US3105315A - Illuminated display or advertising device - Google Patents

Description

Oct. 1, 1963 G. E. SNETHEN 3,105,315

ILLUMINATED DISPLAY 0R ADVERTISING DEVICE Filed Nov. 14, 1960 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 FIG. I

ENTOR George E. Sue/hen BY awmum ATTORNEY 0 t. 1', 1963 I G. E. SNETHEN ILLUMINATED DISPLAY OR ADVERTISING DEVICE Filed Nov. 14, 1960 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 ATTORNEY George ef/ren ilnited rates Fascist 3,195,315 ILLUB'IINATED DISPLAY GR ADVERTISIIJG DEVICE George .s. Snethen, P). Box 95, Suiphnr, @hia. Fiied Nov. 14, 196i Ser. No. 69,115 1 Qatar. (Ci. 4e 77) The present invention relates to display and advertising devices.

An object of the invention is to provide an illuminated display or advertising device for outdoor use in towns and the like and capable of supporting a large number of cards or advertisements in readily viewable positions, adequately illuminated and protected from the elements.

Another important object of the invention is to provide an advertising device or post which is manually revolvable upon its support standard, so that a prospective customer may conveniently view all of the advertisements carried by the device while standing in one position.

Another object of the invention is to provide in a device of the above-mentioned character means for supporting a multiplicity of advertisements or the like which may be written or printed upon standard size government post cards.

Still another object of the invention is to provide an outdoor advertising apparatus of simplified design, economical to manufacture, sturdy and durable, very easy to maintain, and readily movable from place-to-place when desired.

Still another object of the invention is to provide an advertising device of the above-mentioned character which may be rolled upon its side.

Another object is to provide novel and simplified door or closure means for a device of the mentioned character.

Gther objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent during the course of the following description.

In the accompanying drawings forming a part of this application and in which like numerals are employed to designate like parts throughout the same,

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of an advertising and display device according to the invention,

FIGURE 2 is an enlarged central vertical section taken on line 2-2 of FIGURE 1,

FIGURE 3 is an enlarged horizontal section taken on line 3-3 of FIGURE 1,

FIGURE 4 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical section taken on line 4-4 of FIGURE 1,

FIGURE 5 is an enlarged fragmentary horizontal section taken on line 5-5 of FIGURE 1,

IGURE 6 is a similar section taken on line 66 of FIGURE 1,

FIGURE 7 is a perspective view of hinged closure or door means removed,

FIGURE 8 is a horizontal section taken on line 38 of FIGURE 2.

In the drawings, wherein for the purpose of illustration is shown a preferred embodiment of the invention, the numeral 14} designates a circular base formed of molded concrete or the like and provided upon its periphery with a metal band or tire 11, suitably rigidly secured thereto. Permanently anchored to the base 10 centrally is a short upstanding sleeve 12 having anchoring means 13 embedded within the concrete base 19 as shown in FIGURE 2. The upstanding sleeve 12 receives within it telescopically and detachably a relatively long vertical tubular post or standard 14 which may conveniently comprise a section of pipe of the desired length. The lower end of the tubular post 14 is secured rigidly within the sleeve 12 by through bolt means :15, as shown.

A preferably hexagonal display housing structure 16 is mounted rotatably upon the upper portion of the vertical post 14 as shown in the drawings. This housing structure ice 15 comprises preferably six integrally joined vertical side wall portions 17 of equal area, each being rectangular and vertically elongated. A bottom horizontal hexagonal wall 18 for the housing structure is provided, and secured by welding or the like to the lower edges of the side wall portions 17. The hexagonal bottom wall 18 preferably has its margin projecting slightly outwardly of the side wall sections 17, as shown at 19 in FIGURE 2. A top circular horizontal wall 2%) for the housing structure '16 is provided, and rigidly secured by welding or the like at 21 to the tops of side wall portions 17. The circular margin of the top wall 29 extends radially beyond the side wall portions 17 for a considerable distance to form overhanging annular eaves 22 about the top of the hexagonal housing structure.

The top and bottom walls 26) and 13 of the housing structure are mounted rotatably upon the vertical post 14 by central axially aligned sleeve extensions or bearings 23 and 24, projecting upwardly and downwardly respectively from the walls 26 and 18. The sleeve extensions 23 and 24 are rigidly secured to the walls 26 and 18 by welding or the like.

Below the sleeve extension 24 and slidably abutting the same is a short sleeve 2.5,serving as a thrust bearing and secured rigidly to the post 14, as by a through bolt 25. The sleeve 25 is adapted to support the full weight of the housing structure 16- transmitted through the lower sleeve or bearing 24. Rigidly secured to the fixed sleeve 25 are radial circumferentially spaced vertical gussets 27, carrying at their outer end portions a horizontal annular fiat ring 23, rigid therewith, as shown. The outside diameter of the horizontal ring 28 is preferably equal to the outside diameter of the base It) to facilitate rolling the advertising device without damaging it, when the same is laid upon its side. The ring 28 also serves as a convenient table for writing advertisement cards or the like which are to be placed in the card holding means of the advertising device. The ring .28 may also be grasped to facilitate rolling the device in an inclined position upon the band or tire 11. The inside diameter of the ring 28 preferably coincides with the width of the housing structure 16 across corners, as best indicated in FIGURE 1.

With continued reference to the drawings, and FIG- URES 4 through 6 in particular, each rectangular side wall portion 17 or panel of the hexagonal housing structure 16 carries upon its outer face a plurality of horizontal equidistantly vertically spaced card holding channels 2%, adapted to receive and hold a plurality of relatively small advertisement cards 30 or the like in each one thereof. Each card holding channel 29 of each side wall portion 17, FIGURE 4, is spaced slightly forwardly of the side wall portion 17 by a spacer strip 31, suitably rigidly secured to the outer face of side wall portion 17 and to the rear face of the adjacent channel 29. By virtue of this arrangement, upper and lower horizontal grooves 32 and 33 are provided adjacent the top and bottom of each channel 29, and between the back of the channel and the side wall portion 17. The vertical spacing of the channels 29 is such, FIGURE 4, that a plurality of advertisement cards 34 or the like, such as standard size government post cards, may be placed upon the forward face of side wall portion 17 with their upper and lower edges engaged in the grooves 32 and 33 of adjacent vertically spaced channels 29.

It may now be understood that by virtue of the arrangement above-described in connection with FIGURE 4, a large number of small and large advertising cards or the like may be mounted upon the outer face of each side wall portion 17 of the hexagonal rotatable housing structure 16. A plurality of the smaller cards 30 are insertab le within each channel 2h, and a plurality of the larger cards are correspondingly insertable within the grooves 32 and 33 afforded by the lower and upper edge portions of each adjacent pair of the channels 29 upon the particular side wall portion 17. Consequently, as many as 1% or more advertisement cards or the like may be displayed at one time upon the six panels of the hexagonal housing structure 16.

it may be mentioned here that material other than advertising material may be displayed by the device if desired; Picture cards, public notices, political material and the like may be displayed with facility by the device. If desired, one panel 17 or a portion thereof may be reserved for cards or strips stating the location of other advertising devices according to the invention throughout a city or territory. Any desired reading material whatsoever may be displayed by. the device, as should be obvious.

Transparent weather-tight closure means for the exterior of the hexagonal housing structure 16 is provided. Such means comprises a pair only of three sided identical doors 35 and 36, which together in closed relation, P G- URE 1, constitute a hexagonal weather-proof side enclosure for the housing structure 16. As shown in the drawings, each door 35 and 36 comprises three rigidly connected angulariy disposed vertically elongated rectangular panels of equal area, each bounded by a rectangular frame 37. Within each frame 37 is a transparent panel 38 of glass, plexiglass, or some other suitable transparent plastics material. As shown in FIGURES and 6, each frame 37 is grooved at 39 to receive and anchor the marginal edge portions of the transparent panel 38. The frames 37 of adjacent panels of each door 35 and 36 are rigidly interconnected in any suitable manner.

Corresponding edges of the doors 35 and 36 carry interfitting hinge knuckles 49, receiving therethrough a long vertical pintle 41, having its upper and lower ends 42 and 43 anchored within openings formed through the top wall 24) and bottom wall 18 as best shown in FIG- URE 2. The assemblage of hinge knuckles 4t} constitutes a long vertical piano-type hinge for the pair of horizontally swingable three sided doors 35 and 36. The vertical edges of the doors 35 and 36 remote from the hinge structure carry suitable apertured l-ug means 44 to facilitate securing the doors in closed positions as by bolt means 45. The apertured lugs 44 may also receive a padlock or the like if desired. When the doors are fully closed, FIGURE 1, they directly overlie and completely enclose the side wall portions 17 of the housing structure 16 and protect the same and the advertising cards carried thereby from the elements. The inner faces of the frames 37 may substantially abut or contact the outer faces of the channels 29 when the doors are closed as indicated in FIGURES 5 land 6. The transparent panels 38 are spaced slightly from the channels 29 as indicated in FIG- URES 5 and 6 when the doors are closed. The upper and lower edges of the doors 35 and 36 fit snugly against the top wall 29 and bottom wall 18 as best shown in FEGURE 2. The marginal edge of the bottom wall 18 coincides with or is flush with the outer faces of the doors 3'5 and 35.

As shown in the drawings, the frames 37 of the doors are provided near the vertical center of the housing structure =16 with handles 46 rigid therewith to facilitate revolving the housing structure 16 upon the vertical post 14 and to aid if desired in manipulating the doors.

With continued reference to the drawings, the circular top wall of housing structure 16 carries an upturned marginal flange 47 integral therewith, receiving telescopically and detachably thereover a preferably conically tapered roof 4% having a downturned annular flange 49 engaging outwardly of the flange 47 and detachably rigidly secured thereto at 50. The pitched roof 48 will of course shed water and the overhanging eaves 22 serve to further protect the panels 38 from the elements. The

4.- roof 48 has a top central opening defined by a short upstanding annular sleeve 51, receiving telescopically over it a transparent or translucent preferably spherically shaped globe 52, which may be colored if preferred. Set screw means 53 are provided as shown, for detachably securing the globe 52 rigidly to the roof 43.

Freferably three horizontal circumferentially equidistantly spaced arms 54 extend radially from the top of the post is and are rigidly secured thereto in any suitable manner. The outer recessed end portions 55 of these arms 54 are adapted to support a large annular fluorescent light 56 or the like, beneath the roof 4% and in substantial vertical alignment with the side wall portions 17. The flight 55 is powered by a wire 57 which may conveniently extend through the tubular post 14 and out through a small opening 58 formed therein somewhere between the base 19 and the bottom of the housing structure. The wire 57 may extend to any convenient electrical outlet, not shown.

immediately below the annular fluorescent light tube 56, the housing structure top wall 2t} is provided adjacent each vertical wall portion 17 with an elongated rectangular opening 59, FIGURE 8, to facilitate illuminating the adjacent side wall portion 17 with light emitted from the annular tube 55. Light from the tube 56 will also serve to illuminate the globe 52. The openings 59 are disposed just outwardly of the side wall portion 17 as shown in FIGURE 8 to illuminate the outer faces of the same and the advertising cards carried thereby.

In the light of the foregoing description, the operation or use of the device, its maintenance, portability, erection and dismantling should be quite obvious to anyone skilled in the art, and no further description is deemed to be necessary. The device is capable of serving a wide variety of uses for displaying various types of material, although it is contemplated to employ the device primarily for selling and advertising in small towns adjacent to rural areas and the like.

As should now be obvious, during the use of the apparatus, the housing structure 16 and all parts associated therewith including the roof structure may rotate upon the post 14 which is stationary. The light tube 56 also remains stationary as does the ring 28.

It is to be understood that the form of the invention herewith shown and described is to be taken as a preferred example of the same, and that various changes in the shape, size and arrangement of parts may be resorted to, without departing from the spirit of the invention or scope of the subjoined claim.

Having thus described my invention, I claim:

A display or advertising apparatus capable of exhibiting a large number of separate advertising cards comprising a weighted broad substantially fiat faced base member to rest upon the ground, an upright tubular post of substantial height anchored to and extending above the base member, an annular horizontal table member secured rigidly to the post intermediate its ends and spaced a substantial distance above the base member and having a central sleeve part surrounding the post snugly and fixed thereto to form a thrust bearing on said post, a vertically elongated hollow closed housing which is substantially hexagonal in cross section and having top and bottom Walls and equally sized rectangular side wall portions, axially aligned sleeve elements secured to the top and bottom walls of the housing and projecting above and below the same respectively and receiving the upper portion of the post telescopically and rotatably, said lower sleeve clement slidably engaging the top of said central sleeve part and resting upon the same, said sleeve part bearing the weight of said housing, said housing having a horizontal width across corners approximating the internal diameter of the annular table member, said table member extending radially outwardly of the housing near and below the bottom wall thereof, each rectangular side wall portion of said housing having mounted on the outer face thereof a plurality of equidistantly vertically spaced thin horizontal channel members of relatively shallow height each adapted to slidably receive a plurality of small display cards in end-to-end horizontally extending relation, spacer rneans intermediate each channel member and side wall portion forming with the back wall of each channel memher and the adjacent side wall portion grooves which extend horizontally at the top and bottom of each channel member and inwardly thereor" for the reception of bottom and top edges respectively of additional display cards on the outer face of each side Wall portion, the vertical distances between said channel members being considerably greater than the height of each channel member, whereby said additional display cards may be substantially larger in height than the cards exhibited by the channel members and a multiplicity of relatively large and relatively small display cards may be exhibited upon each side wall portion of the housing in vertically alternating relation, a pair only of three-sided horizontally swingable door frames hingedly secured at corresponding vertical edges to said top and bottom walls of the housing on a single vertical hinge pin anchored within openings of said top and bottom walls at a vertical corner of the housing, transparent panels on said door frames which are substantially coextensive in area with the housing side Wall portions and covering the same in a weather-tight manner to completely enclose the side wall portions when the door frames are closed about the same, a hollow pitched roof member mounted upon the top wall of the housing and spaced thereabove and having a top translucent globe portion and being rotatable with the housing upon said post, an annular horizontal light tube disposed under the roof member and between the roof member and said top Wall and being enclosed and being of a diameter so that the margin of the light tube is near and above the exterior faces of the side wall portions, said top Wall of the housing having a plurality of circumferentially equidistantly spaced elongated slots formed therethrough below the light tube and in substantial alignment with the outer faces of the side wall portions to facilitate illuminating the same, radial horizontal support arm means for the light tube secured to the top of the post above the uppermost sleeve element and supporting the light tube in fixed relation to the post and to the rotary housing and roof member, and a wire connected with the light tube and extending into the open top of the tubular post and downwardly though the bore thereof to a point below the housing and table member and then exterior-1y of the post and adapted for connection with an external source of current, said post having a radial side opening below the table member for said Wire.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 256,296 Currier Apr. 11, 1382 796,937 Scheel Aug. 8, 1905 819,394 Williams May 1, 1906 935,236 Saunders Sept. 28, 1909 1,356,276 Gourley Oct. 19, 1920 1,475,041 Alstott Nov. 20, 1923 1,779,190 Send Oct. 21, 1930 1,843,883 Pogue Feb. 2, 1932 1,362,375 Trostel June 7, 1932 2,068,323 Harrison et al. Jan. 19, 1937 2,194,238 Weaver Mar. 19, 1940 2,512,465 Moorhouse June 20, 1950 2,603,898 Patterson July 22, 1952 2,787,068 Anspach Apr. 2, 1957 FOREIGN PATENTS 907,012 Germany Mar. 18, 1954

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