Machine element or mechanism – Control lever and linkage systems – Hand operated
Reexamination Certificate
1997-07-08
2001-04-17
Luong, Vinh T. (Department: 3682)
Machine element or mechanism
Control lever and linkage systems
Hand operated
C074S502400
Reexamination Certificate
active
06216555
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The subject invention relates to a motion transmitting remote control assembly of the type for transmitting motion in a curved path by a flexible motion transmitting core element which has an adjustment mechanism on the end of the core element to adjust the length of the core element, More specifically, the invention relates to an improvement in the configuration of the adjustment mechanism.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Adjustment mechanisms for adjusting the length of the core element during installation of the control assembly are well known. However, the subject invention was made against the background of the assemblies shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,295,408 and 5,447,745, the latter of which is assigned to the assignee of the subject invention. Such assemblies are installed in automotive vehicles to control various devices by manual input from the vehicle operator. During installation, the overall length of the control assembly is adjusted. However, it frequently occurs that the length of the control assembly must be adjusted during service of the vehicle. There is, therefore, a constant requirement for a core adjust assembly which is easily manually removed from the locked position for readjustment during service.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION AND ADVANTAGES
A motion transmitting remote control assembly for transmitting motion in a curved path comprising a flexible motion transmitting core element movably supported by a conduit and a slider member attached to one end of the core element and presenting slider teeth on the exterior thereof. A housing slidably supports the slider member for movement along the longitudinal axis and is adapted for connection to a control member. The housing has a bottom and an opening extending upwardly from the bottom and surrounded by sides presenting interior surfaces and parallel to the longitudinal axis and first and second ends extending transverse to the longitudinal axis. A locking button is supported by the housing for moving between an unlocked position in which the slider member may slide freely relative to the housing and a locked position in which the slider member is prevented from sliding relative to the housing, the locking button being U-shaped to define legs presenting button teeth on the insides of the legs for engaging the slider teeth in the locked position. The assembly characterized by the locking button including release tabs engaging the first and second ends of the opening in the housing for retaining the locking button in the locked position in the housing and for releasing the locking button from the locked position in the housing in response to forces applied thereto in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis.
Accordingly, the subject invention provides an improved core adjust mechanism in which the locking button may be easily manually grasped and released from the locked position for service and thereafter re-locked. Most importantly, the novel mechanism requires a compact space because the release tabs are longitudinally aligned rather than taking up valuable space on the sides of the adjusting mechanism. The placement of the locking tabs on the ends also allows the retention detent to be placed on the sides of the mechanism, resulting in a more sturdy retention detent.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5161428 (1992-11-01), Petruccello
patent: 5295408 (1994-03-01), Nagle et al.
patent: 5435202 (1995-07-01), Kitamura
patent: 5477745 (1995-12-01), Boike et al.
patent: 5531134 (1996-07-01), Petruccello
patent: 5571237 (1996-11-01), Lu et al.
patent: 5588334 (1996-12-01), Lu et al.
patent: 5590567 (1997-01-01), Marrs et al.
patent: 5596908 (1997-01-01), Hall
patent: 5598743 (1997-02-01), Yasuda
patent: 5605074 (1997-02-01), Hall et al.
patent: 2708683 (1995-02-01), None
patent: 6-147215 (1994-05-01), None
Howard & Howard
Luong Vinh T.
Teleflex Incorporated
LandOfFree
Serviceable core adjust does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Serviceable core adjust, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Serviceable core adjust will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2515797