Multi-faceted display drive mechanism
AssigneeQuality Manufacturing Incorporated
InventorMortimer J. Huber
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A variable speed drive mechanism (4) is disclosed for use in conjunction with multi-sided prismatic convertible sign elements (22). A drive gear (32) driven at constant speed causes a mounting gear (23) to rotate at an angular velocity both slower than the angular velocity of the drive gear (32) and at a varying angular velocity. An idler gear (38) guides a flexible tension supporting element (31) as it travels between an equalizer gear (35) and the drive gear (32). A series of the drive trains (21) may be mounted adjacent to each other so as to permit a plurality of prismatic sign elements (22, 47, 48) to create a convertible sign.
Claims13
A convertible sign mechanism, comprising:
- (a) a convertible sign member, said convertible sign member being rotatable about an axis thereof;
- and
- (b) drive means for rotating said convertible sign member at a variable velocity, said drive means operating continuously throughout the rotation of said convertible sign member, wherein said drive means includes:
- (i) a motor, said motor having a shaft rotatably mounted thereon;
- and
- (ii) a drive gear having a symmetrical center axis, said drive gear being operatively connected to said shaft about a drive axis, said drive axis being parallel to and offset from said symmetrical center axis, whereby said drive gear rotates eccentrically about said shaft.
A convertible sign display mechanism comprising:
- (a) a convertible sign member, said convertible sign member being rotatable about an axis thereof;
- (b) a sign gear operatively connected to said convertible sign member so as to rotate cooperatively with said convertible sign member;
- (c) a motor, said motor having a shaft rotatably mounted thereon;
- (d) a drive gear having a symmetrical center axis, said drive gear being operatively connected to said shaft about a drive axis, said drive axis being parallel and offset from said symmetrical center axis, whereby said drive gear rotates eccentrically;
- and
- (e) a chain, operatively connected between said drive gear and said sign gear, for transferring rotational power from said drive gear to said sign gear.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.