Patent GB-321964-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in or relating to signs for advertising and displaying
IPC: G09F13/24
Filed: 1928-05-23
Abstract: 321,964. Wearham, G. A. May 23, 1928. Coloured and opaque liquids, utilizing; actuating; reel and endless web apparatus.-Apparatus of the type in which advertisements, pictures, objects, &c. are displayed by changing the thickness of a screening liquid is actuated by fluid pressure which acts on the liquid screen either directly or through the medium of flexible material. Fig. 3 shows display matter 26 mounted on a flexible diaphragm 18 forming the rear wall of a, glass fronted container 20. The pressure of air or of liquid in a compartment 22 is varied by a pump 24, thus increasing and diminishing the thickness of liquid 25 between the display 26 and the window 16. The margins of the diaphragm 18 may be corrugated or be of rubber &c. The liquid may be opaque, translucent or transparent, and may be coloured. The diaphragm 18, may be opaque and carry the display 26 in front, or be transparent and have the display behind. The display may be embossed, engraved, printed, stamped, stencilled, photographed, &c. on the diaphragm, or may consist of rubber &c. Coloured transparent liquid and a display in a complementary colour may be employed. The display matter may be wholly or in part on the front or rear of the window 16. A back-board may be disposed behind the diaphragm 18, and the compartment 22 may be located at the bottom of the eign. Fig. 5 depicts a form in which the liquid has access to a chamber 22. vented at 28 or provided with a flexible wall, and the diaphragm 18 is controlled by fluid procure in a space 39 opening into a pocket 33 provided with a filter 44 and an inlet 32. The display matter 46 is carried by an endless moving band 41 arranged behind the transparent wall 37. Lamps 43 may be located within the band 41 or in the chamber 22. A mount or a mask of paint 27 may be imposed on the window 16 to conceal parts of the band 41. In another modification an expansible bag is located behind the diaphragm 18 and expanded by fluid pressure induced by squeezing a rubber bulb &c., a whistle &c. being provided to sound. or a visible signal being shown, when the sign is operated. The bag bears directly or through a rigid sheet of aluminium &c. on the diaphragm 18, the outer parts of which are flexed away from the window 16 as the middle parts are pressed towards it. In a further form an expansible bag bears against the two diaphragms of two signs arranged back to back, the liquid in each sign having access to a common chamber at the top, and the display matter being located on the diaphragms or on the outside or inside of the bag. Two or more signs may also be arranged side by side, and the liquid screens be controlled in unison, in succession, or in groups by means common to them all. Fig. 8 shows a modification in which a circular transparent bag 65, 66 containing transparent liquid 67 forms a lens through which d.isplay matter on one or both windows 70, 71, or at a distance therefrom. is seen. A supply tube 58 and a spring 69 support the lens. In a further form the flexible wall of a, fluid container behind the diaphragm is moved by an inertia-operated weight or by a rotating cam. The variations in fluid pressure in any of the modifications may be effected by an inertia-actuated mass of mercury contained in a U-tube. The diaphragm or display may be coated with self-luminous composition, and the liquid may contain glycerine &c. to lower the freezing point. The display matter may contact with the window in a way such as to show gradually along its height or length. Pressure valves may be fitted, and reflectors may be arranged so as to be visible through the window.