Retractor engagement mechanism
US5765773A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 31, 1997 |
| Grant date | Jun 16, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 31, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60R2022/3419
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A retractor engagement mechanism for locking a shaft against rotation relative to a frame, the mechanism comprising a pawl 7 mounted eccentrically on the shaft so as to rotate therewith and being moveable into engagement with ratchet teeth 9 on the frame. Lock gear 4 is selectively rotatable with the shaft and a cam-follower connection between lock gear 4 and pawl 7, to cam pawl 7 into engagement when lock gear 4 is prevented from rotating with the shaft, for example by a sensor mechanism. A pivotally mounted counterbalancing mass 10 which preferably pivots substantially co-axially with the shaft is provided to apply to pawl 7 a torque which opposes movement into engagement, thereby to delay that engagement.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.