Abstract:
A pin display first embodiment utilizes a cammed two differently dimensioned cam to press a pin support forward to make it even or clear it, followed by a flattened portion to enable a pin support to move back into gentle contact with a belt having raised numerals which generally advance based upon a continuously driven motor. A third position on the cam brings the pin support forward to a third, rest position away from the belt and at which the mechanism rests, typically for one minute. The subject matter can be time, temperature, barometric pressure, or for symbols and pictures for a story telling application. The device can be configured to display any dimensional image and can present a sequence of images. A pin display of a second embodiment of the invention utilizes push-pull solenoids to control pre-specified segmented areas of pins to an outward or inward position.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to improvements in the technology relating to inexpensive, novel and reliable clocks and the like for operating a display in a novel pin push format. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Chronometers are well known. Pin matrix art devices have been both toy and art for decades, used by children to capture and “digitize” in terms of the position of a limited number of pin heads, an object over which the pins were placed to operate by gravity, falling onto the bottom design shape. The very thing which makes the pin art boxes so much fun, that of utilizing nothing more than the gravity of the pin operating against a surface configuration, also makes it somewhat limiting in that the device must generally be able to be inverted in order to be reset and to be re-oriented to allow the pins to fall. 
     What is needed is a device which can combine the captivating two dimensional “digitized” effects of pin art and utilize it to operate a clock to show time in the pin art format. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The pin display mechanism can be utilized as a display clock or any other type of display, such as temperature, barometric pressure, or non alpha numeric displays. A first embodiment of the present invention utilizes a cammed two differently dimensioned cam to press a pin support forward to make it even or clear it, followed by a flattened portion to enable a pin support to move back into gentle contact with a belt having raised numerals which generally advance based upon a continuously driven motor. A third position on the cam brings the pin support forward to a third, rest position away from the belt and at which the mechanism rests, typically for one minute. 
     Although time could be recorded to seconds, the cycle time for the mechanism to erase, move back to the belt to pick up the new image and then move to a display position could be as little as a second, and is not expected to be accomplished at the time level of seconds. In addition, since each change is accompanied by mechanically controlled movement of the pin holder, or pin matrix, continuous motion is not necessarily desired. 
     A clock (mounted or free standing)as the image mechanism can be split into one or many independent belts, chains, links, drums, or wheels and more, leading to multiple images being presented at different times. In the clock application showing hours and minutes, it is preferable to utilize four belts with 0-9 digits turns via a clock mechanism. The clock mechanism is preferably a slow moving belt mechanism using rpm step-down or other suitable timing mechanism which may enables a direct drive motor to be employed to move a belt having physically raised numbers forming a volumetric protrusion in the direction of the pin matrix. The time is displayed via the numbers, the pin matrix moves in to the image to present the time as a contour of pins to the outside of the mechanism. It is also possible to move the pin mechanism in and out at different speeds to create a pulsing of image display. The chronometer device can take any external form, can be controlled electronically or mechanically. 
     The invention also has a story telling application. The device can be configured to display any dimensional image and can present a sequence of images. This could be applied to telling stories or displaying any sequence of images that the user might like to have displayed. The device could be configured to allow the user to insert any 3 dimensional object leading to that object being displayed as a contour map. Further, the device could be configured to display temperature, and become a weather station indicator. In another configuration, a series of electromagnetic actuators can be used to-drive the pins forward and back to create a physical display image. 
     The pin display clock of a second embodiment of the invention utilizes push-pull solenoids to control pre-specified segmented areas of pins to an outward or inward position. The segmented areas of the pins combine to form numbers in a similar way in which light pixels are combined to indicate numbers. 
     The pins can be of any size, but the utilization of the segmented areas enables each numeric representation to be actuated with only seven push-pull solenoids. Depending upon the size of the pins and push-pull solenoids, each pin could be actuated to form more complex pictures. The use of segmented areas and common or simultaneous pin contact enables a reduction in the number of actuators. The use of solenoids enables the time to be instantly changed or changed in sequence, solenoid by solenoid, for a more entertaining display. Preferably the solenoids are latched solenoids which work like a pen mechanism. One actuation pushes the pins forward and a second actuation causes the pins to spring back. 
     A second embodiment features a display device which is shown as a display chronometer for illustration purposes only. The second embodiment also has a flat clear display in front of a decorative pin hole array supported by four tubular standoffs. An array of apertures enable the decorative pin hole array to present a series of pins extending through the decorative pin hole array including a series of fixed pins as well as a series of actuatable pins which are actuatable in groups to form a numeric (or other) display. 
     A fixed pin plate includes a series of either holes or whole missing sections to enable a series of pin support segments to be expressed through the holes or whole missing sections based upon a mechanical connection to a series of solenoids. Solenoids are arranged into a cluster to support a pattern capable of being selectively actuated to express a symbol. 
     The cluster of solenoids are supported by a circuit board and each have an actuator supporting a plate. Each plate supports a grouping of actuatable pins. The expression of the actuatable pins can be had by either pulling them to a position behind the maximum forward extent of the series of fixed pins, or by pushing them to a forward extent beyond the maximum forward extent of the series of fixed pins. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The invention, its configuration, construction, and operation will be best further described in the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the chronometer of the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a portion of the pins and cam member seen in FIG. 1 illustrating a far push cam action which clears any image of the pin heads by compression against a front flat display; 
     FIG. 3 is a flat cam position which allows the pin matrix to travel with the pins back to the physical shape to be picked up; 
     FIG. 4 is a return to normal display position; 
     FIG. 5 is a front view of the chronometer seen in FIGS. 1-4; 
     FIG. 6 is a side view of the chronometer seen in FIGS. 1-5; 
     FIG. 7 is a perspective view of one realization of a further embodiment seen as a pin chronometer powered by solenoids; 
     FIG. 8 is a side perspective view of a single cluster of solenoids seen in FIG.  7  and two examples positions achievable by pin support segments; 
     FIG. 9 is an isolated perspective view of a single solenoid and connector plate supporting an actuatable group of pins; 
     FIG. 10 is a perspective view of two clusters of solenoids operating through a fixed pin array structure to express the number “22” by forward movement of actuatable pins; and 
     FIG. 11 is a perspective view of two clusters of solenoids operating through a fixed pin array structure to express the number “88” by rearward movement of actuatable pins. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The description and operation of the invention will be best initiated with reference to FIG. 1, beginning at the left. A display chronometer  11  has a front flat clear display  13  supported a generally fixed distance away from a pin hole array  15 . A series of four tubular standoffs  17  fix the distance between the pin matrix or pin support  15  and the flat clear display  13 . Between the pin support  15  and the flat clear display  13 , a pin matrix support  19  is mounted to slide along the tubular standoffs  17  by use of a series of four bores or apertures  21 . The pin matrix support  19  is biased in a direction toward the pin hole array  15  by the use of four springs  23  which urge against the display  13  and in the direction of the pin hole array  15 . 
     Pin hole array  15  has a pair of spaced apart cam slots  27  and  29  through which cam members  31  and  33  can actuate against the actuated the pin matrix support  17  evenly to perform the resetting action. The pin hole array  15  is connected to a base  35 . Base  35  may be attached to a side wall support  37  an opposite side wall is removed for clarity. Side wall  37  supports a series of roller drum supports  39 , typically on a series of axles  41  which may extend from the side wall support  37 . Rather than rollers drum supports  39 , the lower rear location is occupied by a series of sprockets  43 . Sprockets  43  are engaged by a shaft  45  which is driven by a motor  47 . Sprockets  43  and rollers drum supports  39  support a series of belts  49  which support a series or protruding numbers  51 . The sprockets  43  may include reduction gears in order that certain of the belts  49  turn more slowly than others to register the time in minutes and hours. The belts  49  indicating the hour may be combined as a single belt for a twelve hour indication or may operate separately for a twenty four hour operation. 
     Motor  47  may have a connection to either an alternating current source or to a battery or solar power source. A switch set  55  may be used to control the cams  31  and  33  or other controls as are necessary. For example, where a user wants a time change only every five minutes, the cams  31  and  33  could be set to operate only once every five minutes. Even though the belts  49  continue to turn, their image would be captured only every five minutes, for example. The timing of the image capture could be performed in accord with the alignment of the protruding numbers  51 . Also seen is a covering box  57  which may provide viewing for the pin array. 
     The pin matrix support  19  may be somewhat wider than pin hole array  15  in order that forward movement of the pin matrix support  19  may bring a series of pins  61 , having heads  63 , forward once pin matrix support  19  is moved away from the pin hole array  15  after an impression of the protruding numbers  51  is had. This could also be accomplished by selection of materials, selecting the pin matrix support  19  with either a more frictional material or smaller sized holes to provide some interference, or conversely selecting the pin hole array  15  to have a virtually frictionless material. In any event, it is the pin matrix support  19  which should dominate as far as friction is concerned. Further, once the pins  61  are loaded into place, the pins  61  will remain vertical due to their being supported in at least two places. Pins  61  having a friction coating in the vicinity of the pin matrix support  19  will assist in allowing the pin matrix support  19  to dominate in the frictional engagement of the pins  61 . 
     Also seen are apertures  65  in the flat clear display  13  to enable threaded members  67  to engage the threaded interiors of the four tubular standoffs  17 . 
     FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a portion of the pins  61  and cam member  31 . The view is not taken with respect to any particular orientation, but simply shows the pin hole array  15  supported by side wall support  37 , a single tubular standoff  17  for reference, a pin matrix support  19 , flat clear display  13  and spring  23  shown in FIG. 2 in an extremely compressed state. To the right are seen a series of pins  61  with their respective heads  63  captured between the pin matrix support  19  and the flat clear display  13 . The cam member  31  is seen to be a combination of an oblong cam  71  and a more than half cam  73  mounted on a common cam shaft  75 . 
     The oblong cam  71  has a greater radial length and a shorter number of radial degrees of travel and is made to perform a maximum push against the pin matrix support  19 , and this is shown in FIG.  2 . The ends of the oblong cam  71  are rounded. The half cam  73  has a flat portion  77  and a radiused portion  79 . Where a continuous drive motor is used, the travel along the periphery of the radiused portion  79  will represent a state where the chronometer  11  is in a quiescent state illustrating the time, and this will be illustrated in FIG.  4 . The radiused portion  79  can be made to have a non-constant main extent in order to cause the expressed symbol to fade. Thus, the length of the half cam  73  could be gradually increased to match the outer extent of the oblong long cam  71  which would cause the erasure of the expression of the symbols to occur over a long period to cause the expressed symbol to, in effect, fade. Where a symbol or protruding number  51  was available for a long amount of time in a non moving state, the expression of the protruding number or symbol  51  could also be made to express slowly over time. The bearing by the flat portion  77 , which coincidentally coincides with the flat side of the oblong cam  71 , provides a very brief time for enabling maximum travel of the pin matrix support  19  away from display  13 , and this will be shown in FIG.  3 . Schematically represented in FIG. 2 is the belt  49  with its protruding symbol or number  51 . This is the three dimensional object having a displacement image which the pins  61  will pick up through differential axial displacement when brought back towards the belt  49 . Again, in FIG. 2, the maximum extent of bearing by the oblong cap  71  against the pin matrix support  19  is shown and in which each of the pins  61  are forced by the flat clear display  13  to be loaded to a maximum rear extent within the pin matrix support  19 . This maximum extent occurs only briefly. 
     Referring to FIG. 3, the maximum rearward travel of the pin matrix support  19  with the pins sliding as in a manner as frictionless as possible through the pin hole array  15  enables certain of the pins  63  to engage the protruding numbers  51  to thus be pushed outwardly forward of the pin matrix support  19  to transmit the image of the protruding number  51  contacted by the end of the pins  61  for display through the flat clear display  13  which may be a plexiglass window, or even a glass window for superior resistance to any abrasion from the pin heads  63 . In this position the spring  23  is fully extended, the pin matrix support  19  is brought adjacent or at least closer to the pin hole array  15 , and certain of the pin heads  63  are seen as protruding due to the engagement of the pin tips with the protruding numbers  51 . 
     The position shown in FIG. 4 is the position which the chronometer  11  occupies most of the time, typically about fifty five seconds each minute, and in which position the time is visible as seen recorded by differential displacement of the pins  61 . After the cycle of FIG. 4, the cycle is repeated in accord with that shown in FIG. 2, then FIG.  3  and back to FIG. 4 again. 
     Referring to FIG. 5, a frontal schematic view of the chronometer  11  is shown in less detail, but indicating the positioning of the cam members  31  and  33 , the belts  49 , a pin head area  81  and illustrating the expression of one symbol, the number “8” through the pin head area  81 . 
     Referring to FIG. 6 a side view of the chronometer seen in FIGS. 1-5 shows the orientation of the belts  49 , cam member  31  and  33 , roller drum supports  39 , sprocket  43 , all encased within covering box  57 . 
     Referring to FIG. 7, a second embodiment of a pin display is seen as a display chronometer  101 . A flat clear display  103  is located in front of and spaced apart from a decorative pin hole array  105  using four tubular standoffs  107 . The clear display  103  is held in by threaded members  109 . Pin hole array  105  includes an array of apertures  111 . 
     Behind the decorative pin hole array  105  is a fixed pin array structure  115  including a bracket  117  having a forward main plate  119  having an array of fixed pins  121 . At the middle portion of the main plate  119 , a segment in the shape of multiple numbers of “8” are seen with either holes  125  or whole missing sections  127 . 
     In general, the nature of the holes  125  or whole missing sections  127  will not be observable through the flat clear display  103  because the holes  111  of the decorative pin hole array  105  visually obscure anything behind the decorative pin hole array  105 . The pins  121  shown at the front of the fixed pin structure  115  are shown to a limited extent so-that the nature of either the holes  125  or missing sections  127  can be seen. Missing sections  127  leave two rectangular sections of forwardly projecting pins  129 . Other pins will be brought from behind the fixed pin array structure  115  to enable a complete and even array of pins to project forward of the fixed pin array structure  115 . 
     The pins which will project from behind either the holes  125  or missing sections  127  are moveable into and out of position, and depending on their length can typically be moved from a first position, where they are typically even with the pins  121 , to a second position where they are uneven with the pins  121 . 
     Where the pins utilizing the holes  125  or missing sections  127  are especially long, the second position of un-evenness will be a position where they are forward of the pins  121 . Where the pins utilizing the holes  125  or missing sections  127  are short, the second position of un-evenness will be a position where they are rearward or more depressed than the pins  121 . As such, an indicated sign will be in the first case a protrusion or projection, and in the second case a shadow or depression indication. 
     To the rear of the fixed pin array structure  115  and shown suspended in air are sets of pin supports  131  which form an “8” shape. Pin supports  131  are made up of pin support segments  133  and a middle pin support segment  135 . The pin support segments  133  are generally trapezoidally shaped while the middle pin support segment is generally long with angled ends. 
     Also seen, but barely are plates  141  which lie behind and support the pin support segments  133  and  135 . Behind the plates  141  is a circuit board  145 . There are four clusters  151  of solenoids  153 , which are preferably latched solenoids which work mechanically like a ball point pen mechanism. One actuation pushes the pins forward and a second actuation causes the pins to spring back. This is done for simplicity of control protocol, but any sort of control can be used, either more complex or more simple than the solenoids  153 . 
     The circuit board  145  is shown as acting to support other circuitry as well as to support the solenoids  153 . Power lines  155  are seen as connecting a battery sub-housing  157  of a main rear housing  159  to the circuit board  145 . Main rear housing  159  can also house a transformer or other power conversion electronics where it is desired to plug the display chronometer  101  into the main house current system. In the alternative, the main rear housing  159  may have a direct current power jack in order to operate from a supplied wall mount transformer or the like. 
     A button set  161  is also connected to the circuit board  145  and may act through apertures  163  in the rear housing  159  to enable the user to set the current time. The button set  161  is also connected to a controller chip  165 . Controller chip  165  can receive time sets from the user through the button set  161  and is controllably connected to the solenoids  153 . 
     It has been stated that the solenoids  153  are preferably latched solenoids, operating such that one actuation pushes the pins forward and a second actuation causes the pins to spring back. Consequently the solenoids may either be fitted with a reset connection or in the alternative the user may have the ability to go into a reset mode where the button set  161  is used to synchronize the solenoids  153  for any out of phase timing inadvertently developed by technical problems. 
     Such technical problems may include insufficient battery power. There may be enough battery power to power the chip  165  but not enough to sufficiently power all of the solenoids  153 . In this case, the solenoids  153  may fall out of sequence and need to be re-set. 
     Further to the rear of the rear housing  159  are seen a battery sub-housing  157  cover  167  and a carry handle  169 . A series of four threaded members or rivets  171  are seen connecting the rear housing  159 , fixed pin array structure  115 , and decorative pin hole array  105  together. 
     Referring to FIG. 8, a side perspective view illustrates a cluster  151  of solenoids  153 . Each solenoid  153  includes a housing  175  and an actuator  177 . As can be seen, the actuators  177  may be connected to the plates  141 . Each of the plates  141  supports a series of actuatable pins  179 . 
     The actuatable pins  179  are shown as extending through the forward main plate  119 . The main plate  119  is shown with the array of fixed pins  121  removed in order to more clearly show the action. The number “2” is being displayed by the actuatable pins. As can be seen an upper row of pin support segments  133  supported by a plate  141  (not seen) are actuated to a forward position exposing the actuator  177 . 
     The vertical pin support segments  133  between the upper left end of the “2” and the bottom vertical section of that displayed numeral are in the retracted position showing only a very abbreviated section of its actuator  177 , but also showing its plate  141  at a rearward position such that the rearward ends of the actuatable pins  179  are exposed behind main plate  119 . Enough of these rearward positioned pins are located forward of the main plate  119  that they do not fall out of their alignment with the main plate  119 . 
     Referring to FIG. 9, a single operating component set for operating a single pin support segment  133  is shown. The pins  177  which fit through the pin support segment  133  are shown attached to the plate  141 . The plate  141  is shown in close proximity to the housing  175  such that the actuator  177  is not seen in FIG.  9 . 
     Referring to FIG. 10, an example of expression through actuatable pins  179  is shown. The “22” expressed is accomplished through the forward position assumed by the actuatable pins  179 . The surrounding array of fixed pins are shown as very short, only for the ability to illustrate the difference in extension of the actuatable pins  179 . 
     Referring to FIG. 11, a different example of expression through actuatable pins  179  is shown. The “88” expressed is accomplished through the rearward position assumed by withdrawal of the actuatable pins  179 . Again, the surrounding array of fixed pins are shown as very short, only for the ability to illustrate the difference in extension of the actuatable pins  179 . 
     While the present invention has been described in terms of a chronometer utilizing axial pin movement expression, and more particularly to particular structures which utilize a set and re-set mechanism to track physical protrusions through axial displacement of a pin matrix. 
     Although the invention has been derived with reference to particular illustrative embodiments thereof, many changes and modifications of the invention may become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, included within the patent warranted hereon are all such changes and modifications as may reasonably and properly be included within the scope of this contribution to the art.