US793243A - Display apparatus. - Google Patents

Display apparatus. Download PDF

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Publication number
US793243A
US793243A US20875404A US1904208754A US793243A US 793243 A US793243 A US 793243A US 20875404 A US20875404 A US 20875404A US 1904208754 A US1904208754 A US 1904208754A US 793243 A US793243 A US 793243A
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carriers
idlers
hangers
controller
endless
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US20875404A
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Arthur Symes
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AUTOMATIC SHELVING Co
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AUTOMATIC SHELVING Co
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    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47FSPECIAL FURNITURE, FITTINGS, OR ACCESSORIES FOR SHOPS, STOREHOUSES, BARS, RESTAURANTS OR THE LIKE; PAYING COUNTERS
    • A47F3/00Show cases or show cabinets
    • A47F3/08Show cases or show cabinets with arrangements for continuously or intermittently moving the merchandise

Definitions

  • This invention relates to display apparatus of that type which is characterized by endless IO elevating and conveying means especially adapted to exhibit a moving display, but capable of use in various other relations.
  • Apparatus of this character ordinarily includes a suitable frame, within which are mounted 5 sprockets supporting and driving a pair of endless carriers arranged to convey certain objects, which may be, for instance, a series of shelves associated with mechanism of some character for maintaining the shelves in proper position as they traverse a given path of movement.
  • objects which may be, for instance, a series of shelves associated with mechanism of some character for maintaining the shelves in proper position as they traverse a given path of movement.
  • Many objections have been urged against this class of mechanism, among which may be mentioned the prohibitive frictional resistance opposed to their operation,
  • a further object of the invention is to associate with the traveling shelving an endless controller which, like the carriers, is mounted to travel around idlers and is positively driven,
  • a still further object of the invention is to provide a novel connection between the sheli'- hangers and the controller whereby the shelves will be constantly maintained in predetermined positions during their travel and whereby slight irregularities of movement will be compensated for.
  • Another object of the invention is to simplify the provision for adjusting the positions of the shelves with respect to the horizontal plane and to obviate the necessity for the employment ot'guides for maintaining the shelves 5 in proper position during their travel.
  • Another object is to improve the connection between the endless carrying and controlling bands and the shelf-hangers and to provide simple and elfective means constitut- 7 ing a part of said connection for taking up slack in the bands in order to compensate for the stretching or elongation thereof.
  • Still another object of the invention is to provide means for insuring proper substantially antit'rictional movement of the bands around the idlers.
  • the object of the invention is to mount the entire apparatus in a strong light framework of skeleton t'orm capable of being 0 suspended from the ceiling, carried by wallbrackets, or incased in a cabinet and capable ot' being disposed vertically, horizontally, or at any desired inclination.
  • Figure l is a front elevation of my apparatus complete.
  • Fig. 2 is a side elevation thereof, a portion of the frame being broken away to show one mode of adjusting the controller.
  • Fig. 3 is a detail plan view of the subject-matter of Fi 1.
  • Fig. a is a sectional elevation showing the manner in which the drivers engage the shelf hangers.
  • Fig. 5 is a detail sectional view of the compensating connection between the controller and the shelf-hangers.
  • Fig. 6 is an elevation of the subject-matter of Fig. 5-.
  • Fig. 7 isadetail sectional view of one of the hangerbrackets.
  • Fig. 8 is a plan view of one of-the brackets shown opposite the periphery of an idler.
  • Fig. 9 is aside elevation of the subject-matter of Fig. 8.
  • Fig. 10 is a sectional view thereof.
  • Fig. 11 isa detail view of a portion of one of the driver-arms and a cooperating antifriction-roller.
  • Fig. 12 is a side elevation of the upper portion of the apparatus, showing the controller in one of its adjusted positions.
  • Fig. 12 is a side elevation of the upper portion of the apparatus, showing the controller in one of its adjusted positions.
  • Fig. 13 is a modification showing the yoke of one of the driver-arms provided with antifrictional rollers.
  • Fig. 14 is a modification in which drivers are located at opposite sides of each of the carrier-idlers.
  • Fig. 15 is a sectionalview of a-modifiedform of hanger-bracket.
  • Fig. 16 is a plan'view of another modified form of hangerbracket.
  • Fig. 17 is a sectional view thereof.
  • Fig. 18 is a sectional elevation of a hanger-bracket designed for use in connection with a sprocketchain, and
  • Fig. 19 is a plan-view of the same subject-matter.
  • the entire structure is mounted in'a light (preferably metallic) frame of skeleton form comprising a base 1, from which rise-a pair of vertical side bars 2, connected by transverse frame-bars 3, 4, and 5 and stiffened by suitable diagonal braces 6.
  • the frame also comprehends a third vertical bar 7, located somewhat nearer one side of the frame and terminating short of the ends thereof.
  • the frame thus constructed may be suspended, carried by wall-brackets, or otherwise supportedas, for instance, in a show-window for the display of merchandise, &c., its open skeleton form preventing material obstruction of the light or, if desired, the frame may be mounted in a suitable cabinet and in any event may be supported in a vertical, inclined, or horizontal position, asdesired.
  • a driving-shaft 8 Adjacent to the upper end of the frame is mounted a driving-shaft 8, loosely supporting a pair of idlers 9 and 10.
  • These idlers are in the form of comparatively large pulleys of any suitable construction and are arranged directly overa pair of similar idlers 11 and 12, mounted near the lower end of the frame upon short stud-shafts 13, extending inwardly from vertically-adjustable journal-boxes 14: and 15, mounted in the frame-bars 2 and 7, respectively, and shiftable by means of adjusting-screws16.
  • the several idlers 9, 10, ,11, and 12 are all loosely mounted for independent rotary movement and are arranged in vertically-alined pairs for the reception of endless carriers 17 and 18, which preferably comprise belts in direct contact with the pebearings of the idlers.
  • the carriers 17 and 18 are connected by what may be termed shelf-hangers 21, preferably in the form of rods connected to both carriers and equipped with means for the attachment of shelves 22, disposed between the carriers, as shown in Figs. 1 and 3, and arranged to travel in an endless series as the carriers are propelled in unison by means 23, which are made toperform several other functions that is to say, these brackets serve primarily as means for connecting the hangers and carriers.
  • Each bracket 23 is;preferably in the form of a light casting closedat its outerside by a wall 21:, from which extend flanges 25 and 26, defining a channel 27, the ends of which diverge from a dome 28. Through the channel-thus formed a portion ofthe carrier is extended, the cable being drawn up into the dome by an adjustable'tightener in-the form of'an eye 29, through which the cable is passed.
  • the eye 29 is formed with a threaded shank 30, extended through the top wall of thedome and providedwith the nut 31, by means of which the eye may be adjusted in order to draw up the cable'or to slack the same when it is desired.
  • the latter is additionally provided with a cable-lock in the form of a headed bolt 32, passed through one side wall of the dome 28 below the eye 29 andprovided exterior to the dome With'a gether and are equipped with means whereby I LII passes through the alined sockets of a pair of brackets secured to the respective carriers, as clearly shown in Figs. 1 and 3.
  • the outer edges of the peripheries of the idlers are formed with depressions or channels 35, into which extend the edges of the side walls 24 of the hanger-brackets, (see particularly Fig. 8.) and to insure the proper movement of the brackets around the pulleys the former are provided adjacent to their opposite ends with antifriction-rollers 36, working against the inner faces of segmental guides 37, concentric with the pulleys. (See Fig. 9.)
  • the carriers are driven positively by drivers 38 and 39, rigid with the shaft 8, and each comprising a series of connected driver-arms 40, provided with terminal yokes 41, arranged to engage the shelf-hangers or rods 21 at points adjacent to the carriers.
  • the antifrictional engagement of the yokes and hangers may be secured in a variety of ways. For instance, as shown in Fig. 11, antifriction-rollers a2 may be mounted upon the hangers for engagement with the yokes, or, if desired, the opposite ends of the yokes may be equipped with rollers 43 instead. (See Fig. 13.)
  • the shaft 8 may be driven in any suitable manneras, for instance, by means of a mechanically, electrically, or manually operated motor geared to a power-pulley M, fixed on the shaft beyond one side of the frame. It will now be obvious that when the driving-shaft is rotated the drivers 38 and 39, moving therewith, will engage the shelf-hangers or bars 21 and will cause the carriers to move in unison for the purpose of advancing the series of shelves carried by the hangers.
  • the idlers i8 and 49 are designed for the support of an endless controller 50, identical in construction with the endless carriers 17 and 18 and likewise provided with hangerbrackets 51, similar to the brackets 23, by means of which laterally-disposed pins 52 are connected to the controller. These pins 52 are received by sliding boxes 53, mounted in the slotted vertically-disposed extremities 54 of angular arms 55, with which the hangers 21 are formed. (See Figs. 3 and 5.)
  • the sliding boxes 53 constitute a yielding connection between the hangers and the controller, and this arrangement is still another feature for avoiding friction by accommodating or compensating for slight irregularities resulting from the uneven stretching or expansion of the controller with respect to the carriers.
  • the upper stud-shaft i7 constitutes the driving-shaft for the controller and, like the shaft 8, is equipped with a driver 56, constructed like the drivers 38 and 39, but designed to engage the pins 52 to positively drive the endthe eventof slight maladjustment or derangeless controller just as the endlesscarriers are driven by the drivers 38 and 39. Since the carriers and controllermust all move in uni:
  • the shaft H it'is preferable to drive the shaft H from: the shaft 8, and in the present embodiment of the invention said shafts are provided withsprocket-wheels 57 and 58, geared together by a sprocket-chain 59.
  • the endless controller and the endless carriers are positively driven, that. the controller andcarriers are passed around independent idlers, and are driven in unison by driving. mechanism which will compel the maintenance of: the proper relations ofthe parts without, however, creatingundue friction and binding in ment.
  • shelf hangers or-rods may becontinuous, as shown,
  • Fig. 15 I have shown a modified form of hanger-bracket, in the-dome of which are three angularly-related independently-ad just-1. able screw-eyes a, hand 0, through 1 which.
  • Figs. 16 and 17 I have illustrated another. form of hanger-bracket, :which is particularly designedfor use innan apparatus designed for heavy-work and-having its carriers made up of a number of strandsor cables.
  • This bracket comprises side flanges d and e, between which are located transverseconnect-: ing-webs fig, andh andv'av transverse bar 2'.
  • a ::clampingscrew is, which carries' a ..clamp.Z,-'arrangedtoclampethe cables comprising the carrier against-the-ban i, and thus effect a secure con-.
  • the webf isof angularform, and.with.it is associated-atightener m, arranged to slidelongitudinally of the bracket'forthe purpose of taking up slack in the carrier and provided with .a tailpiece :n, carrying a set-screw n, ac-' corninodated-iinza slot-p in the horizontal-portion of:the web f.
  • Thetightener ortightening-block m isadjusted byv means Of 'a lllgl1tfi 'ening SOI'GWa 9, passed 1 through .the vertical latter at: the points. where it. extends radially from the idlers;
  • Figs. 18 and 19 a hanger-bracket adaptedfor use. in this type ofapparatus when sprocket-chains instead .ofzcables or belts are employed. as carriers.
  • One or bothofthe connectors is designed to have lateral movemerit for the .purpose of taking up slack in' the cha1n,-.such amo-vernentbi-310g accommodated by slots win the plates 0 For the pu-r pose ofmovingthei connector t to adjust the.
  • each of the. plates. 1' is equipped with a tightening-screw ag'screwedinto the endof the plate and bearing. against the connectort. Byturningupthese screws the connectorz, may be shifted laterally toadjust-the chain, as will be apparent:
  • any desired number of sets of idlers may be variously located in order that conveyance may be effected in a number of diflerent directions.
  • the carriers by obvious rearrangement of the idlers may be made to travel in vertical, horizontal, and inclined paths. It is also apparent that various portions of the mechanism described are useful in this connection without reference to the various associated mechanisms which are grouped in the illustrated embodiment of the invention.
  • the controller may be omitted, whether the apparatus is being used .for display purposes or as an elevator or conveyer.
  • the carriers, with their idlers, drivers, and brackets may be utilized as a means for transmittingpower, since this arrangement involves material novelty, aside from its utility in connection with conveying or display apparatus. The same may be said of the individual carriers and of the hanger-brackets.
  • the combination with a pairof endless carriers, in dependent idlers supporting the carriers, and connecting devices connecting the carriers at intervals, of operating mechanism including a driver arranged to engage successive connecting devices to move the carriers.
  • the combination with a vertically-disposed frame, a pair of endless carriers, idlers supporting the same, and hangers connecting the carriers and having angular ends; of bearingbrackets extending rearwardly from the frame and adjustable lengthwise thereof, stud-shafts extending from said brackets, idlers mounted on the shafts, an endless controller passed around said idlers, means for connecting the controller to the angular ends of the hangers, and mechanism for driving the carriers and controller.
  • adjustable means for drawing a portion of the carrier into the dome of thebracket, and means for securing the carrier and bracket against relative movement.
  • the combination with a hanger-bracket provided with a longitudinal channel, a dome communicating with the channel midway of its ends, and a. transverse hanger-socket located at the side of the channel opposite the rollers mounted on the bracket and arranged to engage the guard.
  • the combination with a flexible carrier, of a hanger-bracket means associated with the bracket for securing the latter to the carrier, and means also associated with the bracket for taking up slack in the carrier.

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Description

No. 793,243. PATENTED JUNE 27, 1905. A. SYMES.
DISPLAY APPARATUS.
APPLICATION FILED MAY 19, .904.
4 SHEETSSHEET 1.
; 11 1mm l'om PATENTED JUNE 27, 1905.
A. SYMBS.
DISPLAY APPARATUS.
APPLICATION FILED MAY 19, 1904.
4 SHEETB-BHBET 2.
atfo'umug No. 793,243. PATENTED JUNE 27, 1905. A. SYMES.
DISPLAY APPARATUS.
APPLICATION FILED MAY 19.1904.
4 SHEETSSHBET 3,
No. 793,248. PATENTED JUNE 27, 1905. A. SYMES.
DISPLAY APPARATUS.
APPLIOATION FILED MAY 19, 1904.
4 SHEETS-SHEET 4'.
53777086 51M we who;
NITED STATES Patented June 27, 1905.
PATENT OFFICE.
ARTHUR SYMES, OF RIVER FALLS, \VISCONSIN, ASSIGNOR TO AUTOMATIC SHELVING COMPANY, OF RIVER FALLS, WISCONSIN, A CORPORATION OF WISCONSIN.
DISPLAY APPARATUS.
SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 793,243, dated June 27, 1905.
To a whom it mal (101200772..-
Be it known that I, ARTHUR SYMES, a citizen of the United States, residing at River Falls, in the county of Pierce and State of \Visconsin, have invented a new and useful Display Apparatus, of which the following is a specification.
This invention relates to display apparatus of that type which is characterized by endless IO elevating and conveying means especially adapted to exhibit a moving display, but capable of use in various other relations. Apparatus of this character ordinarily includes a suitable frame, within which are mounted 5 sprockets supporting and driving a pair of endless carriers arranged to convey certain objects, which may be, for instance, a series of shelves associated with mechanism of some character for maintaining the shelves in proper position as they traverse a given path of movement. Many objections have been urged against this class of mechanism, among which may be mentioned the prohibitive frictional resistance opposed to their operation,
5 the noise occasioned by the connections, particularly when sprockets and chains are utilized as carriers, the great increase of friction, and in some instances the total derangement ot' the apparatus occasioned by the unequal 3 lengthening or stretching of the carriers after continued use and the lack of compensation for uneven or irregular movements or for lost motion. My aim is to overcome these various objections by causing endless carriers of novel construction to travel around independently-revoluble idlers and to be propelled in unison by drivers which engage suitable membersas, for instance, shelf or platform hangers-projecting from the carriers, the direct 4 connection between the traveling structure and the drivers and the capability of the idlers for independent movement serving to insure proper action of the carriers without material friction even after the apparatus has been in use for a considerable period.
A further object of the invention is to associate with the traveling shelving an endless controller which, like the carriers, is mounted to travel around idlers and is positively driven,
so that proper movement in unison of the end- 5 less carriers and controller will be insured, notwithstanding uneven stretching or elongation of these elements in the course of use.
A still further object of the invention is to provide a novel connection between the sheli'- hangers and the controller whereby the shelves will be constantly maintained in predetermined positions during their travel and whereby slight irregularities of movement will be compensated for.
Another object of the invention is to simplify the provision for adjusting the positions of the shelves with respect to the horizontal plane and to obviate the necessity for the employment ot'guides for maintaining the shelves 5 in proper position during their travel.
Another object is to improve the connection between the endless carrying and controlling bands and the shelf-hangers and to provide simple and elfective means constitut- 7 ing a part of said connection for taking up slack in the bands in order to compensate for the stretching or elongation thereof.
Still another object of the invention is to provide means for insuring proper substantially antit'rictional movement of the bands around the idlers.
Finally, the object of the invention is to mount the entire apparatus in a strong light framework of skeleton t'orm capable of being 0 suspended from the ceiling, carried by wallbrackets, or incased in a cabinet and capable ot' being disposed vertically, horizontally, or at any desired inclination.
Other objects subordinate to those enumer- 5 ated will appear during the course of the succeeding description of the illustrated structure.
In the accompanying drawings, Figure l is a front elevation of my apparatus complete. Fig. 2 is a side elevation thereof, a portion of the frame being broken away to show one mode of adjusting the controller. Fig. 3 is a detail plan view of the subject-matter of Fi 1. Fig. a is a sectional elevation showing the manner in which the drivers engage the shelf hangers.
Fig. 5 is a detail sectional view of the compensating connection between the controller and the shelf-hangers. Fig. 6 is an elevation of the subject-matter of Fig. 5-. Fig. 7 isadetail sectional view of one of the hangerbrackets. Fig. 8 is a plan view of one of-the brackets shown opposite the periphery of an idler. Fig. 9 is aside elevation of the subject-matter of Fig. 8. Fig. 10 is a sectional view thereof. Fig. 11 isa detail view of a portion of one of the driver-arms and a cooperating antifriction-roller. Fig. 12 is a side elevation of the upper portion of the apparatus, showing the controller in one of its adjusted positions. Fig. 13 is a modification showing the yoke of one of the driver-arms provided with antifrictional rollers. Fig. 14 is a modification in which drivers are located at opposite sides of each of the carrier-idlers. Fig. 15 is a sectionalview of a-modifiedform of hanger-bracket. Fig. 16 is a plan'view of another modified form of hangerbracket. Fig. 17 is a sectional view thereof. Fig. 18 is a sectional elevation of a hanger-bracket designed for use in connection with a sprocketchain, and Fig. 19 is a plan-view of the same subject-matter.
Like numerals of reference are employed to designate corresponding parts in the several figures of the drawings.
The entire structure is mounted in'a light (preferably metallic) frame of skeleton form comprising a base 1, from which rise-a pair of vertical side bars 2, connected by transverse frame- bars 3, 4, and 5 and stiffened by suitable diagonal braces 6. The frame also comprehends a third vertical bar 7, located somewhat nearer one side of the frame and terminating short of the ends thereof. The frame thus constructed may be suspended, carried by wall-brackets, or otherwise supportedas, for instance, in a show-window for the display of merchandise, &c., its open skeleton form preventing material obstruction of the light or, if desired, the frame may be mounted in a suitable cabinet and in any event may be supported in a vertical, inclined, or horizontal position, asdesired.
Adjacent to the upper end of the frame is mounted a driving-shaft 8, loosely supporting a pair of idlers 9 and 10. These idlers are in the form of comparatively large pulleys of any suitable construction and are arranged directly overa pair of similar idlers 11 and 12, mounted near the lower end of the frame upon short stud-shafts 13, extending inwardly from vertically-adjustable journal-boxes 14: and 15, mounted in the frame- bars 2 and 7, respectively, and shiftable by means of adjusting-screws16. The several idlers 9, 10, ,11, and 12 are all loosely mounted for independent rotary movement and are arranged in vertically-alined pairs for the reception of endless carriers 17 and 18, which preferably comprise belts in direct contact with the pebearings of the idlers.
ripheries of the idlers and cables 20, cushioned by the belts. It should be distinctly understood, however, that the invention in its broaderaspects'is not limitedto-ca'rriers of any specific construction, since it is obvious that chains, belts, or cables might be substituted for the combination belt and cable carriers illustrated in the drawings. The-latter, however, I consider preferable.
The carriers 17 and 18 are connected by what may be termed shelf-hangers 21, preferably in the form of rods connected to both carriers and equipped with means for the attachment of shelves 22, disposed between the carriers, as shown in Figs. 1 and 3, and arranged to travel in an endless series as the carriers are propelled in unison by means 23, which are made toperform several other functions that is to say, these brackets serve primarily as means for connecting the hangers and carriers.
They also serve to clamp the cable and belt of each carrier tothe cables may be drawn up or tightened after stretching or elongation-thereof or loosened to avoid unnecessary friction in the In Figs. 7, 8, 9, and 10 one of the hanger-bracketsis elearlyillustrated. Each bracket 23 is;preferably in the form of a light casting closedat its outerside by a wall 21:, from which extend flanges 25 and 26, defining a channel 27, the ends of which diverge from a dome 28. Through the channel-thus formed a portion ofthe carrier is extended, the cable being drawn up into the dome by an adjustable'tightener in-the form of'an eye 29, through which the cable is passed. The eye 29 is formed with a threaded shank 30, extended through the top wall of thedome and providedwith the nut 31, by means of which the eye may be adjusted in order to draw up the cable'or to slack the same when it is desired. In order to prevent the cable-from being; pulled through the eye by the weight imposed upon the carrier beyond either end of the bracket, the latter is additionally provided with a cable-lock in the form of a headed bolt 32, passed through one side wall of the dome 28 below the eye 29 andprovided exterior to the dome With'a gether and are equipped with means whereby I LII passes through the alined sockets of a pair of brackets secured to the respective carriers, as clearly shown in Figs. 1 and 3. In order to prevent sidewise slipping of the carriers, the outer edges of the peripheries of the idlers are formed with depressions or channels 35, into which extend the edges of the side walls 24 of the hanger-brackets, (see particularly Fig. 8.) and to insure the proper movement of the brackets around the pulleys the former are provided adjacent to their opposite ends with antifriction-rollers 36, working against the inner faces of segmental guides 37, concentric with the pulleys. (See Fig. 9.)
Having now seen the manner in which the carriers are mounted and connected and the means provided for the support of the shelves, it is in order to describe the mechanism whereby the carriers are positively driven to present the shelves in succession opposite a given point. Instead of applying power to the pulleys over which the carriers are led the carriers are driven positively by drivers 38 and 39, rigid with the shaft 8, and each comprising a series of connected driver-arms 40, provided with terminal yokes 41, arranged to engage the shelf-hangers or rods 21 at points adjacent to the carriers. (See Figs. 3 and 4:.) The antifrictional engagement of the yokes and hangers may be secured in a variety of ways. For instance, as shown in Fig. 11, antifriction-rollers a2 may be mounted upon the hangers for engagement with the yokes, or, if desired, the opposite ends of the yokes may be equipped with rollers 43 instead. (See Fig. 13.)
The shaft 8 may be driven in any suitable manneras, for instance, by means of a mechanically, electrically, or manually operated motor geared to a power-pulley M, fixed on the shaft beyond one side of the frame. It will now be obvious that when the driving-shaft is rotated the drivers 38 and 39, moving therewith, will engage the shelf-hangers or bars 21 and will cause the carriers to move in unison for the purpose of advancing the series of shelves carried by the hangers.
It appears proper at this point to direct particular attention to the special advantage accruing from the use of independent idlers for the carriers and driving mechanism operating independently of the idlers instead of through the same. It frequently happens that after continued use of an apparatus of this character one or the other of the carriers will stretch or elongate to some slight extent, and the shelf-supporting bars or hangers may therefore bear a slightly-abnormal relation to the yokes. lf, therefore, the idlers were connected for movement in unison, one or the other of the carriers would have to slip, and this movement would be opposed by the friction induced between the extensive coacting surfaces of the wheel and the slipping carrier. By the arrangementl employ, on the contrary,
any slight relative movement of the two carriers made necessary by irregularities of the character mentioned will be accommodated by the relative movement of the idlers, which will readily yield in order to compensate for the lost motion, material friction being thus avoided. Again, suppose instead of entering the yoke properly one of the hangers should assume the position indicated by the lower right-hand hanger in Fig. 4E. Ordinarily this relation would speedily result in the derangement of the apparatus, whereas by the employment of independent idlers that one of them over which the carrier shown in Fig. f is passed will move forward slightly independently of the other idler to restore the proper relation between the yoke and the hanger. In short, I reduce the friction incidental to the operation of the machine to a minimum by providing independent mountings for both carriers and by providing additional means for positively driving the carriers in unison, but with a capability of such slight relative movement without slipping as will compensate for slight irregularities incident to the continued use of the apparatus.
It is now in order to describe the means for retaining the shelves in predetermined positions as they traverse a prescribed path. Extended rearwardly from the left-hand side bar 2 of the frame are a pairof independently vertically adjustable bearing-brackets 45 and 4C6, from which extend stud-shafts 17 for the loose revoluble support of idlers L8 and 49, similar in all respects to the idlers which support the carriers. The shafts 457 are normally located in the horizontal planes in which the axes of the upper and lower carrier-idlers are located; but, as will be seen in Fig. 2, these shafts are offset to the rear, so that the upper and lower idlers i8 and 49 are out of alinement with the upper and lower idlers which support the carriers. The idlers i8 and 49 are designed for the support of an endless controller 50, identical in construction with the endless carriers 17 and 18 and likewise provided with hangerbrackets 51, similar to the brackets 23, by means of which laterally-disposed pins 52 are connected to the controller. These pins 52 are received by sliding boxes 53, mounted in the slotted vertically-disposed extremities 54 of angular arms 55, with which the hangers 21 are formed. (See Figs. 3 and 5.) The sliding boxes 53 constitute a yielding connection between the hangers and the controller, and this arrangement is still another feature for avoiding friction by accommodating or compensating for slight irregularities resulting from the uneven stretching or expansion of the controller with respect to the carriers.
The upper stud-shaft i7 constitutes the driving-shaft for the controller and, like the shaft 8, is equipped with a driver 56, constructed like the drivers 38 and 39, but designed to engage the pins 52 to positively drive the endthe eventof slight maladjustment or derangeless controller just as the endlesscarriers are driven by the drivers 38 and 39. Since the carriers and controllermust all move in uni:
son, it'is preferable to drive the shaft H from: the shaft 8, and in the present embodiment of the invention said shafts are provided withsprocket-wheels 57 and 58, geared together by a sprocket-chain 59. It will nowbeseen that the endless controller and the endless carriers are positively driven, that. the controller andcarriers are passed around independent idlers, and are driven in unison by driving. mechanism which will compel the maintenance of: the proper relations ofthe parts without, however, creatingundue friction and binding in ment.
113218 sometimes desirable to fix to the shaftsobjects. to be displayed or to set the, shelves at an anglev in order that the display may be betplanes in which-the axes of the carrier-idlers are located. Of-course if extended adjustment is necessary the chain 59 is replaced by another of suflicientlength. Such an adjustment is illustrated inFig. 12, wherein .itzwill be noted thatthe controller has been elevated,
causing theangular or-crank arms ofthe hang-- ers to be swung'and the shelves to be shifted to inclined positions. This same character of adjustment of the controller is useful when it? is desired to set the apparatus at an inclination and to maintain the shelves in horizontal. position, since it will .be seen thatby swinging the apparatus to the. right from the posi-v tion shown in Fig. 12 the shelves will be moved to horizontal positions, which-willbe maintained-during the operation of the device.
Obviously the shelves may be omittediand replaced by any other provision for the su p1 port of the. display. Similarly theshelfl hangers or-rods may becontinuous, as shown,
. orrnay com prise sections secured to the opposite ends of the shelves. Attention mayalso be directed .to .thefact thatwhile the separate driver for the. controller is preferable itmay:
in some instances be omitted, as the connectionsv between the hangers and the controller I will be suflicient for the operation of the con In Fig. 1i 1 have shown a possible.
troller. variation ofv the describedconstruction, the
departure residingin the provision of drivers atboth sides of: each idler, as this arrange-. ment may be desirable 1n some instances, and
in Fig. 15 I have shown a modified form of hanger-bracket, in the-dome of which are three angularly-related independently-ad just-1. able screw-eyes a, hand 0, through 1 which. When this Q0111 the cable is designed to pass. structionis employed, the cable .may be securely clamped by. the intermediate eye 5 and-= either portionof'. the cable extending. fromopposite sides of said eye maybe drawnnpm by-adjusting eitherof-the eyes a or 0..
In Figs. 16 and 17 I have illustrated another. form of hanger-bracket, :which is particularly designedfor use innan apparatus designed for heavy-work and-having its carriers made up of a number of strandsor cables. This bracket comprises side flanges d and e, between which are located transverseconnect-: ing-webs fig, andh andv'av transverse bar 2'. Throughi the- -bar. 22' is passed a ::clampingscrew is, which carries' a ..clamp.Z,-'arrangedtoclampethe cables comprising the carrier against-the-ban i, and thus effect a secure con-. nection between the carrier 1 and =th e brackets The webf isof angularform, and.with.it is associated-atightener m, arranged to slidelongitudinally of the bracket'forthe purpose of taking up slack in the carrier and provided with .a tailpiece :n, carrying a set-screw n, ac-' corninodated-iinza slot-p in the horizontal-portion of:the web f. Thetightener ortightening-block m isadjusted byv means Of 'a lllgl1tfi 'ening SOI'GWa 9, passed 1 through .the vertical latter at: the points. where it. extends radially from the idlers;
In Figs. 18 and 19 is shown a hanger-bracket adaptedfor use. in this type ofapparatus when sprocket-chains instead .ofzcables or belts are employed. as carriers. A pair of side plates r are conneotedwby the=sleeve 8, which receives thehanger-rod, and at: the opposite endsof these platesare retained trans- The opposed faces of. the tightening- I flex sufliciently to prevent sharp bends in the verse pintles or connectors tand 10, which are engaged by links '0 of a sprocket-chain. One or bothofthe connectors, but preferably the connector t, is designed to have lateral movemerit for the .purpose of taking up slack in' the cha1n,-.such amo-vernentbi-310g accommodated by slots win the plates 0 For the pu-r pose ofmovingthei connector t to adjust the.
chain each of the. plates. 1' is equipped with a tightening-screw ag'screwedinto the endof the plate and bearing. against the connectort. Byturningupthese screws the connectorz, may be shifted laterally toadjust-the chain, as will be apparent:
Having described thepreferred embodiment of my invention, I desire to direct particular attention .to the fact that while" the structure 1 is designed for-use as a display apparatu s,since it avoids themany objections-ordinarily urged against this type of devices, it. is, neverthe..-
less, designed with special reference to its use for general elevating and conveying purposes, since its meritorious characteristics are in no way dependent upon the nature of the articles or objects conveyed. Furthermore, when used as a conveyer many variations of the illustrated arrangement may be resorted to. For instance, any desired number of sets of idlers may be variously located in order that conveyance may be effected in a number of diflerent directions. For instance, the carriers by obvious rearrangement of the idlers may be made to travel in vertical, horizontal, and inclined paths. It is also apparent that various portions of the mechanism described are useful in this connection without reference to the various associated mechanisms which are grouped in the illustrated embodiment of the invention. For instance, under some conditions when there is no necessity for maintaining the shelves or platforms in horizontal position at all times the controller may be omitted, whether the apparatus is being used .for display purposes or as an elevator or conveyer. Similarly the carriers, with their idlers, drivers, and brackets, may be utilized as a means for transmittingpower, since this arrangement involves material novelty, aside from its utility in connection with conveying or display apparatus. The same may be said of the individual carriers and of the hanger-brackets. Finally, it should be noted that while the frame structure which has been described is desirable for the reasons stated the upper and lower idlers and drivers may be separately mounted in suitable frames located any desired distance apart.
It is thought that from the foregoing the construction, operation, and many advantages of my improved elevating, conveying, and display apparatus will be apparent to those skilled in the art without further description; but while the present embodiment of the invention is thought at this time to be preferable I desire to reserve the right to effect such changes, modifications, and variations of the illustrated structure as may fall fairly within the scope of the protection prayed.
What I claim as new is-- 1. In an apparatus of the class described, the combination with an endless carrying device, including a pair of connected endless carriers capable of limited independent movement in the direction of travel, of idlers constituting separate,independent, relatively movable supports for the respective carriers, and driving mechanism independent of the idlers and engaging the endless carrying device to drive the same.
2. In an apparatus of the class described, the combination with a pairof endless carriers, in dependent idlers supporting the carriers, and connecting devices connecting the carriers at intervals, of operating mechanism including a driver arranged to engage successive connecting devices to move the carriers.
3. In an apparatus of the class described,the combination with a pair of endless carriers, independent idlers supporting the carriers, and hangers arranged at intervals and connecting the carriers; of a rotary driver arranged to engage successive hangers to move the carriers in unison.
4. In an apparatus of the class described,the combination with a pair of endless carriers, in dependent idlers supporting the same, and hangers connecting the carriers; of a rotary driver engaging successive hangers to drive the carriers, shelves supported by the hangers, and controlling mechanism for maintaining the shelves in p redetermined positions during the travel thereof.
5. Inan apparatus of the class described,the combination with endless connected carriers, an endless controller, and independent idlers supporting the controller and carriers respectively; 0f hangers connecting the carriers and controller for movement in unison, and driving means engaging the hangers.
6. In an apparatus of the class described,the combination with endless carriers, and an endless controller; of independent idlers supporting the carriers and controller respectively, hangers connecting the carriers and having angular ends, pins extended from the controller and having loose engagement with the angular ends of the hangers,and driving means for the carriers.
'7. In an apparatus of the class described,the combination with endless carriers, and an endless controller; of independent idlers for the carriers and controller respectively, hangers connecting the carriers and provided with angular ends, pins extended laterally from the controller and engaging the angular ends of the hangers, and driving mechanism engaging the hangers and pins respectively.
8. In an apparatus of the class described,the combination with endless carriers, and an endless controller; of hangers connecting the carriers and provided with angular ends, pins extended from the controller and engaging the angular ends of the hangers,and driving mechanism including a rotary driver engaging the hangers to drive the carriers, a second rotary driver engaging the pins to drive the controller, and gearing connecting said drivers.
9. In'an apparatus of the class described,the combination with endless carriers, an endless controller, and independent idlers for the carriers and controller respectively; of means for etfecting the relative adjustment of the idlers to take up the slack in the carriers and controller, hangers connected with the carriers and having angular slotted ends, pins extending into the slotted ends of the hangers from the controller, shelves carried by the hangers intermediate of the carriers, rotary driv- IIS ers geared to each other and arranged to en gage the hangers and pins respectively, and means for rotating one of the drivers.
- 10. In an apparatus of the class described, the combination with a frame, idlers mounted therein, endless carriers passed around the idlers, and means for connecting the carriers for movement in unison; of adjustable journal-boxes mounted on the frame, stud-shafts extending from said boxes, idlers mounted on said shafts, a controller passed around the idlers, shelves mounted intermediate of the carriers and movable therewith, and means for operatively connecting the controller with the shelves to maintain the latter in proper.
position during their travel.
11. In an apparatus of the class described, the combination with a vertically-disposed frame, a pair of endless carriers, idlers supporting the same, and hangers connecting the carriers and having angular ends; of bearingbrackets extending rearwardly from the frame and adjustable lengthwise thereof, stud-shafts extending from said brackets, idlers mounted on the shafts, an endless controller passed around said idlers, means for connecting the controller to the angular ends of the hangers, and mechanism for driving the carriers and controller.
12. In an apparatus of the class described, the combination with a frame; of a pair of endless carriers disposed endwisethereof, an endless controller ofi set in rear of the frame and adjustable endwise thereof, hangers connecting the carriers and having angular ends in operative connection with the controller, and mechanism for driving the carriers and controller in unison.
13. In an apparatus of the class described, the combination with a pair of endless carriers, and independent idlers supporting the same; of a driving-shaft constituting a support for one pairof idlers, hangers connecting the carriers, driving mechanism including a driver fixed to the driving-shaft and having yokes disposed to engage the hangers, shelves supported by the hangers, and means for maintaining the shelves in proper position during their travel.
14:. In an apparatus of the class described, the combination with a pair of endless carriers, and independent idlers supporting the same; of a driving-shaft constituting a support for a pair of said idlers, hangers connecting the carriers, shelves supported by the hangers, and a pair of drivers fixed to the driving-shaft adjacent to the idlers thereon, said drivers each comprising a series of radially-disposed arms having terminal yokes arranged to en. gage the hangers.
15. In an apparatus of the class described, the combination with a pair of endless carriers; of hangers connecting the carriers and provided with angular ends,boxes slidably mounted in said ends, an'endless controller having laterally-disposed pins extended into the sliding boxes, and mechanism for driving the carriers andcontroller.
16. In an apparatus of the class described, 2 the combination with a pair of endless carriers; of hanger-brackets secured to the carriers andhaving transverse sockets, hangersfittedinto the sockets of the brackets. and connected to.
the carriers, and shelves supported by the-- hangers.
17. In an apparatus of the class described,
the combination with a flexible carrier; of a hanger-bracket provided with a channel for the carrier and with a socketforthe reception of a hanger.
18. In an apparatus of the character de-v scribed, the combination with a hanger-bracket I provided with a longitudinally-disposed chan:
nel; and a transversely-disposed socket; of a flexible carrier extended through .the channel, and adjustable means for=connecting the bracket and the carrier.
19. In an apparatus-of the class described,
the combinationwith. a hanger-bracket pro vided with alongitudinal channel, a dome, anda transverse hanger-socket; of a flexible carrier passed through the channel in the bracket,
and'adjustable means for drawing .a portion-v of the carrier into the dome of the bracket.
20. In an apparatus of the class described,
the combination with a hanger-bracket .pro
vided with a longitudinal channel, adome, and:
a transverse hanger-socket; of a flexible car.-
rier passed through the channel in the bracket,
adjustable meansfor drawing a portion of the carrier into the dome of thebracket, and means for securing the carrier and bracket against relative movement.
21. In .an apparatus of the class described,.
the combination witha hanger-bracket provided with a longitudinal channel, adome communicating with the channel midway of its ends, and a transverse hanger-socketlocatedat the side of the channelopposite the dome;
municatingwith the channel midway OfeitS I ends, and atransv-erse hanger-socket located. at the side of the channel opposite. the dome;.: ofan endless carrier passed through the chan nel of the bracket, andan adjustable screweye located in the dome and engaged by the carrier.
23. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination with a hanger-bracket provided with a longitudinal channel, a dome communicating with the channel midway of its ends, and a. transverse hanger-socket located at the side of the channel opposite the rollers mounted on the bracket and arranged to engage the guard.
25. In an apparatus of the class described, the combination with a flexible carrier, of a hanger-bracket, and meansassociated with said bracket for adjusting the carrier.
26. In an apparatus of the class described, the combination with a flexible carrier, of a hanger-bracket, means associated with the bracket for securing the latter to the carrier, and means also associated with the bracket for taking up slack in the carrier.
In testimony that I claim the foregoing as my own 1 have hereto afiixed my signature in the presence of two witnesses.
ARTHUR SYMES.
lVitnesses: V
WARREN P. KNOWLES, BERTRAM SYMES.
US20875404A 1904-05-19 1904-05-19 Display apparatus. Expired - Lifetime US793243A (en)

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Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2677455A (en) * 1950-12-06 1954-05-04 Meissner Elevator for ship-unloaders
US5984113A (en) * 1997-10-22 1999-11-16 Roberson; Bernice Shoe storage system with a compact shoe pouch transport mechanism
US6119880A (en) * 1997-03-25 2000-09-19 Dueck; Raymond Shelf carousel

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2677455A (en) * 1950-12-06 1954-05-04 Meissner Elevator for ship-unloaders
US6119880A (en) * 1997-03-25 2000-09-19 Dueck; Raymond Shelf carousel
US5984113A (en) * 1997-10-22 1999-11-16 Roberson; Bernice Shoe storage system with a compact shoe pouch transport mechanism

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