WO2007103210A2

WO2007103210A2 - Display system

Info

Publication number: WO2007103210A2
Application number: PCT/US2007/005437
Authority: WO
Inventors: Robert Sudack; Gary Broder; Marc Cestaro
Original assignee: Posterloid Corporation
Priority date: 2006-03-03
Filing date: 2007-03-02
Publication date: 2007-09-13
Also published as: US20070204499A1; WO2007103210A3

Abstract

A display system comprises a mounting frame assembly, a hinged frame assembly, and a pivotable frame assembly. The mounting frame assembly comprises a frame and a securing system. A mounting surface securedly holds the frame of the mounting frame assembly. The hinged frame assembly comprises a frame, a hinge, and a locking mechanism. The frame of the hinged frame assembly is hingably connected to the frame of the mounting frame assembly enabling opening/closing of the hinged frame assembly relative the hinge. The pivotable frame assembly comprises a frame, and an indicia displaying assembly. Because the frame of the hinged frame assembly is hingably connected to the frame of the mounting frame assembly, opening the hinged frame assembly can create enough space to enable the free rotation, or pivot, of the pivotable frame assembly about a pivot assembly, and hence the indicia display assembly is pivotable.

Description

DISPLAY SYSTEM

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a display system and, more particularly, to a pivotable display system having at least two sides for displaying indicia/information.

2. Description of Prior Art

It is often desirable to display information on a surface, such as display boards and/or display systems. Display boards are adapted to display indicia or general information (such as words, images, etc.). For example, information is often displayed upon vertical surfaces, and walls, as well as whiteboards, blackboards, billboards, signs, posters, and the like. These display boards are utilized in many different environments, including educational, business, recreational, transportation, commercial, retail, and home or living environments. For instance, displays at fast food restaurants, convenience stores, gas stations, and the like can inform customers of the availability of the products/services. The display board can be the lifeline of a commercial store, wherein customers are informed of what is available for purchase.

Many conventional display boards/systems are designed to be permanently affixed or mounted to a wall, and include only a single display surface upon which indicia or information can be placed or recorded. The problem with such fixed display boards and display systems is that only a single display surface is utilized, and therefore only a single piece of information can be displayed; thus, current display boards are limited.

Prior attempts to create a two-sided display disadvantageously required a hole in a wall, or surface. For instance, U.S. Patent No. 892,954 to Hanson discloses a blackboard for partitions, and requires a hole in the wall for rotating between the two sides of the blackboard.

Conventional two-sided displays that avoid the necessity of damaging holes in the wall unfortunately include a bulky, thick profile, and require a large amount of room to rotate from one side to another. For instance, U.S. Patent No. 6,378,232 to Creech discloses a display and Scoreboard with rotary mounting clamps. Creech discloses rotating the display along the vertical or horizontal axis with respect to a frame, enabling a two-sided display. Creech, however, only permits mounting the display and Scoreboard to a wheel assembly, the wheel assembly enabling movement of the display and Scoreboard.

Therefore, it can be seen that a need exists for a superior, thin profile, display device, and a means of pivotally securing such a display device to a permanently mounted surface, enabling at least two sides to convey indicia or information to be presented at different times. It is to such a device that the present invention is primarily detected.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly described, in preferred form, the present invention is a display system comprising a mounting frame assembly, a hinged frame assembly, and a pivotable frame assembly. The mounting frame assembly comprises a frame and a securing system. A mounting surface can be adapted to securedly hold the frame of the mounting frame assembly.

The hinged frame assembly comprises . a frame, a hinge, and a locking mechanism. The frame of the hinged frame assembly is hingably connected to the frame of the mounting frame assembly enabling opening/closing of the hinged frame assembly relative the hinge.

The pivotable frame assembly comprises a frame, and an indicia displaying assembly. The frame of the pivotable frame assembly is pivotally connected to the frame of the hinged frame assembly about a pivot assembly. The indicia displaying assembly of the pivotable frame assembly includes at least one sheet having at least two sides - side A and side B — that provide indicia and/or information for displaying.

Because the frame of the hinged frame assembly is hingably connected to the frame of the mounting frame assembly, the opening of the hinged frame assembly can create enough space to enable the rotation, or pivot, of the pivotable frame assembly, and hence the indicia display assembly is pivotable.

The display system includes two sides, and is adapted to rotate the sides to display different indicia, at different times, depending on the side viewable. The display system includes at least the hinged frame assembly and the pivotable frame assembly. The hinged frame assembly is in communication with the mounting surface, such that the hinged frame assembly comprises a closed position and an open position, relative to the mounting surface. The pivotable frame assembly includes a pivotable frame, such that the pivotable frame is positioned within the hinged frame assembly. The pivotable frame is adapted to pivot about a pivot assembly when the hinged frame assembly is in the open position. Accordingly, the display system can display at least one of the two sides of the indicia display assembly.

These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading the following specification in conjunction with the accompanying drawing figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a display system having side A displayed and the display system closed, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of the display system of FIG. 1 having the display system open, showing side B, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of the display system of FIG. 1 having the display system open and illustrating the rotation of a pivotable frame assembly, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 depicts another perspective view of the display system of FIG. 1 having the display system open and illustrating the rotation of the pivotable frame assembly, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of the display system having the display system open and fully pivoted to the opposite side of that is illustrated in FIG. 2, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view of a display system having side B displayed, which is the opposite side that is illustrated in FIG. 1, and the display system closed, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 7A-7E depict cross-sectional views of different surfaces of an indicia display assembly, in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 8 depicts a cross-sectional view of one side of a frame of the hinged frame assembly having a light source, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 depicts a cross-sectional view of the indicia display assembly, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

To facilitate an understanding of the principles and features of the invention, it is explained hereinafter with reference to its implementation in an illustrative embodiment. In particular, the invention is described in the context of being a display system for displaying information and/or indicia, wherein the display system is pivotable.

The invention, however, is not limited to its use as a display system. Rather, the invention can be used when at least a two-sided display system is desired or necessary. Thus, the display system described hereinafter as a display system can also find utility as a poly-sided display system for many applications.

Additionally, the material described hereinafter as making up the various elements of the invention are intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many suitable materials that would perform the same or a similar function as the materials described herein are intended to be embraced within the scope of the invention. Such other materials not described herein can include, but are not limited to, for example, materials that are developed after the time of the development of the invention. Referring now to the figures, perspective views of a display system 10, in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention, are shown in FIGS. 1- 6. As best shown in FIG. 2, the display system 10 comprises a mounting frame assembly 100, a hinged frame assembly 200, and a pivotable frame assembly 300.

The mounting frame assembly 100 comprises a frame 102 and a securing system 104. The frame 102 of the mounting frame assembly 100 can be attachable to a mounting surface 20 by the securing system 104.

The hinged frame assembly 200 comprises a frame 202, a hinge 204, and a locking mechanism 206. The frame 202 of the hinged frame assembly 200 is in communication with the frame 102 of the mounting frame assembly 100 via the hinge 204. The locking mechanism 206 can enable locking, or releasably securing, of the frame 202 of the hinged frame assembly 200 to the frame 102 of the mounting frame assembly 100.

The pivotable frame assembly 300 comprises a frame 302 and an indicia display assembly 306. The frame 302 of the pivotable frame assembly 300 can be disposed within the frame 202 of the hinged frame assembly 200. The frame 302 of the pivotable frame assembly 300 is pivotable about a pivot assembly 303 (FIG. 3), relative the frame 202 of the hinged frame assembly 200. This arrangement enables the frame 302 to rotate about the pivot assembly 303. The indicia display assembly 306 can be disposed within the frame 302 of the pivotable frame assembly 300 and can contain the indicia/information to be displayed.

The mounting surface 20 can securably hold the mounting frame assembly 100 in place. The frame 202 of the hinged frame assembly 200 is hingably connected to the frame 102 of the mounting frame assembly 100 to facilitate the opening/closing of the display system 10. As can best be seen in FIGS. 3-4, the frame 302 of the pivotable frame assembly 300 is pivotally connected to the frame 202 of the hinged frame assembly 200, wherein the indicia display assembly 306 includes at least two sides — side A and side B, which are shown by the indicia/information "A" and "B" on their respective sides - that contain indicia and/or information. Because the frame 202 of the hinged frame assembly 200 is hingably connected to the frame 102 of the mounting frame assembly 100, the opening of the hinged frame assembly 200 can create enough space to enable the rotation, or pivot, of the frame 302 of the pivotable frame assembly 300 without interfering with the mounting frame assembly 100, and/or the mounting surface 20.

Collectively, the mounting frame assembly 100, the hinged frame assembly 200, and the pivotable frame assembly 300 enable a thin profile, wherein not requiring a large amount of room for pivoting from one side of the indicia display assembly 306 to another side.

The mounting surface 20 is illustrated as a discrete element, but can be a portion of a wall for which the display system 10 is connected. The mounting surface 20 can be many substantially flat surfaces, including, for example, walls (both vertical and angled), overhead hangings, ceilings, and the like. The mounting surface 20 is preferably larger in size than the mounting frame assembly 100, enabling the entirety (the entire boundaries) of the mounting frame assembly 100 to be positioned on the mounting surface 20.

The display system 10, as a whole, and its several elements individually, can include many shapes and sizes. For instance, in an exemplary embodiment, as shown in the FIGS. 1-6, the shape of the display system 10/elements can be, preferably, rectangular. Other shapes of the display system 10/element include, for example and not limitation, circular, concave, convex, elliptical, oval, pyramid, rhombohedral, round, square, trapezoidal, triangular, shaped as letters, shaped as specific objects (fins, homes, food, etc.), and the like. In a preferred embodiment, the shapes of the elements of the display system 10 have the same shape; that is, the shape of the mounting frame assembly 100, the hinged frame assembly 200, and the pivotable frame assembly 300 are the same. Sizes of the display system 10 can be varied based on the application and need.

The display system 10 can be made of different materials. For instance, the frame 102 of the mounting frame assembly 100 can be made of aluminum, while the frame 202 of the hinged frame assembly 200 can be made of steel, and the frame 302 of the pivotable frame assembly 300 can be made of aluminum. Preferably, the frame 102 of the mounting frame assembly 100, the frame 202 of the hinged frame assembly 200, and the frame 302 of the pivotable frame assembly 300 (hereinafter collectively referred to as "the frames 102, 202, and 302") are made of metal, plastic, wood, and the like. The frames 102, 202, and 302 can be, preferably, an assembly of polymers or hard plastic. The frames 102, 202, and 302 can also be constructed from other polymer materials, such as polyolefins, such as, but not limited to ultra-high molecular weight (UHMW) polyethylenes, low, medium, and high density polyethylenes, polyurethanes, polyamides, and copolymers, and combinations thereof. Alternately, the frames 102, 202, and 302 can be made of many weatherproof, non-rusting metals, including, for example, metals such as aluminum, titanium, steel, and the like. Metal alloys, ceramics, and the like, can be used for the frames 102, 202, and 302, without departing from the scope of the invention. One skilled in the art would appreciate that material of the frames 102, 202, and 302 can be constructed with a combination of the above materials, as well as other materials.

The frame 102 of the mounting frame assembly 100 can be secured to the mounting surface 20 by many securing systems 104 (see FIG. 2). In a preferred embodiment, a securing system 104 can include inserting a plurality of bolts 106 through a plurality of apertures 108 in the frame 102 of the mounting frame assembly 100. Accordingly, a plurality number of bolts 106 can be inserted through each of the apertures 108 of the frame 102, and thus into the mounting surface 20. It is preferred, if bolting is implemented, to include at least six apertures 108 in the frame 102 of the mounting frame assembly 100 to receive at least six bolts 106, respectively. A range of between four to ten bolts 106 have been found to effectively secure the mounting frame assembly 100 to the mounting surface 20. Other securing systems 104 include, but are not limited to, nailing, welding, gluing, and the like. Further, the frame 102 of the mounting frame assembly 100 can be secured to the mounting surface 20 by a conventional light box. One skilled in the art would appreciate that many securing systems 104 can properly secure the mounting frame assembly 100 to the mounting surface 20. The frame 202 of the hinged frame assembly 200 can be in communication with the mounting surface 20. Preferably, the frame 202 hinged frame assembly 200 can be hingably connected to the frame 102 of the mounting frame assembly 100. A hinge 204 provides an effective connection between the mounting frame assembly 100 and the hinged frame assembly 200. Preferably, the type of hinge 204 implemented can span the length of the connection between the frame 102 of the mounting frame assembly 100 and the frame 202 of the hinged frame assembly 200. For instance, the hinge 204, in a preferred embodiment, can be a piano hinge. A piano hinge is an elongated, narrow, rectangular hinge with a small-diameter pin and numerous holes for screws, bolts, and the like, and is often used for joining two edges that require support along their lengths.

The hinge 204 is preferably attached to the frame 102 of the mounting frame assembly 100, and the frame 202 of the hinged frame assembly 200 via bolting. The hinge 204 can include a plurality of apertures 205. The apertures 205 of the hinge 204 can receive bolts 208 for securing to the mounting surface 20, the mounting frame assembly 100, and the hinged frame assembly 200. Indeed, some of the apertures 205 can be positioned to receive nubs 210. Preferably, the nubs 210 are connected to the frame 102 of the mounting frame assembly 100 and are received by respectively located apertures 205 on the frame 202 of the hinged frame assembly 200 side of the hinge 204.

The hinge 204 need not run the length of the left side of the display system 10, as shown, but can be placed at a top, bottom, or right of the display system 10 as necessary. It is preferred that the hinge 204 is placed on a side - left or right — of the display system, as this can provide ample support and weight distribution. The hinge 204, however, can be positioned at the top or the bottom of the display system 10. One skilled in the art would appreciate that the hinge 204 can be a hinge assembly that comprises other hinge- like devices, such as a pivot, spine, or like device.

The connection between the frame 102 of the mounting frame assembly 100 and the frame 202 of the hinged frame assembly 200 via the hinge 204 enables the frame 202 of the hinged frame assembly 200 to swing outwardly from the mounting surface 20. The frame 202 of the hinged frame assembly 200 can operate, for instance, similar to a door, opening and closing about the hinge 204 relative to the mounting surface 20. The hinged frame assembly 200, preferably, can have two or more positions. A first position (see FIG. 1) includes the hinged frame assembly 200 being closed, wherein the hinged frame assembly 200 is substantially parallel relative to the mounting surface 20 and the mounting frame assembly 100. A second position of the hinged frame assembly 200 being partially open, the hinged frame assembly 200 can have an angle of the range of approximately 5 degrees to approximately 45 degrees relative to the mounting surface 20 and the mounting frame assembly 100. The second position of the hinged frame assembly 200, while being open, does not permit the free rotation of the pivotable frame assembly 300. The third position (see FIG. 3) of the hinged frame assembly 200, being open, can have an angle of the range of approximately 45 degrees to approximately 135 degrees relative to the mounting surface 20 and the mounting frame assembly 100. The third position of the hinged frame assembly 200 enables the free rotation of the pivotable frame assembly 300, and thus the rotation from side A to side B, and vice versa.

The hinged frame assembly 200 can be manually moved between the positions. This requires a user to physically move the hinged frame assembly 200 between the two positions. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the hinged frame assembly 200 can be adapted to move between the two positions based on a remote signal, for example from a remote control device; via voice activation; and the like. For the hinged frame assembly 200 to operate without manual operation a motored device can be included in the display system 10 to permit such movement. Further, a communication device, such as a transmitter/receiver/transceiver, can be included to receive and/or transmit signals based on the position of the hinged display assembly 200.

In one embodiment, the hinged frame assembly 200 can be releasably secured in the first position, i.e., closed, by a locking mechanism 206. In a preferred embodiment, the locking mechanism 206 can include a clamp 220. The clamp 220 can include an extending end 222 and a receiving end 224. The extending end 222 can be insertable into the receiving end 224. When the extending end 222 (preferably located on the frame 202 of the hinged frame assembly 200) is secured into the receiving end 224 (preferably located on the frame 102 of the mounting frame assembly 100), the hinged frame assembly 200 is secure and closed (and thus in the first position).

The locking mechanism 206 of the hinged frame assembly 200 can also include a lock 226. The lock 226 can be used to further secure the hinged frame assembly 200 of the display system 10. The lock 226 can be a key lock, a combination lock, and the like. One skilled in the art would appreciate that the locking mechanism 206 can include many conventional locking features, wherein keeping unwanted persons from having access to display system 10, and in particular to the pivotable frame assembly 300. Further, one skilled in the art would appreciate that the locking mechanism 206 can be adapted for securing the hinged frame assembly 200 in the closed position.

The frame 302 of the pivotable frame assembly 300 can be connected to the frame 202 of the hinged frame assembly 200 by the pivot assembly 303, which can include at least one pivot pin 304. In a preferred embodiment, the frame 302 of the pivotable frame assembly 300 is connected to the frame 202 of the hinged frame assembly 200 by two pins 304. Preferably, the pins 304 can be preferably positioned at the midpoint of a length or width of the frame 202 of the hinged frame assembly 200 and the frame 302 of the pivotable frame assembly 300. Consequently, the frame 302 of the pivotable frame assembly 300 can pivot either horizontally or vertically, depending on the location of the position(s) of the pivot pin(s) 304. One skilled in the art would appreciate that the frame 302 of the pivotable frame assembly 300 can be pivoted about one or more pins 304 positioned at a midpoint of a length or width of the perimeter of the frame 202 of the hinged frame assembly 200 by many similar mechanisms.

The pivotable frame assembly 300 is preferably concentric relative to the hinged frame assembly 200. That is, the frame 302 of the pivotable frame assembly 300 can be disposed within, nested, or positioned inside borders of the frame 202 of the hinged frame assembly 200.

The pivotable frame assembly 300 can include the indicia display assembly 306 disposed within the frame 302, enabling indicia and/or information to be displayed by the display system 10. Indeed, the indicia display assembly 306 can house the at least two sides, for instance, to hold, secure, and receive the indicia/information to be displayed. Examples of indicia/information that can be displayed include, for example and not limitation: pricing, availability, announcements, general information, dates, and the like.

The frame 302 of the pivotable frame assembly 300 can frame the indicia display assembly 306, or the at least two sides - side A and side B. The indicia display assembly 306 can be removeable from the pivotable frame assembly 300, enabling changing of the indicia/information. For instance, the indicia display assembly 306 can be slidably insertable into the pivotable frame assembly 300 from one of its sides.

As one skilled the art would appreciate, many embodiments can exist for the indicia display assembly 306, namely side A and side B, to be framed, by the frame 302, and hence displayed. FIGS. 7A-7E depict some preferred embodiments of arrangements of the indicia display assembly 306. Preferably, the indicia display assembly 306 is made up at least one and at most nine layers.

The pivotable frame assembly 300 can be manually rotated between the two sides — side A and side B. In this arrangement, a user physically rotates the pivotable frame assembly 300. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the pivotable frame assembly 300 can be adapted to move between the two sides based on a remote signal, for example from a remote control device; via voice activation; and the like. For the pivotable frame assembly 300 to operate without manual user movement, a motored device can be included in the display system 10. Further, a communication device, such as a transmitter/receiver/transceiver, can be included to receive and/or transmit signals based on the position of the pivotable frame assembly 300.

Side A and side B of the indicia display assembly 306 can be created by a single, double-sided sheet 700, as shown in FIG. 7A. The single, double-sided sheet 700 can be magnetic, enabling receiving magnetic indicia and/or information to be displayed. In another embodiment, the double-sided sheet 700 can be of a material that can receive postings, such as wood, cork, and the like. Hence, a user can post information by tacking a portion of the information, for instance on paper, directly onto the double-sided sheet 700 of the wood, cork, and the like material. Preferably, the single, double-sided sheet 700 enables occasional changes to the indicia/information contained on the sheet 700.

In another embodiment, the indicia display assembly 306 can comprise two sheets 702 and 704, as illustrated in FIG. 7B. Like the single double-sided sheet 700 embodiment, side A and side B can be made of two sheets 702 and 704. Sheets 702 and 704 can, also, be made of magnetic material, wood, cork, and the like. Again, the two sheets 702 and 704 can enable changing the information/indicia contained within the pivotable frame assembly 300.

FIG. 7C illustrates a three-layer embodiment of the sheets of the indicia display assembly 306. Side A can comprise sheet 712, while side B can comprise sheet 714. Positioned between sheets 712 and 714 can be a backboard 716. The backboard 716 is preferably not transparent, and thus one side cannot be seen by the other side. Sheets 712 and 714 can be transparent or transparent, wherein sheets 712 and 714 are hingably connected to a side of the backboard 716. In this arrangement, indicia/information can be placed between the sheet 712 or 714 and the backboard 716. The sheets 712 and 714, preferably, if transparent or translucent, enable protection of the indicia/information from the display system's elements, for instance, water, wind, and the like. The backboard 716, which is preferably opaque, can be made of magnetic, cork, wood, and the like material for attaching the indicia/information. Additionally, a locking mechanism can secure the sheet 712 or 714 to the backboard 716. One skilled in the art would appreciate that other embodiments and layerings can co-exist with a three-layer embodiment.

FIG. 7D illustrates a five-layer embodiment of the sheets of the indicia display assembly 306. Side A can comprise sheet 722, while side B can comprise sheet 724. Preferably, sandwiched between sheet 722 and sheet 724 is backboard 726. mdicia/information 723 and 727 can, thus, be positioned between the sheets 722 or 724 and the backboard 726.

FIG. 7E illustrates another five-layer embodiment of the sheets of the indicia display assembly 306. Side A can comprise a sheet 732, while side B can comprise a sheet 734. Again, preferably positioned between the sheet 732 or 734 is a backboard 736. In a preferred embodiment, an illumination device 733 can be positioned between sheet 732 and backboard 736. Also, an illumination device 737 can be positioned between the sheet 734 and the backboard 736. Preferably, the sheets 732 and 734 are transparent, wherein indicia can be positioned upon the transparent sheets 732 and 734. The backboard 736 is preferably a dark background layer prohibiting illumination to leak through. As the illumination devices 733 and 737 are illuminated, the sheet 732 or 734, depending on which side (e.g., A or B) that is viewable, can be illuminated to display information. As the frame 302 of the pivotable frame assembly 300 pivots, the illumination layer illuminates.

When the illumination devices 733 and 737 are implemented, a power supply can be required. The power supply can be a battery pack, a wired power source, and the like. The illumination devices 733 and 737 can be made of a plurality of light sources, including, but not limited to, light emitting diodes, light bulbs, holiday lights, thin light screens, and the like.

The frame 202 of the hinged frame assembly 200 can also include a light source for beneficial illumination features. As shown in FIG. 8, the display system 10 can include a light source 805 for illuminating the display. The light source 805 can be preferably housed or embedded in a cavity 810 of one of the sides the frame 202 of the hinged frame assembly 200. As illustrated in FIGS. 1-6, the frame 202 of the hinged frame assembly 200 can have a plurality of interconnecting/secured sides 815; four sides are shown. One or more of the sides 815 of the frame 202 can include the cavity 810. The cavity 810 can be adapted to receive and house the light source 805, such that the light source 805 is embedded therein.

The light source 805 provides light, or illuminates, when energized. One skilled in the art can appreciate that the light source 805 can be many types of light sources, including a light bulb, light emitting diode (LED), incandescent lamp, halogen lamp, fluorescent lamp, ballast, and the like. In a preferred embodiment, the light source is a light bulb. The illuminated light source 805 is adapted to illuminate the indicia display assembly 306, such that the indicia/information being displayed is enhanced with light, making it easier to view.

In a preferred embodiment, the indicia display assembly 306 can have a particular layering arrangement for an enhanced illuminated reflection. As shown in FIG. 9, the indicia display assembly 306 can include five layers — a first cover 905, a first translucent layer 910, an backboard 915, a second translucent layer 920, and a second cover 925.

In this arrangement, the first cover 905 protects the indicia/information. In a preferred embodiment, the first cover 905 comprises acrylic, polycarbonate, or like material. The first cover 905 can provide a rigid, protective layering to the indicia display assembly 306, more specifically, to the first translucent layer 910. One skilled in the art would appreciate that the first cover 905 is preferably translucent, such that the indicia/information positioned behind the first cover 905 can be viewable therethrough.

The first translucent layer 910, or side A, can have the indicia/information connected thereto. For instance, the indicia/information can be adhered to the first translucent layer 910, similar to a sticker. In a preferred embodiment, the first translucent layer 910 comprises a reflective material, for example and not limitation, Cyro Industries' End Light material. One skilled in the art would appreciate that the first translucent layer 910 can be many translucent and, preferably, reflective materials.

The backboard 915 can be preferably an opaque, white layer, such that light illuminating side A does not penetrate the white layer to illuminate side B, when side A is being displayed. This enables one side of the indicia display assembly 306 to be displayed at a time. Vice versa, when side B is displayed, the illumination from the light source 805 does not penetrate the white layer 915 to display side A. The backboard 915 can also comprise a rigid material to add the desired stability to the indicia display assembly 306. ^•

The second translucent layer 920, or side B, is similar to the first translucent layer 910, although the indicia/information displayed is likely different, such that the two-sided arrangement is a beneficial feature. Likewise, the second cover 925 is adapted to protect side B, just like the first cover 905 protects side A.

Referring back to FIG. 1, the hinged frame assembly 200 is shown closed, wherein side A of the pivotable frame assembly 300 is facing outward from the mounting surface 20. Hence, side B of the pivotable frame assembly 300 is hidden from view and faces the mounting surface 20. Accordingly, the indicia/information upon side A are available for users view, review, and read. The hinged frame assembly 200 is in the first position.

FIG. 2 illustrates the hinged frame assembly 200 in an open position, approximately 90 degrees relative to the mounting surface. Side A of the pivotable frame assembly 300 faced outwards and will slowly be pivoted to display side B outwardly. The hinged frame assembly 200 is in the third position.

FIGS. 3-4 illustrate the pivoting of the pivotable frame assembly 300 about the pivot assembly 303, thereby connecting the hinged frame assembly 200 and the pivotable frame assembly 300. As illustrated, side B is to be displayed outwardly. The hinged frame assembly 200 is in the third position.

FIG. 5 illustrates the completion of the pivoting of the pivotable frame assembly 300, wherein side A faces inwardly towards the mounting surface, while the hinged frame assembly 200 is in the third position. FIG. 6 illustrates the closed hinge frame assembly 200, wherein side B is now displayed outwardly and side A is hidden from view, and the hinged frame assembly 200 is in the first position.

FIG. 7 illustrates various cross-sectional views of the indicia display assembly 306. FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the light source 805 embedded in the cavity 810 of a side 815 of the frame 202 of the hinged frame assembly 200. FIG. 9 illustrates a preferred cross-sectional view of the indicia display assembly 306 for use when the display system 10 includes the light source 805.

While the invention has been disclosed in its preferred forms, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications, additions, and deletions can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and its equivalents as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A display system having at least two sides of an indicia display assembly comprising: a hinged frame assembly in communication with a mounting surface, such that the hinged frame assembly comprises a closed position and an open position, relative to the mounting surface; and a pivotable frame assembly having a pivotable frame, the pivotable frame being positioned within the hinged frame assembly, wherein the pivotable frame is adapted to pivot about a pivot assembly when the hinged frame assembly is in the open position, and wherein the display system can display at least one of the two sides of the indicia display assembly.

2. The display system according to claim 1, wherein the pivotable frame of the pivotable frame assembly is positioned concentric to the hinged frame assembly.

3. The display system according to claim 1, further comprising a mounting frame assembly for mounting the hinged frame assembly to the mounting surface, the mounting frame assembly comprising a frame and a securing system to secure the frame to the mounting surface.

4. The display system according to claim 1, wherein the hinged frame assembly includes a frame, and a locking mechanism for locking the hinged frame assembly to the mounting frame assembly.

5. The display system according to claim 4, wherein a light source is placed in a cavity of the frame of the hinged frame assembly for illuminating the display system.

6. The display system according to claim 5, wherein the light source illuminates one side of an indicia displaying assembly.

7. The display system according to claim 1, wherein the pivotable frame assembly further includes the indicia displaying assembly having a sheet with a first side and a second side.

8. The display system according to claim 7, wherein the indicia displaying assembly provides indicia/information for displaying.

9. The display system according to claim 1, wherein when the hinged frame assembly is in the open position, the pivotable frame assembly can be rotated for displaying a second side.

10. A display system comprising: a hinged frame assembly comprising a frame having a perimeter, at least one side perimeter of the frame having a cavity, the hinged frame assembly in communication with a mounting surface, and the hinged frame assembly comprising a closed position and an open position, relative to the mounting surface; and; a pivotable frame assembly positioned within and concentric to the hinged frame assembly, the pivotable frame assembly being adapted to pivot about a pivot assembly, an indicia displaying assembly carried by the pivotable frame assembly, the indicia frame assembly adapted to be rotated from a first side being displayed to a second side being displayed relative to the pivot assembly; and a light source adapted to illuminate the indicia displaying assembly, the light source positioned within the cavity of the perimeter of the frame of the hinged frame assembly.

11. The display system according to claim 10, further comprising a mounting frame assembly for mounting the hinged frame assembly to the mounting surface, the mounting frame assembly comprising a frame hingably connected to the frame of the hinged frame assembly, and a securing system to secure the frame of the mounting frame assembly to the mounting surface.

12. The display system according to claim 10, wherein the indicia displaying assembly is disposed within the frame of the pivotable frame assembly.

13. The display system according to claim 10, wherein the pivot assembly comprises a pin positioned at the midpoint of at least two opposing sides of the perimeter of the frame of the hinged frame assembly.

14. The display system comprising: a mounting surface; a mounting frame assembly secured to the mounting surface; a hinged frame assembly hingably connected to the mounting frame assembly, the hinged frame assembly comprising a frame, the frame of the hinged frame assembly adapted to move between a closed position and an open position relative to the mounting frame assembly; and a pivotable frame assembly pivotably connected to the hinged frame assembly, the pivotable frame assembly comprising a frame that is adapted to rotate at least approximately 180 degrees, wherein the pivotable frame assembly rotates to display at least two sides, such that indicia/information can be switched.

15. The display system according to claim 14, wherein the closed position of the hinged frame assembly comprises when the frame of the hinged frame assembly and the mounting surface has an angle between approximately 0 degrees and approximately 5 degrees.

16. The display system according to claim 14, wherein the open position of the hinged frame assembly comprises when the frame of the hinged frame assembly and the mounting surface has an angle between approximately 6 degrees and approximately 135 degrees.