WO2004111983A2

WO2004111983A2 - Track assembly and method for scrolling billboard

Info

Publication number: WO2004111983A2
Application number: PCT/US2004/017036
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michael R. Atkinson; Eddie G. Hicks
Original assignee: Action Graphix, Llc
Priority date: 2003-05-30
Filing date: 2004-05-28
Publication date: 2004-12-23
Also published as: WO2004111983A3

Abstract

A track assembly for use in a scrolling sign is provided. The track assembly includes a plurality of wheels positioned to be axially parallel, axially spaced apart, and rotationally aligned with one another. A chain is mounted on the plurality of wheels to travel in a path defined by the plurality of wheels. A plurality of connectors are provided on the chain to be available for the selective attachment of a flexible web section for displaying graphical information to be carried by the chain parallel to the path of the chain. A guide track is positioned parallel at least a portion of the patte of the chain for constraining the chain from being pulled by the selective attachment of the flexible web section out of alignment with the path defined by the plurality of wheels. According to another aspect, the invention provides a method of displaying a flexible web section for displaying graphical information in a scrolling sign.

Description

TRACK ASSEMBLY AND METHOD FOR SCROLLING BILLBOARD

Technical Field

The present invention relates to mechanical advertising displays, and more particularly, to scrolling signs.

Background On most scroll signs, the graphics is rolled from one roll to another roll to display the images. This rolling of graphics from roll to roll damages the graphics by the contact of the graphics face with the graphics media as it is repeatedly rolled back and forth on the roll. The rolling of graphics quickly wears the graphics, which is a major problem with most large scroll signs (short graphics life). On modern large scroll signs, a relatively thick bead is attached to the side edges of the relatively thin graphics. The thick bead on each side of the graphics is run between a plurality of opposed guide fingers to prevent the graphics from moving from side to side. The thick bead also holds tension in the horizontal direction. Because the bead is thicker than the graphics, however, it creates a large buildup at each end as the graphics is rolled up. This buildup causes flexing and breakdown of the material.

An older type of a movable advertising display is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 3,426,461 issued February 11, 1969 to Glen E. Miller. This patent discloses a movable advertising display incorporating a movable display belt and provision is made for automatic reversing of the direction of the movement of the belt. These advertising displays are "suitable for use in motels, hotels, stores and other places where passers-by, potential customers of those wishing to display advertising banners or sheets in the apparatus, may likely view the same." Among other things, the banners or sheets are shown mounted on a display belt with a retainer band, which may have some resiliency. However, the disclosed sign structure is not adapted to withstand wind forces in an outdoor environment. The problem of the outdoor wind forces acting on the sign increases dramatically with increasing size of the sign. The larger the size of the sign, the greater the problem the outdoor wind forces becomes.

The following patents and patent publications show efforts that have been made over the years to solve problems associated with movable advertising displays. The following brief descriptions are drawn from the patents and patent publications, mainly the abstracts. Of course, the reference numbers from these abstracts refer to the figures in the respective patents and patent publications.

U.S. Patent No. 734,982 issued July 28, 1903 to John D. Smith discloses a means for actuating the advertising web or sheet, a means for automatically taking up slack in the said web or sheet in the movement in either direction thereof, a means for automatically reversing the direction of movement of the web, and a means for automatically causing the movement of the advertising sheet to cease at predetermined intervals in order to display the advertisements thereon.

U.S. Patent No. 3,568,345 issued March 9, 1971 having for named inventor Maurice Grosse discloses a device for displaying both sides of a series of poster-like sheets in a continuously repeated manner, the sheets being positively engaged and transferred, one at a time, around a roller from a viewing position to the rear of a stack of the sheets and the device including electrically-operated delay mechanism to govern the length of viewing time for each side of each sheet.

U.K. Patent Application No. 2,031,634A published April 23, 1980 having for named inventor John Leopold discloses an arrangement for storing and displaying posters in sequence has two endless spaced parallel chains (24, 25) driven synchronously so that support pins (29) on the chains engage both ends of a poster holding bracket (33) and carry the poster through a display zone where the posters are exposed vertically hanging for a period which depends on the motor speed. The poster is then returned to a store portion where the pins automatically disengage from the poster holding bracket, and is automatically fed to the engaging position again. The posters may also be displayed, in a stationary mode, in the store portion.

U.S. Patent No. 4,201,002 issued May 6, 1980 having for named inventor Edson K. Barton discloses a display apparatus for continuously displaying a portion of an endless tape, web, or belt containing visual messages or markings thereon. The endless tape, web, or belt moves from a storage space at the back of the apparatus, where excess slack in the tape, web, or belt is stored in loose folds, to and beneath a floating idler roller at the bottom of the apparatus. The tape, web, or belt then moved between a flat plate and a transparent sheet at the front of the apparatus to a drive roller at the top of the apparatus. The transparent sheet forms at least a portion of the front panel of the apparatus, and the flat plate is positioned flatwise directly behind and spaced from the transparent sheet. The tape, web, or belt passes between the drive roller and a free rolling, nip roller which is supported by the drive roller, and, the, back to the storage space..

U.S. Patent No.4,773,176 issued September 27, 1988 having for named inventor Fabrice Greham discloses a display (12) comprising a band carrying a series of visual items of information and held taut between two rolls (5, 9) onto which it is rolled, the rolls being parallel to each other and rotatively mounted in a frame (1), and a synchronous driving mechanism (18) for the two rolls. The driving mechanism comprises a toothed belt or chain (21) driven by a motor (19) and cooperating with a first sprocket wheel (22) keyed on the first roll (5) and a second sprocket wheel (23) freely rotatable on the second roll (9) and connected to the latter by elastically yieldable means (25) for compensating for the tension of the band as a function of the variation in the diameter of the roll resulting from the rolling up of the band.

Japanese Patent No. 402,109,089A published April 20, 1990 having for named inventor Kojima Susumu discloses a device to display many advertising bodies in an arbitrary order by engaging each engaging piece provided on a endless belt for running to the upper part from the lower part into each engaging hole of two kinds of advertising bodies contained in a containing part in an inverted state and carrying them to a display position. By a start signal, a driving motor rotates forward and chain belts 37r (371) run. On the other hand, an electromagnetic operating body 48 sucks temporarily an operating axis against a drag of a spring and turns clockwise a turning axis 43 through a link lever 45, and a pressing plate 51 presses the front ends of advertising bodies 3, 3' being in an inverted state, and engages engaging pieces 39r, 391 or 39'r, 39'1 of the belts 37r, 371 into an engaging hole 12 or 12' of the advertising body 3 or 3'. When the uppermost advertising body 3 or 3' passes through a guided path 58 from an inlet part 61 in a suspended state and reaches a position of a display part 6, a sensor 64 detects and stops it. After a prescribed time, the advertising body 3 or 3 ' is carried by feed rollers 55, 56, its tip is detected by a sensor 65 and the driving motor is rotated in reverse, and by detaching a detaining piece, the advertising body 3 or 3^* is "^"* " contained into a containing part.

French Patent No. 002,703,177Al published September 30, 1994 having for named inventors Claude Putteman and Joes Barros discloses a display device for the successive presentations of different images consisting of the juxtaposition of portions of images. The device includes one or two lean-to widows 1 successively presenting several principal images interposed with several secondary images. Its architecture consists of a structure 2, of windows 1, of access hatches 3, and of anchoring feet 4. The mechanism principally comprises display modules 5 terminated by extremities 12 providing for rotation on the pivots 13. The pivots 13, integral with transmission loops 6, space the modules 5 apart, thus making it possible to increase the distance between the modules 5 in the curves so that the cam guides 14 cause them to tilt by a quarter turn. Conventional kinematics consisting of wheels 7 and 9 of a pinion/chain transmission 11 and of a motor and reduction gear 10 move the device.

U.S. Patent No. 5,353,534 issued October 11, 1994 having for named inventors Angelika Fassauer and Peter Haluszka discloses a device for holding a variable number of rear-illuminated advertisement carriers formed of a poster-like blanks. Each advertisement carrier is mounted in a pocket that is open on one side and formed of a transparent flexible sheet material. The pockets can be positioned from a rear chamber to a visible front area by a drive device and then returned to the chamber. The pockets are connected into a disengageable chain of pockets that is contacted and driven by motor driven gears, belts or the like.

U.S. Patent No. 5,488,791 issued February 6, 1996 having for named inventor Alfred Boni discloses a device comprising a box having a transparent wall illuminated from the inside. The advertisements are joined to form a single flexible strip support which is wound and unwound between two parallel rollers. One of the rollers is fitted removably to the frame of the device, for enabling the support to be changed, and is rotated intermittently by an electric geared motor. The other roller is rotated by a torsion spring which provides for constantly tensioning the support.

U.S. Patent No. 6,023,868 issued February 15, 2000 having for named inventors Alain Viode, Frederic Haouache, Thierry Costes, Gerard Bardou, and Francis Martinez discloses a selective information display device having a self-supporting frame comprising an upper magazine and a lower magazine adapted to store rolls containing rolled up informational posters, each poster equipped at one of it ends with an elastic return which ensures the rolling up of the poster inside its roll without any external action, and on the other end with an outer extract assembly allowing an opposing force of the elastic return to be counteracted, and the unrolling of the posters out of their rolls. The device also comprising at least one display window allowing the display of information on the poster unrolled behind it and at least one unwinder equipped with a pair of hooks arranged facing each other and acting to hook the outer extracting assembly for extracting the posters from their rolls, thus, ensuring the unrolling of one poster behind the window at the same time as the rolling up of another poster having just been displayed.

US Patent Application Publication No 2002/0184804 Al published December 12, 2002 having for named inventor Rexa Toraby-Payhan discloses an outdoor sign system incorporating a scroll module adapted to display a message selected from a plurality of messages on a message web. A roller clutch is provided to permit a take-off side roller to move in one direction and a roller clutch is provided to permit a supply side roller to rotate in an opposite direction, thereby achieving a scroll system that avoids bunching of the scroll web while maintaining tautness of the web. A scroll module of the sign system includes a front face formed of a transparent material. A first roller and a second roller are mounted on opposite sides of the front face. A flexible message web is fed off of one roller and onto a second roller so that the message web displays a desired message through said front face. A motor or, alternatively, a hand crank, is used to impart rotation to one or both of the rollers. A gear mechanism, in association with an in-line roller clutch, acts on a shaft of a roller. In the single bi-directional motor embodiment of the rollers are connected by a flexible and stretchable band, which allows for a differential tension build-up and slippage, as required. Since the supply side roller of the scroll system cannon push the opposing roller, the message web will remain taut. U.S. Patent No 6,505,427 issued January 14, 2003 having for named inventors Paul Sterling and Ignace M.G.J. Van Goethem discloses a display apparatus including a chassis frame and a housing. The housing defines a storage compartment with an inlet and an outlet for storing a plurality of display envelopes in a substantially parallel configuration. Two endless drive belts are located over corresponding pairs of roller spaced away from each other at opposing ends of the chassis frame. The endless belts each have a silicon-coated bearings face and a corresponding undulating wave spring secured to the chassis frame for urging the bearing faces of the drive belt against the surface of a display envelope while located in the presentation area. The drive belts are operable to draw the display envelope along a predetermined trajectory through the presentation area and into the inlet of the storage compartment. Fluorescent lighting is mounted on the chassis for back-lighting a display envelope while positioned in the presentation area, and each envelope is fitted with leading and trailing hook formation to enable successive display envelopes to be drawn through the outlet of the storage compartment. Thus, there has been a long-felt need for improved scrolling signs, especially for use in the large format scrolling billboards.

Summary of the Invention

According to one aspect, the invention provides a track assembly for use in a scrolling sign. The track assembly comprises: a plurality of wheels positioned to be axially parallel, axially spaced apart, and rotationally aligned with one another; a chain mounted on the plurality of wheels to travel in a path defined by the plurality of wheels; a plurality of connectors on the chain available for the selective attachment of a flexible web section for displaying graphical information to be carried by the chain parallel to the path of the chain; and a guide track positioned parallel at least a portion of the path of the chain for constraining the chain from being pulled by the selective attachment of the flexible web section out of alignment with the path defined by the plurality of wheels.

According to another aspect, the invention provides a method of displaying a flexible web section for displaying graphical information in a scrolling sign. The method comprises the steps of: selectively driving a chain mounted on a plurality of wheels positioned to be axially parallel, axially spaced apart, and rotationally aligned with one another, so that the chain travels in a path defined by the plurality of wheels; selectively attaching a plurality of flexible web sections for displaying graphical information to the chain to be carried by the chain parallel to the path of the chain; and guiding the chain with a guide track positioned parallel at least a portion of the path of the chain for constraining the chain from being pulled by the selective attachment of flexible web sections out of alignment with the path defined by the plurality of wheels.

These and other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent to persons skilled in the art from the following drawings and detailed description of presently most-preferred embodiments of the invention.

Brief Description of the Drawing

The accompanying views of the drawing are incorporated into and form a part of the specification to illustrate several aspects and examples of the present invention, wherein like reference numbers refer to like parts throughout the figures of the drawing. These figures together with the description serve to explain the general principles of the invention. The figures are only for the purpose of illustrating preferred and alternative examples of how the various aspects of the invention can be made and used and are not to be construed as limiting the invention to only the illustrated and described examples. The various advantages and features of the various aspects of the present invention will be apparent from a consideration of the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one preferred embodiment of a track system including a left track assembly and right track assembly for use in a scrolling billboard sign according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the rights end portion of a tubular steel frame and endplate for supporting the right track assembly according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing how the drive sprocket, idler sprocket, and idler pulleys of the right track assembly according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 are installed on the endplate for a preferred embodiment of a scrolling billboard sign according to the invention;

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the right end portion of the frame and endplate with the right track assembly installed and an optional exterior skin for "back," "top", and "sides" of the frame.

FIG. 5 is a detail perspective view of the structure and method for one presently preferred embodiment of a guide track of the right track assembly of FIG. 1 according to^' the invention and includes detail of how the graphics tension springs are attached between the chain of the right track assembly according to FIG. 1 and a web portion for displaying graphics material;

FIG. 6 is a detail perspective view of an alternate structure and method for another presently preferred embodiment of a guide track according to the invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a second preferred embodiment and the present best mode for practicing the various aspects of the invention, showing the frame for a scrolling sign according to the invention; FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the right end portion of the frame and a right track assembly to be supported by the frame according to a second preferred embodiment and the present best mode for practicing the invention;

FIG.9 is a perspective view of the right end portion of the frame and a right track assembly as supported by the frame according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the right track assembly according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a cut-away cross section of a portion of me track assembly according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 9; FIG. 12 is a detail perspective view of right track assembly shown in FIG. 9 according to the invention and includes detail of how the graphics tension springs are attached between the chain of the right track assembly and a web portion for displaying graphics material.

In general, the figures of the drawing show one end (the "right" end) of a scrolling billboard sign according to the presently most preferred embodiments of the invention and the presently contemplated best mode for practicing the invention. It is to be understood that the "left" end would preferably be a mirror image of the right end shown in the following figures of the drawing. ^{: !}

Detailed Description of the Presently Most Preferred Embodiment and Best Mode As used herein and in the appended claims, the words "comprise," "has," "having," and "include" and all grammatical variations thereof are each intended to have an open, non- limiting meaning that does not exclude additional elements or parts of an assembly, subassembly, or structural element.

As used herein, "to scroll" means to cause displayed text or graphics to move up, down, or across a display area so that all or part of the text or graphics appears at one edge of the display area for each part that moves off the opposite edge of the display area. According to the invention, the graphics to be displayed are typically displayed as a series of graphics that can be scrolled into position in the display area for a desired display time, typically on the order of a few seconds to a few minutes. Then a different one of the series of graphics is scrolled into position in the display area. Of course, some scrolling signs may be programmed to scroll only a few times a day or in relation to other factors of interest to the advertisers.

As used herein, the plurality of wheels being "axially parallel" means that the rotational axes of the plurality of wheels are parallel to one another; "axially spaced apart" means that the rotational axes of the plurality of wheels are sufficiently spaced apart from one another (in a perpendicular direction to the axes) so that the wheels do not interfere with the rotation of one another; and "rotationally aligned" means that the rotations of the plurality of wheels include a common plane.

The graphical material is preferably printed directly onto a web section of flexible material, or alternatively the graphical material can be attached to the web section of flexible material. The flexible web sections for displaying the graphical material are preferably separate web sections, but if desired, can alternatively be integrally formed as an elongated belt of the flexible web sections for the graphical displays.

Normally, the advertisement displays are sequentially positioned, one after the next for approximately equal lengths of display time. But it is to be understood that the present invention contemplates that the track assembly can be controlled to rapidly scroll to bypass a graphics and/or selectively reverse the direction of scrolling. This type of control can be for the purpose of displaying the series of graphics in any desired sequence and for selectively and independently displaying each of the graphics for any particular desired length of display time. As used herein, the word "billboard" refers to a large sign, typically a large format sign for outdoors. The preferred embodiments of various aspects of this invention are particularly adapted to be able to be used in "large format" outdoor billboard displays. For example, so far we have made signs up to about 12 feet tall and 25 feet long, and our present expectation is that this design will work well in a large format scrolling sign up to a typical size used in the United States of 14 feet tall and 48 feet long, and preferably in a scrolling sign substantially larger than that.

It is to be understood that unless specially noted, relational terms such as "bottom", "lower", "top", "upper", "front", "back", "side", "left", "right", etc. are arbitrarily assigned for convenient reference to the orientation and perspective of the figures of the drawing.

Furthermore, it is to be understood that relative terms such as "length", "width", "height", etc. are also arbitrarily assigned for convenient reference to the orientation and perspective of the figures of the drawing. For the sake of consistency of usage, once a term is first arbitrarily assigned for reference to a structure in a particular figure, the term will then be used consistently to refer to like parts throughout the other figures of the drawing, even if the orientation of a structure shown in another figure is different for the purpose of showing another feature of the preferred embodiments) of the invention. It is to be understood that unless the context otherwise requires, the use of such arbitrarily-assigned relational or relative terms is not to be construed as unnecessarily limiting the invention. Also as used herein, terms such as "first," "second," "third," etc. are arbitrarily assigned and are merely intended to differentiate between two or more parts that are similar or corresponding in structure and/or function. It is to be understood that the words "first" and "second" serve no other purpose and are not part of the name or description of the following terms. Furthermore, it is to be understood that that the mere use of the term "first" does not require that there be any "second" similar or corresponding part, either as part of the same element or as part of another element. Similarly, the mere use of the word "second" does not require that there by any "third" similar or corresponding part, either as part of the same element or as part of another element, etc.

It should also be understood that the function of a single structure described herein can sometimes be performed by more than one part, or the functions of two different structures can be performed by a single or integrally formed part. Especially from a manufacturing perspective, it is highly preferred to design the storage device to minimize the total number of parts required to manufacture the storage device. It is not only the costs associated with making additional parts, but also the costs of assembly. The fewest possible number of steps and manipulations required to assemble the apparatus, the better.

First Embodiment

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one preferred embodiment of the track system 10 for a scrolling billboard sign according to the invention. The track system 10 generally includes a left track assembly 12 and right track assembly 14. The left track assembly 12 and the right track assembly 14 are preferably mirror images of one another, except as may be shown in the drawing or specifically mentioned. In general, the right track assembly 14 will be shown and described in detail as representative of the track assemblies in the track system 10. In the right track assembly 14, a plurality of wheels is positioned to be axially parallel, axially spaced apart, and rotationally aligned with one another. The wheels are preferably in the form of sprockets 16 and one or more idler pulleys 17. The sprockets include a drive sprocket 16a and preferably one or more idler sprockets 16b.

A chain used as the main drive chain in each track assembly 12, 14. According to the presently preferred embodiment of the invention, the design uses a double link chain 18 as the main drive chain. The chain 18 is mounted on the plurality of wheels to travel in a path defined by the plurality of wheels. Preferably, the path of the chain defined by the plurality of wheels is serpentine, one possible serpentine path shown as the example of FIG. 1. Preferably, the chain 18 is an endless chain and the path defined by the plurality of wheels is an endless path. The chain can be selectively moved in either direction along the path defined by the plurality of wheels. As previously mentioned, the wheels are preferably in the form of sprockets 16, each of which sprockets has a plurality of circumferentially spaced teeth for engaging the double link chain 18.

A plurality of connectors on the chain 18 are for use in the selective attachment of at least one flexible web section 20 (shown in dashed outline) for displaying graphical information to be carried by the chain 18 parallel to the path of the chain 18. The connectors are preferably in the form of connector springs 22 having hooks on either end of each spring, as will hereinafter be shown and described in detail. The flexible web section 20 is preferably formed of a translucent vinyl material, which can be back lighted, and is sometimes referred to as a backlit vinyl. A guide track is positioned parallel at least a portion of the path of the chain 18 for constraining the chain 18 from being pulled by the selective attachment of the flexible web section 20 out of alignment with the path defined by the plurality of wheels. Preferably, according to this embodiment, the guide track includes a plurality of guide track sections 24, which help guide and constrain the chain in its travel between sprockets on the track assembly. In FIG. 1, a cut-away section 24a is shown in a portion of one of the guide track sections of the left track assembly 12 to illustrate an example of how the chain can be constrained by the guide track, as will hereinafter be shown and described in more detail.

The guide track sections 24 are preferably made of ultra high molecular weight polyurethane, a high-strength plastic material sometimes referred to as "UHMW." This plastic material has better wear properties than metal. A line shaft 26 is installed between axially aligned sprockets of the left and right track assemblies 12, 14 to enable synchronous movement between the left and right track assemblies at the two ends of a scrolling sign. The flexible web section 20 having graphics media thereon is attached to the drive chain using the connector springs 22. The connector springs 22 provide tension on the flexible web section 20 for the graphics and also allow for some variation in the width of the flexible web section. Since the chain 18 is under side tension, the guide track is provided to maintain chain alignment between the sprockets 16 of each of the track assemblies 12, 14.

The sign is driven by a motor 28, which is operatively connected to drive the chain 18. Electronics are provided for positioning of the graphics face for display. A drive (as per drawing) is installed in a frame with the outside covered. Preferably, lighting (not shown) is also provided behind the display area for back lighting of the flexible web portion 20.

The presently preferred embodiment of FIG. 1 according to the invention will now be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 2-6 of the drawing. FIG. 2 shows a portion of a frame 30 for supporting the right track assembly 14.

Preferably, the frame includes a plurality of tubular steel frame sections 32 and an endplate 34. The endplate 34 is constructed of sheet steel, punched and formed on our Computerized Numeric Control ("CNC") manufacturing equipment and welded to the tubular steel frame. This forms the framework for the sign. The guide track sections 24 are threaded on the back side and installed to the endplates with bolts or machine screws 36.

FIG. 3 shows how the drive sprocket 16a, an idler sprocket 16b, and idler pulleys 17 are installed. The drive sprocket 16a is preferably mounted to the endplate 34 with a flange mount pillow block bearing 39. Of course, the drive sprocket 16a can be operatively connected to the motor 28 (not shown in FIG. 3) with a drive shaft 38. For example, referring briefly back to FIG. 1 of the drawing, the drive motor 28 is connected to the drive shaft of the drive sprocket wheel by a drive motor sprocket 29a, a drive chain 29b, and a drive shaft sprocket wheel on the drive shaft 39 (not shown in FIG. 3).

We found that by removing the teeth from the sprockets where they are used as idlers (making them more like pulleys), which we have referred to herein as idler pulleys 17, greatly reduced the noise in the sign. However, it is preferable to use a sprocket wheel for the drive sprocket and any "inside" turns.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 3, the installation of each of the idler sprocket 16b and idler pulleys 17 will be described with reference to the installation of an idler sprocket 16b. It is to be understood that the installation of each of the other idler sprockets 16b and idler pulleys 17 can be similar. A wheel assembly 40 includes, a shoulder bolt 42, a first thrust bearing race 44, a first bearing 46, the wheel itself (in this case the idler sprocket 16b), a second bearing 48, a second thrust bearing race 50, a spacer 52, a locking washer 54, and an end bolt 56 (the last two best shown with respect to one of the idler pulleys 17). The spacers 52 are used to obtain proper chain alignment with the guide track sections 24. They are also installed in pre-punched holes in the endplate 34.

As shown in FIG. 3, the position one or more of the plurality of wheels, such as the idler sprocket 16b, can be adjusted on the endplate 34 with a chain tensioning mechanism 60. The tensioning mechanism 60 can be any convenient structure for adjusting the position of the wheel mounting. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the chain tensioning mechanism 60 includes a wheel mounting plate 62 adjustably positioned on the endplate 34 of the frame 30 with a plurality of bolts 64.

FIG. 4 shows the frame 30, including the tubulars 32 and endplate 34, with the right track assembly installed therein. It also shows the optional exterior skin, including for example, skin pieces 66a, 66b, and 66c for the right side, top, and back, respectively. This leaves an opening in the front of the sign, sometimes referred to as a display area. Any backlighting for the sign can be positioned inside the frame 30. We have had some requests in the past for signs without any exterior skins for installation into a customer's cabinet (Scoreboard, custom signage, etc.). In this preferred embodiment, the exterior skin has no structural properties and does not have to be installed. On the other hand, a powder paint or custom paint can be applied to the skin before installation to match the customer's desires or decor. The skin is made of any suitable sheet material, for example, in this preferred embodiment the skin is made of formed sheet steel.

FIG. 5 shows the construction of the chain installation using rollers 70 in the guide track section 24. It also shows how the graphics tension springs 22 are attached. Preferably, a plurality of guide rollers 70 are attached to the chain 18. The guide rollers 70 are made of a suitable metal, typically steel, but each roller 70 preferably has a self- lubricating plastic sleeve 71, which can be made of the commercially available Nylatron ®, for example. This type of plastic material wears better than steel.

The guide rollers 70 move within the guide track section 24 for constraining the chain 18 from being pulled by the selective attachment of the flexible web section 20 out of alignment with the path defined by the plurality of wheels, such as the drive sprocket 16a, idler sprockets 16b, and idler pulleys 17 (as shown in FIG. 1). In this embodiment, eaeh of the guide rollers 70 is attached to the chain by a flange 72. Most preferably, the guide rollers 70 are axially positioned perpendicular to the path of travel of the chain 18 defined by the plurality of wheels, and wherein the one or more guide track sections 24 have a surface 74 that is perpendicular to the path of travel of the chain 18 and against which surface the guide rollers 70 roll. The guide track sections 24 preferably have an elongated track opening 76 parallel to the path of travel of the chain 18 defined by the plurality of wheels, and the flanges 72 for the guide rollers 70 travel in and are constrained by the elongated track opening 76 of the guide track sections 24. Preferably, there is a guide roller 70 attached to each link of the chain 18.

The springs 22 are preferably simple coil springs with a hook at either end, one hook 22a for attachment to a connector on the chain, the other hook 22b for attachment to a grommet 20a formed on an edge of the graphics. The size spring that is used here will depend on the size of the sign and graphics, larger signs - more wind loading, smaller signs - less wind loading.

Preferably, the connectors also include a flange 82 attached to the chain 18 having an aperture 84 to selectively accept a hook 22a of the spring 22 for use in the selective attachment of a flexible web section 20 to the chain 18.

Second Embodiment

FIG. 6 shows an alternate structure and method that we would also like to use for tracking or guiding the chain 18 of a scrolling sign according to our invention. The alternative structure and method is similar to the structure and method described and shown with respect to FIGS. 1-5 of the drawing, except in the following respects. In this embodiment, the double-link chain 18 moves within a guide track section 124 and slidέs against a surface 125 of the guide track section that is perpendicular to the path of travel of the chain defined by the plurality of wheels for constraining the chain from being pulled by the selective attachment of the flexible web section out of alignment with the path. hi this embodiment, each of the connectors includes a flange 171 attached to the chain 18, the flange 171 having an aperture 172 to selectively accept a hook 22a for use in the selective attachment of a flexible web section 20. The guide track section 124 has an elongated track opening 176 parallel to the path of travel of the chain 18 defined by the plurality of wheels, and the flanges 171 for the connectors travel in and are constrained by the elongated track opening 176 of the guide track section 124.

The material cost for the roller-type guide described above and shown in FIG. 5 is much higher than the sliding guide track 124 shown in this FIG. 6 of the drawing. However, the roller-type guide described above and shown in FIG. 5 is much quieter when operating. And due to the sliding action of the chain 18 against the inner walls of the track guide 124 as shown in FIG. 6, the power to drive the sign is greater. While it is believed both designs will be workable, on large signs with high wind loading, it is believed it will be preferable to use the previously described roller system shown in FIG. 5 in order to reduce the friction. This embodiment illustrates that this and other variations in the design are contemplated by the invention.

Third Embodiment and Best Mode

FIGS. 7-12 show another alternate method that we would also like to use for tracking or guiding the chain. The alternative structure and method is similar to the structure and method described and shown with respect to FIGS. 1-5 of the drawing, except in the following respects. ' ^Λ'

Referring now to FIG. 7 of the drawing, the frame 230 is formed of a plurality of tubular steel frame sections 32, similar to those previously described above, but the frame 230 is formed into a plurality of frame modules, such as frame modules 231 a-g. The frame 230 includes endplates, as exemplified by the endplate 234 shown on the left side of the frame 230 (considering that the perspective of this drawing is from the rear of the frame 230). (The right endplate is not shown in this figure.) Left and right track assemblies, exemplified in this embodiment by right track assembly 214 (again considering that the perspective of this drawing is from the rear of the frame 230), are supported at the ends of the frame 230. (The right track assembly is not shown in this figure.)

FIG. 8 illustrates how a track assembly according to this embodiment is mounted to an end of the frame 230. In this figure, the right track assembly 214 is shown to be moved into position and secured in the right end of the frame 230. FIG. 9 of the drawing illustrates the right track assembly 214 secured, in the right end of the frame 230.

FIG. 10 illustrates a track assembly 214 according to the third and presently most preferred embodiment and the present best mode for practicing the invention. In this embodiment, an ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene ("UHMW") plate 215 contains and forms a guide track 224, similar in design and function to the guide track sections 24 described above and illustrated with respect to FIG. 5. The plate 215 also supports the wheels (e.g., drive sprocket 16a, idler sprocket 16b, and idler pulleys 17). Preferably, the plate 215 additionally supports a chain tensioning mechanism 60, comprising a wheel mounting plate 62 having a plurality of apertures 63 and a plurality of bolts 64. The bolts 64 can be loosened, and the position of the apertures 63 of the mounting plate 62 can be adjusted about the bolts 64 to adjust the position of the mounting plate on the plate 215, and consequently the exact position of a wheel attached thereto, such as an idler sprocket 16b. Although not shown in this figure of the drawing, of course the mounting of the wheels to the plate 215 can be similar to the previously described mounting of the wheels to the endplate 34 as shown above for the first embodiment with reference to FIG. 3. Thus, the track assembly 214 can be easily preassembled for ease of manufacturing of a scrolling sign or replacement of a worn or damaged track assembly for a previously manufactured sign.

FIG. 11 is a partial cross-section of the plate 215, showing the design in more detail. The plate 215 includes slots or guide track 224. Preferably, a plurality of guide rollers 70 are attached to the chain 18. The guide rollers 70 are made of a suitable metal, typically steel, but each roller 70 preferably has a self-lubricating plastic sleeve 71 , which can be made of the commercially available Nylatron ®, for example. As previously noted, this type of plastic material wears better than steel.

The guide rollers 70 move within the plate guide track 224 for constraining the chain 18 from being pulled by the selective attachment of the flexible web section out of alignment with the path defined by the plurality of wheels, such as the drive sprocket 16a, idler sprockets 16b, and idler pulleys 17 (as shown in FIG. 10). In this embodiment, each of the guide rollers 70 is attached to the chain by a flange 72. Most preferably, the guide rollers 70 are axially positioned perpendicular to the path of travel of the chain 18 defined by the plurality of wheels, and wherein the plate guide track 224 has a surface 274 that is perpendicular to the path of travel of the chain 18 and against which surface the guide rollers 70 roll. The plate guide track 224 preferably has an elongated track opening 276 parallel to the path of travel of the chain 18 defined by the plurality of wheels, and the flanges 72 for the guide rollers 70 travel in and are constrained by the elongated track opening 276 of the plate guide track 224. Preferably, there is a guide roller 70 attached to each link of the chain 18.

Referring now to FIG. 12, the springs 22 of the connectors are preferably simple coil springs with a hook at either end, one hook 22a for attachment to a connector on the chain, the other hook 22b for attachment to a grommet 20a formed on an edge of the flexible web portion 20. In all the presently preferred embodiment of the invention, the scrolling sign is capable of displaying four faces of graphics. That is, the length of the chain 18 is about four times longer than the height of the display area of the sign. Additional faces can be added by increasing the depth to allow for additional lacing of the longer chain that would be required. Scope of Invention Not Limited to Preferred Embodiments

The invention is described with respect to presently preferred embodiments, but is not intended to be limited to the described embodiments. It will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A track assembly for use in a scrolling sign, the track assembly comprising: a plurality of wheels positioned to be axially parallel, axially spaced apart, and rotationally aligned with one another; a chain mounted on the plurality of wheels to travel in a path defined by the plurality of wheels; a plurality of connectors on the chain for use in the selective attachment of a flexible web section for displaying graphical information to be carried by the chain parallel to the path of the chain; and a guide track positioned parallel at least a portion of the path of the chain for constraining the chain from being pulled by the selective attachment of the flexible web section out of alignment with the path defined by the plurality of wheels.

2. The track assembly according to Claim 1, further comprising a frame for ~ ^: supporting the plurality of wheels.

3. The track assembly according to Claim 2, further comprising a skin mounted on the frame for hiding and protecting the wheels and the chain.

4. The track assembly according to Claim 1 , wherein at least one of the plurality of wheels is a sprocket wheel for engaging the chain.

5. The track assembly according to Claim 4, wherein the sprocket wheel is a drive sprocket wheel for use in driving the chain on the sprocket wheel.

6. The track assembly according to Claim 5, further comprising a drive motor operatively connected to the drive sprocket wheel.

7. The track assembly according to claim 6, wherein a drive shaft is operatively connected to the drive sprocket wheel, and the drive motor is connected to the drive shaft of the drive sprocket wheel by a drive motor sprocket, a drive chain, and drive shaft sprocket wheel.

8. The track assembly according to Claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of wheels is a pulley wheel.

9. The track assembly according to Claim 1, wherein the chain is a double pitch chain.

10. The track assembly according to Claim 1 , wherein the chain is formed of metal.

11. The track assembly according to Claim 1 , wherein the path of the chain defined by the plurality of wheels is serpentine.

12. The track assembly according to Claim 1, wherein the chain is an endless chain and the path defined by the plurality of wheels is an endless path.

13. The track assembly according to Claim 12, wherein the path of the chain defined by the plurality of wheels is serpentine.

14. The track assembly according to Claim 1, wherein the chain can be selectively moved in either direction along the path defined by the plurality of wheels.

15. The track assembly according to Claim 1, wherein each of the connectors comprises an aperture accept a hook for use in the selective attachment of a flexible web section.

16. The track assembly according to Claim 1, wherein each of the connectors comprises a flange attached to the chain having an aperture to selectively accept a hook for use in the selective attachment of a flexible web section.

17. The track assembly according to Claim 1, wherein there is a connector attached to each link of the chain.

18. The track assembly according to Claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of guide rollers attached to the chain, and wherein the guide rollers move within the guide track for constraining the chain from being pulled by the selective attachment of the flexible web section out of alignment with the path.

19. The track assembly according to Claim 18, wherein each of the guide rollers is attached to the chain by a flange.

20. The track assembly according to Claim 19, wherein the guide rollers are axially positioned perpendicular to the path of travel of the chain defined by the plurality of wheels, and wherein the guide track has a surface that is perpendicular to the path of travel of the chain and against which surface the guide rollers roll.

21. The track assembly according to Claim 19, wherein the guide track has an elongated track opening parallel to the path of travel of the chain defined by the plurality of wheels, and wherein the flanges for the guide rollers travel in and are constrained by the elongated track opening of the guide track.

22. The track assembly according to Claim 18, wherein there is a guide roller attached to each link of the chain.

23. The track assembly according to Claim 1, wherein the chain moves within the guide track and slides against a surface of the guide track that is perpendicular to the path of travel of the chain defined by the plurality of wheels for constraining the chain from being pulled by the selective attachment of the flexible web section out of alignment with the path.

24. The track assembly according to Claim 23, wherein each of the connectors comprises a flange attached to the chain, the flange having an aperture to selectively accept a hook for use in the selective attachment of a flexible web section.

25. The track assembly according to Claim 24, wherein the guide track has an elongated track opening parallel to the path of travel of the chain defined by the plurality of wheels, and wherein the flanges for the connectors travel in and are constrained by the elongated track opening of the guide track.

26. The track assembly according to Claim 1, wherein the guide track extends along substantially the entire length of the path of travel of the chain defined by the plurality of wheels.

27. The track assembly according to Claim 1, further comprising a plurality of springs attached to the connectors, wherein the springs provide flexibility in the selective attachment of the flexible web section to the connectors on the chain.

28. The track assembly according to Claim 27, wherein the springs comprise coil springs.

29. The track assembly according to Claim 28, wherein the coil springs have a hook at either end, one of the hooks for attachment to a connector on the chain, the other of the hooks for attachment to a grommet formed on an edge of the flexible web portion.

30. The track assembly according to Claim 27, wherein there is a spring attached to each link of the chain.

31. The track assembly according to Claim 1 , further comprising: a second plurality of wheels positioned to be axially parallel, axially spaced apart, and rotationally aligned with one other; and a second chain mounted on the second plurality of wheels to travel in a path defined by the second plurality of wheels; wherein the second plurality of wheels supports the second chain to be spaced apart from the first chain and to travel in a path that is parallel to the path of the first chain.

32. The track assembly according to Claim 31, wherein the second plurality of wheels mirrors the arrangement of the first plurality of wheels.

33. The track assembly according to Claim 31, further comprising: a second plurality of connectors on the second chain available for use in the selective attachment of a flexible web section for displaying graphical information to be carried by the chain parallel to the path of the chain, whereby the flexible web section can be selectively attached to be carried by and between the first and second chains.

34. The track assembly according to Claim 31 , further comprising: a second guide track positioned parallel to at least a portion of the path of the second chain for constraining the second chain from being pulled by the selective attachment of the flexible web section out of alignment with the path.

35. A method of displaying a flexible web section for displaying graphical information in a scrolling sign, the method comprising the steps of: selectively driving a chain mounted on a plurality of wheels positioned to be axially parallel, axially spaced apart, and rotationally aligned with one another, so that the chain travels in a path defined by the plurality of wheels; selectively attaching a plurality of flexible web sections for displaying graphical information to the chain to be carried by the chain parallel to the path of the chain; and guiding the chain with a guide track positioned parallel to at least a portion of the path of the chain for constraining the chain from being pulled by the selective attachment of flexible web sections out of alignment with the path defined by the plurality of wheels.

36. The method according to Claim 35, further comprising the step of supporting the plurality of wheels on a frame.

37. The method according to Claim 36, further comprising the step of mounting a skin on the frame for hiding and protecting the wheels and the chain.

38. The method according to Claim 35, wherein at least one of the plurality of wheels is a sprocket wheel for engaging the chain.

39. The method according to Claim 38, wherein the sprocket wheel is a drive sprocket wheel for use in driving the chain on the sprocket wheel.

40. The method according to Claim 39, further comprising selectively engaging a drive motor operatively connected to the drive sprocket wheel to drive the chain.

41. The method according to claim 41, wherein a drive shaft is operatively connected to the drive sprocket wheel, and the drive motor is connected to the drive shaft of the drive sprocket wheel by a drive motor sprocket, a drive chain, and drive shaft sprocket wheel.

42. The method according to Claim 35, wherein at least one of the plurality of wheels is a pulley wheel.

43. The method according to Claim 35, wherein the chain is a double pitch chain.

44. The method according to Claim 35, wherein the chain is formed of metal.

45. The method according to Claim 35, wherein the path of the chain defined by the plurality of wheels is serpentine.

46. The method according to Claim 35, wherein the chain is an endless chain and the path defined by the plurality of wheels is an endless path.

47. The method according to Claim 46, wherein the path of the chain defined by the plurality of wheels is serpentine.

t 48. The method according to Claim 35, further comprising the step of selectively driving the chain in either direction along the path defined by the plurality of wheels.

49. The method according to Claim 35, wherein the step of selectively attaching a plurality of flexible web sections for displaying graphical information to the chain further comprises the step of attaching the flexible web sections to a plurality of connectors, wherein each of the connectors comprises an aperture for use in the selective attachment of a flexible web section.

50. The method according to Claim 49, wherein each of the connectors further comprises a flange attached to the chain having an aperture to selectively accept a hook for use in the selective attachment of a flexible web section.

51. The method according to Claim 35, wherein there is a connector attached to each link of the chain.

52. The method according to Claim 35, further comprising a plurality of guide rollers attached to the chain, and wherein the guide rollers move within the guide track for constraining the chain from being pulled by the selective attachment of the flexible web section out of alignment with the path.

53. The method according to Claim 52, wherein each of the guide rollers is attached to the chain by a flange.

54. The method according to Claim 53, wherein the guide rollers are axially positioned perpendicular to the path of travel of the chain, and wherein the guide track has a surface that is perpendicular to the path of travel of the chain and against which surface the guide rollers roll.

55. The method according to Claim 53, wherein the guide track has an elongated track opening parallel to the path of travel of the chain defined by the plurality of wheels, and wherein the flanges for the guide rollers travel in and are constrained by the elongated track opening of the guide track.

56. The method according to Claim 52, wherein there is a guide roller attached to each link of the chain.

57. The method according to Claim 35, wherein the chain moves within the guide track and slides against a surface of the guide track that is perpendicular to the path of travel of the chain defined by the plurality of wheels for constraining the chain from being pulled by the selective attachment of the flexible web section out of alignment with the path defined by the plurality of wheels.

58. The method according to Claim 35, wherein each of the connectors comprises a flange attached to the chain, the flange having an aperture to selectively accept a hook for use in the selective attachment of a flexible web section.

59. The method according to Claim 58, wherein the guide track has an elongated track opening parallel to the path of travel of the chain defined by the plurality of wheels, and wherein the flanges for the connectors travel in and are constrained by the elongated track opening of the guide track.

60. The method according to Claim 35, wherein the guide track extends along substantially the entire length of the path of travel of the chain defined by the plurality of wheels.

61. The method according to Claim 35, further comprising the step of attaching a plurality of springs between the connectors and the edges of the flexible web sections, wherein the springs provide flexibility in the selective attachment of the flexible web sections to the connectors on the chain.

62. The method according to Claim 61, wherein the springs comprise coil springs.

63. The method according to Claim 62, wherein the coil springs have a hook at-^'either end, one of the hooks for attachment to a connector on the chain, the other of the hooks for attachment to a grommet formed on an edge of the flexible web portion.

64. The method according to Claim 61, wherein a spring is attached to each link of the chain.

65. The method according to Claim 35, further comprising : selectively driving a second chain mounted on a second plurality of wheels positioned to be axially parallel, axially spaced apart, and rotationally aligned with one another, so that the second chain travels in a path defined by the plurality of wheels; selectively attaching a plurality of flexible web sections for displaying graphical information to the second chain to be carried by the chain parallel to the path of the chain; wherein the second plurality of wheels supports the second chain to be spaced apart from the first chain and to travel in a path that is parallel to the path of the first chain.

66. The method according to Claim 65, wherein the second plurality of wheels mirrors the arrangement of the first plurality of wheels.

67. The method according to Claim 65, further comprising the step of: selectively attaching the plurality of web sections to the second chain to be carried by the second chain parallel to the path of the second chain, whereby the flexible web sections can be selectively attached to be carried by and between the first and second chains.

68. The method according to 65, further comprising the step of: guiding the second chain with a second guide track positioned parallel at least a portion of the path of the second chain for constraining the second chain from being pulled by the selective attachment of the flexible web sections out of alignment with the path defined by the second plurality of wheels.

69. The method according to Claim 35, further comprising the step of positioning the plurality of wheels so that the path defined by plurality of wheels is located in a substantially vertical plane.

70. A scrolling sign comprising:

(a) a frame;

(b) a first track assembly and a second track assembly, each track assembly comprising: (i) a plurality of wheels positioned to be axially parallel, axially spaced apart, and rotationally aligned with one another;

(ii) a chain mounted on the plurality of wheels to travel in a path defined by the plurality of wheels;

(iii) a plurality of connectors on the chain for use in the selective attachment of a flexible web section for displaying graphical information to be carried by the chain parallel to the path of the chain; and

(iv) a guide track positioned parallel at least a portion of the path of the chain for constraining the chain from being pulled by the selective attachment of the ^•" flexible web section out of alignment with the path defined by the plurality of wheels; wherein the first track assembly and second track assembly are spaced apart from one another.

71. The scrolling sign according to Claim 70, further comprising: the flexible web section.

72. The scrolling sign according to Claim 70, further comprising a plurality of guide rollers attached to the chain of each of the first and second track assemblies, and wherein the guide rollers move within the guide track for constraining the chain from being pulled by the selective attachment of the flexible web section out of alignment with the path.

73. The scrolling sign according to Claim 70, further comprising a plurality of springs attached to the connectors, wherein the springs provide flexibility in the selective attachment of the flexible web section to the connectors on the chain.

74. The scrolling sign according to Claim 73, wherein the springs comprise coil springs.

75. The scrolling sign according to Claim 74, wherein the coil springs have a hook at either end, one of the hooks for attachment to a connector on the chain, the other of the hooks for attachment to a grommet formed on an edge of the flexible web portion.

76. A scrolling sign comprising:

(a) a frame;

(iii) a means for connecting a flexible web section for displaying graphical information to be carried by the chain parallel to the path of the chain; and

(iv) a means for constraining the chain from being pulled by the selective attachment of the flexible web section out of alignment with the path defined by the plurality of wheels; wherein the first track assembly and second track assembly are spaced apart from one another.

77. The scrolling sign according to Claim 76, wherein the means for connecting comprises a plurality of connectors on the chain for use in the selective attachment of a flexible web section for displaying graphical information to be carried by the chain parallel to the path of the chain.

78. The scrolling sign according to Claim 76, wherein the means for constraining comprises: a guide track positioned parallel at least a portion of the path of the chain for constraining the chain from being pulled by the selective attachment of the flexible web section out of alignment with the path defined by the plurality of wheels.

79. The scrolling sign according to Claim 78, wherein the guide track is formed in a plate.

80. The scrolling sign according to Claim 79, wherein the plate is formed of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene.