Supports: racks – Inoperative in housed position
Reexamination Certificate
2000-01-19
2001-07-10
Gibson, Jr., Robert W. (Department: 3634)
Supports: racks
Inoperative in housed position
C211S204000, C211S119010, C040S604000, C040S617000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06257418
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to retail advertising. More specifically, this invention relates to methods and apparatus for hanging advertising signs, decorations or other matter within a retail store.
2. Related Art
The currently utilized method for hanging signage within a retail store involves cutting a cord (or string or wire) a desired length, stretching the cord over an area, and fastening the ends of this cord to an object or a wall within the store. Signage can then be suspended from this suspended cord. However, if the user determines that he or she wishes to change the location or length of the cord, the user must take down the entire display, discard the old cord and cut a new cord the length needed.
Apparatus for stretching a cord across an area exists, for instance U.S. Pat. No. 4,261,469 (Stone), which discloses a clothesline that may be disassembled for storage. However, the Stone invention does not disclose an apparatus having a retractable cord, and does not disclose several of the other features of Applicants'invention. Other apparatus exists for retracting a cord, for instance U.S. Pat. No. 4,553,715 (Roselli), which discloses an “extendible line.” However, the Roselli invention does not disclose a T-shaped stanchion or several of the other features of Applicants'invention.
Therefore, there is still a need for an efficient, attractive display device that may be used in a retail setting to provide professional and neat signage. There is still a need for such a device that may be used safely by many individuals without substantial training or skill.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention in an apparatus comprising at least one T-shaped stanchion having a retractable cord for stretching across an area, said cord used to hang advertising or decorations upon. Preferably, the retractable cord is extendable generally perpendicularly to the stanchion, and attachable to an object or, preferably, to another matching T-shaped stanchion.
A first benefit of the present invention is that the present invention is quicker to set up and quicker to take down than the prior method of cutting a length of cord a desired length. Use of the present invention, by being retractable, eliminates the prior method step of measuring the distance across the area to be spanned and cutting the cord to approximately match the distance. Instead, the user merely needs to wind the cord out of the present invention and stretch to the desired length and attach the cord to a second T-shaped stanchion or other object.
A second benefit of the present invention is that by eliminating the need to cut the cord, there is no cord wasted or discarded. The cord used on one project is reused in the next project, saving energy and the environment. Because the cord is retractable, there need not be loose, tangled, or coiled cord or other string lying around the store's floor, and, therefore, there are fewer dangers to workers and customers.
A third benefit is that the use of the present invention is much more attractive and aesthetically pleasing than the prior art methods of hanging advertising and other decorations. Use of the present invention quickly and easily results in a consistent and even display, unlike the prior way that required much skill and effort to get multiple cords level and even. Also, because the retracted cord of the invention is preferably wound around members of the stanchion, and, more preferably, wound up inside members of the stanchion, attachment of the cord to its supporting members is inherently neat and attractive. There is no need for knots, nails, tacks, or hangers, or other fasteners to be visible or to be inserted into wall or ceiling surfaces.
A fourth benefit is the ability to easily change the length and location of the area covered by the display. When a change in signage location is desired, the user is not required to take down the original cord and then measure and cut a new one. Instead, the user just needs to pull out more of the cord and then move the T-shaped stanchion further away from the cord's attachment to another T-shaped stanchion or object. The user can even change the location of the display by merely moving the T-shaped stanchion or stanchions. While the prior art retail displays have not been movable, the present invention may be a free-standing display, independent of other structure except the floor or other preferably horizontal surface upon which the invention stands.
A fifth benefit of the present invention is that the attachment of the signage is very secure and reliable. The present invention is preferably attached by placing a hook or other fastener, which is preferably permanently connected to the distal end of the retractable cord, through a hole or other opening in the object or other T-shaped stanchion or extending therefrom. The prior way required the use of an attachment to/into wall, such as a thumbtack, or the use of a knot tied in the cord to the object attached to. Such prior attachment was unsightly and possibly damaging to the wall, was not secure, and could easily come unattached. This security has the further benefit of safety--there is a less likelihood of a person being injured by a falling cord or signage or becoming tangled in the cord or signage.
REFERENCES:
patent: 1991087 (1935-02-01), Falcon
patent: 2206174 (1940-07-01), Falk
patent: 3193212 (1965-07-01), Lotta
patent: 4261469 (1981-04-01), Stone
patent: 4434570 (1984-03-01), Roos
patent: 4434898 (1984-03-01), McCarthy
patent: 4519509 (1985-05-01), Doyle
patent: 4553715 (1985-11-01), Roselli
patent: 4688657 (1987-08-01), Erickson
patent: 4872632 (1989-10-01), Johnson
patent: 4972794 (1990-11-01), Smyly, Sr.
patent: 5305708 (1994-04-01), Keisler
patent: 5529274 (1996-06-01), Anderson et al.
patent: 5575046 (1996-11-01), Rourke
Allen Troy D.
Segali Rich
Gibson , Jr. Robert W.
Pedersen Barbara S.
Pedersen Ken J.
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