Information
-
Patent Grant
-
6647650
-
Patent Number
6,647,650
-
Date Filed
Tuesday, June 18, 200222 years ago
-
Date Issued
Tuesday, November 18, 200320 years ago
-
Inventors
-
Original Assignees
-
Examiners
Agents
- Myers Bigel Sibley & Sajovec
-
CPC
-
US Classifications
Field of Search
US
- 040 409
- 040 406
- 040 407
- 040 410
- 040 482
- 040 152
- 040 455
- 040 470
- 040 473
- 040 484
-
International Classifications
-
Abstract
Promotional apparatus are provided that are configured to demonstrate to patients and others how one or more pharmaceutical products work within the human body (or within other living beings). The promotional apparatus includes a base and a display panel that is movably secured to the base for rotational movement about an axis between a substantially vertical display position and a substantially vertical non-display position. The display panel includes first and second sealed chambers in adjacent relationship. Each chamber includes a respective transparent front wall and a rear wall spaced apart from the front wall. The first sealed chamber is substantially filled with a first translucent fluid and the second sealed chamber is substantially filled with a second translucent fluid. A first set of objects is disposed within the first sealed chamber and are configured to ascend through the translucent fluid (i.e., each object is buoyant) when the display panel is rotated to a display position. A second set of objects is disposed within the second sealed chamber and are configured to descend through the translucent fluid within the second sealed chamber (i.e., each object is not buoyant) when the display panel is rotated to a display position.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to product promotion and, more particularly, to the promotion of healthcare-related products.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The use of promotional items has proliferated in today's increasingly competitive marketplace, where companies are constantly seeking more effective and new ways to market their products. In the healthcare industry, physicians and other healthcare providers often receive promotional articles from vendors of healthcare-related products, such as pharmaceutical products. These promotional articles often include “everyday” items, such as writing pads, calendars, and pens that have promotional information (indicia) printed thereon. For example, pharmaceutical companies often provide physicians with writing pens having the name of a particular pharmaceutical product printed thereon with the hopes that the pens, when used by the physicians, will help remind the physicians to prescribe the particular pharmaceutical product.
Unfortunately, because of lack of distinctiveness, many promotional articles provided to healthcare providers often become “lost-in-the-shuffle” with other promotional articles. Thus, there is a need for distinctive, more effective promotional products directed to physicians and other healthcare providers.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In view of the above discussion, promotional apparatus are provided that are configured to demonstrate to patients and others how a particular pharmaceutical product works within the human body (or within other living beings). The promotional apparatus includes a base and a display panel that is movably secured to the base for rotational movement about an axis between a substantially vertical display position and a substantially vertical non-display position. The display panel includes first and second sealed chambers in adjacent relationship. Each chamber includes a respective transparent front wall and a rear wall spaced apart from the front wall. The first sealed chamber is substantially filled with a first translucent fluid and the second sealed chamber is substantially filled with a second translucent fluid.
According to embodiments of the present invention, a first set of objects is disposed within the first sealed chamber and each object is configured to ascend through the translucent fluid (i.e., each object is buoyant). A second set of objects is disposed within the second sealed chamber and each object is configured to descend through the translucent fluid within the second sealed chamber (i.e., each object is not buoyant).
According to embodiments of the present invention, the front wall of each sealed chamber includes respective opaque images. Each respective image includes one or more transparent portions through which movement of the objects within the respective first and second chambers can be viewed when the display panel is moved to the display position. According to embodiments of the present invention, an image is affixed to the rear wall of each of the first and second sealed chambers so as to be visible through the transparent portions of the respective images and so as to facilitate the portrayal of passageways within a human body.
Initially, the display panel is in a substantially vertical non-display position. To begin a demonstration, a user rotates the display panel substantially 180° from the initial position to the operative position such that the objects within the first sealed chamber are buoyant and move upwardly within the fluid in the first sealed chamber. The configuration of the images on the front and rear walls and the transparent portions help demonstrate the movement of objects to a specific location in a human body. The objects within the-second sealed chamber are not buoyant and move downwardly through the fluid in the second sealed chamber. The configuration of the images on the front and rear walls of the second sealed chamber and the transparent portions help demonstrate a drug reacting with cells in a specific location of a human body.
According to embodiments of the present invention, promotional apparatus are provided that include panels configured to rotate in multiple directions. In addition, promotional apparatus are provided that include multiple rotatable panels.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The accompanying drawings, which form a part of the specification, illustrate key embodiments of the present invention. The drawings and description together serve to fully explain the invention.
FIG. 1
is a perspective view of a promotional display apparatus according to embodiments of the present invention, wherein a rotatable panel is in a substantially vertical non-display position.
FIG. 2
is a perspective view of the promotional display apparatus of
FIG. 1
, wherein the rotatable panel has been rotated to a substantially vertical display position.
FIG. 3
is a rear plan view of the display panel of the display apparatus of FIG.
1
.
FIG. 4
is a front plan view of the display panel of the display apparatus of FIG.
1
.
FIG. 5
is a cross-sectional view of the display panel of the display apparatus of
FIG. 2
taken along line
5
—
5
.
FIG. 6
is a perspective view of a promotional display apparatus according to alternative embodiments of the present invention.
FIG. 7
is a perspective view of a promotional display apparatus according to alternative embodiments of the present invention.
FIG. 8
is a cross-sectional view of the display panel of the display apparatus of
FIG. 1
taken along line
5
—
5
and illustrating movement of the objects within the first and second sealed chambers in the same direction.
FIG. 9
is a front, elevational view of a promotional display apparatus according to embodiments of the present invention, wherein a panel is rotatable in multiple directions.
FIG. 10
is a front, elevational view of a promotional display apparatus according to embodiments of the present invention, wherein multiple rotatable panels are individually rotatable.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention now is described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.
In the drawings, the thickness of lines, layers and regions may be exaggerated for clarity. It will be understood that when an element such as a layer, region, substrate, label, image, or panel is referred to as being “on” another element, it can be directly on the other element or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on” another element, there are no intervening elements present. It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “connected” or “attached” to another element, it can be directly connected or attached to the other element or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly connected” or “directly attached” to another element, there are no intervening elements present.
Referring now to
FIG. 1
, a promotional apparatus
10
according to embodiments of the present invention is illustrated. The illustrated promotional apparatus
10
is intended to be used by healthcare providers to educate patients and others on one or more particular pharmaceutical products. The illustrated promotional apparatus
10
includes a base
12
and a display panel
14
that is movably secured to the base for rotational movement about an axis A. As will be described in detail below, the display panel
14
is rotatable about axis A between a substantially vertical display position (
FIG. 2
) and a substantially vertical non-display position (FIG.
1
). In the illustrated embodiment, the display panel
14
is supported by two spaced-apart arms
16
that extend upwardly from the base
12
. Rotational movement of the display panel
14
is facilitated by a pair of pins
18
which extend outwardly from respective opposite edge portions
20
of the panel
14
and matingly engage respective sockets (not shown) in the arms
16
for rotational movement. However, various ways of supporting the display panel
14
for rotational movement (and known to those skilled in the art) may be utilized. Embodiments of the present invention are not limited to a particular way of securing the display panel
14
to the base
12
for rotational movement.
The illustrated display panel
14
is rectangular in shape; however, embodiments of the present invention are not limited to rectangular-shaped display panels. The display panel
14
may have various shapes and sizes without limitation. The display panel
14
may be formed from various materials including, but not limited to, thermosetting polymers, thermoplastic polymers, glass, etc.
The illustrated base
12
includes a front surface
12
a
that includes indicia
13
thereon. The illustrated indicia
13
describes a particular pharmaceutical product that is the subject of the demonstration that occurs when the display panel
14
is moved to the substantially vertical display position. Although not illustrated, the base
12
may include drawers and/or pull-out cards that may contain additional information for a user. Embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the illustrated base
12
. A display apparatus according to embodiments of the present invention can have various shapes and sizes.
Referring to
FIGS. 2-5
, the illustrated display panel
14
includes first and second sealed chambers
22
,
24
in adjacent relationship. Each chamber
22
,
24
includes a respective transparent front wall
26
a
and a rear wall
26
b
spaced apart from the front wall
26
a.
As best seen in
FIG. 5
, the first sealed chamber
22
is substantially filled with a first translucent fluid
30
. The second sealed chamber
24
is substantially filled with a second translucent fluid
32
. The first and second translucent fluids
30
,
32
may be the same or different fluids. The first and second translucent fluids
30
,
32
may have respective viscosities that are substantially the same or substantially different. Moreover, the first and second translucent fluids
30
,
32
may be clear or may have various colors. Exemplary translucent fluids which may be utilized as the first and second fluids
30
,
32
include, but are not limited to, water, glycerin, and mineral oil. Preferably, a non-toxic, environmentally-neutral fluid is utilized for the first and second fluids
30
,
32
.
Still referring to
FIG. 5
, a first set of objects
40
is disposed within the first sealed chamber
22
. In the illustrated embodiment, each object
40
is configured to ascend through the translucent fluid
30
(i.e., each object
40
is buoyant). A second set of objects
42
is disposed within the second sealed chamber
24
. In the illustrated embodiment, each object
42
is configured to descend through the translucent fluid
32
within the second sealed chamber
24
(i.e., each object
42
is not buoyant). As will be explained below, movement of the first and second sets of objects
40
,
42
within the first and second sealed chambers
22
,
24
is viewable via the transparent front wall
26
a
of the first and second chambers
22
,
24
.
In the illustrated embodiment, the first set of objects
40
are configured to be buoyant within the first fluid
30
such that each object
40
in the first set ascends through the first fluid
30
within the first sealed chamber
22
when the display panel
14
is moved to the substantially vertical display position (FIG.
2
). The second set of objects
42
are configured to be less buoyant within the second fluid
32
such that each object
42
in the second set descends through the second fluid
32
within the second sealed chamber
24
when the display panel
14
is moved to the substantially vertical display position (FIG.
2
).
Referring back to
FIG. 1
, the display panel
14
is in a substantially vertical non-display position. The sealed chambers
22
,
24
are not visible through the rear wall
26
b
because a non-transparent label
27
containing indicia
28
thereon is adhered to the rear walls
26
b
of both the first and second sealed chambers
22
,
24
. As would be understood by those skilled in the art, the label
27
may be adhered to either an outer or inner surface of the rear wall
26
b.
The purpose of the non-transparent label
27
is to prevent users from viewing the sealed chambers
22
,
24
and the respective objects
40
,
42
therein when the display panel
14
is in the non-display position. As such, embodiments of the present invention are not limited to a label applied to the rear walls
26
b
of the first and second sealed chambers
22
,
24
. The rear walls
26
b
could be formed of a non-transparent material or could be covered with any type of non-transparent material. The indicia
28
on the illustrated label
27
is provided to explain the demonstration that occurs when the display panel
14
is moved to the substantially vertical display position and/or to provide information about the pharmaceutical product that is the subject of the demonstration.
Referring to
FIG. 2
, the front wall
26
a
of each sealed chamber
22
,
24
of the illustrated embodiment includes respective opaque images
50
,
52
. Each respective image
50
,
52
includes one or more transparent portions
50
a,
52
a
through which movement of the objects
40
,
42
within the respective first and second chambers
22
,
24
can be viewed when the display panel
14
is moved to the display position. In the illustrated embodiment, each respective image
50
,
52
portrays a respective passageway in a human body and, as will be described below, movement of the display panel
14
causes movement of the objects
40
,
42
within the respective portrayed passageways. In the illustrated embodiment, the portrayed passageway is an artery within a human body.
Referring to
FIG. 4
, an image
60
is affixed to the rear wall
26
b
of each of the first and second sealed chambers
22
,
24
so as to be visible through the transparent portions
50
a,
52
a
of the respective images
50
,
52
. As would be understood by those skilled in the art, an image
60
may be affixed to the inner surfaces or outer surfaces of the rear wall
26
b
of the first and second sealed chambers
22
,
24
. The illustrated image
60
visible through the illustrated transparent portions
50
a,
52
a
facilitates the portrayal of passageways within a human body.
Referring back to
FIGS. 1 and 2
, operation of the display apparatus
10
will be described. Initially, the display panel
14
is in the substantially vertical non-display position of FIG.
1
. To begin the demonstration, a user rotates the display panel
14
from the illustrated position of
FIG. 1
to the illustrated position of FIG.
2
. In the illustrated embodiment, the objects
40
within the first sealed chamber
22
are buoyant and move upwardly within the fluid in the first sealed chamber
22
. The configuration of the images on the front and rear walls
26
a,
26
b
and the transparent portions
50
a
give the illusion of a pharmaceutical product (represented by the objects
40
) moving through an artery to a specific location in the human body. The objects
42
within the second sealed chamber
24
are not buoyant and move downwardly through the fluid in the second sealed chamber
24
. The configuration of the images on the front and rear walls
26
a,
26
b
of the second sealed chamber
24
and the transparent portions
52
a
give the illusion of a drug reacting with cells in a specific location of a human body.
In the illustrated embodiment, the objects
40
represent a pharmaceutical product that flow within an artery or other blood-carrying passageway of the human body to a specific site within the human body (first sealed chamber
22
). The pharmaceutical product attacks a specific pathogen at the specific site within the human body (second sealed chamber
24
). Indicia displayed on both the front and rear walls
26
a,
26
b
of the first and second sealed chambers
22
,
24
of the display panel
14
is provided to inform users about the pharmaceutical product which is the subject of the demonstration. Various promotional indicia may be provided as well. In addition, the objects
40
,
42
disposed within the first and second sealed chambers
22
,
24
may include promotional indicia thereon to facilitate the demonstration. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the objects
40
,
42
include a tablet or pill with a “Z” thereon that would be approximately the same indicia as on a real tablet or pill.
Objects
40
,
42
may have any size, color, shape and the like depending on the overall appearance desired. According to embodiments of the present invention, certain ones of the objects
40
,
42
and the viscosity of the first and second fluids
30
,
32
may be arranged so that when the display panel
14
is rotated to its display position, various ones of the objects
40
,
42
ascend and/or descend at varying rates of speed relative to other objects.
According to other embodiments of the present invention, objects
40
within the first sealed chamber
22
may be configured to descend within the fluid when the display panel
14
is rotated to the display position. Moreover, some of the objects
40
within the first sealed chamber
22
may be configured descend while other objects
40
are configured to ascend. In addition, embodiments of the present invention may allow for at least some of the objects
40
,
42
within the first and second sealed chambers
22
,
24
to move in the same direction (i.e., either ascend or descend). For example,
FIG. 8
illustrates objects
40
,
42
moving in the same direction within the respective first and second fluids
30
,
32
.
According to another embodiment of the present invention illustrated in
FIG. 6
, a promotional display apparatus
10
′ may provide audio accompaniment to the demonstration. In the illustrated embodiment, a user presses a button
70
on the base
12
to begin the audio performance via speaker
72
. Various audio performance devices may be utilized including, but not limited to, tape, memory devices, and the like, all of which are well known to those skilled in the art.
According to another embodiment of the present invention illustrated in
FIG. 7
, a promotional display apparatus
10
″ may include an actuating device
70
for rotating the display panel
14
. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuating device
70
includes a drive belt
72
operably connected to pin
18
extending from the panel
14
and to a motor
74
. As would be understood by those skilled in the art, the motor
74
drives the belt
72
which in turn rotates the pin
18
, thereby causing the panel
14
to rotate about axis A. Various drive mechanisms may be utilized in accordance with embodiments of the present invention, without limitation. For example, the motor
74
may be battery powered, AC electrically powered, or spring powered (e.g., a wind-up movement mechanism). In addition, the actuating device
70
might be configured to rotate the display panel
14
at different speeds. Although the illustrated actuating device
70
is disposed within the base
12
, other locations such as behind the base
12
may be feasible.
Referring now to
FIG. 9
, a promotional apparatus
110
according to embodiments of the present invention is illustrated. The illustrated promotional apparatus
110
includes a base
112
and a display panel
114
that is movably secured to the base for rotational movement about a first axis A
1
and a second axis A
2
, which is substantially transverse to the first axis A
1
. The display panel
114
may include one or more sealed chambers containing liquid and objects therewithin as described above with respect to the embodiments of
FIGS. 1-8
. Multi-axis rotation allows the display panel
114
to be rotated to various orientations, as desired. Embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the illustrated first and second axes A
1
,A
2
, or to the illustrated panel
114
. A panel may rotate about multiple axes that extend in various directions. Moreover, panels of various shapes, sizes and configurations may be utilized without limitation.
Referring now to
FIG. 10
, a promotional apparatus
210
according to embodiments of the present invention is illustrated. The illustrated promotional apparatus
210
includes a base
212
and multiple display panels
214
a,
214
b,
214
c
that are movably secured to the base
212
for rotational movement about an axis A. The display panel
214
may include one or more sealed chambers containing liquid and objects therewithin as described above with respect to the embodiments of
FIGS. 1-8
. Embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the illustrated panels
214
a,
214
b,
214
c.
Panels of various shapes, sizes and configurations may be utilized without limitation. In addition, various numbers of panels may be utilized.
The foregoing is illustrative of the present invention and is not to be construed as limiting thereof. Although a few exemplary embodiments of this invention have been described, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in the exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of this invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention as defined in the claims. The invention is defined by the following claims, with equivalents of the claims to be included therein.
Claims
- 1. A promotional display apparatus, comprising:a base; and a display panel movably secured to the base for rotational movement about an axis between a substantially vertical display position and a substantially vertical non-display position, wherein the display panel comprises: a sealed chamber comprising a transparent front wall; a translucent fluid substantially filling the sealed chamber; and at least one object disposed within the sealed chamber, wherein the at least one object is configured to move through the translucent fluid within the sealed chamber when the display panel is rotated to the display position, and wherein movement of the at least one object within the chamber is viewable via the transparent front wall.
- 2. The promotional display apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one object is configured to be buoyant such that the at least one object ascends through the fluid within the sealed chamber when the display panel is moved to the display position.
- 3. The promotional display apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one object is configured to be less buoyant such that the at least one object descends through the fluid within the sealed chamber when the display panel is moved to the display position.
- 4. The promotional display apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one object comprises a plurality of objects, and wherein a first set of the plurality of objects are configured to be buoyant within the fluid such that the first set of objects ascend through the fluid within the sealed chamber when the display panel is moved to the display position, and wherein a second set of the plurality of objects are configured to be less buoyant within the fluid such that the second set of objects descend through the fluid within the sealed chamber when the display panel is moved to the display position.
- 5. The promotional display apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an actuating device operatively coupled to the display panel to move the display panel between the display and non-display positions.
- 6. The promotional display apparatus of claim 5, wherein the actuating device comprises an electric motor.
- 7. The promotional display apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an opaque image affixed to the front wall, wherein the image comprises one or more transparent portions through which a user can view movement of the at least one object within the chamber when the display panel is moved to the display position.
- 8. The promotional display apparatus of claim 7, wherein the image portrays a passageway and wherein movement of the at least one object within the chamber depicts movement of the at least one object through the portrayed passageway.
- 9. The promotional display apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an audio performance apparatus that is configured to perform audio signals.
- 10. The promotional display apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one object comprises promotional indicia thereon.
- 11. The promotional display apparatus of claim 7, wherein the image comprises promotional indicia.
- 12. A promotional display apparatus, comprising:a base; and a display panel movably secured to the base for rotational movement about an axis between a substantially vertical display position and a substantially vertical non-display position, wherein the display panel comprises: a sealed chamber comprising a transparent front wall, and a rear wall spaced apart from the front wall; a translucent fluid substantially filling the sealed chamber; at least one object disposed within the sealed chamber, wherein the at least one object is configured to move through the translucent fluid within the sealed chamber when the display panel is rotated to the display position, and wherein movement of the at least one object within the chamber is viewable via the transparent front wall; a first image affixed to the rear wall; a second image affixed to the front wall, wherein the second image comprises one or more transparent portions through which a user can view movement of the at least one objects within the chamber when the display panel is moved to the display position.
- 13. The promotional display apparatus of claim 12, wherein the at least one object is configured to be buoyant such that the at least one object ascends through the fluid within the sealed chamber when the display panel is moved to the display position.
- 14. The promotional display apparatus of claim 12, wherein the at least one object is configured to be less buoyant such that the at least one object descends through the fluid within the sealed chamber when the display panel is moved to the display position.
- 15. The promotional display apparatus of claim 12, wherein the at least one object comprises a plurality of objects, and wherein a first set of the plurality of objects are configured to be buoyant within the fluid such that the first set of objects ascend through the fluid within the sealed chamber when the display panel is moved to the display position, and wherein a second set of the plurality of objects are configured to be less buoyant within the fluid such that the second set of objects descend through the fluid within the sealed chamber when the display panel is moved to the display position.
- 16. The promotional display apparatus of claim 12, wherein the first and second images portray a passageway and wherein movement of the at least one object within the chamber depicts movement of the at least one object through the portrayed passageway.
- 17. The promotional display apparatus of claim 12, wherein the at least one object comprises promotional indicia thereon.
- 18. The promotional display apparatus of claim 12, wherein at least one of the first and second images comprises promotional indicia.
- 19. A promotional display apparatus, comprising:a base; and a display panel movably secured to the base for rotational movement about an axis between a substantially vertical display position and a substantially vertical non-display position, wherein the display panel comprises: first and second sealed chambers in adjacent relationship, wherein each chamber comprises a respective transparent front wall, and a rear wall spaced apart from the front wall; a first translucent fluid substantially filling the first sealed chamber; a second translucent fluid substantially filling the second sealed chamber; a first set of objects disposed within the first sealed chamber, wherein each object in the first set is configured to move through the translucent fluid within the first sealed chamber when the display panel is rotated to the display position, and wherein movement of the first set of objects within the first chamber is viewable via the transparent front wall of the first chamber; and a second set of objects disposed within the second sealed chamber, wherein each object in the second set is configured to move through the translucent fluid within the second sealed chamber when the display panel is rotated to the display position, and wherein movement of the second set of objects within the second chamber is viewable via the transparent front wall of the second chamber.
- 20. The promotional display apparatus of claim 19, wherein the first set of objects are configured to be buoyant within the first fluid such that each object in the first set ascends through the first fluid within the first sealed chamber when the display panel is moved to the display position, and wherein the second set of objects are configured to be less buoyant within the second fluid such that each object in the second set descends through the second fluid within the second sealed chamber when the display panel is moved to the display position.
- 21. The promotional display apparatus of claim 19, wherein the first set of objects are configured to be buoyant within the first fluid such that each object in the first set ascends through the first fluid within the first sealed chamber when the display panel is moved to the display position, and wherein the second set of objects are configured to be buoyant within the second fluid such that each object in the second set ascends through the second fluid within the second sealed chamber when the display panel is moved to the display position.
- 22. The promotional display apparatus of claim 19, further comprising an opaque image affixed to the front wall of each of the first and second chambers, wherein each image comprises one or more transparent portions through which movement of the objects in the first and second sets within the respective first and second chambers can be viewed when the display panel is moved to the display position.
- 23. The promotional display apparatus of claim 22, wherein each image portrays a respective passageway and wherein movement of the objects in the first and second sets within the respective first and second chambers depicts movement of the objects in the first and second sets within the respective portrayed passageways.
- 24. The promotional display apparatus of claim 19, wherein the objects in the first and second sets comprise promotional indicia thereon.
- 25. The promotional display apparatus of claim 22, wherein each image comprises promotional indicia.
- 26. The promotional display apparatus of claim 22, further comprising an image affixed to the rear wall of each of the first and second chambers.
- 27. The promotional display apparatus of claim 19, wherein the first and second fluids have substantially the same viscosity.
- 28. The promotional display apparatus of claim 19, wherein the first and second fluids have substantially different viscosities.
- 29. A promotional display apparatus, comprising:a base; and a display panel movably secured to the base for rotational movement about first and second substantially transverse axes between a substantially vertical display position and a substantially vertical non-display position, wherein the display panel comprises: a sealed chamber comprising a transparent front wall; a translucent fluid substantially filling the sealed chamber; and at least one object disposed within the sealed chamber, wherein the at least one object is configured to move through the translucent fluid within the sealed chamber when the display panel is rotated to the display position, and wherein movement of the at least one object within the chamber is viewable via the transparent front wall.
- 30. The promotional display apparatus of claim 29, wherein the at least one object is configured to be buoyant such that the at least one object ascends through the fluid within the sealed chamber when the display panel is moved to the display position.
- 31. The promotional display apparatus of claim 29, wherein the at least one object is configured to be less buoyant such that the at least one object descends through the fluid within the sealed chamber when the display panel is moved to the display position.
- 32. The promotional display apparatus of claim 29, wherein the at least one object comprises a plurality of objects, and wherein a first set of the plurality of objects are configured to be buoyant within the fluid such that the first set of objects ascend through the fluid within the sealed chamber when the display panel is moved to the display position, and wherein a second set of the plurality of objects are configured to be less buoyant within the fluid such that the second set of objects descend through the fluid within the sealed chamber when the display panel is moved to the display position.
- 33. The promotional display apparatus of claim 29, further comprising an actuating device operatively coupled to the display panel to move the display panel between display and non-display positions.
- 34. The promotional display apparatus of claim 33, wherein the actuating device comprises an electric motor.
- 35. A promotional display apparatus, comprising:a base; and a plurality of display panels movably secured to the base for individual rotational movement about an axis between substantially vertical display positions and substantially vertical non-display positions, wherein one or more of the display panels comprises: a sealed chamber comprising a transparent front wall; a translucent fluid substantially filling the sealed chamber; and at least one object disposed within the sealed chamber, wherein the at least one object is configured to move through the translucent fluid within the sealed chamber when the display panel is rotated to the display position, and wherein movement of the at least one object within the chamber is viewable via the transparent front wall.
- 36. The promotional display apparatus of claim 35, wherein the at least one object is configured to be buoyant such that the at least one object ascends through the fluid within the sealed chamber when the display panel is moved to the display position.
- 37. The promotional display apparatus of claim 35, wherein the at least one object is configured to be less buoyant such that the at least one object descends through the fluid within the sealed chamber when the display panel is moved to the display position.
- 38. The promotional display apparatus of claim 35, wherein the at least one object comprises a plurality of objects, and wherein a first set of the plurality of objects are configured to be buoyant within the fluid such that the first set of objects ascend through the fluid within the sealed chamber when the display panel is moved to the display position, and wherein a second set of the plurality of objects are configured to be less buoyant within the fluid such that the second set of objects descend through the fluid within the sealed chamber when the display panel is moved to the display position.
- 39. The promotional display apparatus of claim 35, further comprising an actuating device operatively coupled to one or more of the display panels to move the one or more display panels between display and non-display positions.
- 40. The promotional display apparatus of claim 39, wherein the actuating device comprises an electric motor.
US Referenced Citations (20)