Adjustable, lockable strut
US5613580A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 2, 1996 |
| Grant date | Mar 25, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 2, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16F7/09
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A plurality of embodiments of dual-rate linear dampers which can be utilized as hold open rods. These dampers provide significantly greater resistance to movement in one direction than in the other and, in the claimed embodiment, effectively lock in the hold open position unless and until the design breakover force is incurred. A second spring causes axial compression and, hence, radial bulging, of a first spring causing a inner cylindrical member to be locked in position relative to an outer cylindrical housing. An actuator includes a first rod that extends through the inner cylindrical member, and a second rod portion that is biased by a third spring to a non-engaging position relative to the first rod. A laterally extending lever can be manually engaged to overcome the bias of the second and third springs to unload the first spring significantly reducing the resistance force enabling the relative positions of the inner and outer cylindrical members to be adjusted.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.