WO2005060478A2 - Lighted indicia display apparatus and methods - Google Patents

Abstract

A display of information such as time (1) associated with a sporting event, and/or time-independent information, includes both methods and apparatus in which in at least one embodiment, light emitting diodes (LED’s) (2, 13) and any associated components are supported by a transparent support (5).

Description

LIGHTED INDICIA DISPLAY APPARATUS AND METHODS

This is an international application claiming the benefit and priority of US provisional application No. 60/530,697, filed December 16, 2003, herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

Generally, embodiments of the inventive technology relate to information display apparatus and methods for presenting information in a manner improved over that associated with conventional, entirely opaque displays. More specifically, embodiments of the inventive technology relate to LED based displays of information, where LED components (a term including the LED's themselves) are suspended by a transparent support, thereby enabling the unscattered passage of light through the support, and where the information includes time related information and time-independent information.

There are many instances in which users of information (as but one example, time relative to a sporting event) that is displayed with light emitting device(s) could benefit if the light emitting device(s) were supported by a transparent support as opposed to being supported by an opaque support (e.g., aluminum painted black) as in currently available products. LED's (light emitting diodes) in particular are well suited for affixation within or on a transparent support or foundation to create an information display that offers a substantially unobstructed view through the display to certain individuals such as spectators at a sporting event - spectators who otherwise would have their view through the display entirely obstructed or blocked.

As but one example, basketball fans would no longer have their view of the court blocked by conventional shot/game clocks that use opaque materials to support the clocks' light emitting device(s). Such view obstruction has been a particularly significant problem where rules governing certain levels of competitive basketball require that a shot clock (which may need, by regulation, to have three or four display faces) be placed in a position at each end of the court, effectively blocking the view of certain spectators seated behind the shot clock. The degree of this obstruction and of the "blind spot" problem depends on the location of the action and the seating position of the spectator, but in every case has the potential to compromise the spectator's enjoyment of the game. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present inventive technology includes a variety of aspects that may be selected in different combinations based upon the particular application or needs to be addressed. In one basic form, embodiments of the inventive technology relate to methods and apparatus relative to an improved lighted indicia display of time related and or time independent information. More specifically, embodiments may relate to an LED based display of information, where LED's, perhaps in the form of LED segments, and at least some electrical components are supported by a transparent support (a broad term including a transparent, supportive medium) thereby significantly mitigating the view obstruction problems associated with conventional opaque supports of light emitting device components. Time related information presented by the inventive apparatus may include but is not limited to time of day, date, time remaining, count up time, count down time, period, quarter, inning, time elapsed and any other time related to a sporting event (e.g., basketball). Time-independent information includes but is not limited to: score, timeouts remaining, and even information unrelated to sporting events, including, as but one example, truck scale weight readouts and the number of an individual currently being served. Naturally, as a result of these several different and potentially independent aspects of the invention, the objects of the invention are quite varied.

One broad goal of at least one embodiment of the instant inventive technology is to allow substantially unobstructed view of a sporting event through an LED display of game- or sport-related information (time (including shot clock time and game time) and score, as but a few examples) to spectators at a sporting event.

One broad goal of at least one embodiment of the instant inventive technology is to allow for the placement of certain expressive indicia (e.g., advertisements, team logos) behind the invention's display such that viewers in front of the display can see the indicia, and such that the indicia can be changed as desired.

One broad goal of at least one embodiment of the instant inventive technology is to afford to an aquatic viewer of the display (e.g., a display of time related information such as lap times) the impression that the display, when placed underwater, is floating or suspended in the water. One broad goal of at least one embodiment of the instant inventive technology is to simply present a less visually obtrusive time and/or score (or perhaps other information) clock that blends in with the surrounding environment by enabling the substantially unscattered passage of light through the transparent support of the light emitting devices

(e.g., light emitting diodes).

One broad goal of at least one embodiment of the instant inventive technology is the provision of a transparent support used to support LED's (including LED components) for an information (e.g., time) display, where this support enables a reduction in the depth

(e.g., horizontal) dimension as compared with conventional displays, and or a reduction in the weight as compared with similarly sized conventional displays.

Naturally, further objects of the invention are disclosed throughout other areas of the specification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings show only possible embodiments of the inventive technology. Any dimensions indicated do not limit the scope of the inventive technology in any manner.

FIG. 1 shows a cross-section of a one-sided face of a lighted indicia display apparatus having LED segment components suspended in a transparent support according to at least one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 2 shows a general systems outlay for the lighted indicia display apparatus according to at least one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3a shows a three sided display according to at least one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3b shows a four sided display according to at least one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 shows conventional three and four sided displays. FIG. 5 shows a two sided display according to at least one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 shows a pace clock having the ability to count up, count down, and show time of day.

FIG. 7 shows the electrical components according to at least one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 8 shows a three (or four) sided game clock according to at least one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9 shows another perspective of a three (or four) sided game clock according to at least one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 10 shows a close-up view of four LED segments that make up part of a single character LED arrangement according to at least one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11 shows a display face of a game clock according to at least one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 12 shows a one (or two) sided game clock according to at least one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 13 shows a closed, four-sided game clock according to at least one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 14 shows an open, four-sided game clock according to at least one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 15 shows a wired display control embodiment.

FIG. 16 shows a wireless display control embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS As mentioned earlier, the present invention includes a variety of aspects, which may be combined in different ways. The following descriptions are provided to list elements and describe some of the embodiments of the present invention. These elements are listed with initial embodiments, however it should be understood that they may be combined in any manner and in any number to create additional embodiments. The variously described examples and preferred embodiments should not be construed to limit the present invention to only the explicitly described systems, techniques, and applications. Further, this description should further be understood to support and encompass descriptions and claims of all the various embodiments, systems, techniques, methods, devices, and applications with any number of the disclosed elements, with each element alone, and also with any and all various permutations and combinations of all elements in this or any subsequent application.

At least one embodiment of the invention is an lighted indicia display apparatus 1

(where indicia may include any one or more of time-related information and time independent information, as but two examples) that has light emitting diodes 2 and electrical components 3 (e.g., wires 4, a power source, perhaps wireless communication components, etc.) configured to enable lighting of the diodes to generate lighted indicia such as information indicia (a time remaining or score, as but two of many examples). A transparent support 5 (one made from acrylic or transparent polyurethane) may act to retain the LED's in fixed position (so the LED's do not more relative to one another and/or as a unit). One example of how such support may be effected is through the use of potting compound or perhaps nuts and bolts and/or adhesive that act to secure LED components to the transparent support, and a frame that acts to attach the transparent support to a building structure. The transparent support may enable the unscattered passage of a majority (including but not limited to more than 80%, more than 90 %; more than 95%; more than 98%) of light incident on the display apparatus through the display apparatus. The information indicia may include time related indicia and/or time independent indicia. The LED's 2 may be part of LED segments 6 (e.g., straight LED segments, which may also comprise components such as a circuit board 29 and wires 30) that may be arranged to form one or more single character LED arrangements 7 (e.g., seven segments may be arranged to form the eight-shaped LED arrangement and capable of showing one of several characters (e.g., numbers) at a time, depending on which LED's or LED segments are lighted).

The electrical components configured to enable lighting of the light emitting elements 13 (e.g., LED's) may comprise control components 8 and a power source 9 (e.g., a battery, generator or an electrical outlet and any necessary cabling). The power source is typically established apart from the transparent support, although it certainly is feasible that a battery could be established as part of or contiguous with the transparent support. Control components may include a control input element 10 (e.g., a control board 11, or even merely an on/off switch) to which the light emitting elements may be responsive, and an input communication element 12 (e.g., at least one wire connected to the input element and perhaps to a circuit board that the light emitting elements are themselves connected to) that communicates an input signal to control the light emitting elements. The input element may further comprise circuitry (e.g., a CPU 14 and associated circuitry) that enables selection and activation of an operational program or mode and that generates a signal or signals that, once communicated to the light emitting elements components 15, can be used to light as intended. One example of an operational program is a fifteen minute quarter count-down and a twenty-four second shot clock, each capable of being manually interrupted. The input communication element 12 (which communicates a signal(s) generated by the input element to the electrical components enabling lighting of the light emitting elements) may be wireless 16 (wireless control components) or wired (wired control capability). If it is wireless, it may comprise a wireless signal generator 17 (e.g., a radio wave signal generator) and a wireless signal receiver 18 (e.g., a radio wave signal receiver). Such a wireless signal generator includes that components necessary to turn input into a wireless signal and the wireless signal receiver includes components necessary to receive the wireless signal, convert it to a form usable by the LED's (when necessary), and communicate that signal to the LED's.

In a preferred embodiment, the support is rigid, as where it is rigid enough to enable mid-air suspension of the support and the LEDs that it establishes in substantially fixed physical relation to one another. The support may be a substantially non-hollow, solid support 19 (e.g., a solid sheet, even where it has a filled cavity in which some LED components is established). Also, in at least one embodiment, the support is transparent. Advantages of such embodiments include enablement of a substantially unscattered passage of light through the display's transparent support so that persons, e.g., spectators at a sporting event such as basketball, can see in satisfactory manner through the support and observe an event(s). Such a transparent support substantially eliminates such blind spots currently experienced by some people, e.g., sporting event spectators, behind a conventional game clock.

Even where sight or view obstruction is not a problem posed by those information displays that have an opaque support for the light emitting devices, the use of a transparent support for LED's may still have benefits. For example, the use of a transparent support for LED's may conform the display to the surrounding environment better, thereby lessening the visual impact of the display and the visual discontinuity an opaque display may cause. Further, the transparent materials used for the support may enable a reduction in the depth 20 of the display, and thus, a reduction in the weight of a given display.

Additionally, weight may be reduced by the simple fact that the transparent materials used for the display may weigh less per given volume as compared with conventional supporting materials and structures. These and all advantages are only possible advantages; each need not be found in every inventive embodiment. It is of note that where support is specified as support for LED's this support is different from framing 21 for the larger display itself (which may include suspension wires and/or a frame). In a preferred embodiment, the transparent support for the LED segments is substantially flat (e.g., uniplanar), and may be a sheet having a depth 20 (or thickness) that is relatively small compared with the larger of the dimension (e.g., height and width) of the surface of the support for the single character LED arrangement. The depth may be less than % the larger of the dimensions of the surface of the support for the LED's. Or, it may be less than 1/6, less than 1/8, less than 1/10, less than 1/12, less than 1/15, less than 1/18, less than 1/20, less than 1/24 or less than 1/25 this larger dimension

The dimensions of the transparent support (other than its depth) may include width and height (where the support's flat, larger surface is rectangular or square) or radius (where the support is circular), or other characteristic dimensions relative to whichever shape the support has (e.g., elliptical, e.g.). Of course all shapes would have a depth (although it may be very small in some embodiments), which when the display 22 is mounted in operative position (e.g., by hanging from thin but sufficiently strong wires) would typically be in the horizontal direction (while the flat, larger surface would typically be vertical when the display were mounted in operating position). It should be noted that where sheets are used for the transparent support, one transparent sheet may be used for one or more display characters. When more than one sheet is to be used in a single, multiple character display, discrete individual sheets may be bonded together (e.g., by any type of epoxy or adhesive which is transparent) where appropriate.

Related methods are also contemplated by the inventors as part of the inventive technology. Steps such as retaining light emitting elements in fixed position with the transparent support (e.g., through use of the transparent support), in addition to establishing a power source (e.g., merely by plugging in a cord or hooking up a battery) and enabling the unscattered passage of a majority of light incident on the lighted information display through the lighted information display may be included in such methods. The verb "establishing" is a broad term that may include situating or placing, among other things. Applications include but are not limited to use of the inventive apparatus as: (a) a timer (and/or score indicator) at a sporting or athletic event, particularly where the timer must be placed in a position where certain spectators will have their vision of the sporting event compromised (e.g., entirely blocked) if the support for the timer's light emitting elements (e.g., LED's, liquid crystal displays, etc.) is opaque; (b) a timer at, e.g., a sporting event, where an opaque support for the timer's light emitting device(s) would preclude view of any expressive indicia (e.g., advertising, decorative design, logo, etc.) placed behind the timer; (c) any event-related information display (including time of day, count up time, count down time, game time, penalty time, quarter, period, inning, round, score, weight, number of customer being served, e.g.,) that would substantially compromise view (via partial or complete obstruction) through the display if the display were to include an opaque support for the display's light emitting elements ; (d) an underwater, aquatics-related information display (e.g., an aquatics clock that can act as a timer for lap training for competitive swimming) that affords to aquatics participants the desirable impression that the underwater display is suspended in water (by enabling the passage of light through the transparent support), particularly when these event participants are viewing the display while their eyes are below the surface of the water; (e) any type of LED display (including time of day, count up time, count down time, time remaining, period, quarter, inning, round, etc.) where a transparent support for the LED segment(s) would render the display less visually obtrusive in making it better blend in with the surrounding environment; (f) any type of information display (e.g., a display of time independent information such as the number of the individual currently being served, or score, in addition to time-related information, including but not limited to time of day, count up time, count down time) where a transparent support for LED's would render the display less visually obtrusive in making it better blend in with the surrounding environment; (g) any type of information (including time-related information such as time of day, count up time and count down time, and other information such as information relative to the number of the individual currently being served) display where it would be desirable to reduce the weight and/or depth of the display. Thus,, the lighted indicia display apparatus may be a lighted, event related information display. The above mentioned list is neither mutually exclusive, as a certain application may indeed fall within more than one of the above-mentioned categories, nor is the list necessarily exhaustive. Again, not all advantages listed need be found in an apparatus in that the claims read on for it to be covered by the claims. Advantages listed are merely possible advantages, not requisite. In embodiments in which the LED's form LED segments 6 (a type of light emitting element segment), a certain number of these segments (e.g., seven) may be located in each of at least one single character LED arrangement 7 and may be illuminated or not in order to display an intended character (e.g., the number six) in that single character LED arrangement. In at least one embodiment, the segments are obtained from a manufacturer (perhaps as part of an arrangement of a plurality of single character LED arrangements) and are straight, but other configurations are also envisioned by the inventors. As an example and not by way of limitation, a game clock (a broad term that may indicate any one or more of game time such as time remaining in a period or quarter, shot clock, and score, as but a few examples) may have a total of eight LED segments in each of six single character LED arrangements, in addition to a "colon-type" LED arrangement 23 to distinguish minutes from seconds, e.g. The transparent material of the transparent that is used to establish a plurality of

LED's in substantially fixed position may be any material that allows through it the passage of light such that a person can visually discern in adequate and sufficient manner items, persons, action, or events on the opposite side of the material. Such transparent material should be substantially rigid (upon curing, e.g.) and includes, but is not limited to, acrylic, or any transparent polymer, including transparent polyurethane. Light emitting elements such as light emitting diodes (whether in the form of segments or individually) may in some manner be supported by the transparent material. Such support may be effected by positioning the LED's (individually or in segments) so that the LED's are affixed within or on the transparent material.

In at least one embodiment, the LED's lie within the transparent material so that the face(s) of the display have an even surface (see Figure 1). In order to manufacture such a product, a cavity 24 in which the LED's (whether in the form of segments or individually) and some electrical components are eventually positioned, may first be created in the transparent material. Such step may involve machining (e.g., via a router) a cavity (e.g., a recess or groove) into a transparent material such as a sheet (again, this term includes, but is not limited to, uniplanar, tabletop-like blocks having a non-negligible, but relatively small, depth) and then establishing (e.g., placing) LED components (e.g., LED's and a circuit board and wires) into the cavity. In order to secure the LED components in the cavity itself, potting compound 25 (e.g., Dow Sylgard 184, or other types of curable elastomers, silicone elastomers, or insulating resins (e.g., pourable insulating resins)) may be used. For example, the potting compound may be used to fill in the cavity on the open side of the cavity adjacent the LED's placed in the cavity so that so that a smooth, flush surface can be established where the cavity once was. In at least one embodiment, the potting compound may flow (or it may be forced) to the bottom of the cavity so that it is not only on the sides 13 of and above the components, but also below the components at the bottom of the cavity. In at least one embodiment, the potting compound is applied at the opening of the cavity after LED components have been placed in the cavity, and the potting compound is then either allowed to or forced to flow beneath the LED components at the bottom of the cavity. Instead, the potting compound may be first placed in a layer at the bottom of the cavity, then the LED components may be positioned directly onto and set into this layer, and then additional potting compound may be established substantially on the sides of and above the components. Thus, the potting compound may be established substantially around the light emitting diodes and at least some of the electrical components. The potting compound may also serve to protect the LED components from shock and environmental exposure. It should be noted that where the LED segments are established in a cavity, the

LED's themselves may be positioned so that they are either facing the bottom of the cavity (preferred embodiment) or facing the open side 26 of the cavity. Whenever potting compound is used immediately adjacent 27 the LED's themselves, it should be transparent. Potting compound used on the "other side" need not be transparent, although in a preferred embodiment, only one potting compound (which is transparent) is used so that it surrounds (in cross-section) the LED (see Figure 1) - both above, below and to the sides within the cavity established for them.

Certain embodiments of the inventive technology includes any manner of positioning the LED's within the cavity; it is not limited to the use of a potting compound. Although the preferred embodiment may involve the use of potting compound, any manner of affixing the LED within a cavity of the transparent support (including merely using adhesive and/or screws as appropriate) without blocking light emitted from the LED's is within the ambit of the inventive technology. It is notable that any type of curable, transparent elastomer may be used in certain embodiments to sufficiently affix the LED within the cavity.

Certain embodiments may use a potting compound below and to the sides of the LED's, but not on the open face of the LED's. This design may be used with any other design that does not require potting compound be placed on the open side of the cavity above the LED segments.

At least one embodiment of the invention contemplates installation of the only a part of the LED components (e.g., the LED's themselves, any wires, and any circuit board) in the cavity, while the remaining part (e.g., the circuit board and the wires, or just the wires) may be left outside the cavity. Or the circuit board and the wires, e.g., may be left outside the cavity while the LED's themselves are in the cavity. These are just a few of the design permutations within the ambit of the inventive technology.

Instead of being established within a cavity created in the transparent support, the LED components may be established substantially directly on an unadulterated surface 30 (i.e., non-cavitied) of the transparent material. Such may result in a less expensive manufacturing process (because the step of creating a cavity in the transparent material is eliminated) but it may in some designs preclude benefits relative to a flush surface, in addition to those benefits afforded by the use of a potting compound within the cavity housing the LED segments (e.g., shock absorption and protection from environmental exposure). In order to establish the LED segments substantially directly on a non-cavitied surface of the transparent support, simple techniques, such as affixing with screws 29, bolts 29 or adhesive 28 (as but two examples), may be employed.

It should be noted that in a preferred embodiment, the LED components includes a circuit board(s) 29 to which the LED's and wires 4 may be attached (in addition to including the LED's themselves). The circuit board, in at least one embodiment, is not transparent (although in others it is), and thus will block light incident upon it. However, this circuit board(s)'s height and width dimensions are small, and thus will not obstruct much of the light passing through the display. Further, the circuit board may be placed on the side of the LED opposite the intended audience of the information indicia. However, at least one embodiment of the invention contemplates the use of LED components that all are transparent where possible. At least one embodiment of the invention contemplates a three sided, lighted display (see Figure 3 a) having a transparent LED support and usable for competitive basketball (e.g., professional basketball), one face of which may be viewable substantially straight-on from a camera located off-court but at half court on one side (meaning, e.g., located along a half court line in a basketball arena, on one side of the court, and approximately 50 seats or so from the court). The dimensions of such a three sided display conform with new 2002 rules promulgated by the NBA intended to improve the television viewers' enjoyment of the game by providing a better view of the game clock to cameras in their typical off-court locations. As is apparent from Figure 3a, a three sided display (and a four-sided display as shown in Figure 3b) would block (at least partially) the view of several fans behind the clock if conventional opaque materials were used for the supports for the light emitting devices. The three-sided display may be closed triangular (see Fig. 4) or open triangular (see Fig. 3a), as but two examples.

As shown in Figure 3b, the three sided display with a transparent LED support may be adapted so that it is a four sided lighted display. In this way, fans behind the clock could not only see through nearly all of the game clock, but they would have a view of the game clock on their side of the court also. As the new three and four sided clocks that the NBA required with its 2002 regulations obstruct significantly more view than the triangular and square game clocks used before that time, obstruction of spectators' views has become an even greater problem. It is this problem that at least one embodiment of the present invention seeks to solve. The four sided display may be closed box (see Fig. 4); or it may be open box; or it may be triangular with one support having oppositely facing displays (see Fig. 3b), as but a few examples.

In addition to the three sided and four sided displays, a simple two sided display (see Figure 5) in which both sides of a display have LED segments that are substantially aligned with each other, and a one-sided display (see Figure 1), is within the scope of the inventive technology.

An embodiment of the invention may include framing (e.g., welded aluminum framing) to establish at least a portion of the outer edge of the transparent support. Typical framing designs are shown in Exhibit A-7. Such framing is a type of display mounting apparatus. It should be noted that the electrical LED circuitry used with the transparent support (see Figure 7) that suspends it can be designed and configured according to design tools well known to those in the art of LED time displays. Control wires for each single character LED arrangement may be fed through a cavity (where in fact there is one) to the base of the display, where they may then be connected to a control board (see Figure 1, 2 and 7). Figure 2 shows an overall outlay diagram of the display and its peripheral electronic components. The display may be mounted in operative position in any well-known manner, including hanging the display (perhaps via wires each attached at one end to the transparent support sheet of the display) and/or attaching a frame 21 to the display and attaching the frame to a separate structure (a wall, a basketball backboard, a basketball backboard frame, a game clock tower, or any other type of physical structure) and/or attaching the display directly to the separate structure (a wall, a basketball backboard, a basketball backboard frame, or any other type of physical structure); or (as where the display is intended for underwater use), secured to a pool gutter or lane lines. The mounting of the display may be facilitated by a frame (e.g., a welded aluminum frame) that surrounds a lower edge of the display's support and provides a structural mounting point for attaching (via adhesive, bolting, clamping and welding, as but a few examples) the display. In other embodiments, no such frame is used and direct attachment to the clear support is made using conventional means of attaching (including adhesive, bolting, and clamping, as but a few examples). The exhibits show only possible embodiments relative to the inventive technology.

Any dimensions or other specific design features indicated do not limit the scope of the inventive technology in any manner. Exhibit A, attached and incorporated herein by reference, shows as follows: - Exhibit A-l shows various lower support frames that may be used for the three sided display embodiments of the invention, in addition to showing a three-sided support frame for a single support sheet (although such three sided frame is not preferred). - Exhibit A-2 shows a single side of a framed, multi-faced display according to at least one embodiment of the invention. This framed display is unpreferred, as all are framed displays (whether framed on all sides or merely on the sides and the lower edge). - Exhibit A-3 shows a perspective view of the framed three faced display according to at least one embodiment of the invention. - Exhibit A-4 shows LED segments of each the game time indicator and the shot time indicator of a game clock according to at least one embodiment of the invention. - Exhibit A-5 shows a profile, including a lower support frame (usable to attach the display to a structure), of a single faced display according to at least one embodiment of the inventive technology. - Exhibit A-6 shows a side profile of a three-faced display, including a four sided support frame, according to at least one embodiment of the inventive technology. - Exhibit A-7 shows specific frames that may be used along the outer edges of the clear support of the display. - Exhibit A-8 shows a perspective view of an outer edge framed, single faced display including a support frame, according to at least one embodiment of the inventive technology. Of course, non-preferred preferred embodiments that the claim reads on are also within the ambit of the inventive technology.

As can be easily understood from the foregoing, the basic concepts of the present invention may be embodied in a variety of ways. It involves both information display techniques as well as devices to accomplish the appropriate display of information. In this application, the information display techniques are disclosed as part of the results shown to be achieved by the various devices described and as steps which are inherent to utilization. They are simply the natural result of utilizing the devices as intended and described. In addition, while some devices are disclosed, it should be understood that these not only accomplish certain methods but also can be varied in a number of ways. Importantly, as to all of the foregoing, all of these facets should be understood to be encompassed by this disclosure.

The discussion included in this patent application is intended to serve as a basic description. The reader should be aware that the specific discussion may not explicitly describe all embodiments possible; many alternatives are implicit. It also may not fully explain the generic nature of the invention and may not explicitly show how each feature or element can actually be representative of a broader function or of a great variety of alternative or equivalent elements. Again, these are implicitly included in this disclosure. Where the invention is described in device-oriented terminology, each element of the device implicitly performs a function. Apparatus claims may not only be included for the device described, but also method or process claims may be included to address the functions the invention and each element performs. Neither the description nor the terminology is intended to limit the scope of the claims that will be included in any subsequent patent application.

It should also be understood that a variety of changes may be made without departing from the essence of the invention. Such changes are also implicitly included in the description. They still fall within the scope of this invention. A broad disclosure encompassing both the explicit embodiments) shown, the great variety of implicit alternative embodiments, and the broad methods or processes and the like are encompassed by this disclosure and may be relied upon when drafting the claims for any subsequent patent application. It should be understood that such language changes and broader or more detailed claiming may be accomplished at a later date (such as by any required deadline) or in the event the applicant subsequently seeks a patent filing based on this filing. With this understanding, the reader should be aware that this disclosure is to be understood to support any subsequently filed patent application that may seek examination of as broad a base of claims as deemed within the applicant's right and may be designed to yield a patent covering numerous aspects of the invention both independently and as an overall system.

Further, each of the various elements of the invention and claims may also be achieved in a variety of manners. Additionally, when used, the term "element" is to be understood as encompassing individual as well as plural structures that may or may not be physically connected. This disclosure should be understood to encompass each such variation, be it a variation of an embodiment of any apparatus embodiment, a method or process embodiment, or even merely a variation of any element of these. Particularly, it should be understood that as the disclosure relates to elements of the invention, the words for each element may be expressed by equivalent apparatus terms or method terms — even if only the function or result is the same. Such equivalent, broader, or even more generic terms should be considered to be encompassed in the description of each element or action. Such terms can be substituted where desired to make explicit the implicitly broad coverage to which this invention is entitled. As but one example, it should be understood that all actions may be expressed as a means for taking that action or as an element which causes that action. Similarly, each physical element disclosed should be understood to encompass a disclosure of the action which that physical element facilitates. Regarding this last aspect, as but one example, the disclosure of a "display" should be understood to encompass disclosure of the act of "displaying" ~ whether explicitly discussed or not ~ and, conversely, were there effectively disclosure of the act of "displaying", such a disclosure should be understood to encompass disclosure of a "display" and even a "means for displaying" Such changes and alternative terms are to be understood to be explicitly included in the description.

Any acts of law, statutes, regulations, or rules mentioned in this application for patent; or patents, publications, or other references mentioned in this application for patent are hereby incorporated by reference. In addition, as to each term used it should be understood that unless its utilization in this application is inconsistent with such interpretation, common dictionary definitions should be understood as incorporated for each term and all definitions, alternative terms, and synonyms such as contained in the Random House Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, second edition are hereby incorporated by reference. Finally, all references listed in information statement filed with the application are hereby appended and hereby incorporated by reference, however, as to each of the above, to the extent that such information or statements incorporated by reference might be considered inconsistent with the patenting of this/these invention(s) such statements are expressly not to be considered as made by the applicant(s).

U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS

II. FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS

m. OTHER DOCUMENTS US Provisional Application Number 60/530,697 filed December 16, 2003 entitled "Information Display Having Transparent Support for LED's and LED Components" 26 pages and 9 drawings

Thus, the applicant(s) should be understood to have support to claim and make a statement of invention to at least: i) each of the display devices as herein disclosed and described, ii) the related methods disclosed and described, iii) similar, equivalent, and even implicit variations of each of these devices and methods, iv) those alternative designs which accomplish each of the functions shown as are disclosed and described, v) those alternative designs and methods which accomplish each of the functions shown as are implicit to accomplish that which is disclosed and described, vi) each feature, component, and step shown as separate and independent inventions, vii) the applications enhanced by the various systems or components disclosed, viii) the resulting products produced by such systems or components, ix) each system, method, and element shown or described as now applied to any specific field or devices mentioned, x) methods and apparatuses substantially as described hereinbefore and with reference to any of the accompanying examples, xi) the various combinations and permutations of each of the elements disclosed, and xii) each potentially dependent claim or concept as a dependency on each and every one of the independent claims or concepts presented.

With regard to claims whether now or later presented for examination, it should be understood that for practical reasons and so as to avoid great expansion of the examination burden, the applicant may at any time present only initial claims or perhaps only initial claims with only initial dependencies. Support should be understood to exist to the degree required under new matter laws — including but not limited to European Patent Convention Article 123(2) and United States Patent Law 35 USC 132 or other such laws— to permit the addition of any of the various dependencies or other elements presented under one independent claim or concept as dependencies or elements under any other independent claim or concept. In drafting any claims at any time whether in this application or in any subsequent application, it should also be understood that the applicant has intended to capture as full and broad a scope of coverage as legally available. To the extent that insubstantial substitutes are made, to the extent that the applicant did not in fact draft any claim so as to literally encompass any particular embodiment, and to the extent otherwise applicable, the applicant should not be understood to have in any way intended to or actually relinquished such coverage as the applicant simply may not have been able to anticipate all eventualities; one skilled in the art, should not be reasonably expected to have drafted a claim that would have literally encompassed such alternative embodiments.

Further, if or when used, the use of the transitional phrase "comprising" is used to maintain the "open-end" claims herein, according to traditional claim interpretation. Thus, unless the context requires otherwise, it should be understood that the term "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", are intended to imply the inclusion of a stated element or step or group of elements or steps but not the exclusion of any other element or step or group of elements or steps. Such terms should be interpreted in their most expansive form so as to afford the applicant the broadest coverage legally permissible.

Finally, any claims set forth at any time are hereby incorporated by reference as part of this description of the invention, and the applicant expressly reserves the right to use all of or a portion of such incorporated content of such claims as additional description to support any of or all of the claims or any element or component thereof, and the applicant further expressly reserves the right to move any portion of or all of the incorporated content of such claims or any element or component thereof from the description into the claims or vice-versa as necessary to define the matter for which protection is sought by this application or by any subsequent continuation, division, or continuation-in-part application thereof, or to obtain any benefit of, reduction in fees pursuant to, or to comply with the patent laws, rules, or regulations of any country or treaty, and such content incorporated by reference shall survive during the entire pendency of this application including any subsequent continuation, division, or continuation-in-part application thereof or any reissue or extension thereon.

IN THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE PCT BRANCH

In Re the Application of: Colorado Time Systems, LLC Inventors/ Applicants: Carey Ryerson, Brett L. Anderson, G. Thomas Oppenheimer Jr., Robert Childress, Timothy M. Scarberry, Rick Connell, Anita Sayed, Nate Schilling, Joseph Nemeth, and Bruce Gregg

International Application Number:

International Filing Date:

Original US Application: 60/530,697 Earliest Priority Date: 16 December 2003 (16.12.2003)

Title: Lighted Indicia Display Apparatus and Methods

Receiving Office: RO/US

EXHIBIT A

Exhibit A-2

Exhibit A-3

23

Exhibit A-5

Exhibit A-6

Exhibit A-8

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A lighted indicia display apparatus comprising:

- a plurality of light emitting diodes; - electrical components configured to enable lighting of said plurality of light emitting diodes to generate lighted indicia; and - a transparent support that retains said plurality of light emitting diodes in fixed position; wherein said transparent support enables the unscattered passage of a majority of light incident on said lighted mdicia display apparatus through said lighted indicia display apparatus.

2. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 1 wherein said plurality of light emitting diodes form at least one light emitting diode segment.

3. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 2 wherein each of said at least one light emitting diode segment is straight.

4. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 2 wherein said at least one light emitting diode segment comprises more than one light emitting diode segment to form at least one single character LED arrangement.

5. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 4 wherein said at least one single character LED arrangement is in the shape of an eight.

6. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 4 wherein said at least one single character LED arrangement comprises six single character LED arrangements.

7. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 6 wherein said lighted indicia display apparatus establishes at least one display face.

8. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 7 wherein said lighted indicia display apparatus comprises six single character LED arrangements per display face.

9. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 1 wherein said lighted indicia display apparatus establishes more than one display face.

10. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 1 wherein said plurality of light emitting diodes form at least one single character LED aπangement.

11. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 10 wherein said at least one single character LED arrangement is eight, single character LED arrangements.

12. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 10 further comprising at least one colon type LED arrangement.

13. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 1 wherein said plurality of light emitting diodes are affixed within said transparent support.

14. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 13 wherein said plurality of light emitting diodes are affixed within a cavity of said transparent support.

15. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 14 wherein said plurality of light emitting diodes and said at least some of said electrical components are affixed within said cavity.

16. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 15 further comprising potting compound within said cavity.

17. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 16 wherein said potting compound is established substantially around said plurality of light emitting diodes and said at least some of said electrical components.

18. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 16 wherein said potting compound comprises a compound selected from the group consisting of: transparent material; a transparent elastomer; Dow Sylgard 184; a curable elastomer; a silicone elastomer; a pourable resin; an insulating resin.

19. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 15 wherein said potting compound is smoothed to be flush with a surrounding surface of said transparent support.

20. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 13 wherein said cavity is a machined cavity.

21. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 13 wherein said plurality of light emitting diodes face towards a bottom of said cavity.

22. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 1 wherein said plurality of light emitting diodes are affixed on said transparent support.

23. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 22 wherein at least part of said electric components is affixed on said transparent support.

24. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 22 further comprising at least one screw or at least one bolt that affixes said plurality of light emitting diodes on said transparent support.

25. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 22 further comprising adhesive that affixes said plurality of light emitting diodes on said transparent support.

26. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 1 wherein said lighted indicia is information indicia.

27. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 26 wherein said lighted indicia comprises time-related indicia.

28. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 27 wherein said time- related indicia is time remaining.

29. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 27 wherein said time- related indicia comprises quarter.

30. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 27 wherein said time- related indicia comprises round.

31. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 26 wherein said lighted indicia comprises time-independent indicia.

32. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 31 wherein said time- independent indicia comprises score.

33. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 31 wherein said time- independent indicia comprises the number of the individual cuπently being served.

34. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 1 wherein said lighted indicia display apparatus comprises a lighted, event-related information display.

35. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 1 wherein said lighted display apparatus is a basketball shot clock.

36. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 1 wherein said lighted display apparatus is an aquatics clock.

37. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 36 wherein said aquatics clock is an underwater clock.

38. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 1 wherein said lighted display apparatus comprises a timer.

39. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 1 wherein said lighted display apparatus comprises a score indicator.

40. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 1 wherein said transparent support is made substantially from a transparent polymer.

41. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 40 wherein said transparent polymer comprises transparent polyurethane.

42. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 40 wherein said transparent polymer comprises acrylic.

43. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 1 wherein said transparent support is made substantially from acrylic.

44. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 1 wherein said electrical components comprises control components and a power source.

45. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 44 wherein said power source is established apart from said transparent support.

46. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 44 wherein said power source is within or contiguous with said transparent support.

47. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 44 wherein said control components comprises a control input element to which said plurality of light emitting diodes is responsive, and an input communication element that communicates an input signal to control said plurality of light emitting diodes.

48. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 47 wherein said input element comprises a control board.

49. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 47 wherein said input communication element comprises a circuit board and at least one wire connected thereto.

50. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 47 wherein said control input element comprises a control board.

51. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 47 wherein said input communication element comprises a wireless signal generator and a wireless signal receiver.

52. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 51 wherein said wireless signal generator comprises a radio wave signal generator.

53. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 51 wherein said wireless signal receiver comprises a radio wave signal receiver.

54. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 44 wherein said control components is adapted for user control.

55. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 44 wherein said control components comprises wired control components.

56. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 1 wherein said transparent support has a height, width and depth.

57. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 56 wherein said depth is less than a fraction of the height, where said fraction is selected from the group consisting of: 1/6, 1/8, 1/10, 1/12, 1/15, 1/18, 1/20, 1/24, and 1/25.

58. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 1 wherein said lighted display apparatus is a two sided, lighted display apparatus.

59. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 1 wherein said lighted display apparatus is three sided, lighted display apparatus.

60. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 59 wherein said lighted display apparatus comprises a triangular, lighted display apparatus.

61. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 59 wherein said lighted display apparatus has an open triangular shape.

62. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 1 wherein said lighted display apparatus is a four sided, lighted display apparatus.

63. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 62 wherein said lighted display apparatus comprises a boxed lighted display apparatus.

64. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 62 wherein said lighted display apparatus has an open box shape.

65. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 1 further comprising framing to establish at least a portion of an outer edge of said lighted display apparatus.

66. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 1 further comprising a display mounting apparatus adapted to support said transparent support.

67. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 66 wherein said display mounting apparatus is adapted to attach to a basketball backboard.

68. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 67 further comprising said basketball backboard.

69. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 66 wherein said display mounting apparatus is adapted to attach to a pool gutter.

70. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 1 wherein said majority of light incident on said lighted indicia display apparatus comprises more than eighty per-cent of said light incident on said lighted indicia display apparatus.

71. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 70 wherein more than eighty per-cent of said light incident on said lighted indicia display apparatus comprises more than ninety per-cent of said light incident on said lighted indicia display apparatus.

72. A lighted indicia display method comprising the steps of: - retaining with a transparent support a plurality of light emitting diodes in fixed position; - establishing electrical components to light said plurality of light emitting diodes; - establishing a lighted information display having at least one display face; - enabling the unscattered passage of a majority of light incident on said lighted information display through said lighted information display.

73 A lighted indicia display method as described in claim 72 wherein said transparent support is substantially uniplanar.

74. A lighted indicia display method as described in claim 72 wherein said step of retaining a plurality of light emitting diodes in fixed position comprises the step of establishing said plurality of light emitting diodes to form at least one single character light emitting diode arrangement.

75. A lighted indicia display method as described in claim 74 wherein said step of establishing said plurality of light emitting diodes to form at least one single character light emitting diode aπangement comprises the step of establishing each of said at least one single character light emitting diode aπangement in the shape of an eight.

76. A lighted indicia display method as described in claim 72 wherein said step of establishing a lighted information display having at least one display face comprises the step of establishing a lighted information display having two display faces.

77. A lighted indicia display method as described in claim 72 wherein said step of establishing a lighted information display having at least one display face comprises the step of establishing a lighted information display having three display faces.

78. A lighted indicia display method as described in claim 72 wherein said step of establishing a lighted information display having at least one display face comprises the step of establishing a lighted information display having four display faces.

79. A lighted indicia display method as described in claim 72 wherein said step of retaining a plurality of light emitting diodes in fixed position comprises the step of establishing a cavity in said transparent support and retaining said plurality of light emitting diodes in said cavity.

80. A lighted indicia display method as described in claim 79 further comprising the step of retaining said at least a portion of said electrical components in said cavity.

81. A lighted indicia display method as described in claim 79 wherein said step of retaining said plurality of light emitting diodes in said cavity comprises the step of establishing potting compound in said cavity.

82. A lighted indicia display method as described in claim 81 further comprising the step of smoothing an exposed surface of said potting compound.

83. A lighted indicia display method as described in claim 72 wherein said step of retaining a plurality of light emitting diodes in fixed position comprises the step of attaching said light emitting diodes to an unadulterated surface of said transparent support.

84. A lighted indicia display method as described in claim 72 wherein said step of establishing a lighted information display having at least one display face comprises the step of establishing a lighted, time-related information display.

85. A lighted indicia display method as described in claim 72 wherein said step of establishing a lighted information display having at least one display face comprises the step of establishing a lighted, time-independent information display.

86. A lighted indicia display method as described in claim 72 wherein said step of establishing a lighted information display having at least one display face comprises the step of establishing a lighted, basketball time and score indicator.

87. A lighted indicia display method as described in claim 72 wherein said step of establishing a lighted information display having at least one display face comprises the step of establishing a lighted, basketball shot clock.

88. A lighted indicia display method as described in claim 72 wherein said step of establishing a lighted information display having at least one display face comprises the step of establishing a lighted, aquatics timer.

89. A lighted indicia display method as described in claim 72 wherein said step of establishing a lighted information display having at least one display face comprises the step of establishing a lighted, aquatics lap counter.

90. A lighted indicia display method as described in claim 72 wherein said step of establishing a lighted information display having at least one display face comprises the step of establishing a lighted, aquatics score indicator.

91. A lighted indicia display method as described in claim 72 wherein said step of retaining a plurality of light emitting diodes in fixed position comprises the step of retaining said plurality of light emitting diodes in fixed position through use of a transparent polymer support.

92. A lighted indicia display method as described in claim 91 wherein said step of retaining said plurality of light emitting diodes in fixed position comprises the step of retaining said plurality of light emitting diodes in fixed position through use of an acrylic support. ₍

93. A lighted indicia display method as described in claim 72 further comprising the step of establishing control components to control said lighted information display.

94. A lighted indicia display method as described in claim 93 wherein said step of establishing control components comprises the step of establishing a control input element and an input communication element.

95. A lighted indicia display method as described in claim 94 wherein said step of establishing an input communication element comprises the step of establishing a wireless signal generator and a wireless signal receiver.

96. A lighted indicia display method as described in claim 72 further comprising the step of establishing framing as at least a portion of an outer edge of said at least one display face.

97. A lighted indicia display method as described in claim 72 further comprising the step of mounting said lighted information display.

98. A lighted indicia display apparatus comprising:

- a plurality of light emitting diodes; - electrical components configured to enable lighting of said plurality of light emitting diodes to generate lighted indicia; and - a substantially non-hollow, solid support adapted to retain said plurality of light emitting diodes in fixed position.

99. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 98 wherein said plurality of light emitting diodes form at least one light emitting diode segment.

100. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 98 wherein said at least one light emitting diode segment comprises more than one light emitting diode segment to form at least one single character LED arrangement.

101. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 98 wherein said lighted indicia display apparatus establishes at least one display face.

102. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 98 wherein said lighted indicia display apparatus comprises six single character LED aπangements per display face.

103. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 98 wherein said lighted indicia display apparatus establishes more than one display face.

104. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 98 wherein said plurality of light emitting diodes form at least one single character LED arrangement.

105. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 104 wherein said at least one single character LED arrangement comprises eight, single character LED aπangements.

106. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 104 further comprising at least one colon type LED aπangement.

107. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 98 wherein said plurality of light emitting diodes are affixed within said substantially non-hollow, solid support.

108. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 107 wherein said plurality of light emitting diodes are affixed within a cavity of said substantially non- hollow, solid support.

109. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 108 wherein said plurality of light emitting diodes and said at least some of said electrical components are affixed within said cavity.

110. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 109 further comprising potting compound within said cavity.

111. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 109 wherein said potting compound is smoothed to be flush with a suπounding surface of said substantially non-hollow, solid support.

112. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 107 wherein said plurality of light emitting diodes face towards a bottom of said cavity.

113. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 98 wherein said plurality of light emitting diodes are affixed on said substantially non-hollow, solid support.

114. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 98 wherein said lighted indicia is information indicia.

115. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 114 wherein said lighted indicia comprises time-related indicia.

116. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 115 wherein said time- related indicia comprises time remaining.

117. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 115 wherein said time- related indicia comprises quarter.

118. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 115 wherein said time- related indicia comprises round.

119. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 114 wherein said lighted indicia comprises time-independent indicia.

120. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 119 wherein said time- independent indicia comprises score.

121. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 119 wherein said time- independent indicia comprises the number of the individual cuπently being served.

122. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 98 wherein said lighted indicia display apparatus comprises a lighted, event-related information display.

123. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 98 wherein said lighted display apparatus is a basketball shot clock.

124. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 98 wherein said lighted display apparatus is an aquatics clock.

125. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 124 wherein said aquatics clock is an underwater clock.

126. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 98 wherein said lighted display apparatus comprises a timer.

127. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 98 wherein said lighted display apparatus comprises a score indicator.

128. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 98 wherein said solid support is made substantially from a polymer.

129. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 98 wherein said electrical components comprise control components and a power source.

130. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 129 wherein said power source is established apart from said substantially non-hollow, solid support.

131. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 129 wherein said power source is within or contiguous with said substantially non-hollow, solid support.

132. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 129 wherein said control components comprise a control input element to which said plurality of light emitting diodes is responsive, and an input communication element that communicates an input signal to control said plurality of light emitting diodes.

133. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 132 wherein said input element comprises a control board.

134. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 132 wherein said input communication element comprises a circuit board and at least one wire connected thereto.

135. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 132 wherein said control input element comprises a control board.

136. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 132 wherein said input communication element comprises a wireless signal transmitter and a wireless signal receiver.

137. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 136 wherein said wireless signal generator comprises a radio wave signal transmitter.

138. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 136 wherein said wireless signal receiver comprises a radio wave signal receiver.

139. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 129 wherein said control components is adapted for user control.

140. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 129 wherein said control components comprises wired control components.

141. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 98 wherein said substantially non-hollow, solid support has a height, width and depth.

142. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 141 wherein said depth is less than a fraction of the height, where said fraction is selected from the group consisting of: 1/6, 1/8, 1/10, 1/12, 1/15, 1/18, 1/20, 1/24, and 1/25.

143. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 98 wherein said lighted display apparatus is a two sided, lighted display apparatus.

144. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 98 wherein said lighted display apparatus is three sided, lighted display apparatus.

145. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 144 wherein said lighted display apparatus comprises a triangular, lighted display apparatus.

146. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 144 wherein said lighted display apparatus has an open triangle shape.

147. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 98 wherein said lighted display apparatus is a four sided, lighted display apparatus.

148. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 147 wherein said lighted display apparatus comprises a boxed lighted display apparatus.

149. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 147 wherein said lighted display apparatus has an open box shape.

150. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 98 further comprising framing to establish at least a portion of an outer edge of said lighted display apparatus.

151. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 98 further comprising a display mounting apparatus adapted to support said substantially non-hollow, solid support.

152. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 151 wherein said display mounting apparatus is adapted to attach to a basketball backboard.

153. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 152 further comprising said basketball backboard.

154. A lighted indicia display apparatus as described in claim 151 wherein said display mounting apparatus is adapted to attach to a pool gutter.

155. A lighted indicia display method comprising the steps of: - retaining a plurality of light emitting diodes in fixed position through use of a substantially non-hollow, solid support; - establishing electrical components to light said plurality of light emitting diodes; - establishing a lighted information display having at least one display face; - enabling the unscattered passage of a majority of light incident on said lighted information display through said lighted information display.

156. A lighted indicia display method as described in claim 155 wherein said substantially non-hollow, solid support is substantially uniplanar.

157. A lighted indicia display method as described in claim 155 wherein said step of retaining a plurality of light emitting diodes in fixed position comprises the step of establishing said plurality of light emitting diodes to form at least one single character light emitting diode aπangement.

158. A lighted indicia display method as described in claim 157 wherein said step of establishing said plurality of light emitting diodes to form at least one single character light emitting diode aπangement comprises the step of establishing each of said at least one single character light emitting diode aπangement in the shape of an eight.

159. A lighted indicia display method as described in claim 155 wherein said step of establishing a lighted information display having at least one display face comprises the step of establishing a lighted information display having two display faces.

160. A lighted indicia display method as described in claim 155 wherein said step of establishing a lighted information display having at least one display face comprises the step of establishing a lighted information display having three display faces.

161. A lighted indicia display method as described in claim 155 wherein said step of establishing a lighted information display having at least one display face comprises the step of establishing a lighted information display having four display faces.

162. A lighted indicia display method as described in claim 155 wherein said step of retaining a plurality of light emitting diodes in fixed position comprises the step of establishing a cavity in said substantially non-hollow, solid support and retaining said plurality of light emitting diodes in said cavity.

163. A lighted indicia display method as described in claim 162 further comprising the step of retaining said at least a portion of said electrical components in said cavity.

164. A lighted indicia display method as described in claim 162 wherein said step of retaining said plurality of light emitting diodes in said cavity comprises the step of establishing potting compound in said cavity.

165. A lighted indicia display method as described in claim 164 further comprising the step of smoothing an exposed surface of said potting compound.

166. A lighted indicia display method as described in claim 155 wherein said step of retaining a plurality of light emitting diodes in fixed position comprises the step of attaching said light emitting diodes to an unadulterated surface of said substantially non-hollow, solid support.

167. A lighted mdicia display method as described in claim 155 wherein said step of establishing a lighted information display having at least one display face comprises the step of establishing a lighted, time-related information display.

168. A lighted indicia display method as described in claim 155 wherein said step of establishing a lighted information display having at least one display face comprises the step of establishing a lighted, time-independent information display.

169. A lighted indicia display method as described in claim 155 wherein said step of establishing a lighted information display having at least one display face comprises the step of establishing a lighted, basketball time and score indicator.

170. A lighted indicia display method as described in claim 155 wherein said step of establishing a lighted information display having at least one display face comprises the step of establishing a lighted, basketball shot clock.

171. A lighted indicia display method as described in claim 155 wherein said step of establishing a lighted information display having at least one display face comprises the step of establishing a lighted, aquatics timer.

172. A lighted indicia display method as described in claim 155 wherein said step of establishing a lighted information display having at least one display face comprises the step of establishing a lighted, aquatics lap counter.

173. A lighted indicia display method as described in claim 155 wherein said step of establishing a lighted information display having at least one display face comprises the step of establishing a lighted, aquatics score indicator.

174. A lighted indicia display method as described in claim 155 wherein said step of retaining a plurality of light emitting diodes in fixed position comprises the step of retaining said plurality of light emitting diodes in fixed position through the use of a transparent polymer support.

175. A lighted indicia display method as described in claim 174 wherein said step of retaining said plurality of light emitting diodes in fixed position comprises the step of retaining said plurality of light emitting diodes in fixed position through use of an acrylic support.

176. A lighted indicia display method as described in claim 155 further comprising the step of establishing control components to control said lighted information display.

177. A lighted indicia display method as described in claim 176 wherein said step of establishing control components comprises the step of establishing a control input element and an input communication element.

178. A lighted indicia display method as described in claim 177 wherein said step of establishing an input communication element comprises the step of establishing a wireless signal generator and a wireless signal receiver.

179. A lighted indicia display method as described in claim 155 further comprising the step of establishing framing as at least a portion of an outer edge of said at least one display face.

180. A lighted indicia display method as described in claim 155 further comprising the step of mounting said lighted information display.