U.S. patent number RE34,274 [Application Number 07/728,113] was granted by the patent office on 1993-06-08 for filter device.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Zipoff Oil Filter Inc.. Invention is credited to Kenneth A. Foust.
United States Patent |
RE34,274 |
Foust |
June 8, 1993 |
Filter device
Abstract
An engagement member, which is detachably securable to the
liquid outlet nipple of a filter receiving fitting, is movably
carried by a filter housing which also carries an annular seal
which resides against the sealing surface of the fitting. An
actuating rod extending from the engagement means is received at
one end of a lever which is pivotally secured to the housing. In
response to movement of the lever, the housing moves relative the
engagement member and the seal is separated from the sealing
surface.
Inventors: |
Foust; Kenneth A. (Scottsdale,
AZ) |
Assignee: |
Zipoff Oil Filter Inc.
(Scottsdale, AZ)
|
Family
ID: |
26895876 |
Appl.
No.: |
07/728,113 |
Filed: |
July 10, 1991 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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Reissue of: |
200565 |
May 31, 1988 |
04851117 |
Jul 25, 1989 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
210/236; 210/238;
210/440; 210/443; 210/470; 210/DIG.17 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B01D
27/08 (20130101); B01D 29/96 (20130101); B01D
35/14 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
B01D
27/08 (20060101); B01D 29/00 (20060101); B01D
35/14 (20060101); B01D 29/96 (20060101); B01D
027/08 () |
Field of
Search: |
;210/232,236,238,440,443,457,470,471,DIG.17 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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982464 |
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Feb 1965 |
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GB |
|
1150126 |
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Apr 1969 |
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GB |
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Primary Examiner: Silverman; Stanley S.
Assistant Examiner: Upton; Christopher
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Baker, Maxham, Jester &
Meador
Claims
Having fully described and disclosed the present invention, and
alternately preferred embodiments thereof, in such clear and
concise terms as to enable those skilled in the art to understand
and practice the same, the invention claimed is:
1. In a liquid filter device for use in combination with a
filter-receiving fitting,
which fitting includes a liquid .[.outlet.]. .Iadd.inlet
.Iaddend.nipple, a coaxial sealing surface, and a liquid
.[.return.]. .Iadd.outlet .Iaddend.opening intermediate the nipple
and the sealing surface, and
which filter device includes a hollow housing having an open end
and a closed end and containing filter medium, engagement means
detachably securable with the nipple, and a seal member carried by
the housing proximate the open end and sealingly received against
the sealing surface in response to securement of the engagement
means with the nipple,
improvements therein for facilitating removal of said filter device
from said fitting, said improvements comprising:
(a) first means moveably coupling said engagement means to said
housing; and
(b) second means for selectively moving said housing relative said
engagement means including release means normally residing in a
first position in which said seal member resides in sealing
engagement with said surface and moveably to a second position in
which said seal member is spaced from said surface.
2. The filter device of claim 1, which said second means further
includes retention means for retaining said release means in the
first means.
3. The filter device of claim 1, wherein said release means
includes:
(a) a lever pivotally carried by said housing; said lever normally
residing in a retracted position and selectively movable to an
extended position; and
(b) an actuating member interconnecting said lever with said
engagement means whereby said housing is moved relative said
engagement means to separate said seal member from said surface in
response to movement of said lever to said extended position.
4. The filter device of claim 3, wherein said second means further
includes retention means for retaining said lever in said retracted
position.
5. The filter device of claim 3, further including a recess formed
into said housing for at least partially receiving said lever
therein.
6. In a liquid filter device for use in combination with a
filter-receiving fitting,
which fitting includes a liquid .[.outlet.]. .Iadd.inlet
.Iaddend.nipple, a coaxial sealing surface, and a liquid
.[.return.]. .Iadd.outlet .Iaddend.opening intermediate the nipple
and the sealing surface, and
which filter device includes a hollow housing having an open end
and a closed end and containing filter medium, engagement means
detachably securable with the nipple, and a seal member carried by
the housing proximate the open end and sealingly received against
the sealing surface in response to securement of the engagement
means with the nipple,
improvements therein for facilitating removal of said filter device
from said fitting, said improvements comprising:
(a) first means moveably coupling said engagement means to said
housing for relative linear movement between said engagement means
and said housing along an axis which is parallel to the
longitudinal axis of said nipple;
(b) drive means interacting between said housing and said
engagement means whereby said engagement means is rotatable in
response to rotation of said housing; and
(c) second means for selectively moving said housing relative said
engagement means whereby said seal member is separated from said
sealing surface.
7. The filter device of claim 6, wherein said engagement means is
telescopingly carried by said housing.
8. The filter device of claim 6, wherein said second means includes
release means normally residing in a first position in which said
seal member resides in sealing engagement with said surface and
removable to a second position in which said seal member is spaced
from said surface.
9. The filter device of claim 8, which said second means further
includes retention means for retaining said release means in the
first means.
10. The filter device of claim 8, wherein said release means
includes:
(a) a lever pivotally carried by said housing; which lever normally
residing in a retracted position and selectively movable to an
extended position; and
(b) an actuating member interconnecting said lever with said
engagement means whereby said housing is moved relative said
engagement means to separate said seal member from said surface in
response to movement of said lever to said extended position.
11. The filter of claim 10, wherein said second means further
includes retention means for retaining said lever in said retracted
position.
12. The filter device of claim 10, further including a recess
formed into said housing for at least partially receiving said
lever therein.
13. In a liquid filter device for use in combination with a
filter-receiving fitting,
which fitting .[.invludes.]. .Iadd.includes .Iaddend.a liquid
.[.outlet.]. .Iadd.inlet .Iaddend.nipple, a coaxial sealing
surface, and a liquid .[.return.]. .Iadd.outlet .Iaddend.opening
intermediate the nipple and the sealing surface, and
which filter device includes a hollow housing having an open end
and a closed end and containing filter medium, engagement means
detachably securable with the nipple, and a seal member carried by
the housing proximate the open end and sealingly received against
the sealing surface in response to securement of the engagement
means with the nipple,
improvements therein for facilitating removal of said filter device
from said fitting, said improvements comprising:
(a) first means moveably coupling said engagement means to said
housing including;
(i) a socket carried by said housing, and
(ii) an engagement member carrying said engagement means
telescopingly residing within said socket; and
(b) second means for selectively moving said housing relative said
engagement means whereby said seal member in separated from said
sealing surface including:
(i) a lever pivotally carried by said housing said lever normally
in a retracted position and selectively movable to an extended
position,
(ii) an actuating member interconnecting said lever with said
engagement member for moving said engagement member in a direction
toward the open end of said housing as said lever is moved toward
said extended position.
14. The filter device of claim 13, wherein said lever includes:
(a) a first end moveably coupled to said actuating member;
(b) a second end having integral hand grip means; and
(c) means intermediate said end for pivotal securement to said
housing.
15. The filter device of claim 14, further including retention
means for retaining said lever in said retracted position.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to filters.
More particularly, the present invention relates to filters of the
type for removing contaminates from circulating liquid such as the
lubricating system of an internal combustion engine.
In a further and more specific aspect, the immediate invention
concerns an improved filter device which is readily removable from
the filter receiving fitting.
2. The Prior Art
The desirability of installing a filter in certain liquid
circulation systems is well established. Exemplary is the
lubricating system of an internal combustion engine. As a result of
normal functioning, and greatly increased under adverse operating
conditions, various contaminates become entrained in the
lubricating oil. Removal of foreign material is mandatory to
prevent accelerated wear and damage to the mechanism.
The contemporary filter particularly adapted for use in connection
with systems of the above type is usually in the form of a
self-contained and disposable unit. While commercially available in
an array of specific configurations, the typical filter includes a
relatively thin walled, cylindrical housing having a closed end and
an open end. Carried at the open end are axially located engagement
means, generally an internally threaded bore, and a coaxial annular
seal. Filter medium, such as fibrous material, reside within the
housing.
For detachable securement of the filter, the circulation system is
provided with a filter-receiving fitting. Commonly, the fitting
includes a liquid .[.outlet.]. .Iadd.inlet .Iaddend.nipple and a
coaxial sealing surface which receive the engagement means and the
annular seal, respectively, of the filter. Accordingly, liquid
enters the filter from .[.the nipple.]. .Iadd.openings intermediate
the nipple and the sealing surface, .Iaddend.passes through the
filter medium and returns through .[.openings intermediate.]. the
nipple .[.and the sealing surface.]..
In response to securement of the engagement means of the nipple,
the seal is urged against the sealing surface. Only slight force is
required for an effective liquid-tight seal. Sufficient torque is
easily generated manually. Removal, however, can be exceedingly
troublesome and laborious. Sediment, and other factors, tend to
cause the seal to adhere to the sealing surface. Frequently, the
bond can be of sufficient strength to render the seal immovable
against the surface with the rotational force which can be
generated manually. Special tools have been developed for the
generation of additional torque. Nevertheless, the application of
additional torque is likely to result in rupturing the housing.
Oftentimes a special removal tool is not available. This is
especially true in the case of the do-it-yourselfer or home
handyman. Therefore, the procedure is accomplished with make shift
tools which are even more likely to destroy the integrity of the
housing. In either case, rupture of the housing results in an
unsightly spill of liquid which necessitates additional laborious
effort for clean-up. The fact that the filter may reside in a
limited access location further complicates the problem.
It would be highly advantageous, therefore, to remedy the foregoing
and other deficiencies inherent in the prior art.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an
improved filter device.
Another object of the invention is the provision of improvements to
filters of the type commonly used in connection with liquid
circulation systems.
And another object of the invention is to provide improvements to
filters of the type which include an annular seal and which is
rotationally securable to a filter-receiving fitting.
Still another object of the instant invention is the provision of
improvements to facilitate removal of a filter from a
filter-receiving fitting.
Yet another object of the invention is to provide means for easily
severing a bond between a seal and a sealing surface.
Yet still another object of this invention is the provision of a
filter device which is readily and conveniently removable without
the necessity of tools or special skills.
And a further object of the invention is to provide improvements to
preserve the integrity of the filter housing during removal.
Yet a further object of the immediate invention is the provision of
improvements which are especially adapted to be incorporated into
conventional filters.
Still a further object of the invention is to provide improvements
for manual release of a filter without unduly encumbering the
device.
And still a further object of the invention are improvements,
according to the foregoing, which can be simply and economically
practiced.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The conventional prior art filter device includes a hollow housing
having an open end and a closed end and containing filter medium.
Engagement means and a coaxial annular seal are carried proximate
the open end of the housing. The filter device is especially
adapted for use in combination with a liquid circulation system
having a filter receiving fitting which includes a liquid
.[.outlet.]. .Iadd.inlet .Iaddend.nipple, a coaxial sealing surface
and a liquid .[.return.]. .Iadd.outlet .Iaddend.opening
intermediate the nipple and the sealing surface. In response to
securement of the engagement means with the nipple, the seal is
received against the sealing surface. The instant invention
provides improvements for facilitating removal of the filter device
from the fitting. Briefly, the improvements include first means
moveably coupling the engagement means to the housing and second
means for selectively moving the housing relative the engagement
means for separating the seal member from the sealing surface.
In a further embodiment, the engagement means are telescopingly
coupled to the housing for relative linear movement along an axis
which is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the nipple. Also
provided are drive means interacting between the housing and the
engagement means whereby the engagement means are rotatable in
response to rotation of the housing. The second means includes
release means normally residing in a first position in which the
seal member resides in sealing engagement with a sealing surface
and which is movable to a second position in which the seal member
is spaced from the sealing surface. Further provided are retention
means for retaining the release means in the first position.
More specifically, the release means may be in the form of a lever
pivotally carried by the housing and an actuating member
interconnecting the lever with the engagement means. The lever
normally resides in a retracted position and is movable to an
extended position wherein the seal member is separated from the
sealing surface. A recess may be formed into the housing for at
least partially receiving the lever therein in the retracted
position.
In an even more specific embodiment, the first means includes a
socket carried by the housing and an engagement member carrying the
engagement means and telescopingly residing within the socket. The
second means includes a lever pivotally carried by the housing and
an actuating member interconnecting the lever with the engagement
member for moving the engagement member in a direction toward the
open end of the housing as the lever is moved toward the extended
position. Preferably, the lever includes a first end moveably
coupled to the actuating member and a second end having integral
hand grip means. Means intermediate the ends pivotally secure the
lever to the housing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The foregoing and further and more specific objects and advantages
of the instant invention will become readily apparent to those
skilled in the art from the following detailed description of
preferred embodiments thereof taken in conjunction with the
drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is an elevational view of a filter device incorporating
improvements according to the instant invention, portions thereof
being broken away for purposes of illustration:
FIG. 2A is an enlarged vertical sectional view taken from the upper
right hand portion of FIG. 1 and showing the release means in
greater detail as it would appear in the retracted position;
FIG. 2B is a view generally similar to the illustration of FIG. 2A
and showing the release means as it would appear during initial
movement in a direction toward the extended position;
FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view taken
along the line 3--3 of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view taken
along the line 4--4 of FIG. 2B;
FIG. 5 is an enlarged horizontal fragmentary view taken along the
line 5--5 of FIG. 1;
FIG. 6A is a fragmentary vertical sectional view of another filter
device incorporating the teachings of the instant invention and
especially illustrating alternate release means as it would appear
in the retracted position;
FIG. 6B is a view generally similar to the view of FIG. 6A and
especially illustrating the release means after having been moved
into the extended position;
FIG. 7A is a fragmentary perspective view of an end portion of yet
another embodiment of the instant invention illustrating yet
another alternately preferred release means as it would appear in
the retracted position;
FIG. 7B is a view corresponding to the view of FIG. 7A and showing
the release means thereof during initial movement to the extended
position;
FIG. 8 is a bottom plan view of the filter device of FIG. 1;
and
FIG. 9 is a view generally corresponding to the view of FIG. 7A and
illustrating yet another alternately preferred release means as it
would appear in the retracted position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Turning now to the drawings in which like reference characters
indicate corresponding elements throughout the several views,
attention is first directed to FIG. 1 which illustrates a filter
device incorporating the improvements of the instant invention and
including a hollow housing, generally designated by the reference
character 20, having cylindrical sidewall 22 closed at one end by
domed endwall 23. The other end 24, as seen with further reference
to FIG. 8, is open. Inturned annular flange 25 supports annular
seal 27. Spider or spoked brace 28, carried proximate the open end
of sidewall 22, supports centrally located coaxial tubular member
29 having openings 30. Folder medium 32, such as a fibrous
material, resides within housing 20.
Within the confines of the foregoing description, the improved
filter device of the instant invention is analogous to and shares
components with conventional commercially available filter devices.
The foregoing is set forth for purposes of orientation and
understanding in connection with the ensuing detailed description
of the improvements of the instant invention. Details not
specifically illustrated and described will be readily apparent to
those skilled in the art. It will also be appreciated by those
skilled in the art that detachment means, usually an internally
threaded bore, is carried by the spoked brace at a central location
which is coaxial with the cylindrical sidewall 22 of housing
20.
Filters of the above type are especially adapted for use in
removing contaminates from liquid in a liquid circulation system.
Exemplary is the oil of the lubricating system of a conventional
internal combustion engine. Such circulation systems are provided
with a filter receiving fitting to which the device is removably
secured. For further purposes of orientation and reference, an
exemplary filter receiving fitting is shown in FIG. 1 by the broken
outline generally designated by the reference character 35.
Typically, filter receiving fitting 35 includes annular sealing
surface 37 and perpendicularly extending coaxial nipple 38. The
nipple 38 carries engagement receiving means such as an external
thread, for securement of the engagement means of the filter. In
response to engagement of the engagement means of the filter with
engagement receiving means of the nipple, seal 27 is brought into
sealing engagement with sealing surface 37. The liquid to be
treated enters the filter through .[.nipple 38.]. .Iadd.the
openings 39 as .Iaddend.indicated by the arrowed line .[.A.].
.Iadd.B.Iaddend.and return through the .[.opening 39.].
.Iadd.nipple 38 .Iaddend..[.intermediate nipple 38 and sealing
surface 37.]. as indicated by the arrowed line .[.B.].
.Iadd.A.Iaddend.. Again, a thorough and complete understanding will
be immediately had by those skilled in the art.
The improvements of the instant invention, in accordance with a
preferred embodiment thereof as seen with reference to FIGS. 1 and
8, include an engagement member, generally designated by the
reference character 40 having outer sidewall 42 and threaded bore
43. Engagement member 40 further includes spider bracket 44, of
which further description will be made presently. Socket 45
terminating with shoulder 47 is formed into tubular member 29 from
the open end of housing 20.
Engagement member 40 is telescopingly movable within socket 45
along an axis which is substantially parallel to the longitudinal
axis of nipple 38 which is indicated by the broken line C.
Engagement member 40 is also drivingly engaged with socket 45 such
that rotation of housing 20 results in concurrent rotation of
engagement member 40. For this purpose, outer sidewall 42 and
socket 45 have mating hexagonal cross-sections as specifically
illustrated in FIG. 8. Alternate structure for achieving the
desired results will readily occur to those skilled in the art. For
example, outer sidewall 42 and socket 45 may be cylindrical and
drivingly engaged by means of a key carried by one of the elements
and a key receiving groove carried by the other.
Tubular guide 48 carrying annular seal 49, such as a convention
O-ring, extends into housing 20 from domed endwall 23 as best seen
with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2A. Preferably, tubular guide 48
extends along the axis. Recess 50, as seen with additional
reference to FIG. 3, is formed into domed endwall 23 to extend
substantially radially outward from tubular guide 48. Recess 50 is
pressed into endwall 23 to form a pair of spaced apart sidewalls 52
and 53. Lever 54 having inner end 55 and outer end 57 is pivotally
affixed to housing 20 by pin 58 carried by sidewalls 52 and 53.
Preferably, lever 54 is in the form of a generally U-shaped
stamping having depending tabs 59 through which pin 58 passes.
Actuating rod 60 extends through tubular guide 48 and is in
fluid-tight engagement with the seal 49. Actuating rod 60 extends
from a lower end 62 which is secured to spider bracket 44 to an
upper end 63 which is pivotally affixed to the inner end 55 of
lever 54 as seen with further reference to FIG. 4. To allow for
relative of movement between the members lever 54 is provided with
elongate slot 65 which receives pin 64.
FIG. 2A illustrates lever 54 as it would appear in the normal or
retracted position wherein outer end 57 lies in closs proximity to
the surface of recess 50 and inner end 55 is spaced from endwall
23. Retention member 67 spans recess 50 over lever 54 and normally
retrain lever 54 in the retracted position. Retention member 67 may
take alternate forms such as a flexible sheet member which is
adhesively secured to the surface of endwall 23 or a thin metallic
member which is bonded, as by spot welding, to the surface of
endwall 23. In either case, retention member 67 is manually
removable preferably in response to manually urged movement of
outer end 57 in a direction away from recess 50.
Outer end 57 of lever 54, which is preferably upwardly curved,
functions as hand grip means to facilitate lifting and pivoting
member 54 about pin 58 as indicated by the arcuate arrowed line D
in FIG. 2B. In response thereto, inner end 55 moves in the
direction indicated by the arcuate arrowed line E. As is obvious,
acutating rod 60 is stationary and immovable. Accordingly, housing
20 is lifted, by pin 58, in the direction indicated by the arrowed
line F. The movement of housing 20 separates annular seal 27 from
sealing surface 37. The manual pressure applied to lever 54 is
sufficient to overcome the bonding action between seal 27 and
surface 37 as the result of sediment, heat or other factors With
the seal thus broken housing 27 is easily manually rotated for
disengagement of engagement member 40 from nipple 38.
Reference is now made to FIG. 6 which illustrates an alternate
embodiment of the invention including housing 70 having endwall 72
and further including actuating rod 73. Endwall 72 is generally
analogous to previously described endwall 23 except for the
inclusion of recess 50. Similarly, actuating rod 73 is analogous to
previously described actuating rod 60 except that the upper end 74
is terminated by a substantially planar surface. An understanding
of further structure not specifically illustrated can be had with
reference to the previously described embodiment.
Shown in the retracted position is lever 75 having inner end 77 and
outer end 78. Ear 79 projects upwardly from surface 72 at an
intermediate location along the length of lever 75. Link 80 is
pivotally connected to ear 79 by pin 82 and to lever 75 by pin 83.
It is noted that the location of pin 83 is outboard of the location
of pin 82. Bail 84 is pivotally carried by a second ear 85
upstanding from surface 72 proximate the outer end 78 of lever 75.
Bail 84 engages and retains lever 75 in the retracted position.
Arcuate camming surface 87 bears against the end 74 of actuating
rod 73.
In preparation for removal of the immediate embodiment of the
filter device from the filter receiving fitting, bail 84, which
acts as a retention element, is first removed from the lever 75 in
response to outboard actuate movement as indicated by the arcuate
arrowed line G. End 78 of lever 75 is then manually lifted in a
direction indicated by the arcuate arrowed line H urging lever 75
into the extended position as seen in FIG. 6B. During the movement
of lever 75, surface 87 of lever 75 cammingly moves against the
surface 75 of actuating rod 73. Concurrently, force transmitted
through link 80 lifts housing 70 in the direction indicated by the
arrowed line I. Accordingly, seal 27 is separated from surface 37
and the removal of the filter device continues as previously
described.
A further embodiment of the immediate invention will now be
described with reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B. Similar to the
previously described embodiments, the immediate embodiment includes
a hollow housing, generally designated by the reference character
90 having cylindrical sidewall 92 and a closed end defined by domed
endwall 93. The immediate embodiment also includes previously
described actuating rod 73 having upper end surface 74. For aspects
of the immediate embodiment not specifically illustrated and
described, with the exception of the detailed description below,
reference is made to the previous embodiments.
Recess 94 is formed into endwall 93 to extend generally radially
outward. A pair of opposed tabs 95 project upwardly from surface 93
at an intermediate location along the length of recess 94. A tab 95
resides on either side of recess 94. Lever 97 having inner end 98
and outer end 99 passes between and is pivotally to tabs 95 by pin
100. Arcuate camming surface 102, carried on inner end 98, bears
against end 74 of actuating rod 73. Finger ring 103 is carried at
outer end 99. Retention member 67, previously described, retains
lever 97 in the retracted position as illustrated in FIG. 7A. To
move lever 97 to the extended position to separate seal 27 from
surface 37, retention member 67 is fractured or removed and outer
end 99 lifted, by finger ring 103, in the direction indicated by
the arrowed line J. In response to the movement of lever 97,
housing 90 moves in a direction indicated by the arrowed line K as
previously described, especially in connection with the embodiment
of FIGS. 6A and 6B.
Reference is now made to FIG. 9 wherein there is seen an alternate
lever structure which for purposes of illustration is shown in
combination with a housing generally designated by the reference
character 110 having domed endwall 112. In accordance with the
immediately preferred, there is provided a lever 113 having inboard
end 114 and outboard end 115. T-bar 117, the functional equivalent
of finger ring 103, extends perpendicularly through lever 113
proximate end 115. In the retracted position as shown, lever 113
resides entirely within recess 118 formed in endwall 112. Lever 113
is pivotally connected to endwall 112 by a pin carried by the
sidewalls of recess 118 as previously described in connection with
the pin 58 specifically seen in FIG. 3 Although not specifically
illustrated, inner end 114 of lever 113 is provided with a camming
surface such as previously described camming surface 87 and 102,
for contact with the end 74 of actuating rod 73. As will be
appreciated by those skilled in the art, actuating rod 73 is
somewhat shortened for use in connection with the immediate
embodiment wherein the lever resides entirely within the recess.
For an understanding of structure and function not specifically
illustrated, reference is made to the previously described
embodiments.
Various changes and modifications to the embodiments herein chosen
for purposes of illustration will readily occur to those skilled in
the art. To the extent that such modifications and variations do
not depart from the spirit of invention, they are intended to be
included within the scope thereof which is assessed only by a fair
interpretation of the following claims.
* * * * *