Multi-sided message display device

Abstract

A device ( 10 ) for displaying a plurality of messages selectively or simultaneously in substantially the same physical space, with each message being secured to a different side ( 16,18 ) of a multi-sided panel ( 14 ), and with the panel ( 14 ) being movable between different positions in each of which at least one of the messages is displayed. The device ( 10 ) includes a housing ( 12 ), the panel ( 14 ), a pivot movement mechanism ( 20 ), a linear movement mechanism ( 22 ), and a locking mechanism ( 24 ) for securing the panel ( 14 ) in a position such that a desired one of the messages is displayed. The movement mechanisms ( 20,22 ) movably couple the panel ( 14 ) to the housing ( 12 ), such that the panel ( 14 ) can be simultaneously pivoted and linearly moved to the desired display position.

1 . A display device comprising: 
 a housing;    a panel having a first side for displaying a first message when the panel is in a first position, and a second side for displaying a second message when the panel is in a second position;    a pivot movement mechanism and a linear movement mechanism for movably coupling the panel to the housing and allowing for pivoting and linearly moving the panel between the first position and the second position; and    a locking mechanism for selectively securing the panel in a desired one of the first or second positions such that a corresponding one of the first or second messages is displayed.    
   
   
       2 . The display device as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the first and second messages are menus.  
   
   
       3 . The display device as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the housing is substantially frameless.  
   
   
       4 . The display device as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the housing includes a hinge-mounted door through which the panel can be seen.  
   
   
       5 . The display device as set forth in  claim 1 , the panel further including one or more securement mechanisms for releasably securing the first and second messages to the panel.  
   
   
       6 . The display device as set forth in  claim 5 , wherein the securement mechanisms use mechanical force to secure the first and second messages to the panel.  
   
   
       7 . The display device as set forth in  claim 5 , wherein the securement mechanisms use magnetic attraction to secure the first and second messages to the panel.  
   
   
       8 . The display device as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the pivot movement mechanism and the linear movement mechanism allow for simultaneously pivoting and linearly moving the panel relative to the housing.  
   
   
       9 . The display device as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the pivot movement mechanism couples the panel to the linear movement mechanism, and wherein the linear movement mechanism couples the panel to the housing.  
   
   
       10 . The display device as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the linear movement mechanism couples the panel to the pivot movement mechanism, and wherein the pivot movement mechanism couples the panel to the housing.  
   
   
       11 . The display device as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the locking mechanism includes a spring-loaded catch.  
   
   
       12 . The display device as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the locking mechanism includes a fixed catch which cooperates with a mechanical clamp.  
   
   
       13 . The display device as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the locking mechanism includes a magnet.  
   
   
       14 . The display device as set forth in  claim 1 , further including an illumination source operable to illuminate the panel.  
   
   
       15 . The display device as set forth in  claim 14 , wherein the illumination source includes one or more fluorescent illumination sources.  
   
   
       16 . The display device as set forth in  claim 14 , wherein the illumination source includes one or more light emitting diode illumination sources.  
   
   
       17 . The display device as set forth in  claim 14 , wherein the illumination source illuminates the panel by directing illumination into an edge of the panel, and wherein the illumination entering the edge of the panel propagates through and out of the panel.  
   
   
       18 . The display device as set forth in  claim 14 , wherein the illumination source directs illumination onto a reflector which reflects the illumination through the panel so as to backlight the messages.  
   
   
       19 . A display device comprising: 
 a housing;    a panel having a first side for displaying a message when the panel is in a first position, and a second side for displaying a second message when the panel is in a second position; and    a pivot movement mechanism and a linear movement mechanism, wherein the pivot movement mechanism couples the panel to the linear movement mechanism, and the linear movement mechanism couples the panel to the housing, and wherein the pivot movement mechanism and the linear movement mechanism allow for simultaneously pivoting and linearly moving the panel relative to the housing between the first position of the second position.    
   
   
       20 . A display device comprising: 
 a housing;    a panel having a first side for displaying a first message when the panel is in a first position, and a second side for displaying a second message when the panel is in a second position; and    a pivot movement mechanism and a linear movement mechanism, wherein the linear movement mechanism couples the panel to the pivot movement mechanism, and the pivot movement mechanism couples the panel to the housing, and wherein the linear movement mechanism and the pivot movement mechanism allow for simultaneously pivoting and linearly moving the panel relative to the housing between the first position of the second position.