Abstract: A light guide substrate includes first and second triangular prisms juxtaposed to each other on a light exit face thereof. Each of the first and second triangular prisms has a rounded vertex. The number of the first triangular prisms is smaller than the number of the second triangular prisms. Each first triangular prism has a first height from the light exit face. Each second triangular prisms has a second height from the light exit face. The second height is between 20 and 90 percent of the first height. A backlight module includes the aforesaid light guide substrate, a reverse prism sheet disposed on the light guide substrate, and a light emitting unit to emit light rays into the light substrate.

Abstract: A display panel supporting unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a first magnet provided on a first support member and a second magnet provided on a second support member and having a residual magnetic flux density that is equal to or greater than a residual magnetic flux density of the first magnet. Accordingly, a display device is provided such that even an edge portion of the display panel can closely contact a wall. A first magnet may be a rubber magnet, and a second magnet may be either a rubber magnet or a rare-earth magnet.

Abstract: A readily modifiable modular sign apparatus is especially useful for use as easily changed advertisement media such as in department stores and retail stores. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a preferably translucent substrate or mounting board which is preferably planar and has a front surface and a back surface. Precisely positioned holes are prepared at selected locations. These holes are formed to be aligned with thin metal shims which are affixed on the back surface of the mounting board and receive cylindrical magnets on the front surface. The magnets are attached directly to the rear of printed sheets, each of which may have wording or pictorial information or both. The magnets contact the metal shims through the mounting board holes, and are held firmly in position by virtue of both the magnetic attractive force and the shape of the walls of the mounting board holes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system to provide optimum guidance for an individual seeking the destination point in a complex building. The system can be used for a range of individuals from firemen seeking an optimized and accurately mapped path from an access point at the entrance to the building to a destination point where a fire alarm has gone off or for a visitor in the museum who is seeking a path to a particular desired display destination. The system can provide multiple sequential simplified floor configuration maps. These maps are designed to show foreshortened walls so as to provide a three-dimensional maze-like format with the pathways visible and with a track mark illustrating an optimal path for the user to follow within the area shown on the map.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a decorative illumination signboard capable of effectively downwardly emitting light while suppressing an upward emission of light with a simple configuration and a plastic sheet used in the decorative illumination signboard. The object can be accomplished by a plastic sheet having optical transparency which includes an exit surface and an incident surface on which a plurality of prism lines having a flat and smooth surface are arranged to be aligned. A shape of the prism in a cross-section perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the prism line is formed by a side A on a lower side at an angle of ? degrees to a normal line of the exit surface and a side B on an upper side at an angle of ? degrees to the normal line of the exit surface and ?<?, and 40 degrees???80 degrees.

Abstract: A readily modifiable modular sign apparatus is especially useful for fast food restaurants as backlighted menu boards in both indoor and outdoor applications. The apparatus comprises a preferably translucent substrate or mounting board which is preferably planar and has a front surface and a back surface. Precisely positioned holes are prepared at selected locations. These holes are formed to be aligned with thin metal shims which are affixed on the back surface of the mounting board and receive cylindrical magnets on the front surface. The magnets are attached directly to the rear of printed sheets, each of which may have wording or pictorial information or both. The magnets contact the metal shims through the mounting board holes, and are held firmly in position by virtue of both the magnetic attractive force and the shape of the walls of the mounting board holes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a board that can be used especially as a board for a door in offices or administrative buildings. A base body (1) of said board comprises guiding grooves (2, 3) for an information carrier (4), on two opposing edges thereof, and a cover (5). Clamping slides (15) that can be introduced into a central groove (6) of the base body (1) are used to secure the position of the information carrier (4) and the cover (5), at least one of said slides being provided preferably with at least one display panel (23) that can be pivoted back and forth.

Abstract: A sign system with a frame and at least one sign. The sign has at least one protruding ridge extending from the backside with the ridge having a narrow neck portion proximate the backside. At least one clamping unit is fixed to the frame with at least one pair of clamps to securely the neck portion of the ridge such that the frame is reversibly but securely fastened to the frame.

Abstract: A menu panel for supporting elongated menu strips of varying heights is disclosed having adjustable guide rails supported by a frame. The frame includes vertical side frame members incorporating guide rail locating elements disposed along the length of the vertical side frame members to position the guide rails. The guide rails are selectively positionable along the length of the vertical side frame members to provide adjustable spacing between adjacent pairs of guide rails. The menu strips include descriptive indicia such as product names and pricing information and are disposed between and supported by adjacent pairs of the guide rails.

Abstract: A display module for an illuminated display device is provided having an at least substantially translucent panel and a plurality of retention members for removably retaining a plurality of spaced apart divider members and display members to the panel. The retention members are secured to the panel in fixed relation to the panel and are arrayed in first and second opposed vertically spaced apart columns. Preferably, each divider member includes retaining structures, and preferably longitudinally extending channels, for retaining portions of at least partially translucent display members bearing food, pricing, or other advertising information in a predetermined position between opposed sets of retaining structures. An illuminated display device is also provided which includes a housing having an opening, at least one lighting source inside the housing for projecting light through the opening, and a display module. A method of assembling a display module in accordance with the invention is further provided.

Abstract: A display module for an illuminated display device is provided having a flexible, non-self-supporting, at least substantially translucent sheet and a plurality of spaced apart, horizontally disposed divider members positioned on one side of the sheet. Each of the divider members may include a retaining structure for retaining portions of display members in a predetermined position. A plurality of display members having translucent portions are positioned between spaced apart sets of divider members. An illuminated display device is also provided which includes a housing having an opening, at least one lighting source inside the housing for projecting light through the opening, and a display module. A method of assembling a display module in accordance with the invention is further provided.

Abstract: A menu system comprises a frame that receives interchangeable menu sections with different heights such that sections of various heights are combined to fill the frame space. The menu sections have a central web with upper and lower front channels that receive a presentation strip. Clips, catches, latches, and magnets are used to secure the menu sections in the frame. A preferred menu section uses upper and lower middle web portions attached to web ends. An end cap at the end of a menu section prevents inadvertent loss of presentation strips from the menu section. The end cap can be formed from resilient matter and latched to a web end.

Abstract: An improved outdoor illuminated display device. The device generally comprises a modular housing, a base member and a plurality of lights positioned in the housing—either horizontally or vertically. A plurality of display modules are positioned on the housing and backlit by the lights. A door member is pivotally connected along its upper edge to the housing covering the modules. A pair of gas-assisted spring members are provided between the door member and the housing. Air gaps or air vents are provided in order to allow air circulation in the housing. A second member above the door member is provided for holding and displaying posters and other advertising and promotional is materials. A plurality of clamping members hold the display materials in place. The second member can be illuminated or non-illuminated. Various modular units can be provided to increase the size and display space provided by the device.

Abstract: An improved outdoor illuminated display device. The device generally comprises a modular housing, a base member and a plurality of lights positioned in the housing—either horizontally or vertically. A plurality of display modules are positioned on the housing and backlit by the lights. A door member is pivotally connected along its upper edge to the housing covering the modules. A pair of gas-assisted spring members are provided between the door member and the housing. Air gaps or air vents are provided in order to allow air circulation in the housing. A second member above the door member is provided for holding and displaying posters and other advertising and promotional materials. A plurality of clamping members hold the display materials in place. The second member can be illuminated or non-illuminated. Various modular units can be provided to increase the size and display space provided by the device.

Abstract: A modular sign having a signboard that positively and removably engages a signboard housing. The signboard housing includes a top wall, left and right sidewalls and a lower wall. The housing also includes upper and lower upward extending lips extending from front edges of the top wall and the lower wall of the housing respectively. First and second hanger strips are mounted to the back surface of the signboard. The hanger strips form notches in conjunction with the back surface of the signboard. When the signboard is slidably disposed into a mounting position with respect to the signboard, the upper and lower lips upward extending lips extend into the notches formed by the first and second hanger strips to positively mount the signboard with respect to the housing while permitting easy removal of the signboard therefrom.

Abstract: An illuminator for an alpha-numeric/graphic information board is adapted to be disposed in front of the information. An array of light sources directly illuminates an edge of the lens and a plurality of grooves arranged in a front face of the lens disperses the light received from the array onto the information. This reduces the possibility of reflection of light from the illuminator toward the observer and does not significantly increase the overall thickness of the board. A transparent cover disposed against te front face of the lens protects the lens from dirt, debris, scratches, nicks and other damage and is easily cleaned and inexpensive to replace. Masking strips disposed on the rear face of the cover coincide with the grooves to block light from being dispersed away from the information and to emphasize or frame the information being illuminated to the observer.

Abstract: A menu system comprises a frame that receives interchangeable menu sections of a width such that sections of various width are combined to fill the frame space. The menu sections have a central section with upper and lower front channels that receive backing strips, copy strips, and digital price carriers. The central section may also have upper and lower rear channels, an upward extending light blocking projection, and a central aperture for back lighting. A clip may be used in the front or rear upper and lower channels to secure the menu sections to the frame.

Abstract: An improved outdoor illuminated display device. The device generally comprises a modular housing, a base member and a plurality of lights positioned in the housing—either horizontally or vertically. A plurality of display modules are positioned on the housing and backlit by the lights. A door member is pivotally connected along its upper edge to the housing covering the modules. A pair of gas-assisted spring members are provided between the door member and the housing. Air gaps or air vents are provided in order to allow air circulation in the housing. A second member above the door member is provided for holding and displaying posters and other advertising and promotional materials. A plurality of clamping members hold the display materials in place. The second member can be illuminated or non-illuminated. Various modular units can be provided to increase the size and display space provided by the device.

Abstract: A illuminated address sign for hanging an illuminated sign on either a vertical or horizontal surface. The illuminated address sign includes an apparatus for holding a light bulb and signage on a structure. The apparatus contains a base for mounting on a wall of the structure. The base has base wall, a plate defining a top wall, and two pair of opposing side walls. A plurality of bores is in the base wall. A plurality of bores in the top plate holds the light socket. A light socket holds the light bulb. The light socket is mounted in one of the bores of the plate. A wire connects the light socket to a power source. The wire enters the base through one of the bores in the base wall. The wire is operationally coupled to the light socket. A switch actuates the light bulb. A plurality of fasteners fastens the base to the structure. Each of the fasteners is placed through one of the bores in the base wall. A covering for placing over the base has a first portion and a second portion.

Abstract: An improved outdoor illuminated display device. The device generally comprises a modular housing, a base member and a plurality of lights positioned in the housing—either horizontally or vertically. A plurality of display modules are positioned on the housing and backlit by the lights. A door member is pivotally connected along its upper edge to the housing covering the modules. A pair of gas-assisted spring members are provided between the door member and the housing. Air gaps or air vents are provided in order to allow air circulation in the housing. A second member above the door member is provided for holding and displaying posters and other advertising and promotional materials. A plurality of clamping members hold the display materials in place. The second member can be illuminated or non-illuminated. Various modular units can be provided to increase the size and display space provided by the device.

Abstract: An improved outdoor illuminated display device. The device generally comprises a modular housing, a base member and a plurality of lights positioned in the housing--either horizontally or vertically. A plurality of display modules are positioned on the housing and backlit by the lights. A door member is pivotally connected along its upper edge to the housing covering the modules. A pair of gas-assisted spring members are provided between the door member and the housing. Air gaps or air vents are provided in order to allow air circulation in the housing. A second member above the door member is provided for holding and displaying posters and other advertising and promotional materials. A plurality of clamping members hold the display materials in place. The second member can be illuminated or non-illuminated. Various modular units can be provided to increase the size and display space provided by the device.

Abstract: An improved outdoor illuminated display device. The device generally comprises a modular housing, a base member and a plurality of lights positioned in the housing--either horizontally or vertically. A plurality of display modules are positioned on the housing and backlit by the lights. A door member is pivotally connected along its upper edge to the housing covering the modules. A pair of gas-assisted spring members are provided between the door member and the housing. Air gaps or air vents are provided in order to allow air circulation in the housing. A second member above the door member is provided for holding and displaying posters and other advertising and promotional materials. A plurality of clamping members hold the display materials in place. The second member can be illuminated or non-illuminated. Various modular units can be provided to increase the size and display space provided by the device.

Abstract: A menu board for supporting elongated menu strips of varying heights is disclosed having adjustable guide rails supported in a frame. The frame includes side members incorporating guide rail support elements disposed along the length of the side members to releasably engage the guide rails. The guide rails are selectively positionable along the length of the side members to provide adjustable spacing between adjacent pairs of guide rails. The menu strips include descriptive indicia such as product names and pricing information and are disposed between and supported by adjacent pairs of the guide rails.

Abstract: An improved outdoor illuminated display device. The device generally comprises a housing, a base member and a plurality of lights positioned in the housing. A plurality of displays modules are positioned on the housing and backlit by the lights. A door member is pivotally connected along its upper edge to the housing covering the modules. A pair of gas-assisted spring members are provided between the door member and the housing. An air gap is provided between the door member and the housing in order to allow air circulation inside the door panel and prevent condensation and fogging. A second area above the door member is provided for holding and displaying posters and other advertising and promotional materials. A plurality of clamping members hold the display materials in place.

Abstract: An address illumination system includes a lamp and a lamp housing arrangement mounted to a base structure having display symbols thereon. The lamp housing directly illuminates the display symbols to provide improved visibility and aesthetic appeal. The lamp housing can be elongated and either spaced from the display symbols by support bars attached to the base or directly mounted to the base. The lamp housing is configured to angle the illumination from the lamp to increase visibility of the display symbols such as a house address during nighttime. The address illumination system also includes control features to provide a flashing lamp to signal emergency vehicles or the like as well as remote control operation, photocell operation and/or operation at predetermined intervals of time. The address illumination system can be mounted to a structure such as a building or mail box.

Abstract: A menu board for supporting elongated menu strips of varying heights is disclosed having adjustable guide rails supported in a frame. The frame includes side members incorporating guide rail support elements disposed along the length of the side members to releasably engage the guide rails. The guide rails are selectively positionable along the length of the side members to provide adjustable spacing between adjacent pairs of guide rails. The menu strips include descriptive indicia such as product names and pricing information and are disposed between and supported by adjacent pairs of the guide rails.

Abstract: Display apparatus including a translucent display panel, a mat panel having apertures disposed over the display panel, and a plurality of display strips having electrostatic characteristics releasably attachable over the apertures.

Abstract: A film strip holder for use in backlighted message displays is an extrusion having longitudinally extending, light opaque upper and lower portions and a longitudinally extending light translucent center portion such that a film strip placed between the upper and lower portions is in light transmissive relation to a light source within the display, the holder being engagable in substantially light-tight tongue and groove relationship with adjacent holders.

Abstract: An illuminated house sign is described which switches on and off in response to ambient light conditions. A photocell senses the ambient light and controls the supply of electrical power to a fluorescent tube to switch the tube on when the ambient light falls beneath a predetermined value and which switches the tube off when the ambient light exceeds the predetermined value. The control electronics are mounted within a sign housing and can be driven by domestic 115 VAC electrical supply.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a sign holder comprising a housing including a back wall, opposed and spaced side walls extending from the back wall and opposed and spaced top and bottom walls extending from the back wall and from the opposed side walls, a first panel of light transmitting plastic removably supported by the housing and providing a second panel of light transmitting plastic removably supported by the housing in closely adjacent but rearwardly spaced relation to the first panel and in forwardly spaced relation from the rear wall to provide an illumination space, an indicia on the second panel preventing light transmittal there-through, and a light bulb in the housing rearwardly of the second panel for illuminating the space between the second panel and the rear wall, whereby the indicia on the second panel is visually observable by being outlined by illumination.

Abstract: A changeable copy sign assembly comprising a plurality of wafers each bearing a single indicium on a relatively opaque background. The wafers and a backing strip are removeably retained to a face plate of the assembly at an elongated, window-like opening, and the backing strip comprises opaque makings for preventing the leakage of light between adjacent wafers.

Abstract: A mask and mask assembly for use in a directory sign or the like. One or more masks are affixed to a backing panel, thereby defining a number of adjacent parallel channels for removably receiving message strips in the form of transparencies or the like. The mask comprises a substantially plane sheet member preferably flat on the front side, and on the back side having a number of raised lands longitudinally extending along the mask. The lands are laterally spaced apart from each other, and this facing defines the channels for receiving message strips. The masks have complementary overlapping lateral edges, so that a number of masks can be aligned side-to-side on a backing panel.

Abstract: An illuminable sign which includes a panel having an opening therein. A lens assembly, which includes at least one magnetic member on its outer periphery, is mountable in the opening from the front side of the panel. The lens assembly is removably secured in the opening via one or more permanent magnets mounted adjacent to the opening on the back side of the panel, which attract the magnetic member, or members.