Abstract:
A message display device is provided which includes a portable control unit having electric power supplied externally. A timing device is provided which controls opening and closing of a hinged member, for example a car hood. The hinged member is attached with a visual display. A lifting device elevates the hinged member away from a lower surface to stretchably reveal display.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   The present invention is a Continuation in Part of Ser. No. 09/957,737, filed on Sep. 20, 2001. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates generally to a device for and method of displaying messages such as advertising information. The device comprises means for opening and closing a hinged member, such as the hood of a car, means of attaching the message to such hinged member and means of controlling the timing of the opening an closing of such hinged member, either through prior programming or through sensing of an event, such as a person walking past a car to the hood of which is attached the device. The method of displaying messages utili8zes the device or similar devices to open and close hinged members in such manner as to catch the eye of those persons passing by the location where the devices are located thus drawing attention to the messages displayed thereby. 
   2. Description of the Related Art 
   There are known in the art many forms of message displays and eye catching devices which help ensure that persons passing by a location will see and take note of messages being displayed. Neon lights or search lights draw attention to a location and the messages, typically advertising, the proprietor wishes to impart. During all hours of the day banners and fixed signs impart the messages. Typically, it is movement which most attracts the human eye and thus incorporation of movement into displays helps assure that the message is received by even casual passers by. Large flags and strings of small, often triangular, flags attract attention as they blow in the breeze. Balloons over establishments also catch the eye both with movement and with the reaction of the viewer to a large object in what is normally clear air. Flashing lights can attract attention at all hours. Each of these devices and methods performs the intended function well enough, but such devices and methods are so common place that their effectiveness is diminished. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   It is the object of the present invention to provide a device which allows messages to be displayed with movement through the opening and closing of a hinged member, such as a car hood. Such device shall cause the hinged member to open either at pre-programmed times or upon the happening of an event. As an example, the device could be set to open when the presence of a person is sensed in the vicinity of a device. A person viewing a given car at a car lot will walk up to that car. The device, sensing the person&#39;s presence then opens the hood of the car, revealing the message. Thus single displays can be provided at various places on any merchant&#39;s location, not just car lots, and such individual displays are opened by the device to impart the message to prospective customers as they walk by those particular locations. The random opening and closing of the displays resulting from this action will catch the attention of those walking or driving by the merchant&#39;s location, thus creating more interest in visiting such merchant&#39;s location, thus creating more interest in visiting such merchant&#39;s location. In the alternative the devices can be programmed to open and close at pre-set times. As an example, on a car lot, a row of cars could be made to open sequentially to impart a message word by word, phrase by phrase, or letter by letter, from hood to hood. Again the resulting movement will attract attention from those walking or passing by the merchant&#39;s location, creating interest in visiting such merchant. It is further an object of this invention to provide a method of displaying messages in this manner using the device or similar devices. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a message display device, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is an isometric view of the message display device, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the air blower, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 4  is a partial sectional view of the potentiometric control unit, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 5  is a side elevational view of the plurality of inflatable air bags with visual display shown attached thereto in a semi-compressed state, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 6  is a side elevational view of the plurality of inflatable air bags with visual display shown attached thereto in a compressed state, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 7  is an isometric view of a first alternate visual display lifting apparatus; 
       FIG. 8  illustrates corresponding hook-and-loop fastener elements shown attached to a rear side of a selected message display sheet; 
       FIG. 9  illustrates a perspective view for an alternate embodiment for the visual display, shown as a retractable visual display; 
       FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view of the retractable visual display taken along lines X—X of  FIG. 9 ; 
       FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the retractable visual display illustrating insertion of the industrial pin through the cylindrical boss of header plate; and 
       FIG. 12  is a side elevational view of the tensioner tool. 
   

   DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   1. Detailed Description of the Figures 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 1–4 , a message display device  10  is shown, according to the present invention, comprised of a compact, potentiometric control unit  20  being electrically connected to an air blower  40  via controlled connecting circuit  21 . The potentiometric control unit  20  is of a size allowing for placement within an engine compartment  110  of a vehicle  100  if desired. The air blower  40  includes a handle  41  to facilitate portability, and an air vent  42  provided along a rear side thereof, the function of which to be described in greater detail below. The control unit  20  is powered via a 12-volt power source  60  to which control unit  20  is electrically connected. It is envisioned that control unit  20  is connected electrically to a 12-volt battery  63  via power cord  22  having battery terminal connecting clamps. Alternatively, it is envisioned that control unit  20  is supplied with a cigarette lighter adapter  24  to facilitate electrical connection to power source  60 . 
   An air hose  43  extends from air blower  40  and connects to a visual display lifting apparatus  50 , to be described in greater detail below. 
   The control unit  20  is comprised of an electronic cycle timing device  27  connected electrically between power source  60  via power cord  22  and air blower  40  via controlled connecting circuit  21 . An ON/OFF switch  25  electrically controls electronic cycle timing device  27  via controlled circuit cord  26 . 
   The control unit  20  further comprises a first adjustable potentiometer  30  being electrically connected to electronic cycle timing device  27  via connecting wire  33 . The first adjustable potentiometer  30  is provided with an adjustable knob and pointer  34 , wherein first adjustable potentiometer  30  is adapted to operate in communication with electronic cycle timing device  27  to allow for manually selected, active current flow for operative engagement over a selectively prescribed time interval. 
   A second adjustable potentiometer  36  is electrically connected to electronic cycle timing device  27  via connecting wire  35 . The second adjustable potentiometer  36  is provided with an adjustable knob and pointer  38 , wherein second adjustable potentiometer  36  is adapted to operate in communication with electronic cycle timing device  27  to control air bag deflation duration. 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 1–6 , the visual display lifting apparatus  50  defines a plurality of inflatable air bags  52  which includes an upper, medial, and lower air bag  52   a ,  52   b ,  52   c  respectively. Each of the plurality of inflatable air bags  52  is generally triangular-shaped in cross-section, and has a lower surface and an upper surface joined by a convoluted circumferential sidewall  53 . The plurality of inflatable air bags  52  is fabricated of a textile material defining a non-skid surface having small protuberances  56  randomly dispersed. The protuberances  56  facilitate adhesive engagement to an upper surface  112 , here shown as a fabric layer  113  adhered to a bottom surface of a vehicle hood  114 , and a lower surface  109 , here shown as the automobile engine compartment  110 . The textile material is envisioned as vinyl  57 . The upper surface of the lower air bag  52   c  is attached in an air-tight manner to the lower surface of the medial air bag  52   b , and the upper surface of medial air bag  52   b  is attached in an air-tight manner to the lower surface of the upper air bag  52   a . The upper surface of the lower air bag  52   c , and the lower surface of both the medial air bag  52   b  and upper air bag  52   a  define one or more air-flow portals to facilitate air communication between the plurality of inflatable air bags  52 . 
   In order to facilitate removable attachment of a visual display  70  to the visual display lifting apparatus  50 , fastening means  80 , shown herein as integral strap-support loops  82  are positioned along a left and right front corner of upper air bag  52   a  and along a left and right front corner of lower air bag  52   c . The visual display  70  defines a generally square-shaped sheet of collapsible material having an upper edge opposing a lower edge. The visual display  70  is provided with a plurality of linear creases  72  being horizontally aligned at spaced locations theredown, the function of which to be described in greater detail below. The upper edge and lower edge of the visual display  70  is formed into an elongated loop  74  which provides a passage through which a straightener member  75  is slidably inserted. The straightener member  75  is of a length measuring greater than a length of the elongated loop  74 , thus upon insertion of straightener member  75  therethrough, opposed ends of straightener member  75  protrude beyond ends of elongated loop  74 . 
   A fastening strap  77  is looped around opposed ends of straightener member  75  and inserted within the strap-support loops  82 , whereupon each fastening strap  77  is subsequently tied, thereby facilitating attachment of visual display  70  to visual display lifting apparatus  50 . The straightener member  75  serves to provide a visual display  70  being taut during periods of exhibition. 
   In operation of the message display device  10 , upon setting first adjustable potentiometer  30  to a desired setting, current passes from electronic cycle timing device  27  to air blower  40 , wherein air blower  40  is actuated to supply pressurized air to the plurality of inflatable air bags  52  via air hose  43 , and more specifically, pressurized air is supplied by air blower  40  via air hose  43  to lower air bag  52   c  through an air inlet port  55  thereof, thus inflating lower air bag  52   c . Being in air communication with lower air bag  52   c , the medial air bag  52   b  and upper air bag  52   a  are inflated over the prescribed duration, thus applying a simultaneous upward force against the upper surface and a downward force against the lower surface, thereby causing an opening of the upper surface and facilitating elongated extension of the visual display  70  in a taut manner. Upon completion of the selected cycle time interval as set by first adjustable potentiometer  30 , the plurality of inflatable air bags  52  deflate, discharging air therefrom through air hose  43  to air blower  40  from which air escapes via air vent  42  thereof for a time period as prescribed by the second adjustable potentiometer  36 . As the plurality of inflatable air bags  52  deflate, the plurality of linear creases  72  of the visual display  70  mate with recesses formed by the convoluted circumferential sidewalls  53  of air bags  52 . Thus upon deflation, the air bags  52  and visual display  70  collapse in an accordion manner to a compact shape as shown in  FIG. 6 . 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 7–8 , it is envisioned that an alternative visual display lifting apparatus  90 , of an inflatable configuration, is adapted to accommodate interchangeable message displays. The visual display lifting apparatus  90  defines a forward sidewall having a plurality of fastener elements  92 , shown herein as hook-and-loop fasteners  93 , attached thereto, adapted to mate with corresponding hook-and-loop fastener elements  93  attached to a rear side of a selected message display sheet  94 , thus allowing for a myriad of interchangeable messages to be easily and quickly displayed and changed upon desire. 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 9–12 , an alternate embodiment for the visual display  70  is described hereinbelow, shown as a retractable visual display  120 . The retractable visual display  120  comprises a generally rectangular housing  124  containing a spring-biased mandrel  122 , around which a flexible banner  130  is wound and affixed at a lower end thereof. The housing  124  includes an elongated slot  125  located along a top side  128  and adjacent to a forward side wall  126  of housing  124  so as to permit banner  130  to pass therethrough. The forward side wall  126  is opposed by a rear side wall  127 . 
   A header plate  140 , having an integral cylindrical boss  142  projecting outwardly therefrom, provides bearing support to mandrel  122 . The header plate  140  is mounted flush to an outer end of housing  124  against the forward side wall  126 , the top side  128 , and the rear side wall  127 . 
   Mounted against an inner wall of header plate  140 , a torque-spring anchoring cap  144  is provided with an internal elongated notch  145  for anchoring a first end  151  of a torque spring  150 . Mounted flush against and having a smaller diameter than torque-spring anchoring cap  144 , a cap ring  146  is provided. The cap ring  146  defines a spring-arm passage  147  extending downward therethrough and being aligned with notch  145  of torque-spring anchoring cap  144 . The spring-arm passage  147  provides a channel through which an arm  152  of torque spring  150  passes and extends therefrom at its first end  151  to the notch  145  of torque-spring anchoring cap  144 . 
   In order to limit lateral movement of mandrel  122  toward header plate  140 , a mandrel-abutment ring  148  is provided. The mandrel-abutment ring  148  is formed integral to mandrel  122  and extends radially therearound. A face  149  of mandrel-abutment ring  148  abuts against an outer face of cap ring  146  upon lateral movement of mandrel  122  in a direction toward cap ring  146 , thus arresting further movement of mandrel  122 . 
   The mandrel  122  includes an anterior end  122   a  opposite a posterior end  122   b , wherein mandrel  122  rotatably resides within a mandrel-receiving chamber  160  inside housing  124 . The mandrel-receiving chamber  160  is formed as a cylindrical cavity  163  which extends through cap ring  146 , torque-spring anchoring cap  144 , and header plate  140 . The anterior end  122   b  of mandrel  122  protrudes outside header plate  140 . The mandrel  122  is adapted to provide return torsional force via the torque spring  150  being coiled therearound down a length thereof, and attached to mandrel  122  at ends  122   a ,  122   b  thereof. 
   The posterior end  122   b  of mandrel  122  is provided with an elongated slit  123  extending axially therethrough which allows anchored engagement by an elbow  154  of torque spring  150 , thus securing torque spring  150  to mandrel  122 . 
   An end cap plate  160  is mounted to housing  124  against the forward side wall  126 , top side  128 , and rear side wall  127 , positioned opposed to header plate  140 . A bearing cap  162  is mounted against an inner wall of end cap plate  160 . Mounted flush against and having a smaller diameter than bearing cap  162 , a core end cap  164  is provided. A linearly elongated bore  165 , which extends through end cap plate  160 , bearing cap  162 , and core end cap  164 , provides a bearing surface for a bearing pin  166 . 
   In order to facilitate manual torquing of the mandrel  122 , the anterior end  122   a  thereof is provided with an elongated slot  180  extending axially therethrough. The elongated slot  180  is adapted to receive a flat working end  192  of a standard flat-blade screwdriver  190 . 
   In order to facilitate locking of a desired torque of the mandrel  122 , both the cylindrical boss  142  of header plate  140  and the mandrel  122  are each provided with a threaded thru-hole  143 ,  129  respectively, which are aligned and threadedly receive a threaded industrial pin  195  or machine screw. 
   The retractable visual display  120  is mounted atop a front portion of an elongated lifting apparatus support base  170 , while a remaining portion thereof provides a support surface for accommodating the visual display lifting apparatus  50 . 
   The flexible banner  130  of the retractable visual display  120  has an upper edge formed into an elongated loop  134  which encases a straightener member  135 . The straightener member  135  is of a length measuring greater than a length of elongated slot  125  of housing  124 , thereby preventing retraction of straightener member  135  into housing  124 . 
   In order to facilitate removable attachment of flexible banner  130  to the elevating device  50 , ends of the straightener member  135  are inserted through the integral strap-support loops  82  of upper air bag  52   a.    
   2. Operation of the Preferred Embodiment 
   In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention the message display device  10  is used in the following manner. User first places the visual display lifting apparatus  50  atop a lower surface  109 . User loops fastening strap  77  around opposed ends of straightener member  75  and inserts such ends within the strap-supported loops  82 , whereupon each fastening strap  77  is subsequently tied, thereby facilitating attachment of visual display  70  to visual display lifting apparatus  50 . User next electrically connects control unit  20  to a 12-volt battery  63  via power cord  22 . User sets first adjustable potentiometer  30  to a desired setting, thus actuating air blower  40  to supply pressurized air to the plurality of inflatable air bags  52 , thereby causing an opening of the upper surface  112 , and facilitating elongated extension of the visual display  70  in a taut manner. Upon completion of the selected cycle time interval as set by first adjustable potentiometer  30 , the plurality of inflatable air bags  52  deflate, discharging air therefrom through air hose  43  to air blower  40  from which air escapes via air vent  42  thereof for a time period set by user via the second adjustable potentiometer  36 . As the plurality of inflatable air bags  52  deflate, the plurality of linear creases  72  of the visual display  70  mate with recesses formed by the convoluted circumferential sidewalls  53  of air bags  52 . Thus upon deflation, the air bags  52  and visual display  70  collapse in an accordion manner to a compact shape. 
   Therefore, the foregoing description is included to illustrate the operation of the preferred embodiment and is not meant to limit the scope of the invention. As one can envision, an individual skilled in the relevant art, in conjunction with the present teachings, would be capable of incorporating many minor modifications that are anticipated within this disclosure. The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the Claims appended hereto and their equivalents. Therefore, the scope of the invention is to be broadly limited only by the following Claims.