U.S. patent number 3,924,775 [Application Number 05/367,040] was granted by the patent office on 1975-12-09 for positively lockable angularly adjustable handle.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Weston Instruments, Inc.. Invention is credited to Joseph R. Andreaggi, George Zenuch.
United States Patent |
3,924,775 |
Andreaggi , et al. |
December 9, 1975 |
POSITIVELY LOCKABLE ANGULARLY ADJUSTABLE HANDLE
Abstract
A positively lockable angularly adjustable handle for portable
apparatus is substantially U-shaped and includes two parallel arms
interconnected at one end thereof by means of a transversely
extending bar and having inwardly projecting tubular journal
members at the other ends thereof for mounting the handle within
apertures provided within the apparatus. Upon the external surface
of the journals there is located, in serial fashion, a peripheral
flange, arcuate stop members, and a series of splines, a
circumferential bearing surface being interposed between the flange
and the stop members and a circumferential recess being similarly
interposed between the stop members and the splines. The inner
peripheral walls of the apparatus defining the apertures include an
inwardly projecting flange and mating splines whereby the journal
members may be forced axially inwardly within the apertures to a
first position wherein the aperture flange is housed within the
journal bearing surface so as to prevent further relative axial
movement and the splines are disengaged so as to nevertheless
permit free angular movement between the handle and the apparatus,
and the journal members may be forced axially inwardly within the
apertures still further to a second position whereby the splines
interengage so as to prevent angular movement between the handle
and the apparatus, the apparatus flange being housed within the
recess to again prevent further relative axial movement. Axial
retraction of the journals to the first position permits the handle
to be adjusted to a different angular position whereupon the same
may be once again positively locked against angular rotation
relative to the apparatus.
Inventors: |
Andreaggi; Joseph R. (Short
Hills, NJ), Zenuch; George (Edison, NJ) |
Assignee: |
Weston Instruments, Inc.
(Newark, NJ)
|
Family
ID: |
23445693 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/367,040 |
Filed: |
June 4, 1973 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/756; 220/764;
294/170; 248/471; 16/409; 16/445; 74/527; 74/528; 74/557 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16M
11/10 (20130101); F16M 13/00 (20130101); A45F
5/10 (20130101); F16M 2200/024 (20130101); Y10T
74/20636 (20150115); Y10T 16/4569 (20150115); Y10T
74/20864 (20150115); Y10T 74/20642 (20150115); Y10T
16/515 (20150115) |
Current International
Class: |
A45F
5/10 (20060101); A45F 5/00 (20060101); F16M
11/02 (20060101); F16M 11/10 (20060101); B65D
025/28 () |
Field of
Search: |
;220/96,95
;16/11R,126,114R,110.5,111R,112 ;248/226,471,470,126,12
;224/45P |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Price; William I.
Assistant Examiner: Shoap; Allan N.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Sherman; William R. Monod;
Jean-Yves
Claims
We claim:
1. A portable instrument comprising:
a housing member;
a generally U-shaped resilient handle member having first and
second coextensive arms substantially parallel to a plane and
having respective first and second ends, said arms being
resiliently movable relative to one another parallel to said plane;
and
first and second means respectively adjacent said first and second
ends for coupling said handle member to said housing member, each
said coupling means including:
journal means having an axis and including a tubular resilient wall
projecting from one of said members in a generally axial
direction,
the other of said members having an internal wall centered on said
axis and defining at least one aperture in which said tubular wall
is received in a first axial position thereof for rotation about
said axis,
inwardly yieldable stop means on the outer surface of said
resilient tubular wall,
retainer means within said aperture for engaging said stop means to
retain said resilient tubular wall against axial movement within
said aperture in one direction between said first axial position
and a second axial position thereof axially displaced with respect
to said first position in said one direction when said tubular wall
is subjected to an axial force smaller than a given value, and for
inwardly camming said yieldable stop means resiliently into said
resilient tubular wall upon axial displacement thereof within said
aperture in said one direction toward said second axial position
when said tubular wall is subjected to an axial force greater than
said given value,
first interlocking means disposed upon said one member,
second interlocking means upon said other member for engaging said
first interlocking means when said tubular wall is in its said
second axial position to lock said handle member in a selected
angular locking position with respect to said housing member,
said second interlocking means being disengaged from said first
interlocking means when said tubular wall is in its said first
axial position for permitting rotation of said handle member with
respect to said housing member to select a desired angular locking
position for said handle and housing members,
whereby said handle member can be locked in the selected angular
position by moving said first and second resilient arms
substantially parallel to said plane for causing said resilient
tubular wall to shift from its said first to its said second axial
position to lockingly engage said first and second interlocking
means in the selected angular position.
2. The instrument of claim 1 wherein said retainer means is further
cooperatively arranged for engaging said stop means to retain said
resilient tubular wall against movement from its said second axial
position toward its said first axial position when subjected to an
axial force smaller than a given value, while inwardly camming said
yieldable stop means resiliently into said resilient tubular wall
upon displacement thereof from its said second to its said first
axial position when subjected to an axial force smaller or greater
than the given value.
3. The instrument of claim 1, wherein said retainer means includes
a retainer flange portion inwardly projecting from said internal
wall into said aperture, and said stop means includes a plurality
of yieldable integral detent projections distributed
circumferentially around the outer surface of said resilient
tubular wall, the inner radial extent of said retainer flange
portion being greater than that of the outer surface said resilient
tubular wall and smaller than the radial distance from said axis to
the outermost portions of said integral detent projections.
4. The instrument of claim 3, wherein each said coupling means
further includes a resilient end flange adjacent one end of said
resilient tubular wall the radial extent of the outermost portion
of said resilient end flange being greater than the inner radial
extent of said retainer flange portion, said resilient end flange
having a tapered axial cross section for resiliently deforming said
end flange upon forcibly inserting said resilient tubular wall into
said aperture past said retainer flange portion, and said retainer
flange portion being confined between said end flange and said
detent projections in the first axial position of said resilient
tubular wall.
5. The instrument of claim 1, wherein said first interlocking means
includes a first alternate series of axially directed splines and
recesses disposed about the outer peripheral surface of said
journal means,
said second interlocking means includes a second alternate series
of axially directed recesses and splines disposed upon said
internal wall around said aperture for respectively mating with the
splines and recesses of said first series at a plurality of angular
locking positions distributed about said journal axis; and
each said coupling means further includes abutment means for
retaining said resilient tubular wall in the second position
thereof against further axial movement in said one direction.
6. The instrument of claim 1 wherein said one member is said handle
member and said resilient tubular wall is integral with the
respective one of said arms and projects therefrom in the axial
direction at the end thereof.
7. A monolithic positively lockable angularly adjustable handle for
an apparatus having first and second coupling openings formed
therein comprising:
a handle bar of a resilient material having two ends;
first and second coextensive arms of the same material integral
with said bar and respectively extending from these ends thereof in
a normally substantially parallel relationship, and having
respective first and second free ends resiliently movable toward
and away from one another; and
first and second journal means having an axis, on said first and
second arms adjacent said first and second free ends respectively
and adapted to cooperate with the first and second coupling
openings of the apparatus respectively for rotatably coupling said
arms to the apparatus in a first relative axial position thereof
and for selectively locking against rotation said arms in a
plurality of angular positions with respect to the apparatus in a
second relative axial position thereof, each said first and second
journal means including:
a resilient tubular wall integral with the respective one of said
arms and projecting therefrom in the direction of the other of said
arms, said resilient tubular wall being centered on said journal
axis and having a free end opposite said respective arm,
an integral flange portion outwardly projecting at the outer
surface of said tubular wall adjacent the free end thereof,
a series of inwardly yieldable detent projections distributed
circumferentially around said resilient tubular wall, said series
of detent projections being axially spaced from said flange portion
on said tubular wall by a distance sufficient to accommodate
therebetween an annular retaining flange inwardly projecting from a
respective such coupling opening in the apparatus, in the first
axial position of the respective one of said journal means with
respect to the apparatus,
said detent projections being resiliently yieldable into said wall
portion in response to inward camming action of such an annular
retaining flange engaging said detent projections upon forcible
axial displacement of said resilient tubular wall in either
direction through such an annular retaining flange in the
respective opening,
said tubular wall including an outer surface portion between said
detent projections series and said respective arm, the axial
spacing between said detent projection series and said respective
arm being sufficient to accommodate therebetween such respective
retaining annular flange of the apparatus in the second axial
position of said respective journal means with respect to the
apparatus, said second axial position being axially displaced from
said first axial position; and
interlocking means integrally formed between said detent
projections series and said respective arm and adapted for lockably
engaging corresponding interlocking means on the apparatus in a
plurality of angular locking positions when said respective journal
means is in its said second axial position.
8. The handle of claim 7 wherein said flange portion has a tapered
profile toward the free end of said tubular wall and the smallest
diametrical extent of said flange is substantially equal or smaller
than the outer diametrical extent of said tubular wall.
9. The handle of claim 7 wherein said interlocking means includes a
series of alternate axially directed splines and recesses
projecting from said respective arm end and centered about said
journal axis.
10. A positively lockable angularly adjustable coupling between a
handle and an apparatus comprising:
means defining at least one aperture within said apparatus;
at least one journal means having an axis and disposed upon said
handle for rotatably securing said handle within said at least one
aperture about the axis of said journal means and including a
resilient flange member disposed about the peripheral surface of
said journal means and integral therewith at an inner axial
position, and a plurality of arcuate-shaped resilient stop members
of rounded axial cross section disposed about the peripheral
surface of said journal means and integral therewith at an outer
axial position;
first interlocking means disposed upon said journal means and
including an alternate series of splines and recesses disposed
about the outer peripheral surface of said journal means;
second interlocking means including an alternate series of recesses
and splines disposed upon the inner peripheral surface of said
means defining said at least one aperture for respectively mating
with said splines and recesses of said first interlocking means at
a plurality of angular positions disposed about said journal axis,
so as to prevent angular rotation of said handle relative to said
apparatus, said first and second interlocking means being
disengaged when said journal means is located at a first axial
position within said aperture, and being engaged when said journal
means is located at a second axial position within said aperture,
said second position being axially spaced from said first
position,
whereby when said first and second interlocking means are
disengaged said handle may be freely rotatably adjusted relative to
said apparatus to a particular one of said angular positions
whereupon said first and second interlocking means may be engaged
so as to positively lock said handle against rotation relative to
said apparatus;
a radially extending, inwardly projecting flange integrally formed
upon the inner peripheral surface of said means defining said at
least one aperture, the inner radial extent of said inwardly
projecting flange being less than that of said resilient flange
member and than that of said resilient stop members;
said resilient flange member and said resilient stop members of
rounded axial cross section defining therebetween a circumferential
bearing surface and said inwardly projecting flange being received
between said resilient flange member and said resilient stop
members around said circumferential bearing surface at said first
axial position;
said resilient flange member including an axially inner inclined
surface and an axially outer inclined surface, the degree of
inclination of said outer surface being substantially greater than
the inclination of said inner surface,
whereby when said journal means is axially inserted within said at
least one aperture, said resilient flange member will abut and be
radially compressed by said inwardly projecting flange whereupon
said journal means may be snap-fitted into said at least one
aperture and said inwardly projecting flange will be supported upon
said bearing surface at said first axial position while the ready
withdrawal of said journal means from said aperture is
substantially hindered; and
said resilient stop members being axially spaced from said first
interlocking means so as to define therebetween a circumferential
recess adapted to receive said inwardly projecting flange therein
at said second axial position,
whereby when said journal means if further axially inserted within
said at least one aperture from its said first to its said second
axial position, said resilient stop members will abut and be
radially compressed by said inwardly projecting flange whereupon
said stop members will move past said inwardly projecting flange
which will be housed within said recess at said second axial
position and said first and second interlocking means will be
engaged whereby said handle will be prevented from rotating
relative to said apparatus.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to bails for portable
apparatus and more particularly to an improved positively lockable
angularly adjustable handle which can be coupled to the apparatus
frame or housing in such a manner that the handle can be rotated to
and locked within any one of a plurality of selectable angular
positions, relative to the frame or housing, whereby the apparatus
may be transported or carried when the handle is located within one
of several other angular positions, whereupon the handle also
serves as a stand.
2. DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
Portable apparatus having a frame or housing and an angularly
adjustable handle coupled thereto in such a manner that the handle
serves as both a means for carrying or transporting the apparatus,
as well as a means for supporting the apparatus in one of a
plurality of selectable inclined positions upon a planar surface,
such as for example, a table, so as to facilitate observance,
listening, or manipulation and control of the apparatus, are of
course known. Such conventional handle structures normally comprise
a pair of parallel arms interconnected at one end by means of a
transverse bar and rotatably coupled to the apparatus frame or
housing at the other end, the apparatus and handle structures being
further provided with means permitting the locking of the handle
relative to the apparatus within any one of the selectable angular
positions.
The free ends of such conventional handles may further include
U-shaped components which are adapted to cooperate with separable
bolt members having a knob-shaped head, whereby the handles are
rotatably secured to the apparatus housing or frame. By rotating
the knob in a particular direction, the handles may be selectively
adjusted to a desired angular position relative to the apparatus.
Although such apparatus is in fact quite practical, the structure
nevertheless suffers from the requirement that a number of
structural components, that is, the housing, the handle, and the
bolts, are necessary in order to construct a single coupling,
whereby substantial expenditures may be incurred both in
manufacturing and assembly. In addition, as the bolts are separable
from both the apparatus and handle, use of the assembled apparatus
tends to loosen the bolts rendering the locking feature
ineffective, and furthermore, the bolts may in fact become lost
necessitating replacement of the same and obviously preventing the
designated use of the assembled apparatus until such replacement is
performed.
To overcome the aforementioned disadvantages, one new and improved
type of handle coupling that has been recently developed is
disclosed in the co-pending and commonly assigned application
entitled "Portable Instrument," Ser. No. 288,608, filed Sept. 13,
1972, now U.S. Pat. No. 3,813,004, issued 5/28/74, and the present
application is concerned with another new and improved type of
handle coupling which has been similarly developed in order to
overcome the various disadvantages noted heretofore.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an
improved angularly adjustable handle coupling for portable
apparatus.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved
angularly adjustable handle for portable apparatus which may be
adjusted to and lockably secured within any one of a plurality of
angularly located positions.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide an
improved portable apparatus with an angularly adjustable handle
which may be adjusted to and lockably secured within any one of a
plurality of angularly located positions whereby the handle may be
utilized to carry or transport the apparatus while within any one
of several particular angular positions and may also be utilized to
support the apparatus within various inclined positions upon a
planar surface while within any one of several other particular
angular positions.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an
improved angularly adjustable handle coupling for portable
apparatus wherein the coupling structure facilitating the mounting
and adjustability of the handle within the apparatus is integral
with the handle and apparatus thereby obviating the need for
additional separable components.
A further object of the present invention is to provide an improved
angularly adjustable handle which is simple and economical to
manufacture as well as assemble within the apparatus.
According to this invention, a positively lockable angularly
adjustable handle for a portable apparatus is substantially
U-shaped and includes two normally parallel arms interconnected at
one end thereof by means of a transversely extending bar. Means for
coupling the handle arms to the apparatus are provided, including
inwardly projecting tubular journal members for mounting into
respective apertures, the axially inward ends of the journals being
preferably closed by means of an end wall. Associated with each of
the end walls is a resilient peripheral flange, and disposed upon
the exterior surfaces of the tubular walls of the journals are
resilient arcuate-shaped stop members which are axially spaced from
the peripheral flange so as to define a circumferential bearing
surface therebetween. A series of radially extending splines or
lobes are similarly disposed upon the exterior surfaces of the
tubular walls and axially spaced from the stop members so as to
define a circumferential recess therebetween. Means defining the
apertures include an internal peripheral flange and a series of
radially extending splines or lobes adapted to mate with the
journal splines or lobes. The journal members may be pressed
axially through the apertures whereby the journal flanges will be
forced passed the internal flanges whereupon the latter flanges
will be seated within the journal bearing surfaces. In this
condition, the handle may be angularly adjusted to a desired
position at which location the journal members may be further
pressed axially through the apertures whereby the journal stop
members will be forced passed the internal flanges whereupon the
latter flanges will be seated within the journal recess and the
splines will be interengaged, the handle thus being positively
locked in the desired angular position. Axial retraction of the
journals disengages the mating splines whereupon the handle may be
rotated to a different angular position and subsequently locked
therein by re-engaging the spline members.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Various other objects, features, and attendant advantages of the
present invention will be more fully appreciated as the same
becomes better understood from the following detailed description
when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, in
which like reference characters designate like or corresponding
parts throughout the several views, and wherein:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portable apparatus which may be
provided with the positively lockable, angularly adjustable handle
constructed according to the present invention;
FIG. 2 is an elevational view of the handle of the present
invention;
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the handle journal member, as
illustrated in FIG. 2 and taken along the line3--3 of FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the handle journal member, as
illustrated in FIG. 2 and taken along the line 4--4 of FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is a view, partly in section, of the handle journal member
as assembled within the apparatus when the handle is within the
freely rotatable condition, as illustrated within FIG. 1 and taken
along the line 5--5 of FIG. 1;
FIG. 6 is a view similar to that of FIG. 5 showing however the
relative positions of the handle journal member and the apparatus
when the handle is within the positively locked position; and
FIG. 7 is a view, partly in section, of the handle journal member
as assembled within the apparatus as illustrated in FIG. 6 and
taken along the line 7--7 of FIG. 6.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIG. 1
thereof, there is shown a portable apparatus, generally indicated
by the reference character 10, having secured therein an angularly
adjustable handle, generally indicated by the reference character
12 by means of which the apparatus may be carried, transported, or
supported. By way of example, the portable apparatus 10 may be an
electrical indicating instrument, the substantially rectangular
housing 14 of which may be molded of a tough, shock-resistant
plastic material, such as for example, glass-filled polycarbonate,
so as to protect the enclosed components. The housing 14 includes a
front panel, generally indicated by the reference character 16,
which may have disposed therein a meter display window 18, control
means, such as for example, a rotatable knob 20 for selecting the
sensitivity of the apparatus, and a pair of electrical outlets 22
for the reception of plugs or jacks to be connected to the metering
circuitry, as well as a rear panel, not shown, which is disposed
parallel to the front panel 16, upper and lower plates 24 and 26
respectively, and side panels 28 and 30. The side panels may have
an external reinforcing rib 32 extending longitudinally thereof and
centrally interposed between upper and lower plates 24 and 26, and
it will also be noted that the length of the housing that is, the
distance between the front and rear panels, is greater than the
width of the housing or the distance between the side panels, and
similarly, the height of the housing is also less than the width
thereof, the housing thereby having a somewhat flattened elongated
configuration.
Referring now to FIG. 2, the speciic structure of the handle 12 is
shown as including two substantially parallel arms 34 and 36
integrally connected at the respective ends 38 and 40 by means of a
transversely extending bar 42. Inwardly projecting tubular journals
generally indicated by the reference character 44 are similarly
integrally disposed upon the opposite ends 48 and 50 of the arms 34
and 36, respectively, by means of which the handle 12 may be
rotatably secured, about transversely extending axis 51, within
suitable apertures 52 defined within the side panels 28 and 30, as
seen in FIG. 1. It will be noted that while the apertures 52 are
centrally interposed between upper and lower plate 24 and 26 so as
to, in effect, concentrate the weight of the apparatus while being
carried along a centrally located plane which would normally
include the center of gravity of the apparatus, the apertures are
also offset toward the front panel 16 so as to provide sufficient
clearance between the handle 12 and the panel 16 when the handle 12
is being rotated to the various angular positions, the handle 12,
while in the angular position as seen in FIG. 1, serving as a
support means for the apparatus whereby the front portion of the
apparatus may be raised above a supporting surface, such as for
example, a table, not shown, while the rear portion of the
apparatus rests upon the table. In this manner, as the apparatus is
inclined relative to the table, the front panel may be particularly
visually accessible to a technician whereupon observance and
control of the apparatus is facilitated.
The arms 34 and 36 are each provided with a flat inner face 54,
while the outer face 56 includes a central carved portion 58
separating ribbed edge portions 60, as seen in FIG. 1, the latter
serving to provide rigidity to the arms. The bar 42 similarly has a
series of parallel ribs 62 superposed upon the inner face 64
thereof so as to provide the same with a simple handgrip for the
fingers of an operator when carrying or transporting the apparatus.
As is the case with the housing 14, the handle 12 may be made of a
resilient moldable plastic material, such as for example, a
polycarbonate, and by virtue of the aforedescribed construction,
the arms 34 and 36 are seen to be quite flexible within a plane
extending through axis 51 and bar 42, but are quite inflexible
within planes extending transversely of axis 51.
Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, the tubular journal members 44 are
seen to comprise an axially extending annular wall portion 66 which
is integral with and projects inwardly from the inner face 54 of
the handle arms at a location adjacent to the ends 48 or 50, the
wall portion being quite thin, and due to the fact that such is
formulated of a resilient plastic material, such wall portion may
be radially compressed due to a sufficient force being applied to
the external surface thereof. The free, inner end of wall portion
66 has integrally associated therewith a substantially transversely
extending closure wall 68 which serves to close the inner end of
the cavity 70 defined between wall portion 66 so as to provide
additional rigidity to wall portion 66, although not to the extent
that the resiliency of such wall portion is adversely affected.
The end wall 68 is integrally provided with an annular flange
portion, generally indicated by the reference character 72, which
is seen to be substantially frustoconical in shape and includes a
somewhat rounded surface 74 which extends substantially parallel to
axis 51, an axially outward, sharply inclined surface 76, and an
axially inward, inclined surface 78, the degree of inclination of
the latter surface being substantially less than that of surface
76. In this manner, when the journal members are pressed axially
inwardly so as to be inserted within the apparatus apertures 52,
the diametrical extent of which is slightly less than the
diametrical extent of flange 72, the resiliency within the flange
72 and the wall portion 66 permits such components to be radially
compressed, while the inclined surface 78 properly distributes the
compressive forces acting thereon, as well as serving as a guide
means for facilitating the entrance of the journals within the
apparatus. When the journals have been inserted within the
apertures however, and the flange 72 and the wall portion 66 have
regained their original positions as in the non-compressed state,
the sharp inclination of surface 76 prevents the ready withdrawl of
the journal members 44.
Turning now to FIGS. 5-7, the apertures 52 are defined within side
panels 28 and 30 by means of an axially outer undulated wall
portion 80, as best seen in FIG. 7, and an axially inner
cylindrical wall portion 82, there being a coaxial flange 84
projecting radially inwardly interposed therebetween, whereupon
apertures 52 are in fact composed of a series of coaxial cavities
defined by such wall structures. As best seen in FIG. 7, surface 80
includes an alternate series of radially extending lobes or splines
86 and recesses 88, the radially innermost portions 90 of splines
86 being tangential to a circle coaxial with axis 51 and having a
radius slightly larger than flange 72 so as to permit unimpeded
movement of the journal members within the apertures, as may be
seen in FIGS. 5 and 6. Similarly, the radially inner portion of
flange 84 of course has a radial extent less than flange 72 so as
to abut and radially compress the same, as mentioned heretofore, as
may also be seen in FIGS. 5 and 6.
There are twelve splines and twelve recesses equidistantly
distributed about undulated surface 80, and there is similarly
integrally provided a series of twelve splines 92 and twelve
recesses 94 upon the outer peripheral surface of journal wall
portion 66 at a location adjacent to the inner face 54 of the
handle arms, as best seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, the splines 92 and
recesses 94 serving to lockingly mate with the recesses 88 and
splines 86, respectively, when the journal members are moved in an
axially inward direction so as to align the splines and recesses
within a radially extending plane. It will be appreciated that the
radial extent of the splines 92 is just slightly less than the
radial extent of the recesses 88, and similarly, the innermost
portions 90 of splines 86 are tangential to a circle having a
radial extent just slightly larger than innermost portions of
recesses 94, and in this manner, as will be more fully apparent
hereinafter, the handle 12 may be positively locked within one of
the several different angular positions.
Still referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, three arcuate-shaped stop members
96 are integrally disposed upon the outer peripheral surface of
wall portion 66 and are interposed between flange member 72 and
splines 92, a circumferential bearing surface 98 thereby being
defined between flange 72 and members 96, while a circumferential
recess 100 is similarly defined between members 96 and splines 92,
the bearing surface and recess serving to alternatively house the
flange 84 depending upon the axial location of the journals within
the apparatus, as may be seen in FIGS. 5 and 6. The members 96 are
equidistantly spaced about wall portion 66 and the radial extent of
such members is substantially equal to that of flange 72 whereupon
members 96 may abut and be radially compressed by flange 84, in a
manner similar to that of flange 72, although such component
members will not impede the movement of the journals within the
apparatus due to any interference with the splines 86. It will be
additionally noted that while the members 96 are arcuate-shaped in
cross-section within a transversely extending plane as seen in FIG.
3, members 96 are rounded in cross-section within an axially
extending plane as seen in FIG. 4, the latter configuration
facilitating the relative axial movement between members 96 and
flange 84.
In assembling the handle 12 within the apparatus side panels 28 and
30, as best seen in FIG. 5, upon axial insertion of the journal
members 44 within the cavity defined by undulated surface 80 of,
for example, panel 28, flange 72 will tend to abut inwardly
projecting flange 84. As the inclination of flange surface 78
however, is relatively small, and as the flange is somewhat
resilient, application of an axial force, for example upon handle
arm 36 and journal 44 will tend to radially compress flange 72 due
to the interaction with flange 84, whereupon flange 72 may pass
beyond flange 84 and journal members 44 may be snap-fitted into the
apparatus side panels. In such first position, flange member 72 is
housed within the cavity defined by peripheral wall portion 82,
while flange 84 is supported upon circumferential bearing surface
98, the splines 86 and 92 being disengaged, whereupon the handle 12
is freely rotatable within the apparatus. It will be seen that the
axial width of flange 84 is substantially equal to bearing surface
98 which is interposed between flange member 72 and stop members
96, and in this manner, although free rotational movement is
permitted, relative axial displacement between the handle journals
and the apparatus side panels is prevented.
When a particular angular position is selected wherein it is
desired to positively lock the handle 12 against rotational
movement relative to apparatus 10, axial force may once again be
applied to the handle arms and journal members 44 whereupon stop
members 96 will now tend to abut flange 84, such axial force
serving to radially compress members 96 due to the resiliency and
the guiding motion afforded by means of the rounded configuration
thereof, as well as the resiliency of tubular wall portion 66,
whereby such members 96 may pass axially beyond flange member 84.
In this second position, as best seen in FIG. 6, the splines 92 and
86 are now engaged and the flange member 84 is housed within
circumferential recess 100. As the splines and recesses associated
therewith are substantially identical and in a close-fitting
relationship, substantially no play is provided therebetween and
consequently, rotational movement therebetween is prevented.
Similarly, the width of flange member 84 is substantially equal to
the width of recess 100 defined between splines 92 and stop members
96. In addition, axial play in this position is substantially
prevented in one direction by abutment of the flat inner face 54 of
the arms 36 against the outer surface of panel 28 around the cavity
defined by undulated surface 80, as illustrated by FIG. 6, and in
the other direction by interaction of the stop members 86 and the
flange member 84.
If it is desired to alter the angular position of the handle 12
relative to the apparatus 10, the handle arms and journals 44 may
be axially withdrawn. This is easily done, owing to the resiliency
of the handle arms in their plane. The stop members 96 pass axially
outwardly relative to flange member 84 from the position shown in
FIG. 6 to the position shown in FIG. 5, whereupon the splines are
once again disengaged and the flange member 84 is housed within the
circumferential bearing surface 98 thereby permitting free
rotational movement of the handle 12 relative to apparatus 10
whereupon a different angular position of handle 12 relative to
apparatus 10 may be selected.
Thus, it may be seen that the positively lockable, angularly
adjustable handle of the present invention has important advantages
over the known prior art structures in that the handle may be
simply and quickly mounted within portable apparatus, the fastening
or mounting means being integrally associated with the handle and
apparatus as opposed to the use of separable fastening means. In
addition, the handle may be angularly adjusted to any one of a
plurality of different angular positions relative to the apparatus,
whereupon the portable apparatus may be carried or transported, as
well as supported upon a planar surface, the utilization of such
handle structure thereby being extensive throughout the many
diverse fields of technology.
Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present
invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is to be
understood therefore that within the scope of the appended claims
the present invention may be practiced otherwise than as
specifically described herein.
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