Sign suspension system

Abstract

A remote-controlled motor-driven drum is provided to wind and unwind a cord which holds a self-balancing sign carrier. The sign carrier, which has telescoping rails, is adjustable in width. Its center rail includes two sheaves to receive the cord and lead it from the drum back to an end secured to the ceiling. Thus, rotation of the drum serves to raise and lower the sign carrier and a sign carried by it. The sheaves on the carrier not only allow it to be raised and lowered, but also serve to make the unit self-balancing The user attaches a sign to the carrier when it is in its lowered position and then raises the sign and carrier to the ceiling. The motor, which is reversible, is remotely controlled either by wires leading between the motor and a switch or by radio control (with a control similar to that used on a garage door).

We claim:  
     
       1. A sign suspension system for suspending display signs from the ceiling, said system including 
       a sign carrier, said carrier including at least one horizontal rail and two sheaves,  
       a motor control unit including a reversible motor and a drum operated by said motor, said motor control unit being mounted at the ceiling,  
       a cord-attaching member secured to the ceiling,  
       a cord running from said cord-attaching member through said sheaves and to said drum, said cord supporting said sign carrier, and  
       a remote control unit for operating said motor, said remote control unit having forward, reverse, and off positions,  
       whereby said sign carrier, carrying a sign, can be raised and lowered to and from said ceiling.  
     
     
       2. A sign suspension system as set forth in  claim 1  in which said sign carrier includes two side extension rails telescopically interfitting with said horizontal rail. 
     
     
       3. A sign extension system as set forth in  claim 2  in which said horizontal rail includes slots and said side extension rails include T-shaped members fitting telescopically into said slots. 
     
     
       4. A sign suspension system as set forth in  claim 1  in which said sheaves are spaced equidistantly from their respective ends of said horizontal rail. 
     
     
       5. A sign suspension system as set forth in  claim 1  in which the distance between said sheaves and the distance between said cord-attaching unit and said drum are substantially the same, whereby said sign carrier is held in balanced suspension. 
     
     
       6. A sign suspension system as set forth in  claim 1  including reduction gears between said motor and said drum. 
     
     
       7. A sign suspension system as set forth in  claim 1  in which said remote control unit is radio-operated. 
     
     
       8. A sign suspension system for supporting signs from the ceiling of a building, said sign suspension system including 
       a power-actuated drum system secured to said ceiling, suspension cord being carried by said drum, one end of said suspension cord being secured to said ceiling at a point remote from said drum,  
       a control circuit for said drum system, a remote controller for operating said control circuit,  
       a horizontal sign carrier, said sign carrier having spaced sheaves thereon, and said cord passing between said sheaves, whereby said cord serves to suspend said sign carrier, and  
       attachment means for securing a sign to said carrier.  
     
     
       9. A sign suspension system as set forth in  claim 8  in which said horizontal sign carrier includes a horizontal rail and two side extension rails telescopically interfitting with said horizontal rail.