U.S. patent application number 11/236900 was filed with the patent office on 2006-04-27 for supporting device for signal transmitters.
Invention is credited to Erwin Baumstark.
Application Number | 20060086880 11/236900 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35735087 |
Filed Date | 2006-04-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060086880 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Baumstark; Erwin |
April 27, 2006 |
Supporting device for signal transmitters
Abstract
The supporting device for signal transmitters includes a first
flat supporting frame, which may preferably be attached in parallel
to a ceiling of a tunnel, and a second flat supporting frame
adapted to accommodate signal transmitters, wherein the second
supporting frame is pivotally connectable to the first supporting
frame at a first end of the supporting device via first connecting
means, and is detachably fixable to the first supporting frame at a
second end of the supporting device via second connecting
means.
Inventors: |
Baumstark; Erwin;
(Kuppenheim, DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JANSSON, SHUPE, MUNGER & ANTARAMIAN, LTD
245 MAIN STREET
RACINE
WI
53403
US
|
Family ID: |
35735087 |
Appl. No.: |
11/236900 |
Filed: |
September 28, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
248/320 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G09F 11/00 20130101;
G09F 19/22 20130101; G09F 11/30 20130101; E01F 9/61 20160201 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/320 |
International
Class: |
A47H 1/10 20060101
A47H001/10 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 26, 2004 |
DE |
20 2004 016 565.1 |
Claims
1. Supporting device for signal transmitters comprising a first
flat supporting frame to be attached in parallel to a ceiling of a
tunnel, further comprising a second flat supporting frame suitable
for accommodating signal transmitters, wherein the second
supporting frame is pivotally connectable to the first supporting
frame at a first end of the supporting device via first connecting
means, and is detachably fixable to the first supporting frame at a
second end of the supporting device via second connecting
means.
2. Supporting device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first
connecting means comprise two hooks arranged on the second
supporting frame, and two bolt-shaped sections, which are arranged
on the first supporting frame, wherein the hooks may pivotally
encompass the bolt-shaped sections.
3. Supporting device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second
connecting means comprise at least one bracket on the second
supporting frame and at least one movable locking means on the
first supporting frame for fixing the bracket.
4. Supporting device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the bracket
comprises a bolt in the area of its upper end, which can be
inserted into at least one slot formed in the first supporting
frame, wherein a first pivotal locking means for fixing the bracket
prevents the bolt from exiting after its insertion into the
slot.
5. Supporting device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the first
locking means is formed as a spring-supported locking hook having a
substantially V-shaped recess into which the bolt can at the same
time be inserted when moving into the slot, wherein a web of the
V-shaped recess is suitable as a rest surface for the bolt.
6. Supporting device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the bracket has
a head on its upper end having tapered front end into which a first
and a second edge of the head open.
7. Supporting device as claimed in claim 3, wherein a second
locking means has a roller movable obliquely with respect to
vertical, upon which the first edge of the head acts during
insertion of the bracket such that the roller is obliquely
lifted.
8. Supporting device as claimed in claim 7, wherein a leaf spring
is arranged between the roller and a transverse rail of the first
supporting frame, said leaf spring pressing the roller
downwards.
9. Supporting device as claimed in claim 7, wherein the roller in
an operating state of the supporting device is located on the lower
end point of its movement range, and the second edge of the head of
the bracket is supported on the roller.
10. Supporting device as claimed in claim 7, wherein the second
edge substantially extends at 45.degree. with respect to
vertical.
11. Supporting device as claimed in claim 7, wherein the roller is
integrated in the first supporting frame on its ends via two bolts
guided in two longitudinal holes substantially extending at
45.degree. with respect to the vertical.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of DE 20 2004 016 565.1,
filed Oct. 26, 2004, the contents of which are incorporated
herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention refers to a supporting device for
signal transmitters by the aid of which relatively heavy mechanical
and electronic units may be attached particularly to ceilings.
[0003] Supporting devices of this kind have been known since the
introduction of mechanically or electro-optical variable message
signs and traffic management systems. Usually, supporting devices
of this type are arranged perpendicularly at respective masts or
bridge piers or laterally on tunnel walls so that the road users
may well perceive from a far distance the signal transmitters
located within the supporting device.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] EP 0 917 703 B1 discloses an optical display device, which
provides significant advantages with respect to the dimensions, in
that the supporting device is aligned substantially in parallel to
a predetermined direction of movement of an observer and the
display panel is formed of a plurality of spaced display segments
arranged successively in the direction of movement in a sequence
according to the sign to be displayed, wherein the display segments
are arranged substantially in parallel to the surface normal of the
supporting device accommodating the display panel or tilted about
less than 45.degree. with respect to the surface normal. By this
design a very low installation height of the supporting frame is
sufficient, since due to the line of vision from the diagonal
bottom the impression of a continuous display surface is
produced.
[0005] In display devices of this type, the supporting frame has
usually been fixedly mounted on the tunnel ceiling, which in the
case of initial assembly, in the case of repair work and when
exchanging individual display segments leads to significant
problems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Thus, it is the object of the present invention to provide a
supporting device, particularly for variable message signs, which
may easily be mounted in any spatial arrangement, in which repair
work of the signal transmitters or their exchange can easily be
carried out by one single technician in a simple manner without
using any tool.
[0007] Accordingly, a supporting device, particularly for variable
message signs, is provided, which comprises a first flat supporting
fame, which can preferably be attached to a ceiling of a tunnel
extending in parallel thereto, furthermore a second flat supporting
frame, which is suitable for accommodating signal transmitters,
wherein the second supporting frame is pivotally connectable to the
first supporting frame at a first end of the supporting device via
first connecting means, and is detachably fixable to the first
supporting frame at a second end of the supporting device via
second connecting means.
[0008] By the two-piece construction of the supporting device and
the pivotal arrangement as well as the connection of the two
supporting frames that can easily be released again, a supporting
device has been created in which a first installation is basically
restricted to the attachment of the first supporting frame, whereas
the adding of the second supporting frame is extremely simple and
can therefore be carried out by one single assembler. Repair and
exchange work is also possible without having to remove the entire
device from its place, since in a hanging state of the second
supporting frame either the signal transmitters can be replaced and
exchanged or the entire second supporting frame can be exchanged in
a simple manner.
[0009] An especially advantageous form of the pivotal connection is
given if the first connecting means comprise two hooks arranged on
the second supporting frame as well as two bolt-shaped sections
arranged on the first supporting frame, wherein the hooks may
pivotally encompass the bolt-shaped sections. Thus, a connection is
created that is easily detachable and still ensures a safe
connection both in the down-hanging state of the second supporting
frame and in the latched state (operating state).
[0010] In order to obtain a slightly inclined position of the
second supporting frame within the first supporting frame in the
latched position, which is advantageous in the sense of optical
perception of the signal transmitters, the second connecting means
comprise at least one, preferably two brackets on the second
supporting frame, and at least one movable locking means on the
first supporting frame for fixing the bracket.
[0011] The bracket advantageous comprises a bolt in the area of its
upper end, said bolt being insertable into at least one slot formed
in the first supporting frame, wherein a first pivotal locking
means for fixing the bracket prevents the bolt from exiting after
its insertion into the slot. With all remaining locking means being
removed it is thus also ensured that the second supporting frame
maybe brought from the latched into the down-hanging position in a
simple manner.
[0012] This is particularly simply achieved if the first locking
means is formed as a spring-supported locking hook having a
substantially V-shaped recess, in which the bolt can simultaneously
be inserted when moving into the slot, wherein the web of the
V-shaped recess is suitable as a rest surface for the bolt.
[0013] The bracket comprises a head preferably on its upper end,
said head having a tapered front end where first and second edges
of the head meet. Due to this design it is easily possible to
provide a second locking means which is easily operable to
cooperate with both edges.
[0014] This is preferably achieved if a roller movable obliquely
with respect to the vertical is used as a second locking means,
said first edge acting upon the roller when inserting the bracket
such that the roller is obliquely lifted.
[0015] In a preferred embodiment, a leaf spring is arranged between
the roller and a transverse rail of the first supporting frame,
said leaf spring pressing the roller downwards, which causes the
roller to be pressed into its locking position and whereby an
unlocking of the second supporting frame caused by vibrations is
prevented.
[0016] If the second supporting frame is in the completely inserted
position, the roller moves obliquely downwards and moves in the
operating state of the supporting device to the lower end point of
its movement range where the second edge of the head of the bracket
is supported on the roller.
[0017] In the sense of suitable kinematics the second edge extends
preferably substantially at 45.degree. with respect to
vertical.
[0018] The anchoring and guidance of the roller on the first
supporting frame is preferably implemented in that the roller is
integrated in the first supporting frame on its ends through two
bolts that are guided in two longitudinal holes extending
substantially at 45.degree. with respect to vertical.
[0019] Further details, features and advantages of the present
invention may be derived from the following description with
reference to the drawings.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] FIG. 1 shows a device according to the invention, in the
down-hanging state of the second supporting frame;
[0021] FIG. 2 shows a releasable pivotal connection according to
the invention between the first and the second supporting
frame;
[0022] FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of the second locking means
according to the invention for detachably fastening the second
supporting frame in the first supporting frame in a position not
yet latched; and
[0023] FIG. 4 shows the view of FIG. 3 in a latched position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0024] FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of the supporting device 1
according to the invention. The supporting device 1 is composed of
a first supporting frame 3 and a second supporting frame 5. The
first supporting frame 3 is durably attached to the subsurface by
means of conventional attachment means, wherein the invention is
particularly suitable for ceilings of tunnels etc., although the
use of the supporting device 1 according to the invention is also
conceivable in any other spatial arrangement. The first supporting
frame 3 usually comprises two angular rails 7 arranged at a certain
spacing to one another, said rails being connected by respective
transverse rails. The outer frame generated thereby may be
supplemented additionally by a rear wall 11, although this is not
required. The angular rails 7 and the transverse rails 9 together
form an accommodation space into which the second supporting frame
5 may be inserted. The second supporting frame 5 has a shape
similar to that of the first supporting frame 3, wherein it is
suitable to accommodate rotatable mechanical or electro-optical
signal transmitters 13 or similar units. In the present case the
signal transmitters 13 shown are lamella-like sections of a
variable message sign, which are either formed as mechanically
movable prism-like elements or which are equipped with a plurality
of light spots so that they entirely form an optical message
sign.
[0025] The first and the second supporting frames 3, 5 in the
down-hanging state of the second supporting frame 5 shown are
pivotally connected through first connecting means 15.
[0026] FIG. 2 shows a section of the supporting device 1 with the
first connecting means 15. The connecting means 15 are composed of
two hooks 17 arranged on the longitudinal sides of the second
supporting frame 5 as well as two bolt-shaped sections 19, which
are arranged on the first supporting frame 3. The hooks 17 are
shaped such that they encompass the bolt-shaped sections 19 deeply
so that the connection also remains in the case of small pivotal
movements in the direction towards the opening of the hook 17.
Pivotal movements carried out in the direction of the closed side
of the hook 17 are possible beyond the horizontal without a loss of
the connection taking place. Due to this connection, the two
supporting frames 3, 5 may easily be connected to one another and
may also be released from one another, and they provide a pivotal
connection, which still ensures a very safe handling with the
supporting device 1 when the second supporting frame 5 is hanging
down.
[0027] FIG. 3 shows the opposite end of the supporting device 1 in
a section, wherein the second connecting means 21 for fastening the
second supporting frame 5 on the first supporting frame 3 are shown
in detail. The second connecting means 21 first of all comprise at
least one bracket 23 attached at the second supporting frame 5,
wherein said bracket can also be formed as a swiveling bracket. The
bracket 23 substantially has an angular shape, wherein the longer
leg 25 extends upwards and the shorter leg 27 substantially extends
horizontally and is attached at its end rotatably or fixedly to the
second supporting frame 5. The longer leg 25 has on its end a head
29, which has a tapered front end 31 where a first, upper edge 33
and a second, lower edge 35 converge. The lower edge 35 is
substantially straight and extends approximately at 45.degree. to
the vertical, whereas the upper edge 33 may have a rounded
shape.
[0028] In the area of the head 29 an outwardly projecting bolt 37
is arranged. When inserting the second supporting frame 5 into the
first supporting frame 3 this bolt 37 extends in a slot 39 which is
formed in a vertically arranged angular leg of the first supporting
frame 3 and which extends substantially perpendicular in same. To
fix the bracket 23, a first locking means 41 and a second locking
means 43 are arranged on the first supporting frame 3. Each one of
the two means 41, 43 would already be sufficient for a detachable
fastening of the second supporting frame 5 to the first supporting
frame 3. However, additional advantages in operation and with
respect to safety aspects result by the combined use of the two
mechanisms.
[0029] The first locking means 41 is formed as a spring-supported
locking hook 45 which has a substantially V-shaped recess 47 tilted
at 90.degree.. When inserting the bolt 37 into the slot 39, the
bolt 37 is at the same time inserted into the recess 47, and the
locking hook 45 performs a lateral compensation movement according
to the tilted V-shape of the recess 47. As soon as the bolt 37 has
passed beyond the apex of the "V", it is prevented from returning
in that the spring-supported locking hook 45 swings back into its
starting position and the bolt 37 is prevented from performing a
further movement downwards by the web 49 of the V-shaped recess 47.
The web 49 preferably has a horizontal edge so that the bolt 37 can
safely rest thereon.
[0030] As a second locking means 43 a movable roller 51 extending
in the transverse direction of the first supporting frame 3 may be
provided, which is integrated in the first supporting frame 3 on
its outer ends through bolts 53 that are guided in two oblong holes
55. The oblong holes 55 always extend at approx. 45.degree. with
respect to the vertical so that an obliquely guided upward and
downward movement of the roller 51 is enabled.
[0031] When inserting the second supporting frame 5 into the first
supporting frame 3, the bolt 37 of the bracket 23 is guided in the
slot 39 and thus the head 29 of the bracket 23 also performs a
defined upward movement. During this upward movement, the upper
edge 33 of the head 29 gets into contact with the roller 51 and
pushes same along the oblong holes 55 obliquely upwards until the
front acute end 31 of the head 29 is located above the height level
of the longitudinal axis of the roller 51. Thereupon, the roller 51
again slides in the oblong holes 55 obliquely downwards into the
initial state, and when the technician releases the second
supporting frame 5 the oblique lower edge 35 of the head 29 rests
on the roller 51 from above and is prevented by same from a
downwardly directed movement.
[0032] In this locked state shown in FIG. 4, the bracket 23 is in a
higher position than in the locked state with respect to the
locking hook 45. Thus, the release of the second supporting frame 5
from the first supporting frame 3 may be implemented in an
especially simple manner in that the technician moves the roller 51
transversely upwards whereby the acute end 31 of the bracket 23
becomes free and the bracket 23 therefore falls downwards until the
bolt 37 is stopped by the web 49 of the locking hook 45. By
operating the locking hook 45 from this position it can easily be
succeeded in fully unlocking the bracket 23 and moving the second
supporting frame 5 into the down-hanging position according to FIG.
1. In this position repair or exchange works can be carried out
simply.
[0033] The double locking means 41, 43 serve besides the higher
safety also for the simple and safe release of the fastening
connection between the second supporting frame 5 and the first
supporting frame 3. In order to prevent the unlocking of the second
supporting frame 5 by vibration and to also enhance the downward
sliding power of the roller 51 in the oblong holes 55, a leaf
spring (not shown) may additionally be arranged between the roller
51 and the respective transverse rail 9 of the first supporting
frame 3 which presses the roller 51 downwards,
[0034] It is clear that the principle according to the invention
can also be realized by geometric embodiments deviating from this.
Different connecting means between the roller 51 and the first
supporting frame 3 may for instance be chosen, and the geometric
design of the locking hook 45 and of the bracket 23 is not limited
to the embodiment shown.
[0035] Thus, the supporting device according to the invention
enables a simple assembly and repair and a quick exchange of parts
without great effort in any spatial orientation.
* * * * *