US3579880A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Carousel sign
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1969-06-16
•
Granted: 1971-05-25
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Expires: 1989-06-16
Abstract
Abstract A system for displaying a plurality of messages comprising a rotatable sign supporting member for mounting a plurality of signs. The supporting member is capable of rotation about a vertical shaft and may be raised for viewing or lowered to ground level for facilitating the change of messages.
Inventors
- 👤 Edward L Murphy
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 03:37
CPC Classifications
G; G09; G09F; G09F15/00; G09F15/0087; G09F11/00; G09F11/02; G09F7/00; G09F7/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
210 words
A system for displaying a plurality of messages at a predetermined level above the ground, the system comprising: hollow vertical support means embedded in the ground, said support means extending upwardly at least to the predetermined level; sleeve means encircling said vertical support means and adapted for rotation about and vertical movement along said vertical support means; sign mounting means rigidly connected to said sleeve means for displaying the plurality of messages; vertical drive shaft means positioned within said hollow vertical support means and adapted to rotate around a vertical axis; drive means for rotating said drive shaft means; torque transfer means integral with said drive shaft means for imparting the rotational motion of said drive shaft means to said sign mounting means; connector means associated with said sleeve means and said sign mounting means for detachably engaging said torque transfer means; lowering plate means slidably mounted on said vertical support means and associated with said sleeve means and said sign mounting means for supporting said sleeve and sign mounting means when the connector means is disengaged from said torque transfer means; and level control means for raising or lowering said lowering plate means whereby the sign mounting means may be raised or lowered for facilitating the change of messages.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
210 words
A system for displaying a plurality of messages at a predetermined level above the ground, the system comprising: hollow vertical support means embedded in the ground, said support means extending upwardly at least to the predetermined level; sleeve means encircling said vertical support means and adapted for rotation about and vertical movement along said vertical support means; sign mounting means rigidly connected to said sleeve means for displaying the plurality of messages; vertical drive shaft means positioned within said hollow vertical support means and adapted to rotate around a vertical axis; drive means for rotating said drive shaft means; torque transfer means integral with said drive shaft means for imparting the rotational motion of said drive shaft means to said sign mounting means; connector means associated with said sleeve means and said sign mounting means for detachably engaging said torque transfer means; lowering plate means slidably mounted on said vertical support means and associated with said sleeve means and said sign mounting means for supporting said sleeve and sign mounting means when the connector means is disengaged from said torque transfer means; and level control means for raising or lowering said lowering plate means whereby the sign mounting means may be raised or lowered for facilitating the change of messages.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
The system as described in claim 1, wherein said hollow vertical support means is square in cross section.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
39 words
The system as recited in claim 2, wherein said lowering plate means has a bore therethrough whose shape conforms to the shape of the vertical support means so as to be constrained against rotation about said vertical support means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
41 words
The system as described in claim 3, wherein said sleeve means is rotatable with respect to said lowering plate means, and further comprising a plurality of angle members for ensuring the integrity of the sleeve means and the lowering plate means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
45 words
The system as recited in claim 1, wherein said connector means are shaped in such a manner that when said sleeve and sign supporting means are raised to a level higher than the predetermined level, the connector means automatically disengage from said torque transfer means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
67 words
The system as defined in claim 5, wherein said torque transfer means includes a horizontal pin integral with said drive shaft means; wherein sAid connector means are in the form of hooks; and wherein said hooks have camming surfaces thereon which serve, when the sleeve and sign supporting means are raised above the predetermined level, to disengage the hooks from the pin of the torque transfer means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
25 words
The system as recited in claim 1, wherein said drive means comprises a motor and wherein said level control means comprises a geared ratchet winch.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
50 words
The system as described in claim 1, wherein the sign mounting means is raised and lowered by a winch having a first mechanical advantage, the winch being associated with a series of sheaves, together having a second mechanical advantage which adds to the first mechanical advantage associated with said winch.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
28 words
The system as described in claim 1, wherein said hollow vertical support means has a square cross section and wherein said sleeve means has a circular cross section.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
36 words
The system recited in claim 1, and further comprising bearing means for protecting the sleeve means and the vertical support means against friction; and washer means for maintaining said torque transfer means at a predetermined level.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-05-24 | 1974-11-23 | 1975-05-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-05-24 | 1978-11-23 | 1979-05-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-05-24 | 1982-11-23 | 1983-05-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |