US5159772A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Lighted display signs
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1990-11-26
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Granted: 1992-11-03
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Expires: 2010-11-26
Abstract
Abstract A lighted display sign with a moulded base having a channel forming a character, an electrical means for exciting a neon gas in the channel to emit light, electrical contacts extending from the base to connect to a power source and a second pair of electrical contacts extending from the base to connect to a second display sign.
Inventors
- 👤 George E. Akaley
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 07:21
CPC Classifications
G; G09; G09F; G09F13/00; G09F13/26
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
149 words
A lighted display device comprising: a base having a channel means in the shape of a character; a divider means separating said channel means into first and second paths, said first and second paths forming a continuous path connected by openings in said divider means at extreme positions of a character to continue the path; a first and second electrode means connected to said channel means, separated by said divider means; said first and second electrode means being connected to electrical leads having male prongs extending through a first side wall of said base and female receptacles extending through a second side wall; a reusable valve means repeatedly openable and closable extending through said base into said channel means for connecting said channel to sources to first evacuate the channel and then to add a neon gas to the channel for emitting light in response to an electrical discharge.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
149 words
A lighted display device comprising: a base having a channel means in the shape of a character; a divider means separating said channel means into first and second paths, said first and second paths forming a continuous path connected by openings in said divider means at extreme positions of a character to continue the path; a first and second electrode means connected to said channel means, separated by said divider means; said first and second electrode means being connected to electrical leads having male prongs extending through a first side wall of said base and female receptacles extending through a second side wall; a reusable valve means repeatedly openable and closable extending through said base into said channel means for connecting said channel to sources to first evacuate the channel and then to add a neon gas to the channel for emitting light in response to an electrical discharge.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
A lighted display device as in claim 1 wherein said base is a moulded plastic.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
A lighted display device as in claim 1 wherein said base is a die stamped metal sheet coated with a non-conductive material.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
A lighted display device as in claim 1 wherein said display device is electrically connected to one or more similar display devices to create a message.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
26 words
A lighted display device as in claim 1 wherein said display device is electrically connected to one or more similar display devices to create a message.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
101 words
A lighted display device comprising a plurality of display devices each having a pari of male prongs extending from a first side of a display device and a pair of female receptacles extending from a second side of said display device, said male prongs and said female receptacles being connected to a pair of electrodes in a character forming channel filled with a neon gas, said male prongs connect in the female receptacles of an adjoining display device, and a reusable valve means repeatedly openable and closable extending to said channel for removing air and filling the channel with neon gases.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
101 words
A lighted display device comprising a plurality of display devices each having a pari of male prongs extending from a first side of a display device and a pair of female receptacles extending from a second side of said display device, said male prongs and said female receptacles being connected to a pair of electrodes in a character forming channel filled with a neon gas, said male prongs connect in the female receptacles of an adjoining display device, and a reusable valve means repeatedly openable and closable extending to said channel for removing air and filling the channel with neon gases.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
15 words
A lighted display device as in claim 6 wherein said base is die stamped glass.
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) | 1995-11-03 | 1996-05-04 | 1996-11-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1999-11-03 | 2000-05-04 | 2000-11-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2003-11-03 | 2004-05-04 | 2004-11-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |