Linearly Adjustable Device

• US 20110238187A1
• Filed: 06/16/2009
• Published: 09/29/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 06/16/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Chad Arthur Evans, Warren Phillip Drew
• Original Assignee: Chad Arthur Evans, Warren Phillip Drew
• Inventors: Drew, Warren Phillip, Evans, Chad Arthur
• Granted Patent: US 8,397,737 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 623/27
• CPC Class Codes: A45B 2009/007 of adjustable length, e.g. telescopic shafts
• CPC Class Codes: A45B 9/00 Details
• CPC Class Codes: A45B 9/02 Handles or heads
• CPC Class Codes: F16H 25/20 Screw mechanisms with automatic reversal F16H25/12
• CPC Class Codes: F16H 25/2204 with balls
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 11/18 with mechanism for moving the apparatus relatively to the stand
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 11/28 Undercarriages for supports with one single telescoping pillar
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 13/08 for use as a walking-cane
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 403/32491 Threaded

Abstract

A linearly adjustable device comprising a main body including at least two body sections each having a longitudinal axis, and a linear actuator. The sections are operatively connected together for linear movement relative to one another in the axial direction. The linear actuator is operatively mounted to the main body for causing the relative axial movement between the body section. The linear actuator includes a drive and a power transmission mechanism operatively connected to the drive. The transmission mechanism includes an elongated threaded member operatively connected to one of the body sections and a cooperating threaded member operatively connected to another of the body sections such that relative rotation between the elongated threaded member and the cooperating threaded member causes relative movement of the body sections,

Claims

1. A linearly adjustable device, the device comprising:

a main body including at least two body sections each having a longitudinal axis, said sections being operatively connected together for linear movement relative to one another in the axial direction;

a linear actuator operatively mounted to the main body for causing the relative axial movement between the body sections, the linear actuator including a drive and a power transmission mechanism operatively connected to the drive, the transmission mechanism including an elongated threaded member operatively connected to one of the body sections and a cooperating threaded member operatively connected to another of the body sections such that relative rotation between the elongated threaded member and the cooperating threaded member causes relative movement of the body sections; and

a coupling ring releasably coupled to one of the body sections, the coupling ring including one or more biased members which cooperate with a slot provided in the other body section for restricting relative rotation therebetween.

2. A device according to claim 1 wherein the main body sections are operatively connected together in telescopic fashion.

3. A device according to claim 1, wherein the body sections are at least partly tubular members.

4. A device according to claim 3 wherein the at least partly tubular members are generally circular in cross section.

5. A device according to claim 1, wherein the elongated threaded member is mounted within one of the body sections and extends generally in the axial direction into the other body section, the threaded member being operatively connected to the drive for rotation thereby.

6. A device according to claim 5 wherein the cooperating threaded member is in the form of a block operatively connected to another body section and having a threaded aperture therein which cooperates with the threaded member so that rotation of the threaded member causes relative movement between the two members.

7. A device according to claims 5, wherein the thread on the elongated member is an acme type thread.

8. A device according to claim 1, wherein the slot is a longitudinally extending slot.

9. A device according to claim 1, wherein the one or more biased members are one or more balls which are biased by a biasing element to cooperate with the respective slots.

10. A device according to claim 1, wherein the drive is in the form of a motor mounted within one of the parts of the main body and is operatively connected to the threaded member.

11. A device according to claim 10 wherein the drive motor is connected to the threaded member via a clutch.

12. A device according to claim 11 further including a stop at an end of the threaded member remote from the drive which limits relative linear movement between the two members.

13. A device according to claim 12 further including a handle at one end of the main body.

14. A device according to claim 13 further including an actuating switch on the handle which can activate and deactivate the drive.

15. A device according to claim 14, wherein the actuating switch is a variable actuator, wherein variable actuation of the variable actuator controls a speed of the drive.

16. A device according to claim 14, wherein the handle includes a casing defining a cavity therein which houses electrical components operatively connected to the drive.

17. A device according to claim 1 wherein the drive is coaxial with the threaded member.

18. A device according to claim 1 wherein the device is a walking aid.

19. A handle for use with a linearly adjustable device according to claim 1, the handle including a body having an aperture therethrough for defining a lateral member for allowing a user to grip the handle, the lateral member including an actuating switch extending therefrom and within the aperture for allowing a user to selectively control the linearly adjustable device via electrical components housed within the handle.

20. A walking aid, as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

21. A handle for use with a linearly adjustable device, the handle being substantially herein before described with reference to the accompanying drawings.