Patent Publication Number: US-2002007575-A1

Title: Prismatic advertising billboard and actuating device therefor

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001] This present invention is directed to a prismatic advertising billboard/panel of the type composed of a frame filled in internally with an array of elongated prisms, whose faces comprise sectors forming an image, and for conveying varied types of publicity messages. The present invention also is directed to improvements introduced into the actuating means of such a publicity panel.  
       [0002] There are widely known publicity panels whose function and exhibition of images is based on the rotation of a series of prismatic parts, provided with external connectors, lodged in bearings which are interconnected between themselves by means of a single shaft which, jointly with a reducing gear drive is responsible for rotating and immobilizing the prismatic parts in full synchronism.  
       [0003] Each one of the faces of the prismatic parts presents an image sector which, when associated with the other sectors, is capable of composing an entire image. With the sequential rotation of the triangular cross section prismatic parts it is possible to contain and exhibit in sequence up to three images on the same panel.  
       [0004] In spite of its relative constructive simplicity, one aspect that limits the use of the above mentioned advertising billboard is the cost of its manufacturing, which makes its use prohibitive and restricted.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0005] Thus, one of the objectives of this invention is to provide a prismatic advertising billboard that can be constructed, mounted and utilized in a simple and inexpensive way, yet maintain sufficient rigidity and durability.  
       [0006] Another objective of this invention is to provide a special constructivity that when used in an advertising billboard of the above described type, besides lowering its costs of manufacturing, allows a greater facility and versatility of use, thus amplifying the field of application of this particular means of conveyance.  
       [0007] The present invention provides means enabling a user to assemble and use this publicity panel model in a simple and low cost manner, as compared with conventional panels, since their whole basic structure as well as its prismatic parts are manufactured from specific lightweight materials, such as cardboard or equivalent material. This permits more ease and versatility of use, thus increasing the application field of this particular means of vehiculation.  
       [0008] It is another objective of the present invention to provide improvements of the actuating means of a publicity panel, where all functions of the electric parts, as well as the electric motor are enclosed inside a non inflammable casing, such as a metal box, permitting total isolation of these elements in relation to the cardboard structure of the panel.  
       [0009] It is a further objective of this invention to provide a driving system of the prismatic parts with an innovative automatic disengaging device, acting in case of overload to their rotation, i.e., avoiding an excessive effort on the motor and other elements in case of, by chance, any of the prismatic parts suffering a failure or being inhibited from rotating freely for any reason.  
       [0010] The Applicant has also developed means providing more safety to the functioning of the panel, as well for its physical integrity, since the elements involved in the construction of major parts of its structure are inflammable, and the whole prism rotating system starts from the principle which employs an electric motor as driving means, here any failure could generate serious consequences to the panel.  
       [0011] In order to realize such objectives, a preferred embodiment includes a box manufactured from non inflammable material, preferably metal, and composed of a receiving body and a lid with appropriate characteristics, incorporating in one single assembly a three pole outlet and a fuse, in addition to a neon key, as well as an electric reducing gear drive for driving the prismatic parts. The automatic disengaging device, pertaining to the drive system of the prismatic parts, is positioned between the shaft of the reducing gear drive and the hexagonal rod promoting the synchronized movement of the prismatic parts, which contain in segmented form the images vehiculated by the panel. 
     
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
     [0012] For the purposes of illustrating aspects of the invention, the following drawings are provided to show embodiments that are presently preferred; it being understood, however, that this invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.  
     [0013]FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a prismatic billboard;  
     [0014]FIG. 2 illustrates a partially cut frontal view of the herein mentioned billboard;  
     [0015]FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective and isolated view of one of the employed bearings of the subject billboard;  
     [0016]FIG. 4 illustrates a view of each one of the pulleys that integrate the mounting of this billboard;  
     [0017]FIG. 5 illustrates one of the connectors employed in the subject panel;  
     [0018]FIG. 6 illustrates one of the prismatic pieces that integrate the herein described billboard;  
     [0019]FIG. 7 schematically illustrates a mounting of a prismatic piece in a set formed by a bearing and its respective pulley;  
     [0020]FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective of the panel in question, illustrating the improvements introduced into the same;  
     [0021]FIG. 9 is an enlarged detail in exploded perspective, where it is possible to better visualize the referred-to improvements; and  
     [0022]FIG. 10 illustrates a schematic front view of the publicity panel in question, with the improvements mounted at their respective locations. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
     [0023] Embodiment 1  
     [0024] In conformity with the illustrations of the above listed figures, the advertising billboard object of this invention is characterized by the fact of being defined by a body  1  elaborated as from a sheet of cardboard  2  cut and bent so as to show the form of a box  3 , in the interior of which are disposed lateral profiles  4  and  5 , also produced in a sheet of cardboard cut and bent, being that between the profiles  4  and  5  are mounted prismatic pieces  6  actuated in a synchronized manner by an electric motor  7 .  
     [0025] The electric motor  7  is connected to a long hexagonal axle  8  that crosses and is supported on the bearings  9  fixed to the profile  5 , being that each one of the bearings  9  receive a pulley  10 , through which passes the hexagonal axle  8 .  
     [0026] Each one of the pulleys  10  incorporates a pin  11 , elaborated so as to interfere in one of the two connectors  12  that integrate each prismatic piece  6 , such as may be better understood through the observation of FIG. 7, being that each connector  12  is coupled by encasing in a triangular profile  13  elaborated in card sheet  14  folded and bent.  
     [0027] The triangular profile  13  in each one of its faces, receives a segment of a total image  15 . Each profile  13  may incorporate up to three segments of total images, that are exposed according to the size of the synchronized spin of all the prismatic pieces  6 .  
     [0028] The profiles  13  associated to the connectors  12  define a prismatic piece  6  that may be easily substituted, and this renders the present billboard substantially versatile from an operational viewpoint.  
     [0029] The rotation of the connectors  12  is obtained when the pin  11  of its respective pulley  10  interferes with one of its three grooves  16  of the connector  12  that is pivoted close to the bearing  9 . This occurs at every full rotation of the hexagonal axle  8 .  
     [0030] In this manner, it is possible to synchronize the rotation of all prismatic pieces  6  so as to exhibit the faces of each one of the profiles that correspond to each one of the three total images.  
     [0031] The subject billboard comprises, further, a frame  17 , also produced in cardboard sheet  18  cut and bent, being said frame mounted close to the body  1  of the billboard, so as to hide the operational devices of the same.  
     [0032] Such as may be concluded, the subject advertising billboard features a simple constructivity, that is viabilized with the employment of low cost materials produced also in a quick and inexpensive way.  
     [0033] Embodiment 2  
     [0034] In accordance with a second embodiment as shown in FIGS.  8 - 10 , the present invention provides a panel defined by a body  101 , constituted from a sheet  102 , manufactured preferably from cardboard or other similar material shown to be adequate.  
     [0035] The sheet  102  forming the basic structure of the body  101  is cut and folded in order to configure a box  103 , which receives at its inside lateral tubular profiles  104  and  105 , also manufactured from the same material as the body  101 , i.e. cardboard or other similar material shown to be adequate, as well as the upper frame  106  and the lower frame  107 .  
     [0036] Inside box  103 , more precisely between the lateral tubular profiles  104  and  105 , are placed prismatic parts  108 , provided at their extremities with the correspondent connectors  109 .  
     [0037] The connectors  109  of the same side of the set of prismatic parts  108  are lodged in corresponding bearings  110 , there being one bearing  110  for each of the prismatic parts  108 , where it should be emphasized that for illustration purposes only one bearing unit  110  was represented on FIG. 8.  
     [0038] The set of bearings  110  is trespassed by a driving rod  111 , connected to the electric motor  112 , the referred-to driving rod  111  being responsible for the synchronized actuation of the prismatic parts  108  of the panel in question.  
     [0039] As to the set of prismatic parts  108  and more specifically with regard to each prismatic part taken individually, the extremity opposed to the side lodged in the corresponding bearing  110  incorporates also a connector  109 , which in turn is mounted rotatively in a corresponding orifice  113 , which is a part of the set of orifices incorporated equidistantly at the internal face of the tubular profile  105 .  
     [0040] Each one of the connectors  109  mounted on both extremities of each one of the prismatic parts  108  incorporates a pin shaped projection  114 , which permits, at one side, the assembly close to the bearings  110 , as well as on the other hand, its assembly in any one of the orifices  113  incorporated into the lateral tubular profile  105 .  
     [0041] According to this embodiment, electric motor  112  is located inside a non inflammable casing configured as a metal box  115 , composed of a receiving body  116  and provided with carved orifices  117  and  118  and a lid  120  provided with an upper base  120  and lateral rims  121  and  122 , one of them, i.e. rim  121 , being slightly projected, configuring a space (x); said rims  121  and  122  being provided with carved orifices  123  and  124  coinciding, respectively, with the orifices  117  and  118  of the receiving body  116 , permitting the attachment between both parts of the box  115 .  
     [0042] The upper base of the lid  119  comprehends openings  125  and  126 , capable to receive and attach an assembly  127 , composed of a three pole outlet  128  and a fuse  129 ; and an on/off key  130 , whose wiring  131  is connected to the motor  112 .  
     [0043] Box  115 , by means of the projecting rim  121 , is snapped in with support at the upper edge of the profile  104 , which for its turn is lodged inside the space X of the box, there being attached by convenient means through the orifices  117  and  123  of the said box.  
     [0044] The type of assembly described above results in the fact that the box  115 , after being duly attached to the panel, acquires a condition of total immobility, since it is locked in a first direction close to the profile  104 , by the latter being snapped into the space X, in another direction it is also locked by the width of the rim  121 , which is introduced into the profile  104  and finally is locked in a third direction by the snapping in of the assembly formed by the profile  104  and the box  115  inside the structure of the panel.  
     [0045] An automatic disengaging device is provided between the shaft  133  of the electric motor  112  and the drive rod  111 , as can be better understood by observing FIG. 9, the referred-to automatic disengagement device  132  being formed essentially by the head  134 , attached to the extremity of the drive rod  111 , and by the rotating part  135 , for its turn attached to the already mentioned shaft  133  of the electric motor  112 .  
     [0046] The head  134  presents a tubular structure, counting with an axial orifice  136 , which is duly configured to receive in an adjusted form the extremity of the drive rod  111 , the attachment between the referred-to head  134  and the drive rod  111  being produced by a retaining element  137 , which may assume the form of a bolt or other element which shows itself adequate, assembled into a radial orifice  138  incorporated into the body of the mentioned head  134 .  
     [0047] The head  134  incorporates further a pair of symmetric arms  139 , mutually opposed, each of which formed by a radial branch  140  which develops orthogonally into a branch  141 , parallel to the geometric axis of the drive  111 .  
     [0048] As can be better understood by observing FIG. 9, the orthogonal branches  141  of the symmetric arms  139  are projected beyond the height level of the extremity of the body of the head  134 , so that such orthogonal branches  141  are in condition to establish the mechanical coupling with the opposite extremities  142  of a flexible blade  143 , trespassing a projection  144  which integrates the main structure of the rotating part  135 .  
     [0049] The rotating part  135 , such as the head  134 , presents a tubular structure, counting with an axial orifice  145 , which in the specific case of the referred-to rotating part  135  is duly configured to receive in an adjusted form the extremity of the shaft  133  of the electric motor  112 , the attachment between the referred-to rotating part  135  and the mentioned shaft  133  of the electric motor  112  being produced by a retaining element  137 , which may assume the form of a bolt or other element which shows itself adequate, assembled into a radial orifice  146  incorporated into the body of the mentioned rotating part  135 .  
     [0050] The automatic disengagement device  132 , illustrated in detail in FIG. 9, presents a simple and efficient functional conception, based on the actuation of the flexible blade  143  of the rotating part  135  on the head  134  assembled on the drive rod  111 .  
     [0051] Thus, under normal operating conditions, the electric motor  112  causes through its shaft  133  the rotation of the rotating part  135 , which due to its flexible blade  143  presenting a width larger than the distance of the orthogonal branches  141  from the symmetric arms  139  of the head  134 , determines the engagement and consequent rotation of this latter component.  
     [0052] Since the head  134  is rigidly attached to the drive rod  111 , the rotation of the mentioned head determines also obligatory rotation of the drive rod  111 , thus producing the synchronized drive of the prismatic parts  108 .  
     [0053] The flexibility of the blade  143  is calibrated in a manner that its extremities  142  will support the normal load represented by the rotating effort of the drive rod  111  in order to produce the synchronized movement of the prismatic parts  108 , without this force being sufficient to determine the disengagement of the rotating part  135  from the head  134 .  
     [0054] This way, under normal operating conditions of the panel, the assembly formed by the drive rod  111  and the head  134  is forced to rotate (in this process driving the prismatic parts  108 ), in function of the direct actuation of the rotating part  135  coupled to the shaft  133  of the motor  112 .  
     [0055] In the eventuality of an overload occurring to the electric motor  112 , which may be represented, for example, by accidental locking (temporary or permanent) of one or more prismatic parts  108 , the breaking of some component or even for any reason impairing the free rotation of the mentioned prismatic parts  108 , a condition of increasing the effort imposed on the flexible blade  143  will be verified.  
     [0056] The elevation of the effort transmitted to the flexible blade  143  produces proportionally an increased flexion of its extremities  142 , culminating at a point at which that effort causes a flexion index sufficient to cause the mentioned extremities  142  to lose the contact with the orthogonal branches  141  of the symmetric arms  139  of the head  134 .  
     [0057] When the contact between the extremities  142  of the flexible blade  143  with relation to the mentioned orthogonal branches  141  of the symmetric arms  139  of the head  134  is lost, a “false rotation” effect of the rotating part  135  in relation to the head  134  occurs, an effect accompanied by a cracking sound, resulting exactly from the disengagement of the flexible blade  143  and from the rotation stop of the prismatic parts  108 . At this point the electric motor  112  rotates freely until the extremities  142  of the blade  143  touch again the orthogonal branches  141  of the symmetric arms  139 , causing again a new disengagement and resulting again in a cracking sound.  
     [0058] Thus, the electric motor  112  is not submitted to an excessive effort which could eventually cause, for example, its superheating or even more serious damages.  
     [0059] On the other hand, the intermittent generation of the cracking sound at every new engagement and consequent disengagement of the rotating part  135  in relation to the head  134 , serves as an alert signal in order to note the abnormality of the panel more easily.  
     [0060] In respect to the mounting of the box  115  on the body  101  of the panel, a window  147  is provided on the upper frame  106  of the box  103 , in order to expose the fuse  129 , the outlet  128  and the on/off key  130 , the referred-to window  147  being dimensioned for allowing the free access of the user to the mentioned components.  
     [0061] Once described the improvements, it will become clear that the publicity panel in question continues to present a simple construction, not evading the initial idea of composing it from low cost materials, in addition of presenting a fast assembly. Said panel also incorporates a safety system against possible accidents with the electric part, as well as being equipped with an automatic disengagement system  132 , which avoids overload of force on the electric motor  112 , caused by any failure of the prismatic elements or other components associated to the same.  
     [0062] In spite of the invention having been detailed, it is important to understand that the same is not limited in its applications to the details and steps described here. The invention is capable of other modalities and to be practiced or performed in a variety of modes. It shall be understood that the terminology applied here is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.