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  Supporting device for signal transmittersUSPTO Application #: 20060086880Title: 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. (end of abstract) Agent: Jansson, Shupe, Munger & Antaramian, Ltd - Racine, WI, US Inventor: Erwin Baumstark USPTO Applicaton #: 20060086880 - Class: 248320000 (USPTO) Related Patent Categories: Supports, Suspended Supports, Releasable For Lowering The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060086880. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
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 Continue reading... Full patent description for Supporting device for signal transmitters Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Supporting device for signal transmitters patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Supporting device for signal transmitters or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Writing implement holder Next Patent Application: Base assemblies, methods and uses thereof Industry Class: Supports ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Supporting device for signal transmitters patent info. IP-related news and info Results in 2.06655 seconds Other interesting Feshpatents.com categories: Electronics: Semiconductor , Audio , Illumination , Connectors , Crypto , |
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