US3914890A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Vertically moveable multi panel sign
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1974-08-12
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Granted: 1975-10-28
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Expires: 1994-08-12
Abstract
Abstract A panel that slides vertically with respect to a sign frame is removeably fastened to the inside of a store window with suction cups. To display different messages on the panels to the rear of this suction cup panel, the frame itself is moved relative to the stationary panel. A detent structure holds the sign frame above the stationary panel when this position is desired and detents or end caps on the frame limit downward movement of the frame with respect to stationary panel. The suction cup structure may be conveniently used as part of a detent. One or more rear panels may be of the pop-off type to obtain displays above and below the sign frame and interlocks, such as panel notches fitting in end caps, may be used to hold these panels in selected positions. The rear of the sign may have indicia to advise the owner what message is being displayed on the front of the sign. Apertures in rear panels may act as telltales to indicate, for example, that OPEN or CLOSED is being displayed.
Inventors
- 👤 Jr C Fred Behlen
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 17:54
CPC Classifications
G; G09; G09F; G09F7/00; G09F7/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
128 words
A multi panel sign wherein the panels move vertically relative to each other comprising: a. a plurality of sign panels, at least one having two opposite edges approximately parallel; b. a frame having edge members slidingly engaging the opposite parallel edges of at least said one of the panels; c. means for securing to a support at least one of the panels that are slideable within the frame; d. a detent disposed between said one panel having the means of securing, and an adjacent panel; whereby the panel secured to the support remains stationary and the frame slides with respect thereto to dispose portions of other panels above or below said one panel, said detent yieldingly and selectively holding another panel in a position above said one panel.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
128 words
A multi panel sign wherein the panels move vertically relative to each other comprising: a. a plurality of sign panels, at least one having two opposite edges approximately parallel; b. a frame having edge members slidingly engaging the opposite parallel edges of at least said one of the panels; c. means for securing to a support at least one of the panels that are slideable within the frame; d. a detent disposed between said one panel having the means of securing, and an adjacent panel; whereby the panel secured to the support remains stationary and the frame slides with respect thereto to dispose portions of other panels above or below said one panel, said detent yieldingly and selectively holding another panel in a position above said one panel.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
42 words
A sign as set forth in claim 1 wherein another of the panels is a pop out panel having means for engaging the frame, whereby at least part of the pop out panel may be extended selectively above or below the frame.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
38 words
A sign as set forth in claim 1 wherein the means of securing to a support said one panel includes at least one suction cup so that the sign may be removeably secured to a window for viewing.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
49 words
A sign as set forth in claim 1 wherein the means for securing said one panel includes at least one suction cup, the suction cup has a stem projecting through the panel, and the panel adjacent has a socket in which the stem yielding fits to form the detent.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
26 words
A sign as set forth in claim 1 wherein said panel having means for securing to a support is of lesser vertical dimension than the frame.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
72 words
A sign as set forth in claim 1 wherein each panel has front and rear surfaces, a rearwardly disposed panel has a greater vertical dimension than a forwardly disposed adjacent panel, and the rear of a forward panel has indicia thereon indicating the sign being displayed on the front of a rearward panel, and said rearward panel has a telltale indicating by its position the appropriate indicia for the sign being displayed.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
30 words
A sign as set forth in claim 1 wherein stops limit the downward sliding of the frame with respect to said one panel having means for securing to a support.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
52 words
A sign as set forth in claim 1 wherein the edge members of the frame have end caps, another of the panels is a pop out panel, and the pop out panel has notches to engage the end caps to hold part of the pop out panel above or below the frame.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
113 words
A multi panel sign wherein the panels move vertically with respect to each other comprising: a. a front sign panel; b. a rear sign panel of greater vertical dimension than the front sign panel; c. means for guiding the panels in relative vertical movement; d. means for securing the front panel to a support other than the rear sign panel; e. and a mechanical arresting mechanism for selectively holding at least part of the rear panel above the top of the front panel; whereby sign messages may be disposed on the top and bottom of the rear panel to expose one message and cover the other by relative vertical movement between the panels.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
113 words
A multi panel sign wherein the panels move vertically with respect to each other comprising: a. a front sign panel; b. a rear sign panel of greater vertical dimension than the front sign panel; c. means for guiding the panels in relative vertical movement; d. means for securing the front panel to a support other than the rear sign panel; e. and a mechanical arresting mechanism for selectively holding at least part of the rear panel above the top of the front panel; whereby sign messages may be disposed on the top and bottom of the rear panel to expose one message and cover the other by relative vertical movement between the panels.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-10-27 | 1979-04-28 | 1979-10-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-10-27 | 1983-04-28 | 1983-10-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-10-27 | 1987-04-28 | 1987-10-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |