subject: Method For Stimulating A Neon Sign [print this page] A method for simulating a neon sign comprising the steps of:forming a housing having, a first surface with one or more concavities defining indicia representative of a message to be conveyed, a second surface opposite to the first surface, and one or more first openings positioned complimentary to the one or more concavities to outline and emphasize the message indicia;placing a source of illumination within the concavities to enable an emission of light;forming a cover member of translucent material with second openings complementary to the first openings and having a shape to cover the concavities;applying a coating to the cover member to define a silhouette of the indicia of the message to be conveyed;placing the cover member over the first surface of the housing; andaligning the first and second openings to form a single a single rigid structure, whereby light when emitted from the source of illumination is reflected by the concavity walls and the cover member ink and diffused by the cover member to produce a neon like visual effect.
The present invention simulates the appearance of a neon sign. The invention comprises multiple housing portions composed of opaque and translucent materials and a plurality of LEDs arranged to produce light that propagates through the translucent portion of the housing. The housing portions mate to form a single rigid structure that surrounds the plurality of LEDs. The translucent portion has a shape that conveys a message via image, icon, lettering or other indicia.
Those concerned with the use of neon signs have long recognized the need for more controllable, safer, less fragile and less expensive neon signs. The present invention significantly advances the prior art by simulating the bright uniform colorful appearance of a neon sign while using more efficient LED technology in unique housing configurations.
