AU2014202511A1 - Signboard - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract A signboard (10) comprising a board panel (12) made from material which allows light to pass there through, the board panel (12) comprising a rear face (16) and a front face (14); a relocatable ground support means (40) for supporting the board panel (12); and at least one light source means for transmitting light through the board panel (12) from the rear face to the front face (14). ~' ~ >~K10

Description

1 Regulation 3.2 AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 Complete Specification For The Invention Entitled: SIGNBOARD The invention is described in the following statement: 2 Field of the Invention [1] The present invention relates to a signboard, in particular to an illuminated signboard. Background of the Invention [2] It is general practice in the real estate industry that in order to promote sale of dwellings such as houses or apartments, for sale signs are usually located outside the property or in the vicinity of the property being offered for sale. Such for sale signage usually includes photographic views of the property for sale, and a detailed description of the property and other contact details for interested parties. [3] During daylight hours, such advertising is adequate to allow passer's by full visibility of information provided on the sign. However, such signage has typically only been effective\visible during the daylight hours. During night time or low light daytime conditions, gleaning full information from the signage is problematic. Further, it is often more convenient for people to review for sale signage at night while not at work and often prospective buyers want nightfall so as to be less conspicuous. [4] Some attempts have been made to address the issue of visibility at low light condition and at night by attaching a light to the top of a board. This light is hardwired to a 240 volt power supply located in the vendor's property. One drawback with this approach is that the lighting is concentrated into a central point on the sign board, making details on the board very hard to read, inconsistent and blocking out parts of the print. A further drawback of such approaches is that because it relies on mains 240 volts it is dangerous, especially in wet weather. [5] The present invention seeks to overcome or substantially ameliorate at least some of the deficiencies of the prior art, or to at least provide a useful alternative. [6] It is to be understood that, if any prior art information is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the information forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country. Summary of the Invention [7] According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a signboard comprising a board panel made from material which allows light to pass therethrough, the board panel comprising a rear face and a front face; a relocatable ground support means for supporting 3 the board panel; and at least one light source means for transmitting light through the board panel from the rear face to the front face. [8] In one embodiment, the at least one light source means is disposed adjacent the rear face. [9] In another embodiment, the at least one light source means is disposed spaced from the rear face. [10] Preferably, the board panel comprises a main section having the front face and the rear face, and side edge sections extending rearwardly from the main panel. [11] Preferably, the front face is generally rectangular. [12] Preferably, the board panel is made from transparent or translucent material [13] Preferably, the at least one light source means comprises a plurality of spaced light sources. [14] Preferably, the light sources are individual globes and/or circular or elongated tubes. [15] In one embodiment, the light sources are mounted to the rear face. [16] In another embodiment, the light sources are mounted to elongated mounting means extending between side edge sections of the board panel and spaced from the rear face. [17] Preferably, the signboard further comprises an electrical energy source for the at least one light source. [18] Preferably, the electrical energy source is a battery. [19] Preferably, the signboard further comprises solar power means for recharging the battery. [20] Preferably, the signboard further comprises the solar power means comprises at least one solar panel [21] Preferably, the signboard further comprises a light sensor for determining available light conditions, the light sensor connected to a control means for controlling switching of the at least one light source on and off as required. [22] In another embodiment, the batteries are mains power rechargeable and removably attachable to the signboard. [23] Preferably, the ground support means comprises at least one post adapted for mounting or implanting onto the ground. [24] Preferably, the ground support means comprises left and right side posts.

4 [25] Preferably, each post comprises adjustable mounting means for mounting the board panel thereto. [26] In one embodiment, the adjustable mounting means comprises multiple spaced mounting holes formed in each post. [27] In another embodiment, the adjustable mounting means comprises each post comprising telescoping sections which are lockable in relative position. [28] Preferably, the signboard further comprises a display graphic material applied to the front face. [29] Preferably, the display graphic material is printed onto a material which allows light to pass therethrough [30] Preferably, the material is transparent film. [31] Preferably, the material is mounted to extend across the front face via a suitable adhesive, mechanical means such as clips or brackets, or by the material having adhesive at its rear surface. [32] In another aspect, the present invention provides a signboard comprising: a board panel made from light-emitting material, the board panel comprising a front face; and a relocatable ground support means for supporting the board panel. [33] In another aspect, the present invention provides a signboard comprising: relocatable first and second ground support posts; at least one member to extend between the first and second posts; at least one light source means mounted to the at least one cross member; wherein a film can be mounted to extend between the first and second posts such that the film is backlit by the at least one light source in use. [34] Preferably, the signboard further comprises the film. [35] In a related aspect of the present invention there is further disclosed a signboard system for improving visibility of and access to information on the signboard during low visibility periods, the assembly including a signboard assembly comprising a relocatable display frame for mounting in a predetermined location, a board panel mountable on the display frame, wherein the panel is made from material which allows light to pass therethrough, the board panel having a display face for provision of information, at least one light source mounted on the display frame close to a rear surface of the board panel, a solar panel interconnected to a power source, the solar panel mounted to a portion of the display frame, and wherein the battery is connected to the light source, a control means interconnected to the light source for controlling power to the light source, the control means 5 including a light sensor for detecting ambient light in the area adjacent the display panel, wherein the light sensor communicates with the control means when a predetermined light reading is measured, a switching means operably interconnected to the light source, the switching means being actuated to turn the light source on or off depending on the detected ambient light, wherein light emitted by the light source is controlled so as to provide lighting for the display panel effective for allowing visibility in low lighting conditions. [36] The light source can include an array of LED lights arranged in a predetermined pattern on or over a rear facing surface of the display panel so that the front surface is backlit. The arrangement of lights can include a combination of point sources mounted to the rear surface of the display panel and spaced elongate sources. [37] The signboard system can include an electronic display means including an information store and network interface so that information can be scrolled through and viewed on the display panel. [38] The display frame can include a frame assembly having legs, wherein the legs comprise drilling feet or augers so that the legs can be self drilling. [39] Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed. Brief Description of the Drawings [40] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of examples only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: [41] Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a signboard in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; [42] Fig. 2 is a schematic rear view of the signboard of figure 1; [43] Fig. 3 is a schematic front view of the signboard of figure 1; [44] Fig. 4 is a schematic side view of the signboard of figure 1; [45] Fig. 5 is a schematic top view of the signboard of figure 1; and [46] Fig. 6 is a schematic bottom view of the signboard of figure 1. [47] Fig. 7 is a photographic view in side perspective of the signboard in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; [48] Fig. 8 is a photographic view from the back of the signboard in figure 7; [49] Fig. 9 is a flowchart representing interaction of features of the signboard in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

6 Description of Embodiments [50] It should be noted in the following description that like or the same reference numerals in different embodiments denote the same or similar features. [51] Figures 1 to 6 show a signboard 10 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The signboard 10 comprises a generally rectangular board panel 12 which is supported to the ground by relocatable ground support means 40. [52] The board panel 12 comprises a main section 13 having a planar front face 14 and an opposite rear face 16, and rearwardly bent side edge sections 17 having side faces 18. [53] In the embodiment, the signboard 10 is intended for use as a real estate advertising signboard and the front face 14 will typically have dimensions of 1200 mm x 900 mm, 1200 mm x 1800 mm, or 1200 mm x 2400 mm. [54] The board panel 12 is made from material that allows light to pass through (light transmitting), such as transparent or translucent material. In the embodiment, the board panel 12 is made from a transparent thermoplastic material such as hardened Perspex. [55] The signboard 10 comprises a plurality of spaced light sources 20 disposed adjacent and along the rear face 16. The light sources 20 can be individual globes 20a and/or circular or elongated tubes 20b. The globes 20a can be LED globes. The function of the light sources 20 is to transmit light through the board panel 12 and onto the front face 14. [56] The light sources 20 can be mounted to the rear face 16 or they can be mounted to elongated mounting means extending between the side edge sections 17 and spaced from the rear face 16. One advantage of spacing each light source 20 from the rear face 16 is that each light source will be able to illuminate a larger area compared to when the light source 20 is closely mounted to the rear face 16. [57] Electrical energy for the light sources 20 is supplied by a battery 22 mounted to the rear face 16. The signboard 10 also comprises solar panels 24 mounted to the top edge of the board panel 12, for recharging the battery 22. In use, the solar panels 24 recharge the battery 22 in sunlight conditions, and the battery 22 supplies electrical energy to the light sources 20 at night time or low light daytime conditions. [58] The board panel 12 is supported to the ground by the relocatable ground support means 40. The support means 40 comprises left and right side posts 42 which are each adapted for mounting or implanting onto the ground as required. Each post includes means to allow the post to be driven into the ground, or auger means for driving the post into the ground via a rotation motion. Each post 42 comprises multiple spaced mounting holes 44 7 formed therein for adjustable mounting to the rear face 16 and/or side edge sections 17 of the board panel 12. [59] In use, each post 42 can be mounted or implanted to be stable on the ground, and the board panel 12 can then be mounted to the posts 42. By having the multiple spaced mounting holes 44, the posts 42 do have to be level with each other to mount the board panel 12 thereon at a level orientation. Further, the height of the board panel 12 from the ground in use can be adjusted as desired via the spaced mounting holes 44. [60] In a possible embodiment, each post 42 can be made from telescoping sections which are lockable in relative position, which will provide adjustability to the height of the posts 42, their alignment with each other, as well as the height of the panel body 12 from the ground. [61] In use, a display graphic material (not shown) will be applied to the front face 14. The display graphic material can be an advertisement graphic, such as real estate advertising, printed onto a material which allows light to pass therethrough (light transmitting material) such as transparent film. The film is then mounted to extend across the front face 14 either by a suitable adhesive, mechanical means such as clips or brackets, or by the film having adhesive at its rear surface. [62] At night time or during low light daytime conditions, the light sources 20 will be turned on to transmit light through the board panel 12 to illuminate the display graphic material. [63] The signboard 10 comprises a light sensor for determining available light conditions, with the light sensor being connected to a control means for controlling switching of the light sources 20 on and off as required. [64] The control means also determines control of the solar panels 24 and monitors charging of the batteries 22. In a less preferred alternative, the batteries 22 can be mains power rechargeable and the removably attachable to the signboard 10. [65] The present invention in one embodiment thus provides a real estate signboard that can be reused, by changing the printed advertisement material, and which illuminates the advertisement material during night time or low light daytime conditions in a backlit manner. This provides a clear view of the advertisement material without light reflection or obstruction of the image, in contrast to some current lighted signboards which utilise a light source directed to the front face from the front of the signboard. [66] The adhesive for the graphic material film is removable which allows the graphic material to be removed from the front panel and replaced with a different graphic material as desired. As the support means is relocatable, this allows the entire signboard to be completely reusable.

8 [67] The present signboard does not require mains electricity to power the light sources. It can be installed anywhere as it is not limited to a mains power supply source. As solar is the main power source, it will have low running costs. [68] The solar panel board works by collecting solar radiation from the sun and actively converting that energy to electricity. Solar panels are comprised of several individual solar cells. These solar cells function similarly to large semiconductors and utilize a large-area p-n junction diode. When the solar cells are exposed to sunlight, the p-n junction diodes convert the energy from sunlight into usable electrical energy. The energy generated from photons striking the surface of the solar panel allows electrons to be knocked out of their orbits and released, and electric fields in the solar cells pull these free electrons in a directional current, from which metal contacts in the solar cell can generate electricity. [69] That generated power/electricity is used to power the built-in LED light sources to illuminate the transparent film material attached to the sign board. [70] In the embodiment, the board body is made from clear hardened Perspex and the support posts are made from aluminium material. The support means can also comprise a frame mounted to the posts if desired.. [71] For real estate advertising, an operator of the signboard will follow the following steps and procedures: 1. After the operator is instructed by real estate agent and notified of the property address, the operator will go to the address provided, and take internal and external photos of the property. 2. After images are chosen by the client, the operator will then have their designers enhance the image by creating depth and texture, giving a more desirable image. 3. The operator would then have that image printed on the transparent material in digitals print that will be attached to the solar signboard. 4. The operator will then take the signboard to the address provided and installed. 5. When it is time to remove the signboard, the operator would then remove the signboard from the address, remove the film material with print, and re-use the signboard for another address. The signboard is thus re-usable. [72] The present embodiment thus provides the following advantages: advertising for longer hours; using solar power; advertisement clearly illuminated at night; cost efficient to run (low running costs); has multiple uses (not only for real estate); can be used anywhere at it 9 has no mains power needs; modern looking; uses transparent material; environmentally friendly; does not reflect light onto the front face; the support posts or stands are adjustable; the signboard is reusable; the signboard is portable; and the signboard provides many commercial uses. [73] Referring to Figures 7, 8 and 9 there is a version of the signboard comprising a board panel made from material which allows light to pass therethrough, the board panel comprising a rear face and a front face a relocatable ground support means for supporting the board panel and at least one light source means for transmitting light through the board panel from the rear face to the front face. [74] However the signboard can be a fully self-contained solar powered illuminating sign board using a solar panel attached and integral with the signboard. The solar panel being a flat panel can be hinged to the signboard and moved to an angle facing rearward in a slight downwards angle or forward in a slightly upwards angle with a fixing arm for supporting at this location. [75] The board uses LED lighting powered by a 12volt battery. This battery is charged through the solar panel mounted on the board. This LED lighting provides a subtle and consistent light behind the board's artwork. It also allows to board to illuminate in properties that do not have access to mains power. [76] As shown in figure 9 there can be control means for lighting the signboard and integral solar panel and battery. The use of the battery allows control of power due to fluctuation in solar light and particularly allows illumination of the signboard at night. [77] The control means can include a storage means for receiving instructions from input output interface that can receive said instructions from input means such as mobile phone, note book or computer terminal. However instructions could be remotely controlled through network such as internet WiFi from householder or other LAN means. [78] The control means through the signboard controller interface can control the solar panel energy retrieval and feed to and from the battery. Further the controls can be according to the inputted instructions. These instructions can define time periods, strength of light, any fluctuation lighting effects such as flashing or scrolling or section highlights. Therefore the benefits include: a. Versatile, can be used on virtually any property. b. Safe, only runs off 12volt power not 240 volt c. No dangerous cords or wires through the property 10 d. Internally lit, no glare or reflection e. Using the light grid paper ensures even distribution of light f. Allows a minimum of 5 additional hours of advertising per night. g. Self automated. h. Controlled light\lux levels using dimmers. i. Controlled light duration through sensors and\or timers. j. Visible at night [79] Whilst preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described, it will be apparent to skilled persons that modifications can be made to the embodiments described. For example, modifications can be made to the materials or body shape. The present invention can also be used in the outdoor media and marketing fields. [80] In another alternative embodiment, the panel body itself can be made from light emitting material. [81] In another possible embodiment, the body panel can be omitted, with the advertising film being stretched between the support posts in use. The light sources in such an embodiment would be mounted on cross members to extend between the support posts and which will maintain the relative position between the posts. The advertising material film in this embodiment will then be mounted to extend between the posts. This embodiment can also include a peripheral frame only for the advertising material film. In a possible modification, the cross members can be omitted and the light sources can be mounted to the posts or they can be mounted to the peripheral frame and directed inwardly. [82] In another embodiment, the board could be attached by only a single post as the support means. The signboard can also include a frame for supporting the panel and/or film, or it could be frameless. The signboard can also be made in various sizes. Interpretation Embodiments: [83] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in 11 any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments. [84] Similarly it should be appreciated that in the above description of example embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention. [85] Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination. Different Instances of Objects [86] As used herein, unless otherwise specified the use of the ordinal adjectives "first", "second", "third", etc., to describe a common object, merely indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred to, and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking, or in any other manner. Specific Details [87] In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description. Terminology [88] In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar technical purpose. Terms such as "forward", "rearward", "radially", "peripherally", "upwardly", "downwardly", and the like are used as words of convenience to provide reference points and are not to be construed as limiting terms.

12 Comprising and Including [89] In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" are used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention. [90] Any one of the terms: including or which includes or that includes as used herein is also an open term that also means including at least the elements/features that follow the term, but not excluding others. Thus, including is synonymous with and means comprising. Scope of Invention [91] Thus, while there has been described what are believed to be the preferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the invention. For example, any formulas given above are merely representative of procedures that may be used. Functionality may be added or deleted from the block diagrams and operations may be interchanged among functional blocks. Steps may be added or deleted to methods described within the scope of the present invention. [92] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms. Industrial Applicability [93] It is apparent from the above, that the arrangements described are applicable to the real estate and advertising industries.

Claims (32)

1. A signboard comprising: a board panel made from material which allows light to pass therethrough, the board panel comprising a rear face and a front face; a relocatable ground support means for supporting the board panel; and at least one light source means for transmitting light through the board panel from the rear face to the front face.

2. The signboard of claim I wherein the at least one light source means is disposed adjacent the rear face.

3. The signboard of claim 1 wherein the at least one light source means is disposed spaced from the rear face.

4. The signboard of claim 1 wherein the board panel comprises a main section having the front face and the rear face, and side edge sections extending rearwardly from the main panel.

5. The signboard of claim 1 wherein the front face is generally rectangular.

6. The signboard of claim 1 wherein the board panel is made from transparent or translucent material

7. The signboard of claim 1 wherein the at least one light source means comprises a plurality of spaced light sources.

8. The signboard of claim 7 wherein the light sources are individual globes and/or circular or elongated tubes.

9. The signboard of claim 7 wherein the light sources are mounted to the rear face.

10. The signboard of claim 7 wherein the light sources are mounted to elongated mounting means extending between side edge sections of the board panel and spaced from the rear face.

11. The signboard of claim 1 further comprising an electrical energy source for the at least one light source.

12. The signboard of claim 11 wherein the electrical energy source is a battery.

13. The signboard of claim 12 further comprising solar power means for recharging the battery. 14

14. The signboard of claim 13 wherein the solar power means comprises at least one solar panel

15. The signboard of claim 1 further comprising a light sensor for determining available light conditions, the light sensor connected to a control means for controlling switching of the at least one light source on and off as required.

16. The signboard of claim 12 wherein the batteries are mains power rechargeable and removably attachable to the signboard.

17. The signboard of claim 1 wherein the ground support means comprises at least one post adapted for mounting or implanting onto the ground.

18. The signboard of claim 17 wherein the ground support means comprises left and right side posts.

19. The signboard of claim 17 wherein each post comprises adjustable mounting means for mounting the board panel thereto.

20. The signboard of claim 19 wherein the adjustable mounting means comprises multiple spaced mounting holes formed in each post.

21. The signboard of claim 19 wherein the adjustable mounting means comprises each post comprising telescoping sections which are lockable in relative position.

22. The signboard of claim 1 further comprising a display graphic material applied to the front face.

23. The signboard of claim 22 wherein the display graphic material is printed onto a material which allows light to pass therethrough

24. The signboard of claim 23 wherein the material is transparent film.

25. The signboard of claim 23 wherein the material is mounted to extend across the front face via a suitable adhesive, mechanical means such as clips or brackets, or by the material having removable adhesive at its rear surface.

26. A signboard comprising: a board panel made from light-emitting material, the board panel comprising a front face; and a relocatable ground support means for supporting the board panel.

27. A signboard comprising: relocatable first and second ground support posts; 15 at least one member to extend between the first and second posts; at least one light source means mounted to the at least one cross member; wherein a film can be mounted to extend between the first and second posts such that the film is backlit by the at least one light source in use.

28. A signboard system for improving visibility of and access to information on the signboard during low visibility periods, the assembly including: a. a signboard assembly comprising: b. a relocatable display frame for mounting in a predetermined location; c. a board panel mountable on the display frame, wherein the panel is made from material which allows light to pass therethrough, the board panel having a display face for provision of information; d. at least one light source mounted on the display frame close to a rear surface of the board panel; e. a solar panel interconnected to a power source, the solar panel mounted to a portion of the display frame, and wherein the battery is connected to the light source; and f. a control means interconnected to the light source for controlling power to the light source.

29. The signboard of claim 28 the control means including: a light sensor for detecting ambient light in the area adjacent the display panel, wherein the light sensor communicates with the control means when a predetermined light reading is measured; wherein light emitted by the light source is controlled so as to provide lighting for the display panel effective for allowing visibility in low lighting conditions.

30. The signboard of claim 28 the control means including: a switching means operably interconnected to the light source, the switching means being actuated to turn the light source on or off depending on the detected ambient light; 16

31. The signboard of claim 28 the control means including: a control means operably interconnected to the light source, the switching means being actuated to turn the light source depending on the received instructions.

32. The signboard of claim 28 the control means including: depending on the received instructions which can define time periods, strength of light, any fluctuation lighting effects such as flashing or scrolling or section highlights.