Abstract:
A scrolling sign apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a web having a number of signs connected in a loop. The web includes a bead along each longitudinal edge thereof. The apparatus includes a housing which has a window for displaying the signs. The web is wound on a number of rollers located in the housing which advance the web through the window. Each roller has two circumferential grooves located near the ends of the roller. The grooves engage the beads along the edges of the web.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    The invention relates to devices for displaying multiple signs, and in particular, to an apparatus for a scrolling sign.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    Signs, such as advertising billboards, are commonly used by companies to advertise their goods and services. Typically, such advertisements are static signs or posters. Depending on their size, they may be placed on the sides of roadways, on the exterior of buildings, or in any other exterior or interior location, depending on the sign size.  
           [0003]    An improvement over static signs is the development of moving or scrolling billboards or signs. These scrolling signs typically include a sign web composed of two or more individual signs, which permit multiple signs to be displayed in a particular location. Each of the individual signs is passed through a viewing area.  
           [0004]    One such scrolling sign is disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication 2001/0010133 A1 (“Schoening Application”). The Schoening Application discloses a sign web which is moved back and forth by two rollers on either side of a display area. However, the scrolling sign disclosed in the Schoening Application has a number of mechanical disadvantages causing it to be unreliable, particularly in adverse weather conditions and after long periods of continuous use.  
           [0005]    Accordingly, there is a need for an improved apparatus for a scrolling sign which is more dependable during long periods of continuous use.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0006]    According to a first embodiment of the invention, an apparatus for scrolling a web is provided. The web comprises a plurality of signs connected in a loop, the web comprising a first bead along a first longitudinal edge thereof. The apparatus comprises:  
           [0007]    a housing defining a window for displaying the signs; and  
           [0008]    a plurality of rollers located in the housing transversely to the web, the web being located on the rollers for advancement thereof through the window; the plurality of rollers defining a first groove therein, the first groove being adapted to engage the first bead.  
           [0009]    Preferably, the plurality of rollers are adapted to repeatedly advance each of said plurality of signs through the window by advancing the web in one direction.  
           [0010]    According to a second embodiment of the invention, an apparatus for scrolling a web comprising a plurality of signs is provided. The apparatus comprises:  
           [0011]    a) a housing, the housing defining a window for displaying the plurality of signs;  
           [0012]    b) a plurality of rollers located in the housing, the rollers being adapted for advancing the web through said window;  
           [0013]    c) a cover covering said window, the cover being adapted to permit viewing of the web therethrough; the cover and the housing defining an enclosure, the web being located in the enclosure; and  
           [0014]    d) a pressurizing means for producing an internal pressure in the enclosure, wherein the internal pressure is higher than atmospheric pressure.  
           [0015]    Preferably, the pressurizing means is a fan.  
           [0016]    According to a third embodiment of the invention, an apparatus for replacing a selected sign on a web with a replacement sign is provided. The web is located in a housing. The apparatus comprises:  
           [0017]    a) a first replacement roller adapted for storing the replacement sign;  
           [0018]    b) a second replacement roller adapted to receive the selected sign thereon;  
           [0019]    wherein the second replacement roller being adapted to move the web to remove the selected sign and to insert the replacement sign.  
           [0020]    Preferably, the apparatus further comprises top and bottom access plates. The top and bottom access plates are rotatably connected to a side of the housing, wherein the top and bottom access plates are adapted to receive the first and second replacement rollers therebetween.  
           [0021]    According to a fourth embodiment of the invention, a method of replacing a selected sign on a web with a replacement sign is provided. The method comprises:  
           [0022]    a) detaching a first side of the selected sign from the web  
           [0023]    b) fastening the first side of the selected sign to a second replacement roller;  
           [0024]    c) fastening a first side of the replacement sign to the web, the replacement sign being located on a first replacement roller;  
           [0025]    d) rotating the second replacement roller to store the selected sign thereon and to unroll the replacement sign;  
           [0026]    e) detaching a second side of the selected sign from the web to remove the selected sign; and  
           [0027]    f) attaching a second side of the replacement sign to insert the replacement sign into the web.  
           [0028]    According to a fifth embodiment of the invention, an apparatus is provided which comprises:  
           [0029]    a) a web comprising a plurality of signs connected in a loop, the web comprising a bead along a first longitudinal edge thereof;  
           [0030]    b) a housing, the housing defining a window for displaying the signs;  
           [0031]    c) a plurality of rollers located in the housing transversely to the web, the web being located on the rollers for advancement thereof through the window; the plurality of rollers defining a first groove therein, the first groove being adapted to engage the first bead. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0032]    In the accompanying drawings:  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment;  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 2 is a top view of the interior of the housing according to the preferred embodiment;  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the of the interior of the housing according to the preferred embodiment;  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 4 is a front view of the preferred embodiment;  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment showing the sign web and rollers;  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of the preferred embodiment showing the attachment of the signs in the web;  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of the preferred embodiment showing the bead on the web;  
         [0040]    [0040]FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view of the preferred embodiment showing a portion of a roller and web;  
         [0041]    [0041]FIG. 9 is a partial perspective view of the preferred embodiment showing the guide member;  
         [0042]    [0042]FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of the preferred embodiment showing the bead received in the guide member;  
         [0043]    [0043]FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view showing an alternative embodiment of the guide member;  
         [0044]    [0044]FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing an apparatus for replacing signs in the web according to an alternative embodiment of the invention;  
         [0045]    [0045]FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 12 along line  13 - 13  of FIG. 14;  
         [0046]    [0046]FIG. 14 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 12; and  
         [0047]    [0047]FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 12 along line  15 - 15  of FIG. 14. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0048]    [0048]FIG. 1 shows an apparatus  20  for a scrolling sign according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Although the preferred embodiment is particularly well suited for horizontal scrolling, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the horizontal orientation.  
         [0049]    The apparatus  20  includes a generally rectangular housing  22  having an open front window  24  and a closed rear face  25  (best shown in FIG. 2). The window  24  is covered by a substantially transparent cover  26 . Preferably, the cover  26  is made from Plexiglas™. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the cover  26  may be made from any other transparent material.  
         [0050]    In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the housing  22  may have a window on both faces thereof for viewing of signs from both sides of the apparatus  20 .  
         [0051]    Referring to FIGS. 2-4, any suitable number of lamps  30  are located in the interior of the housing  22  to illuminate a sign (described in detail below) located in the window. Preferably, the lamps  30 , are elongate fluorescent lamps positioned in a substantially parallel arrangement transversely to the direction of travel of a sign web (described in detail below). The lamps are connected to the housing  22  by retaining members  32 .  
         [0052]    Continuing to refer to FIGS. 2-4, a plurality of rollers  34 ,  36  are connected to the housing  22  on each side of the window  24 . A conventional tension release mechanism  35  is provided to permit fitting of the web onto the rollers  34 ,  36 . A conventional electrical motor  38  drives the rollers  34  on one side of the window  24  by a drive belt  40 . An idler  37  engages the drive belt  40  to provide tension therefor. Preferably, a conventional metal detecting sensor  39  is provided to assist in the control of the movement of the sign web. The sensor  39  and the motor  38  are connected to a conventional control system (not shown).  
         [0053]    Referring now to FIG. 5, the rollers  34 ,  36  of the apparatus  20  scroll a sign web  50  across the window  24 . The web  50  is composed of a plurality of signs  52  fastened to each other in a loop. Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention shows the web  50  composed of four signs  52 , a web with any suitable number of signs may be accommodated by adding a roller to each side of the window  24 , following the arrangement illustrated in FIG. 5. In this manner, the total number of rollers  34 ,  36  exceeds the number of signs  52  in the web  50  by two (although additional rollers may be added if desired).  
         [0054]    Referring to FIG. 6, the signs  52  are preferably joined to each other by a zipper  54  for easy removal and replacement. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the signs may be connected to each other in any other suitable fashion.  
         [0055]    Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7, each sign  52  in the web  50  includes a first and second bead  60 ,  61 , connected to a first and second longitudinal edge  58 ,  59 , respectively. As used herein, “longitudinal” means substantially parallel to the direction of travel of the web  50 , and “bead” means any type of feature which permits transverse engagement of the web by the apparatus  20  (as discussed in detail below).  
         [0056]    As best shown in FIG. 7, the first bead  60  preferably includes an elongate cylindrical member  62  made from a flexible material, such as any suitable plastic or the like. The cylindrical member  62  is preferably wrapped in a fabric  64  and attached to the sign  52  by sewing, welding or the like. The second bead  61  is identical to first bead  60 , and accordingly, is not shown. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the bead  60 ,  61  could be formed in any manner which causes the edge of the bead to be thicker than the remainder of the web. In addition, the bead may have any other cross-sectional shape (e.g. square or diamond), or be any other feature which provides transverse engagement, such as hooks, dovetail grooves, or the like.  
         [0057]    Referring to FIG. 8, a first circumferential groove  70  located proximate to each end of each roller (for convenience, only roller  36  is shown). Preferably, a second groove is located proximate to the other end of each roller  34 ,  36 . The second groove is identical to the first groove  70 , and, accordingly, is not shown. Each groove  70  is shaped to receive the corresponding bead (for convenience, only bead  60  is shown) of the web  50 . The grooves  70  provide better guidance for the web  50  during scrolling movement, while reducing the wear and tear on the bead from the rollers  34 ,  36 .  
         [0058]    Referring again to FIGS. 2-4, a plurality of elongate guide members  80  are connected to the housing  22  substantially adjacent to the path of travel of the longitudinal edges  58 ,  59  of the web  50 .  
         [0059]    Referring now to FIGS. 9 and 10, the guide members  80  are preferably made up of two parallel rails  82 , which together define an elongate channel  84  to receive the beads  60 ,  61  therein (only the guide member  80  for first bead  60  is shown for convenience, as the other guide members for second bead  61  are identical). The channel  84  is shaped to provide a seat portion  86  to retain the bead  60 , and a narrow throat  88  to accommodate the web  50 . Consequently, the shape of the seat portion  86  permits movement of the web  50  in the longitudinal direction, but the throat  88  retains the web  50  in the transverse direction.  
         [0060]    In the case of a horizontally scrolling sign, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the web  50  may only be supported at the top with the transverse tension at the bottom being provided by the force of gravity. In this alternative embodiment, no bead  61  is needed at the bottom edge of the web  50 , and accordingly, the corresponding guide members along the bottom edge of the web  50  are also not needed.  
         [0061]    [0061]FIG. 11 shows the guide member  80  according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the guide member  80  includes an elongate bracket  90  which defines a space  92  therein to receive each bead (only bead  60  is shown). Opposing pairs of bearings  94  are periodically spaced along the length of the bracket  90  to permit longitudinal travel of the beads  60 ,  61 . The distance between the bearings is narrower than the width of the beads, thereby retaining the bead  60  in the transverse direction. The bearings provide the advantage of permitting longitudinal movement of the web  50  with reduced friction. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that any other suitable retaining member which restricts movement of the web in the transverse direction while permitting movement in the longitudinal direction may be provided.  
         [0062]    Referring again to FIGS. 1, 2 and  4 , a pressurizing means is provided in the apparatus  20 . Preferably, the pressurizing means is a fan  100 . The fan  100  provides several advantages. The fan  100  creates a positive (i.e. greater than atmospheric) pressure in the interior of the apparatus  20 . This pressure forces the window  26  to bow outwardly (best shown in FIG. 2) away from the web  50 . For large signs, with dimensions of several meters, the window  26  may bow outwardly by about 6 inches. Consequently, the contact between the web  50  and the window  26  is reduced, which provides improved movement of the web  50  and reduces wear and tear on the signs  52 . In addition, the fan  100  cools the apparatus  20  so that it can continue to function optimally in hot weather conditions.  
         [0063]    Referring to FIG. 2, an air outlet  102  is provided on a door  110  located on the opposite side of the housing  22 . The outlet is sufficiently small to create positive pressure in the interior of the apparatus  20 .  
         [0064]    Referring again to FIGS. 2 and 3, the door  110  is provided to permit access to the interior of the apparatus  20 . The access is desirable to allow removal and replacement of signs  52 .  
         [0065]    Referring now to FIGS. 12-15, an apparatus  200  for replacement of signs  52  may be provided according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, top and bottom flat access plates  202 ,  204 , respectively are hinged to each end of the housing  22  proximate to the door  110 . The access plates  202 ,  204  are stored in the interior of the housing  22  when not in use (as shown in dashed lines in FIG. 14), and rotate outwardly to receive first and second replacement rollers  210 ,  212 , respectively. The bottom plate  204  may include a castor  206 .  
         [0066]    Continuing to refer to FIGS. 12-15, a replacement sign  214  is wound around the first replacement roller  210 . The first and second replacement rollers  210 ,  212  locate into corresponding openings (not shown) in the access plates  202 ,  204 .  
         [0067]    The operation of the present invention will now be described. Referring to FIGS. 3-5 the electrical motor  38  turns the rollers  34  to continuously scroll the web  50  in a single direction. The control system (not shown) utilizes the sensor  39  to determine when the sign  52  is aligned in a viewing position in the window  26 . Preferably, a piece of metal tape (not shown) which triggers the sensor is placed at appropriate points on the web  50 . When the sensor  39  is triggered, the web  50  is stopped for a predetermined period of time. After the predetermined period of time expires, the next sign  52  is scrolled into viewing position in the same fashion. In this manner, the apparatus  20  continuously scrolls through all of the four signs  52  in the web  50 .  
         [0068]    Referring to FIGS. 9-11, the combination of the beads  60 ,  61  and guide members  80 , maintains the web  50  tension in the transverse direction. This is particularly advantageous for larger signs, where alignment and scrolling of the web  50  becomes more difficult.  
         [0069]    The replacement of signs  52  for the web  5   0  will now be described. Referring to FIG. 3, the electric motor  38  is turned off to stop the movement of the web  50 . The door  110  is opened to provide access to the interior of the apparatus  20 . The tension release mechanism  35  is released to reduce the longitudinal tension in the web  50 .  
         [0070]    Referring now to FIG. 14, the access plates  204 ,  206  are rotated from the position shown in dashed lines to the position shown in solid lines.  
         [0071]    Referring to FIGS. 12-15, the replacement rollers  210 ,  212  are fitted onto the access plates  204 ,  206  and positioned transverse to the web  50 . A selected sign  52  is unzipped from the web  50  along a first side thereof and attached to the second replacement roller  212 . The replacement sign  214  is zipped onto the web  50  along a first side thereof. The second replacement roller  212  is rotated to roll the sign  52  thereon. At the same time the rotation of the second replacement  212  roller pulls the web  50 , causing the replacement sign  214  to unroll from the first replacement roller  212 . When the selected sign  52  is rolled onto the second replacement roller  212 , the second side of the selected sign is unzipped from the web  50  and the second side of the replacement sign  214  is zipped onto the web  50 , completing the replacement. The above replacement apparatus  200  provides improved ease in replacing signs in the web  50 .  
         [0072]    While the present invention as herein shown and described in detail is fully capable of attaining the above-described objects of the invention, it is to be understood that it is the presently preferred embodiment of the present invention and thus, is representative of the subject matter which is broadly contemplated by the present invention, that the scope of the present invention fully encompasses other embodiments which may become obvious to those skilled in the art, and that the scope of the present invention is accordingly to be limited by nothing other than the appended claims, in which reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless explicitly so stated, but rather “one or more.” All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the above-described preferred embodiment that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the present claims. Moreover, it is not necessary for a device or method to address each and every problem sought to be solved by the present invention, for it is to be encompassed by the present claims.