Patent Application
20050036641
The present invention relates to display devices, and more particularly to a display sign incorporating a megaphone for enabling a user to simultaneously display a message and provide audio information relating to the message.
Hand held signs are often used in combination with spoken announcements. In many cases, an individual who is holding the sign would be required to either raise his/her voice to address a group, or alternatively use a portable megaphone so that sufficient voice amplification is provided to reach all of the individuals in the group. Obviously, carrying two items is certainly inconvenient and somewhat of a burden to the individual. It would be highly desirable to provide some type of display sign or device which incorporates a loudspeaker function to allow the user to simultaneously and conveniently provide a visual message, as well as an audio message, to the group. Such an apparatus would be highly useful in a variety of applications such as when providing safety instructions on board an aircraft, or even by a tour guide addressing a small or large size group. If such an apparatus was sufficiently small as to be easily carried about and held with one or two hands, this would further enhance the efficacy of the device.
An ancillary benefit of such a device as described above would be that the user would not have to have his/her face blocked when speaking, such as would be the case with a conventional megaphone, which would need to be held in front of the face of the user. If the device could allow the user to provide an audio message through a miniature microphone, such as is commonly used with present day cell phones for hands free cell phone use, this would enable the user to establish a better rapport with the individuals in the group that he/she is addressing.
The present invention is directed to a display sign incorporating an audio loud speaker. The sign also includes a provision for a microphone to be used with the sign to allow a user to provide voice commands or other verbal information which can be reproduced by the speaker in amplified form. The apparatus effectively forms a megaphone that has the added capability to display visual information. A principal advantage of the present invention is that both a visual message and an audio message can be simultaneously provided to an individual or group of individuals. The apparatus is also very lightweight and compact so that it can be easily transported by an individual without any other equipment, or even carried with one or both hands of the user.
In one preferred embodiment the display sign incorporates a handle portion allowing the user to easily grasp and hold up the apparatus with a single hand. In another preferred embodiment a display sign is formed which includes a handle portion having a collapsing, tripod-like stand for enabling the display sign to be rested in an upright position on a ground surface. In both embodiments an amplifier system is included which includes an input for a miniature microphone or a like transducer which can be easily held or worn by a user. Speaking into the microphone provides an input to the amplifier system. The amplifier system uses this input signal to provide an output to an audio driver associated with the loudspeaker, which is fixedly secured to a portion of the display panel. Optionally, the display sign may include a volume control which is conveniently located to enable a user to easily adjust the volume of the audio message being generated by the loudspeaker.
In another preferred embodiment the sign is worn either as a sign on the front and back of a person's body or as a hat or other type of “clothing”.
The present invention is anticipated to be highly useful in a variety of applications, for example, on board an aircraft to provide both visual and audible information regarding safety procedures, or even in connection with guided tours where an individual is required to provide both visual and audio information to one or a group of individuals.
Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:
The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.
Referring to
The apparatus 10 includes a display sign 12 having a neck portion 14 and a handle portion 16. A lightweight, miniature microphone 18 is coupled to the sign 12 for enabling a user to provide an audio input signal to the apparatus 10. A flat panel audio loudspeaker 20 is secured to the display sign 12 preferably on a rear portion of the display sign, as will be described in greater detail momentarily.
It will be appreciated immediately, then, that the apparatus 10 enables a user to provide a visual message as well as a simultaneous audio message to another individual or group of individuals being addressed by the user. It is anticipated that the apparatus 10 will find utility in a wide range of applications, including but not limited to on board aircraft where safety instructions must be provided along with visual information to passengers on the aircraft. Another possible application is in connection with providing tours, where a tour guide is required to provide both visual and audio information to one or more individuals of a group. Still further applications are anticipated to be in law enforcement and entertainment, and virtually any other venue where it would be helpful/desirable to be able to provide both audio and visual information simultaneously to one or more other individuals.
The display sign 12 may comprise a wide variety of lightweight materials, but in one preferred form is comprised of plastic. A message may be printed, adhered or secured in any other suitable fashion to a front surface 12a of the display sign 12. The display sign 12 could also include clips or magnetic elements for releasably holding a placard or other form of sign thereto so that the visual message can be changed very quickly and easily by the user if needed. The neck portion 14, as well as the handle 16, could also be formed from a wide variety of suitable strong yet lightweight materials, for example, from a relatively high strength plastic. Handle 16 preferably incorporates a gripping surface 22 made from a material such as foam to form a more comfortable area which the user can grasp with one or both hands.
Referring to
The microphone 18 may comprise either a miniature microphone that can be attached to clothing of the user, such as with microphones used with present day cell phones, or it may comprise a hand held microphone. In one form the microphone 18 includes a cable 18a which is coupled to an input 36 on the neck portion 14. The input 36 is in turn electrically coupled to an input of the microphone and amplifier module 30 so that output signals from the microphone 18 can be input to the module 30.
Optionally, a volume control 38 is included which is electrically coupled to the microphone and amplifier module 30 for adjusting the volume of the audio output of the flat panel driver (exciter) 24.
The upper portion 26 of the neck portion 14 further optionally includes a pair of microphone cable storage hooks 40 and 42 (
Referring to
It will also be appreciated that wireless technology could be used to transmit the driving signals from the microphone and amplifier module 30 to the flat panel driver (exciter) 24. Still further, wireless technology could be used in connection with the microphone 18 to allow a wireless connection to be made with the module 30.
The flat panel loudspeaker 20, while shown disposed at a center of the display sign 12, could be disposed essentially at any point on the display sign 12. Alternatively, a plurality of flat panel loudspeakers could be secured on the display sign 12. In this manner the amplitude of the audio signal generated by the apparatus 10 can be controlled over a much wider amplitude range.
Referring now to
Each of the preferred embodiments of the present invention provide the benefit of allowing a user to provide both a visual message as well as an audible message to another individual or group of individuals. Since the user is not required to hold the apparatus 10 or 100 in front of his/her face, the user is better able to make eye contact with and establish a rapport with an individual or group of individuals being addressed by the user.
Referring to
The present invention thus forms a convenient, lightweight and easy to use means for providing both visual and audio information to an individual or group of individuals which the user is addressing. Since the apparatus 10 or 100 is very lightweight, the apparatus can be carried about conveniently by the user without the need for any other equipment.
While various preferred embodiments have been described, those skilled in the art will recognize modifications or variations which might be made without departing from the inventive concept. The examples illustrate the invention and are not intended to limit it. Therefore, the description and claims should be interpreted liberally with only such limitation as is necessary in view of the pertinent prior art.
