US2417122A - Wind operated rotatable sign - Google Patents

Description

March 11, 1947.

Filed Nov. 8, 1944 2 Sheets-Sheet l JT Peamswz IN VEN TOR.

March l1, 1947.

J. J. PEARSON WIND OPERATED ROTATABLE SIGN Filed Nov. 8. 1944 a .sheets-sheet 2 y '.ZVW;Z.'

IN V EN TOR.

BY v

Patented Mar. 11,1947

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 3 Claims.

The device forming the subject matter of this application is a sign, and one object of the invention is to provide a novel alternating arrangement, vertically considered, of fixed and rotatable display members, the rotatable members being mounted to turn in opposite directions, responsive to the wind, about a vertical axis.

Another object of the invention is to improve the construction of the xed and rotatable members and the means for mounting them.

Another object of the invention is to supply a device of the class described, which will provide a large amount of advertising space, capable of being viewed from any point of the compass.

Within the scope of what is claimed, the structure described and shown may be changed, without departing from the spirit of the invention.

In the accompanying drawings:

Fig. 1 shows in top plan, a device constructed in accordance with the invention;

Fig. 2 is a side elevation wherein parts are shown in section.

In carrying out the invention, there is supplied a vertical post P, comprising a tubular standard I having its foot mounted in a foundation 2. At its upper end, the standard I carries a xed, annular head 3. The numeral 4 designates a iixed, vertical, hollow shaft, having its lower end received in the standard I, the shaft being connected to the standard as indicated at 5.

The device includes a fixed lower member 6, which is horizontally disposed. The fixed lower member 6 comprises a loop-shaped body 1 of considerable height, and capable of affording advertising space. A- brace block 8 is secured at 9 within the body 1, midway between the ends of the body. The shaft 4 passes through the brace block 8, and the securing elements 9 which hold the brace block in the body 1 also connect the xed, elongated lower member 6 to the shaft 4, the lower member resting on the head 3 and on the upper end of the standard I. At its ends, the body 1 of the fixed lower member 6 is equipped with outstanding hangers I0, whereon pendants II, preferably of cylindrical form, are pivotally suspended.

The fixed lower member 6 supports a lower rotor I2 for turning Vmovement about a vertical axis. The lower rotor I2 comprises a, hub I4, rotatably mounted on the shaft 4,- the inner ends of arms I being secured to the hub, the arms being radially disposed. There are upper arms and lower arms I5, the outer ends of the upper arms being connected by a ring I6, and the outer ends of the lower arms being connected by a ring I1. Vanes I8 are secured between the arms I5 and are so pitched, horizontally, that, receiving the wind, they will cause the lower rotor I2 to rotate about a vertical axis.

A fixed upper member I9 is provided, and is disposed at right angles to the xed lower member Ii. The xed upper member I9 is constructed like the xed lower member 6, parts already described being designated by numerals hereinbefore used, but primed in connection with the fixed upper member. The fixed upper member I9 is disposed directly above the rotatable lower member I2.

Above the xed upper member I9 is located a rotatable upper member 2D, constructed like the lower rotatable member I2.` Numerals used in connection with the rotatable lower member I2 have been primed in connection with the rotatable upper member 28. The vanes I8 of the rotatable upper member 2l) are so pitched that the upper member will rotate in a direction opposite to that in which the lower member rotates.

The upper rotatable member or rotor 2D is held on the shaft 4 for rotation, through the instrumentality of a cap 2| threaded on the shaft.

The rings IS' and I1 of the upper rotor 2I carry upstanding angle brackets 22, to which is secured an annulus 23, of such height as to afford plenty ofspace for advertising material.

Anti-friction bearings 24 may be employed, wherever necessary,

The annular head 3 of the standard I carries a nipple 25, through which extend conductors 2B, electrically connected to lamps 21 on the sides of the fixed members 6 and I9. There may be as many or as few of the aforesaid lights 21 as desired, and they maybe located as preferred. Any suitable means may be supplied whereby the rotors I2 and 2l) may rotate and still have electrical current fed to them through the conductors 25. That is an electricians detail forming no part of the present application.

Advertising or display material may be placed on the xed lower member 5, on the lower rotor I2, on the fixed upper member I9, on the upper rotor 2l), and on the annulus 23. The pendants I I also make advertising or display material.

Both sides of the fixed lower member 6, and the ends thereof are available for advertising or display material, and the same observation holds true with respect to the fixed upper member IS. The vanes I8 and I3', of the rotatable members I2 and 20, respectively, may carry advertising material or the like, which will be displayed as the rotors turn, responsive to the action of the wind Wm uw upon them. The effectiveness of the display is promoted, also, by reason of the fact that the lower member 6 and the upper member I9 are arranged at right angles to each other, in the form of a cross.

4. bodying radiating arms secured to the post, upper and lower display rotors journaled on the post, the lower rotor being disposed between the xed members, and the upper rotor being disposed above the upper xed member, and oppositelypitched varies incorporated in the rotors whereby the rotors will be Wind-impelled ito turn in opposite directions.

2. A sign constructed as set forth in claim 1, in combination with display pendants suspended from the outer ends of the xed members and spaced horizontally from the outer ends of the fixed members.

3. A sign constructed as set forth in claim 1, in combination with a display annulus mounted on the upper portion of the upper rotor and upstanding therefrom.

JAMES J. PEARSON.

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