IMAGE DISPLAY DEVICE

Abstract: A display device comprising a plurality of display members each having at least three display segments being pliably attached to or integral with one another to form an open ended tubular structure, with the walls being displaceable in a closed track defined thereby about an axis between consecutive display states in each of which one or two duty display segments lie on a corresponding one or two display plane(s) of the device. The axes of all display elements are parallel and the track of all elements is simultaneously displaceable. Each display element is associated with a displacement mechanism comprising at least one engagement unit engaging the duty display segment at its two side edges, and axially revolvable while continuously engaging an edge of the duty display segment so as to drag the track until a consecutive display segment comes to lie on the display plane to constitute a consecutive duty display segment.

Description: IMAGE DISPLAY DEVICE FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an image display device and particularly concerns such devices where a plurality of images can be displayed consecutively by mechanical movement of display elements of the device. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AND PRIOR ART Display devices consisting of different display elements which together compose a displayed image are well known. Typically, each display element can rotate and by such rotation different images are consecutively displayed. The display elements in such a device are usually elongated, and very often have a triangular cross-section. By rotation of these elements between consecutive positions different display elements are exposed at a display face of the device, with all such faces being flush with one another. Such a display device with elements having triangular cross-sections is disclosed in U.S. Patents Nos. 1,221,758, 1,857,387, 3,304,638, 4,274,218. Display devices of a variety of different display mechanisms have been described in U.S. Patents Nos. 1,785,204 and 2,978,821 and European Patent Application No. 109115. U.S. Patents No. 3,229,395 and 3,826,027 disclose an advertising board formed with a plurality of so called traveling strings of planer elements, with an element on one of the strings adapted to cooperate with a corresponding element of an adjacent string, so that when placed side-by-side in the same plane they form an advertising panel. GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the invention to provide a novel image display device. It is particularly an object of the present invention to provide such a display device permitting display of three or more different consecutive images. In accordance with a first of its aspects, the invention provides a display device comprising: a plurality of display members each having at least three display segments, each for displaying a section of an image with segments in different members displaying together on at least a front, display surface of the device, a corresponding one of at three three images; the display segments being pliably attached to or integral with one another to form side walls of an open ended tubular structure, the walls being rotatable in a closed track about an axis between consecutive display states in each of which one duty display segment lies on a display plane of the device; the axes of all display elements being parallel and the track of all elements being simultaneously displaceable; each display element being associated with a displacement mechanism comprising at least one engagement unit engaging the duty display segment at its two side edges, and axially revolvable while continuously engaging an edge of the duty display segment so as to drag the track until a consecutive display segment comes to lie on the display plane to constitute a consecutive duty display segment; the consecutive duty display segment composes together with corresponding consecutive duty display segments a consecutive displayed image. The term "tubular structure " used above and below refers generally to a structure of closed walls arranged among a hollow interior extending between- two open ends. By one characterizing feature of the invention, the engagement unit, during its revolution, makes 180° (half a circle) revolution between a state in which one display segment constitutes the duty display segment, and between a state in which a consecutive display segment constitutes the duty display segment. However, other arrangements are also possible, where the engagement unit revolves 120° between corresponding states. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, each engagement unit comprises an engagement member extending substantially between the two ends of the display element. Such an engagement member may be pivotally attached to a frame of the device at either or both of the two ends and will typically be linked to a drive mechanism at one of its ends. In accordance with another embodiment, each engagement unit comprises two cooperating engagement members, one at each end of the display element. Of these two cooperating engagement members, one or both may be linked to a drive mechanism. In accordance with one embodiment, the display element comprises an even number of rigid display segments. In accordance with one preferred embodiment, the display element is made of a multi-layer rigid material, from which axial portions of one or more layers have been removed, leaving at least one outwardly facing layer. These removed portions thus define edges of consecutive display segments. In accordance with another preferred embodiment, the display element is made of a flexible base layer which carries a plurality of rigid plates, with gaps between consecutive plates defining edges of consecutive display segments. The rigid plates may be attached to the base layer by the use of an adhesive, by welding, etc. Typically, the rigid plates are attached to an inner face of the base layer. According to other specific embodiments of the display element it is formed of a continues, essentially rigid material, formed with parallel fold lines extending between adjacent display segments. The arrangement is such that the fold lines serve as a hinge between two adjoining display segments. Alternatively, the display element may be formed of a plurality of rigid display segments, integral with one another, or not, with a laminated film of flexible material holding the display segments together with a hinge-like arrangement therebetween. According to still an Alternative, the display element may be made of a flexible or pliable material, e.g. fabric, laminated material, etc. with gripping members provided for engagement with the engagement unit, said gripping members extending between adjacent display segments. The above arrangements provide, on the one hand flexibility for the display element to rotate and deform about the engagement members during their rotation, and, on the other hand, ensure that each duty segment is flush with adjacent such segments. A display element comprising rigid segments may be formed by joining together edges of a planar display matrix. A track with rigid display segments, has typically six such segments. However, as will readily be appreciated with another even number of segments, e.g. 8, 10, etc., are also possible. By another embodiment, the track may also be provided with an odd number of display segments. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, each display element, particularly such with rigid display segments, is associated with two engagement units, one engaging a duty display segment and one engaging an opposite segment of the display element. By one embodiment, such a display device comprises a second display surface essentially parallel to said display plane of the device, with the aforementioned opposite segment constituting a duty display segment of the second display plane. Where the device comprises two opposite display planes, certain segments may contain a section of an image for displaying on one display plane and certain others for the second, opposite display plane of the device. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the track is formed from a pliable material. Typically the display device in accordance with such embodiment, comprises a biasing mechanism for tensioning the track. In accordance with one embodiment, all engagement units of adjacent display elements revolve in the same direction. In accordance with another embodiment, engagement units of adjacent display elements revolve in opposite directions. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the display element is made from a transparent or translucent material, and by providing a light source illuminating the interior of each display element, an illuminated sign is obtained. In accordance with another aspect, the present invention provides an image carrying matrix, comprising at least three parallel segments each one carrying a section of an image, each segment carrying a section of a different image. Further provided by this aspect is an image-carrying tubular body, comprising at least three axial segments each one carrying a section of an image, each segment carrying a section of a different image. The term tubular denotes a geometric body having continues, adjoined side walls, with open ends. This body may be have a cylindrical cross-sectional shape, rectangular or other polygonal cross-sectional shape. The invention will now be illustrated with reference to some specific embodiments illustrated in the annexed drawings, however, in a non-limiting manner. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1A is a general, partially sectioned, perspective view of a device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention in one display state; displacing mechanism is not shown. Fig. IB shows the device of Fig. 1A in a transient state between one display state, and another. Fig. 1C shows the device of Figs. 1A and IB at another display state of the device. Fig. ID shows the display device in the state shown in Fig. 1C with part of the casing being cut away to show internal components. Fig. 2 is a perspective exploded view of a top portion of a display element and two engagement members in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Fig. 3 shows a different embodiment of an engagement member. Fig. 4 shows still a different embodiment of an engagement member. Figs. 5A-5F is a top elevation of three adjacent display elements of the embodiment of Fig. 2, shown in six consecutive displacement states of one duty cycle. Figs. 6A to 6D show portions of different embodiments of a matrix for forming the display track of the invention. Figs. 7 A to 7C show three different ways for closing a segmented matrix into a track of the display elements. Fig. 8A is a top elevation of an embodiment in which engagement units of adjacent display elements rotate in the same direction. Fig. 8B is a top elevation of an embodiment in which engagement member of adjacent display elements rotate in opposite directions. Fig. 8C is a top elevation of another embodiment in which engagement members of adjacent display elements rotate in opposite directions. Figs. 9A-9C show another embodiment of a display element and an engagement member, wherein the display element is made of a pliable material, in three consecutive states of a duty cycle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS Reference is first being made to Figs. 1A-1D showing a display device generally designated 100 comprising a frame 102, with a surface plane 104. In the embodiments shown herein, the display surface is planar. It should however be noted that this is merely an example and display devices with display surfaces other than planar, e.g. crescent-shaped, etc. are also possible. A first displayed image is seen in Fig. 1A and the second consecutive displayed image is seen in Fig. lC. Each of the images is composed of a plurality of sections 106, each carried on a different display element 108. As will be readily appreciated from the description below, it is possible for the device to have another display surface on the reverse side 108 thereof. A duty cycle invovling changing from one image, shown in Fig. 1A, to a consecutive image, shown in Fig. 1C, goes through an interim state shown in Fig. IB in which, as will also be explained further below, no image is displayed on the screen; this in fact gives rise to an essentially abrupt switching from one displayed image to the next with a transient state with no display. Some internal components of the device can be seen in Fig. ID. The device is made of a plurality of tubular display elements generally designated 120 with one duty segment 124 on the display plane 104, with adjacent duty segments being flush with one another, forming together the display plane. The same arrangement applies also for a rear display plane, where applicable. Associated with each display element 120 is a displacement mechanism comprising a front engagement unit 126 and a rear engagement unit 128, each one consisting of two engagement members 126A, 126B and 128A, 128B, at opposite ends of each display element. The display mechanism is propelled by electric motor 130 through gear trains 132 and 133. Some examples of display elements and engagement members can be seen in Figs. 2 - 4. Engagement member 140 seen in an exploded view in Fig. 2, has two engagement arms 142 fitting into recesses 144A and 144B of the display element 146. The two arms 142 are attached to pivot arm 148 which can revolve about axis 150 extending axially at the middle between arms 142. As can be seen, display element 146 consists of six display segments 152A-152F, each adjacent segment having an edge defined by one of recesses 144. The arrangement is such that arms 142 of the engagement members 140 form between them a rectangle for supporting a face of the duty display segment. Alternatively the engagement members have a rectangular support block, as shown with reference to Figure 3. In the specific example of Fig. 2, each of the segments is planar and rigid while the edge portion between them is pliable to allow a pivoting movement of one segment versus the other. This may be achieved either by removing internal layers of a multi-layer board to leave only the external pliable layer, or alternatively, the element may be formed by attaching rigid plate members 160 onto a pliable base matrix 162. However, other embodiments of display elements are shown in Figs. 6. Fig. 3 shows a different embodiment in which engagement member 170, has a rectangular block 172 serving essentially the same function as arms 142 of engagement member 140 shown in Fig. 2. Display element 180 is comprised of six display segments 182A-182F with a plurality of fold lines 184 and 186 separated from one another by a distance corresponding to the width of block 172. The display element 180 is generally rigid but for the fold lines 184 and 186 which allow a relative pivoting movement of the portions on the two sides of the fold lines. Optionally, friction-increasing means may be provided on either or both on faces of block member 172 or on internal faces of element 180, to improve grip and avoid slippage between the two. Such an arrangement is shown, as an example, in Fig. 7C. This is of particular importance where other designs of engagement members are used, e.g., where instead of block 172 there is provided a member having a wing-like cross-section (not shown), etc. While in the embodiment of Fig. 3, each engagement member 170 has a block 172 which spans only a short distance of the length of element 180, this requiring a cooperating member from the other end of the element, and at times a synchronized rotation mechanism, in the case of the embodiment of Fig. 4, block 190 of engagement member 192 extends substantially the entire length of display element 194 (for practical reasons only one end of the element is shown, similarly as in the case of the display elements shown in Figs. 2 and 3). Otherwise, the embodiment of Fig. 4 is equivalent in function to that of Fig. 3. One advantage of the embodiments of Figs. 2 and 3 resides in the ease in which the display element can be replaced by a new element for displaying different sets of images. Against this, in the case of the embodiment of Fig. 4, the arrangement is in particular suitable for supporting a display made of a flexible such as fabric, laminated material, etc. as will be explained with reference to figure 6. The block of Fig. 4 may serve also other functions. For example, such a block if disposed of the display surface may be made with an internal light source for display illumination. Such a block of a surface may be made to be reflective (over its external surface) to reflect light in an opposite direction towards the other end to improve illumination . Figs. 5A-5F show three adjacent display elements 146 of the embodiment of Fig. 2, in several consecutive displacement states of a duty cycle involving switching between one display state of the display element (Fig. 5 A) and a consecutive display state (Fig. 5F). In the state shown in Fig. 5A, segment 152A is a duty display segment arranged in a display plane with all these duty segments of adjacent display elements being flush with one another composing together an image. As may be appreciated, also the opposite face, consisting of segments 152D, may serve as a display element on the opposite face of the device, whereby two simultaneous displays are available. When engagement member 140 revolves about axis 150 in a direction of arrow 200 (see Fig. 5A), it initially rotates segment 152A with it (and so is the case also with the opposite engagement member) deforming the entire element into a parallelogram as shown in Fig. 5B. Upon further revolution, the display element reaches the state shown in Fig. 5C and subsequently arm 142A disengages recess 144A and engages recess 144B as can be seen in Fig. 5D. By further revolution through a parallelogram state (Fig. 5E) and after completing the 180° revolution of the duty cycle (Fig. 5F). segment 152F comes to lie on the display face constituting now the duty display segment. Segment 152A then comes to lie on a side face of the element. Thus, in a state shown in Fig. 5F, a different image will be displayed as that in the state shown in Fig. 5A. Another aspect of the invention is an image-carrying matrix of a kind which can be used in an image display device of the invention. One embodiment of such a carrying matrix 210 in an open form is partially seen in Fig. 6A (for practical reasons only a mid portion is shown). The matrix is seen here with recesses 212 each defining edges separating between two adjacent display segments 216 and 218. Such a matrix, as already pointed out above, can be prepared either by removing layers from a multi-layer structure or by attaching rigid plates 220 to a pliable carrier base 222. In Fig. 6B the matrix 211 is formed out of an essentially rigid board of material 223, wherein V-like groves 212' are formed, e.g., by machining, giving rise to display segments 216' and 218', whereby the groves render the board flexibility at those zones, to allow the display segments to pivot with respect to one another. In fig. 6C the matrix 213 is formed by providing segments 215, of an essentially rigid material, arranged in parallel an fixed in position by adhering to a film of flexible material 217, optionally being transparent material. This arrangement enables the rigid display segments 215, to pivot with respect to one another. The embodiment of Figure 6D illustrates a matrix 219 formed of a plyable or flexible material 221 such as a laminated film or a fabric, with a strap of friction engagement member 223 for frictionally engaging with a corresponding friction member (not shown) provided on the engagement member (e.g. 172 in Figure 3). Fig. 7 shows several ways of forming a closed tubular structure from an open carrier matrix. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 7A, two edges 230 and 232 of image carrying matrix 234 are fixed to one another by means of a dove-tail arrangement 236. In the case of the embodiment of Fig. 7B, the two opposite edges 230' and 232' are attached by a riveting arrangement 238. In Figure 7C two opposite edges 230' and 232' are attached to one another at 239 by heat- welding, adhering, etc, as know er se. Fig. 8A shows an embodiment, which is similar to that shown in Figs. 5A-5F, in which the engagement members 140 of adjacent display elements all rotate in the same sense. In the case of this embodiment this is achieved by a displacing bracket 240, represented by dashed lines, to which all pivot arms 48 are attached at 246. Movement of bracket 240 yields simultaneous and parallel revolution of all engagement members 140. Thereby, a synchronous switching between different duty display segments in the different display elements is achieved. Obviously, such a display bracket may be provided at either or both the top and bottom ends of the display elements. Figs. 8B and 8C show embodiments in which rotation of adjacent engagement elements is at an opposite sense. In the case of the embodiment of Fig. 8B, motor 260 rotates a transmission gear 262 which rotates a first rotating gear 264 in a first sense (illustrated by arrow 266) which in turn rotates an adjacent gear 268 in an opposite sense, represented by arrow 270; and so on. Each of the gears is connected through an axle 272 to a respective engagement member 274, thus causing it to revolve therewith. The gears 266', 268', etc. at the opposite face of the elements, are caused to rotate by a transmission gear mechanism (not shown). Fig. 8C shows another mechanism yielding a counter-directional movement of engagement elements at adjacent display elements. In the embodiment of Fig. 8C, a drive belt 280, driven by gear 282, extends through wheels (pulleys) 284 linked to each of the engagement elements 286. The drive belt 280 passes through the different pulleys in an undulating manner such that it drives adjacent pulleys in an opposite direction as represented by arrows 290 and 292. Tension to drive belt 280 is provided by tensioning mechanism 294. Figs. 9A-9C show three consecutive operational states of a display element 300 in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment the display element is made of a pliable material, e.g. a polymeric film. The display element consists of four segments 302, 304, 306 and 308. Segment 302, which in the state shown in Fig. 9A, is the duty display segment, is tensioned over a face of engagement member 310. The different segments 302, 304, 306 and 308 are separate from one another by gaps corresponding in width to the widths of engagement member 310. The display element defines a track extending around tension roller 314 with an associated tensioning mechanism 316. Obviously, the engaging ember may be other than rectangular, e.g. have a wing-like cross-section shape. Engagement member 310 revolves about an axis in a direction represented by arrow 320, to reach a state as shown in Fig. 9B. Subsequently following further rotation, to a total duty cycle rotation of 180°, segment 304 becomes tensioned over a face of engagement member 310 serving now as the new duty display segment. Thereby different images may consecutively be displayed (four in this specific embodiment). It will be appreciated that any practical number of images may be consecutively displayed in this manner, by providing elements with corresponding number of segments, each displaying a section of such an image). A skilled person will appreciate that the distance between the engagement member and the tension roller may be shortened by providing intermediate rollers deflecting the display element. As will be appreciated, the display device of the invention may be turned into an illuminated display device by providing an illumination source within or directing light into the interior of the display elements. This may be achieved by a number of different lighting mechanisms including floodlighting, fluorescent lighting within the elements, wave-guides, etc. As already pointed out above, in case of an engagement member of the kind shown in Fig. 4, an engagement member which is opposite the display face of the device may be made to be reflective whereby, light irradiated towards the rear is forwardly reflected through a transparent or translucent display face of each of the elements. As will be appreciated, in such a case, if the display face is provided with a similarly structured engagement member, it should be made of a transparent or translucent material. Another illumination possibility is to introduce a light source or to direct light into a translucent or transparent engagement member which is at the display face of each of the display elements. This again may be achieved by any of the illumination means mentioned above. Synchronization of revolution of a different element may, as described hereinbefore, be achieved mechanically. Obviously, this may also be achieved by other means e.g. optically, electronically, etc. which will allow the obtaining of different visual effects. Furthermore, at times the revolution may be made non-synchronous to yield a variety of different visual effects. It will also be appreciated that the displayed media e.g. advertising film to be sliced, film strips, message carrying straps (flexible or rigid), etc., may be attached to the display matrix in a variety of different possibilities, e.g., adhering, stapling, riveting, direct printing, etc. Furthermore. In order to improve the general view observed by a viewer, intermediate portions (e.g. 152 in Fig. 5A, or those portions extending between portions 182A and 182B, in Fig. 3) are fitted (by attachment or by print) with overlapping portions of adjacent segments.

Claims: CLAIMS: 1. A display device 100 comprising: a plurality of display elements 108 each having at least three display segments 106, each for displaying a section of an image with segments 106 in different members 108 displaying together on at least a front, display surface 104 of the device 100, a corresponding one of at least three images; the device characterized in that the display segments 106 are pliably attached to or integral with one another to form an open ended tubular structure 120, with the walls being displaceable in a closed track defined thereby about an axis between consecutive display states in each of which one or two duty display segments lie on a corresponding one or two display plane 104 of the device; the axes of all display elements 108 being parallel and the track of all elements being simultaneously displaceable; each display element 108 being associated with a displacement mechanism comprising at least one engagement unit 126; 128 engaging the duty display segment at its two side edges, and axially revolvable while continuously engaging an edge of the duty display segment so as to drag the track until a consecutive display segment comes to lie on the display plane to constitute a consecutive duty display segment; the consecutive duty display segment composes together with corresponding consecutive duty display segments a consecutive displayed image. 2. A display device according to Claim 1, wherein the engagement unit 126; 128 makes a 180° revolution between a state in which one display segment 106 constitutes the duty display segment and between a state in which a consecutive display segment constitutes the duty display segment. 3. A display device according to Claim 1, wherein the engagement unit 192 comprises an engagement member 190 extending along essentially between the two ends of the display element 194. 4. A display device according to Claim 1, wherein the engagement unit 140; 170 comprises two cooperating engagement members, one at each end of the display element 146; 150. 5. A display device according to Claim 1, wherein the track 180 comprises an even number of rigid display elements 182A-182F. 6. A display device according to Claim 5, wherein the track is made of a multi-layer material, from which axial portions of some layers have been removed, leaving at least one outwardly facing layer, the removed portions defining edges of consecutive display segments. 7. A display device according to Claim 5, wherein the track 219 is made of a flexible base 222 carrying a plurality of rigid plates 220, with gaps 212 defined between consecutive plates 220, the gaps 212 defining edges of consecutive display segments. 8. A display device according to Claim 5, wherein the track 234 is closed by a dove-tail arrangement 236. 9. A display device according to Claim 5, wherein each display element comprises six display segments. 10. A display device according to Claim 5, wherein the displacement mechanism comprises two engagement units, one engaging a duty display segment and one engaging an opposite segment of the display element. 11. A display device according to Claim 10, comprising a second display plane parallel to said display plane, said opposite segment constituting a duty display segment of the second display plane. 12. A display device according to Claim 1, wherein said track 219 is formed of a pliable material 221. 13. A display device according to Claim 12, comprising a biasing mechanisms 294 for tensioning the track 280. 14. A display device according to Claim 1, wherein engagement units 140 of adjacent display elements revolve in the same direction. 15. A display device according to Claim 1, wherein engagement units 274 of adjacent display elements revolve in opposite direction. 16. An image carrying matrix, comprising at least three parallel display segments each one carrying a section of an image, each segment carrying a section of a different image. 17. An image carrying body, being tubular and comprising at least three axial segments each one carrying a section of an image, each segment carrying a section of a different image. 18. An image carrying body according to claim 16, wherein the display segments are pliably attached to or integral with one another to form an open ended tubular structure, with the walls being displaceable in a closed track defined thereby about an axis between consecutive display states

Inventors: NOUVOPLANSKY AVISHY, NOUVOPLANSKY, AVISHY
Applicants: NOUVOPLANSKY AVISHY, SIXEYE LTD, NOUVOPLANSKY, AVISHY, SIXEYE LTD.
Application year: 1999
Main classification: G09F11
IPC codes: G09F11