US668686A - Advertising device. - Google Patents

Description

No. 668,686. Ptented Feb. 26,*I90l.

l .I. F.. MARSHALL.

ADVERTISING IJEvIcE.

(Appumion and ocx. 2e, 1900. (No Model.) 4 Sheets-Sheet V2,

Y Patented Feb. 26, I90l..

J. F. MARSHALL.

'ADVERTISING'DEVICE Y (Application mea ocr. 2e, 1900.1

' (No Mom.)

QQ 'Lx Sheets-Sheet mum ENOS.

Patented Feb. 26, 190|.

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J. vF. MARSHALL. lADVERTISING DEVICE.

(Application filed Oct. 26, 1900.) (No Model.)

Tm: dams PETER: c

UNTTEE STATES PATENT OFFICE.

JHN FREDK. MARSHALL, OF WESTMINSTER, ENGLAND.

ADVERTISING DEVICE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 668,686, dated February 26, 1901.

Application filed October 26, 1900. Serial No. 34,448. (No model.)

To all whom t mag/concern.-

Be it known that I, JOHN FEEDK. MAR- SHALL, a subject of the Queen of England, residing at Westminster, county of MiddleseX, England, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in or Relating to Advertising Devices and the Like, (for which I have made application for Letters Patent in Great Britain under No. 1,208, dated January 19, 1900,) of which the following is aspect fica-tion.

This invention relates to improvements in advertising devices and the like, and has for its object to so arrange a series of movable bodies carrying suitable symbols that the bodies may be intermittently moved so as to effect transposition of the symbols.

In the accompanying drawings, Figurel is an elevation of an advertising device constructed in accordance with this invention. Fig. 2 is a transverse section on the line 2 2 of Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a vertical section, on an enlarged scale, through one of the oscillating frames. Figs. 4to 8 are views illustrative of the transposition of the symbols when the frames are oscillated. Fig. 9 is an elevation of a modified form of the apparatus. Fig. 10 is an elevation of apart of the same on an enlarged scale; and Fig. 11 is a vertical section through the frame, also on an enlarged scale.

Like letters indicate like parts throughout the drawings.

The requisite symbols are attached to or painted upon disks A, each mounted upon the face of a toothed Wheel A'. These disks are arranged in suitable numbers in oscillating framesB B. Each disk may be separate, or several of them may be coupled together by a link A2, the arrangement being such that when the frames are oscillated the disks will travel in the desired direction and assume such positions as Will effect the necessary transposition of the symbols. In the construction shown in Figs. 1 to 8 two oscillating frames B B' are employed, arranged one behind the other, and the mechanism to be hereinafter described for eecting the oscilf lation of these frames is such that the frames will be tilted in opposite directions and then returned to a horizontal position one behind the other, so that the symbols carried by one frame and those carried by the other will be read together. After the frames have remained in the horizontal position for a suitable period they are bot-h tilted, as before, in

directions opposite to each other, but contrary to the directions in which they were previously tilted, so that the bodies carrying the symbols will roll in the frames and assume fresh positions, such that when the frames are again brought one behind the other into the horizontal position the fresh arrangement of the symbols when the latter are all read together will make a new sentence, word, or phrase.

` Each toothed wheel A', carrying a disk A, engages with a chain or rack B2, arranged longitudinall)` in the frame B. The diameter of each disk A is such that it will rest upon and roll along a portion of the frame B, as at B3, or on a guide-rail beside the chain B2. A groove B4 in the upper part of the frame B guides the upper edge of the disks A. It will thus be seen that the bodies are free to roll in one direction or another, according to the manner in which the frame is tilted, the racks regulating the movement and preventing slip, while the fact that the disks roll on their edges reduces friction in the racks and allows of an easy movement.

The distance that each disk travels when the frames are oscillated is limited by suitable stops. The nature of these stops varies in different circumstances. Thus in the case of groups of coupled disks each stop comprises a block C, situated in the path of a nger or arm A3, projecting downwardly from the link A2. Where a disk is separate and moves alone, a vertical bar C', carried by the frame, is so arranged that at the desired point an axial projection A4, carried by the toothed wheel A', will come in contact with the bar C and arrest the progress of the disk A. The arrangement of the symbols is preferably such that Where a vertical bar C' has to be used as a stop this bar will not lie in front of any symbol which is intended to be visible.

In the construction shown a third row of symbols is`provided, these being painted or mounted upon the back B5 of the hindermost frame. It Willbe noted that these symbols do not change their position, but are employed to simplify themovements of the other IOO symbols and facilitate the making up of the requisite words or phrases forming the particular advertisement.

It is obvious that the number and combination of the disks may vary considerably; but as an example of how the transposition may be effected the frames are shown in Figs. 4, 5, 6, and 7 in the diierent positions which they assume, numbers being used to represent the different symbols. In Fig. 4 the frames B B are shown tilted. Fig. 5 illustrates the arrangement of the symbols when the frames have returned to the horizontal positions. In 1Fig. 6 the frames are shown tilted into positions contrary to those shown in Fig. 4, while Fig. 7 shows the arrangenlent of the symbols when the frames have returned to their horizontal positions after the second oscillation. Fig. Sis an elevation of the back frame B with the movable bodies removed, so that the symbols fixed on the back of the frame may be clearly seen.

The fixed letters are indicated by the numbers 1 to 9, inclusive, and in the example shown are placed in the positions indicated in Fig. S. Between these numbers are blank spaces 10, which are iixed similarly to the numbers. The frame B also carries movable symbols 11 to 17, inclusive. Of these 11 is mounted upon a separate body, which rolls up and down by itself when the frame Bis oscillated. The disks carrying the numbers l2 and 13 are coupled together by a link A2, and the disks with the numbers 14, 15, 16, and 17 are similarly coupled by a link. This frame also carries two blank disks 18, coupled together by a link. The movement of the group of numbers 12, 13 is limited in the one direction by astop C2, against which the .finger A3 comes in contact. The movement of this group in the opposite direction is checked by the stop C3, against which the finger A3 is shown in contact in Fig. 6. The stop C15 serves to check the movement of the group of numbers 14, 15, 16, and 17 toward the center when the frame AB is in the position shown in Fig. 4, the movement of this group in the opposite direction being limited by the stop C4. The stop G5 holds the coupled blanks 1S when the frame B is tilted into the position shown in Fig. 4, the movement of these blanks when the frame is tilted in the opposite direction being checked by the end of the frame. The single disk carrying the number 11 is checked when the frame B is in the position shown in Fig. 4 by the end of the frame. When the tilt is in the opposite direction, however, this disk moves into the position shown in Fig. 6, being there held either by an extension of the stop C or by a bar C, against which the axial projection Atl comes in contact in the manner shown in Fig. 3. Itis to be noted that in the arrangement shown the bar C is not visible from the front, as when the symbols assume the position shown in Fig. 4 the stop-bar C/ will be hidden by the disk carrying the number 12, while in the other position the disk carrying the number 11, which is held by this bar, itself conceals the stop.

In the front frame B are two groups of disks, one a group of three carrying the numbers 19, 20, 21 all coupled together, the other a group of two carrying the numbers 22 and 23. The position of the group of numbers 19, 20, and 21 is checked in one direction by a stop CG and in the other by a stop C7. The stop C6 also serves to check the movement ofthe group 2 and 23 in one direction, a stop CS limiting its movement in the other direction.

If the views Figs. 4, 5, 6, and 7 be now considered, it will be seen that when the frames B B are tilted into the positions shown in Fig. 4 the numbers assume the relative positions shown in Fig. 5, so that they read 11, 1, 2, followed by a blank space, then 12, 13, 4 and a blank space, then 14, 15, 16, 17 and a blank space, and, Finally, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 8, and 5). In this position it will be noticed that the fixed numbers 3, 5, 6, and 7 are hidden, as also the movable blanks 18. When the frames are tilted into the positions shown in Fig. 6, the numbers are transposed, so that when the frame return to the horizontal position the numbers appear in the order shown in Fig.7-namely,ablankspace,andthen 19, 20, 21, 1l, 3, 12, 13, followed by two blank spaces, then 5, 6, 14, 15, 22, 23, 7, followed by three blank spaces, two of which are the movable ones 18. In this arrangement it will be seen that the tixed numbers` 1, 2, 4, 8, and l are hidden. Of the movable disks those carrying the numbers 16 and 17 are hidden by the disk carrying the numbers 22 and 23, movingin the front frame B'.

To impart to the frames the necessary movements, each is mounted on a pivot and provided with an arm carrying a roller, which rests against the periphery of a rotating cam. The rear frame B is pivoted at D and has a downwardly extending arm E, carrying a roller F, which bears against the periphery of a suitably-shaped cam G, mounted on the shaft H. The front frame B is pivoted at D and has an arm E', carrying a roller F', which bears against the periphery of the cam G', mounted on the shaft H. The latter carries achain-wheel J, which is driven by a chain J from a pinion .I2 on a counter-sllal't K. The latter carries a worm wheel K', which is driven by a worm L upon a shaft L, driven by an electric or other 1notorL2. A casing M incloses the driving and oscillating mechanism.

In Fig. 1 the different extreme positions of the cams G G' and frames B B' are shown in dotted lines, the mid and horizontal positions of the frames being shown in full lines, as also are the corresponding positions of the cams G G.

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,center of a wheel A5.

The chain B2 in each frame with which the toothed wheels A engage is clearly shown in Fig. l, and the engagement of one of these toothed wheels` is illustrated in the same ligure, where part of the disk on the face ot this wheel is broken away. Itis obvious that this chain may be replaced by a rack of snitable type.

'In the modified construction shown in Fig 9 a single frame B carries a series of tracks B5, upon which roll the bodies A5. Each rotating body A5 is guided above by a longitudinal rod B7. The disks or plates A5, which carry the symbols, do not rotate in this case; but each plate is pivotally mounted on the Each plate is bent at its lower edge and weighted, as at A7, so as to always maintain it in a vertical position, the bending of the plate being such as to bring the center of gravity of each rolling body low down and as near as possible in the center line. In this arrangement the plates A7, carrying the symbols, may conveniently be square, so that when the symbols are arranged they will form to the eye when viewed in front a practically unbroken surface. In the arrangement shown each movable body is separate and when the frame is tilted assumes'a new position on its own track quite independent of the other bodies on the other tracks. The

, movement of each body is limited by suitable stops C, which may be in the form of small pins or projections on the tracks B6 and on the guide-rods B7. The projections must in each case be such as will not obstruct the View of any symbols which may be situated behind them when the bodies assume different positions. The mechanism for oscillating the frame B may be similar to that employed for moving the frame in the previous construction, the frame B being pivoted at D and provided with a downwardly-extending arm E, carrying a roller F, which bears against the periphery of the cam G, mounted on the shai't H. The latter has mounted upon it a toothed wheel J, connected by a chain J to a pinion J2 on a counter-shaft K, driven by a motor-operating worm-gear, as previously described.

In the construction illustrated in Fig. l it is to be noted that each frame is pivoted at a point somewhat t-o one side of its center, the downwardly extending arm carrying the roller which bears against the face of the cam being situated on the other side of the center of the frame from the side on whichis situated the pivot. With this arrangement one side of the frame is heavier than the other, and the roller is thus always maintained in contact with the periphery of the cam.

In the construction shown in Fig. 9 the frame B is pivoted aboutits center, the roller F on the arm E being maintained in contact with the periphery of the cam G by the tension of a spring N, which is attached to the framing M and to the lower end of a downwardly-extending arm O. It is obvious that in place of the spring weights may be used, or the frame in this case may be pivot-ed otherwise than about its center, as in the other construction. Another arrangement would be to provide the frame B with two arms, such as E, each carrying a roller F in contact with the periphery of the cam G, the movement being then a positive one in either direction.

In the construction shown in Fig. 9 it will be seen that the word or phrase formed by the arrangement of the symbols in one position or the other appears at one end or the other of the frame B, according to the direction in which the latter has been tilted. If the back of the frame has symbols painted on it, these symbols will appear or be obliterated, according to the position of the moving bodies, so that a word or phrase which will read right across the frame will always appear.

It will be seen that in the construction shown in Fig. 9 in place of each moving body being separate from the others the bodies, and consequently the symbols,may be coupled together, as in the construction shown in Fig. l. By thus coupling the symbols two or more of the latter may be arranged on the same'track, and consequently the number of tracks may be reduced.

I wish it to be understood that I do not wish to be limited to the exact manner of supporting the symbols from the movable bodies, such symbols being adapted to be supported directly by the movable bodies either by painting or'otherwise attaching such symbols, as seen in and described with reference to Figs. 1 to 8, inclusive, or to beindirectlysupported fromthe movable bodies by providing plates carried by the said bodies, which plates have the symbols painted or otherwise attached, as seen in and described with reference to Figs. 9, l0, and 1l, and in the claims I have denoted the movable bodies as carrying the symbols, and therefore I intend such term to cover broadly either manner of supporting the symbols as just set forth hereinabove.

The advertising apparatus above described may be illuminated in various ways either by casting a light upon the face of the symbols or by illuminating each separate symbol from the back, the disks or plates which carry the symbols being made transparent.

What I claim as my invention, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

1. In an advertising apparatus the combination of a series of movable bodies carrying symbols, a series of fixed symbols, a support for the movable bodies and the fixed symbols, a second series of movable bodies carrying symbols, a support for this second series of movable bodies, mechanism for imparting movement to the supports and stops for limiting the movement of the bodies, substantially as set forth.

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2. In an advertising apparatus the combination of a series of rolling bodies carrying symbols, a support for the rolling bodies, mechanism for imparting movement to the support and stops for limiting the movement of the bodies, substantially as set forth.

3. In an advertising apparatus the combination of a series of rolling bodies carrying symbols, a series of fixed symbols, a support for the rolling bodies and the fixed symbols, mechanism for imparting movement to the support and stops for limiting the movement of the bodies, substantially as set forth.

4. In an advertising apparatus the combination of a series of rolling bodies carrying symbols, an oscillating support for the rolling bodies, mechanism for intermittently oscillating the support and stops for limiting the movement of the bodies, substantially as set forth.

5. In an advertising apparatus the combination of a series of rolling bodies carrying symbols, an oscillating support for the bodies, mechanism for intermittently oscillating the support and stops for limiting the movement of the bodies on the support, substantially as set forth.

6. In an advertising apparatus the combi'- nation of a series of rolling bodies carrying symbols, an oscillating support for the bodies, gear connection between the bodies and the support, mechanism for intermittently oscillating the support and stops for limiting the movement of the bodies on the support, substantially as set forth.

7. In an advertising apparatus the combination of a series of rolling bodies carrying symbols, a series of fixed symbols, a support for the rolling bodies and the fixed symbols, a second series of rolling bodies, a support for the second series of rolling bodies, gear connection between the bodies and their supports, mechanism for intermittently oscillating the supports and stops for limiting the movement of the bodies on their respective supports, substantially as set forth.

8. In an advertising apparatus the combination of a series of rolling bodies carrying symbols, a series of fixed symbols, an oscillating support for the rollingr bodies and the J iixed symbols, a second series of rolling bodies, an oscillating support for the second series of bodies, a cam for imparting oscillatory movement to each support, .a shaft upon which these cams are mounted, mechanism for rotating this shaft and stops for limiting the movement of the bodies on their respective supports, substantially as set forth.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification in the presence of two subscribing Witnesses.

JOHN FREDig. MARSHALL.

Witnesses:

JOSEPH LAKE, T. J. OsMAN.

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