effectively gripped. At least one of said roller means can also have located thereon a flat whereat the panel is not gripped. This results in the panel slipping and wobbling thereby enhancing the viewer appeal. In certain circumstances and in particular when the panel carrying member is thick, it is necessary to open the roller means briefly to allow the panel to enter said space. Accordingly, the transit means includes cam members located to cause the roller means to temporarily separate for a selected portion of the panel travel along said path substantially at said selected location. Of course, the roller means could be biassed together such that the arriving panel briefly separates the roller means Preferably, the new panel displayed is either the panel just approaching said location or the panel just past said location. Consequently, the way in which the new panel is displayed can be varied according to where the window is provided. Indeed, by having two windows, new panels of ooth types can be displayed. Moreover, as the panel just past the location is released from the gripping means, it flops before the window. This has unexpectedly been found to attract a viewers attention thereby further enhancing the viewer appeal of the apparatus. In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the panel carrying means moves the panels in a series of indexed steps along said path and the panel gripping means urges said panels along said path at a speed greater than either tne speed of movement during indexed movement or the zero speed after indexed movement. Various advantages resultant from tne above defined embodiments will be apparent from the following description. Examples of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:- Figure 1 illustrates a schematic representation of a top view of an apparatus embodying the present invention, Figure 2 illustrates the • panel carrying means of the apparatus shown in figure 1, Figure 3 illustrates the panel mounting means for the apparatus shown in figure 1, Figure 4 (a) to (c) illustrates a view along arrows II-II shown in Figure 1 for different times during operation of the apparatus, Figure 5 illustrates one embodiment of a display panel, 5 Figure 6 illustrates a further embodiment of a display panel, Figure 7 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention including means for temporarily separating the roller means, C Figure 8 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the present invention, Figure 9 illustrates an alternative means for driving the 5 annular rings, Figure 10 illustrates an alternative channel for carrying the panels. 0 Common labelling has been employed throughout the drawings . for components common to different embodiments. Referring to Figures 1 to 4, a pair of rotation members 1 are located on a common rotation axis Y a distance X apart. 5 Each rotation member comprises a disc 2 fixedly mounted to a frame (not shown) . A panel carrying means in the form of an opposing pair of annular rings 3 are respectively located around the circumference of the disc and have a geared outer surface so that they can be driven to rotate together in the direction of arrow C about common axis Y. Other forms of drive means can of course be provided. • In the example shown in figure 2, each ring 3 includes four channels or grooves 16 which receive a panel carrying element in the form of a pin 10. The channels 16 in one ring 3 are directly opposite those of the other ring 3 so that opposing pairs of pins 10 carry a panel 11 spanning between the opposing rings 3 as illustrated. The pin members are slidably located in the channels 16 and are fixedly attached to a respective planar display panel 11. Thus, as the rings are rotated together, the panels are carried around a defined annular path. Each disc 2 includes an aperture 4 for receiving a shaft 5 parallel to axis Y. The shaft 5 carries a pair of rollers 6 and is driven by means (not shown) in the direction of arrow A. Assuming that the fixed discs 2 are located whereby the 12 o'clock position is located towards vertical, then the aperture 4 is located at approximately the 9 o'clock position. A further shaft 7 is mounted directly opposite and parallel to the shaft 5, as illustrated in Figures 1 and 4, and carries further rollers 6'. The shaft 7 is arranged to be driven in the direction of arrow B shown in Figure 4, which is in the opposing direction to that of shaft 5. There is a minimal gap 30 between the rollers 6 and the rollers β ! which is located on the annular path around which the panels travel. The apparatus operates as follows. Referring to figure 4, the apparatus described above is mounted within a housing having a window 8 and 9 on opposite sides of the apparatus. Only three panels are illustrated for clarity. The annular rings 3 are arranged to rotate at approximately one half to two RPK whereas the shafts 5 and 7 have a common rotational speed which rotates rollers 6 and 6' at an angular velocity which is more rapid. Only one roller needs to be rotated if the rollers are in contact. Therefore, as a panel 11 arrives at the rollers 6 and 6', the panel is rotating at 2 RPM (figure 4(a). As the panel 11 passes between the rollers, it is gripped and urged vertically upwards as illustrated in figure 4(b). Moreover, that panel continues to be moved comparatively quickly until it has completed the passage between the rollers as illustrated in figure 4 (c) . As the panel enters gap 30 and is swiftly urged between the rollers, it forms a loop as illustrated in Figure 4(b). Since the pin members are slidably received in the channels 16, they can move in the direction of arrow C quicker than the rotational speed of the rings 3 until they encounter the end 17 of the channel. This action allows enough of the panel to pass through the gap 30 to form a loop witnout creasing or damage to the panel. A suitable cowling 12 can optionally be provided after the rollers in the direction of arrow C so as to urge the looped portion of the panel 11 to fall or flop over towards the axis Y where it encounters an optional support cowling . 13 located to prevent the panel from tangling with other panels (figure 4 (c) . Consequently, to a viewer looking through the window 8, a panel is in view until it arrives at the rollers 6 and 6' and is swiftly removed from sight of the window thereby exposing the next panel in line before it too arrives at the rollers. To a viewer looking through the window S , a panel is in view until the panel that has just passed between the rollers flops down over the cowling 13 under the action of gravity. Consequently, by arranging the geometry of the annular path and the window 9 to be correct, a viewer looking through window S sees the panel suddenly appear. This has been found to be advantageously effective in attracting the attention of the viewer. Of course,the reverse side of panel 11 is seen through window 9 compared « with that seen through window 8. If this is unacceptable, it is naturally possible to close window 8 completely. It has been found that with large panels, some form of braking is required during the flopping motion of the panel. Accordingly, either transparent plastic or thread can be attached to the end of the panel that is last to pass through the rollers 6 and 6'. By suitable selection of the material, a braking action can be produced. Thus, it can be seen that by providing a plurality of pin members sequentially around the annular ring 3, a plurality of display panels 11 can be attached thereto so that sequential view τ ing of display panels can be achieved. The number of pin members and hence panels mounted to the annular ring 3 can be selected as desired. By suitable alteration of the speeds of rotation of the rings 3 and the shafts 5 and 7, the time of display and the change to the next panel can be altered as required. The above apparatus can take many forms. For example, although rollers 6 and 6' are described, they can be replaced by rings of rubber or the like mounted to the shafts 5 and 7. Moreover, the shaft 7 can be driven either independently or driven by the shaft 5. The display panel can take many forms. For example, another display panel is shown in Figure 5. This panel includes a slot 14 at least along the side of the panel, although it will be appreciated that the slot may extend through the panel to form an internal sleeve spanning between the rings 3. Posters or the like are mounted in pockets 31 either side thereof. This is advantageous because when the panel II passes between the rollers 6 and 6', the panel itself is urged between the rollers faster than the pin members 1C. Consequently, the pin member 10 slides within the slot 14 until the pin member engages the other end of the panel 11, in effect reversing the mounting. Consequently, although the display panel again encounters cowlings 12 and 13, the panel has effectively reversed itself so tnat the panel presents either side thereof, in alternation, for viewing though a window. This effectively doubles the display possibilities of the display apparatus. The panel, could conveniently comprise a poster itself rather than a transparent carries with the poster mounted therein or printed thereon. Figure 6 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the display panel wherein a hook element 15 is provided at either end of the panel 11 so that the panel depends from either hook element in alternation. Once again the display possibilities of the apparatus are doubled. The rollers 6 and 6' are preferably made of soft rubber. However, with longer lengths of panel, it has been found that harder rubber is required. In some cases, difficulties have been found with the passage of the panel between the roller 6 and 6'. Figure 7 illustrates an apparatus for temporarily separating the two rollers 6 and 6' at the time the panel passes therebetween. The plate 20 is located outwardly of the rotation members 1 shown in Figure 1. 7ha shafts 5 and 7 pass through apertures 21 formed in a pair of cam members 22 mounted to the plate 20 by fixed points 26. Each member 10 provided on the annular ring 3 includes an immediately adjacent cam disc 24 shown in dotted outline in Figure 7. Thus, the cam disc 24 defines the path indicated at 25 in chain dotted outline in Figure 7. Each cam member 22 includes a respective cam surface 23 which is formed such that it is engaged by the cam disc 24 as it travels on path 25 so that the respective cam members 22 pivot about their fixed points 26 in the direction of arrow D shown in Figure 7. As a result, the apertures 21 carrying the shafts 5 and 7 move apart. Accordingly, the rollers 6 and 6' also separate. By suitably shaping the cam surfaces 23/ it is possible to arrange for the rollers 6 and 6' to separate sufficiently to allow the panel 11 to enter the space 30 between the rollers 6 and 6' without interference. Once the cam disc 24 passes the cam surfaces 23, the cam members 22 are arranged by suitable urging means (not shown) to return to their original position as illustrated, which position is defined by a pair of stops 27 which can be made adjustable if required. Consequently, the rollers 6 and 6' close on the panel 11 and transfer their rotational speed to the panel to urge it vertically as shown in figure 4(b). In an alternative arrangement, the shafts 5 and 7 can be carried on pivotable members which are urged apart by the action of the cam 24 on reciprocal cam surfaces provided on the shafts 5 and 7. Consequently, the action of the cam 24 is again to temporarily separate the rollers 6 and 6' for a selected portion of the panel travel on its annular path. Another alternative is to have the rollers 6 and 6' biassed together by a weak spring so that when the panel or member 10 passes therebetween along the path, the rollers are urged apart temporarily before they grip the panel. Indeed,the degree of gripping of the panel can produce an added advantage. It has been found that by having the edge of the panel arriving at the rollers made from a slightly slippery material such as smooth plastic, the panel wobbles before it is truly gripped by the rollers and fully urged therebetween. This wobble effect has been found to add to the attraction of a viewer. The effect can of course be produced in different ways. For example, * the rollers 6 or 6 ' could include a flat such that as the panels pass therebetween, they are gripped except at the flat section of the roller so that a slip in the poster occurs. This slip again attracts a viewer to the apparatus. Figure 8 illustrates an alternative annular ring employed with the present invention. The annular ring 3 has four equidistant apertures 18 formed for receiving the members 10, in this case they are rods. A channel 19 is formed in the fixed disc 2 to extend across an arc at an angle inclined to horizontal. A plurality of rods 10 are located in the channel 19, each mounting a panel 11. When an aperture 18 passes the lower end of the channel 19, the inclination of the channel to horizontal results in gravity mounting a rod 10 into the aperture so that the mounted panel rotates with the rings 3 as with figures 1 to 4. When an aperture 18 passes the upper end of the channel 19, gravity demounts the rod and panel 10 into the channel 19 thereby effectively emptying the aperture 18 in preparation for loading of a new rod and panel at the lower end of the channel 19. Thus, a simplified apparatus is produced which can store a substantial number of display panels. This increase in storage capacity allows a greater number of panels to be displayed which thereby enhances the appeal of the apparatus to a viewer. Of course, suitable spring means can be employed to assist in the loading and unloading of the apertures 18. The embodiment described w τ ith reference to figure 8 is advantageous because of the added number of panels that can be employed. However, in order to avoid the above mentioned problems of folding when the panel passes between the rollers 6 and 6' , particularly when the members 10 are fixed to the panel, it is necessary to allow some movement of the members along the panel travel path at that point. Referring to figure 9 which shows only one aperture 18 for clarity, the ring 3 includes an outwardly facing slot 40. An outer ring 41 is driven in the direction of arrow C and includes a respective drive pin 42 engaging the slot 40. Thus, the pin 42 acts on the slot 40 to drive the ring 3. At the point when the panel is urged between the rollers 6 and 6', the extra rotational speed from member 10 acts on aperture 18 and is transferred to the ring 3 which advances in the direction C relative to the driving outer ring 41. The slot 40 allows this faster movement as a type of temporary slippage until the pin 42 engages the back end of that slot. However, the additional movement is sufficient to overcome the aforementioned folding problem. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that alternative means of achieving this temporary slippage could be devised. Another problem with the embodiment described with reference to figure 8 is that sometimes more than one member carrying a panel attempts to load into the aperture 18. Figure 10 illustrates how this may be avoided. In this case, each aperture 18 comprises a channel 36 which overcomes the above problem of folding on passing of a panel between the rollers 6 and 6', but includes only a small entrance hole 35 sufficient to allow one member 10 to enter. Thereafter, the slot has an axial facing wall 37 which effectively closes the channel 19. Consequently, single loading of the members 10 into the aperture 18 is assured whilst at the same time allowing circumferential movement to avoid the folding problem mentioned above. It will be apparent that the present invention encompasses many alternatives which will be apparent to a person skilled in the art. For example, although the present invention is described with reference to panel carrying means in the form of a rotating annular ring, the ring could be indexed. In fact, by arranging the indexing correctly, it has been found that the problem of folding the panels mentioned above is overcome. It will be appreciated that as the panel moves between the rollers during indexing, it is important in one embodiment for the rollers to rotate at a speed greater than the panel movement at that time. Of course, if in a second embodiment the rollers are temporarily separated during indexing of the ring and only closed after that movement is complete, the speed of the rollers can be reduced and need only be sufficient to urge the panel past the location of the rollers. Consequently, the speed of the rollers can be less than the roller speed in the first embodiment. Furthermore, although a ring is described, the carrying means could comprise a chain with appropriate panel carrying means. This has the advantage that the path about which the panels are carried does not have to be annular. Although the panel mounting means have primarily been described as pin members or rods, it is possible to employ an elongate planar member or fixtures for retaining a wire, cable or thread to which the panel 11 is attached. The pin member could also include a gripping means to grip a mount a panel, for example in the form of a poster. It will also be apparent that the direction of rotation indicated by arrows A, B, and C could be reversed.

Claims: CLAIMS 1. A display apparatus for displaying panels or the like before one or more windows, the apparatus comprising:- a plurality of flexible planar display panels (11) ; driven panel carrying means (1) for mounting and carrying said panels at a selected speed along a defined path passing, in use, before at least one said window (8,9); driven panel gripping means (6,6') provided at a selected location on said path to urge a panel arriving at said location generally along the path at another speed greater than said selected speed until the panel is past said location; whereby the action of the panel gripping means results in the display of a new panel before a window. 2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the panel carrying means comprises a pair of opposing transit means (3) respectively mounted for movement about a common axis (Y) , the transit means including respective panel mounting means (16,18) whereby panels are mounted to extend between the transit means to be carried along said defined path. 3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 2 including a store means (19) ; said transit means having an unloading position on said path whereat the panels are demounted into the store means, and a loading position on said path whereat the panels are mounted from the store means. 4. Apparatus as claimed in claim 3 wherein the loading and unloading of said panels is achieved by the action of gravity on the panels. 5. Apparatus as claimed in claim 3 wherein spring means are located to urge a panel at the unloading position to demount into the store means. 6. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 5 wherein the store means comprises a pair of opposing channels (19) respectively mounted substantially within the boundary defined by said path and connecting between said unloading and loading positions. 7. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 6 wherein said transit means comprises an annular ring (3) located to rotate about the axis whereby said path is substantially circular, the annular ring including said panel mounting means. 8. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 6 wherein the transit means comprises an endless chain means located to move around said defined path, the chain means including said panel mounting means. 9. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 8 wherein the panel mounting means comprises one or more mounts (16,18) and a respective panel carrying element (10) provided at one end of a panel. 10. Apparatus as claimed in claim 9 wherein the panel carrying element comprises a pin member attached to partially extend across a panel. 11. Apparatus as claimed in claim 9 wherein the panel carrying element comprises a rod member spanning between the pair of transit means. 12. Apparatus as claimed in claim 9 wherein the panel carrying element comprises a cable or thread spanning between the pair of transit means. 13. Apparatus as claimed in claim 9 wherein the panel carrying element comprises an elongate planar member spanning between the pair of transit means. 14. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 13 wherein each panel includes an inner sleeve (14) wherein the panel carrying element moves from one end to the other end of the panel after each passage past said selected location. 15. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 13 wherein each panel includes a hook means (15) at either end thereof whereby one hook means at one end is attached to the panel carrying member prior to passage past said selected location and after said passage the hook means at the other end is attached to the panel carrying member. 16. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 15 wherein the edge portion of the panel arriving at said panel gripping means is formed so as not to be fully gripped thereby prior to being urged past said location. 17. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 16 wherein each said mount is formed to permit limited movement of the panel carrying member along said patn under the action of the gripping means and independently of the movement of the transit means. 18. Apparatus as claimed in claim 17 wherein the mount comprises a recess (16,18) generally parallel to the path at said selected location. 19. Apparatus as claimed in claim 18 wherein the recess is formed to have an entrance (35) sufficient to allow only single entry of a panel carrying member. 20. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the panel gripping means comprises a pair of opposing roller means (6,6') defining a space (30) through which tne arriving panels pass, the roller means being rotated at said greater speed. 21. Apparatus as claimed in claim 20 wherein the roller means have a facing of sponge like resilient material. 22. Apparatus as claimed in claim 19 or 20 wherein at least one of said roller means has located thereon a flat whereat the panel is not gripped. 23. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 22 wherein the transit means includes cam members (24,27) located to cause the roller means to temporarily separate for a selected portion of the panel travel along said path substantially at said selected location. 24. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the new panel displayed is either the panel just approaching said location or the panel just past said location. 25. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the panel carrying means moves the panels in a series of indexed steps along said path and the panel gripping means urges said panels along said path at a speed greater than either the speed of movement during indexed movement or the zero speed after indexed movement.

Inventors: OSTROWSKI SERGE CLEMENT, SCHNAPP EYTAN, SILFORD MICHAEL, OSTROWSKI, SERGE, CLEMENT, SCHNAPP, EYTAN, SILFORD, MICHAEL
Applicants: SCHNAPP EYTAN, SILFORD MICHAEL, SCHNAPP, EYTAN, SILFORD, MICHAEL
Application year: 1989
Main classification: G09F11
IPC codes: G09F11