James B Bradshaw

US Patent:

40219461, May 10, 1977

Filed:

May 29, 1975

Appl. No.:

5/581943

Inventors:

James T. Bradshaw - Lake Dallas TX

Assignee:

F & M Systems, Co., a division of Fischbach and Moore, Incorporated - Dallas TX

International Classification:

G09F 1110

US Classification:

40 33

Abstract:

A sign display comprises a plurality of triangular display elements each having three display surfaces. The display elements are arranged along mutually perpendicular sets of axes to define a matrix display having a display plane. Rotary drive shafts extend through the display element parallel to the display surfaces, and each display element includes clutch structure comprising frustoconical clutch members received in frustoconical apertures formed in the display element and spring biased to normally coupled the display element for rotation with the drive shaft extending therethrough. Abutment surfaces corresponding to the display surfaces project from the lower end of each display element, and a stop arm is associated with each display element for selective actuation to terminate rotation of the display element with a predetermined display surface situated in the display plane. The first display surfaces all of the display elements may be utilized in combination to form a dedicated sign and the second and third display surfaces of each display element may comprise contrasting colors, in which case the second and third surfaces of the display elements are utilized to form a desired sign by means of a matrix display.