WO2009001052A2 - Display apparatus - Google Patents

Display apparatus Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2009001052A2
WO2009001052A2 PCT/GB2008/002135 GB2008002135W WO2009001052A2 WO 2009001052 A2 WO2009001052 A2 WO 2009001052A2 GB 2008002135 W GB2008002135 W GB 2008002135W WO 2009001052 A2 WO2009001052 A2 WO 2009001052A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
display apparatus
base
image
beads
cover
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2008/002135
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
WO2009001052A3 (en
Inventor
John Francis Dufort
Original Assignee
Dufort Associates
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Dufort Associates filed Critical Dufort Associates
Publication of WO2009001052A2 publication Critical patent/WO2009001052A2/en
Publication of WO2009001052A3 publication Critical patent/WO2009001052A3/en

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Classifications

    • GPHYSICS
    • G09EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
    • G09FDISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
    • G09F19/00Advertising or display means not otherwise provided for
    • G09F19/12Advertising or display means not otherwise provided for using special optical effects

Definitions

  • the present application relates to a display apparatus, and in particular to a display apparatus for displaying an image.
  • the present application also relates to a method for forming such a display.
  • the present invention may have particular applicability in the field of novelty and promotional items. Such items are given away or sold at low cost, for example to promote a product or brand.
  • EP-A-1119448 we disclosed a novelty or promotional item similar to a lithophane.
  • Such an item is formed with a base having variable thickness corresponding to the relative intensity of the image to be displayed, and is backlit so that light shining through the variable thickness base is variably attenuated to produce an image having a three-dimensional appearance.
  • Such articles include coins, medals and other engravings.
  • engravings have a raised portion corresponding to the parts of the image to be visualised.
  • a display comprises a base having a recessed profile corresponding to the relative intensity of parts of the image to be displayed, and a plurality of translucent beads sized to fit into the recessed profile of the base.
  • the translucent beads can be collected within the recessed profile of the base.
  • a base with a recessed profile corresponding to the relative intensity of different parts of the image to be displayed there will be a greater number or density of beads in darker parts of the image than in lighter parts of the image. This greater density of beads will give a darker appearance than in areas with a lower density of beads. Accordingly, the overall appearance of the base and beads will display the image.
  • the base has a recessed profile such that the depth of the recess at any point is related to the intensity of the image with the recessed portion being deeper in more intense areas of the image than in less intense areas of the image. In this way, there will be a greater number and depth of beads in more intense areas of the image than in less intense areas of the image. Due to the translucent nature of the beads, where there is a greater density or number of beads, there will be less light reflected, and therefore the image in these regions will appear darker.
  • the depth of the recessed portions may be constant, however the density or size of the recessed portions may be varied dependent upon the intensity of the parts of the image to form a half tone image.
  • the density or size of the recessed portions may be varied dependent upon the intensity of the parts of the image to form a half tone image.
  • there may be no recessed portions or a low density of recessed portions whilst in more intense regions of the image there may be a greater density of recessed portions and/or the recessed portions may be of a larger size.
  • the beads are freely movable with respect to the base. This allows the user of the display to move the beads, for example by shaking, tapping or tilting the base. Whilst the overall appearance of the image will remain similar, since the intensity is dependent upon the recessed profile, this movement of the beads will cause some variations in the precise number of beads at any location on the base, and therefore will cause slight variations in the overall image. This produces an interactive image which is considered especially advantageous for novelty and promotional items.
  • the display may include a generally transparent cover provided over the base to retain the beads. This is especially advantageous where the beads are freely movable by the user as it retains the beads with the base. By providing the cover of a transparent material, the image can be seen through the cover.
  • a cover is provided, it is beneficial for this to be sealed, for example hermetically sealed, with respect to the base to ensure that no beads can be lost.
  • the base is formed from an opaque material having a light colour, for example white.
  • a material having a light colour By forming the base from a material having a light colour, light can be reflected from the base. In portions having a greater number of beads overlying the recessed portion of the base, the translucent beads will attenuate the light passing to the base and reflected from the base creating darker regions. In regions where there are no or fewer beads, the light coloured base will reflect more light.
  • the base may be formed from a plastics material which can be easy to form and inexpensive.
  • the cover may also be formed from a plastics material. Where the base and cover are both formed from plastics material, these can be sealed using ultrasound welding or other joining techniques.
  • the beads may have any desired shape, however it is advantageous if these are generally spherical as this will assist the beads in flowing into the recessed portions of the base.
  • the beads can be formed from any suitable material. However, beads formed from glass are commonly available. Beads may also be formed from sugar, salts and sand.
  • the beads may be coloured. Such colouring may be achieved either by forming the beads from coloured material, or coating the surface of the formed beads.
  • the base is formed from an opaque material having a dark colour, for example black.
  • the translucent beads used in combination with a dark base have a light court, for example white.
  • a negative image is engraved into the base.
  • the depth of the recessed profile of the base is related to the intensity of the image, but in this case, the recessed portion is deeper in less intense areas of the image than in more intense areas of the image.
  • the size of the recesses will dictate the resolution and detail of the image. Where the recesses have a smaller size, the resolution of the image can be increased.
  • the beads should be of a size that they can easily fit into the recesses, for example being no more than half the size of the recesses.
  • the article may be backlit, or the base may include luminous particles or a luminous coating to enhance the visual appearance.
  • two display articles according to the p resent invention are joined back-to-back to form a double sided display article.
  • a single base could be engraved on both sides, with a transparent cover provided on each side of the base, to achieve a double sided display article. Therefore, different images are seen on each side of the display article.
  • a plurality of display articles according to the present invention are stacked on top of each other.
  • the bases of the upper articles are preferably formed from a transparent material so that the underlying articles can be viewed through the overlying articles.
  • the overall image viewed will be a composite image from each of the articles.
  • a translucent liquid is used to display the image on the display apparatus in place of the moveable beads of the present invention.
  • the image viewed using a liquid is less variable than the image displayed with the beads because the liquid levels out to fill the recesses in the base to the same depth each time the base is laid down flat.
  • suitable translucent liquids include jelly.
  • a method of forming a display according to the first aspect of the present invention including analysing an image to determine the relative intensity of different parts of the image, and forming a base having a recessed profile, the recessed profile corresponding to the relative intensity of parts of the image, and providing a plurality of translucent beads each sized to fit within the recesses in the base.
  • the display can display a selected and desired image.
  • Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a system for forming a base
  • Figure 2 shows a cross-section through a mould for forming a base
  • Figure 3 shows a cross-section through an article in accordance with the present invention
  • Figure 4 shows a multilayer article according to the present invention
  • Figure 5 shows a cross-section through an alternative example of an article according to the present invention.
  • an original image 1 is scanned using a scanner 2 to form electronic data representative of the image.
  • This image is fed to a processor 3 that determines the relative intensity of different points or pixels of the image.
  • the processor may be a computer running software such as ArtCAMTM.
  • the image data may be provided from a digital camera or other source.
  • the processor 3 is also able to convert the relative intensity data to profile data for profiling the base 6 of the article.
  • the processor 3 determines the grey scale levels of intensity of the original image 1 , and converts this into a profile depth, the profile depth being greater for higher intensities.
  • the base 6 is formed with a profile having a variable depth, the greater depth relating to the more intense regions of the original image 1.
  • the base may be formed as a solid base 6 that is engraved by an engraver 4 associated with the processor.
  • This may be in the form of a numerically controlled engraving machine, or a laser engraving machine.
  • Engraving individual bases directly means that articles showing specially requested unique and individual images can be created.
  • an inverse mould 5 is engraved, for example a metal, and this is used to mould the finished base 6 as shown in Figure 2.
  • the base 6 may be moulded by injection moulding, stamping, pressing or other moulding techniques. The process can be automated and large numbers of the same base can be created accurately.
  • the original image 1 can be converted to a half tone image by using a computer program that converts a grey scale image into a half tone image.
  • a base 6 or inverse mould 5 can be created using an engraver 4 associated with the processor, wherein there are only two different profile depths. That is, all the engraved recessed portions are of equal depth. The number and/or size of the recessed portions is greater for higher intensities of the original image 1.
  • the moulding techniques described above are applicable to create a half tone image base.
  • the base 6 may be made from plastic. It can be opaque, and in order to reflect light it is ideally a light colour such as white. Alternatively, the base could have a luminous coating so it will glow in the dark.
  • beads 7 are spread across the surface of the base 6.
  • the beads 7 are small enough to fit into the recessed portions of the base 6.
  • the beads 7 are translucent and generally spherical.
  • the translucent nature of the beads reduces the amount of light able to pass through them. Therefore, in deeply profiled areas of the base 6 where many beads 7 accumulate, less light is reflected, and the area appears darker.
  • the number of beads are preferably such that not all of the recesses of the base can be completely filled with beads. This achieves a variable image, since each time the beads are spread over the base, different recesses will be filled partially and fully as not all recesses can be filled fully as not all recesses can be filed fully at the same time. Nevertheless, the overall image is still achieved by virtue of the relative depth of the recesses.
  • the beads are coloured and are all the same colour. This means that the beads contrast with the light background colour of the base 6. Dark coloured beads will contrast more strongly with the base than pale ones.
  • the bead colour can be achieved by coating the beads 7 with a colour. The thickness or density of this colour coating can be varied to adjust the translucency of the beads 7. Ideally all the beads have the same translucency.
  • the coloured beads can be made from a coloured material. In an alternative example, multi-coloured beads can be used.
  • the beads can be made from, but are not limited to, glass. Beads could also be made from sand, salt or sugar.
  • the beads 7 can be moveable in relation to the base 6. Their movement enables small variations in the image created because their positioning creates the image. In this way, a user could repeatedly recreate the image by repositioning the beads. Alternatively, the beads 7 may be fixed in position on the base which results in a constant image.
  • the base 6 may be hermetically sealed to a cover 8 to prevent the beads escaping and to stop moisture entering the space enclosed between the base 6 and the cover 8.
  • a cover 8 There is a space between the cover and the base for the beads. If moisture were to get into the space it may adversely cause the beads to stick together, or to stick to the cover 8 or the base 6.
  • the cover 8 is transparent to enable the beads and base to be clearly viewed through the cover.
  • the cover may be clear, or alternatively, tinted with a colour.
  • the cover can be made of plastic, and can be ultrasonically sealed to the base.
  • a cover may not be required.
  • the display apparatus can have multiple layers 9.
  • Each layer 9 has a recessed profile that corresponds to the same original image 1 as the base 6, but to different or overlapping areas of the original image 1. That is, the different layers 9 can represent different parts of the original image 1.
  • the layers 9 are hermetically sealed to the base 6 and to each other in the same way that the cover 8 can be sealed to the base 6. There is a small space between each layer 9, and between the bottom layer 9 and the base 6. In this example there is a cover 8 over the top layer 9.
  • the layers can be made from, but are not limited to, plastic.
  • the number of layers 9 used is not limited, but in practice, the ideal number of layers ranges between 1 and 3.
  • the additional layers 9 are transparent to allow the base 6 and the beads 7 on the base to be seen when viewed from above through the layers.
  • These beads can be coloured as described above, and each layer can contain a different coloured set of beads. Therefore, when viewed from above, the different parts of the image recessed in the layers 9 and the base 6 appear in different colours to result in a multi-coloured image.
  • the beads can be immobilised on the surface on the respective base or layer.
  • the display apparatus can be "double- sided".
  • Two individual bases 6 could be made and joined together back-to-back so that an image is engraved on each side of the base.
  • the image on each side need not correspond to the same original image.
  • Two covers 8 would be attached and hermetically sealed to protect each side of the base.
  • Plastic covers could be ultrasonically welded to a plastic base.
  • an image could be engraved on both sides of a single base. This could be achieved by engraving the base directly, one side at a time using an engraving machine, or by making a mould that would create a base with images profiled on each side, for example, by injection moulding
  • Freely moveable beads 7 are provided on each side of the base. These beads are translucent and generally spherical. In this case, the beads can be coloured, either by using a coloured coating or because the beads were made form a coloured material. Alternatively, the beads can be immobilised on the base in the recessed portions. In this case, the covers 8 may not be required.
  • the display apparatus according to the present invention can be formed inexpensively and in large numbers due to the method of manufacture. They can be used for many different applications including, but not limited to, character promotions, key rings, inserts to be provided in cereal packets and toys.
  • a translucent liquid may be provided to flow into recesses in the base. There will be greater attenuation of light passing through the liquid and reflected from the base in areas where the thickness of the liquid is greater.
  • Suitable liquids may include jelly.

Abstract

A display apparatus for use in displaying an image. The apparatus comprises a base having a recessed profile and a plurality of translucent beads. Also provided is a method of manufacturing such a display apparatus.

Description

DISPLAY APPARATUS
The present application relates to a display apparatus, and in particular to a display apparatus for displaying an image. The present application also relates to a method for forming such a display. The present invention may have particular applicability in the field of novelty and promotional items. Such items are given away or sold at low cost, for example to promote a product or brand.
In our earlier European patent application, EP-A-1119448, we disclosed a novelty or promotional item similar to a lithophane. Such an item is formed with a base having variable thickness corresponding to the relative intensity of the image to be displayed, and is backlit so that light shining through the variable thickness base is variably attenuated to produce an image having a three-dimensional appearance.
Items are known which have a varying profile across their surface to represent an image which are not viewed with a backlight. Such articles include coins, medals and other engravings. In general, such engravings have a raised portion corresponding to the parts of the image to be visualised.
According to a first aspect of the present invention, a display comprises a base having a recessed profile corresponding to the relative intensity of parts of the image to be displayed, and a plurality of translucent beads sized to fit into the recessed profile of the base.
With the display of the present invention, the translucent beads can be collected within the recessed profile of the base. By providing a base with a recessed profile corresponding to the relative intensity of different parts of the image to be displayed, there will be a greater number or density of beads in darker parts of the image than in lighter parts of the image. This greater density of beads will give a darker appearance than in areas with a lower density of beads. Accordingly, the overall appearance of the base and beads will display the image.
In one example of the present invention, the base has a recessed profile such that the depth of the recess at any point is related to the intensity of the image with the recessed portion being deeper in more intense areas of the image than in less intense areas of the image. In this way, there will be a greater number and depth of beads in more intense areas of the image than in less intense areas of the image. Due to the translucent nature of the beads, where there is a greater density or number of beads, there will be less light reflected, and therefore the image in these regions will appear darker.
Alternatively, the depth of the recessed portions may be constant, however the density or size of the recessed portions may be varied dependent upon the intensity of the parts of the image to form a half tone image. In particular, in lighter areas of the image, there may be no recessed portions or a low density of recessed portions, whilst in more intense regions of the image there may be a greater density of recessed portions and/or the recessed portions may be of a larger size. In this case, there will be a greater number of translucent beads in more intense regions of the image than in less intense regions of the image to give the overall appearance required.
It is preferred that the beads are freely movable with respect to the base. This allows the user of the display to move the beads, for example by shaking, tapping or tilting the base. Whilst the overall appearance of the image will remain similar, since the intensity is dependent upon the recessed profile, this movement of the beads will cause some variations in the precise number of beads at any location on the base, and therefore will cause slight variations in the overall image. This produces an interactive image which is considered especially advantageous for novelty and promotional items. The display may include a generally transparent cover provided over the base to retain the beads. This is especially advantageous where the beads are freely movable by the user as it retains the beads with the base. By providing the cover of a transparent material, the image can be seen through the cover.
Where a cover is provided, it is beneficial for this to be sealed, for example hermetically sealed, with respect to the base to ensure that no beads can be lost.
It is advantageous for the base to be formed from an opaque material having a light colour, for example white. By forming the base from a material having a light colour, light can be reflected from the base. In portions having a greater number of beads overlying the recessed portion of the base, the translucent beads will attenuate the light passing to the base and reflected from the base creating darker regions. In regions where there are no or fewer beads, the light coloured base will reflect more light.
The base may be formed from a plastics material which can be easy to form and inexpensive. Where provided, the cover may also be formed from a plastics material. Where the base and cover are both formed from plastics material, these can be sealed using ultrasound welding or other joining techniques.
The beads may have any desired shape, however it is advantageous if these are generally spherical as this will assist the beads in flowing into the recessed portions of the base. The beads can be formed from any suitable material. However, beads formed from glass are commonly available. Beads may also be formed from sugar, salts and sand.
The beads may be coloured. Such colouring may be achieved either by forming the beads from coloured material, or coating the surface of the formed beads. The use of coloured beads, especially when the beads are a different colour to the base, gives an attractive aesthetic appearance to the image.
Where coloured beads are used, it is preferred that all beads are of the same or similar colour, however, beads of different colours could be used.
Alternatively, the base is formed from an opaque material having a dark colour, for example black. The translucent beads used in combination with a dark base have a light court, for example white. In order for the article to display a positive image, a negative image is engraved into the base. The depth of the recessed profile of the base is related to the intensity of the image, but in this case, the recessed portion is deeper in less intense areas of the image than in more intense areas of the image.
The size of the recesses will dictate the resolution and detail of the image. Where the recesses have a smaller size, the resolution of the image can be increased. The beads should be of a size that they can easily fit into the recesses, for example being no more than half the size of the recesses.
To assist with the display of the image, the article may be backlit, or the base may include luminous particles or a luminous coating to enhance the visual appearance.
In one embodiment, two display articles according to the p resent invention are joined back-to-back to form a double sided display article. Alternatively, a single base could be engraved on both sides, with a transparent cover provided on each side of the base, to achieve a double sided display article. Therefore, different images are seen on each side of the display article.
In a further embodiment, a plurality of display articles according to the present invention are stacked on top of each other. In this case, the bases of the upper articles are preferably formed from a transparent material so that the underlying articles can be viewed through the overlying articles. In this case, it is possible to provide different coloured beads in each article. As a result, the overall image viewed will be a composite image from each of the articles.
In a separate embodiment of the present invention, a translucent liquid is used to display the image on the display apparatus in place of the moveable beads of the present invention. The image viewed using a liquid is less variable than the image displayed with the beads because the liquid levels out to fill the recesses in the base to the same depth each time the base is laid down flat. Examples of suitable translucent liquids include jelly.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of forming a display according to the first aspect of the present invention including analysing an image to determine the relative intensity of different parts of the image, and forming a base having a recessed profile, the recessed profile corresponding to the relative intensity of parts of the image, and providing a plurality of translucent beads each sized to fit within the recesses in the base.
By analysing an original image to determine the relative intensity of different parts of the image and forming the base with a recessed profile based on the analysed image, the display can display a selected and desired image.
The present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a system for forming a base;
Figure 2 shows a cross-section through a mould for forming a base;
Figure 3 shows a cross-section through an article in accordance with the present invention;
Figure 4 shows a multilayer article according to the present invention; and Figure 5 shows a cross-section through an alternative example of an article according to the present invention.
As shown in Figure 1 , an original image 1 , such as a photograph, is scanned using a scanner 2 to form electronic data representative of the image. This image is fed to a processor 3 that determines the relative intensity of different points or pixels of the image. The processor may be a computer running software such as ArtCAM™. Alternatively, the image data may be provided from a digital camera or other source. The processor 3 is also able to convert the relative intensity data to profile data for profiling the base 6 of the article.
In one example, the processor 3 determines the grey scale levels of intensity of the original image 1 , and converts this into a profile depth, the profile depth being greater for higher intensities. In this case, the base 6 is formed with a profile having a variable depth, the greater depth relating to the more intense regions of the original image 1.
In this case, the base may be formed as a solid base 6 that is engraved by an engraver 4 associated with the processor. This may be in the form of a numerically controlled engraving machine, or a laser engraving machine. Engraving individual bases directly means that articles showing specially requested unique and individual images can be created.
Alternatively, an inverse mould 5 is engraved, for example a metal, and this is used to mould the finished base 6 as shown in Figure 2. In this case, the base 6 may be moulded by injection moulding, stamping, pressing or other moulding techniques. The process can be automated and large numbers of the same base can be created accurately.
Alternatively, the original image 1 can be converted to a half tone image by using a computer program that converts a grey scale image into a half tone image. A base 6 or inverse mould 5 can be created using an engraver 4 associated with the processor, wherein there are only two different profile depths. That is, all the engraved recessed portions are of equal depth. The number and/or size of the recessed portions is greater for higher intensities of the original image 1. The moulding techniques described above are applicable to create a half tone image base.
The base 6 may be made from plastic. It can be opaque, and in order to reflect light it is ideally a light colour such as white. Alternatively, the base could have a luminous coating so it will glow in the dark.
As shown in Figure 3, beads 7 are spread across the surface of the base 6. The beads 7 are small enough to fit into the recessed portions of the base 6. The beads 7 are translucent and generally spherical. The translucent nature of the beads reduces the amount of light able to pass through them. Therefore, in deeply profiled areas of the base 6 where many beads 7 accumulate, less light is reflected, and the area appears darker. The number of beads are preferably such that not all of the recesses of the base can be completely filled with beads. This achieves a variable image, since each time the beads are spread over the base, different recesses will be filled partially and fully as not all recesses can be filled fully as not all recesses can be filed fully at the same time. Nevertheless, the overall image is still achieved by virtue of the relative depth of the recesses.
In this case the beads are coloured and are all the same colour. This means that the beads contrast with the light background colour of the base 6. Dark coloured beads will contrast more strongly with the base than pale ones. The bead colour can be achieved by coating the beads 7 with a colour. The thickness or density of this colour coating can be varied to adjust the translucency of the beads 7. Ideally all the beads have the same translucency. Alternatively, the coloured beads can be made from a coloured material. In an alternative example, multi-coloured beads can be used. The beads can be made from, but are not limited to, glass. Beads could also be made from sand, salt or sugar.
The beads 7 can be moveable in relation to the base 6. Their movement enables small variations in the image created because their positioning creates the image. In this way, a user could repeatedly recreate the image by repositioning the beads. Alternatively, the beads 7 may be fixed in position on the base which results in a constant image.
In this example the base 6 may be hermetically sealed to a cover 8 to prevent the beads escaping and to stop moisture entering the space enclosed between the base 6 and the cover 8. There is a space between the cover and the base for the beads. If moisture were to get into the space it may adversely cause the beads to stick together, or to stick to the cover 8 or the base 6. The cover 8 is transparent to enable the beads and base to be clearly viewed through the cover. The cover may be clear, or alternatively, tinted with a colour. In this case, the cover can be made of plastic, and can be ultrasonically sealed to the base. However, in an embodiment wherein the beads are fixed in position on the base, a cover may not be required.
In an alternative embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, the display apparatus can have multiple layers 9. Each layer 9 has a recessed profile that corresponds to the same original image 1 as the base 6, but to different or overlapping areas of the original image 1. That is, the different layers 9 can represent different parts of the original image 1. The layers 9 are hermetically sealed to the base 6 and to each other in the same way that the cover 8 can be sealed to the base 6. There is a small space between each layer 9, and between the bottom layer 9 and the base 6. In this example there is a cover 8 over the top layer 9. The layers can be made from, but are not limited to, plastic. The number of layers 9 used is not limited, but in practice, the ideal number of layers ranges between 1 and 3.
In this example, the additional layers 9 are transparent to allow the base 6 and the beads 7 on the base to be seen when viewed from above through the layers. On top of each layer 9, there is a set of translucent beads 7 that are freely moveable on the surface of the layer. These beads can be coloured as described above, and each layer can contain a different coloured set of beads. Therefore, when viewed from above, the different parts of the image recessed in the layers 9 and the base 6 appear in different colours to result in a multi-coloured image. Alternatively, the beads can be immobilised on the surface on the respective base or layer.
In a further embodiment shown in Figure 5, the display apparatus can be "double- sided". Two individual bases 6 could be made and joined together back-to-back so that an image is engraved on each side of the base. The image on each side need not correspond to the same original image. Two covers 8 would be attached and hermetically sealed to protect each side of the base. Plastic covers could be ultrasonically welded to a plastic base. Alternatively, an image could be engraved on both sides of a single base. This could be achieved by engraving the base directly, one side at a time using an engraving machine, or by making a mould that would create a base with images profiled on each side, for example, by injection moulding
Freely moveable beads 7 are provided on each side of the base. These beads are translucent and generally spherical. In this case, the beads can be coloured, either by using a coloured coating or because the beads were made form a coloured material. Alternatively, the beads can be immobilised on the base in the recessed portions. In this case, the covers 8 may not be required.
The display apparatus according to the present invention can be formed inexpensively and in large numbers due to the method of manufacture. They can be used for many different applications including, but not limited to, character promotions, key rings, inserts to be provided in cereal packets and toys.
As an alternative to beads, a translucent liquid may be provided to flow into recesses in the base. There will be greater attenuation of light passing through the liquid and reflected from the base in areas where the thickness of the liquid is greater. Suitable liquids may include jelly.

Claims

1. A display apparatus comprising a base having a recessed profile corresponding to the relative intensity of parts of the image to be displayed, and a plurality of translucent beads sized to fit into the recesses profile of the base.
2. A display apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the recess portions at any point in the base are deeper in more intense areas of the image than in less intense areas of the image.
3. A display apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the depth of the recessed portions are constant and the density or size of the recessed portions are greater in more intense areas of the image than in less intense areas of the image.
4. A display apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the beads are freely moveable with respect to the base.
5. A display apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base is formed from an opaque material.
6. A display apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base is a light colour.
7. A display apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base is made from plastics.
8. A display apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a transparent cover is provided over the base.
9. A display apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the base and the cover are sealed together.
10. A display apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the base and the cover are hermetically sealed.
11. A display apparatus according to any one claims 8 to 10, wherein the cover is made from plastic.
12. A display apparatus according to claim 11 , in which the base is made from plastics which is ultrasonically welded to the cover.
13. A display apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the beads are generally spherical.
14. A display apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the beads are formed from glass.
15. A display apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the surface of the beads is covered with a coloured coating.
16. A display apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the beads are a dark colour.
17. A display apparatus according to any one of claim 1 to 15, wherein the base includes luminous particles or has a luminous coating.
18. A display apparatus according to any one of claim 1 to 15, wherein the recesses on the base represent a negative image.
19. A display apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the base is a dark colour.
20. A display apparatus according to either of claims 18 or 19, wherein the beads are a light colour.
21. A display apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a plurality of display articles stacked in top of each other, wherein the basis of the upper articles are transparent.
22. A display apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein an image is displayed on both sides of the base.
23. A method of forming a display apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising the steps:
i. determining the relative intensities of an image;
ii. forming a base with a recessed profile corresponding to the image; and
iii. providing a plurality of translucent beads each sized to fit within the recesses in the base.
24. A method according to claim 23, wherein a transparent cover is sealed over the base.
25. A method according to claim 24, wherein a transparent cover is hermetically sealed to the base.
26. A display apparatus comprising a base having a recessed profile corresponding to the relative intensity of parts of the image to be displayed, and a translucent liquid to flow into the recessed profile of the base.
27. A display apparatus according to claim 26, wherein the recessed portions at any point in the base are deeper in more intense areas of the image than in less intense areas of the image.
28. A display apparatus according to claim 26, wherein the depth of the recessed portions are constant and the density or size of the recessed portions are greater in more intense areas of the image than in less intense areas of the image.
29. A display apparatus according to any one of claims 26 to 28, wherein the base is formed from an opaque material.
30. A display apparatus according to any one of claims 26 to 29, wherein the base is a light colour.
31. A display apparatus according to any one of claims 26 to 30, wherein the base is made from plastics.
32. A display apparatus according to any one of claims 26 to 31 , wherein a transparent cover is provided over the base.
33. A display apparatus according to claim 32, wherein the base and the cover are sealed together.
34. A display apparatus according to claim 33, wherein the base is and the cover are hermetically sealed/
35. A display apparatus according to any one of claims 32 to 34, wherein the cover is made from plastics.
36. A display apparatus according to any one of claim 35, wherein the base is formed of plastics, and is ultrasonically welded to the cover.
37. A display apparatus according to any one of claims 26 to 36, wherein the liquid is a dark colour.
38. A display apparatus according to any one of claims 26 to 37, wherein the base includes luminous particles or has a luminous coating.
39. A display apparatus according to any one of claims 26 to 36, wherein the recesses on the base represent a negative image.
40. A display apparatus according to claim 40, wherein the base is a dark colour.
41. A display apparatus according to either of claims 39 or 40, wherein the liquid is a light colour.
42. A display apparatus according to any one of claims 26 to 41 , wherein the bases of the upper articles are transparent.
43. A display apparatus according to any one of claims 26 to 42, wherein an image is displayed on both sides of the base.
44. A display apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying figures.
45. A method of forming a display apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying figures.
PCT/GB2008/002135 2007-06-22 2008-06-23 Display apparatus WO2009001052A2 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0712155A GB2450374A (en) 2007-06-22 2007-06-22 Display apparatus with recessed profile
GB0712155.1 2007-06-22

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2009001052A2 true WO2009001052A2 (en) 2008-12-31
WO2009001052A3 WO2009001052A3 (en) 2009-02-26

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
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GB (1) GB2450374A (en)
WO (1) WO2009001052A2 (en)

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2143946A (en) * 1935-05-30 1939-01-17 Hunter Frederick Method of manufacturing signs and other display devices
WO2000020185A1 (en) * 1998-10-05 2000-04-13 Mystix Limited Lithophane-like article and method of manufacture
US6306470B1 (en) * 1999-05-15 2001-10-23 Adolph E. Goldfarb Activity apparatus and method for generally instantaneously creating lithophane-type pictorial works comprising translucent material within containers having a transparent see-through wall

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB955075A (en) * 1959-10-29 1964-04-15 Fred Lowcock Improvements in or relating to signs and coloured transparencies
GB2404610B (en) * 2003-08-07 2006-01-04 Julian Dakowski Method and apparatus for producing an article for displaying an image
KR20060091113A (en) * 2005-02-14 2006-08-18 김홍록 Signboard

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2143946A (en) * 1935-05-30 1939-01-17 Hunter Frederick Method of manufacturing signs and other display devices
WO2000020185A1 (en) * 1998-10-05 2000-04-13 Mystix Limited Lithophane-like article and method of manufacture
US6306470B1 (en) * 1999-05-15 2001-10-23 Adolph E. Goldfarb Activity apparatus and method for generally instantaneously creating lithophane-type pictorial works comprising translucent material within containers having a transparent see-through wall

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WO2009001052A3 (en) 2009-02-26
GB2450374A (en) 2008-12-24
GB0712155D0 (en) 2007-08-01

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