US 6,467,209 B1 · Overhead media display system

Abstract

An overhead media display system for installation of signs and display elements on a suspended ceiling and other ceiling fixtures is disclosed. The present system includes a plurality of interchangeable display structures of different geometric shapes and sizes, which are constructed from both transparent and translucent materials that function with backlighting being installed directly underneath ceiling light fixtures and, alternatively, from opaque plastic materials being attached at ceiling locations without direct illumination. Each sign or display element includes integral retaining flanges with compressive elements that are formed by the use of die-cutting, scoring, folding, and other assembly techniques during construction thereby eliminating the need for fastening hardware and adhesive materials for installation. Each sign or display element is fabricated from a single blank of material, which is imprinted, die-cut, scored, folded and assembled to provide optimal structural strength to function as a permanent store display for presentation of product advertising and commercial art, but is sufficiently versatile and inexpensive to be used for temporary sales promotions. Motion and enhanced visual interest may be imparted to the present sign system by the addition of interactive sign elements rotatably mounted on the interior and exterior of the signs. Rotational movement of the interactive sign elements is provided by a miniature electric motor powered by a photovoltaic cell array, which generates electrical voltage derived from the adjacent light fixtures.

Claims35

Dependent claims

An overhead media display system for attachment to suspended ceilings of the type including a framework of regularly spaced, supporting members defining ceiling tile and light fixture receiving areas and to other ceiling mounted light fixtures, said system comprising;

a plurality of interchangeable display elements each being fabricated from a single blank of a foldable material and being folded into geometric configurations having dimensions corresponding generally to said receiving areas and to said fixtures;
and
retaining means integrally formed within said display elements at predetermined positions thereon such that said retaining means are for engaging said supporting members to retain said display elements adjacent said ceiling tile and light fixture receiving areas, and said retaining means including retaining flanges integrally formed along opposite peripheral edges of said geometric configurations, said flanges being formed by folding portions of said blank in a predetermined folding sequence to define compressive retaining elements therein.

A method of forming at least one integral retaining flange on a display element for attaching said display element to suspended ceilings of the type having a framework of regularly spaced supporting members defining ceiling tile and light fixture receiving areas, said display element being fabricated from a single blank of a foldable material and being folded into a geometric configuration having dimensions corresponding generally to said receiving areas, said method comprising the steps of:

cutting said single blank from a sheet of material having predetermined mechanical properties;
scoring said blank to delineate a plurality of fold lines thereon corresponding to said geometric configuration including said at least one retaining flange;
folding said blank in a predetermined folding sequence to form a plurality of planar surfaces corresponding to surface features of said geometric configuration including said at least one retaining flange;
said scoring further including the steps of, laying out said at least one retaining flange adjacent one of said planar surfaces defining a peripheral supporting edge of said geometric configuration, and dividing said at least one retaining flange into four side-by-side rectangular sections delineated by first, second, third, and fourth fold lines and designated as a lower horizontal surface, an upper horizontal surface, an upper retaining element, and a lower retaining element respectively;
positioning said planar surfaces relative to one another in a predetermined relationship;
and
assembling said planar surfaces in said predetermined relationship.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Overhead media display system

Life of this patent

Overhead media display system

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims35