Sign device having magnetic display characters

Claim 1

Display apparatus comprising: a substantially flat backing board presenting a relatively dark background; a plurality of thin display characters, all substantially identical to one another in size, shape, and display characters, each display character being constructed of a flexible, resilient substance and each having opposite first and second surfaces, said first surface being relatively light in color to contrast with said dark background and said second surface being substantially flat for contact with said backing board; permanent magnet means for magnetically adhering said display characters against said backing board with said second surfaces lying flatly against said board and said first surfaces facing away from said board, thereby permitting arrangement of said display characters in selected patterns on said backing board to display messages thereon according to the patterns presented, said permanent magnet means comprises a ferro-magnetic substance included in said backing board for attracting a magnet and permanent magnet material included in each of said display characters, said display characters thereby magnetically adhering against said backing board; a second substantially flat backing board presenting a relatively dark background and including a ferro-magnetic substance for attracting and retaining said display characters thereon with said second surfaces lying flatly against said second board and said first surfaces facing away from said second board; and a frame supporting said backing boards a spaced distance apart to face in opposite directions, said frame extending substantially continuously around the peripheries of said backing boards.