US5223316A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Support frame for predetermined characters
Assignee: CENTRO MANUFACTURING Co Inc
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Filing: 1992-01-17
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Granted: 1993-06-29
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Expires: 2012-01-17
Abstract
Abstract A support frame (10) for a plurality of predetermined characters (24A-24G) removably mounted in openings (22A-22G) of associated holders (20A-20G). The holders (20A-20G) are press fitted within a generally rectangular opening (14) of an outer frame member (12). Tongue and groove combinations (21, 26) retain holders (20A-20G) within the outer frame member (12). The characters (24A-24G) may comprise alphabetical letters, numerals, or various symbols.
Inventors
- 👤 William K. Nemzin
- 👤 Brenda R. Nemzin
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 16:22
CPC Classifications
G; G09; G09F; G09F7/00; G09F7/02; G09F7/08; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T428/00; Y10T428/16; Y10T428/161; Y10T428/24; Y10T428/24628; Y10T428/24736
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
133 words
A support frame for predetermined characters comprising: an outer frame member having a generally central opening therein; a plurality of block members of a rectangular shape adapted to be removably positioned within said central opening in side-by-side relation; releasable retaining means for said block members between each of said block members and said outer frame member for releasably mounting said block members to said outer frame member within said opening, said releasable retaining means comprising cooperating interfitting members on said block members and said outer frame member; at least some of said block members having an opening therein of a predetermined shape and size similar to a predetermined alphabetical character for receiving the predetermined character therein; and predetermined selected alphabetical characters adapted to be removably positioned within mating openings in said block members.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
133 words
A support frame for predetermined characters comprising: an outer frame member having a generally central opening therein; a plurality of block members of a rectangular shape adapted to be removably positioned within said central opening in side-by-side relation; releasable retaining means for said block members between each of said block members and said outer frame member for releasably mounting said block members to said outer frame member within said opening, said releasable retaining means comprising cooperating interfitting members on said block members and said outer frame member; at least some of said block members having an opening therein of a predetermined shape and size similar to a predetermined alphabetical character for receiving the predetermined character therein; and predetermined selected alphabetical characters adapted to be removably positioned within mating openings in said block members.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
30 words
A support frame as set forth in claim 1 wherein said outer frame member is of a generally rectangular shape and said opening therein is of a generally rectangular shape.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
29 words
A support frame as set forth in claim 2 wherein said releasable retaining means between said block members and said outer frame member comprises mating tongue and groove connections.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
70 words
A support frame as set forth in claim 1 wherein said releasable retaining means for said block members comprises a plurality of equally spaced cooperating tongue and groove combinations between said block members and said outer frame member, each of said block members including in combination with said outer frame member a pair of upper cooperating tongue and groove combinations and a pair of lower cooperating tongue and groove combinations.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
54 words
A support frame as set forth in claim 4 wherein additional block members are provided as spacers, and releasable retaining means are provided for said additional block members comprising an upper cooperating tongue and groove combination and a lower cooperating tongue and groove combination between said additional block members and said outer frame member.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
21 words
A support frame as set forth in claim 5 wherein said additional block members are solid members without any openings therein.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
126 words
A support frame for visually presenting a name in alphabetical letters comprising: an outer frame member of a generally rectangular shape having a generally rectangular central opening therethrough; a plurality of generally rectangular block holders adapted to be removably positioned within said central opening in side-by-side relation, each holder having an opening therethrough of a predetermined size and shape adapted to receive a selected alphabetical letter therein; releasable mounting means for said holders comprising upper and lower cooperating tongue and groove combinations between said outer frame member and said holders, said tongue and groove combinations being equally spaced along said rectangular opening in said outer frame member; and a plurality of preselected alphabetical letters for fitting within complementary openings in said holders in a press fit.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
126 words
A support frame for visually presenting a name in alphabetical letters comprising: an outer frame member of a generally rectangular shape having a generally rectangular central opening therethrough; a plurality of generally rectangular block holders adapted to be removably positioned within said central opening in side-by-side relation, each holder having an opening therethrough of a predetermined size and shape adapted to receive a selected alphabetical letter therein; releasable mounting means for said holders comprising upper and lower cooperating tongue and groove combinations between said outer frame member and said holders, said tongue and groove combinations being equally spaced along said rectangular opening in said outer frame member; and a plurality of preselected alphabetical letters for fitting within complementary openings in said holders in a press fit.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
46 words
A support frame as set forth in claim 7 wherein said outer frame member, said holders, and said alphabetical letters are formed of a resilient plastic material, said holders and said associated letters being formed of different contrasting colors so that said letters are easily distinguishable.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
36 words
A support frame as set forth in claim 7 wherein additional holders are provided as end spacers, said additional holders adapted to be positioned adjacent the ends of said first mentioned holder for said alphabetical letters.
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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) | 1996-06-28 | 1996-12-28 | 1997-06-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2000-06-28 | 2000-12-28 | 2001-06-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2004-06-28 | 2004-12-28 | 2005-06-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |