GB2291246A - Illuminated sign - Google Patents

Abstract

An illuminated sign (1, Fig. 1) comprising a substrate 2, a channel (3) formed in the substrate 2 and illuminating means provided within the channel, the channel defining a boundary for illumination to prevent a halo of light forming around the illuminating means. A plurality of channels may be formed in the substrate, the channels forming the information the sign is intended to display. The sign may be controlled by a light-sensor. <IMAGE>

Description

ILLUMINATED SIGN This invention relates to an illuminated sign and more particularly to an illuminated sign which offers improved visibility and safety.

Illuminated signs are a very useful selling tool for goods in shops. The signs can be illuminated in a variety of eye catching colours to attract attention. Electrically illuminated signs may be mounted in the window of shops or guest houses to display information. The signs generally comprise a plurality of neon tubes which are relatively heavy to lift into position, and power is supplied from a mains power connection. If the sign has to be removed for cleaning either of the window or the sign, due to the high voltages used for these signs, there is a danger that a person moving the sign may receive an electric shock.

The illumination means in the signs are generally light emitting diodes or neon tubes. When illuminated, each of these means radiate light thus giving a halo effect around the illuminating means. This causes blurring around the edges of the parts of the sign being illuminated and is especially problematic when letters are illuminated.

The present invention aims to provide an illuminated sign which overcomes or at least mitigates the above disadvantages.

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided an illuminated sign comprising a substrate, a channel formed in the substrate and illuminating means provided within the channel.

Preferably, a plurality of channels are provided in the substrate, the channels forming the information which the sign is to display.

Conveniently, the illuminating means comprises a light emitting diode and preferably a plurality of such diodes are provided in each channel.

Advantageously, the light emitting diodes are three colour diodes which may be wired to be illuminated in one of three different colours.

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to and as shown in the accompanying Figures in which: Figure 1 is a plan view of an illuminated sign according to one aspect of the present invention; and Figure 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view through a channel of the sign of Figure 1.

Referring now to the Figures there is shown an illuminated sign 1 comprising a rectangular substrate 2 although the substrate may be of any required dimensions.

The substrate may be formed of any suitable material such as wood, plastics etc.

Channels 3 are formed in the front face 4 of the substrate. The channels are substantially V-shaped in cross-section as shown in Figure 2. The bottom 5 of the channel is substantially parallel to the front face 4 of the substrate. The sides 6 of the channel are tapered outwardly from the base to the front face 4. The upper portion 7 of the sides of the channel are substantially vertical to the front face defining a shoulder region 6a.

Illuminating means 8 are provided at selected intervals along the bottom 5 of the channels 3. The illuminating means are preferably light emitting diodes or miniature lamps which are placed into the channels with the legs 9 of the diode passing through an aperture 10 in the bottom 5 of the channel. The legs of the diodes are secured for example by soldering on the rear face 11 of the substrate 2.

The light emitting diodes are wired to a suitable power source (not shown) such as a battery or mains power.

In use, the sign 1 is moved into position, either as part of a shop display or in a window for example and connected to a power supply. The light emitting diodes 8 are illuminated and light is reflected from the bottom 5 and sides 6 of the channels 3 to give the impression that the entire channel is illuminated. As the sides of the channel define the boundary of the illumination there is no halo effect produced by the sign. From a distance the sign appears to have illuminated letters mounted on the front face of the substrate.

As the diodes 8 operate on a very low voltage there is no danger to someone moving the sign for repair or cleaning.

Furthermore, as the substrate can be made very thin and light there is no danger to someone moving or mounting the sign alone.

Different coloured light emitting diodes may be mounted in the channels representing different letters.

In a further embodiment, a light sensor may be incorporated into the sign such that although the sign is connected to the power supply at all times the light emitting diodes are only illuminated at dusk. When the ambient light level falls below a predetermined adjustable level the light emitting diodes are activated thereby avoiding illuminating the sign during daylight hours when this may not be required.

The front face of the substrate and/or the channels may be painted any required colour to best show the illumination of the channels. Furthermore, the channels may be provided with a reflective coating.

It will be appreciated that the channels 3 may also be of U-shaped cross-section, concave, or any other suitable shape.

Claims (8)

1 An illuminated sign comprising a substrate, a channel formed in the substrate and illuminating means provided within the channel, the channel defining a boundary for illumination to prevent a halo of light forming around the illuminating means.

2 An illuminated sign according to claim 1, wherein the channel is substantially V-shaped in cross-section.

3 An illuminated sign according to claim 2, wherein the upper portion of the sides of the channel are substantially vertical.

4 An illuminated sign according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein means are provided to monitor ambient light and activate the illuminating means when the ambient light falls below a pre-set level.

5 An illuminated sign according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a reflective coating is provided within the channel.

6 An illuminated sign according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the illuminating means comprises a light emitting diode and a plurality of such diodes are provided in the channel.

7 An illuminated sign according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a plurality of channels are formed in the substrate, the channels forming the information which the sign is intended to display.

8 An illuminated sign as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in Figures 1 and 2 of the accompanying drawings.