U.S. patent application number 13/831354 was filed with the patent office on 2014-05-15 for release mechanisms for adjoining components.
This patent application is currently assigned to PACIFIC CASUAL LLC, A CALIFORNIA COMPANY. The applicant listed for this patent is PACIFIC CASUAL LLC, A CALIFORNIA COMPANY. Invention is credited to RON SY-FACUNDA.
Application Number | 20140130837 13/831354 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50680477 |
Filed Date | 2014-05-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140130837 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
SY-FACUNDA; RON |
May 15, 2014 |
RELEASE MECHANISMS FOR ADJOINING COMPONENTS
Abstract
A mechanism for facilitating the release of a components
employed on an expandable and collapsible canopy having a
spring-biased projection penetrating an opening in the component,
the mechanism comprising a sturdy flap comprising a thumb press
portion which is sufficiently large enough to lower the force per
square inch required to release the mechanism, wherein the flap is
rotatably secured to the mechanism so that the thumb press portion
may be rotated into contact with the projection by a user when in
use so that the thumb press portion is substantially perpendicular
to the projection upon engagement.
Inventors: |
SY-FACUNDA; RON; (THOUSAND
OAKS, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
PACIFIC CASUAL LLC, A CALIFORNIA COMPANY |
Camarillo |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
PACIFIC CASUAL LLC, A CALIFORNIA
COMPANY
Camarillo
CA
|
Family ID: |
50680477 |
Appl. No.: |
13/831354 |
Filed: |
March 14, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13676450 |
Nov 14, 2012 |
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13831354 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
135/120.3 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04H 15/50 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
135/120.3 |
International
Class: |
E04H 15/44 20060101
E04H015/44 |
Claims
1. A discrete mechanism configured to be added to a structural
assembly comprising components in which at least one component can
be placed in a temporarily fixed position within the structural
assembly by way of a spring-biased projection penetrating an
opening in the component, the discrete mechanism comprising a
semi-rigid flap comprising a thumb press portion larger than the
diameter of the spring-biased projection, wherein the flap is
configured so that it can be rotatably secured to the structural
assembly and rotated into position covering the spring-biased
projection so that the thumb press portion may be placed into
contact with the projection substantially perpendicular to the
linear axis of movement of the projection upon contact, thereby
facilitating depression of the projection inwardly through the
opening in the component to release the component from its
temporarily fixed position within the structural assembly.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The embodiments herein relate generally to a release
mechanism employing a pivotable lever to facilitate disengaging two
temporarily adjoined components while simultaneously reducing the
weight borne by one component resting upon the other component to
further facilitate disengagement. In one application, such
embodiments may be used to more easily collapse canopy systems. As
one may appreciate who has ever attempted to expand and collapse
canopy systems, often colloquially referred to as easy-ups,
disengaging one component from the other by pushing or pulling the
buttons or pins employed to engage adjoining components can be
frustrating if not downright painful. The inherent design of the
systems do not present very comfortable surfaces against which a
user can apply pressure. Morever, the weight of the canopy upon the
button or pin makes movement that much more difficult.
[0002] Numerous efforts have been made in the past to address this
problem, some with some varying degrees of success, but many still
lack a more user-friendly system. Embodiments of the present
invention solves at least some of these problems.
SUMMARY
[0003] In one embodiment of the present invention, a mechanism is
provided for facilitating the release of a components from a
temporarily fixed position. Such components could be those employed
on an expandable and collapsible canopy, where such component is
temporarily fixed in position by way of a spring-biased projection
penetrating an opening in the component. In one such embodiment,
the mechanism comprises a housing for securing a rotatable lever
therein, where the lever is normally positioned, in some
embodiments, in a downward fashion, for example at about 45 degrees
from horizontal. In some embodiments, the lever is configured to
have a handle at a proximal end and a cam-shaped distal end so
that, when in use, a user may apply upward pressure to the handle
at the proximal end so as to exert axial force by the cam-shaped
distal end upon the projection. By doing so, the projection can be
released from penetration from the opening, thus permitting the
temporarily fixed component to become disengaged.
[0004] One feature of embodiments of the present invention is that
the rotatable lever is configured so that rotation of the rotatable
lever serves to remove in part the weight borne by the mechanism
housing upon the projection penetrating one of the plurality of
openings so as to facilitate the removal of the projection from the
penetration. In some embodiments, the lever may be positioned at
about 45 degrees below the horizontal, but of course other
positions and arrangements are contemplated to serve the function
of facilitating release.
[0005] In another embodiment, a mechanism is provided for adjusting
the relative position of a first component with a second component,
where the first component comprises a plurality of openings in a
wall thereof for setting the positioning of the second component
relative to the first component. In such embodiments, the mechanism
comprises a housing for supporting the first and second components
therewithin, where the mechanism housing may comprise an internal
passageway sized and configured to permit the first and second
components to be directed therewithin; a shoulder positioned within
the internal passageway and configured so as to permit direct
engagement of the second component with the shoulder to rest
thereon for stable positioning; and a compartment within the
housing for pivotally securing a spring-biased lever
therewithin.
[0006] The compartment further comprises an opening between the
compartment and the passageway, and pivotally supports a lever
having a proximal end for user engagement to apply force to the
proximal end of the lever against the spring bias force, the
pivotal lever having a distal end comprising a projection
configured to fit within the compartment opening and through one of
the plurality of openings in the first component. In some of such
embodiment, the passage way is so configured so as to permit the
first component to be directed into the passageway so as to permit
alignment with at least one of the plurality of openings in the
first component wall with the opening in the compartment, thereby
permitting the projection of the spring-biased pivotable lever to
penetrate both the compartment opening and the at least one opening
of the first component to secure the first and second components
together in temporarily locked configuration, and wherein upon
pressure being applied by the user upon the proximal end of the
pivotable lever, the projection at the distal end of the lever may
be removed from at least the opening of the first component to
disengage the first and second components to permit movement of the
first relative to the second.
[0007] One feature of such embodiments is that such mechanism
housing is configured so that when a user applies pressure to the
proximal end of the pivotable lever against the force of the
spring, the mechanism housing may be raised upwardly sufficiently
to remove the weight of the second component on the projection at
the distal end of the pivotable lever within the openings, thereby
making it easier to remove the projection from the first component
opening by applying less force than if the weight borne by the
projection were not removed prior to the lever being pressed.
Another feature of such embodiments is that the mechanism provides
a guide for more smoothly permitting telescoping action between the
lower and upper legs in a way that prevents derailing or
misalignment.
[0008] In yet another embodiment, a release mechanism is provided
for facilitating the release of temporarily engaged adjoining
components in a collapsible system, where the system employs a
spring-biased button penetrating an opening to secure the adjoining
components together, the release mechanism comprising a fabric
overlay securable to the system and configured to drape over the
spring-biased button to permit a user to apply pressure to the
button while avoiding pinching injuries.
[0009] In another embodiment, a mechanism for facilitating the
release of a components from a temporarily fixed position is
provided, where such component is temporarily fixed in position by
way of a spring-biased projection penetrating an opening in the
component. In one embodiment, the mechanism comprises a sturdy flap
comprising a thumb press portion, wherein the flap is rotatably
secured to the mechanism so that the thumb press portion may be
rotated into contact with the projection by a user when in use so
that the thumb press portion is substantially perpendicular to the
projection upon engagement, thereby facilitating depression of the
projection.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0010] The detailed description of some embodiments of the
invention will be is made below with reference to the accompanying
figures, wherein like numerals represent corresponding parts of the
figures.
[0011] FIG. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of one embodiment
of a prior art canopy presenting typical components to which
embodiments of the present invention may be applied;
[0012] FIGS. 2A and 2B show schematic perspective views of one
embodiment of a release mechanism;
[0013] FIGS. 3A and 3B show schematic elevational views of the
embodiments of FIGS. 2A and 2B;
[0014] FIGS. 4A through 4E show schematic perspective and
elevational views of another embodiment of release mechanism;
[0015] FIG. 5 shows a schematic perspective view of one embodiment
of a portion of a prior art canopy;
[0016] FIG. 6 shows a schematic perspective view of yet another
embodiment of a release mechanism;
[0017] FIGS. 7 and 8 shows a schematic perspective view of yet
another embodiment of a release mechanism;
[0018] FIG. 9 shows a schematic elevational view the embodiment of
FIGS. 7 and 8.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS
[0019] Canopies are but one of a number of consumer products that
employ an array of components linked together in a way that permits
collapsibility for purposes of portability. Many of such devices
employ an interlocking mechanism to temporarily engage adjoining
components in a releasable manner. An example of a canopy is shown
in FIG. 1, with the canopy frame 1 comprising eave supports 2
linked through frame release members 3 to a plurality of legs 4,
each of which is traditionally comprises of a telescoping upper leg
section 5 and lower leg section 6 secured to each other by leg
release member 7. Embodiments of the invention described herein
have particular applicability to the release members 3 and 7 of
such a canopy frame, but have equal applicability to other systems
designed to permit collapsibility for portability.
[0020] By way of example, and with reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B,
one embodiment of a frame release member 10 comprises a housing 12
configured to slideably mount around a vertical frame member 14
having a hole 16 (shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B) permitting temporary
locking of the release member 10 relative to the frame member 14.
In this example, as in many frame release members, the release
member housing 12 comprises lateral supports 18 for supporting
cross beams 20 (shown specifically in FIG. 2B) that form part of
the canopy frame. Whether such beams be part of the eave support or
the upper canopy support, it is not of importance here. What is
important is that the housing 12 bears at least a portion of the
weight of the canopy frame upon it when it is set in hole 16.
[0021] One important feature of the frame release members 10 of the
present invention is the employment of a release lever 24
pivotalbly supported within an inner compartment 26 of the housing
12. Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, some of the advantages of the
release lever 24 may be appreciated. There it is can be appreciated
that the release housing 12 surrounds vertical frame member 14, and
includes the lateral supports 18 for bearing the weight of the
cross beams 20 (shown specifically in FIG. 3B). Within the
compartment 26 of the housing 12 is the lever 24 and an opening 28
exposing the compartment to the one of a plurality of holes 16 in
the vertical frame member 14. The lever 24 may comprise a
cam-shaped distal end 32 and is pivotable about pivot pin 34 within
the compartment 26. Internal to the vertical frame member 14 is a
spring 36 having one of a number of possible configurations, but
importantly comprising a projection 38 or button that is spring
biased to fit into one of the plurality of holes 16 of the vertical
frame member 14.
[0022] When in a desired frame-expanded position, where the frame
release housing 12 is aligned with the vertical frame member 14
such that the housing hole 28 aligns with vertical frame member
hole 16, the force of the spring 36 on the projection 38 drives the
projection through both holes, essentially locking the release
mechanism 10 to an affixed position on the vertical frame member
14. One can appreciate, therefore, that the weight borne by the
release mechanism housing 12 caused by the weight of the cross
beams 20 of the frame come to bear on the projection penetrating
the compartment hole 28. Without the benefit of the level, a user
would need to push with their thumb or forefinger upon the
projection 38 to release the housing 12 from the vertical frame,
which can be very difficult. The pivotable lever solves the
difficult by being configured that when uplifted by the user, the
lever both removes the weight borne by the housing on the
projection and at the same time pushes the projection back through
the compartment hole 28 and into the vertical frame 14, thus
permitting release mechanism 10 to be released from the frame to
vertically slide downwardly or upwardly as desired.
[0023] Referring to FIGS. 4A through 4E, another embodiment may be
described that has particular, although not exclusive,
applicability to the leg release mechanisms of canopy frames. In
that regard, and by example only, one embodiment of leg release
mechanism 40 may be employed between an upper leg 50 and a lower
leg 60. In the this embodiment, by example, the adjustability in
height is provided by a plurality of holes 62 in the lower leg 60.
The upper leg 50 is preferably hollow and has an interior passage
way 52 sufficient large to permit the lower leg 60 to slide in a
telescoping fashion in and out of the upper leg 50.
[0024] Although it is envisioned that the leg release mechanism 40
may be movable relative to both the upper leg 50 and lower leg 60,
in this particular embodiment, the release mechanism 40 comprising
a housing that engages the upper leg 50 so that both move together
when adjusting the height of the upper leg 50 relative to the lower
leg 60. In that regard, release mechanism 40 comprises a housing 70
having an interior compartment 72 supporting a pivotable lever 74
therewithin, as shown in perspective view in FIG. 4A. With
reference to FIGS. 4B and 4C, more details of the exemplary
embodiment may be described.
[0025] Release mechanism housing 70 comprises the interior
compartment 72 supporting a lever 74 that pivots about pivot pin 76
and is biased by spring 78 between a proximal end of the lever 74
and an interior wall of the housing compartment 72. The lever
further comprises at its distal end a projection 82 configured to
penetrate an opening 84 in the housing compartment, where the
projection is configured sufficiently long to penetrate not only
opening 84 but also one of the plurality of openings 62 in the
lower leg 60.
[0026] The housing 70 further comprises interior shoulders 90 upon
which the base of the upper leg 50 may rest to secure stability and
unity of motion between the release mechanism housing 70 and upper
leg 50. Affixation may be provided if so desired by affixed a
portion of the upper leg 50 to side walls 92 of the housing 70.
Otherwise, the weight of the frame upon the upper leg should
normally maintain engagement of the upper leg 50 upon the interior
shoulder 90 of housing 70.
[0027] In its normal "state" with the spring biased lever forcing
the projection 82 through openings 84 and lower leg opening 62a,
the system is stable and the upper and lower legs remains steady
relative to each other. When it is desired to move one leg relative
to the other leg, whether--at least in this embodiment--to
telescope the lower leg 60 inwardly into the interior of the upper
leg 50 or to move it outwardly, a user need only push upon the
proximal end of the lever 74 bearing against the spring 78 so as to
cause the lever to pivot and withdraw the projection 82 from hole
62a and into compartment 72. By grasping the release mechanism
housing 70 with the user's hand while pushing against the lever,
the weight of the upper leg bearing on the lower leg 60 may be
reduced, further making it easier to withdraw the projection from
the holes 62a and 84. The user may then allow the release mechanism
housing 70 to slide downwardly further down the lower leg 60 to
engage another opening, such as opening 62b, or an opening lower
than that one. FIGS. 4D and 4E show the upper leg 50 lowered
relative to the lower leg 60 so that projection 84 engages the next
lower hole 62b. The lower leg slides easily and with no
misalignment into the interior 52 of upper leg 50 for simple
adjustment of canopy height.
[0028] One may appreciate that employing features like the levers
set forth herein facilitates release of weight borne locking
mechanism that are other wise difficult to navigate using just
one's thumb or forefinger. Yet not only are there weight-born
issues that make it difficult to collapsible adjoining components,
but the users fingers may be pinched by releasing the button from
the holes in a conventional collapsible system. One embodiment for
minimizing the risk of pinching is shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. With
reference to FIG. 5, a conventional canopy frame 101 comprises a
vertical frame member 102 with a hole 103 and a release mechanism
104 carrying a cross beam 105 by way of mechanical fastener 106.
The release mechanism 104 is carried by spring-biased button 107
penetrating the hole 103. Although for clarity sake it is not
illustrated as directly engaging each other, the release mechanism
would be configured to rest upon the button 107 projecting through
opening 103, requiring a user to push the button inwardly against
the spring-biased forced to then release the release mechanism 104
from its position and permit it to be slid up or down the vertical
member 102. When the button 107 is depressed, the weight of the
release mechanism comes down to bear on the user's finger, often
causing pinching or pain.
[0029] One embodiment of the present invention designed to avoid
pinching associated with releasing the mechanism 104 comprises a
cover 110, such as the example shown in FIG. 6, which may be
affixed to the system in one of a number of ways, but in this
example is affixed by securing it via mechanical fastener 106. The
cover 110 may comprise one of a number of materials, but may simply
comprise a durable fabric that is tear-resistant, but resilient
enough to permit the user to firm push against the button 107 and
avoid pinching of the user's fingers or thumbs.
[0030] Yet another embodiment contemplated to avoid pinching is
reflected by the example shown in FIGS. 7 through 9. Referring to
FIG. 7, embodiment 210 comprises a vertical frame member 212
supporting a release mechanism 214 by way of spring-biased button
216 secured to the frame member 212. The release mechanism 214 may
carry one or more cross beams 220 and 222, each of which or one of
which may comprise a mechanical fastening means 224 for securing a
pinch-resistant mechanism thereto. In that regard, FIG. 8 shows the
same release mechanism assembly, but further comprising a pinch
resistant mechanism 230 that may comprise one of numerous possible
shapes, and made of one or more of numerous possible materials.
Preferably, the pinch resistant mechanism 230 comprises a sturdy
flap 232 having a thumb press portion 234 and, if desired, one or
more raised projections 236 for enhancing the engagement of a
user's thumb (not shown) with the thumb press portion 234. The
surface area of the thumb press portion 234 is preferably
sufficiently large to distribute the force required to push the
release mechanism 214, thus enhancing the ergonomics of the
invention, by substantially reducing the force necessary to
disengage the release mechanism. As shown in FIG. 9, the mechanical
fastener 224 should be tight enough to securely retain the pinch
resistant mechanism 230 to cross beam 222, while permitting
rotation of the pinch resistant mechanism 230.
[0031] Referring to FIG. 9 specifically, rotation of the pinch
resistant mechanism 230 about a pivot point P (representing
mechanical fastener 224 on cross beam 222 behind cross beam 220)
preferably allows the flap 232 to contact the spring-biased button
216 perpendicularly, as shown by the rotational movement of the
flap 232 through positions A, B, C and D. By securing the pinch
resistant mechanism 230 in such a manner as to permit engagement
between it and the button 216 in a perpendicular relationship
facilitates the user's ability to push the button inwardly into the
vertical frame 212 for ease of release of the release mechanism
214, when it is desired to collapse a frame assembly. The
combination of the large surface area of the thumb press portion
234 and the perpendicular engagement further substantially reduces
the force necessary necessary to disengage the release mechanism.
If desired, the sturdy flap 232 of the pinch resistant mechanism
230 may comprises a resilient material, so long as it is sturdy
enough to withstand rotational movement and the force of the user's
thumb to depress the button easily.
[0032] As one can appreciate, a variety of configurations maybe
employed to achieve the functionality described herein to
facilitate the release of semi-locked or temporarily locked
adjoining members of a system, particularly when one of the
components is bearing weight. The scope of the invention, however,
is not to be measured by the particulars of the exemplary
embodiments described herein, but rather by the claims set forth
below.
* * * * *