US3741147A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Traffic control sign
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1972-08-03
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Granted: 1973-06-26
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Expires: 1992-08-03
Abstract
Abstract This invention relates to an improved traffic control sign. More particularly, it relates to a sign similar to that of my U.S. Pat. No. 3,394,674, issued July 30, 1968, with an improvement to prevent damage to the movable wing portions of the sign by vandals forcing the rotation of the wings.
Inventors
- 👤 D Downing
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 22:15
CPC Classifications
G; G09; G09F; G09F11/00; G09F11/02; G09F11/06; G08; G08G; G08G1/00; G08G1/09; G08G1/0962; G08G1/0967; G08G1/096708; G08G1/096716; G08G1/096733; G08G1/096758; G08G1/096766; G08G1/096783
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
204 words
In a traffic control sign including: a rectangular vertically supported planar center panel; at least one rectangular vertical planar wing panel, pivotally supported at a vertical edge thereof to a vertical edge of said center panel; electric motor means having a drive shaft supported to said center panel; wing shaft means journaled in a support plate mounted in a horizontal position to said center panel, said wing panel attached to said wing shaft; a sprocket freely rotatable about said wing shaft; chain means looped over said sprocket; means coupling the rotation of said motor shaft to transport said chain, whereby said sprocket is rotated; and means of controllably starting and stopping said motor, wherein upon energization of said motor in one instance said sprocket and said wing shaft and said wing panel are rotated in one direction, and upon subsequent energization of said motor in a second instance they are rotated in the opposite direction; the improvement comprising: helical spring drive means operatively connected between said sprocket means and said wing shaft, said wing panel being fastened to said wing shaft, whereby upon energization of said motor said sprocket will be rotated driving said wing panel through the medium of said helical spring means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
204 words
In a traffic control sign including: a rectangular vertically supported planar center panel; at least one rectangular vertical planar wing panel, pivotally supported at a vertical edge thereof to a vertical edge of said center panel; electric motor means having a drive shaft supported to said center panel; wing shaft means journaled in a support plate mounted in a horizontal position to said center panel, said wing panel attached to said wing shaft; a sprocket freely rotatable about said wing shaft; chain means looped over said sprocket; means coupling the rotation of said motor shaft to transport said chain, whereby said sprocket is rotated; and means of controllably starting and stopping said motor, wherein upon energization of said motor in one instance said sprocket and said wing shaft and said wing panel are rotated in one direction, and upon subsequent energization of said motor in a second instance they are rotated in the opposite direction; the improvement comprising: helical spring drive means operatively connected between said sprocket means and said wing shaft, said wing panel being fastened to said wing shaft, whereby upon energization of said motor said sprocket will be rotated driving said wing panel through the medium of said helical spring means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
A traffic control sign as in claim 1 including two wing panels, each rotatably supported at one vertical edge to opposite vertical edges of said center panel.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
134 words
The remotely controlled sign as in claim 1 in which said spring means comprises: a. a first radial ram attached to said sprocket; said sprocket rotating freely on said wing shaft; b. a second radial arm, spaced along said wing shaft from said first arm, attached to said wing shaft; c. helical spring means surrounding said wing shaft in the space between said radial arms, first and second ends of said spring means operatively connected to said first and second arms; whereby when said sprocket is rotated, said first arm will rotate, causing one end of said spring to be rotated, causing said second end of said spring to be rotated in the same direction, and causing said second arm to be rotated, causing said wing shaft and said wing panel to be rotated.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
49 words
A traffic control sign according to claim 2 including: a traffic control message imprinted on the back surfaces of said two wing panels, whereby when said wing panels are closed upon said center panels, said traffic control message imprinted upon the back surface of said wing panels is displayed.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
47 words
A traffic control sign according to claim 1 wherein said means of controllably starting and stopping said motor includes: a switch having electrical connection with said motor; and a cam affixed to said motor shaft actuating said switch in response to the angular position of said shaft.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
82 words
A traffic control sign according to claim 1 wherein said means coupling the rotation of said motor shaft to transport said chain includes: a rocker arm pivotally supported at one end and affixed to said chain at the other end whereby the pivotation of said rocker arm transports said chain; a crank shaft extending from and rotated by said motor shaft; and a connecting arm having one end pivotally affixed to said crank shaft and the other affixed to said rocker arm.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-06-25 | 1976-12-25 | 1977-06-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-06-25 | 1980-12-25 | 1981-06-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-06-25 | 1984-12-25 | 1985-06-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |