US3748769A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Animated display device
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1971-10-01
•
Granted: 1973-07-31
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Expires: 1991-10-01
Abstract
Abstract An animated three-dimensional display having a pellucid panel member supported by a pedestal. An object or article to be displayed is attached to a movable conveyor aligned peripherally around an edge of the panel member. The conveyor is visually concealed, especially when viewed perpendicularly to the plane in which the panel member is located, preferably by means of internal light transmission through the panel member which illuminates the edge and thereby screens the conveyor. A motor and drive arrangement for propelling the conveyor and a light source for illuminating the panel member are housed within the pedestal. The pedestal is constructed with frictionally interlocking parts to facilitate disassembly thereof and to permit accessibility to the elements housed therein.
Inventors
- 👤 A Nolles
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 18:23
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B6/00; G02B6/0001; G02B6/0011; G02B6/0081; G02B6/0086; G02B6/0091; G09; G09F; G09F11/00; G09F11/12; G09F13/00; G09F13/18; G09F2013/184; G09F2013/1863; G09F2013/1872; G09F2013/1877
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
116 words
An animated display device using a movable object for effectively attracting and holding the attention of an observer, said device being comprised of a pedestal member, a panel member capable of internal light transmission mounted to said pedestal member, said panel member being adapted for displaying a moving object along a selected portion thereof, conveyor means contiguous to said selected portion for propelling the object along a predetermined path of travel, motive means for driving the conveyor means, and screening means integral with the panel member including a peripheral edge coincident with said selected portion of the panel member, whereby internally transmitted light will escape to illuminate the selected portion and thereby conceal the conveyor means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
116 words
An animated display device using a movable object for effectively attracting and holding the attention of an observer, said device being comprised of a pedestal member, a panel member capable of internal light transmission mounted to said pedestal member, said panel member being adapted for displaying a moving object along a selected portion thereof, conveyor means contiguous to said selected portion for propelling the object along a predetermined path of travel, motive means for driving the conveyor means, and screening means integral with the panel member including a peripheral edge coincident with said selected portion of the panel member, whereby internally transmitted light will escape to illuminate the selected portion and thereby conceal the conveyor means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
40 words
An animated display device as claimed in claim 1 further including a remote light source comprised of a lamp mounted within the pedestal and positioned adjacent the panel member for providing illumination to said selected portion of the panel member.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
56 words
An animated display device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the peripheral edge defines a groove therein and the conveyor means includes an endless band aligned around the panel member and positioned within said groove, and further including attachment means affixed to said endless band for removably securing an object to be transported along said edge.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
53 words
An animated display device as claimed in claim 3 wherein the attachment means is comprised of a carriage member adapted to be slidingly accommodated in said grooVe, said carriage member further including a projection therefrom, said projection being receivable within said object to secure the object to the edge of the panel member.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
58 words
An animated display device as claimed in claim 4 wherein the pedestal member is comprised of mating sections, at least one of said sections having tabs adapted to be received by the other of said sections in snug fitting engagement, and further including a light projection aperture defined in said pedestal to permit illumination of the moving object.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
48 words
An animated display device as claimed in claim 3 wherein the attachment means is comprised of a loop portion formed in said endless band and adapted to receive a projecting angle of the object to thereby secure the object to the endless band for movement along said edge.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
50 words
An animated display device as claimed in claim 3 wherein the motive means includes a motor, a drive wheel rotated by said motor, said drive wheel being adapted to frictionally engage and propel the endless band, and further including pulley means for guiding and maintaining tension in said endless band.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
67 words
An animated display device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the pedestal member is comprised of mating sections adapted for frictional interlocking and includes support means housed within the pedestal member for securing the conveyor drive means and panel member, at least one of said mating sections being detachably engageable with the support means to thus form an integral unit which can be readily disassembled when necessary.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
58 words
An animated display device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the object to be displayed is moved reciprocally along a generally horizontal peripheral edge of said panel member and has at least two balance arms extending outwardly therefrom including a counterbalancing weight whereby the center of gravity lies at a point below the peripheral edge for improved stability.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-07-30 | 1977-01-29 | 1977-07-31 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-07-30 | 1981-01-29 | 1981-07-31 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-07-30 | 1985-01-29 | 1985-07-31 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |