Tilt indicator for shipping containers and the like

• US 3,889,627 A
• Filed: 07/03/1974
• Issued: 06/17/1975
• Est. Priority Date: 07/03/1974
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Harold S. Cloyd
• Original Assignee: Harold S. Cloyd
• Inventors: Cloyd, Harold S.
• Primary Examiner(s): Haroian, Harry N.
• Application Number:
  US05/485,368
• Time in Patent Office: 349 Days
• Field of Search: 116/114AH 33/391-402
• US Class Current: 116/215
• CPC Class Codes: G01C 9/16 by using more than one pendulum

Abstract

A tilt indicator having two pendulums pivoted on a body whose tilt is to be indicated and limited by ratchet means to rotation in opposite directions and prevented from return rotation so the angular position of each pendulum is an indication of the maximum tilt of the body in its permitted direction of rotation.

Claims

1. An indicator for providing a positive indication that an object has been tilted comprising a body for attachment in a vertical plane in fixed relation to said object, a pendulum pivoted on said body for rotation in said plane, a unidirectional means for said pendulum permitting rotation of said pendulum in a single direction and preventing reverse rotation of said pendulum whereby said pendulum indicates the maximum tilt of said object in said plane and the direction it is permitted to rotate, and stop means for said pendulum limiting its rotation to substantially one half revolution.

2. An indicator providing a positive indication that an object has been tilted comprising a body for attachment in a vertical plane in fixed relation to said object, said body comprising two plates peripherally secured together, one of which is dished to provide an enclosed space, a hub on one of said plates projecting into said space, a pendulum pivoted on said body for rotation in said plane, a unidirectional means for said pendulum permitting rotation of said pendulum in a single direction and preventing reverse rotation of said pendulum whereby said pendulum indicates the maximum tilt of said object in said plane and the direction it is permitted to rotate, said pendulum having an upper end journaled on said hub, and a lower end visible through one of said plates to indicate the maximum tilt.

3. The indicator of claim 1 in which the unidirectional means comprises pawl and ratchet means.

4. The tilt indicator of claim 3 in which said pendulum has a spring pawl cooperating with said ratchet means for preventing reverse rotation and said pendulum and pawl constitute a single piece of molded plastic.

5. The tilt indicator of claim 2 in which said hub has ratchet teeth as part of pawl and ratchet means for preventing reverse rotation.

6. The tilt indicator of claim 2 in which one of said plates has ratchet teeth as part of pawl and ratchet means for preventing reverse rotation.

7. The tilt indicator of claim 2 in which there are two like pendulums journaled on said hub respectively limited to rotation in opposite directions.

8. The tilt indicator of claim 7 in which the pendulums are identical, one pendulum being inverted before mounting on said hub.