US3761913A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Tavern and lounge closing system
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1971-09-23
•
Granted: 1973-09-25
•
Expires: 1991-09-23
Abstract
Abstract A system for automatically (or manually) informing the patrons and employees of a tavern, lounge or the like of the approach of closing and for aiding in persuading the patrons to leave before the closing hour wherein a long period (24 hour) timer is employed to activate a relay-capacitor intermediate energization unit coupled by a short period timer, first to a first electric sign (e.g. ''''Last Call'''') for a period and then to a second electric sign (e.g., ''''Bar Closed''''), the short period timer may also at the time of energizing the second sign disconnect current from a juke box or the like and connect current to a flood or house light to encourage customer departure.
Inventors
- 👤 J Williams
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 14:02
CPC Classifications
G; G08; G08B; G08B1/00; G08B1/08
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
241 words
A closing system for informing patrons of the approach of closing time, comprising: a first electric sign for indicating the approach of the closing hour; a second electric sign; means for flashing an electric sign; control means, coupled to said flashing means and to said first and said second signs, said control means including a short period timer and means for selectively coupling said flashing means to said first sign for flashing said first sign for a period determined by said short period timer and means for automatically energizing at least said second sign at the end of said period wherein: said first sign 12, 12'') is connected in series with a power source (22, 24) a normally closed terminal of a switch unit (51) controlled by said short period timer (50) and relay switch contacts (K22); said second sign (14, 14'') is connected in series with power source (22, 24) the normally open terminal of said switch unit (51) and said relay contacts (K22); said flashing means includes said relay contacts (K22) a relay coil (K2) for controlling said contacts and an intermittent energizing circuit (41) for said coil; said control means includes a manual switch (33) coupled (K1K11) to energize said intermittent energizing circuit (41) and start said short period timer; whereby Patrons may be warned of the approach of closing for the period and informed of the expiration of that period by the energization of the second sign.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
241 words
A closing system for informing patrons of the approach of closing time, comprising: a first electric sign for indicating the approach of the closing hour; a second electric sign; means for flashing an electric sign; control means, coupled to said flashing means and to said first and said second signs, said control means including a short period timer and means for selectively coupling said flashing means to said first sign for flashing said first sign for a period determined by said short period timer and means for automatically energizing at least said second sign at the end of said period wherein: said first sign 12, 12'') is connected in series with a power source (22, 24) a normally closed terminal of a switch unit (51) controlled by said short period timer (50) and relay switch contacts (K22); said second sign (14, 14'') is connected in series with power source (22, 24) the normally open terminal of said switch unit (51) and said relay contacts (K22); said flashing means includes said relay contacts (K22) a relay coil (K2) for controlling said contacts and an intermittent energizing circuit (41) for said coil; said control means includes a manual switch (33) coupled (K1K11) to energize said intermittent energizing circuit (41) and start said short period timer; whereby Patrons may be warned of the approach of closing for the period and informed of the expiration of that period by the energization of the second sign.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
58 words
The invention of claim 1, wherein: said control means also includes a clock timer (26) that has at least one set of switch contacts (26A or 26B) controlled to be activated at a preselected trip time, which switch contacts are also coupled (K1, K11) for energizing said intermittent energizing circuit and to start (K12) said short period timer.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
152 words
The invention of claim 2, wherein: said short period timer (50) includes a second switch (51'') unit having a normally open and a common switch terminal connected in series with an a.c. mains input and tavern house lights (20'') and having a normally closed contact and the common contact connected in series with the a.c. mains input and automatic musical performance apparatus (18'') said short period timer serving to open the circuit through the second switch units common and normally closed contacts and to close the circuit through the second switch units common and normally closed contacts at the end of the short time period; said control means further includes a lights override manual switch (36) connected across the normally open and common terminals of said second switch unit and a music cut off manual switch (35) connected in series with said normally closed and common terminals of said second switch unit.
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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) | 1976-09-24 | 1977-03-26 | 1977-09-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-09-24 | 1981-03-26 | 1981-09-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-09-24 | 1985-03-26 | 1985-09-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |