US2510331A - Number or letter carrying device - Google Patents

Description

E. A. CROSBY I NUMBER 0R LETTER CARRYING DEVICE June 6, 1950 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Nov. 8, 1946 PGEA I h ATTY.

INVENTOR.'

C R 03 BY EDWARD A.

June 6, 1950 E. A. CROSBY NUMBER 0R LETTER CARRYING DEVICE 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed NOV. 8, 1946 IN VE N TOR.-

ATTY.

Patented June 6, 1950 TED STATES 6 Claims.

' This invention relates "to an improved "structure s'ystemorinethod'of assembling and holding members "carrying thereon letters, niimbersgdes'igns, symbols "or other characters. Letters, nuinbers'an'd characters; or combinations there- "o'f,ar'e nowused in many places to 'elesignate vari- 'ou'sbb-jects' and 'a'refiis'ed'in" many places "and for many purposes, such as for automobile license ifr'lateahouse "rnnnbers, "street and other signs, 'n'a -mepiates Tor ofiices, "institutions,- estates, "rail- *way cars, etc. Where a large number of similar signs orplates-are-to'be-used, -it -is desirable to have3a-st'rueture -o'f neat-and pleasing-appearance in wh-ich -t he' desired combinations c'an-be*e'as'ily quickly secured and' assembled in-one' unit, saiduifi't prferabl y 'comprising a plate or plates ha ving a fiat surface engaging the supporting faee ena being capable of being easily m'a'intained inproper and per'manent position.

'*It is an object er this invention' to providean 'Xtrein'ely simpleand highly-'eificint asseni'bly 'of numbers letters and other che;x' acte'1'"s which can be asily andquickly put-togetherand-whichivill be able and se'c'urely held in ass'n-rbled kipos' Ion. I

neuter-objector the invention toprov ide 'siic assembly comprising a holder pl'ate arid lie or more character platea said holder plate ri eonstr ueted and arranged toreceive the hai' aeter plats so'that the desired character late or plates may be easily and quickly placed in positfininthe-holder plate-said plates having oojoperating pai ts for holding the same in proper and asserhbled position. Character plates may ea'rr y one or more charactersand'these may be of tlfie' same or- 'dilferent sizes and said holder plate --i's p1 eferably constructed so 'as' 'to fit flat against a supporting surface.

It is a -further object of the invention tapro- -vide a letter; number or symbol assembly device *comprising a holder plate which preferably has -an' outer portion "disposed-in substantially the same plane and which hasembossed or outwardly pressed portions w-ithin'said outer portionforming' 'one or more panels, said panels having a lower substantially horizontal surface having a "-slot extending therethrough, together with a character'plate for each of saidipanels adapted to be brought into po'sition'substantially parallel to said holderplateand in close proximity thereto, said characterplate having a'tongue at its -bottom adapted to be received in said'slot' and "having shoulders adaptedto be supported upon "said horizontal surface; the top portion 'of "said It; is niore specifically an ob'ject of thisfirivten- "tio'n toprevidea letterand/or numberas'sembly "devi6e"comprising"a'holder plate having arr-outer ,p'orti'ondi'sposed substantially inthe "sarnefplane and "having a -"embossed ""dl outwardly pressed portion"foi'mdthere'on within said 'outer portion, "the same "preferably being continuous so as to torn-l" onebr rri'or'e' pane-like partsfeach'of'which has "a 1 lower horizontal surface *with a sliiv'ex- 10 tending Vertically'therethrou'gh' and' transversem fthereef, said li'oldenplate having an epenmg "'the'rethrou'ghadjacent I the *top 6f -ea ch 'df said panel parts, together with a character plate "adapted tocarryletters, nuinbers' or sy in bols, the ea eing of a width to fit in saidpa'nel arts extend thrbtlgh said-openin saidcharacterplatehavin gue t its -bott om'-' adapted to be rec'eived --sai d "slotand h'aving sli oulders at "the side ef said tongue adapted to be supported 1 -saitl lrorizontal 'surrace, the top 6f s'aid character i'iplate being held in pos'itio'r'i by ti-1e top Apart or "said embossed These andbther objects and advantages'of the i n'venti'on will -be fully 'set forth inthe following description made in connection-With the accompanying "drawings in-which like reference charac-tars referto similar- 'parts throughout the several vie'ws and inwhich:

Fig- L is a'viewin front elevation of---thede'vice,

one -charaoter i plate being omitted;

Fig. 2 isa vertical section taken 0I1-"1 l-I1B-2-Z of Fig. 1; E igl 3 is-a'vertical section taken on line 3-3 F'ig. flisa horizontalsection-taken 0111111431 4 of 1; V

Fig. 5iis a view infr'ont elevation of a character. fpla'te used g I V 40 [Fig-'6 is 'a' vrticafse'ction'talinon li'ne"6'fi of Figf'fi;

"Fig. 'T'i's aiparti'al"perspective view of 'a lioldr "fFigfB "is"a"'vertical sectiontakenbn "line ll- 3 oi Fig. 7,"al1"ofSaid'sections'being takenas inditie is a-yiew in front'elevationof a modified fdrrn o he device;

-Fig. '-10is*aview in front "elevation of "another -"-=modi'fication;

Fig. '11 is a perspective view sh'owing -hoyv a "cliaracter plate may be removed and Fig. 12 is 'a-view similar-to view-1 I 'showing 'h ow themharactert plate may 'be s'Wting Out of 17116 charalcterzplatebeing held-in position-by said 'holde'r plate.

en'i'bossectportion.

Referring to the drawings, a device is show'n comprising a plate 20. Said plate will be designated as a holder plate, and while the same could be made in various shapes to suit various conditions, in the embodiment of the invention illustrated it is shown as substantially rectangular with rounded corners. Plate 28 has an outer portion 2% extending thereabout and which is disposed in substantially one plane. A bead 20b is formed in portion 26a and pressed outwardly, the same extending about plate 20 substantially parallel to the edge thereof and being substantially semi-circular in transverse cross section. Plate 26 is shown as having a plurality of holes 290 extending therethrough and while these might be variously disposed they are shown as four in number and located at the corners of the plate within bead 2922. Within the portion 20a, plate 2!] has an embossed or outwardly pressed portion 2lld. While portion 260. might take various forms, in the embodiment of the invention illustrated it is shown as substantially rectangular with slightly rounded corners and the sides thereof are parallel to the edges of plate 20. Portion 20d has narrow side portions 206 between which are narrow intermediate dividing portions 26f. The bottom of portion 2M is also of small transverse dimension vertically and said bottom portion has a top horizontal surface 20g between the portions 2% and 29 in which is formed a slot 20h which extends vertically through said horizontal portion 26in and transversely thereof, said slot being of less length than the distance between the adjacent portions 201 and 20a The top part of embossed portion 20d is shown as of somewhat greater transverse dimension vertically than the bottom portion and apertures 207' are formed in plate 26 immediately below said top portions in the spaces between portions 26c and 20 The portions of plate 20 between the top and bottom parts of portion 20d and between the adjacent portions 29:: and 20 could be designated as panels. These portions 201 are disposed in the same plane as portion 20a. The lower edge of, the top part of portion 28d is pressed outwardly in substantially semi-spherical form so as to constitute a cup-like projection or socket 20k and each of these is located preferably in the center of one of said panels. An aperture 20m, shown as of elongated rectangular form, is formed through plate 20 in each of said panels and said apertures are disposed substantially centrally transversely of each panel.

A number of character plates 2! are provided and these will carry characters, such as numerals, letters or symbols. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated, these plates are shown as carrying numerals Zia, and while these could be variously formed on or attached to the plate, they are shown as being embossed or pressed outwardly therein. E'ach plate 2! is of a width slightly less than the width of one of said panels and is of a length greater than the distance between the horizontal surface 20g and the bottom edge of the top part of portion 26d. Each plate 2! is provided at its bottom with a projecting portion or tongue 2 lb shown as having downwardly sloping sides and as being of considerable less Width than the width of said plate. ,Shoulder portions 210 are thus formed at the bottom of plate 2| at each side of tongue Zlb. Plate 2! adjacent its top edge and preferably centrally thereof is provided with an embossed or outwardly pressed portion or lug 2 id, shown as substantially semi-spherical in shape.

With the described construction plate 20 can be provided with three of the plates 2! and an assembly is produced forming a sign, marker or other designation for the particular object to be marked. Any three digit number can be produced and any three part combination of letters, numbers or symbols. Plate 2| will have its top portion inserted through aperture 297' from the front of plate 26 and plate 2| will then be swung toward plate 263 at its lower portion and brought into position substantially parallel to plate 20. Tongue 2lb will be inserted in the slot 2071. and the shoulders 2 ie will then rest on surface 21in at each end of slot 20h. The lug 2ld on plate 2| will now fit into the socket 20k on plate 20, as clearly shown in Fig. 2. This will prevent lifting or upward movement and removal of. plate 2|. Many automobiles are stolen and the license numbers changed. The lug and socket structure will make it difiicult to remove and change the numbers. Plate 2| is now nicely disposed in plate 20 and will be held snugly therein. When the device is thus assembled it can be attached to the article, structure or object to be marked by being placed thereagainst and held by fastening means. such as nails or screws inserted through openings 2G0.

In Fig. 9 a plate 25 is shown of elongated rectangular form with rounded corners and this plate has an outer portion 25a extending thereabout which is disposed in substantially one plane. This portion has a bead 25b similar to bead 20b extending thereabout and substantially parallel to the edge of plate 25. Holes 250 for attaching means are formed through plate 25 and are shown as disposed at the corners thereof within bead 25b. Plate 25 has an embossed or outwardly pressed portion 2511 within portion 25a, which embossed portion has side parts 25a of narrow transverse dimension and has bottom and top parts 25f and 259 respectively. Portion 25f has a top horizontal surface in which is formed a slot similar to slot 2% already described. An aperture 257' is formed through plate 25 immediately below the portion 25g, which aperture extends between parts 25e. The bottom part of portion 259 is pressed outwardly to form a semi-spherical cup-like projection 25h. An aperture 25m, similar to aperture 20m, is shown and this extends through the portion 252 of plate 25, which is disposed between portions 25c and between top and bottom portions 25 and 25g. The number plate 2i is used with plate 25 and it will be inserted and held therein in the same manner as already described with plate 20. The plate 2-5 can be used where only one numeral, letter or symbol is desired in the device.

In Fig. 10 an elongated plate 28 is shown and this has an outer portion 28a extending thereabout and disposed in one plane within which is formed an outwardly projecting bead 28b extending parallel to the edge of plate 28, which bead is similar to bead 2% already described. Plate 28 is also shown as substantially rectangular in form with rounded corners. An embossed or outwardly pressed portion 280 is formed in plate 28 and this has vertically spaced side parts 28d of narrow transverse dimension, a bottom part 28e of small transverse dimension vertically, a top part 23 having a transverse dimension vertically somewhat larger than bottom portion 286. Portion 280 also has spaced horizontally extending portions 26g. Bottom portion 286 and portions 289 have top horizontal surfaces 28h in which are formed slots similar to slot 26h. The bottom edge partlofiportions. 28; and ztgarelprovidedlwith outwardly'pressed semi-spherical projections 281 similar to projectionsstlctandwith. Plate 28 also has pertures 287' extending. therethrough immediately same. plane as outer portion 28a. P1ate28 is also provided with holes-2811. at its top andbottom through which fastening means will extend. Characterplates 2 will be used with plate 23 and these willbe inserted in said plate in the same manner as alreadydescribed in connection with plate 20. Plate 28 is used w-here it is-desired or more convenient to have the numerals, letters or symbols arranged vertical-1y. Such a plate could be used wheira device is used on poles, such as telegraph or telephone poles, or when some vertically elongated object is to be marked. There is often not room on buildings, panels and other structures for a wide plate such as plate is.

When the device is 'removed from its support and it is desirable to remove the character plate therefrom, this can be done as illustrated in Figs. 1-1 and 12. The 'clevice can be held in one hand and-character plate 2| can be pushed upwardly by a tool-or implement 29 held in the other hand of the operator and pressed against the bottom of. tongue Z-ib. When said tongue is moved through slotfZflh or similar slot, the implement 2-9 can then bein'serted through aperture 25m or a similar aperture and plate 2| pushed-forwardly, as shown in Fig. 12. Plate 2| can then beea'sily withdrawn from openin '2 57' or a similar opening From the above description it will be seen that [have provided a simple, improved and highly efiicientLletter, number orsymbol assembly device.

which can be used 'for marking, naming or designating various objects, buildings and other structu'res' and various armies. The device can also form an efficient sign. The desired designation can be easily and quickly formed, whether it be oneletter, number or symbol, or a plurality of the same. Obviously various combinations/of letters, numbers and symbols can, be easily formed. When the device is secured against the surf-aceof the object, theholder plate fits closely against the surface-around its entire edge portion. A tight fit can thus be had which willexclude water, snow, insects, etc.

The present device is an improvement on that shown in applicants Patent No. 2,342,847, granted February 29, 1944. The present device, as stated, gives a tight fit against the supporting surface and an eflicient seal can thus be had entirely around the holder plate. The present device is also of easier manufacture than that shown in the said patent. The bead on the holder plate can be made continuous and this gives a much better looking device. It is not necessary to have any opening extend through the horizontal portion of the top part of the embossed portion of the holder plate. It will be noted that opening 201 and the corresponding openings in the other modifications extend only through the part of the holder plate which is in the same plane as the outer portion thereof. The present structure is quite an improvement on that shown in the said patent and constitutes a distinct advance in the art.

The device is particularly adapted for automobile license plates, house numbers, street desigcan be quickly and easily assembled to. give the desired combination. The characters on the character plates can be. paintedor coated as desired and the surface ofthe holder plate will be suitably painted,- enameled or coated to give a pleasing effect. It will often be desirable to have'the letter, number or symbol on the character plate of -a color contrasting to that of the holder plate. The beads 29b, 25b and 28b are of greater-height than the embossed portions so-that water can drip therefrom outwardly of the character plates and embossed portions. The parts of the-device "can beeasily, simply and quickly made and thol'device is admirably suited for mass production. The=device has been amply demonstrated in actual 'practice and found to be very successful and efiicient.

It will of course be understood that --various changes may be made -in the 'form,'details arrangement-and proportions of the parts, without departing froin the scope of applicants invention, which generally stated, consists in a devicec-apable of carrying out the objects above setforth, in the parts and-combinations of parts disclosed and defined in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1'. A number or letter carrying device having in combination, aholder plate having an outer portion extending thereabout disposed substantially in one plane, a portion embossed to extend outwardly Within said outer portion, 'and'a portion within said embossed portion disposed subs'tantially in'said "plane so that said embossed portion is of comparatively small transverse dimension the bottom part'o'f said embossed portion having a substantially horizontal surface with a narrow slot extending transversely thereof and vertically therethrough, said plate-having an opening 'therethroughadjacent the top of said last mentioned portion and a rigid character plate of-longer dimension than the distance between said top surface and the top of said opening, said character platebeing off smaller transverse dimension than said opening and-having a tongue at its lower end of less Width than the width thereof thus forming shoulders at the sides of said tongue, said character plate being adapted to be inserted through said opening at an angle to said holder plate and then moved into substantially parallel relation to said holder plate and closely adjacent said last mentioned portion and moved downwardly to bring said tongue into position in said slot with said shoulders supporting said plate on said horizontal surface and the top of said plate held by the top part of said embossed portion.

2. The structure set forth in claim 1, said holder plate having an outwardly pressed portion adjacent said opening and said character plate having an outwardly pressed portion adjacent its top adapted to fit in said last mentioned portion so that said character plate can be disposed in the rear of said last mentioned embossed portion.

3. A number or letter carrying device having in combination, a plate of general rectangular form having an outer portion extending thereabout and disposed in substantially one plane, an outwardly embossed portion within said outer portion having outer sides substantially parallel to the sides of paid plate and a third portion within said embossed portion disposed substantially in said plane and having its sides parallel respectively to the sides of said plate whereby said embossed portion forms a rectangular frame of comparatively small transverse dimension, said embossed portion having a top horizontal surface at its bottom portion with a narrow slot extending transversely therethrough, said plate having an opening extending therethrough adjacent the top of said third portion, and a rigid character plate of less width than the width of said opening and of greater length than the distance between said horizontal surface and the top of said opening, said character plate having a tongue formed at its bottom of less width than said character plate thus forming shoulders at its sides whereby said character plate can be inserted through said opening and then brought into position substantially parallel to said holder plate and substantially against said third portion and said tongue disposed in said slot so that said character plate is supported on said horizontal surface and its upper end is disposed in the rear of the top part of said embossed portion.

4. A number or letter carrying device having in combination, a holder plate having an outer portion extending thereabout disposed substantially in one plane and having a portion embossed to extend outwardly within said outer portion, said embossed portion having spaced side portions of narrow width and top and bottom portions of comparatively small transverse dimension thus leaving a panel portion within said embossed portion disposed in substantially the same plane as said outer portion, said holder plate having an opening therethrough extending across said panel portion adjacent the top thereof, said bottom portion having a top surface with a narrow slot extending therethrough and transversely thereof and a character plate bearing a character thereon and of less width than said panel portion and having a tongue at its bottom of less Width than said character plate whereby said character plate can have its upper end passed through said opening, then moved into position substantially parallel to said holder plate and 56 lowered to dispose said tongue in said slot so as to rest on said top surface and be held in the rear of said top portion of said embossed portion at its upper end and be disposed in said embossed portion above said panel portion.

5. The structure set forth in claim 4, said holder plate having a bead pressed outwardly therefrom in said outer portion extending thereabout between said embossed portion and the edge of said holder plate, said bead being of greater height than said embossed portion.

6. A number r letter carrying device having in combination, a holder plate having an outer portion extending thereabout disposed substantially in one plane and having a portion embossed to extend outwardly within said outer portion, said embossed portion having spaced side portions of narrow width and top and bottom portions of comparatively small transverse dimension, and also having spaced vertically extending portions extending between said top and bottom portions thus leaving panel portions between said side portions and vertically extending portions and between said top and bottom portions disposed in substantially the same plane as said outer portion, said bottom portion having top horizontal surfaces with slots extending therethrough and transversely thereof centrally of said panel portions, respectively, said panelportions each having an opening extending therethrough throughout the width thereof and adjacent the tops thereof and a character plate for each of said panel portions bearing a character thereon and of less width than said panel portion and having a tongue at its bottom of less width than said character plate whereby said character plate can have its upper end passed through one of said openings, then moved into position substantially parallel to said holder plate and substantially against the front of said panel and lowered to dispose said tongue in one of said slots so as to rest on said top surface and be held in the rear of said top portion, or one of said transverse portions.

EDWARD A. CROSBY.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,547,120 Hamilton July 21, 1925 2,342,847 Crosby Feb. 29, 1944

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