U.S. patent application number 11/089680 was filed with the patent office on 2006-09-28 for mechanized drawer.
Invention is credited to Michael R. Bonner, Penelope Dawn Bonner.
Application Number | 20060214547 11/089680 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37034513 |
Filed Date | 2006-09-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060214547 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bonner; Michael R. ; et
al. |
September 28, 2006 |
Mechanized drawer
Abstract
A modular drive unit for controllably extending a storage
receptacle such as a drawer or shelf, wherein the drive unit
comprises a drive pulley, a take up pulley and an elongate spring
member biased such that the spring member has a tendency to wind
about one of the take up pulley and the drive pulley. The modular
drive unit further includes a drive wheel rotatably coupled to the
drive pulley, a rotation thereof providing a drive force for
extending of the storage receptacle. The drive wheel includes
either or both of a toothed gear wheel and a cylindrical shaft for
receiving a drive cable windable thereon.
Inventors: |
Bonner; Michael R.;
(Rochester Hills, MI) ; Bonner; Penelope Dawn;
(Rochester Hills, MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DICKINSON WRIGHT PLLC
1901 L. STREET NW
SUITE 800
WASHINGTON
DC
20036
US
|
Family ID: |
37034513 |
Appl. No.: |
11/089680 |
Filed: |
March 25, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
312/319.5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 88/467
20170101 |
Class at
Publication: |
312/319.5 |
International
Class: |
A47B 88/00 20060101
A47B088/00 |
Claims
1. A drive module for extending a storage member in a controlled
fashion comprising: a housing; a drive pulley rotatably mounted to
said housing and comprising an armature; at least one substantially
circular drive wheel mounted to said drive pulley, said drive wheel
rotating with said armature; a take up pulley rotatably mounted to
said housing; an elongate spring member having a first end fixed
relative to said armature, and a second end fixed to said at least
one take up pulley, a bias of said spring imparting a tendency to
said spring to wrap about said take up pulley.
2. The drive module of claim 1 further comprising: a first and a
second take up pulley rotatably mounted to said housing; and a
first and a second elongate spring member, each of said spring
members having a first end fixed relative to said armature, and a
second end fixed to one of said take up pulleys, a bias of each
said spring member imparting a tendency to each said spring member
to wrap about one of said take up pulleys.
3. The drive module of claim 1 wherein said at least one drive
wheel comprises a gear wheel having a plurality of teeth.
4. The drive module of claim 3 wherein said gear wheel comprises a
spiral groove with an inner terminus and an outer terminus, said
groove adapted for sliding receipt of a peg fixed relative to said
housing in a first linear direction and movable relative to said
housing in a second linear direction substantially perpendicular to
said first linear direction.
5. The drive module of claim 4 wherein said spiral groove has a
radius decreasing around a clockwise traversal of said groove, said
groove adapted for receipt of said pin at said inner terminus when
said spring is substantially de-energized.
6. The drive module of claim 1 wherein said at least one drive
wheel comprises a drive shaft fixed to said armature and flanked by
two discs, said discs being positioned at separate axial positions
relative to a rotational axis of said armature, and wherein said
drive pulley is adapted to receive between said discs a drive cable
windable there around.
7. The drive module of claim 6 wherein said at least one drive
wheel further comprises a gear wheel having a plurality of
teeth.
8. The drive module of claim 6 further comprising a roller mounted
to said housing, said roller receiving said drive cable thereacross
and reorienting same by at least about 90.degree..
9. An apparatus for controlled extension of a storage member
comprising: a housing; at least one drive pulley rotatable relative
to said housing for providing a drive force relative thereto; a
shaft assembly mounted to said housing and axially reciprocable
between a first axial position at which said shaft assembly may be
rotated relative to said housing, and a second axial position at
which said shaft assembly is fixed relative to said housing; an
elongate spring member having a first end fixed to said shaft
assembly, and a second end fixed to an inside of said drive pulley;
wherein a radial position of said shaft assembly relative to a
radial position of said drive pulley defines a tensioning of said
spring member, and a rotational spring force thereof.
10. The apparatus of claim 9 further comprising a toothed wheel
rotatably fixed to said drive pulley and a toothed rack mating
therewith, a rotation of said toothed wheel meshing said toothed
wheel with said toothed rack and urging said housing
therealong.
11. The apparatus of claim 9 further comprising an outer
cylindrical surface integral with said drive pulley, a rotation of
said drive pulley winding a drive cable about said cylindrical
surface.
12. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said housing is attached to a
reciprocable storage cassette, a drive force provided to said
housing thereby urging said cassette in a linear direction.
13. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein said shaft assembly comprises
a first end shaped to engage with an adjustment tool, and a second
end shaped to engage with a protrusion on said housing, said shaft
assembly biased toward said second position.
14. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein said shaft assembly comprises
a shaped recess at said first end and a slotted nut threadedly
received at said second end; said nut is disengaged with said
protrusion when said shaft assembly is at said first axial position
whereat said shaft assembly is rotatable relative to said housing;
and said nut is engaged with said protrusion when said shaft
assembly is at said second axial position, thereby preventing a
rotation thereof.
15. The apparatus of claim 12 further comprising a push-push
latch.
16. A controllably extensible storage apparatus comprising: a
storage unit having a storage unit body and at least one receptacle
movable between a retracted and an extended position; a modular
drive unit for providing a drive force for moving said receptacle
to said extended position, said drive unit comprising: a housing; a
drive pulley rotatably mounted to said housing and comprising an
armature; at least one substantially circular drive wheel mounted
to said drive pulley, said drive wheel rotating with said armature;
a take up pulley rotatably mounted to said housing; an elongate
spring member having a first end fixed relative to said armature,
and a second end fixed to said at least one take up pulley, a
spring bias imparting a tendency for said spring to rotate said
drive pulley and move the receptacle to said extended position; a
latch for retaining said receptacle at said retracted position
whereat said spring is wrapped in a substantially energized
state.
17. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein said spring bias imparts a
tendency for said spring to wrap about said armature.
18. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein said spring bias imparts a
tendency for said spring to wrap about said take up pulley.
19. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein said drive unit is mounted to
said storage receptacle.
20. The apparatus of claim 19 further comprising an elongate
toothed rack attached to an interior of said storage unit body,
wherein said drive wheel comprises a toothed drive wheel engageable
with said toothed rack, a rotation of said drive wheel meshing said
drive wheel with said rack and urging the storage receptacle toward
its extended position.
21. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein said drive wheel comprises a
drive shaft fixed to said armature and adapted to receive a drive
cable windable there around, said drive cable having a first end
fixed to said drive shaft and a second end fixed to said storage
unit body.
22. The apparatus of claim 21 wherein said drive unit is mounted to
said storage receptacle.
23. The apparatus of claim 21 further comprising a plurality of
drive cables windable about said drive shaft, each of said cables
having a first end fixed to said drive shaft and a second end fixed
to said storage unit body.
24. The apparatus of claim 23 wherein at least one of said drive
cables is passed through a roller that alters an orientation of
said at least one drive cable.
25. The apparatus of claim 23 wherein said roller is attached to
said storage receptacle.
26. The apparatus of claim 23 wherein said roller is attached to
said storage unit body.
27. The apparatus of claim 23 wherein said plurality of drive
cables comprises at least two drive cables windable about said
drive shaft in opposite directions.
28. The apparatus of claim 19 wherein said drive unit is mounted to
said storage unit body.
29. The apparatus of claim 22 wherein: said drive wheel comprises a
drive shaft integral with said armature and adapted to receive a
drive cable windable there around, said drive cable having a first
end fixed to said drive shaft and a second end fixed to a ring; and
said storage receptacle comprises a member adapted to insert
through said ring upon positioning said storage receptacle in said
storage unit body at said retracted position, an urging of said
storage receptacle toward said retracted position energizing said
elongate spring member.
30. The apparatus of claim 28 further comprising an elongate
toothed rack attached to said housing, wherein said drive wheel
comprises a toothed drive wheel engageable with said toothed rack,
a rotation of said drive wheel meshing said drive wheel with said
rack and urging said storage receptacle toward its extended
position.
31. The apparatus of claim 28 wherein said drive wheel comprises a
drive shaft fixed to said armature and adapted to receive at least
one drive cable windable there around, said drive cable having a
first end fixed to said storage unit body drive shaft and a second
end fixed to said storage unit body.
32. The apparatus of claim 31 further comprising a plurality of
drive cables windable about said drive shaft, each of said cables
having a first end fixed to said storage unit body and a second end
fixed to said drive shaft.
33. The apparatus of claim 31 wherein said at least one drive cable
is passed through a roller that alters an orientation of said
cable.
34. The apparatus of claim 33 wherein said roller is attached to
said storage receptacle.
35. The apparatus of claim 33 wherein said roller is attached to
said storage unit body.
36. The apparatus of claim 32 wherein said plurality of drive
cables comprises at least two drive cables windable about said
drive shaft in opposite directions.
37. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein said drive unit is mounted
upon a carriage body having an elongated gear rack attached
thereto.
38. The apparatus of claim 37 wherein said elongated gear rack
meshes with teeth on said drive wheel.
39. The apparatus of claim 37 wherein said carriage body is mounted
on rollers.
40. The apparatus of claim 37 wherein said drive unit comprises a
drive shaft fixed to said armature and adapted to receive at least
one drive cable windable there around, said drive cable having a
first end fixed to said drive shaft and a second end fixed to said
carriage body.
41. The apparatus of claim 40 wherein said drive cable is passed
through at least one roller that alters an orientation thereof.
42. The apparatus of claim 40 further comprising a plurality of
drive cables.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates generally to actuating
mechanisms for opening or closing drawers or other receptacles,
extending shelves and the like, and relates more particularly to
such a mechanism for actively driving the extension of a drawer or
shelf, the mechanism having a push latch and at least one spring
motor operable to extend the drawer or shelf via a cable or gear
system.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Various means for driving opening and/or closing of cabinet
drawers, shelves, and various types of storage racks have long been
known in the art. For example, various spring-loaded cash registers
and tool drawers are known. In one typical design, an operator
pushes a button, electronically or mechanically actuating a release
mechanism, allowing extension of a drawer, shelf or similar storage
receptacle under the action of a spring. Although such designs have
been shown to be useful in certain applications, they tend to be
relatively bulky and require complex and expensive retrofitting of
structures to which they are applied. Moreover, many examples of
such devices require manual actuation of a switch, button, latch or
similar mechanism. In certain environments, manual manipulation of
switches, handles, etc. can provide a significant risk of bacterial
and/or chemical contamination. It is thus desirable to provide an
actuating mechanism that overcomes one or more of the problems or
shortcomings set forth above.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] It is an object of the present invention to provide a drive
system for a reciprocable unit that allows hands-free opening and
closing.
[0004] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
modular drive system for a drawer or similar unit.
[0005] The present invention comprises a drive system for extending
a reciprocable unit, e.g. a drawer, shelf, bin, cassette, tray, or
similar member. The drive system is preferably housed at least
partially within a modular housing unit, and preferably includes a
plurality of spring motor drive units. In one preferred embodiment,
the modular housing is mounted to a frame that houses the
reciprocable unit. In another preferred embodiment, the spring
motor drive units actuate the drawer by rotating a toothed gear
wheel that meshes with a complementary gear rack, preferably
attached to the drawer. In another preferred embodiment, the spring
motor actuates the drawer by winding a cable, preferably attached
to the drawer about a central armature.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] FIGS. 1 and 1a illustrate top and side views, respectively,
of a drive module according to a preferred embodiment of the
present invention;
[0007] FIG. 2 illustrates a drive module according to a preferred
embodiment of the present invention engaged with a gear rack;
[0008] FIG. 2a illustrates a schematic side view of a mounted drive
module according a preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
[0009] FIGS. 3 and 3a illustrate top views, respectively, of a
grooved gear wheel according to a preferred embodiment of the
present invention;
[0010] FIGS. 4 and 4a illustrate top and side views, respectively,
of a drive module according to a preferred embodiment of the
present invention;
[0011] FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of a drive module similar to
FIG. 4;
[0012] FIGS. 6a-d illustrate various top and side views of a latch
and pulley module according to a preferred embodiment of the
present invention;
[0013] FIG. 7 illustrates a combination drive module and
latch-and-pulley module according to a preferred embodiment of the
present invention;
[0014] FIGS. 8 and 8a illustrate top and side views, respectively,
of drive module according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
[0015] FIG. 9 illustrates a side view of a drive module according
to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 10 illustrates a combination drive module and
latch-and-pulley according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
[0017] FIGS. 11 and 11a illustrate top and side views,
respectively, of a drive module according to a preferred embodiment
of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 12 illustrates a drive module in combination with a
plurality of pulley modules according to a preferred embodiment of
the present invention;
[0019] FIGS. 13a-c illustrate top, front and side views,
respectively, of a bullet-nose pulley device according to the
present invention;
[0020] FIGS. 14a and 14b illustrate side and top views,
respectively, of a catch mechanism according to the present
invention;
[0021] FIG. 15 illustrates a front view of a bullet-nose pulley
device having a ring thereon, according to the present
invention;
[0022] FIGS. 16a-16d illustrate serial positions of a catch
mechanism similar to FIGS. 14a and 14b engaging a pulley device
similar to FIG. 15;
[0023] FIG. 17 illustrates a drive module engaged with a rack and
slide assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
[0024] FIG. 18 illustrates a drive module utilizing a pulley and
slide assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
[0025] FIG. 19 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the
invention of FIG. 18;
[0026] FIG. 20 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the
invention of FIG. 18;
[0027] FIG. 21 illustrates a drive module according to an
alternative embodiment of the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 22 illustrates a vehicle storage receptacle for use
with a modular drive unit according to a preferred embodiment of
the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0029] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 1a, there are shown top and side
views, respectively, of a gear drive module 10 according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention. Module 10 includes a
housing 12, preferably formed from sheet steel but also possibly of
plastic or another suitable material, within which a spring motor
11 is positioned. Spring motor 11 is preferably a conventional
constant force spring motor having two take up pulleys 14a and 14b,
however, a variable force spring motor such as a watch spring, or a
greater or lesser number of pulleys might be used without departing
from the scope of the present invention. Each take up pulley 14a
and 14b preferably includes a spring 16 wound around and anchored
to a center armature 18 of a main drive pulley 20. Main drive
pulley 20 preferably includes a drive wheel 22 populated with a
plurality of teeth 26. In a preferred embodiment, a rotary damper
30 is positioned adjacent main drive pulley 20, and has a toothed
damper wheel 32 engaging drive wheel 22. Rotary damper 30 is
preferably a conventional rotary damper that dampens the rotation
of main drive pulley 20 in a first direction, but does not damp the
rotation of pulley 20 in the opposite direction, i.e. a winding
direction as explained below. If desired, a dual-directional damper
might be used without departing from the scope of the present
invention. All the component parts of the present invention are
manufactured by known methods and by known materials.
[0030] Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown module 10 of FIG. 1
with gear teeth 26 of drive wheel 22 meshed with teeth on an
elongate gear rack 36. In a preferred embodiment, module 10 is
mounted under the subject drawer or bin, etc., and gear rack 36 is
mounted to the drawer itself. It should be appreciated, however,
that the mounting configuration could be reversed without departing
from the scope of the present invention. For instance, embodiments
are contemplated in which module 10 is mounted to the drawer
itself, and the gear rack 36 is mounted to the frame housing the
drawer. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the term
"drawer," and the appurtenant descriptions herein, are intended to
refer to any structure such as a drawer, bin, shelf, slide,
cassette, tray, etc. to which the present invention might find
application. A latch mechanism 40 is mounted to housing 12,
actuation of which initiates unwinding of the springs 16 and
rotation of the spring motors 14 to drive the associated drawer
(described below) to an open position, preferably limited in speed
by damper 30. The latch mechanisms preferably used in combination
with the present invention are "push-push" latches, well known in
the art. Such latches are pushed to disengage, and pushed to
engage. Referring to FIG. 2a, there is shown a side view of unit 10
mounted in a housing assembly 11. In the embodiment pictured in
FIG. 2a, modular unit 12 is mounted in an interior of housing
assembly 11, proximate the side from which a drawer 70 extends.
When an operator pushes against drawer 70 (when closed), latch 40
disengages, allowing unit 12 to extend drawer 70 to an
open/extended position. When closing of drawer 70 is desired, the
operator can push against drawer 70, driving it back toward a
stored position, at which it re-engages latch 40. Manually
returning drawer 70 to its stored position re-energizes the drive
unit by unwinding coil springs 16 from their respective pulleys 14,
and winding the springs onto the drive pulley 20.
[0031] FIG. 3 illustrates an alternative configuration for a drive
pulley wheel 50 for use with the above embodiment (as well as
others), particularly for use where the associated drawer is
removable. Pulley wheel 50 has a substantially spiral groove 52,
into which a slide-bracketed pin 54 extends. Pin 54 is slidably
mounted in a bracket 56, and thus slidably reciprocates along
bracket 56 due to rotation of wheel 50. When wheel 50 is rotated in
a first direction (counter clockwise in FIG. 3), pin 54 traverses
groove 52 until it reaches a first end 58 of groove 52 or,
preferably, until it bears against a physical stop (not shown)
affixed to bracket 56 and preferably spanning the slot 56a within
which pin 54 slides. When wheel 50 is rotated in a second direction
(clockwise in FIG. 3), pin 54 traverses groove 52 until it reaches
a second end 59 of groove 52. In alternative embodiments (not
shown), a stop might be attached to bracket 56 at both ends of the
path traversed by pin 54, limiting vertical travel of pin 54, and
thus rotation of wheel 50, in both directions. By selecting the
proper groove length, the groove and slide-bracketed pin allows
rotation of wheel 50 to be limited in either or both directions
such that wheel 50 does not rotate far enough under influence of
its associated coil springs (not shown in FIG. 3) that they become
disengaged when the drawer unit is removed from its housing. FIG.
3a illustrates a side view of wheel 50 with bracket 56 and pin 54.
In a preferred embodiment, bracket 56 is mounted to the module
housing. The length of the spiral path traversed by pin 54 might be
varied according to the distance of drawer reciprocation desired;
for example, a larger number of spirals (tighter spiral) allows
wheel 50 to rotate further before pin 54 reaches the end of groove
52, corresponding to a greater length of spring that may be wound
around armature 18. Conversely, a smaller number of spirals
(broader spiral path) traversed by pin 54 corresponds to lesser
rotation and a lesser length of spring wound around armature
18.
[0032] Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a top and an end
view of another alternative embodiment of a module 60 similar to
the module of FIG. 1. Module 60 differs from the FIG. 1 embodiment,
however, in that a cable 62 is utilized to drive the drawer, rather
than an interface with a gear rack. In a preferred embodiment,
cable 62 has one end secured to a body 64 of the main drive pulley
66, and a second end secured to the drawer 70, as shown in FIG. 5.
When opening of the drawer is initiated, drive pulley 66 is rotated
in a manner similar to that described with respect to the FIG. 1
embodiment. Thus, spring-driven rotation of drive pulley 66 winds
cable 62 around drive pulley 66, pulling the drawer to an extended
position. A unidirectional damper 68 is also preferably included
with module 60, controlling the speed of extension of the
drawer.
[0033] In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 4 and 5, cable 62
extends substantially in the same direction in which the
module/associated drawer travels during opening and closing,
however, alternative configurations are contemplated. For certain
applications, for instance, where the cable drive unit is
considered too large to mount in the front of a cabinet, it may
desirable to mount the cable drive mechanism of FIG. 4 at the rear
of the cabinet. In this embodiment, the cable is redirected through
a pulley to ultimately pull the drawer in the desired direction.
FIG. 6 illustrates several views of a combination pulley-latch pin
device 80 that properly locates the push latch mechanism, and also
redirects the force from the cable. FIG. 7 is a module similar to
the module from FIG. 4, in combination with device 80 of FIG. 6,
illustrating the relative direction of travel of the cable 62. FIG.
8 illustrates yet another embodiment 100 in which the opening force
is redirected by redirecting travel of the cable. In module 100, a
roller assembly 110 is attached to the module housing, and
redirects the cable travel substantially 90.degree.. In this
embodiment, the module 100 may be mounted at a right angle to the
direction of pull force on the associated drawer. FIG. 9
illustrates module 100 and the associated cable extended. FIG. 10
illustrates module 100 in combination with a pulley-latch pin
device similar to device 80. Thus, in the FIG. 10 embodiment, the
cable is initially directed through roller 110, and then redirected
once more through device 80.
[0034] Referring to FIG. 11, there is shown yet another embodiment
of the present invention 200, utilizing a dual cable system. It is
contemplated that this embodiment will find particular application
where the cable drive must move relatively heavy loads, for
instance, a tool drawer weighing a hundred pounds or more when
loaded. Heavier drawers have the tendency to "bind" if they are
pulled asymmetrically, and it is thus desirable to attach multiple
cables at or near the corners of the subject drawer. Module 200 has
a first cable 262 and a second cable 264 that are extendible from
the module housing 201 in substantially opposite directions. In a
preferred embodiment, cables 262 and 264 are redirected through a
pair of pulleys 272 (as shown in FIG. 12), and attached to the
drawer, which they can move in a fashion similar to that described
with respect to the foregoing embodiments. Various modifications to
the dual drive embodiment disclosed herein might be made. For
instance, the cables might be oriented differently. One cable might
extend directly to the rear of the drawer, with the other cable
extended at a right angle before being redirected to the rear of
the drawer. Similarly, the cables might extend initially in a
substantially forward direction (parallel to the drawer travel
direction), then be redirected 180.degree. to the rear of the
drawer.
[0035] Referring now to FIGS. 13a, 13b, and 13c, there is shown a
catch mechanism 300, particularly for cable drive applications in
which it may be desirable to remove the drawer. Catch 300 includes
a body piece 301 having a groove 304, and a mounting plate 302 with
apertures 305 for receipt of a fastener such as a screw. A pulley
303 is mounted in body 301, and is preferably substantially aligned
with groove 304. In a preferred embodiment, catch 300 is mounted at
or near the front of the drawer/bin frame. FIGS. 13a, 13b, and 13c
show top, front, and side views, respectively, of catch mechanism
300. FIGS. 14a and 14b illustrate side and bottom views,
respectively, of a hook mechanism 310. Hook 310 includes a hook
plate 312 that is preferably mounted directly to the underside of
the subject drawer. A plurality of holes 314 are preferably punched
in plate 312. In a preferred embodiment, the holes are punched such
that they leave barbs 315 along the side of plate 312 where the
punching tool exits. The protruding barbs assist in preventing
slippage between plate 312 and the drawer to which it is attached.
Fasteners are preferably used in conjunction with a plurality of
apertures 316 in plate 312 to fasten hook plate 312 to the
associated drawer. Hook 310 also includes a protruding hook member
317, preferably extending downward from plate 312.
[0036] Referring to FIGS. 16a-d, there are shown sequentially
arranged views of catch 300 engaging hook 310. As described, hook
310 is preferably affixed to a drawer 320, while catch body 301 is
affixed to a drawer frame (not shown). FIG. 16a illustrates the two
components as they would preferably appear with drawer 320 removed
from its stored position. In a preferred embodiment, hook plate 310
and catch 300 are preferably mounted such that hook member 317 is
aligned with groove 304, shown in a front view, as in FIG. 15. As
drawer 320 is moved toward the drawer frame, hook member 317
becomes engaged with groove 304. Further movement of drawer 320
brings hook member 317 into engagement with a ring member 330
fitted over the nose of body piece 301. As hook member 317 engages
ring member 330, and passes beyond groove 304, hook member 317
draws ring member 330 off the nose of body piece 301. Ring member
330 is attached to the cable used to drive the drawer 320, and is
thus held under spring tension against the nose of body piece 301.
Thus, as the drawer is moved inward, ring 330 draws the attached
cable through groove 304 and across pulley 303, winding the
associated drive pulley at the opposite end of the cable, and
tensioning the drive spring(s). When removal of the drawer is
desired, the operator can actuate the drawer toward its extended
position, and manually pull the drawer out of its frame. When hook
member 317 passes body piece 301, spring tension draws the cable
through groove 304 and, consequently, draws ring 330 snugly against
the nose portion of body piece 301, thereby preventing the cable
from retracting into the module. The preferably bullet-nose shape
of the nose portion of body piece 301 facilitates centering of ring
330, leaving it in the proper position to be engaged by hook member
317 upon reinsertion of the drawer.
[0037] FIG. 17 illustrates an embodiment of the invention in which
a slide mechanism serves as a platform upon which the drawer is
mounted. In particular, the FIG. 17 embodiment includes a dampened
gear drive assembly 400 similar to that described with respect to
the embodiment pictured in FIG. 1. This embodiment also includes an
elongate gear rack 436 mounted on a carriage 410. Because the drive
assembly 400 is mounted externally of the animated carriage, a
longer extension is possible than in embodiments utilizing a drive
module positioned beneath the animated unit. Carriage 410 can be
mounted on rollers, low-friction sliding members, or any other
suitable means by which it can smoothly reciprocate within the
frame. In a preferred embodiment, the actual drawer, bin, etc. can
be mounted directly on top of carriage 410. FIG. 18 illustrates yet
another embodiment, in which a cable drive assembly 500 is mounted
externally of a carriage 510, the direction of cable travel being
redirected through a pulley 520 preferably mounted on the carriage
itself. In the embodiment pictured in FIG. 18, a damper 530 is in
cooperation with the cable drive assembly 500, but is mounted such
that its gear teeth 532 mesh with a gear rack 536 attached to
carriage 510 inboard of the slide assembly.
[0038] FIG. 19 shows yet another embodiment of the present
invention, in which a cable drive assembly 600 similar to that
disclosed with respect to FIG. 18 is employed. The FIG. 19
embodiment differs, however, in that the cable drive assembly 600
is mounted at the rear of the carriage 610. The cable travel, and
thus the pull force, is redirected 180.degree. through a pulley
620. FIG. 20 is yet another iteration of the present invention,
utilizing a cable drive module 700 and carriage 710. The FIG. 20
version is similar to the FIG. 19 embodiment, but employs two
pulleys 720 and 721, allowing the cable travel and opening force to
be redirected a second time. This embodiment allows the drive unit
700 to be mounted at the rear of carriage 710, but at approximately
90.degree. from the direction of travel.
[0039] Turning now to FIG. 21, there is shown yet a further
preferred embodiment of the present invention. The FIG. 21
embodiment provides a drive module 810 wherein an adjustable
"clock" spring 815 is positioned within a rotatable armature 813.
Spring 815 is preferably a standard power spring or clock spring in
which energy is stored by winding it around armature 813. A first
end of spring 815 is preferably fixed to an inside of armature 813,
whereas a second end of spring 815 is fixed to a shaft assembly
817. The drive means for drive module 810 is thus preferably
embedded in the center of the rotatable drive apparatus that drives
the module, allowing the drive motor and entire module to be
substantially smaller than embodiments utilizing multiple drive
and/or take up pulleys. The module design further provides a choice
of gear drive or cable drive applications. Thus, drive module 810
preferably includes a toothed drive wheel 820, as well as a
cylindrical outer surface on which a cable (not shown) may be
wound.
[0040] Drive module 810 further provides for an adjustable force of
spring 815. Shaft assembly 817 preferably comprises a head portion
819 having a shaped recess 821 in a first end thereof. Shaft
assembly 817 is further reciprocable between a first position and a
second position, and is preferably biased toward its second
position with a wave spring 823 positioned between head portion 819
and a housing 811. At the shaft assembly's second position, as
shown in FIG. 21, a preferably threaded member 809 is engaged with
a protrusion 830, preferably attached to or integral with housing
811. In a preferred embodiment, a notch, groove or other similar
feature is formed in member 809, and engages protrusion 830 in a
substantially mating fashion. Various threaded members such as
nylock type nuts or jam nuts may be used, preferably minimizing
relative rotation between the threaded portion of shaft assembly
817 and the nut. A mating there between fixes shaft assembly 817
against rotation relative to housing 811.
[0041] It should be appreciated that alternative means for fixing
shaft assembly 817 might be utilized, so long as the assembly is
rotatable at a first position, and fixed against rotation relative
to the housing at a second position. By disengaging shaft assembly
817 from its fixed position relative to housing 811, i.e. by
overcoming wave spring 823 and moving shaft assembly 817 axially
such that member 809 disengages with protrusion 830, shaft assembly
817 may be rotated relative to armature 813, increasing or
decreasing a tensioning of spring 815. Shaped recess 821
facilitates rotation of shaft assembly 817 by allowing engagement
with an adjustment tool such as a screwdriver, hex or torx wrench,
etc. (not shown). The degree of spring adjustment depends on the
number of rotations of shaft assembly 817 relative to armature 813.
When downward pressure is released from shaft assembly 817, the
force of wave spring 823 causes threaded member 809 to re-engage
with protrusion 830.
[0042] Drive module 810 is preferably mounted in any suitable
configuration in cooperation with a drawer, cassette, etc. as
discussed relative to the foregoing embodiments. Thus, those
skilled in the art will contemplate a great variety of cable and
gear drive designs suitable for application of drive module 810.
When the associated "drawer" is pushed closed, spring 815 is
preferably energized, i.e. wound in a direction against its
inherent spring bias. Various push-push latches, as described
herein, may be utilized in conjunction with drive module 810.
[0043] The present description is for illustrative purposes only,
and should not be construed to limit the breadth of the present
invention in any way. Thus, those skilled in the art will
appreciate that various modifications might be made to the
presently disclosed embodiments without departing from the intended
spirit and scope of the present invention. For instance, rather
than being used to drive a drawer unit in a substantially linear
fashion, as is conventional with drawers, slides, trays, etc., the
present invention might be adapted for use as a rotational drive
system. The modular unit described with respect to FIG. 1 might be
adapted to rotationally drive a unit, for example, by affixing a
rounded rather than linear gear rack to the unit to be driven. This
application might be useful for driving a rotating shelf unit such
as a "Lazy Susan." Further, rather than a gear interface, the cable
drive units, for instance those described with respect to FIG. 4,
might be adapted for use with a rotating structure.
[0044] Still further designs are contemplated, including, for
example, tie racks, shoe racks and similar devices might all
benefit from the use of the present push-push controlled drive
mechanism. Other contemplated applications include automobile
storage containers such as tape or CD trays. In one such
embodiment, a modular unit such as the molded plastic unit shown in
FIG. 22 is fitted with any of a variety of drive modules, as
described herein. Further modifications to the plastic drive unit
of FIG. 22 might include integrally molded gearing features such as
a gear rack molded as part of the original module. In these
contemplated embodiments, a push-push latch similar to those
previously described might be utilized. Other aspects, features and
advantages of the present invention will be apparent upon an
examination of the attached drawing figures and appended
claims.
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