US2077632A - Changeable exhibitor - Google Patents

Description

April 20, 1937. H. v. MARSH 2,077,632

CHANGEABLE EXHIBITOR Filed June 10, 1955 2 Sheets-Sheet l m M mg TOR CHANGEABLE EXHIBI -Sheet 2 2 Sheets June -lO, 1935 Filed Patented Apr. 20, 1937 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 2 Claims.

This invention relates to improvements in signs, and more particularly, to a type of sign which may be characterized as a variable display or reading exhibitor, the invention having for an object to provide a sign of the stated type wherein display matter or intelligence will be definitely.

and selectively varied and displayed during its operation, thus producing a multiple or multistage exhibition.

An equally important object of the invention is to provide a changeable exhibitor capable of produoing, through the medium of simple, durable, and stable instrumentalities, a multiplicity or series of pre-arranged displays whereby to accord animation or changeability to said displays, possessive of novel advertising and educational import and value.

.It is a more specific object of the invention to provide a variable or changeable exhibitor wherein a master pattern means is co-operatively associated with an adjustable or movable pattern selector means of such construction that when the latter is moved into or through a pre-determined course of travel with relation to the former, a pre-determined and changeable display will be effected by the master'pattern means.

It is furthermore an object of the invention to provide a changeable or variable exhibitor of the character heretofore mentioned, which, by reason of its exceedingly simple construction, may be produced at a minimum. of cost, and which, due to its mode of usage, may be advantageously and efliciently operated at a minimum of cost over a prolonged period of time.

Yet another object of the invention resides in the provision of a device such as herein referred to, whose province or range of utility will be exceedingly broad, permitting of satisfactory usage of the invention for a substantially unlimited number of advertising, educational, or similar purposes.

Other objects of the invention will be in part obvious and in part pointed out hereinafter.

In order that the invention and its mode of operation may be readily understood by those skilled in the art to which it appertains, I have in the accompanying drawings and the detailed description based thereupon, set out several embodiments of my invention.

In these drawings:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the improved sign, showing it in one stage of operation;

Figure 2 is an enlarged fragmentary rear elevation of the same, showing the mode of construction of the pattern selector. means and its mounting upon and adjacent the supporting body of the sign provided with the master pattern;

Figure 3 is an enlarged fragmentary detail in longitudinal section through the sign, taken on the line 33 of Figure 2, looking in the direction in which the arrows point;

Figure 4 is a similar view but wherein the pattern selector means is aligned with certain other openings of the master pattern than those illustrated in the Figure 3;

Figure 5 is an enlarged fragmentary detail in front elevation of a portion of the sign, a part of the facing material of the sign having been removed and showing the master pattern means;

Figure 6 is an enlarged and fragmentary sec tion taken on the line 66 of Figure 5, looking in the direction in which the arrows point;

Figure 7 is a front elevation of a modified form of the sign;

Figure 8 is an enlarged detail in elevation having portions broken away, illustrating the movable pattern selector means of that form of the invention disclosed in Figure '7;

Figure 9 is an enlarged fragmentary detail in longitudinal detail taken on the line 3-3 of Figure 7, looking in the direction in which the arrows point;

Figure 10 is a similar view taken along the line 4-4 of Figure 9 and at right angles thereto, showing the master pattern means;

Figure 11 is an enlarged fragmentary detail in elevation of one of the pattern selector means in one stage of adjustment or in one position with respect to the master pattern means, and,

Figure 12 is a similar View showing the pattern selector, as illustrated in Figure 11, in the second or in another stage of its adjusted position with respect to the master pattern means.

Having more particular reference to the drawings, in connection with which like characters of reference will designate corresponding parts throughout, one embodiment of the improved sign, and particularly, that embodiment illustrated in the Figures 1 to 6 inclusive, comprises a sheet-like body portion or face element designated by the numeral I, adapted to be supported in a vertical or near vertical plane by means of arms 2 suitably hinged to the normally rearward side thereof, retainable in their respective operative positions by means of stay pieces 3, also hinged to appropriate portions of the normally rear-ward side of the body I, and having embracing engagement with certain portions of the arms 2, as illustrated in the Figures 1 and 2. Slots are cut in corresponding upper portions of the arms 2 and receive a transversely disposed shelf member 4 therein, by means of which an electric incandescent lamp 5 may be supported in proximity to the rear-ward side of the sign body. Of course, various other modes of supporting the sign body portion I may be substituted for that shown, such as conditions or preference may dic-.

tate.

Formed in the body I are a plurality of series of relative concentrically arranged semi-circularly disposed short slots, the slots of one group of series being collectively identified by the numeral 5, and those of the second group being collectively identified by the numeral I. It will also be noted that the groups of series of slots 8 and I are radially spaced with respect to each other and that those identified by the numeral 6' are alternately positioned with relation to the remaining group and are so formatively arranged as to constitute the word How, or other suitable intelligence, while the group I is formatively arranged to constitute the Word Heres, or other suitable intelligence. Other series of circularly or semicircularly arranged slots 8 and 9 are formed in adjacent portions of the body I, on either side of the intelligence constituting groups 8 and I, and as will be noted, the series 8 aligns with one of the series of slots of the group I, while the series 9 is aligned with one of the series of slots comprehended by the group 6.

If desired, other openings, generally identified by the numeral E8, may be formed in an appropiate portion or portions of the body I, in the shape of arrows or similar devices, for the purpose of increasing the animate effect produced with operation of the improved sign.

A sheet of translucent material, identified by the numeral II, is arranged over the normally outer side of the sign body portion I, as shown in the Figures 1, 3, 4, and 5, the same being secured to adjacent portions of said body by adhesive or some such similar means. In this way, the various slots identified by the numerals 6, I, 8, 9, and I5], are concealed from the View of an observer of the sign, though it is of moment to note at this point, that where a light is directed onto the reverse or normally inner side of the sign body portion I, said openings will then be clearly discernible through the translucent sheet The construction thus far described, and particularly, the intelligence constituting groups of slots 8 and l and the slots 8, 9, and I8, constitute the master pattern means of my improved sign.

Rotatably mounted directly adjacent to the normally inner side of the sign body portion I is a disc-like or circular pattern selector I2, the same being preferably constructed of cardboard or, other suitably stilt material. To effect rotatable mounting of the pattern selector I 2, I engage a bearing sleeve M in a portion of the body I concentrically of the groups of slots 5, "I, 8,

and 9, while another sleeve I5 is concentrically engaged through the pattern selector I2. A stub shaft or similar mounting I8 is rotatably received in the bearing I4 and extends through the sleeve I5, the latter being fixedly connected thereto.

Thus, with rotation of the stub shaft I3, it will be seen that the pattern selector I2 will be moved therewith by and over the inner side of the sign body portion I. A suitable drive (not shown) is adapted to be connected to the shaft I3, whereby rotary motion may be transmitted to it and to the pattern selector I2.

To steady or brace the rotatable selector I2 during its period of rotation, If may and preferably secure an arcuate guide bracket I6 to an appropriate portion of the inner side of the body portion I, said bracket having overlapping engagement with a portion of the pattern selector I2, as shown in the Figures 2, 3, 4, and 5, and by consequence, serving as a means for effectually retaining the selector I2 in direct engagement or contact with the sign body portion I during such rotation.

The selector I2 is formed with groups of series of circularly disposed slots I! and I8, the slots of the series group I I being so arranged that they are radially alternated with respect to the slots of the series group I8. Other and comparatively short semi-circular slots I9 and may be and preferably are formed in portions of the rotatable selector I2, the slot I9 being aligned with certain of the series group I8.

With rotatable mounting of the selector I2 upon the sign body portion I as hereinbefore described, it will be noted on reference to the Figure 3, that the series group of slots I8 will register or become aligned with the series group of slots 6 formed in the body I, during the course of rotary movement of said selector, and that the slots of the series group I1 during further rotation of the selector I2, will register or become aligned with the series group of slots 1 in the body I, as shown, in Figure 4. Since the slot I9 aligns with certain of the series group I! and the slot 28 aligns with certain of the series group I8, it will be understood that during rotation of the selector I2, they will, respectively, register with the series of slots 8 and 9 in the sign body upon either side of the series groups 6 and 1.

Differently or correspondingly colored translucent sheets ZI and 22 are engaged over the slots I! and I9 and I8 and 20 and appropriately secured to adjacent portions of the selector I2 by adhesive or similar means.

If desired, further animation may be accorded the sign by forming arrow-like or otherwise shaped openings, generally designated by the'numeral 23 in the selector I 2, such openings corresponding in shape and size with the openings It hereinbefore referred to, and being substantiallyradially disposed in stepped fashion with respect to the selector I2. Thus, as the selector I2 is rotated, the different groups of openings 23 will be successively registered with the openings III in the sign body portion I. Translucent colored sheets 24 and 25 may be engaged over all or certain of the openings 23, so that as they become successively registered with the openings I0 during rotation of the selector I2, colored effects will be produced to the eye of an observer.

While I have hereinbefore stated that the translucent colored sheets 2|, 22, 24, and 25 are engaged over the openings or slots in the selector I2, it is quite obvious that the arrangement of such colored sheets may be reversed, i. e., that translucent coloring may be presented over those portions or the sheet II- applied to the face side of the sign body portion I directly adjacent the grouped series of circular slots 6, I, 8, and 9, as well as the openings III. Moreover, it is to be understood that the intelligence or advertising constituting grouped series of slots 8 and I may be varied in their placement or positioning upon the sign body portion I, without deviating from the province of my invention; likewise,.that the arrangement or formation of the slots 6, I, 8, and 9 and the openings I0 in the sign body portion I, and the slots and openings II, .I8, .l9, 20,

' and'23, respectively, in the rotatable selector rearwardly of the intelligence constituting groups of slots 6 and 1.

. be projected through the The selector I2 is now caused to rotate in a clock-wise direction at a comparatively slow but steady rate of speed by a motor or other driving means (not shown) connected to the shaft I3. Assuming that the slot 20 is just to one side of the start of the series of slots 8 in the sign, body portion I', with rotation of the selector in the direction indicated, said slot will be successively registered with said openings 8, permitting light rays emitted from the lamp 5 to colored translucent coverings thereof. As rotation of the selector I2 continues, the grouped series of slots I8 therein will be brought into progressive registration with the different successively following letters of the grouped series I, spelling out the word Heres. The over-all lengths of the slots I8 are such that they are greater than the over-all lengths of the grouped series i constituting the word Heres, and by consequence, during the movement of the selector I2 in its rotary path of travel, said slots I8 will be registered with the slots making up the entire grouped series 1. As the slots I8 are successively and finally wholly registered with the grouped series of slots I, light rays emitted from the lamp 5 will be permitted to be projected therethrough, thus, presenting an illuminated sign in form of the word Heres upon the face side of the sign body portion I. The selector I2, being continuously rotated, will have its slots I8 disregistered with respect to jected therethrough, causing the word How upon the body portion I to be illuminated ac cording to the color of the translucent sheet 2| engaged over the slots II. As rotation of the selector 2 continues, the slot I9 will be brought into successive registration with the slot 9 in the sign body portion I, and of course, these latter slots will appear in illuminated form on said body portion I. It will be also understood that during the rotative movement of the selector I2 that the arrow or otherwise shaped openings 23 therein will be successively registered with the correspondingly shaped openings in the body portion I, and light rays from the lamp 5 will be projected therethrough and will be colored according to the color of the translucent sheets 24 and 25 engaged over certain of these openings 23.

The operation of the exhibitor, just described,

will continue, repeating the display of advertising matter or intelligence from the face side of the body portion I. I

In the Figures '7 to 12 inclusive I have shown a modified form of the invention. The exhibitor illustrated in this particular form of the invention is adaptable for usage in presenting certain illustrative data to an observer. It consists of a sign body portion I of rectangular or other shape, adapted to be supported in a vertical or near vertical position by means of arms 2 hinged to its normally rearward'side, which arms are immovably retained in their supporting positions by means of stay pieces 3. The normally rearward ply of the body I has a portion thereof cut away, as indicated by the numeral 25, and the adjacent portion of the remaining ply of the body is formed with semi-circular series of relatively short slots, generally indicated by the numeral 2?, intermediately of which other semi-circular series of short slots, generally indicated by the numeral 23, are formed therein.

A circular or disc-like selector I2 is rotatably mounted adjacent the outer side of the body portion I by means of a stub shaft I3 or like element connected thereto through a fitting I4 and rotatably received through a bearing sleeve I5 provided in an appropriate portion of the body i. A motor or other driving means (not shown) is adapted to be connected to the inner end of the shaft I3, in order that rotary motion may be transmitted to it and to the selector I2.

The diameter of the selector I2 is such that a part thereof will have overlying relationship with that part of the body I having the semi-circularly disposed series of slots 21 and 28 therein.

Aflixed to the normally outer side of the selector I2 is a correspondingly shaped sheet of translucent material 29 having certain characters or figures, such for example as ducks in flight, illustrated in the instant embodiment of the invention and designated by the numeral 30, printed or otherwise presented upon its face, together with semi-circular and clock-wise pointing arrows or like symbols 3i; the Figures 30 being arranged in relatively spaced relation about the selector I2 in proximity to its circumference and the devices 3i being interpositioned with respect thereto.

Substantially segmentally grouped and semicircular series of openings, generally designated by the numeral 32 are formed in parts of the selector I2 directly adjacent and rearwardly of the Figures 30 presented upon the face of the I translucent sheet 29, said openings being preferably covered with suitably shaped pieces of colored translucent material 33 aflixed to the normally rearward and adjacent portion of the selector I2. Other openings, corresponding in size and shape to the openings 32, and designated by the numeral 34, are formed in the selector I2 in proximity to the segmentally grouped semicircular series of openings These latter openings, as will be noted upon reference .to the Figures 8 and 12 are arranged intermediately of certain of the semi-circular series of openings 32. They are covered by a suitably sized and shaped piece of translucent material35 of a color different from that of the translucent material 33.

D1 operation of the form of invention disclosed in the Figures 7 to 12 inclusive, a steady and comparatively slow rotary motion is transmitted to the selector I2 through the shaft I3 connected thereto, causing the said selector to be moved in a clock-wise direction. This movement will cause the Figures presented upon the face of the sheet 29 covering the selector 12 to be moved in an orbital path of travel by the semi-circular series of openings 21 and 28 formed in the sign body portion I adjacent the cut-away part 26. During this orbital movement of the figures 30, it will be appreciated that the grouped and semicircular series of openings 32 formed in the selector l2 directly adjacent each figure, together with their companion openings 34 will be moved over the grouped semi-circular series of openings 21 and 23. During such movement, the openings 32 will be successively registered with the series 7 of openings 21, whereas the series of openings 34 will be successively registered with the series of openings designated by the numeral 28. In this connection, it will be appreciated that because of the mode of arrangement of the openings 34 with respect to the openings 32 in the selector I2, successive registration of said openings 34 with their companionate openings 28 in the body portion I will follow the successive registration of the openings 32 with their respective companionate openings 21. As registration of the openings 32 and 21 and 34 and 28 is effected, light rays emitted from an electric lamp designated for convenience by the numeral 36 and arranged in proximity to the cut-away portion 26 of the exhibitor body I will be projected therethrough. Due to the arrangement of the difierently colored translucent pieces 33 and 35 over their respective openings 32 and 34, different color efiects will be v shown through those portions of the translucent sheet 29 directly over the openings 32 and 34.

The type of changeable or variable exhibitor described in the latter embodiment of the invention is particularly adaptable for usage in depicting or illustrating the comparative striking efiiciencies of the shot or pellets of shot gun shell loads, i. e., the greater number of hits or mathematical chances of hits capable of being effected with a short shot string loaded shell, as compared with that of an ordinary load, or as it may be aptly termed a long shot string load. The effective or hit registering pellets of the difierent types of shot gun shell loads are depicted by the openings 32 upon the selector I2, which register during their orbital path of movement with the grouped semi-circular series of openings 2'3, whereas the ineffective pellets or misses are depicted by the openings 34 in the selector I2 which register with the openings 28 in the sign body I. The hits and the misses are capable of being readily distinguished by an observer of the exhibitor by reason of the different colors of light rays which will be presented upon those portions of the face of the translucent sheet adjacent the openings 32 and 34, which openings, as heretofore stated, are arranged adjacent to the various figures 3 upon the sheet 29 and are so relatively positioned with respect to such figures that the hit depicting openings 32 will be very closely or directly positioned with respect to such figures 38, whereas the openings 34 registering with the openings 28 following registration of the openings 32 with the openings 27, will be so arranged with respect to the figures 30 as to clearly establish the same to an observer as misses.

It will be understood that the modified form of exhibitor may be greatly varied as to its mode of usage; also, that the arrangement of the registering openings 21, 28, 32, and 34 may be greatly changed from that disclosed in the illustrated embodiment without departing from the province of the invention. By the same token, difierent colored effects may be produced upon the face side of the selector 12, by changing the color of the translucent sheets 33 and 35 as desired.

Manifestly, the constructions shown are capable of considerable modification, and such modification as is within the scope of my claims, I consider within the spirit of my invention.

I claim:

1. A changeable exhibitor comprising a master pattern means having a plurality of groups of openings formed therein, the openings of one I of groups of openings formed therein, the openings of one of said groups in said selector means being arranged in planes different to those in which the openings in another group in said selector means are arranged, the openings in said selector means being adapted to be progressively registered with the correspondingly arranged openings of certain of said groups of said openings in said master pattern means and permitting the passage of light rays therethrough during continuous movement of the selector means until all of the registering openings in said master pattern means are in registration and visible and maintaining such registration and visibility for a predetermined period of time during the continuous movement of said selector means.

2. A changeable exhibitor comprising a master pattern means having a plurality of groups of openings therein, the openings of one of said groups in the master pattern means being arranged in plan-es difierent from those in which the openings of another group in said master pattern means are arrangedand a continuously moving selector means co-operatively associated with said master pattern means, said selector means having a plurality of groups of openings of different lengths formed therein, the openings in one of said groups in said selector means being arranged in planes different from those in which the openings of another group in said selector means are arranged, the openings of the different groups in said selector means being adapted to be progressively registered with those openings in said groups in said master pattern means which are located in planes corresponding thereto to permit the passage of light therethrough during continuous movement of said selector means until all of the openings of the registering groups are in registration and visible, and maintaining such registration and visibility for a predetermined period of time during the continuous movement of said selector means.

HARRY V. MARSH.

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