US2787433A

US2787433A - Self-stopping hinged sign

Info

Publication number: US2787433A
Application number: US437741A
Authority: US
Inventors: Robert J Slavsky; John R Slavsky
Original assignee: Shaw and Slavsky Inc
Current assignee: Shaw and Slavsky Inc
Priority date: 1954-06-18
Filing date: 1954-06-18
Publication date: 1957-04-02
Anticipated expiration: 1974-04-02

Description

April 1957 R. J. sLAvskY ETAL I 2,787,433

SELF-STOPPING HINGED SIGN Filed June 18, 1954 'INVENTOR. RoBEm' J. smvsKY,

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; ATTaR/(EY nited States Patent O SELF-STOPPIN G HIN GED SIGN Robert J. Slavsky and John R. Slavsky, Detroit, lVlich., assignors to Shaw and Slavsky, Inc., Detroit, Micln, a corporation of Michigan Application June 18, 1954, Serial No. 437,741

1 Claim. (Cl. 248-204) The present invention pertains to a novel self-stopping hinged sign for use particularly in super markets.

It has become customary to attach advertising matter to the forward edges of shelves in the markets in such manner as to extend into the aisles. It has been found however that such material is frequently struck inadvertently by customers moving in the aisles, resulting in mutilation of the advertising matter or throwing it to the floor. The principal object of this invention is to provide a projecting sign which, although struck in the manner described, will yield temporarily and then return to its original position. For this purpose a spring hinge is provided in the sign, and in this connection another object of the invention is to provide such a hinge that does not permit the sign to swing back and forth indefinitely after being struck.

More particularly the invention provides a stop mechanism for the sign as it returns or springs back after being displaced in either direction. In the accomplishment of the stated objects, a clamp is attached to the forward edge of the shelf, and a sign frame is attached to the clamp by a vertical hinge pin. Two springs are coiled respectively in opposite directions on the hinge pin and are formed with outwardly projecting ends. One end of each spring bears against the clamp but respectively in opposite rotary directions and the remaining ends bear against the sign frame and also respectively in opposite directions of rotation. The latter ends are not secured to the sign frame. When the frame is pushed in either direction it pushes against one of these ends to tension the corresponding spring and moves idly away from the other of these ends. When the sign springs back, it strikes the last named end, which now serves as a stop to reduce the oscillation of the frame as it comes to rest. This action occurs on striking the sign frame from either side.

A further object of the invention is to provide in such an assembly a clamp that does not shift under repeated impact on the sign frame. The forward edge of the shelf carries a price tag molding that extends beyond the bottom of the shelf. The clamp, although designed to engage both surfaces of the shelf, is formed with a drop that makes lengthwise engagement with the lower projected edge of the molding. This longitudinal engagement serves as a brace against shifting of the clamp under the conditions described.

The invention is fully disclosed by way of example in the following description and in the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is an elevation of the device, showing a conventional shelf and price tag molding in section;

Figure 2 is a plan view;

Figure 3 is a section on the line 3-3 of Figure l, and

Figure 4 is a section on the line 4-4 of Figure 1.

Reference to these views will now be made by use of like characters which are employed to designate corresponding parts throughout.

In Figure 1 is shown a shelf clamp having a vertical side 1 and upper and lower sides 2 and 3 adapted to receive the shelf 4 between them. The upper side 2 engages the upper surface of the shelf and has a transverse n'b 2 for gripping. The lower side 3 terminates in a lip 5 through which is passed a screw 6 for bearing against the lower surface of the shelf.

To the forward edges of the shelf is secured a price tag molding 7 having its lower edge 8 exposed below the bottom surface of the shelf in the customary manner. The lower side 3 of the clamp has a drop 9 which engages the edge 8 lengthwise. The clamp is of substantial width along the edge 9 and thus makes a substantial line contact with this edge, whereby shifting of the clamp under impact against the printed sign frame is prevented.

To the side 1 is secured a bracket 10 having upper and lower lugs 11 and 12 alined vertically. A similar bracket 13 has its

lugs

14 and 15 attached to the lugs 11, 12 by a hinge pin 16. The bracket 13-15 carries a sign frame 17 of channel section with a slot 18 in the upper side for insertion of a sign card 19.

Around the ends of the hinge pin 16 are coiled wire springs 20 and 21 in directions opposite to each other. A spacer sleeve 22 surrounds the hinge pin between the springs. Each spring has one

end

23 and 24 bearing against the bracket with tension in opposite directions [respectively because of the opposite winding of the springs. These ends are not secured to the bracket. The

remaining ends

25 and 26 bear against the bracket 10 with respectively opposed pressures. These ends remain constantly in contact with the bracket 10.

When the frame is swung in either direction by impact, it pushes against one of the

ends

23, 24 and tensions the corresponding spring. At the same time the bracket 13 moves away from the other end, 23, 24 with no action on the corresponding spring. When the impact force is removed, the tensioned spring throws the bracket 13 and frame 17 toward its neutral position and into contact with the previously

disengaged end

23 or 24. This end serves as a stop which rapidly dampens the vibration or oscillation of the sign frame, as distinguished from the prolonged oscillation that would occur if a single spring were used.

A freely oscillating sign could not be easily read by the customer. His attention would be attracted by the oscillation rather than the subject matter of the sign. This result is avoided by the quick stopping of the sign in the manner set forth.

Although a specific embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described, it will be understood that various alterations in the details of construction will be made without departing from the scope of the invention as indicated by the appended claim.

What we claim is:

In a self-stopping double swinging hinged sign, a bracket of strap metal formed with a horizontal top member, a vertical side member and a horizontal bottom member, the latter having an apertured portion which is spaced horizontally remote from the side member and is also offset to be well above the lower end of the side member, a vertical clamping screw threaded into and through the aperture of said portion and having a clamping tip on its upper end and a handle on its lower end, a sign frame, and two C-shaped hinge forming members between the bracket side and a vertical side of the frame for hingedly connecting the bracket and the frame, the C-shaped hinge-forming members being formed of strap metal and having their intermediate vertical sides welded respectively to the vertical sides of the bracket and sign frame, and having two pairs of horizontal top and bottom parts in overlapping relation, a hinge pin passing through both pairs of said parts, two oppositely torsion type springs .on said pin each having its two free endsbearing against the vertical sides of the hinge-forming members, and a spacer sleeve between the springs.

References Cited in the file of this patent I.

UNITED STATES PATENTS I 273,653 Whissemore Mai, 6, 1883 724,039 Peterkin Mar. 31, 1903 901,648

Rodgers Oct. 20, 1908 Winter Oct. 31, 1916 Newman Nov. 20, 1923 Hastings Sept. 9, 1924 Kimbrough Sept. 21, 1926 Aufenast Oct. 11, 1927 Hiering July 5, 1932 Glasgow Feb. 21, 1939 Black Oct. 17, 1950 Anderson Feb. 10, 1953