U.S. patent application number 11/419344 was filed with the patent office on 2007-11-22 for rug display system.
Invention is credited to Raymond Dueck.
Application Number | 20070267362 11/419344 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38711053 |
Filed Date | 2007-11-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070267362 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dueck; Raymond |
November 22, 2007 |
Rug Display System
Abstract
A rug display system for efficiently displaying rugs. The rug
display system includes a frame having a plurality of vertical
members, a plurality of support members extending between the
vertical members, a plurality of elongated members movably
positioned upon the vertical members, and at least one first motor
connected to the elongated members for moving the elongated members
for lifting one of the support member. The plurality of support
members are selectively engageable with the elongated members to
lift an upper support member upwardly. The support members each
support at least one rug to be displayed. A plurality of belts are
movably positioned upon the vertical members along with at least
one second motor connected to the belts for lowering the raised
support members.
Inventors: |
Dueck; Raymond; (Arborg,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
NEUSTEL LAW OFFICES, LTD.
2534 SOUTH UNIVERSITY DRIVE, SUITE 4
FARGO
ND
58103
US
|
Family ID: |
38711053 |
Appl. No.: |
11/419344 |
Filed: |
May 19, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
211/46 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47F 7/166 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
211/46 |
International
Class: |
A47F 7/16 20060101
A47F007/16 |
Claims
1. A rug display system, comprising: a frame having a plurality of
vertical members; a plurality of support members extending between
said vertical members, wherein each of said plurality of support
members are comprised of a substantially flat structure to support
at least one rug in a display position; a plurality of elongated
members movably positioned upon said vertical members in a
substantially vertical manner; wherein said plurality of support
members are each selectively engageable with said elongated members
to lift an upper support member upwardly; a first motor connected
to said elongated members for moving said elongated members for
lifting one of said support member; a plurality of belts are
movably positioned upon said vertical members in a substantially
vertical manner; a second motor connected to said plurality of
belts; a plurality of frictional members connected to said
plurality of support members for selectively engaging in a
frictional manner said plurality of belts when in a raised position
and for selectively engaging said elongated members, wherein said
plurality of belts are for retaining said plurality of support
members in a raised position and for lowering said plurality of
support members in the raised position.
2. The rug display system of claim 1, including a plurality of
catch members attached to said plurality of elongated members,
wherein said plurality of catch members selectively engage said
upper support member.
3. The rug display system of claim 1, wherein each of said
plurality of frictional members include an arm member pivotally
attached to a base member.
4. The rug display system of claim 3, wherein said arm member
extends at a downward angle to engage said plurality of belts when
said plurality of belts are moving upwardly and to not engage said
plurality of belts when said plurality of belts are moving
downwardly.
5. The rug display system of claim 1, including at least one roller
attached to each of said plurality of frictional members.
6. The rug display system of claim 1, wherein each of said
plurality of frictional members disengage said plurality of
elongated members when a corresponding support member is elevated
to a raised position.
7. A rug display system, comprising: a frame having a plurality of
vertical members; a plurality of support members extending between
said vertical members, wherein each of said plurality of support
members are comprised of a substantially flat structure to support
at least one rug in a display position; and a means for selectively
lowering and raising said plurality of support members.
8. A rug display system, comprising: a frame; a means for
supporting a plurality of rugs within said frame; and a means for
selectively lowering and raising said plurality of support members.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not applicable to this application.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not applicable to this application.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] 1. Field of the Invention
[0004] The present invention relates generally to rug display
devices and more specifically it relates to a rug display system
for efficiently displaying rugs.
[0005] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0006] Any discussion of the prior art throughout the specification
should in no way be considered as an admission that such prior art
is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the
field.
[0007] Rug displays have been in use for years. Typically, it is
desirable to display all rugs without having to spend much time and
physical effort to move the rugs. Rugs have been displayed using
frame configuration comprised of a plurality of arms on which to
hang rugs vertically. Another type of rug display requires rolling
up the rugs to store them and then unrolling upon request to be
displayed. Still another method of rug display has the rugs stacked
horizontally with a mechanical lifting apparatus to lift each
successive rug as to allow an unobstructed view of each rug.
[0008] Hanging rugs on frames takes physical effort to lift and
then attach the rugs in place and therefore is a time consuming
process. Displaying rolled up rugs requires unrolling to actually
display the entire rug and this does not allow for easy and quick
visual comparison. The rolling and unrolling generally takes the
performance of at least two capable people and is not efficient if
many rugs need to be compared and displayed. The horizontal
stacking display system lacks sinplicity because it requires the
user to actively place armatures between layers of the rugs to
choose a given rug to be displayed.
[0009] While these devices may be suitable for the particular
purpose to which they address, they are not as suitable for
efficiently displaying rugs. The devices described above still
require much physical effort and time to display rugs.
[0010] In these respects, the rug display system according to the
present invention substantially departs from the conventional
concepts and designs of the prior art, and in so doing provides an
apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of efficiently
displaying rugs.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known
types of rug displays now present in the prior art, the present
invention provides a new rug display system construction wherein
the same can be utilized for efficiently displaying rugs.
[0012] The general purpose of the present invention, which will be
described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new rug
display system that has many of the advantages of the rug displays
mentioned heretofore and many novel features that result in a new
rug display system which is not anticipated, rendered obvious,
suggested, or even implied by any of the prior art rug displays,
either alone or in any combination thereof.
[0013] To attain this, the present invention generally comprises a
frame having a plurality of vertical members, a plurality of
support members extending between the vertical members, a plurality
of elongated members movably positioned upon the vertical members,
and at least one first motor connected to the elongated members for
moving the elongated members for lifting one of the support member.
The plurality of support members are selectively engageable with
the elongated members to lift an upper support member upwardly. The
support members each support at least one rug to be displayed. A
plurality of belts are movably positioned upon the vertical members
along with at least one second motor connected to the belts for
lowering the raised support members.
[0014] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more
important features of the invention in order that the detailed
description thereof may be better understood, and in order that the
present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There
are additional features of the invention that will be described
hereinafter and that will form the subject matter of the claims
appended hereto.
[0015] In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment
of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the
invention is not limited in its application to the details of
construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in
the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The
invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced
and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that
the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose
of the description and should not be regarded as limiting.
[0016] A primary object of the present invention is to provide a
rug display system that will overcome the shortcomings of the prior
art devices.
[0017] A second object is to provide a rug display system for
efficiently displaying rugs.
[0018] Another object is to provide a rug display system that
allows rugs to be easily loaded onto the rug display system.
[0019] An additional object is to provide a rug display system that
allows rugs to be easily removed from the rug display system.
[0020] A further object is to provide a rug display system that
easily lifts and lowers all displayed rugs through the use of
mechanized power.
[0021] Another object is to provide a rug display system that
reduces the space needed to display rugs and therefore allows more
rugs to be displayed in a given space.
[0022] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will
become obvious to the reader and it is intended that these objects
and advantages are within the scope of the present invention.
[0023] To the accomplishment of the above and related objects, this
invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the
accompanying drawings, attention being called to the fact, however,
that the drawings are illustrative only, and that changes may be
made in the specific construction illustrated and described within
the scope of the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of
the present invention will become fully appreciated as the same
becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate
the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and
wherein:
[0025] FIG. 1 is an upper perspective view of the present invention
with all of the rugs in the lowered position.
[0026] FIG. 2 is an upper perspective view of the present invention
illustrating a rug being lifted to the raised position.
[0027] FIG. 3 is an upper perspective view of the present invention
illustrating rugs returning to lowered position.
[0028] FIG. 4 is a side view of the left front corner of the frame
with all of the rugs in the lowered position.
[0029] FIG. 5 is a side view of a left front corner of the frame
illustrating a rug being lifted to the raised position.
[0030] FIG. 6 is a side view of the left front corner of the frame
illustrating rugs returning to lowered position.
[0031] FIG. 7 is a side view of the upper left front corner of the
frame with several rugs in raised position.
[0032] FIG. 8 is a side view of the upper left front corner of the
frame illustrating rugs being lowered.
[0033] FIG. 9a is a top view of the front right corner of the frame
with rugs.
[0034] FIG. 9b is a top view of the rear right corner of the frame
with rugs.
[0035] FIG. 10a is a cutaway view of the rear upper left corner of
the frame with the rug being lifted into a raised position.
[0036] FIG. 10b is a cutaway view of the rear upper left corner of
the frame with the rug being lifted into raised position.
[0037] FIG. 10c is a cutaway view of the rear upper left corner of
the frame with the rug being lifted into raised position.
[0038] FIG. 10d is a cutaway view of the rear upper left corner of
the frame with rugs in raised position.
[0039] FIG. 10e is a cutaway view of the rear upper left corner of
the frame with rugs in raised position with the lifting process
starting over.
[0040] FIG. 11a is a side view of the catch member.
[0041] FIG. 11b is a rear view of the catch member.
[0042] FIG. 11c is a side view of the catch member.
[0043] FIG. 11d is a top view of the catch member.
[0044] FIG. 11e is a front view of the catch member.
[0045] FIG. 12a is a top view of the frictional member.
[0046] FIG. 12b is a front view of the frictional member.
[0047] FIG. 12c is a rear view of the frictional member.
[0048] FIG. 12d is a side view of the frictional member.
[0049] FIG. 12e is a side view of the frictional member.
[0050] FIG. 12f is a side view of the frictional member with cam
engaged.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
A. Overview
[0051] Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar
reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several
views, FIGS. 1 through 12f illustrate a rug display system 10,
which comprises a frame 20 having a plurality of vertical members
22, a plurality of support members 40 extending between the
vertical members 22, a plurality of elongated members 50 movably
positioned upon the vertical members 22, and at least one first
motor 30 connected to the elongated members 50 for moving the
elongated members 50 for lifting one of the support member 40. The
plurality of support members 40 are selectively engageable with the
elongated members 50 to lift an upper support member 40 upwardly.
The support members 40 each support at least one rug 12 to be
displayed. A plurality of belts 52 are movably positioned upon the
vertical members 22 along with at least one second motor 32
connected to the belts 52 for lowering the raised support members
40.
B. Frame
[0052] The structure and configuration of the frame 20 is
preferably comprised of a heavy construction and includes the
vertical members 22 for support and strength. As can be seen from
FIG. 1, the shape of the base is preferably rectangular.
[0053] At each corner of the frame 20 is preferably a set of four
vertical members 22. FIGS. 9a and 9b show two of the corners each
with a set of four vertical members 22. The vertical members 22 are
preferably comprised of a substantially similar structure. FIGS. 1
through 3 show the vertical members 22 are preferably attached to
an upper support structure and lower support structure connecting
all four corners to maintain structural rigidity of the frame
20.
[0054] The vertical members 22 at each corner are preferably hollow
rectangular tubes as shown in FIGS. 9a and 9b. The two vertical
members 22 that house the frictional members 70 have an opening at
least as wide as the base member 90 to allow the frictional member
70 to travel up and down its length. The hollow vertical members 22
also serve as housing for the belts 52 and frictional members
70.
[0055] FIGS. 9a and 9b shows the vertical members 22 are separated
by a distance of at least a greater width of the elongated member
50 summed with the width of the catch members 60 attached to either
side of the elongated member 50. FIGS. 7 and 8 shows the vertical
members 22 are also spaced apart as to allow room for clearance
between the elongated member 50 and the lifting axle 54 and second
axle. The four vertical members 22 at each respective corner
maintain this spacing by preferably securing plates to their faces
so as not to interfere with any moving parts such as the elongated
members 50, catch members 60, and the frictional members 70.
[0056] The vertical members 22 also serve to provide a mounting
structure for other key components of the rug 12 display system.
Among others, some components mounted on the vertical members 22
are the first motor 30, second motor 32, first gearbox 31, second
gearbox 33, belts 52, and transfer members as seen in FIGS. 1
through 3.
C. Rug Support Members
[0057] The structure and configuration of the support members 40 is
preferably comprised of strong tarp-like canvas or material of
similar strength. A suitably strong material is necessary to carry
the weight of the rug 12 as it is displayed.
[0058] The support member 40 is preferably tautly held in a place
to prevent sagging by the fastener 44 on the connecting member 42
as seen in FIGS. 7 and 8. The fastener 44 and connecting member 42
are preferably a length at least as great as the length of the side
of the support member 40 it is holding. A fastener 44 and
connecting member 42 of substantially similar structure serve the
same function as said fastener 44 and connecting member 42 on the
opposite end of the support member 40.
[0059] To keep the support member 40 taut the connecting member 42
is attached to the base member 90 of the frictional member 70. The
frictional members 70 are not allowed horizontal movement, only
vertical by the rollers 76 contacting the inner surface of the
vertical member 22.
[0060] To display rugs 12 using this system, a plurality of support
members 40 are installed on the rug 12 display system. To display a
rug 12, a rug 12 is laid out on top support member 40, as seen in
FIG. 1. In the lowered position, the uppermost support member 40 is
at a distance from the ground level that is no greater than
chest-height of an average person. The height allows the rugs 12 to
be placed onto the support member 40 without the aid of ladders or
steps for the people placing the rugs 12, and it allows the rugs 12
to be seen by easily by onlookers
[0061] The support members 40 preferably have a length and width
greater than the length and width, respectively, of the rugs 12 to
be displayed. This will allow the rugs 12 to be laid out flat on
the support member 40 eliminating the need to further roll or
adjust the rugs 12 to store them on the rug 12 display system.
FIGS. 1 through 3 show the preferable displaying of rugs 12 is only
one rug 12 per support member 40. If smaller dimensioned rugs 12
are to be displayed, more than one can be placed on a given support
member 40 provided the rugs 12 don't overlap and cause spacing
issues or the need to move rugs 12 after initial placement.
[0062] The rug 12 display system has been designed to lift one
support member 40 at a time. The support member 40 is raised from
the lower position to the upper position on rug 12 display system
as seen in FIG. 2. Now the uppermost support member 40 in the
lowered position is exposed and a rug 12 can be placed on it. The
lifting of support members 40 and placing rugs 12 on them can be
repeated until all available rugs 12 have been put on the support
members 40 or until all support members 40 have rugs 12 placed on
them. Now, the support members 40 with the rugs 12 can be moved
back to the original lowered position, FIG. 3, and the rugs 12 are
in place to be displayed.
[0063] FIG. 4 through 6 show the support members 40 for displaying
rugs 12 are designed to be stacked with minimal distance between
each layer of support member 40 since the frictional members 70 are
stacked firmly atop of one another. The stacking is in an
alternating fashion on the right and left side of the elongated
member 50, as shown in FIG. 10a through 10e. FIGS. 7 and 8 show the
spacing of support members 40 being equal to half the height of the
base member 90 since the frictional members 70 are stacked firmly
on top of one another in this preferred alternating stacking
method. The spacing distance between each support member 40 is such
that a rug 12 fits between each successive support member 40 with
minimal vertical space left over to allow a maximum number of rugs
12 to be displayed on this unit.
D. Lifting and Lowering Structure
[0064] i. Motors and Chains
[0065] It is preferred two motors are used on the rug 12 display
system. The first motor 30 is used to power the lifting process of
the support members 40 displaying the rugs 12. The second motor 32
is used to power the lowering support members 40 displaying the
rugs 12. Electric motors are preferred since they are relatively
small in comparison to the size of the rug 12 display system, run
quietly, and electricity sources are easily accessible.
[0066] The first motor 30 is used raise the support members 40. The
first motor 30 is preferably mounted to the upper portion of the
set of vertical members 22 in the front right corner of the frame
20 as shown in FIGS. 1 through 3. This first motor 30 is connected
to the first gearbox 31 and is preferably located on the upper
portion of the set of vertical members 22 in the front right corner
of the frame 20. The first gear box is attached to the lifting axle
54 that runs from the upper portion of the set of vertical members
22 in the front right corner of the frame 20 to the upper portion
of the vertical members 22 in the rear right corner of the frame
20.
[0067] FIGS. 1 through 3 shows the lifting axle 54 is preferably
placed as near as possible to the upper end of the vertical members
22 to ensure the rugs 12 in the raised position are lifted a
distance as great as possible above the rugs 12 in the lowered
position. The distance created between the rugs 12 in the raised
position and the rugs 12 in the lowered position is to allow an
unobstructed view of the rug 12 displayed on the uppermost support
member 40 in the lowered position and to allow unhindered loading
and unloading of the rugs 12 onto the support member 40.
[0068] The lifting axle 54 from the first gearbox 31 passes through
each respective loop created by the two elongated members 50 and
the first transfer member 56 as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. The
structure and configuration of the elongated members 50 and the
first transfer member 56 is preferably comprised of a chain. The
preferred engagement of the elongated members 50 and the first
transfer member 56 to the lifting axle 54 is by a sprocket mounted
on the lifting axle 54.
[0069] One elongated member 50 is located around the lifting axle
54 in the spacing between the right and left side vertical members
22 of the front right corner, as seen in FIG. 9a. The elongated
member 50 has the same respective placement around the lifting axle
54 in the spacing between the right and left side vertical members
22 at the other three corners of the frame 20.
[0070] The elongated member 50 needs to be kept taut to effectively
transfer the rotary motion of the lifting axle 54. This is
accomplished by engaging the elongated member 50 to preferably a
sprocket on an axle located very near the bottom of the said
vertical members 22 in the aforementioned space between the left
and right side vertical members 22. The elongated member 50 will be
attached in a substantially similar manner in the other three
corners of the frame 20. FIGS. 4 through 6 show the sprocket and
axle is preferably placed as close as possible to the bottom
portion of the vertical members 22 to ensure the rugs 12 displayed
on the support members 40 in lowered position can be easily lifted
onto the support members 40, off of the support members 40, and can
be viewed easily by people of various heights.
[0071] As stated previously, the lifting axle 54 runs the from the
first gear box in the upper portion of the front right corner
vertical members 22 to the upper portion of the rear right corner
vertical members 22. It is obvious the rotary motion is consistent
all along the length of this lifting axle 54 as it is in any solid
axle. Since the rotary motion doesn't vary across the axle, the
transfer of motion to the elongated member 50 doesn't vary on
either the right front or right rear corners and therefore the
elongated members 50 will have substantially similar motion.
[0072] To keep the motion of the elongated members 50 on the left
side of the frame 20 synchronized with the motion of the elongated
members 50 on the right side of the frame 20, a first transfer
member 56 is engaged to the lifting axle 54 on the right side of
the frame 20 and also engaged to a lifting axle 54 on the left side
of the frame 20 as shown in FIGS. 1 through 3. The first transfer
member 56 preferably is positioned along the outside of the frame
20, as seen in FIG. 1, so as not to interfere with the support
structure of the frame 20 and also to avoid entanglement with the
support members 40 or the rugs 12. The functionality and respective
placement of the lifting axle 54 on the left side of the frame 20
is substantially similar to the lifting axle 54 on the right side
of the frame 20.
[0073] Each of the four elongated members 50 is attached to the
support members 40 via the catch member 60 and frictional members
70. The preferred attachment of the catch member 60, frictional
member 70, elongated member 50, and the support member 40 will be
discussed in greater detail later. The lifting axles 54 are turned
in a manner to have the side of the elongated members 50 with the
upright oriented catch member 60 rise. Hence, when the catch
members 60 move upward and engage the frictional member 70, the
frictional member 70 also moves upward with the attached support
members 40.
[0074] Because the elongated members 50 have substantially similar
motion, the support members 40 can be lifted in a horizontally
level, uniform fashion thus reducing the possibility of the support
members 40 being stretched or torn. The possibility is also reduced
of having the rugs 12 slide around causing the need for additional
physical labor or repair.
[0075] ii. Catch Members and Frictional Members
[0076] The catch members 60 and frictional members 70 have been
mentioned serving as the connection from the support member 40 to
the elongated member 50. The structure and configuration of the
catch member 60 is preferably comprised of heavy construction and
includes absorption pads 64 for dampening impact and engaging
members 62 for cradling the locking pin 78 from the frictional
member 70.
[0077] The front side of the catch member 60 is where the
attachment of the elongated member 50 is located. FIG. 11a shows a
portion of the elongated member 50, in this case it is the chain
link, has been directly attached to the catch member 60. The
elongated member 50 attachment should be centered latitudinally on
the catch member 60 as seen in FIG. 11e.
[0078] The rear side of the catch member 60 holds the engaging
members 62. The structure and configuration of the engaging member
is preferably comprised of two identical cylindrical solids. The
two engaging members 62 are located on the rear side of the catch
member 60 at a substantially similar vertical placement with a
substantially similar horizontal distance from the longitudinal
center. The horizontal distance from the longitudinal center is no
greater than the radius of the engaging member plus the radius of
the locking pin 78. The preferred shape of the rear side of the
catch member 60, as shown in FIG. 11b, is channel-like which will
guide the locking pin 78 into a position of being aligned with the
latitudinal center of the catch member 60 to make contact with both
engaging members 62.
[0079] The locking pin 78 provides a downward force on the engaging
members 62 due to the weight of all that is attached to the
frictional members 70 such as the support members 40 and rug 12. As
shown in FIGS. 9a, 9b, and 10a through 10e the engaging members 62
are not in vertical alignment with the latitudinal center of the
elongated member 50. A torque is produced on the elongated member
50 due to the downward force on the engaging members 62 of the
catch member 60 and the bottom portion of the catch member 60 has
tendency to be forced into the elongated member 50.
[0080] The torque on the elongated member 50 can cause twisting and
extra wearing of the elongated member 50. To prevent, or at least
minimize, the effects of this torque on the elongated member 50 an
elongated member guide 51 has been added. FIGS. 10a through 10e
shows the preferred embodiment of the elongated member guide 51.
The elongated member guide 51 is of a width that is no greater that
the distance between the inner right and left side of the elongated
member 50. The elongated member guide 51 is placed in between the
right and left side of the elongated member 50.
[0081] FIG. 11d shows the profile of the elongated member 50. The
center portion of the elongated member 50 is not as thick as the
two outer sides. This shape allows the elongated member guide 51
rail to run along the center portion of the elongated member 50 in
between the two outer sides. The two outer sides are restrained by
the elongated member guide 51 rail and will prevent significant
sideways movement or twisting. In the case that the catch member 60
is twisted or pushed into the elongated member 50 the absorption
pads 64 will dampen this movement.
[0082] The absorption pads 64 are located on the front side of the
catch member 60, as seen in FIG. 11a, alongside the elongated
member 50. The absorption pad 64 is comprised of a rubber-like
material so it is firm but still compressible and flexible. The
width of the absorption pad 64 is preferably wider that the
elongated member 50 to provide full coverage of the side of the
elongated member 50.
[0083] There are two catch members 60 per elongated member 50. The
catch members 60 are spaced so one catch member 60 is placed on the
elongated member 50 and then the other catch member 60 is placed
away half the length of the elongated member 50. The catch members
60 are attached on alternate sides of the elongated member 50 so
one catch member 60 is attached on the right side of the elongated
member 50, and the catch member 60 on the same elongated member 50
is attached to the left side. This placement of catch members 60 is
understood to be coordinated with all four elongated members
50.
[0084] The lifting of an individual support member 40 has, as
already stated, many components that work simultaneously. To start
this process, the first motor 30 was engaged and this powered the
first gearbox 31, and the first gearbox 31 turned the lifting axle
54. Then, the lifting axle 54 turned the elongated members 50.
Being attached to the elongated members 50, the catch members 60
obviously follow its same path as the elongated member 50.
[0085] To transfer the vertical motion of the catch member 60 to
lift the support member 40, the catch member 60 and frictional
member 70 are engaged to work together in lifting the support
members 40. FIG. 10a illustrates the beginning segment of this
process in which the path traveled by the catch member 60 alongside
the elongated member 50 is a vertical climb where the support
member 40 has already been lifted from the lowered position to this
current position. The catch member 60 is on the left side of the
elongated member 50. It can be appreciated from earlier explanation
that the other catch member 60 on this elongated member 50 is on
the right side and its current position is at a distance away from
shown catch member 60 by half the length of the elongated member
50.
[0086] The catch member 60 on the right hand side of the elongated
member 50 has lifted the support members 40 attached to the
frictional members 70 on the right side of the elongated member 50
into place, and hence the catch member 60 on the left side of the
elongated member 50 has lifted the support members 40 with
frictional members 70 on the left side of the elongated member 50
into place. FIG. 10a shows the uppermost support member 40 has a
frictional member 70 attached to it and the next support member 40
lifted has a frictional member 70 on the right side of the
elongated member 50. Comparing vertically, the successive position
of each frictional member 70 alternates from the left to the right
to the left and so on to allow for the successful engagement of the
locking pin 78 to the catch members 60 located on both the left and
right side of each elongated member 50.
[0087] The structure and configuration of the frictional members 70
is preferably comprised of heavy construction and includes a base
member 90, extended member 92, cross member 94, and locking pin 78.
The frictional member 70 also includes the base member 90, lever
member 96, cam 98, collar member 80, end portion 82, first spring
84, second spring 86, arm member 72, bias member 74, rollers 76,
and stopper end 79.
[0088] The base member 90 of the frictional member 70 has extending
latitudinally the extended member 92 which is comprised of
sidewalls of substantially similar height as the base member 90 and
with a preferably rectangular base as seen in FIGS. 12a through
12e. The extended member 92 serves as a housing and support
structure for the lever member 96, cam 98, collar member 80, and
cross member 94.
[0089] The rear end of the base member 90 has been established as
the preferred attachment point to the connecting members 42. The
front end of the base member 90 has the rear end of the arm member
72 attached with a pin to allow for arm member 72 rotation. The
front end of the arm member 72 extends outward beyond the front end
of the base member 90 sloping downward. The preferable shape of the
rear end of the arm member 72 is an upside down u-shaped which
flattens out toward the front end of the arm member 72 to a
horizontal edge.
[0090] The bias member 74 is placed between the bottom side of the
arm member 72 and top side of the base member 90 to exert a pushing
force on the arm member 72 to ensure the arm member 72 is
contacting the belt 52. The downward orientation of the arm member
72 with the horizontal edge allows for a maximum amount of friction
between the arm member 72 and the belt 52 to hold the frictional
member 70 and attached support members 40 from being pulled
downward. The weight of the support member 40 structure, rugs 12,
connecting members 42, and fasteners 44 pull downward on the
frictional members 70 to further drive the front end of the arm
members 72 into the surface of the belts 52.
[0091] When the frictional members 70 are being lifted, a minimum
amount of friction is desired. The arm member 72 is allowed to
rotate about said pin to greatly reduce the friction between the
arm member 72 and the belt 52 as the frictional member 70 is being
pulled upward along the stationary belt 52. The downward
orientation prevents the horizontal edge from engaging the arm
member 72 into the belt 52.
[0092] The collar member 80 is a cylindrical hollow shaft. The
collar is supported by passing through the cross member 94 and the
sidewall of the extended member 92 that runs parallel to the base
member 90 as shown in FIGS. 12a through 12c. Through the axial
center of the collar member 80 passes the locking pin 78 which is
greater in length that the collar member 80. Attached to the end of
the collar member 80 outside of the parameters of the extended
member 92 is the end portion 82 as shown in FIG. 12a through
12c.
[0093] The second spring 86 is wrapped around the exterior wall of
the collar member 80 as seen in FIG. 12a between the interior of
the sidewall of the extended member 92 and the pin. The collar
member 80 is allowed to move only in an axial direction through the
sidewall. The distance between the pin and the extended member 92
is at least small enough to compress the second spring 86 a given
distance to cause enough force to push the collar member 80 and end
portion 82 back into place when the lever member 96 and cam 98 are
no longer causing an outward force on the collar member 80 and end
portion 82, as seen in FIG. 12b. In this position of the collar
member 80 shown in FIG. 10c, the second spring 86 is compressed and
is exerting a force to return the collar member 80 to original
position.
[0094] The lever member 96 is attached to the sidewall of the
extended member 92 that runs parallel to the base member 90
preferably by a pin that allows for rotation as shown in FIGS. 10a
through 10c and 12a through 12e. The cam 98 is on the end of the
lever member 96 that is located nearer to said pin. The opposite
end of the lever member 96 is preferably rounded so as it contacts
the bottom of another frictional member 70 the lever member 96 can
smoothly rotate as seen in FIG. 10a through 10c.
[0095] The process of lifting a support member 40 is due to the
upward lifting action of the catch member 60 on the elongated
member 50 engaging the locking pin 78 and lifting the frictional
member 70 and the attached support member 40 in a substantially
similar manner in all four corners of the frame 20. FIG. 10a shows
the support member 40 lifting is almost complete as it is nearly in
the raised position. As the elongated member 50 continues to pull
the catch member 60 upward, the catch member 60 continues to pull
upward the frictional member 70.
[0096] The lever member 96 of the frictional member 70 that is
being raised is now contacting the bottom of the extended member 92
of the last frictional member 70 to be raised in place on the left
side of the elongated member 50. FIGS. 10a, 12b, and 12c show the
lever member 96 in its original position is orientated at an acute
angle to the top surface of the extended member 92.
[0097] FIG. 10b shows the lever member 96 is rotating downward,
clockwise. As the cam 98 on the lever member 96 is rotated
clockwise the contact point of the cam 98 to the end portion 82 has
an increasing radius so it pushes outward, to the left, on the end
portion 82. The end portion 82 is directly attached to the collar
so axial movement of the collar member 80 is resulted from
simultaneous directional movement of the end portion 82.
[0098] The outward movement of the end portion 82, to the left,
causes the first spring 84 to compress and push against the stopper
end 79. The stopper end 79 is attached to the locking pin 78 so
axial movement of the pin results from simultaneous directional
movement of the stopper end 79. FIGS. 10b and 10c show the first
spring 84 is compressed and is exerting a force to push the stopper
end 79 and hence the locking pin 78 outward to the left. The right
end of the locking pin 78 is maintaining contact with the engaging
members 62 of the catch member 60.
[0099] The weight of the rug 12 and support member 40 attached to
the base member 90 of the frictional member 70 pulls downward while
the engaging members 62 of the catch member 60 are pulling upward.
This upward force on the right end of the locking pin 78 and the
downward force on the base member 90 cause the locking pin 78 to
bind frictionally with the base member 90 and with the engaging
members 62. The said frictional forces are at least greater than
the force of the first spring 84 pushing to the left on the stopper
end 79 and hence the locking pin 78.
[0100] As the lifting process continues, as shown in FIG. 10c, the
elongated member 50 continues to pull the catch member 60 upward
along with the frictional member 70. The frictional member 70 can
no longer be pulled any further upward as the upper portion of the
extended member 92 comes in contact with the lower portion of the
extended member 92 of the frictional member 70 immediately above
said frictional member 70. As the frictional member 70 that is
engaged to the catch member 60 moves to this position, the lever
member 96 is rotated further clockwise. This clockwise rotation
causes the cam 98 to extend further outward, to the left,
displacing further outward the end portion 82 and collar member 80
combination. The movement of the end portion 82 and collar member
80 outward while the locking pin 78 and stopper end 79 remain
stationary further compresses the first spring 84.
[0101] Shown in FIG. 10c, the first motor 30 is still engaged and
is causing the elongated member 50 to be pulling upward on the
catch member 60. The said frictional forces between the base member
90 and the locking pin 78 along with the locking pin 78 and the
engaging members 62 are still present and are at least greater than
the force of the first spring 84 pushing to the left on the still
stationary stopper end 79 attached to the locking pin 78.
[0102] In FIG. 10d the motor is disengaged and the force on the
elongated member 50 is relaxed. The upward force on the catch
member 60 is now causing said frictional forces of at least less
than the force of the first spring 84 pushing to the left on the
stopper end 79. The stopper end 79 and locking pin 78 are pushed to
the left and released from the catch member 60. As stated earlier,
the frictional force between the arm member 72 and the belt 52
holds the frictional member 70 in place and the attached support
member 40 at the established position.
[0103] With the locking pin 78 released from the engaging members
62, the said catch member 60 is no longer prevented from moving
upward. When the first motor 30 is engaged the elongated members 50
holding the catch members 60 can freely move upward, as seen in
FIG. 10e. The next catch member 60 to engage a locking pin 78 will
be on the right hand side of said elongated member 50 and its
connecting members 42 will engage with the locking pin 78 of the
frictional member 70 on the uppermost support member 40 in lowered
position.
[0104] The uppermost support member 40 in lowered position holds
the position of displaying the next rug 12. To display the rugs 12
on the rest of the support members 40, the support members 40 are
lifted in the same manner as the lifting process described above.
Once all the desired rugs 12 have been displayed and the support
members 40 have been moved to the upper position, the support
members 40 are lowered back to the lowered position.
[0105] The second motor 32 is used to lower the support members 40
as shown in FIG. 3. The second motor 32 is preferably mounted to
the upper portion of the set of vertical members 22 in the rear
right corner of the frame 20 as shown in FIGS. 1 through 3. This
first motor 30 is connected to the second gearbox 33 also
preferably located on the upper portion of the set of vertical
members 22 in the rear right corner of the frame 20. The second
gearbox 33 is attached to the lowering axle 55 that runs from the
upper portion of the set of vertical members 22 in the rear right
corner of the frame 20 to the upper portion of the vertical members
22 in the front right corner of the frame 20.
[0106] The lowering axle 55 from the second gearbox 33 passes
through each respective loop created by the two belts 52 and the
second transfer member 57 as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 7, and 8. The
structure and configuration of the second transfer member 57 is
preferably comprised of a chain. The preferred engagement of the
second transfer members 57 to the lowering axle 55 is by a sprocket
mounted on the lowering axle 55.
[0107] The structure and configuration of the belt 52 is preferably
comprised of a chain and a rubber-like material attached to the
outer loop surface as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. The chain engages the
sprocket on the lowering axle 55 and runs along the inner left edge
of the left vertical member 22 as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. The belt
52 is positioned against the vertical member 22 so when the arm
member 72 pushes into the rubber-like material a minimal amount of
horizontal movement will take place by the belt 52 in the direction
of the pushing force. This will help ensure a successful frictional
engagement of the arm member 72 and the belt 52.
[0108] Before starting the process of returning the support members
40 from the raised position to the lowered position, as seen in
FIG. 3, the catch members 60 must not be engaged to the locking
pins 78 and the first motor 30 must also be disengaged. Then, to
start the lowering process the second motor 32 is engaged to power
the turning of the lowering axles 55 as shown in FIG. 8.
[0109] The rollers 76 on each frictional member 70 aid the lowering
process by rolling along the inside edge of the vertical member 22
to help produce a smooth lowering motion as shown in FIG. 8. The
chain portion of the belt 52 slides along the inside of the
vertical members 22. This chain portion of the belt 52 sliding
along the vertical member 22 produces far less friction than the
rubber-like material of the belt 52 and thus requires less power
from the second motor 32 to move the support members 40 downward.
This setup prevents the rubber-like material from forcefully
rubbing on the insider surface of the vertical member 22 and
wearing out.
[0110] FIG. 8 shows the lowering axle 55 is being turned in a
manner to lower the side of the belt 52 that has the arm members 72
frictionally engaged to it. As the belt 52 is lowered, the
frictional members 70 move downward with the belt 52, and hence the
connecting members 42, support members 40, and rugs 12 are also
lowered. The frictional members 70 are lowered until their motion
downward is stopped by the lowest frictional member 70 in the
raised position contacting the uppermost frictional member 70 in
lowered position.
[0111] The support members 40 in lowered position as shown in FIG.
1 are prevented from being lowered by the belt 52 because the
lowest frictional member 70 is contacting a stopper. A stopper is
placed just above the bottom end of the frictional member 70 to
prevent the frictional members 70 from being lowered completely out
of the vertical member 22.
[0112] The support members 40 in lowered position as shown in FIG.
1 are also prevented from being lowered by the belt 52 because the
arm members 72 do not frictionally engage the downward moving belt
52. This is due to the downward orientation of the arm member 72
and the bias member 74 pushes the arm member 72 with a force at
least less than the frictional force needed to frictionally engage
the surface of the belt 52.
[0113] The aforementioned setup for stopping the frictional members
70 in lowered position allows the belt 52 to continue running
downward after the frictional members 70 have come to stop in the
lowered position. Since the belt 52 can run inconsequentially after
the support members 40 are in lowered position, the need to
carefully monitor and disengage the second motor 32 with precise
timing is eliminated.
E. Operation of Invention
[0114] In use, to load the rugs 12 onto the rug 12 display system
the support members 40 are brought to the lowered position as shown
in FIG. 1. To lower the support members 40 to the lowered position,
the second motor 32 is turned on to rotate the belts 52. As the
belt 52 turns, the frictional members 70 and the attached support
members 40 lower. Once all of the support members 40 are in the
lower position, the second motor 32 is shut off.
[0115] The rugs 12 may now be loaded onto the support members 40 of
the rug 12 display system. The rug 12 to be loaded is aligned in
between the vertical members 22 and loaded onto the uppermost
support member 40 of the rug 12 display system as shown in FIG. 1.
The loaded rug 12 and the uppermost support member 40 are now ready
to be raised to allow space for the next rug 12 to be loaded onto
the second uppermost support member 40 as shown in FIG. 2.
[0116] To raise the uppermost support member 40 into a raised
position, the first motor 30 is turned on to lift the elongated
members 50 and the attached catch members 60. As the catch member
60 moves upward, it engages the locking pin 78 to lift the
frictional member 70 and support member 40 to the raised position
which is near the top of the frame 20 as shown in FIGS. 10a through
10c. When the raised position is reached, the first motor 30 is
shut off to stop the lifting motion of the catch member 60 and
allow the locking pin 78 to pull free from the catch member 60 as
shown in FIG. 10d. The above loading process is repeated until all
the rugs 12 to be displayed have been placed on support members 40,
or until all of the support members 40 have rugs 12 placed on
them.
[0117] To display the rugs 12, the support members 40 in the raised
position need to descend back to the original lowered position. The
second motor 32 is turned on to lower the support members 40 as in
the process described above, as shown in FIG. 8. Now the rugs 12
are in a position for the viewer to lift and lower the desired rugs
12 as described above.
[0118] To unload the desired rug 12 from the rug 12 display system,
the support member 40 holding the desired rug 12 is raised to an
easily accessible height. The rug 12 may then be removed from the
rug 12 display system. If desired, another rug 12 may be placed on
the newly emptied support member 40 of the rug 12 display
system.
[0119] What has been described and illustrated herein is a
preferred embodiment of the invention along with some of its
variations. The terms, descriptions and figures used herein are set
forth by way of illustration only and are not meant as limitations.
Those skilled in the art will recognize that many variations are
possible within the spirit and scope of the invention, which is
intended to be defined by the following claims (and their
equivalents) in which all terms are meant in their broadest
reasonable sense unless otherwise indicated. Any headings utilized
within the description are for convenience only and have no legal
or limiting effect.
* * * * *