Scrolling sign retrofit kit
OwnerTodd A. Simson, Anton K. Simsoninventors
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A set of simple and economical components is used to transform an existing back lighted sign into a self-propelled scrolling banner display. Only two structural parts are used, and the electro-mechanical components are limited to a step-down transformer, a rectifier circuit, a pair of motors, and a switch and voltage step-down diode assembly.
Claims17
A kit of components for implementing a scrolling banner sign inside a hexahedral display case, said display case including a front panel having a window cut-out and a pair of substantially parallel and opposite longitudinal walls;
- said kit consisting essentially of:
- first and second rails, said rails being longitudinally substantially commensurate with one of said longitudinal walls, and means for attaching said rails to said longitudinal walls, said first rail mounting a pair of pintles oriented in a direction perpendicular to said longitudinal wall, said pintles being located proximately to opposite ends of said first rail, and being resiliently and axially biased away from said rail;
- said second rail mounting a pair of drive units, each in a position opposite and aligned with, one of said pintles;
- each of said drive units consisting essentially of a mounting module, a directionally reversable electrical motor having a pair of forward and reverse terminals, and gear-down assembly having a drive spindle;
- a pair of rollers, each having a first axial end shaped and dimensioned to engage one of said pintles, and an opposite second axial end shaped and dimensioned to engage one of said drive spindles;
- a banner scroll having means at opposite ends for attachment to said rollers;
- a transformer;
- and
- a switch assembly consisting essentially of a rectifier, a switch, pair of diodes, and a set of conductors wired to apply a step-down voltage from said transformer to said rectifier, and a rectified power from said rectifier to said motors through said diodes in alternately switchable polarities.
The combination of a hexahedral display case, said case including a front panel mounting having a window cut-out, and a pair of parallel and opposite longitudinal walls with a scrolling banner display assembly, wherein said assembly comprises:
- first and second rails having an equal length substantially commensurate with one of said longitudinal walls;
- means for attaching said rail to said longitudinal walls in parallel opposite positions;
- said first rail mounting a pair of pintles oriented in a direction perpendicular to said longitudinal wall, said pintles being located proximately to opposite ends of said first rail, and being resiliently and axially biased away from said rail;
- said second rail mounting a pair of drive units, each in a position opposite and aligned with, one of said pintles;
- each of said drive units comprising a mounting module, a directionally reversable electrical motor having a pair of forward and reverse terminals, and a gear-down assembly having a drive spindle;
- a pair of rollers, each having a first axial end shaped and dimensioned to engage one of said pintles, and an opposite second axial end shaped and dimensioned to engage one of said drive spindles;
- a banner scroll having means at opposite ends for attachment to said rollers;
- a transformer;
- and
- a switch assembly comprising a rectifier, a switch, pair of diodes, and a set of conductors wired to apply a step-down voltage from said transformer to said rectifier, and a rectified power from said rectifier to said motors through said diodes in alternately switchable polarities.
A method for implementing a scrolling banner display into a hexahedral sign case, said case including a back panel mounting at least one light fixture having terminals for connection to a source of AC power, a front panel having a window cut-out, a first pair of parallel and opposite longitudinal walls and a second pair of parallel and opposite latitudinal walls;
- said method comprising:
- manufacturing and attaching to said longitudinal wall, a pair of first and second rails having an equal length substantially commensurate with one of said longitudinal walls;
- said first rail mounting a pair of pintles oriented in a direction perpendicular to said longitudinal wall, said pintles being located proximately to opposite ends of said first rail, and being resiliently and axially biased away from said rail;
- said second rail mounting a pair of drive units, each in a position opposite and aligned with, one of said pintles;
- each of said drive units including a mounting module, a directionally reversable electrical motor having a pair of forward and reverse terminals, and a gear-down assembly having a drive spindle;
- mounting between said rail, a pair of rollers, each having a first axial end shaped and dimensioned to engage one of said pintles, and an opposite second axial end shaped and dimensioned to engage one of said drive spindles;
- attaching a banner scroll to said rollers;
- connecting the primary windings of a step-down transformer to power input terminal of said light fixture;
- connecting the secondary winding of said transformer to the input of a rectifier circuit;
- connecting the output of said circuit to terminals of a two-pole switch;
- and
- the arms of said switch to said motors through two diodes of inverse directions.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.