Patent · US Expired

Clutch mechanism

US6877597B2 · kind B2 · utility

8Cited by
27References
11Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateFeb 18, 2003
Grant dateApr 12, 2005
Priority date
Expiry dateFeb 18, 2023

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB60N2/938
  • WIPO fieldFurniture, games
  • WIPO sectorOther fields

Abstract

A clutch mechanism for seating units of the type having an adjustable support member. The clutch mechanism includes a housing having first and second opposite ends, and a generally cylindrical inner sidewall. A clamp member is movably interconnected with the housing, and the clamp member is adapted to secure the housing to a frame member of a seating unit. A rotor is rotatably mounted within the housing, and the rotor has a generally cylindrical outer surface. The rotor defines an axis of rotation, and has a channel with opposed sidewalls in the cylindrical outer surface extending generally parallel to the axis. A handle extends from the rotor, and a pulley is rotatably interconnected with the rotor. The pulley has an annular groove and an extension disposed in the channel of the rotor. The pulley is adapted to be operably coupled to an adjustable support member of a seating unit to provide adjustment of the support member. A coil spring is disposed around the rotor, and has opposite ends disposed in the channel adjacent the opposed sidewalls with the extension of the pulley position between the opposite ends. The coil spring frictionally engages the cylindrical inner sidewall and …

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.