AN ANIMATED DISPLAY ASSEMBLY This invention relates to an animated display assembly. This invention has particular but not exclusive application to a bubbling liquid display such as a carbonated beverage display or an aerated liquid display, and for illustrative purposes reference will be made to such application. However, it is to be understood that this invention could be used in other applications, such as a display assembly which depicts an underwater scene or a display assembly which simulates a reaction such as a tablet dissolving in a glass of water.

There are many difficulties associated with the provision of such display assemblies, depending upon the effect to be achieved. For example in a beverage sign it may be desired to simulate the rising bubbles as well as the head of foam which often forms on the surface of the beverage. In a simulated aerated water display it may also be necessary to maintain a clear liquid appearance in a closed cycle environment exposed to light. In practically all instances it is necessary to provide an arrangement which is not unduly heavy and which facilitates ease of manufacture, transport and maintenance as well as long term effectiveness.

The present invention aims to alleviate one or more of the above disadvantages and to provide a display assembly which will be reliable and efficient in use.

With the foregoing in view, this invention in one aspect resides broadly in an animated display assembly including:- a transparent or translucent liquid reservoir; a liquid contained in said reservoir, and production means for producing bubbles in said liquid.

Preferably the liquid will suppress contamination in the reservoir. Preferably the production means is adapted to produce a head of foam on the surface of said liquid.

The reservoir may be an open reservoir which may be contained within a closed environment. Alternatively the reservoir may be a closed reservoir, or a substantially closed reservoir having an inlet and/or an outlet through which liquids and gasses may pass.

The reservoir may be any suitable shape. For example, the reservoir may be shaped like a receptacle used for the purposes of drinking and/or storing beverages such as a drinking glass, a bottle or a can. The reservoir may be constructed from any suitable material including plastics materials, acrylic materials or glass. Furthermore, the construction of the reservoir may be unitary or may comprise a plurality of sealably connected wall panels. In order to minimise the volume of liquid contained in the reservoir without substantially affecting the external visual appearance of the reservoir, opposing wall portions of the reservoir may be narrowly separated, particularly in the line of sight. In order to supress the growth of mould and fungus, particularly on the internal surfaces of the assembly such as those of the liquid reservoir, the materials used in the construction of the assembly may include an anti-fungal additive and/or may be coated with an anti fungal agent. In order create certain desired visual effects such as the colour of the beverage portions of the reservoir may be coloured an appropriate colour and/or there may be provided an appropriately coloured insert. Similarly, in order to create an illusion of depth portions of the reservoir may be coated with a reflective material and/or the reservoir may include a reflective insert.

The liquid used to fill the reservoir is preferably stable at operating temperatures. For example, the liquid may have a relatively high flash point, a relatively high boiling point and/or a high temperature at which it will ignite. Preferably the liquid is an oil such as an iso- parafin.

The liquid may be clear or may be coloured and wherein an appropriately coloured dye or coloured agent may be selectively added to the liquid. For example, in the case of liquids used to simulate beers, a yellow or brown coloured agent may be added to the otherwise clear liquid. Similarly, a mixture of yellow, red and blue coloured agents may be

added to the clear liquids used to replicate colas.

In the case of active liquids, an anti fungal treatment may be added to the liquid so as to inhibit the growth of unsitely mould and fungus on the walls of the liquid reservoir.

The liquid may also include other agents which modify the characteristics of the liquid to suit the intended purpose, such as viscosity modifying agents to achieve a desired rate of ascent of bubbles in the liquid. A foaming agent, such as a detergent, may also be added to the liquid in order to facilitate the formation of foam.

The production means for producing bubbles in the liquid may include an air pump pumping air to a distribution manifold in the liquid, a heating element for boiling the liquid or agitation means for producing bubbles in the liquid.

The liquid entrained in the bubbles may be recovered by a conventional separation process such as a centrifuge, the use of filters or by allowing the bubbles to pass to a settling tank communicating with the reservoir.

The display assembly may also include illuminating means for illuminating the reservoir or at least a portion thereof, such as the upper portion, and/or the liquid contained therein. For example the illuminating means may comprise a light source such as a fluorescent light and wherein there may be provided surfaces adapted to reflect the light on to selected portions of the reservoir or arranged such that light may be refracted by the surface of the bubbles and thereby illuminate the liquid. The display assembly may also include signage means on which promotional or advertising means may be displayed or carried. The promotional means may be integral with or releasably attached to the reservoir and wherein in one embodiment the reservoir may be supplied as a separate functional display unit, possibly including mounting means whereby the unit may be mounted on or otherwise located relative to signage means such as a wall bearing advertising and/or promotional material. Alternatively, the signage

means may include a portion of the reservoir.

For the purposes of transporting the display assembly, the display assembly may be provided with closure means adapted to close any inlets and/or outlets pertaining to the reservoir. For example, the reservoir may include an air inlet and an air outlet which may be closed by respective solenoid valves which open only when power is provided to the display means.

In a further aspect, this invention resides in a liquid which resembles a cola, said liquid including:- an iso-parafin oil, and an appropriately coloured wax based tint.

Preferably the wax based tints include a mixture of yellow, red and blue coloured tints. For example, the liquid may comprise the following:

1. Spindle oil (clear) 5 litre

2. Yellow dye solution 50mls

3. Red dye solution 20mls

4. Blue dye solution lOmls

However it will be appreciated that the amounts referred to above of each solution may be varied in order to adjust the colour of the resulting liquid.

In order to produce the yellow, red and blue dye solutions, the following may be used: 1. Yellow dye powder - Waxoline Yellow GFW

2. Red dye powder - Waxoline Red 0

3. Blue dye powder - Waxoline Blue APFW

The above powders are made up into concentrated solutions as follows. To make "yellow dye solution", 1 gram of Waxoline Yellow GFW may be added to 400 mis of Spindle Oil and stirred. Preferably this solution is well stirred before each use as it tends to settle out.

To make "red dye solution", 1 gram of Waxoline Red 0 may be combined with 100 mis of Spindle Oil and well stirred. To make "blue dye solution", 1 gram of Waxoline Blue

APFW may be combined with 100 mis of Spindle Oil and well stirred.

In order that this invention may be more readily understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings which illustrate a typical embodiment of the invention and wherein:-

FIG. 1 is a front view of a display assembly constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the display assembly illustrated in figure 1;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the display assembly illustrated in figure 1;

FIG. 4. is a rear view of the display assembly illustrated in figure 1; FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the display assembly illustrated in figure 1, the display assembly being shown in part for assembly;

FIG. 6 is a front cross-sectional view of the display assembly illustrated in figure 1; FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view of the display assembly illustrated in figure 1;

FIG. 8 is a side cross-sectional view of the display assembly illustrated in figure 1;

FIG. 9 is a front view of another display assembly constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a side view of the display assembly illustrated in figure 9;

FIG. 11 is a side cross-sectional view of the display assembly illustrated in figure 9; FIG. 12 is a front cross-sectional view of the display assembly illustrated in figure 9;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the display assembly illustrated in figure 9, the display assembly being shown in part for assembly; FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a distribution manifold with a portion shown cut away;

FIG. 15 is a plan view of the distribution manifold illustrated in figure 14;

FIG. 16 is a rear cross-sectional view of the distribution manifold illustrated in figure 14;

FIG. 17 is a side view of yet another display assembly constructed in accordance with the present invention; FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the display assembly illustrated in figure 17;

FIG. 19 is a front view of yet another display assembly constructed in accordance with the present invention, and FIG. 20 is a side view of the display assembly illustrated in figure 19.

Figures 1 to 8 illustrate a display assembly 10 adapted to depict a carbonated beverage such as a cola comprising a transparent or translucent liquid reservoir 11 which is partially filled with an iso-parafin oil 12, which will produce a foam when air is pumped therethrough, and to which yellow, blue and red coloured wax based tints have been added so as to replicate the colour of the beverage.

The reservoir 11 when viewed front on is shaped like a drinking class and includes a front wall panel 13 and an opposing, dimensionally slightly smaller, rear wall panel 14, both of which are manufactured from a translucent or transparent material such as a plastics material, an acrylic material or an acrylic-polymer blended material. The front portion 13 includes a curved front wall 16, a top wall 17, a base wall 18, a coplanar circumferential flange 19 and an upper message portion 20.

The rear wall panel 14 also includes a curved front wall 21, a top wall 22, a base wall 23, a coplanar circumferential flange 24 and an upper rear message portion 25.

The front wall panel 13 and the rear wall panel 14 are assembled such that the latter nests within the former forming a cavity therebetween and wherein the two abutting flanges 19 and 24 are sealably connected using a sonic welding, heat welding or an adhesive process.

The resulting cavity comprises a lower chamber or reservoir 11, defined by opposing front walls 16 and 21, and an upper chamber 26 in which foam may generally collect being

defined by opposing top walls 17 and 22. The cavity also includes two lateral chambers 27, located on the right and the left of the lower chamber 11, the lateral chambers being defined by opposing wall portions 28 and 29 of the front and rear wall panels 13 and 14 respectively.

The lateral chambers 27 are separated from the reservoir 11 and the foam collection chamber 26 by a dividing wall 30 formed in the rear wall panel 14, communication between the respective chambers being by way of channels or ducts 31 and 32 formed in the wall 30.

The front and rear meassage portions 20 and 25 also nest one within the other and wherein when assembled establish a chamber or pressure equalization zone 31 connecting the two lateral chambers 30 and wherein the top wall 32 of the rear message portion 25 includes an outlet aperture 33 through which air, having previously been introduced to the cavity, may pass therethrough. The outlet 33 is connected to an air exit solenoid valve 34.

The assembly also includes a semi-circular shaped distribution manifold or insert 40 which is located intermediate the opposing bottom walls 18 and 23 of the assembled front and rear wall panels 13 and 14. The distribution manifold includes an air inlet 41 projecting rearwardly therefrom, to which a feed tube 42 may be releasably attached, and a plurality of air outlet apertures 43 formed in the recessed top wall 44.

The assembly 10 also includes a rear panel 50 which is hingedly connected to the assembled front and rear wall panels 13 and 14 by way of hinges 51. The rear panel 50 provides both mounting means and a housing for the production means.

The production means for producing bubbles in the liquid includes an air pump 52 having an air inlet 53 and an air outlet 54 which is connected to a feed tube 42. The air inlet 53 of the pump 52 may be provided with filtration means such as a charcoal filter, not shown, which may be adapted to remove impurities from the air which may otherwise contaminate the fluid in the reservoir.

The display assembly also includes illumination means such as a fluorescent light 55 positioned behind the message portions 20 and 25 and which is adapted to illuminate the message panel 56, releasably retained therebetween, and the reservoir 11.

The production means and the illumination means are both powered by an electrical power source which for example may be 24 volts A.C. or any other voltage across a range from 12 volts to 250 volts produced by a transformer or mains power supply. Preferably the electrical power source is 24 volts A.C. which powers pump 52 and wherein a voltage inverter is used to separately invert the 24 volts A.C. to power the fluorescent light 55.

The assembly may also be provided with level actuation means such as a mercury switch 56 operatively connected to the power source and whereby power to both the pump 52 and the fluorescent light 55 is supplied only whilst the display assembly i.e. the reservoir, is maintained in an upstanding level attitude. Furthermore, in addition to the air outlet solenoid valve 34, there is also provided an air inlet solenoid valve 57 fitted to the air inlet and both valves are closed except when electrically activated and whereby the quantity of bubbles produced by the air pump may be selectively controlled by controlling the volume of air passing through a 3 way air bleed off valve 58.

The internal surface of the rear panel 50 may be coloured by paint, vinyl adhesive or a reflective material to depict a particular background colour to enhance visuals of any beverage or scene. For example, in the case of an assembly used to depict a cola the internal surface of the rear panel is painted a dark colour such as the colour black.

The rear panel 50 also includes a plurality of ventilation apertures situated at top and base of the recessed section thereof.

It will also be appreciated that the shape of the rear panel 50 may be utilized to regulate illumination dispersement. For example, by varying the angle of

inclination of wall 58, it is possible to vary the extent of light passing to the lower portions of the reservoir.

In use, the reservoir is filled with a liquid resembling a cola to a level generally indicated by the dotted line 61. Furthermore, the distribution manifold 40 shall be of coloured or clear construction to replicate the generally thicker base wall of most drinking vessels and wherein air or gas delivered thereto by the pump 52, when actuated, will be released through apertures 44 in the form of bubbles. These bubbles may then travel vertically a short distance before collecting under the wall 23. Eventually however the accumulated bubbles will spill over the semi-circumfrential edge of wall 23 and shall subsequently rise through the liquid contained in the reservoir 11. The bubbles will then accumulate on the surface of the liquid so as to a form a head of foam.

It will also be noted that the upper section of curved wall 21 is contoured to replicate the shape of a collection of ice pieces and wherein use the contours 60 interfere, but not totally restrict, the passage of bubbles to the surface. These contours 60 when illuminated refract light to give the illusion of floating pieces of ice in the reservoir 11.

It will also be appreciated that the outer or external surface of the front wall 16 or at least portions thereof, may be roughened, such as may result from sand blasting same, so as to create a frosted effect reminiscent of condensation which typically forms on cold surfaces. Furthermore, in order to simulate droplets of condensation, droplets may be painted on the external surface of the front wall 16 or, alternatively, droplets of resin may be applied thereto.

The foam head will generally fill the upper chamber 26 and wherein excess foam is conveyed into the lateral or settling chambers 30, via passageways 31, positioned on either side thereof. The bubbles contained in the settling chambers 30 eventually will burst releasing both air and liquid. The liquid collected in the settling chambers is returned to the reservoir via passageways 32 and 62 whilst the air released by the bursting bubbles is conveyed via the

pressure equalization chamber 31, the aperture 33 and the flexible tubing 65, to the air outlet valve.

During use, the level of liquid contained in the reservoir is controlled by the simultaneous separation of the foam into liquid and air and is generally constant.

The quantity of bubbles released into the reservoir by the production means may be selectively controlled using the three way bleed off valve 58 to controll the volume of air passing to the distribution manifold 40. It will also be appreciated that the message panel 56 may be selectively removed. This permits the message to be changed if desired and allows access to wall mounted units for servicing purposes.

Figures 9 to 13 illustrate a display assembly 110 adapted to depict a glass of beer comprising a transparent or translucent liquid reservoir 111 which is partially filled with an iso-parafin oil 112, which will produce a foam when air is pumped therethrough, and to which an appropriately coloured wax based tint has been added so as to replicate the colour of the beverage.

The reservoir 111 when viewed front on is shaped like a drinking class and includes a front wall panel 113 and an opposing, dimensionally slightly smaller, rear wall panel 114, both of which are manufactured from a translucent or transparent material such as a plastics material, an acrylic material or an acrylic-polymer blended material.

The front portion 113 includes a curved front wall 116, a top wall 117, a base wall 118, a coplanar circumferential flange 119 and an upper message portion 120. The rear wall panel 114 also includes a curved front wall 121, a top wall 122, a base wall 123, a coplanar circumferential flange 124 and an upper rear message portion 125.

The front wall panel 113 and the rear wall panel 114 are assembled such that the latter nests within the former forming a cavity therebetween and wherein the two abutting flanges 119 and 124 are sealably connected using a sonic welding, heat welding or an adhesive process.

The resulting cavity comprises a lower chamber or reservoir 111, defined by opposing front walls 116 and 121, and an upper chamber 126 in which foam may generally collect being defined by opposing top walls 117 and 122. The cavity also includes two lateral chambers 127, located on the right and the left of the lower chamber 111, the lateral chambers being defined by opposing wall portions 128 and 129 of the front and rear wall panels 113 and 114 respectively. The lateral chambers 127 are separated from the reservoir 111 and the foam collection chamber 126 by a dividing wall 130 formed in the rear wall panel 114, communication between the respective chambers being by way of channels or ducts 131 and 132 formed in the wall 130.

The front and rear meassage portions 120 and 125 also nest one within the other and wherein when assembled establish a chamber or pressure equalization zone 131 connecting the two lateral chambers 130 and wherein the top wall 132 of the rear message portion 125 includes an outlet aperture 133 through which air, having previously been introduced to the cavity, may pass therethrough. The outlet 133 is connected to an air exit solenoid valve 134.

The assembly also includes a semi-circular shaped distribution manifold or insert 40 which is located intermediate the opposing bottom walls 118 and 123 of the assembled front and rear wall panels 113 and 114. The distribution manifold includes an air inlet 41 projecting rearwardly therefrom, to which a feed tube 142 may be releasably attached, and a plurality of air outlet apertures 43 formed in the recessed top wall 44. The assembly 110 also includes a rear panel 150 which is hingedly connected to the assembled front and rear wall panels 113 and 114 by way of hinges 151. The rear panel 150 provides both mounting means and a housing for the production means. The production means for producing bubbles in the liquid includes an air pump 152 having an air inlet 153 and an air outlet 154 which is connected to a feed tube 142. The air inlet 153 of the pump 152 may be provided with filtration

means such as a charcoal filter, not shown, which may be adapted to remove impurities from the air which may otherwise contaminate the fluid in the reservoir.

The display assembly also includes illumination means such as a fluorescent light 155 positioned behind the message portions 120 and 125 and which is adapted to illuminate the message panel 156, releasably retained therebetween, and the reservoir 111.

The production means and the illumination means are both powered by an electrical power source which for example may be 24 volts A.C. or any other voltage across a range from 12 volts to 250 volts produced by a transformer or mains power supply. Preferably the electrical power source is 24 volts A.C. which powers the pump 152 and wherein a voltage inverter is used to separately invert the 24 volts A.C. to power the fluorescent light 155.

The assembly may also be provided with level actuation means such as a mercury switch 156 operatively connected to the power source and whereby power to both the pump 152 and the fluorescent light 155 is supplied only whilst the display assembly i.e. the reservoir, is maintained in an upstanding level attitude.

Furthermore, in addition to the air outlet solenoid valve 134, there is also provided an air inlet solenoid valve 157 fitted to the air inlet and both valves are closed except when electrically activated and whereby the quantity of bubbles produced by the air pump may be selectively controlled by controlling the volume of air passing through a 3 way air bleed off valve 158. The internal surface of the rear panel 150 may be coloured by paint, vinyl adhesive or a reflective material to depict a particular background colour to enhance visuals of any beverage or scene. For example, in the case of an assembly used to depict a beer the internal surface of the rear panel is painted a colour which is similar to that of the beer being depicted.

The rear panel 150 also includes a plurality of ventilation apertures situated at top and base of the

recessed section thereof.

In use, the reservoir is filled with a liquid resembling a beer to a level generally indicated by the dotted line 161. Furthermore, the distribution manifold 40 shall be of coloured or clear construction to replicate the generally thicker base wall of most drinking vessels and wherein air or gas delivered thereto by the pump 152, when actuated, will be released through apertures 44 in the form of bubbles. These bubbles may then travel vertically a short distance before collecting under the wall 123. Eventually however the accumulated bubbles will spill over the semi-circumfrential edge of wall 123 and shall subsequently rise through the liquid contained in the reservoir 111. The bubbles will then accumulate on the surface of the liquid so as to a form a head of foam.

It will be appreciated that the outer or external surface of the front wall 116 or at least portions thereof, may be roughened, such as may result from sand blasting same, so as to create a frosted effect reminiscent of condensation which typically forms on cold surfaces. Furthermore, in order to simulate droplets of condensation, droplets may be painted on the external surface of the front wall 116 or, alternatively, droplets of resin may be applied thereto.

The foam head will generally fill the upper chamber 126 and wherein excess foam is conveyed into the lateral or settling chambers 130, via passageways 131, positioned on either side thereof. The bubbles will either burst whilst being forced into the passageways 131 or once deposited into the settling chambers 130 thereby releasing both air and liquid. The liquid collected in the settling chambers is returned to the reservoir via passageways 132 and 162 whilst the air released by the bursting bubbles is conveyed via the pressure equalization chamber 131, the aperture 133 and the flexible tubing 165, to the air outlet valve. During use, the level of liquid contained in the reservoir is controlled by the simultaneous separation of the foam into liquid and air, and is generally constant.

The quantity of bubbles released into the reservoir by

the production means may be selectively controlled using the three way bleed off valve 158 to controll the volume of air passing to the distribution manifold 40.

In other embodiments a flat, transparent rear panel of the type described may also be used between two display assemblies facing rearwardly 180 degrees to each other as illustrated in figures 17 and 18.

Similarly, figures 19 and 20 illustrate yet another display assembly 200 which may be used to depict beverages such as wines.

It will be appreciated that the display assemblies described herein provide a more realistic impression of a freshly poured glass of cola or beer.

It will of course be realised that while the above has been given by way of illustrative example of this invention, all such and other modifications and variations thereto as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of this invention as is herein defined in the appended claims.