Message device

Abstract

 A message device (1) applicable with real flames characterized in that it comprises at least a display plate (28) provided of at least one of the group of a series of through going holes (4) or a channel or a groove (29), where, in case a channel or a groove (29) is provided, the channel or groove (29) is shaped according to a message or a part of a message, which through going holes (4), channel or groove (29) serve for guiding fuel.

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention concerns a message device, more in particular a device having real flames which are shaped such that a static or dynamic message can be communicated in an attractive manner.

[0002] Message devices can for example be used to show a company logo or the word "open" or "welcome" at the entrance, inside or outside of a commercial place.

[0003] The flames originate from the burning of a gaseous fuel or a liquid fuel. It is very versatile so that it can run on many types of fuel, it can also generate a message on a water surface, it can generate a message as a water fountain or as an air bubble pattern in water when the device is submerged under water.

Background of the Invention

[0004] A system for creating a message by means of flames is known from GB25822 (Improvements in Sign Controlling Appliances by Huver and Dilks) which consists of a complex mechanical apparatus for providing gas in an alternating or sequential manner from one nozzle to another nozzle.

[0005] Each nozzle, or at least the area where the flame from the nozzle normally burns, is provided behind a plate wherein a shaped opening is provided, for example an opening in the shape of a character.

[0006] When the nozzle is fully provided of gas, the corresponding flame flashes up and the shaped opening in the cover plate is highlighted consequently. In this manner, a alternating backlight system based on real flames is created.

[0007] Another known message device is known from JP61013285 (Display utilizing gas flame, Kanamaru Toshihisa) which comprises a series of nozzles arranged according to the shape of a flower.

[0008] Yet another apparatus as discussed in DE56220 (Verrichtung zur aussetzenden Zuführung von Leuchtgas für Signalzwecke) consists of bended tubes for conducting gas wherein perforations are provided. The shape of the bended tubes is such that they correspond with the desired message or image.

[0009] It is clear that the known systems or apparatuses are in general quite complex and sometimes dangerous and expensive to produce.

[0010] Indeed, they all are composed of tubes, valves, mutually movable compounds, and as a consequence they are difficult to make them leak free, i.e. airtight, and they may be quite heavy too. It is not clear which components or hot when in use and which can be touched safely. This makes the apparatus extremely unsafe for passing people and attracted kids.

[0011] It is clear that a commercial message device, for example to be used at the entrance of a restaurant for creating a certain atmosphere and at the same time communicating a message to the persons passing by, should be compact and preferably light weighted, should have a simple composition and preferably not too expensive, and last but not least, it should be safe.

[0012] With respect to this safety aspect, as the security standards have increased over time, not all known apparatuses can be used, certainly not at public places where people can reach them.

[0013] The current invention aims to offer a solution for the above-mentioned and other disadvantages.

[0014] The invention also aims to offer an extremely versatile device that can be used in both a horizontal as a vertical position, that can be used to generate flames on a water surface, generate a message as a water fountain, generate a message in a water tank using air of emulsion bubbles or it can generate a simple light pattern.

[0015] This allows different customer attraction methods that can be used throughout the day and night.

[0016] Indeed, a water fountain can be used during daytime, while in the evening or when the weather is colder and visitor frequency is high, burning flames can be used. At night and/or during periods when the frequency of visitors is low, a light pattern can be used to show the message.

[0017] A further purpose the present invention is to provide a mass customisable product. Mass production using CNC machines for the flexible pattern can be used whereas neon light requires manual tube bending.

Summary of the Invention

[0018] To this end the invention concerns a message device applicable with real flames which comprises at least a display plate provided of at least one of the group of a series of through going holes or a channel or a groove, where, in case a channel or a groove is provided, the channel or groove is shaped according to a message or a part of a message, which through going holes, channel or groove serve for guiding fuel.

[0019] This basic embodiment of a message device according to the invention can optionally be placed in a floating manner on top of a water surface, where a liquid fuel which has a lower density than water is provided. The liquid fuel may be provided over the entire water surface whereon the message device is floating. The fuel may be guided towards the groove or channel via openings at the bottom-side of the display plate, or alternatively the channel or groove may perforate the display plate. The message device may become floating through appropriate choice of the materials used for the display plate or through cavities at the bottom-side of the display plate that serve as air-cushions once the display plate is brought into contact with the water surface.

[0020] Alternatively, the fuel may be provided from a container integrated in the message device or from a tank directly into the channel or groove. A fuel provided directly in the groove or channel distributes itself over the entire groove or channel. It is noted that an integrated fuel container will typically have a smaller capacity than a fuel tank and therefore sustain a shorter burning time.

[0021] Once ignited, the burning fuel forms a continuous or discrete dotted line of flames in the shape of the message.

[0022] In case the message device is only provided of a groove, where no through going holes are provided, the device can be placed anywhere.

[0023] A major advantage of the present invention is the basic set-up of the message device, which makes the message device cheap, safe and easy to displace. The drilled pattern and/or milled groove can be easily customised and mass production is available using for example CNC machines, unlike using tubes that have to be bent in the right shape such as neon lights.

[0024] Indeed, a reduced amount of compounds makes the apparatus simple and cheap to produce. It is clear that thanks to the plates making up the message device, as opposed to previous message devices being composed of tubes, valves, etc., a message device according to the invention is light weighted and thus also requires limited amount of material resources.

[0025] It is clear that none of the parts that can be reached should be touched, as the only displayed part, i.e. the display plate is in direct contact with and covered by the flames when the message device is in use. The device can also be used in ponds above or below the water level. The device can also be built into an enclosure and act as a fireplace or as a display device, e.g. mountable against a wall.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026] In order to better explain the characteristics of the present invention, the following preferred embodiments of a message device according to the invention are described as examples without being limitative in any way, with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

Fig. 1 is a schematic view of a message device according to the invention;

Fig. 2 to 4 are schematic views of different embodiments of message devices according to the invention;

Fig. 5 is a schematic view of a message device constructed as a fire place;

Fig. 6 is a view from the back side of the of the message device of Fig. 5;

Fig. 7 is a side view of the of the message device of Fig. 5;

Fig. 8 to 11 are schematic views of different embodiments of message devices according to the invention;

Fig. 12 is a schematic view of a basic embodiment of a message device according to the invention, and

Fig. 13 is a schematic view of a message device suitable for liquid fuels according to the invention.

Detailed Description of Embodiment(s)

[0027] Fig. 1 represents a basic embodiment of a message device 1 according to the invention, which comprises a bottom plate 2 and a display plate 3, in this embodiment both rectangular and generally of the same size.

[0028] The display plate 3 is provided of a series of through going holes 4 arranged according to a desired message, in this case a company logo.

[0029] The bottom plate 2 is provided of a rim 5 along its circumference which creates a distance between the bottom plate 2 and the display plate 3 when they are brought together which provides for an interior volume 6b between both plates.

[0030] In this case, the rim 5 is provided of a supply inlet 6a for the provision of gaseous fuels into the interior volume 6b.

[0031] The functioning of the above discussed message device 1 is simple and as follows.

[0032] A combustible gas is fed into the interior volume 6b which serves as a plenum chamber. As the only way out for the gas is through the openings 4 provided in the display plate 3, which are by preference suitably shaped or alternatively provided of an inserted nozzle, the gas will escape through all the openings 4 arranged according to the logo.

[0033] When the gas is ignited, a play of flames is created showing logo in an attractive way.

[0034] Fig. 2 represents another embodiment of a message device 1 according to the invention representing the same logo.

[0035] In fact, this embodiment differs from the embodiment as discussed above and represented in Fig. 1 by the fact that the bottom plate 2 is made of a transparent material, for example glass.

[0036] The rim 5 is realized as a frame 7 to be provided between the bottom plate 2 and the display plate 3, while at the other side of the bottom plate 2, a housing 8 is provided for illumination means 9, in this case fluorescent tubes but these could also be RGB LEDs or the like.

[0037] The effect obtained by the illumination means 9 is that even when no flames are burning, the logo is made visible, which is a cost effective solution for branding or communicating the desired message at times where frequent observation can not be expected.

[0038] Apart from that, coloured illumination means 9 may create special effects when the flames are burning. This effect can also be obtained by adding additives to the fuel.

[0039] Fig. 3 represents yet another preferred embodiment comprising a display plate 3 provided of a matrix of through going holes 4, as such not comprising any message.

[0040] A similar frame 7 is provided as discussed for the previous embodiment represented in Fig. 2, and a bottom plate 2 which in this case is made of a flexible material such that it forms a flexible membrane 10.

[0041] The frame 7 is to be provided between the display plate 3 ana the membrane 10, while at the other side of the membrane 10 a housing 8 is provided wherein a matrix of adjustable screws 11 is arranged corresponding the matrix of holes 4 in the display plate 3.

[0042] The message device as represented in Fig. 3 is extremely flexible in use as the message to be communicated can be changed by adjusting the screws 11. These are such that in a first position, they push the membrane 10 against the corresponding opening 4 in the display plate 3 which prevents the opening 4 from transmitting gas, while in a second position, the screw 11 leaves the membrane 10 untouched such that the corresponding opening 4 in the display plate 3 will transmit gas.

[0043] A simple readjustment of the screws 10 enables to create another message.

[0044] It is clear, referring to the embodiment of Fig. 2 as discussed above, that the membrane 10 can be made of a transparent material while the housing 8, apart from the adjustable screws 11, can comprise illumination means 9 such as for example RGB LEDs (Red Green Blue Light Emitting Diodes).

[0045] The adjustable screws 11 can be replaced by other adjustable means, eventually pneumatically or electrically powered and/or controlled by a control device such as a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) which would make it possible to create dynamic messages. More advanced controllers would enable creating dynamic messages without requiring pre-programming the message(s), or even remotely updating the messages via telecom infrastructure such as the Internet.

[0046] Such dynamic messages can be amended while the message keeps on burning, without the need to close the fuel provision.

[0047] In Fig. 4, an alternative embodiment of a message device is represented, which in this case corresponds with the basic message device 1 as represented in Fig. 1, but which is provided of 4 adjustable floaters 12 which enables the message device 1 to be used on or beneath a water surface. In case it is beneatn the water surface the fuel used can only be gas or non water soluble fuels.

[0048] It is clear that such floaters can be provided on any of the message devices disclosed in this document.

[0049] Fig. 5 to 7 represent a message device 1 which, according to an aspect of the present invention, is constructed as a fire place 13 with efficient heat transfer.

[0050] The fire place 13 mainly consists of a metal plated box comprising a back plate 14, a top cover 15, two side plates 16, a bottom plate 17 whereon a support 18 is provided for the message device 1 of which the display plate 3 is to be directed to the front plate 19 made of glass or another transparent heat resistant material.

[0051] At the backside of the message device 1, an airflow separation plate 20 is provided, reaching from the top cover 15 and joining the support 18 which is provided of an opening (not represented in the figures) which allows the airflow from the space between the separation plate 20 and the back plate 14, further called the backroom, towards the space between the separation plate 20 and the front plate 19, further called the front room.

[0052] The message device 1 is in this embodiment situated at a distance from the separation plate 20, creating a space between both, further called the middle room.

[0053] In the back plate 14 are provided two concentric tubes, and inner tube 21 reaching into the middle room, and an outer tube 22 reaching into the backroom.

[0054] The space 23 between the inner tube 21 and the outer tube 22 is used as inlet for fresh air, while the inner tube 21 is used as exhaust of combustion gasses. This setup provides in a pre-heating of the fresh air required for the combustion of the gas by means of a recuperation of heat from the exhaust gasses.

[0055] Preheated air flows, as represented in Fig. 7, downwards through the backroom and under the message device 1 through the opening in the support 18, than upwards through the front room providing oxygen for the combustion and carrying along the combustion gasses and maintaining a clean front plate 19, and than over the message device 1 downwards through the middle room and making an exit through the inner tube 21 used as exhaust of the fire place.

[0056] Fig. 8 represents a multilayer embodiment which basically differs from the embodiment as represented in Fig. 1 in that the display plate 3 is provided of at least two series and/or two types of openings 4a and 4b for transmitting gas, on the one hand, and for transmitting water, on the other side.

[0057] For providing in a suitable feeding of water and gas, an intermediate plate 24 is provided between the bottom plate 2 and the display plate 3. This intermediate plate 24 is provided of a water inlet 25 and a fountain feeder canal 26 that can cooperate with the water openings 4b such that a fountain is obtained. Further, this intermediate plate 24 is provided of canalization mains 27 which allow transmission of gas from the inner space 6b between the bottom plate 2 and the intermediate plate 24 towards the openings 4b in the display plate 3.

[0058] Such a multilayer setup provides in a combined water fountain and fire messenger.

[0059] Of course, also openings (4a, 4b) and passages and intermediate layers for transmitting coloured oil or smoke and/or other observable substances can be provided, and this multilayer embodiment can also be combined with transparent intermediate layers such that a backlight can be transmitted at times where observation by the public is less frequent or when the conditions do require so.

[0060] In winter time and at dark evenings, flames can be used to create a heating and a visual attraction at the same time.

[0061] During the day time or in summer, water and steam or visible gasses can be used to obtain similar effects.

[0062] At night, when observation by the public is less frequent, a simple backlight can show the logo through the holes 4.

[0063] It is clear that also a simultaneous and/or dynamically controlled provision of all possible flows and backlight options can be realized such that a dynamic and intensified attraction if obtained, for example of light, flames, water, observable gasses, air bubbles, and/or coloured oil bubbles. In case a flow of gas, air, coloured oil or other observable substance is used, the flow of such substance leaving the through going holes of the display plate may be controlled in time, e.g. through valves, such that the pattern of vertically raising bubbles constitutes the message in the vertical plane.

[0064] It is further clear that, in combination with the dynamics that can optionally be obtained by providing powered and controlled adjustable means (11) which can dynamically change the message, and this for the complete message or for portions thereof, a very complete message device can be obtained.

[0065] The invention therefore claims a wide scope of devices as it provides for a simple and very basic device which in a modular way can be transformed in a multi signal dynamic messenger.

[0066] Fig. 9 represents a message device 1 in the form of a letter. More of such message devices 1 can be combined to form a global message as shown in Fig. 10.

[0067] The embodiment of Fig. 11, where a series of message devices are interconnected by means of tubes for feeding the gas, the fuel, the air or the water, easy arranging by the end user is provided for if the tubes are flexible and can bended, while stiff tubes provide for a secured shape.

[0068] Fig. 12 represents the most basic embodiment of a message device 1 according to the invention, which comprises a massive display plate 28, in this embodiment of rectangular shape, wherein through going holes 4 are provided and a V-shaped groove 29 milled in the display plate 28 for the distribution of a liquid fuel.

[0069] The groove 29 is shaped according to the desired message, in this case a company logo.

[0070] This basic embodiment of a message device 1 according to the invention can optionally be placed in a floating manner on top of a water surface, where a liquid fuel which has a lower density as water is provided. The liquid fuel in this case preferably is not volatile, not water soluble, and not readily inflammable. Examples of liquid fuel that would meet these conditions are kerosene and diesel or gasoil. The message device 1 is made floating through cavities at the bottom side of the display plate 28 (not shown in Fig. 12) that serve as air cushions as soon as the display plate is brought in contact with the water surface. Alternatively, the display plate may be made out of materials that make it float on water or on the fuel layer.

[0071] The fuel distributes itself over the entire groove 29 and in the deeper spaces of through going holes 4 on top of the water. It is clear that each through going hole 4 will partially be filled by the water, which forms a perfect sealing for the liquid fuel provided on top of it.

[0072] Once ignited, the burning fuel forms a line of flames in the shape of the message.

[0073] The embodiment as represented in Fig. 13 represents the same message device of Fig. 12, completed with means for maintaining the liquid fuel at a desired level.

[0074] Thereto, a cavity 30 is provided in the plate 28 serving as a fuel receptor, and a liquid fuel tank 31 is provided with a fuel tube 32 reaching into the said cavity 30. The fuel tank 31 is closed at the topside 33 such that a lowering of the fuel and a corresponding fuel transfer into the cavity 30 is automatically stopped thanks to the vacuum that is created in the tank 31.

[0075] Only when the level of the fuel in the cavity 30 becomes too low such that an air bubble is allowed into the fuel tube 32, a certain quantity of fuel is allowed into the cavity 30 again, which is further distributed over the groove 29 thanks to gravitational forces.

[0076] The height of the fuel tube 32 can be determined or controlled as a function of the desired characteristics of the flame.

[0077] An advantage of the provision of a groove 29 is that it provides for a continuous message line as opposed to the discrete light points.

[0078] The fuel tank 31 setup as discussed above and also the V-shaped groove 29 provide for a stable flame and allow a controlled liquid fuel provision which enables flame control.

[0079] The groove 29 can also be used together with holes 4 so that the groove 29 is fed from below through the holes 4. The groove 29 in combination with the holes 4 can also be used to make the flame less sensible to wind or to starve the flame more from oxygen giving a more yellowish colour to the flame. The groove 29, be it in combination with holes 4 or not, also has the advantage that when the device is not in operation, a clear message is shown. If the plate is made from black anodised aluminium for instance, the milled pattern will appear as light grey aluminium colour and give a nice contrast.

[0080] It is clear that any of the discussed message devices can be provided of automatic ignition means. These can be manual, electronic, arranged per trough going hole 4, per message zone or igniting an entire message. The electronically ignited systems can be provided of receivers suitable for receiving signals from short distance remote control devices, or from longer distance telecommunication devices, eventually making use of the internet. The ignition means may for instance be constituted by high voltage spark electrodes or by glow wires. Depending on the choice of fuel, the latter glow wires may have to be ignited once or may have to be kept at a certain voltage permanently. When the glow wires have to be ignited once, displaying the message can be stopped through control of the fuel intake. When the glow wires have to be kept at a certain voltage permanently in order to sustain the flames, the ignition mechanism itself may be used to control the on/off status of the message. In case plural glow wires are provided e.g. at certain distances along the channel or groove, and a fuel with rather low flash point is used, e.g. paraffin, the message may be displayed as a sequence of point sources along the channel or groove, creating a specific visual effect and atmosphere.

[0081] A message device according to the present invention can also comprise a more complete control and communication unit, such as for example a PCB with a wireless transceiver for control of flow, colours, message to be given, etc. from a PC. As a variant, also a web server in combination with a transceiver can be provided for organizing control via internet.

[0082] It is also clear that a message device 1 according to the invention can be provided of both a series of through going holes 4 and of one or more grooves 29.

[0083] It is also clear that the fuels, be it gaseous or liquid, can be mixed with additives which create special effects such as colouring and/or perfuming the flames.

[0084] Possibly means are provided to mixture the fuels with the additives for obtaining colour effects and/or perfume effects, and possibly means are provided for obtaining dynamic effects. A multilayer embodiment can be provided of a variety of colours at the same time and/or a message device 1 can be separated such that a multitude of interior volumes 6 are created which can be controlled separately.

[0085] Although the present invention has been illustrated by reference to specific embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the details of the foregoing illustrative embodiments, and that the present invention may be embodied with various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. The present embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein. In other words, it is contemplated to cover any and all modifications, variations or equivalents that fall within the spirit and scope of the basic underlying principles and whose essential attributes are claimed in this patent application. It will furthermore be understood by the reader of this patent application that the words "comprising" or "comprise" do not exclude other elements or steps, and that the words "a" or "an" do not exclude a plurality. Any reference signs in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the respective claims concerned. The terms "first", "second", third", "a", "b", "c", and the like, when used in the description or in the claims are introduced to distinguish between similar elements or steps and are not necessarily describing a sequential or chronological order. Similarly, the terms "top", "bottom", "over", "under", and the like are introduced for descriptive purposes and not necessarily to denote relative positions. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and embodiments of the invention are capable of operating according to the present invention in other sequences, or in orientations different from the one(s) described or illustrated above.

Claims

1. A message device (1) applicable with real flames characterized in that it comprises at least a display plate (3, 28) provided of at least one of the group of a series of through going holes (4) or a channel or a groove (29), where, in case a channel or a groove (29) is provided, the channel or groove (29) is shaped according to a message or a part of a message, which through going holes (4), channel or groove (29) serve for guiding fuel.

2. A message device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that a cavity (30) is provided in the display plate (28) serving as a fuel container.

3. A message device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a liquid fuel tank (31) is provided having a fuel tube (32) reaching into the cavity (30) or the channel or the groove (29), which fuel tank (31) is closed at the topside (33) such that a lowering of the fuel and a corresponding fuel transfer into the cavity (30) or the channel or the groove (29) is automatically stopped thanks to the vacuum that is created in the tank (31).

4. A message device (1) according claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a liquid fuel tank is provided and electronically controlled pumping means to maintain the fuel level in the display plate.

5. A message device (1) according to one of the claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the channel or groove (29) has a profile that widens towards an open face, such as a V-shaped or a U-shaped profile.

6. A message device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it also at least comprises a bottom plate (2), and where the display plate (3) and/or the bottom plate (2) are provided of upstanding walls (5,7) or the like which make it possible to have an interior volume (6b) between both plates (2,3) which provides in a fuel tank or fuel chamber, which interior volume (6b) is open to the outside space via the at least one through going hole (4) provided in the display plate (3).

7. A message device (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the bottom plate (2) is made of a transparent material, for example glass, and where the message device (1) comprises illumination means (9) such as fluorescent tubes or RGB LEDs or the like.

8. A message device (1) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the display plate (3) is provided of a matrix of through going holes (4), which matrix as such does not necessarily disclose the complete message, and where the bottom plate (2) is made of a flexible material forming a flexible membrane (10), and where the message device (1) further comprises adjustable means (11) which are able to cooperate with the membrane (10) such that it provides for opening or closing of through going holes (4) in the display plate (3) according to the desired message.

9. A message device (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the adjustable means (11) are adjustable screws (11) or pneumatically or electrically powered displacers optionally controlled by a control device such as a PLC which makes it possible to create dynamic messages.

10. A message device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is provided of floaters (12) which enables the message device (1) to be used on or beneath a water surface.

11. A message device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is constructed as a fire place (13), where the fire place (13) mainly consists of a metal plated box wherein two concentric tubes (21,22) are provide for a preheated air inlet and a heat-recuperated exhaust of combusted gasses.

12. A message device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is constructed as a multilayer device wherein the display plate (3) is at least provided of two series and/or two types of openings (4a,4b) for transmitting fuel, on the one hand, and for transmitting water, air, coloured oil, smoke and/or other observable substances on the other side, in order to provide for a multi-purpose device (1) of which the observable substances can be activated simultaneously to intensify the message, or separately in order to quantify and adapt the way the message is brought to the circumstances.

13. A message device (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that a water inlet and/or an air inlet is provided in at least one of the composing layers.

14. A message device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that mixing and/or control means are provided for adding additives to the fuel which influence and/or control the colour, the perfume and/or other observable aspects of the flames.

15. A message device (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that between the bottom plate (2) and the display plate (3), at least one gas inlet (6a) is provided that reaches into the interior volume (6b).

16. A message device (1) according to any of the preceding claims characterized in that ignition means are provided which can be operated manually or with a remote control, or which optionally can be operated by means of telecommunication means with appropriate receiver connected with the ignition means.

17. A message device (1) according to claim 16, characterized in that the ignition means operate per through going hole (4), per zone in the message device (1), or for the whole message device (1).

18. Method for creating a message by means of real flames, characterized in that said method comprises at least one of the following groups of steps, after having provided a display plate (3) according to one or more of the preceding claims: o providing a flow of fuel through the through going holes (4); o providing a flow of liquid fuel in a channel or a groove (29) shaped according to a message or a part of a message, which channel or groove (29) serves for guiding the liquid fuel.

19. Method for creating a message by means of real flames, characterized in that said method comprises at least one of the following groups of steps, after having provided a display plate (3) with accompanying bottom plate (2) according to one or more of the claims 6 to 17: o providing a gaseous fuel in the interior volume (6b) created by at least a bottom plate (2) and a display plate (3) provided of at least a series of through going holes (4), the display plate (3) and/or bottom plate (2) being provided of upstanding walls (5,7) or the like which guarantee that the interior volume (6b) between both plates (2,3) is only open to the outside space via the said holes (4) in the display plate (3); o providing a liquid fuel in a channel or a groove (29) shaped according to a message or a part of a message, which channel or groove (29) serves for guiding the liquid fuel.

20. Method according to claim 18, characterized in that the flames are controlled by means of flow control of the fuel.

21. Method for creating a message by means of bubbles, for example air bubbles or coloured oil bubbles, characterized in that said method comprises the steps of submerging a display plate (3) according to claim 12 or claim 13 below a water surface, providing a flow of gas, air, coloured oil or other observable substance through the corresponding inlet, which air or coloured oil leaves the device (1) through the corresponding openings (4b) for air or oil, which bubbles raise according to the pattern they left the device till they reach the water surface to generate a bubble pattern on the water surface.

22. Method for creating a message according to claim 21, characterized in that the flow of gas, air, coloured oil or other observable substance is controlled in time such that the raising pattern of bubbles constitutes the message.

23. Method for creating a message according to claim 22, characterized in that the flow of the substance flow is controlled by means of valves.

Amended claims

Amended claims in accordance with Rule 137(2) EPC.

1. A message device (1) adapted to display a message with real flames characterized in that said message device (1) comprises at least a display plate (3, 28) provided of at least one of the group of a series of through going holes (4) or a channel or a groove (29),
wherein, in case a channel or a groove (29) is provided, the channel or groove (29) is shaped according to a message or a part of a message; and
wherein the through going holes (4), channel or groove (29) are adapted to serve for guiding fuel and are adapted to form - when said fuel is burning - a continuous or dotted line of flames in the shape of said message.

2. A message device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that a cavity (30) is provided in the display plate (28) adapted to serve as a fuel container.

3. A message device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a liquid fuel tank (31) is provided having a fuel tube (32) reaching into the cavity (30) or the channel or the groove (29), which fuel tank (31) is closed at the topside (33) such that a lowering of the fuel and a corresponding fuel transfer into the cavity (30) or the channel or the groove (29) is automatically stopped thanks to the vacuum that is created in the tank (31).

4. A message device (1) according claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a liquid fuel tank is provided and electronically controlled pumping means adapted to maintain the fuel level in the display plate.

5. A message device (1) according to one of the claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the channel or groove (29) has a profile that widens towards an open face, such as a V-shaped or a U-shaped profile.

6. A message device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it also at least comprises a bottom plate (2), and where the display plate (3) and/or the bottom plate (2) are provided of upstanding walls (5,7) or the like which make it possible to have an interior volume (6b) between both plates (2,3) which provides in a fuel tank or fuel chamber, which interior volume (6b) is open to the outside space via the at least one through going hole (4) provided in the display plate (3).

7. A message device (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the bottom plate (2) is made of a transparent material, and where the message device (1) comprises illumination means (9).

8. A message device (1) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the display plate (3) is provided of a matrix of through going holes (4), and where the bottom plate (2) is made of a flexible material forming a flexible membrane (10), and where the message device (1) further comprises adjustable means (11) which are able to cooperate with the membrane (10) such that it provides for opening or closing of through going holes (4) in the display plate (3) according to the desired message.

9. A message device (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the adjustable means (11) are adjustable screws (11) or pneumatically or electrically powered displacers optionally controlled by a control device such as a PLC which makes it possible to create dynamic messages.

10. A message device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is provided of floaters (12) which enables the message device (1) to be used on or beneath a water surface.

11. A message device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is constructed as a fire place (13), where the fire place (13) mainly consists of a metal plated box wherein two concentric tubes (21,22) are provide for a preheated air inlet and a heat-recuperated exhaust of combusted gasses.

12. A message device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is constructed as a multilayer device wherein the display plate (3) is at least provided of two series and/or two types of openings (4a,4b) for transmitting fuel, on the one hand, and for transmitting water, air, coloured oil, smoke and/or other observable substances on the other side, in order to provide for a multi-purpose device (1) of which the observable substances can be activated simultaneously to intensify the message, or separately in order to quantify and adapt the way the message is brought to the circumstances.

13. A message device (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that a water inlet and/or an air inlet is provided in at least one of the composing layers.

14. A message device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that mixing and/or control means are provided for adding additives to the fuel which influence and/or control the colour, the perfume and/or other observable aspects of the flames.

15. A message device (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that between the bottom plate (2) and the display plate (3), at least one gas inlet (6a) is provided that reaches into the interior volume (6b).

16. A message device (1) according to any of the preceding claims characterized in that ignition means are provided which can be operated manually or with a remote control, or which optionally can be operated by means of telecommunication means with appropriate receiver connected with the ignition means.

17. A message device (1) according to claim 16, characterized in that the ignition means operate per through going hole (4), per zone in the message device (1), or for the whole message device (1).

18. Method for creating a message by means of real flames, characterized in that said method comprises at least one of the following groups of steps, after having provided a display plate (3) according to one or more of the preceding claims:

o providing a flow of fuel through the through going holes (4);

o providing a flow of liquid fuel in a channel or a groove (29) shaped according to a message or a part of a message, which channel or groove (29) serves for guiding the liquid fuel; and

said method further comprises burning said fuel to form a continuous or dotted line of flames in the shape of said message.

19. Method for creating a message by means of real flames, characterized in that said method comprises at least one of the following groups of steps, after having provided a display plate (3) with accompanying bottom plate (2) according to one or more of the claims 6 to 17:

o providing a gaseous fuel in the interior volume (6b) created by at least a bottom plate (2) and a display plate (3) provided of at least a series of through going holes (4), the display plate (3) and/or bottom plate (2) being provided of upstanding walls (5,7) or the like which guarantee that the interior volume (6b) between both plates (2,3) is only open to the outside space via the said holes (4) in the display plate (3);

o providing a liquid fuel in a channel or a groove (29) shaped according to a message or a part of a message, which channel or groove (29) serves for guiding the liquid fuel; and

said method further comprises burning said fuel to form a continuous or dotted line of flames in the shape of said message.

20. Method according to claim 18, characterized in that the flames are controlled by means of flow control of the fuel.

21. Method for creating a message by means of bubbles, characterized in that said method comprises the steps of submerging a display plate (3) according to claim 12 or claim 13 below a water surface, providing a flow of gas, air, coloured oil or other observable substance through the corresponding inlet, which air or coloured oil leaves the device (1) through the corresponding openings (4b) for air or oil, which bubbles raise according to the pattern they left the device till they reach the water surface to generate a bubble pattern on the water surface.

22. Method for creating a message according to claim 21, characterized in that the flow of gas, air, coloured oil or other observable substance is controlled in time such that the raising pattern of bubbles constitutes the message.

23. Method for creating a message according to claim 22, characterized in that the flow of the substance flow is controlled by means of valves.

Drawing