Machine element or mechanism – Control lever and linkage systems – Elements
Reexamination Certificate
1998-09-10
2001-05-15
Bucci, David A. (Department: 3682)
Machine element or mechanism
Control lever and linkage systems
Elements
C160S022000, C160S305000, C160S315000, C185S039000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06230582
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to the field of awnings and specifically to a system for adjusting force of a spring loaded awning roller.
Awnings for buildings and vehicles are often wound on a spring loaded roller. The spring maintains tension on the awning and facilitates retraction or deployment of the awning. As the spring ages, its force may decrease. In some cases, a change in the awning or its installation may result in the spring force being excessive or inadequate. It is, therefore, desirable to adjust the force of the spring.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a roller crank system including a crank having an arm, a handle, and a first engagement member. A roller is rotatably mounted on a shaft. A shaft mount is connected for rotation with the shaft and has a second engagement member for receiving the first engagement member. The first engagement member is a pair of parallel prongs. The second engagement member is a slot. The handle, arm, and one of the prongs are formed from a single bar bent at two substantially right angles to define an S shape. A spacer is provided for spacing the second prong from and securing the second prong to the first prong.
A support arm supports the shaft and is releasably secured to the shaft mount. The support arm has a notch corresponding with the second engagement member. The shaft mount is partly nested in the support arm such that a part of the second engagement member is nested in the support arm. The support arm has an open notch corresponding with the second engagement member and permits release of the shaft support from the support arm when the first engagement member is engaged with the second engagement member. When the second engagement member is a slot, the notch permits passage of the first engagement member into the slot. The support arm is pivotably secured to a wall.
A spring urging rotation of the roller relative to the shaft. A lock selectively prevents rotation of the roller on the shaft. The lock prevents rotation of the roller in one direction while permitting rotation of the roller in another direction.
The invention also provides a method of adjusting spring force in a spring loaded roller mounted for rotation on a shaft, the shaft being engaged with a shaft mount having an engagement member and supported by a support arm. The method includes the steps of engaging a crank with the shaft mount engagement member; releasing the shaft mount from the support arm; turning the crank to adjust the force of the spring; replacing the shaft mount on the support arm; securing the shaft mount to the support arm; and disengaging the crank from the shaft mount. The invention also includes the step of setting a roller lock in a position permitting rotation of the shaft in a direction necessary to adjust the force of the spring prior to turning the crank.
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Anderson Robert D.
Becker Kent
Prior Robert L.
Bucci David A.
Joyce William C.
Pearne & Gordon LLP
White Consolidated Industries, Inc.
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