Abstract:
A self-returning horizontal sign system mounts to an associated structure. The system sign includes an upper rail having front and rear, parallel, spaced apart tracks and a lower rail having front and rear, parallel, spaced apart tracks. A pair of panels extend between and span the upper and lower rails. Each panel has a carrier assembly mounted to an upper region thereof for cooperation with a respective front or rear track of the upper rail. The carrier assemblies have at least two rollers that are carried in the upper rail. The panels each move between an open position and a closed position. A closure formed as a pull box is associated each panel and includes a spool having a cable wrapped around it. The spool is rotatable to retract and extract the cable from about the spool. The closure includes a tension bias element operably connected to the spool to bias the spool to retract the cable. The cable is operably connected to the panel such that moving the panel from the closed position to the open position extracts the cable. The closure includes a rotating dampening element operably connected to the spool to dampen rotation of the spool when retracting the cable as the panel moves from the open position to the closed position.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention is directed to a sign mount. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a horizontal sliding or rolling mount that has is self-returning. 
         [0002]    Signs are used in all manner of display and merchandising. Many signs serve multiple purposes. For example, a sign can be used to attract a consumer&#39;s attention to a specific location or object. At the same time, such a sign can be used to overlie or cover a storage area. Sign serving this dual function are illustrated in Padiak et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,701,575 and Conway et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,470,611, both of which patents are commonly assigned herewith and incorporated by reference. 
         [0003]    While both of these patents function quite well for their intended purposes, one drawback to each of these signs is that space to the side of (in the case of the &#39;575 patent which pivots horizontally) and above (in the case of the &#39;611 patent which slides vertically) is required for proper functioning of the sign. 
         [0004]    In addition, these signs are of the type that remain in the open position after use. Again, in certain instances, an automatic closure is desired, and an arrangement in which the sign remains in place is not. This eliminates, for example, the need for a store employee to roam the store aisles closing the signs that are left open to “hide” the storage areas. 
         [0005]    Moreover, many signs are not configured so as to permit varying the vertical height of the sign to “fit” a specific need. That is, man signs are of a standard height and/or require custom design in order to fill a particular need, for example, to fit between shelves that are a non-standard distance between them. 
         [0006]    Accordingly, there is a need for a sign and mount that provides a covering over storage space. Desirably, such a sign provides a covering or overlay for storage space, without requiring surrounding space for moving the sign to an access position. More desirably, such a sign and mount is configured to automatically return to a closed position without prompting. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    A self-returning horizontal sign system mounts to an associated structure and provides a sign (or display) for covering storage space. The system provides a covering or overlay for storage space, without requiring surrounding space for moving the sign to an access position. The system is configured to automatically return to a closed position without prompting and can include a time delay to maintain the sign open for a period of time before the automatic return actuates. 
         [0008]    The system includes an upper rail having front and rear, parallel, spaced apart tracks and a lower rail having front and rear, parallel, spaced apart tracks. A pair of panels extend between and span the upper and lower rails. Each panel has a carrier assembly mounted to an upper region for cooperation with a respective front or rear track of the upper rail. The carrier assemblies have at least two rollers that reside in the upper rail track. 
         [0009]    A closure formed as a pull box is associated with at least one and preferably both of the panels. The closure includes a spool having a cable wrapped around it. The spool rotates to retract and extract the cable from the spool. The closure includes a tension bias element, such as a spring, that is operably connected to the spool to bias the spool to retract the cable. 
         [0010]    The cable is operably connected to the panel such that moving the panel from the closed position to the open position extracts the cable. The closure includes a rotating dampening element that is operably connected to the spool to dampen rotation of the spool when retracting the cable as the panel moves from the open position to the closed position. A preferred dampening element is a bladed flywheel. 
         [0011]    In a present system, the closure includes a one-way engaging element such that the spool engages the flywheel when the cable retracts and is disengaged from the flywheel when the cable is extracted from the spool. One form of engaging element is a ratchet drum and a ratchet pawl. The ratchet pawl is positioning in the ratchet drum. The pawl engages the spool and the drum engages the flywheel. Rotation of the pawl in one direction rotates the drum. Retraction of the cable rotates the spool which rotates the pawl and the drum which rotates the flywheel. 
         [0012]    The closure can include a time delay assembly to delay retraction of the cable following extraction of the cable from the spool. This delays the closing of the panel after it is opened and released. The time delay assembly includes an interference element that is engageable with the flywheel to interfere with rotation of the flywheel, thus delaying retraction of the cable. 
         [0013]    Other uses for the closure or pull box include the return of objects to a location adjacent to the box after the object has been pulled away. 
         [0014]    These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description, in conjunction with the appended claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0015]    The benefits and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art after reviewing the following detailed description and accompanying drawings, wherein: 
           [0016]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a self-returning sign system embodying the principles of the present invention, the sign system being illustrated mounted to a rack or storage system; 
           [0017]      FIG. 2  is an exploded view of the sign system; 
           [0018]      FIG. 3  is a front view of an exemplary sign panel; 
           [0019]      FIGS. 4A and 4B  are perspective views of the front and rear carrier assemblies; 
           [0020]      FIG. 5  is a front view of the upper rail; 
           [0021]      FIG. 5A  is cross-sectional view taken along line  5 A- 5 A of  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 6  is a front view of the lower rail; 
           [0023]      FIG. 6A  is cross-sectional view taken along line  6 A- 6 A of  FIG. 6 ; 
           [0024]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a rail bracket for mounting the upper rail to the shelf; 
           [0025]      FIG. 7A  is a side view of the bracket; 
           [0026]      FIG. 8  is a top view of the closure showing the cable partially pulled out from the closure; 
           [0027]      FIG. 9  is an exploded perspective view of the closure; 
           [0028]      FIG. 10  is an enlarged exploded view of the closure shown without the cable attached and without the springs; 
           [0029]      FIGS. 11A and 11B  are top and bottom perspective view of the closure spool; 
           [0030]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the closure ratchet pawl; 
           [0031]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the ratchet drum; 
           [0032]      FIGS. 14A-14C  are top perspective, side and bottom views of the closure fly; 
           [0033]      FIG. 15  is a wire frame drawing of an alternate embodiment of the closure that includes a time delay mechanism; 
           [0034]      FIG. 16  is a perspective view of a wire shelf having the self-returning sign system mounted thereto; 
           [0035]      FIG. 17  is an exploded perspective view of the wire shelf with self-returning sign system mounted thereto; 
           [0036]      FIG. 17A  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  17 A- 17 A of  FIG. 17 ; 
           [0037]      FIG. 18  is a perspective view of the upper extension cover; 
           [0038]      FIG. 18A  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  18 A- 18 A of  FIG. 18 ; and 
           [0039]      FIG. 19  is a perspective view of the upper extension bracket. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0040]    While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described a presently preferred embodiment with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiment illustrated. 
         [0041]    It should be further understood that the title of this section of this specification, namely, “Detailed Description Of The Invention”, relates to a requirement of the United States Patent Office, and does not imply, nor should be inferred to limit the subject matter disclosed herein. 
         [0042]    Referring now to the figures, and in particular to  FIG. 1 , there is shown an embodiment of a self-returning horizontal sign mount system  10 . The sign system  10  includes a pair sign sections  12  in a side-by-side arrangement with one of the sections  12   a  slightly forward of the other section  12   b  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 2 ). In this manner, the sign sections  12   a,b  can move horizontally relative to one another with one sign  12   a  in front and one sign  12   b  to the rear of the other. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, this arrangement permits access to about one-half of the space behind the sign  12  without requiring additional space to rotate (pivot) or raise (or lower) a sign section or door. Rather, all that is required vis-á-vis additional space is that attributed to the thickness of the sign sections  12   a,b  and the rails and other components which, as will be discussed below, is minimal. 
         [0043]    The signs sections (or graphic panels  12   a,b ) are mounted between an upper rail  14  and a lower rail  16  which are in turn mounted to the pallet rack or storage rack R, typically at a shelf S. The rails  14 ,  16  are configured to capture and secure the panels  12   a,b  so that the panels  12   a,b  cannot swing forward and rearward from the rack R. In this manner, the panels  12   a,b  are maintained so that they can only slide along and between the rails  14 ,  16 . 
         [0044]    The front panel  12   a  is mounted to the upper rail  14  by one or more front carrier assemblies  18  and the rear panel  12   b  is mounted to the upper rail  14  by one or more rear carrier assemblies  20 . The front and rear assemblies  18 ,  20  each include a bracket  22  and a pair of rollers  24  at about the ends of the assemblies  18 ,  20 . 
         [0045]    The upper rail  14  is formed having front and rear tracks or channels  26 ,  28  that receive the carrier assembly rollers  24 . The tracks  26 ,  28  have a lower curved surface  30  to accommodate the rollers  24 . An upper retaining wall  32  is positioned above the tracks  26 ,  28  and depending lips  34  extend from the upper retaining wall  32  (at the front and rear) to prevent the rollers  24  from “jumping” the tracks  26 ,  28 . In this manner, the tracks  26 ,  28  maintain the carriers  18 ,  20  fixed which maintains the panels  12   a,b  parallel to one another and properly positioned in the rails  14 ,  16 . A graphic cover  36  can also be affixed to the upper rail  14  to conceal the rail  14  and the carrier assemblies  18 ,  20 . The upper rail  14  is mounted to the shelf S by mounting brackets  38 . Each bracket  38  is affixed to the shelf S by fastener (not shown) and the rail  14  is mounted to the bracket  38  by a fastener (not shown) that inserts through an opening  40  in the front of the bracket  38 . 
         [0046]    The lower rail  16 , like the upper rail  14  is configured with front and rear tracks or channels  42 ,  44  that are configured to receive the panels  12   a,b . In this manner, with the panels  12   a,b  secured from above and below in the rails  14 ,  16  the panels  12   a,b  are well captured and permitted only to slide along the rails  14 ,  16  to open and close access to the storage area behind the sign panels  12   a,b . Similar to the upper rail  14 , the lower rail  16  can have a graphic or cover  46  mounted thereto to conceal the rail  16 . 
         [0047]    To provide the motive force to return the panels  12   a,b  to the closed position, the system  10  includes a pair of biased (sprung) dampened closures  50 , one associated with each of the panels  12   a,b . The closures  50  are operably connected to their respective doors  12   a  or  b  by a cable  52 . The closures  50  include a housing  54  having a cover  56 . An opening  58  in the side of the housing  54  accommodates the cable  52  passing into the housing  54 . 
         [0048]    A spool  60  is positioned in the housing  54  and has a cable channel  62  for winding the cable  52  onto the spool  60 . The channel  62  is defined by an upper retaining flange  64  and a lower geared walled  66 . The spool  60  defines an axis of rotation A 60 . An upper sleeve  68  on the spool  60  has a slotted wall  70  and a lower surface  72  of the spool  60  (below the geared surface  66 ) defines a pin track  74  that traverses around the surface in an inwardly spiraling profile as best seen in  FIG. 11B . 
         [0049]    Adjacent to the spool  60 , the closure  50  includes a ratchet pawl  76  and a ratchet drum  78 . The ratchet pawl  76  includes a 80 pin that defines an axis of rotation A 76  that is spaced from the spool axis A 60 . The pawl  76  includes a plurality (three as shown) of flexible fingers  82  that extend outwardly from the axis A 76  and bend or curve to define a periphery. Each finger  82  has a detent  84  at about the end thereof. The pawl  76  fits into a toothed depression  86  in the drum  78  with the pawl fingers  82  movable in one-direction (as indicated at  88 ) in the drum  78 . The drum inner teeth  90  are asymmetrical, having a steeply sloped side  90   a  and a lesser sloped side  90   b . In this manner, when the pawl  76  rotates clockwise relative to the drum  78 , the fingers  82  can “slip” over the drum inner teeth  90  (ramping along the lesser sloped sides  90   b ); however, when the pawl  76  rotates counterclockwise relative to the drum  78 , the pawl finger detents  84  engage the steeply sloped sides  90   a  of the teeth and prevent the pawl  76  from rotating (without rotating the drum  78 ). The ratchet pawl  76  includes a geared projection  92  extending upwardly from about the pin  80 . The projection  92  is configured and positioned to cooperate with the geared surface  66  of the spool  60 . Thus, rotation of the spool  60  rotates the pawl  76  and can rotate the drum  78  (depending upon the direction of rotation). The drum  78  also includes a geared outer surface  94 . 
         [0050]    A flywheel  96  is positioned in the closure  60  adjacent the pawl  76  and drum  78 . The flywheel  96  includes a plurality of blades  98  that extend radially outwardly from an axis A 96  of the flywheel  96  and extend longitudinally in two (opposite) directions D 1 , D 2  along the axis A 96 . The blades  98  define two “sets” one  98   a  on one side of the central disk or support  100  and the other set  98   b  on the other side of the disk  100 . A geared hub  102  extends along the axis A 96  from one side of the central disk  100 . The hub gear  102  is configured to cooperate with the drum geared outer surface  94  such that rotation of the drum  78  rotates the flywheel  96 . The blades  98  are formed having curved surfaces, essentially having a concave profile in the direction of damping rotation (as indicated by the arrow at  104 ). The curved profile of the flywheel blades  98  is configured to create wind resistance as the flywheel  96  rotates. 
         [0051]    The closure  50  includes at least one and in a present embodiment, a pair of biasing elements, such as the illustrated springs  106  that provide the motive force for closing the panels  12   a,b . The springs  106  are of the flat coil or spiral type, as illustrated in  FIG. 9 . 
         [0052]    In operation, as the panel  12   a  or b is opened, the cable  52  of the closure  50  (which is mounted on a side of the panel in the closed position), is pulled from the spool  60  through the housing opening  58 . As the cable  52  is pulled, the spool  60  rotates counterclockwise (as seen in  FIG. 8 ). This in turn pulls the springs  106  from the coiled state, tensioning the springs  106 . The springs  106  wrap around the upper sleeve  68 . 
         [0053]    As the spool  60  rotates counterclockwise, the gear teeth  66  engage the pawl geared projection  92  to rotate the pawl  76  clockwise (opposite of the spool  60 ). However, because the pawl  76  is a one-way driving element, as it rotates in the clockwise direction, it does not (or may not) rotate the pawl drum  78 . Rather, the pawl fingers  82  (can) slip over the drum teeth  90 . As such, the flywheel  96  may, but does not have to, rotate. The tension in the springs  106  on the spool  60  maintains tension in the cable  52  as it is pulled from the closure  50 . 
         [0054]    After the panel  12   a  or b has been opened and is subsequently released, the spring  106  tension rotates the spool  60  clockwise (to rewind the cable  52 ). This in turn rotates the pawl  76  counterclockwise. As the pawl  76  rotates counterclockwise, the pawl fingers  82  engage the steeply sloped sides  90   a  of the drum inner teeth  90  which rotates the drum  78  counterclockwise. As the drum  78  rotates counterclockwise, the gear teeth  94  on the periphery of the drum  78  engage the hub gear  102  on the flywheel  96  which rotates the flywheel  96 . As the speed of the rotating flywheel  96  increases, the resistance (due to the flywheel blades  98 ) increases, thus slowing or dampening rotation of the flywheel  96  and in turn, dampening return of the panel  12   a  or b to the closed position. In addition to rotation of the flywheel  96 , the weight of the panel  12   a  or b and the gear  66 / 92 / 94 / 102  ratios also facilitate dampening return of the panel  12   a  or b to the closed position. 
         [0055]    An alternate embodiment of the closure  150  is illustrated in wire frame format in  FIG. 15 . This embodiment of the closure  150  is configured to provide an apparent time delay prior to closure. It is an apparent time delay in that although the closure  150  is in fact rewinding the cable  152  (rotating the spool  160  clockwise), it is doing so at such a slow rotational speed that it appears to effect a delay prior to commencing (reverse or rewind) rotation. In this embodiment, a time delay assembly  210  is mounted to the housing  154  to engage the central disk portion  200  of the flywheel  196 . 
         [0056]    The delay assembly  210  includes a yoke  212  that is mounted to an inner wall of the housing  154  and a foliot  214  (or weight) mounted to the yoke  212 . The foliot  214  has a disk-like shape and a nipple  216  extends from the end of the foliot  214  at the juncture with the yoke  212 . The nipple  216  extends toward and into the space between the flywheel blade sets  198   a ,  198   b , toward the central support disk  200 . 
         [0057]    A yoke arm  218  extends from the yoke  212  to the spool  160 . The arm  218  is positioned behind the flywheel  196  (although it appears to run through the wheel in  FIG. 15 ). A pin  220  mounts an end of the yoke arm  218  to the spool and to a longitudinal track  222  (in the form of a slot) in the housing  154 . The pin  220  extends through the housing slot  222 , though the yoke arm  218  end and into the spiral pin track  176  in the rear (or back) of the spool  160 . In this manner, the arm  218  moves longitudinally back and forth (and moves the yoke  212  and foliot  214  longitudinally back and forth) toward and away from flywheel  196  as described below. The arm  218  is maintained in place laterally by retaining pins  224  in the housing  154 . 
         [0058]    In operation, as the cable  152  is pulled from the spool  160 , the spool  160 , pawl  176 , drum  178  and flywheel  196  all rotate and function as described above. However, as the spool  160  rotates counterclockwise (as the cable  152  is pulled from the closure  150 ), the pin  220  moves along both the housing slot  222  and the spiral pin track  176  away from the center of the spool  160  and toward the periphery (to the left as seen in  FIG. 15 ). This movement draws the foliot nipple  216  inward, toward the flywheel central disk  200 , between the blade sets  198   a ,  198   b.    
         [0059]    In this configuration, after the panel  12   a  or  12   b  has been opened and is subsequently released, the spring  106  tension rotates the spool  160  clockwise, which in turn rotates the pawl  176  counterclockwise, which in turn rotates the flywheel  196 . However, the foliot nipple  216  which is now in the space between the blades  198   a ,  198   b  interferes with rotation of the flywheel  196  (by contacting the blades  198 ), thus impeding rewind of the cable  152 . As such, the spool  160  rotates slowly, and rewind is delayed or appears to be delayed until the spool  160  rotates sufficiently for the pin  220  to move to the right (toward the center of the spool  160 ), which in turn moves the foliot nipple  216  out from between the flywheel blades  198   a,b . Effectively, the foliot nipple  216  moving between the blades  198   a,b  to initially interfere with rotation of the flywheel  196  provides an apparent delay in return action of the panel  12   a  or b. 
         [0060]    Those skilled in the art will recognize that the present closure  50  is formed as a pull box. Such an element has a wide variety of uses, for example, as a return or retaining element for product in a retail environment. In such a use, the cable  52  can be attached to a product D (see for example,  FIG. 8 ) and the pull box  50  (the housing  14 ) attached to a fixture such as a shelf. When the product D is pulled away from the box  50 , the cable  52  is tensioned. When the product is released, the rewind action of the cable  52  pulls or returns the product D to the box  50  or fixture. 
         [0061]      FIGS. 16-17A  show the sign mount system mounted to a wire shelf W. Typically in such a mounting arrangement, the wire W (in a rack or grid configuration) is mounted to an edge block  280 . A spacer  282  is positioned between the bracket  238  and the block  280  through which a fastener (not shown) is inserted into the block  280 . In this manner, the bracket  238  is securely mounted to the block  280 , rather than possibly resting on the shelf wire W and mounting the system  10  askew. 
         [0062]      FIGS. 18 and 18A  illustrate the upper extension cover  36   a  which, as can be seen in  FIGS. 1 and 2  resides at one end of the upper graphic  36 . The extension cover  36   a  like the upper graphic  36  serves to cover or overlie the upper rail  14 . The extension cover  36   a  is secured to the upper rail by an extension bracket  38   a  that serves two functions. First, the bracket  38   a  secures to cover to the rail  14 . Second, the upper extension bracket  38   a  serves as a stop for the panels  12   a ,  12   b , to prevent the panels from over-traveling and running off of the rail  14 . This is particularly important in that the system  10  is configured for use with storage systems R having bays B of different widths. That is, the distance between the upright vertical posts P (which defines a bay), can be different from one installation to another. 
         [0063]    As such, the sign mounting system  10  must be able to be accommodated in bays B of different widths. This is accomplished by, for example, installing the upper rail  14  in a left justified manner (setting it too the far left) and installing the extension bracket  38   a  at the (desired) right most point of the panels  12   a ,  12   b . In this manner, the right panel  12   a  is stopped from over-traveling to the right by the right panel closure  50   a  and the extension bracket  38   a , and the left panel  12   b  is prevented from over-travel to the right by the extension bracket  38   a . The bottom rail  16  also includes a corresponding extension piece  16   a  to accommodate panels  12   a ,  12   b  full travel within the system  10  within the bay B. 
         [0064]    All patents referred to herein, are hereby incorporated herein by reference, whether or not specifically done so within the text of this disclosure. 
         [0065]    In the present disclosure, the words “a” or “an” are to be taken to include both the singular and the plural. Conversely, any reference to plural items shall, where appropriate, include the singular. 
         [0066]    From the foregoing it will be observed that numerous modifications and variations can be effectuated without departing from the true spirit and scope of the novel concepts of the present invention. It is to be understood that no limitation with respect to the specific embodiments illustrated is intended or should be inferred. The disclosure is intended to cover all such modifications as fall within the scope of the disclosed, exemplary embodiment.