Abstract:
This invention relates generally to frame-less luminous displays such as electroluminescent, OLED, and LED displays that are releaseably mounted to a surface using adjustable, removable and/or replaceable adapters. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a thin, frame-less luminous display device which comprises a plurality of thin translucent or transparent layers on which an opaque, graphic layer has been applied and which is illuminated using an electroluminescent light source configured between said transparent or translucent layers. The display device may be further adapted to be releaseably mounted on a surface such as pane of glass using adjustable, removable suction cup type mounting devices.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    The present application claims benefit of priority to and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/490,565, filed Jun. 7, 2012, and entitled PORTABLE FRAME-LESS REVERSIBLE LUMINOUS SUCTION CUP DISPLAY (Coleman), which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention relates generally to frame-less luminous displays such as electroluminescent, OLED, and LED displays that are releaseably mounted to a surface using adjustable, removable, and/or replaceable adapters. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a thin, frame-less luminous display device which comprises a plurality of thin translucent or transparent layers on which an opaque, graphic layer has been applied and which is illuminated using an electroluminescent light source configured between said transparent or translucent layers. The display device may be further adapted to be releaseably mounted on a surface such as pane of glass using, for example, adjustable, removable suction cup type mounting devices. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Many devices exist for displaying images or messages for showing support for a cause, school, or team or for advertising or other purposes. These devices may be neon signs, back-lit signs, hanging light box signs, LED signs, or LCD panels and may be releaseably mounted in a window using adhesives, by electrostatic cling, by a suction device, or may be mounted behind the window by hanging the sign or mounting the sign on a stand. A problem common to these devices is the size and weight of the devices that often limit how the displays may be mounted. Additionally, signs such as neon signs require an AC power source to function and are not suited to being mounted in a vehicle window or other application not having ready access to such a power source. 
         [0004]    It is known in the art to mount a display device to the reverse of a flexible substrate to be releaseably attached to a window by electrostatic cling. Michael et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 7,596,889); Woodruff et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 7,065,910). It is further known to place an illumination device in a housing and attach said housing to a surface using suction type devices. Snyder (U.S. Pat. No. 7,065,909). It is also known in the art to place an illumination device between multiple, rigid, transparent panels to facilitate mounting the illumination device on a surface. Hoffman (U.S. Pat. No. 5,533,289). However, what is needed is a thin, light weight device composed of an electroluminescent display sandwiched between layers of a flexible, transparent substrate powered by an external power source or attached or integrated battery. 
         [0005]    What is needed is a thin and light illuminated sign powered by a DC power adapter or battery pack that can be releaseably mounted to a vehicle window. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    The present invention provides a thin, flexible, electroluminescent display that may be releaseably mounted on either the obverse or reverse of a window or similar surface. In one embodiment, the present invention primarily consists of a flat, transparent, flexible, laminated panel capable of being mounted on a window or similar planar surface by one or more suction-type devices. In this embodiment, when the reverse side of the present invention is viewed from a top, planar perspective, the electroluminescent areas of the panel can be seen and are connected by a single, flexible, conductive wire. Around the edges of this embodiment of the present invention are three locations where releasable suction cup mounts can be attached. The suction cups may be mounted to such that the cup end is facing either the obverse or reverse of the display allowing for a user to select and switch between mounting and facing the display on either an interior or exterior surface, e.g., a car window. 
         [0007]    In this embodiment the laminated panel itself is thin and frameless. The panel may or may not have control circuitry attached to the panel. The power control circuitry may be contained in a control box separate from the panel in an in-line configuration with the power cord. The control circuitry may connect to the electroluminescent circuitry of the present invention on the reverse side using a quick release multi-pin connector. The connector may be permanently attached to a flat, flexible wire harness that provides power to the electroluminescent areas laminated in the panel, directly connected to the electroluminescent areas, or may be omitted from the device, wherein the device is permanently attached to a power adapter or battery pack. The wire itself may be also laminated within the panel, only to protrude slightly from the reverse of the panel where the connector is attached. 
         [0008]    Power may be provided to the present invention through a connector and flexible wire harness. The connector connects to a wire harness that joins the device to the control circuitry. The control circuitry is then further connected to a DC connector, battery pack, or AC/DC power adapter. The DC connector may optionally be connected to an AC/DC power converter and may further comprise an integrated battery pack. A selector switch is positioned on one side of the control circuitry. In one exemplary mode of operation, the switch allows the present invention to be operated in one of, for example, three illumination modes. For example, when the device is attached to the DC power cord and AC/DC converter and the selective switch on the control box is in the “constant on” position, the electroluminescent portions of the panel will illuminate. The device may also be connected to a DC battery pack which may integrated into the AC/DC converter or DC power cord or, in another embodiment, may be attached to the device itself 
         [0009]    The panel itself may consist of, for example, three mounting points for the reversible releasable mounts, the connector protruding from the reverse of the device, and the laminated panel. The laminated panel may be comprised of several layers of flexible plastic, pvc, or vinyl. The electroluminescent layers may be oriented between the obverse and reverse layers of the panel, the opaque printed image layer, and the flexible wire harness which provides power to the electroluminescent layers. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]    In order to facilitate a full understanding of the present invention, reference is now made to the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are referenced with like numerals. These drawings should not be construed as limiting the present invention, but are intended to be exemplary and for reference. 
           [0011]      FIG. 1  is a plan view of an embodiment of the illuminated display device. 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the illuminated display device mounted on the interior of a substantially planar surface. 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the illuminated display device mounted on the exterior of a substantially planar surface. 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  is a side plan view of an embodiment of the illuminated display device in a vertical configuration. 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  is a block diagram schematic of one embodiment of the electrical circuitry used in the illuminated display device. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0016]    The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments as shown in the accompanying drawings. While the present invention is described herein with reference to the exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to such exemplary embodiments. Those possessing ordinary skill in the art and having access to the teachings herein will recognize additional implementations, modifications, and embodiments, as well as other applications for use of the invention, which are fully contemplated herein as within the scope of the present invention as disclosed and claimed herein, and with respect to which the present invention could be of significant utility. 
         [0017]    With respect to  FIG. 1 , an embodiment of the invention depicting a plan view of the present invention is provided. The illuminated device  100  is shown with control circuitry  130 . Control circuitry  130  comprises controller box  134  and DC connector  132 . The controller box  134  comprises control circuitry configured to operate the illumination circuitry  120  and may also comprise an inverter or a power adapter. The controller box  134  may also comprise a battery or battery pack, such as a rechargeable lithium ion battery pack. In addition, a sound chip or controller and a speaker may also be incorporated into the controller box  134  to provide sound in addition to the illuminated display  110 . The sound chip may be, for example, a CHEERTREND CH-SM001 device and may be integrated into the controller box  134  or may be integrated into the illuminated display  110 . DC adapter  132  may be further connected to an AC/DC adapter such that the device may be connected to an AC power source. Furthermore, the control circuitry  130  may be releaseably connected to the illuminated display  110  by a connector  124 . 
         [0018]    The illumination circuitry  120  is configured between a plurality of layers of a flexible, transparent material such as a vinyl plastic or PVC that comprise the flexible body of the illuminated display  110 . The illumination circuitry  120  may comprise electroluminescent circuitry, LEDs, an OLED display, or a flexible LCD display. In this embodiment, the illumination circuitry  120  comprises electroluminescent circuitry and is positioned behind images and designs  122 . In one embodiment, the illumination circuitry  120  is laminated or layered between thin, flexible, transparent layers of a vinyl plastic. The illumination circuitry  120  is best protected when permanently sealed between two exterior layers of vinyl plastic such that the illumination circuitry  120  is not exposed to the elements. The images and designs  122  are translucent or substantially opaque but are still illuminated by the electroluminescent circuitry  122 . The illuminated display  110  also comprises a plurality of mounting points  140 . The mounting points are adapted to receive a releasable mounting device such as suction cups  142 . The suction cups  142  may be mounted in the openings  144  such that the illuminated device  100  may be mounted with either the obverse or reverse of the device facing the mounting surface. The illuminated device  100  may also be mounted to a surface using any other suitable means for releaseably mounting the device to said surface such as by magnets, electrostatic cling, reusable adhesive, or hook-and-loop fasteners. 
         [0019]    The controller box  134  may comprise a power or selector switch for choosing the mode of operation of the device  100 . The device  100  may be set to an off, always on, flash, or sequencing modes of operation. In a sequencing mode of operation, different portions of the illumination circuitry in a predetermined sequence, controlled by the inverter attached to the display device. In one embodiment, the illumination circuitry  120  as seen in  FIG. 1  may illuminate in the following manner. The lower curvilinear portion of the illumination circuitry  120  may illuminate first, followed by the upper curvilinear portion and the center circular portion. The pattern and order in which different portions of the illumination circuitry  120  activate may be predetermined by an inverter in the control circuitry  130  and are not limited to the embodiments described herein. 
         [0020]    Now with respect to  FIG. 2 , the illuminated device  200  is depicted in a perspective view attached to the interior of the vehicle window  250 . In this embodiment, suction cups  242  are positioned in mounting points  240  such that the illuminated display  210  is facing the surface on which it is releaseably attached, window  250 . In this configuration the device  200  is securely mounted inside the vehicle  252  such that it is not exposed to the elements. The control circuitry  230  is concealed within the vehicle  252  and in this configuration would be connected to a DC power source within the vehicle  252 . However, the device  200  may also be powered by a battery power source such as a rechargeable lithium ion battery pack. 
         [0021]    Now with respect to  FIG. 3 , the illuminated device  300  is depicted in a perspective view attached to the exterior of vehicle window  350 . In this embodiment, suction cups  342  are positioned in mounting points  340  such that the illuminated display  310  is facing away from the surface on which it is releaseably attached, window  350 . The suction cups  342  are configured in openings  344  such that the suction cup attachment portions of the suction cups  342  are facing the vehicle window  350 . In this configuration the reverse of the device faces the mounting surface, window  350 , and the device  300  is on the exterior of the vehicle  352 . By mounting the device  300  on the exterior of the vehicle  352 , the device is more visible in situations where the vehicle window may be obscured by a tint, sticker, fixture, or other obstruction. This mounting configuration is optimal when the device  300  will not be exposed to harsh or unfavorable weather conditions. The control circuitry  330  is releaseably mounted on the exterior of the vehicle  352  by a magnet incorporated into the adapter  332 . The adapter  332  may also be mounted to the vehicle  352  by any other means for releaseably mounting the adapter  332  such as a by a suction cup or reusable adhesive. The controller box  334  may comprise a power or selector switch for choosing the mode of operation of the device  300 . The device  300  may be set to an off, always on, flash, or sequencing modes of operation. The controller box  344  may also further comprise a battery pack or rechargeable battery pack. 
         [0022]    Now with respect to  FIG. 4 , a side view of the illuminated device  400  in a vertical configuration is provided. This side view shows the thin, flexible main illuminated display portion  410  of the device  400 . Also shown are the mounting points  440  with suction cups  442  positioned in openings  444  such that the front (obverse) of the device  400  would be facing the surface on which the device  400  would be mounted. Images, graphics, designs, or text may be printed in translucent or substantially opaque manner on the front of the device. Also shown are the alternative mounting positions  446  for the suction cups  442 . In the alternative mounting positions  446  the suction cups  442  would be configured to mount the back (reverse) of the device  400  such that the back of the device  400  is facing the surface on which it is to be mounted. The control circuitry  430  is either fixedly or releaseably attached to the illuminated display  410  and in this embodiment comprises a DC adapter  432  and a controller box  434  which alternatively may be integrated to the display portion  410  such that the display is a unitary design without outwardly extending wires or boxes. Further, a touch sensitive mode-switching device or the like may be used to obviate the need for a mechanical switch. 
         [0023]    Now with respect to  FIG. 5 , a block diagram schematic of the control circuitry  500  of the present invention is depicted. The control circuitry comprises a DC power supply  510 , such as a DC power source in a vehicle, a DC/AC power converter  520 , a power connector  530 , an inverter  540 , and illumination circuitry  550 . The control circuitry  500  may either be configured to primarily connect to a DC or an AC power source, and in either configuration the control circuitry may comprise a power adapter such as a DC/AC adapter or an AC/DC adapter. The inverter  540  may comprise a power or selector switch for choosing the mode of operation of the device. The device may be set to an off, always on, flash, or sequencing modes of operation. The control circuitry  500  may also comprise a battery pack, such as a rechargeable lithium ion battery pack, a nickel cadmium battery pack, or may be configured to accept a standard battery type such as AA, AAA, 9 volt, or C type batteries. 
         [0024]    While the invention has been described by reference to certain preferred embodiments, it should be understood that numerous changes could be made within the spirit and scope of the inventive concept described. Also, the present invention is not to be limited in scope by the specific embodiments described herein. It is fully contemplated that other various embodiments of and modifications to the present invention, in addition to those described herein, will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from the foregoing description and accompanying drawings. Thus, such other embodiments and modifications are intended to fall within the scope of the following appended claims. Further, although the present invention has been described herein in the context of particular embodiments and implementations and applications and in particular environments, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that its usefulness is not limited thereto and that the present invention can be beneficially applied in any number of ways and environments for any number of purposes. Accordingly, the claims set forth below should be construed in view of the full breadth and spirit of the present invention as disclosed herein.