US3742446A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Modular light display panel
Assignee: Staco Switch Inc
•
Filing: 1971-08-26
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Granted: 1973-06-26
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Expires: 1991-08-26
Abstract
Abstract A lighting system comprising a series of lights for displaying information on a translucent panel thereover in accordance with the respective inputs to the lights. The lights are disposed to light a panel or individual segregated lenses in a series of modules or combinations of modules. The modules are formed from rectangular shells and surround the lights or combination of lights and are connected by an interlocking flange and recess or grooves for isolating light from each module or desired grouping thereof. The interlocking recesses and flanges lock the system together to prevent the transfer of light and attendant shadows from traveling to other lighting groups to provide an attendant clear, finely enunciated distinguishable display.
Inventors
- 👤 R Wells
- 👤 D Nelson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 19:33
CPC Classifications
G; G08; G08B; G08B5/00; G08B5/22; G08B5/36; H; H02; H02B; H02B15/00; H02B15/02; H02B15/04
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
96 words
A group of light sources having light isolation modular elements in a pre-established relationship for displaying information wherein the improvement comprises: modular elements surrounding at least one of said light sources comprising walled containers with at least one passage adapted to transmit light to an adjacent modular element having a flange and an indentation at its corner for accommodating the joindure of an adjacent modular element to partially prevent the lateral passage of light through the joindure wherein said modular elements can be extended and joined in plural form for creating groupings of said modular elements.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
96 words
A group of light sources having light isolation modular elements in a pre-established relationship for displaying information wherein the improvement comprises: modular elements surrounding at least one of said light sources comprising walled containers with at least one passage adapted to transmit light to an adjacent modular element having a flange and an indentation at its corner for accommodating the joindure of an adjacent modular element to partially prevent the lateral passage of light through the joindure wherein said modular elements can be extended and joined in plural form for creating groupings of said modular elements.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
102 words
In a lighting system: having a mounting board with illuminating lights, the improvement comprising: a plurality of modular elements having walls forming a partial light barrier to said illuminating lights wherein at least one of said walls is partially broken away to transmit light to an adjacent modular element; and, at least one indentation and one flange formed at different respective corners of the modular elements wherein a flange can seat into an indentation of an adjacent modular element thereby precluding the transmission of light from the joindure of the walls of said modular elements where said indentations and flanges come together.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
102 words
In a lighting system: having a mounting board with illuminating lights, the improvement comprising: a plurality of modular elements having walls forming a partial light barrier to said illuminating lights wherein at least one of said walls is partially broken away to transmit light to an adjacent modular element; and, at least one indentation and one flange formed at different respective corners of the modular elements wherein a flange can seat into an indentation of an adjacent modular element thereby precluding the transmission of light from the joindure of the walls of said modular elements where said indentations and flanges come together.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system as claimed in claim 2 further comprising: a lens for seating in said modular elements to indicate a certain display.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
24 words
The system as claimed in claim 3 wherein said means for supporting said lens comprises: a ledge interiorly of the outer wall surfaces thereof.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
30 words
The system as claimed in claim 4 wherein: said respective indentations and flanges extend along an edge of said modular elements substantially in a normal relationship from said mounting board.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
81 words
The improvement as claimed in claim 5 wherein said modular elements comprise: a rectangular shell having an opening therein; a lighting fixture at the base of said shell with a source of light capable of emanating therefrom toward said opening; and, means to support a display panel over said source of light; at least one flange for seating in a respective indentation of an adjoining modular element which extends along the edge portion of said modular element at a corner thereof.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
27 words
The system as claimed in claim 2 further comprising: a panel for placement over a plurality of said modular elements to indicate a certain display as required.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
36 words
The system as claimed in claim 2 wherein: each of said modular elements is secured to said board by a fixture projecting from said modular element through said board and secured at the other side thereof.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
34 words
The system as claimed in claim 8 wherein: said fixture is secured on said board by enlarging said fixture beyond the size of the hole in the board in which said fixture is seated.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
45 words
The system as claimed in claim 2 wherein said modular elements comprise: a substantially rectangular shell having a partially open cavity thereof defined by said walls into which a light source can be placed; and, means for supporting a translucent panel across the cavity thereof.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
49 words
The system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said modular elements comprise: shells having a rectangular configuration with substantially parallel sides and a reduced portion beneath said rectangular configurations to allow air between said modular elements when said rectangular configuration is in juxtaposition with that of another modular element.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
19 words
The improvement as claimed in claim 11 further comprising: a switch within at least one of said modular elements.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-06-25 | 1976-12-25 | 1977-06-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-06-25 | 1980-12-25 | 1981-06-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-06-25 | 1984-12-25 | 1985-06-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |