Abstract:
A sign for the displaying of a number of characters in either a first orientation or at least one additional orientation. The sign includes a frame and a series of characters, including at least one variable position character, mounted to the frame. The variable position character is movable relative to the frame such that it may be read in different positions, to display a message when the variable position character is either in a first orientation or a second orientation. The variable position character may be interconnected with the frame via a pivoting mechanism for adjusting the orientation of the variable position character. The pivoting mechanism may include a latching mechanism that secures the variable position character in a selected orientation. The characters may each include a source of illumination, such as LEDs, that are interconnected with a power supply for selectively illuminating the LEDs.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/175,265 filed on May 4, 2009, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to a sign and particularly to an illuminated sign incorporating a pivoting mechanism whereby the sign may be read in more than one orientation. 
         [0003]    Signs for storefronts and the like are well known throughout the art. For instance, signs for indicating whether a particular business is open, i.e., open signs, and the like are well known. Such signs have traditionally utilized neon for illumination of the sign. In such signs, a number of tubes are arranged to spell out the word or words desired such as, e.g., “OPEN”. Such tubes are filled with neon and an electrical charge is applied to the gas by way of a pair of opposed electrodes at either end of the tube to thereby illuminate the gas and the tube. Such signs, however, suffer from a number of disadvantages. Neon tubes tend to be very brittle and susceptible to accidental breakage. Further, neon tubing is relatively expensive and thus replacement of the tubes is undesirable and cost prohibitive. In addition, neon tubing is quite rigid in that it is not configurable into a number of different orientations as may sometimes be desirable. 
         [0004]    As such, it has become known to provide signs that simulate the appearance of neon tubing by using a plurality of light emitting members such as, for example, light emitting diodes (“LEDs”) arranged along the length of a housing and directed to emit light at a waveguide to thereby illuminate the waveguide in a manner that simulates the appearance of neon. Such constructions are advantageous with respect to traditional neon signs in that the waveguides and housing may be produced from a relatively sturdy material such as a plastic and the individual LEDs may be easily replaced when they wear out. Further, as compared to traditional neon signs, the energy needs of these signs are quite small thereby reducing costs to the user. However, such signs still suffer from a number of disadvantages as they are not configurable as may be desired by the user. For instance, a particular storefront may necessitate a sign that orients the letters in a substantially vertical manner while another may necessitate a sign that orients the letters in a substantially horizontal manner. As such, the makers of such signs must produce two different signs to accommodate the needs of all the prospective end users which increases production costs and takes up appreciably more shelf space in retail locations where the signs may be sold, thus further increasing costs to the producer which typically are passed along to the purchaser. 
         [0005]    Thus, it is desired to provide a sign that overcomes each of the foregoing disadvantages while maintaining the high quality illumination provided by the sign. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    The present invention is directed to a sign configured for the display of a number of individual letters, numbers, or other such characters. The sign includes a frame for mounting of at least one character. The character or characters mounted to the frame of the sign include at least one variable position character. The variable position character is configured to be movable with respect to the frame such that it may be read by an observer in a plurality of positions. The sign may include a rear cover selectively attached to the frame for covering components of the sign. The characters of the sign may include lights in communication with a power assembly for illumination of the characters. The lights of the sign may comprise LEDs that are selectively interconnected with the power assembly for selectively illuminating the LEDs. The sign may be configured to display a message when the variable position characters are positioned in a first orientation and when positioned in a second orientation. The variable position characters may be interconnected with the frame by way of a pivoting mechanism about which the variable position characters rotate for adjusting the orientation of the variable position characters with respect to the frame. The pivoting mechanism may additionally include a latching mechanism adapted to selectively secure the variable position characters in a selected orientation. 
         [0007]    Other aspects, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating certain embodiments of the present invention, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention without departing from the spirit thereof, and the invention includes all such modifications. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]    An exemplary embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals represent like parts throughout. 
           [0009]    In the drawings: 
           [0010]      FIG. 1  is an isometric view of a sign according to the present invention in a first orientation; 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  is a front elevation view of the sign of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  is an exploded isometric view of the sign of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  is a partially exploded isometric view of the sign of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0014]      FIG. 5A  is a partial exploded isometric view of a first embodiment of a pivoting mechanism that may be incorporated into the sign of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0015]      FIG. 5B  is a partial exploded isometric view of a second embodiment of a pivoting mechanism that may be incorporated into the sign of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  is partial cross-section of the assembled pivoting mechanism of  FIG. 5A  in a first position; 
           [0017]      FIG. 7  is a partial cross-section of the assembled pivoting mechanism of  FIG. 5A  in a second position; 
           [0018]      FIG. 8  is front elevation view of a variable orientation character incorporated into the sign of the  FIG. 1  using the pivot mechanism of  FIG. 5B  in a first orientation, with reference to line  8 - 8  of  FIG. 6 , the variable orientation character being shown in phantom; 
           [0019]      FIG. 9  is a front elevation view of the variable orientation character of  FIG. 8 , wherein the variable orientation character has been pivoted via the pivoting mechanism to a position part way between the first orientation and a second orientation, the variable orientation character being shown in phantom; 
           [0020]      FIG. 10  is a front elevation view of the variable orientation character of  FIG. 8 , wherein the variable orientation character has been pivoted about the pivoting mechanism to a second orientation, the variable orientation character being shown in phantom; 
           [0021]      FIG. 11  is an isometric view of the sign of  FIG. 1  in a second orientation; 
           [0022]      FIG. 12  is a front elevation view of the sign of  FIG. 11 ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 13  is an exploded isometric view of the sign of  FIG. 11 ; 
           [0024]      FIGS. 14-15  are front elevation views of another embodiment of the sign according to the present invention in which the sign is shown in two different orientations; 
           [0025]      FIGS. 16-17  are front elevation views of another embodiment of the sign according to the present invention in which the sign is shown in two different orientations; 
           [0026]      FIGS. 18-19  are front elevation views of another embodiment of the sign according to the present invention in which the sign is shown in two different orientations; 
           [0027]      FIGS. 20-21  are front elevation views of another embodiment of the sign according to the present invention in which the sign is shown in two different orientations; 
           [0028]      FIGS. 22-23  are front elevation views of another embodiment of the sign according to the present invention in which the sign is shown in two different orientations; 
           [0029]      FIGS. 24-25  are front elevation views of another embodiment of the sign according to the present invention in which the sign is shown in two different orientations; 
           [0030]      FIGS. 26-27  are front elevation views of another embodiment of the sign according to the present invention in which the sign is shown in two different orientations; and 
           [0031]      FIGS. 28-29  are front elevation views of another embodiment of the sign according to the present invention in which the sign is shown in two different orientations. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0032]    Referring now to the Figures, and initially to  FIGS. 1-4 , this invention relates to a sign, which may be an illuminated sign, and more specifically to an electronic sign having at least one character that is movable such that the sign may be readable in a variety of orientations such as horizontal, vertical, or any number of positions therebetween. A representative embodiment of the present invention in the horizontal orientation is shown as sign  10  having a generally rectangular configuration defining a long axis  12  and a short axis  14 . Sign  10  as illustrated in the Figures is an “Open” sign; however, it is understood that sign  10  may be configured to display a variety of messages as desired. Sign  10  includes a frame  16  configured for mounting one or more pivoting characters  18  thereto as will be explained in detail further below. Frame  16  comprises a pair of elongated walls or panels  19  extending in a direction parallel to long axis  12  and a pair of short walls or panels  21  extending parallel to short axis  14  to form an interior within which pivoting characters  18  are located. Pivoting characters  18  preferably comprise LED housings or similar such electric or electronic lighting elements of the kind known in the art. Pivoting characters  18  are arranged so as to display a particular message. As will be explained in detail herein, pivoting characters  18  are configured such that they may be rotated to more than one position such that sign  10  may be readable in a plurality of orientations such as, but not limited to, horizontal, vertical, and diagonal. 
         [0033]    Frame  16  is preferably constructed from a relatively sturdy material that is generally lightweight such as plastic. Frame  16  is preferably constructed by a molding process of the kind generally known in the art. Alternatively, frame  16  may be constructed from a relatively lightweight metal such as aluminum or the like through an extrusion or similar such process. 
         [0034]    Frame  16  includes a centrally positioned character mounting member  20  that extends along the long axis  12  of sign  10  and that is fixed to frame  16  at one or both ends thereof. Character mounting member  20  includes three apertures  22  that are configured for receiving and mounting pivoting characters  18 . As is readily understood, character mounting member  20  may be configured with any number of apertures  22  so as to accommodate a variety of different designs. In the embodiment illustrated, character mounting member  20  may be secured to and extend from a fixed character  23  integrally formed with frame  16 . In the illustrated embodiment, the fixed character  23  is in the form of the letter “O,” which has the same appearance regardless of the orientation of the sign  10 . Alternatively, fixed character  23  may comprise a separate member that is snap-fit or otherwise coupled to character mounting member  20  and frame  16 . For instance, as shown in  FIG. 3 , fixed character  23  comprises the letter “O” of the “Open” sign, and the letter “O” is received by a generally arcuate portion  27  of character mounting member  20  to secure the letter “O” thereto. It is understood that fixed character  23  may be positioned at any point along the length of character mounting member  20  and frame  16 . Further, it is understood that sign  10  may comprise one or more additional fixed characters  23  at any point along the long axis  12  of the sign or, alternatively, none at all. Fixed character  23  preferably is a letter, number, or other symbol that looks the same when viewed, for example, horizontally or vertically such that rotation thereof is unnecessary as will be explained in further detail here. Alternatively, fixed character  23  may have a different appearance in each orientation of sign  10 , and is preferably configured such that the character contributes to the design or meaning of the sign  10  in each orientation. Character mounting member  20  may be supported by a support bar  24  extending along short axis  14  between walls  19  at a location between the fixed character  23  and the far wall  21 . Support bar  24  may be integrally formed with character mounting member  20  or may be separately attached thereto. Character mounting member  20  may include a recess  25  formed in a surface thereof for receiving and securing support bar  24  therein. Support bar  24  has a first end  26  and a second end  28  coupled between the two inside surfaces of walls  19  respectively of frame  16  for securing support bar  24  to frame  16 . If desired, a second support bar  24   b  ( FIG. 3 ) may be provided along frame  16  for supporting character mounting member  20 . Similarly, second support bar  24   b  may be secured in a recess  25   b  of character mounting member  20 . 
         [0035]    Frame  16  includes two pairs of hangars  34  secured within two pairs of notches  35  such that the hangars  34  extend outwardly from exterior surfaces of one of walls  19  and  21  of frame  16 . A first pair of hangars  34  is provided on one of walls  19  for mounting or otherwise hanging sign  10  in a horizontal orientation. The hangers  34  are mounted in a spaced manner such that one of hangers  34  is mounted near a first end of sign  10  and the other of hangers  34  is mounted near a second end of sign  10 . In this manner, the sign  10  may be hung in a relatively even manner such that the weight of sign  10  is distributed across sign  10  when hung. A pair of hangars  34  is similarly provided on one of walls  21  for hanging sign  10  in a vertical orientation. To mount sign  10  to a wall or other surface, a pair of fasteners (not shown), or a chain or the like, may be inserted through the apertures of hangars  34  to secure sign  10  to a wall as is readily understood. The hangars  34  may also be attached in alternative manners. The sign  10  may also not have any hangers  34  in which case it may be mounted with keyholes or designed to stand on a counter or in any other known manner. 
         [0036]    Sign  10  further includes a rear cover  38  configured to matingly cooperate with frame  16 . Rear cover  38  is configured to protect the rear portion of sign  10  from tampering or otherwise being damaged. Further, rear cover  38  is configured for abutting against a wall or other mounting surface. 
         [0037]    Pivoting characters  18  and fixed character  23  of sign  10  are generally LED or other such electrical or electronic lighting fixtures configured in the shape of letters, numbers, or other symbols. Referring momentarily to  FIGS. 6-7 , cross-sections through a portion of one of pivoting characters  18  are shown. Pivoting character  18  comprises a housing  15  constructed from plastic or a similar such material. Housing  15  may be constructed from a relatively opaque material and be black or another dark color in appearance. Housing  15  defines a pair of sidewalls  17  and a rear wall  29  opposite an open, forward facing portion configured to receive a relatively translucent waveguide  31 . Translucent waveguide  31  is preferably constructed from a plastic or similar material. A plurality of light emitting diodes  33  are mounted within housing  15  between rear wall  29  and translucent waveguide  31 . LEDs  33  are positioned in one or more rows about the entirety of the pivoting character  18  such that light emitted by LEDs  33  is directed toward a rear surface of translucent waveguide  31  such that light imparted upon the translucent waveguide  31  is directed out through a front surface of the translucent waveguide  31  to illuminate the pivoting character  18 . LEDs  33  may be mounted to a circuit board or similar support means such that the LEDs  33  are provided in communication with a source of electricity for providing power to the LEDs  33 . More preferably, the illumination provided by the LEDs according to the present invention may resemble neon lighting as is generally understood. Alternatively, sign  10  may be constructed as channel letters or other such designs that are not constructed to simulate neon. It is generally understood that fixed character  23  is constructed in a manner similar to that of pivoting characters  18 . 
         [0038]    Pivoting characters  18  and fixed character  23  are in communication with a power source (not shown) configured to provide electricity thereto so as to illuminate the pivoting characters  18  and fixed character  23 . For example, pivoting characters  18  and fixed character  23  may include a power cord or other such wiring  37  coupled thereto and configured for coupling to a power source such as a wall outlet (not shown) to provide power thereto. 
         [0039]    Referring now to  FIGS. 5A , a first embodiment of a pivoting mechanism  40  according to the present invention is illustrated. In pivoting mechanism  40 , the pivoting characters  18  include rearwardly extending posts  42  for mounting pivoting characters  18  to the frame  16 . In particular, posts  42  are configured for insertion into apertures  22  of letter mounting member  20 . Posts  42  are generally hollow to thereby allow the wiring  37  or other electric coupling insertion therethrough. A retainer ring  44  is provided for securing each post  42  within its respective aperture  22 . Preferably, each retainer ring  44  is configured to receive an end of post  42  that extends through the aperture  22 . Retainer rings  44  are preferably configured to matingly receive the ends of the post  42  to securely hold post  42  within aperture  22 . A spring and pin assembly  46  is also provided for securing pivoting characters  18  in place. Spring and pin assembly  46  comprises a pin  48  extending along short axis  14  through a notch  49  in the wall defining aperture  22 . Pin  48  is formed integrally with and extends away from a spring body  50  configured to be slidingly inserted into a channel  52  provided beneath apertures  22 . Pin  48  is configured to engage post  42  such that each pivoting character  18  is secured into place. Spring and pin assembly  46  may be removed from channel  52  to thereby permit rotation of pivoting characters  18  such that the orientation of sign  10  may be changed. 
         [0040]    Referring now to  FIGS. 5B-10  an alternative, preferred embodiment of the pivoting mechanism  40  of the present invention is illustrated. Pivoting mechanism  40  according to the preferred embodiment includes a turntable  54  mounted to the back side of the pivoting character  18  by way of a pair of fasteners  55  received in apertures  56  of pivoting character  18 . Turntable  54  may be constructed from injection molded nylon or similar such material. Turntable  54  includes a generally rounded base  58  having an integrally, centrally mounted hollow rod  60  that extends rearward from a relatively flat surface  62  toward mounting member  20  for receipt within the aperture  22 . Surface  62  includes a pair of generally arcuate flanges  64  that extend rearwardly from surface  62 . Flanges  64  are approximately rectangular in cross-section and are disposed on opposing sides of rod  60  on surface  62 . A series of projections  66  are provided about the surface  62  and disposed at generally equidistant positions with respect to one another about a perimeter of surface  62 . Projections  66  are generally rounded bumps that extend rearwardly from surface  62  much like the flanges  64 . Flanges  64  and projections  66  are generally formed by way of molding or embossing onto surface  62  as is readily understood, or may be formed in any other satisfactory manner. 
         [0041]    A spacer  68  is provided between the turntable  54  and mounting member  20 . Spacer  68  is preferably constructed from steel, nylon, or other such material. Spacer  68  is generally flat and includes four complementary depressions  70  formed over the surface of spacer  68  that face pivoting character  18 , and are configured and arranged so as to correspond to the projections  66  of turntable  54 . Depressions  70  are preferably formed by way of molding or debossing or similar such process. In this manner, depressions  70  are capable of matingly receiving projections  66  of turntable  54  to thereby define a point of contact therebetween. Spacer  68  further includes a pair of arcuate slots  72  formed therethrough and configured to cooperate with flanges  64 . In particular, flanges  64  are received through slots  72  to thereby serve as a guide for the pivoting or rotating of pivoting character  18  as will be described. In one embodiment, spacer  68  may be integrated into the adjacent face of member  20 . 
         [0042]    Character mounting member  20  includes a rearwardly facing channel  74  through which an end of the rod  60  is received and secured in place by way of a washer  76  and a retaining ring  78 . Washer  76  is received on rod  60  and engaged with a rearwardly facing wall  80  defined in channel  74 . Retaining ring  78  may include a number of grooves around the aperture thereof for engaging a threaded portion of rod  60  as is readily understood. In this manner, retaining ring  78  prevents the pivoting character  18  from slipping off the character mounting member  20 . The channel  74  further includes four depressions  82  for receiving and engaging four corresponding springs  84 . Springs  84  are provided in order to allow a limited amount of axial movement between the pivoting character  18  and the member  20  during rotation. 
         [0043]    Referring now to  FIGS. 6 and 8 , pivoting mechanism  40  is shown in a first position in which pivoting character  18 , in this case the letter “P” of the “Open” sign  10  is placed in a horizontal orientation using a force indicated by arrow  85 . In this position, as can best be seen from  FIG. 8 , the upper one of flanges  64   a  is positioned at a left-most position within one of arcuate slots  72   a  of spacer  68  and the lower one of flanges  64   b  is positioned at a right-most position within arcuate slot  72   b.  The flanges  64   a,    64   b  and slots  72   a,    72   b  function to provide a stop structure that positions the pivoting character  18  in a predetermined position, in this case such that the pivoting character  18  is readable when sign  10  is in a horizontal orientation. In this position, the projections  66  of turntable  54  are each engaged with one of the depressions  70  of spacer  68  to thereby releasably secure the pivoting character in place such that it is not freely rotatably under force of gravity. The springs  84  function to bias pivoting character  18  toward the mounting member  20 , which thus urges the projections  66  into the depressions  70 . While four springs  84  are shown, it is generally understood that any number of springs  84  may be used in practicing the present invention. For instance, the  4  springs  84  may be reduced to a single spring  84  concentric with rod  60  and carrying out the same functions as the  4  springs  84 . 
         [0044]    Referring now to  FIG. 9 , pivoting character  18  is shown as having been rotated via pivoting mechanism  40  to an orientation between horizontal and vertical wherein rotation of pivoting character  18  is noted by arrow  86 . In this position, flange  64   a  has been slid along arcuate slot  72   a  to a point mid-way between the left most and right most position of arcuate slot  72   a  and, correspondingly, flange  64   b  has been slid within arcuate slot  72   b  to a position mid-way between the right-most position and left-most position within the arcuate slot  72   b.  Projections  66  have similarly rotated along with turntable  54  to a position such that they are not secured within one of depressions  70 . In this way, the pivoting character  18  is free to rotate between its horizontal and vertical orientations. The springs  84  are compressed when pivoting character  18  is in this position, to accommodate the slight outward movement of pivoting character  18  when projections  66  are moved out of the depressions  70 . 
         [0045]    Referring now to  FIGS. 7 and 10 , pivoting character  18  is shown as having been rotated via pivoting mechanism  40  to its vertical orientation as shown by arrow  88 . In this orientation, flange  64   a  has been rotated to the right-most position within arcuate slot  72   a  and flange  64   b  has been rotated to the left-most position within arcuate slot  72   b.  The flanges  64   a,    64   b  and slots  72   a,    72   b  function to provide a stop structure that positions the pivoting character  18  in a predetermined position, in this case such that the pivoting character  18  is readable when sign  10  is in a vertical orientation. Projections  66  have been rotated to cooperate with the depressions  70  of the spacer  68  similar to that seen when pivoting character  18  was in the horizontal orientation. Again, the springs  84  function to bias pivoting character  18  toward the mounting member  20 , which thus urges the projections  66  into the depressions  70  so that the pivoting character  18  is secured in place by way of the interplay between the four projections  66  and depressions  70 . The springs  84 , in combination with the projections  66  and depressions  70 , thus function to hold the pivoting character  18  in place such that a certain amount of user-applied force is required to rotate the pivoting character  18  out of position. In this way, the pivoting character  18  is not able to slip out of position under the force of gravity but rather requires an external, applied force to rotate. As noted previously, the springs  84  may be replaced by a single spring  84  concentrically mounted on rod  60 . 
         [0046]    As is readily understood, in both the horizontal and vertical orientations, the arcuate slots  72  serve to define a maximum point of rotation in that the ends of the arcuate slots  72  are arranged to coincide with the horizontal and vertical orientations of the pivoting character  18 . 
         [0047]    Now referring to  FIGS. 11-13 , sign  10  is illustrated with pivoting letters  18  oriented vertically. Thus, sign  10  may be mounted in the vertical orientation such that sign  10  may be read. 
         [0048]    In operation, pivoting characters  18  may be selectively rotated by an operator of sign  10  such that sign  10  may be oriented in a horizontal, vertical, or generally oblique direction. For instance, as shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , sign  10  is oriented such that the pivoting characters  18  “P,” “E,” and “N” of an “OPEN” sign are rotated such that the sign may be read correctly while oriented horizontally. However, if the operator of sign  10  so desires, sign  10  may be rotated to be read in a vertical orientation by individually rotating pivoting characters  18  “P,” “E,” and “N” such that they read vertically instead of horizontally as shown in  FIGS. 11-13 . 
         [0049]    As shown, fixed character  23  represents the letter “O” of the “OPEN” sign  10  such that fixed character  23  does not require rotation in order to be read in the horizontal or vertical directions as is generally understood. However, it is appreciated that fixed character  23  may alternatively be constructed as a pivoting character like “P,” “E,” and “N” of “OPEN” sign  10  in keeping with the spirit of the present invention. Likewise, any of pivoting characters  18  may be constructed as fixed character  23  in practicing the present invention. Sign  10  may comprise any number of different messages such as, but not limited to, “EXIT,” “CAUTION,” “VACANCY,” etc. Likewise, sign  10  may comprise other characters such as various symbols and numbers. Further, sign  10  may consist of characters of any language. It is understood that sign  10  according to the present invention may be configured such that the letters are rotatable such that the sign may be read diagonally or in other such non-vertical and non-horizontal directions. 
         [0050]    Referring now to  FIGS. 14-29 , sign  10  according to the present invention may be constructed with a variety of different frames  16 . In addition, sign  10  may include additional lighting members positioned around sign  10  for providing sign  10  with an enhanced aesthetic appearance or to improve visibility. For instance, sign  10  may include a pair of arcuate light strips  90  extending above or below sign  10  when in the horizontal orientation or to the left and right of sign  10  when in the vertical orientation. A variety of different arcuate light strips  90  may be provided such as half oval or quarter oval shaped. Alternatively, a single arcuate light strip  92  may be provided around a portion of sign  10  as shown in  FIGS. 19-20 . Alternatively, a number of individual point light sources  94  may be provided around the perimeter of sign  10 , for example, around an exterior surface of frame  16  as shown in  FIGS. 20-25  to form a variety of designs around the perimeter of sign  10 .  FIGS. 26-27  illustrate yet another embodiment of sign  10  according to the present invention wherein sign  10  includes a pair of elongate light strips  96  positioned above and below or to the left and right of sign  10 . It is also understood that sign  10  of the present invention may be provided without frame  16  as shown in  FIGS. 28-29 . Accordingly, sign  10  may simply comprise pivoting letters  18  and a fixed character  23  attached to character mounting member  20  at apertures  22  for selective rotation therein. 
         [0051]    Although the best mode contemplated by the inventors of carrying out the present invention is described above, practice of the present invention is not limited thereto. It is further contemplated that various additions, modifications and rearrangements of the features of the present invention may be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the underlying inventive concept. 
         [0052]    Various alternatives and modifications are contemplated as being within the scope of the following claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter regarded as the invention.