Method and apparatus for snap-action, split-core roller clamp
US5449126A · kind A · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 27, 1993 |
| Grant date | Sep 12, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 27, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65H2301/414225
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A roller is provided with a clamping mechanism that clamps into a closed position upon rotation of the roller in a winding direction, and unclamps into an open position upon rotation in an unwind direction. The roller has a split-core comprising two hollow, semicircular, core halves that toggle between the clamped and unclamped positions when pivoted about a pivot point that is concentric with the rotational axis of the roller. A snap-pivot mechanism provides a snap-action between the core halves by a leaf spring positioned between the core halves. The rotationally free core half is maintained in a fixed position by a pivoting retractable spring plunger engaging a tab on the core half, while the driven core half is rotated toward the fixed free core half, causing the leaf spring to snap to an over center position and clamp the core halves together.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.