LED signage device

Abstract

A signage device ( 10 ) in which a housing ( 12 ) receives a circuit board ( 30 ) having a plurality of spaced-apart light sources ( 38 ) to define at least one symbol and a light-blocking sheet ( 60 ) having a message channel with opposing adjacent spaced-apart side walls. A light emitting surface closes a distal portion of the message channel, wherein light from the light sources communicates from the light emitting surface of the message channel.

1 - 32 . (canceled)  
   
   
       33 . A light communicating channel for a signage device comprising an elongated molded member of substantially uniform thickness for defining a symbol in a signage device, the member having an open side defined by spaced-apart side walls interconnected by an opposing closed side that defines a light emitting surface, the side walls each defining laterally inwardly opposing step portions, for seating the channel in a through slot of a sign plate in the signage device.  
   
   
       34 . A signage device, comprising: 
 a housing that receives a circuit board having a plurality of spaced-apart light sources to define at least one symbol;    a light-blocking sheet having a message channel with opposing adjacent spaced-apart side walls; and    a light emitting surface closing a distal portion of the message channel,    whereby light from the light sources communicates from the light emitting surface of the message channel.    
   
   
       35 . The signage device as recited in  claim 34 , wherein the light emitting surface is arcuate between the opposing side walls.  
   
   
       36 . The signage device as recited in  claim 34 , wherein the light emitting surface closing the distal portion is non-planar.  
   
   
       37 . The signage device as recited in  claim 34 , wherein the message channel defines a symbol corresponding to the symbol defined by the arrangement of the light sources.  
   
   
       38 . The signage device as recited in  claim 34  wherein the message channel is defined in the sheet as a projecting channel extending from a planar portion thereof.  
   
   
       39 . The signage device as recited in  claim 38 , wherein the sheet further comprises a perimeter skirt extending from a planar portion lateral of the message channel.  
   
   
       40 . The signage device as recited in  claim 34 , wherein the message channel extends from an integral sheet having a relatively minor thickness and a relatively major longitudinal extent to define a thin plate having a major planar surface.  
   
   
       41 . The signage device as recited in  claim 40 , wherein the distal portion of the message channel defines the light emitting surface attached to the plate.  
   
   
       42 . The signage device as recited in  claim 34 , wherein the light sources comprise light emitting diodes.  
   
   
       43 . The signage device as recited in  claim 34 , further comprising an electrical socket supported in the housing and connected for communication of electrical current to the circuit board.  
   
   
       44 . The signage device as recited in  claim 34 , wherein the light sources comprise light emitting diodes.  
   
   
       45 . The signage device as recited in  claim 34  wherein the symbol comprises an alphabetic character for a message.  
   
   
       46 . The signage device as recited in  claim 34 , wherein the symbol comprises a non-alphabetic character.  
   
   
       47 . The signage device as recited in  claim 34 , wherein the sheet comprises a foam material.  
   
   
       48 . The signage device as recited in  claim 34 , wherein the housing further comprises supports for attaching the housing to a surface.  
   
   
       49 . The signage device as recited in  claim 34 , wherein the circuit board defines a plurality of spaced-apart openings; and the housing includes a plurality of posts that receive fasteners for supporting the circuit board relative to the message channel.  
   
   
       50 . A signage device, comprising: 
 a housing;    a circuit board disposed within the housing and having a plurality of spaced-apart light sources to define at least one symbol;    a sheet having a relatively minor thickness and a relatively major longitudinal extent to define a major surface, the sheet defining an opening that corresponds to the shape of the symbol, and a message channel with opposing adjacent spaced-apart side walls extending from opposing edges of plate at the opening; and    a light emitting surface configured to correspond with the shape of the symbol closing the opening in the sheet,    the light sources on the circuit board aligning with the message channel and the circuit board disposed such that an apex of each of the light sources is spaced from the light emitting surface of the message channel;    whereby light from the light sources communicates from the light emitting surface of the sheet as a signage device.    
   
   
       51 . The signage device as recited in  claim 50 , wherein the light sources comprise light emitting diodes.  
   
   
       52 . The signage device as recited in  claim 51 , wherein the symbol comprises an alphabetic character for a message.  
   
   
       53 . The signage device as recited in  claim 51 , wherein the symbol comprises a non-alphabetic character.  
   
   
       54 . The signage device as recited in  claim 50 , wherein the housing further comprises supports for attaching the housing to a surface.  
   
   
       55 . The signage device as recited in  claim 50 , wherein the circuit board defines a plurality of spaced-apart openings; and the housing includes a plurality of posts that receive fasteners for supporting the circuit board relative to the message channel.