Rotary dial for use in a video cassette recorder

• US 5,541,379 A
• Filed: 01/18/1995
• Issued: 07/30/1996
• Est. Priority Date: 01/19/1994
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Dongbu Daewoo Electronics Corporation (Dayou Holdings Co.,Ltd.)
• Original Assignee: Daewoo Electronics Company Limited (Dayou Holdings Co.,Ltd.)
• Inventors: Kim, Hak-Soo
• Primary Examiner(s): Walczak, David J.
• Application Number:
  US08/375,316
• Time in Patent Office: 559 Days
• Field of Search: 200/564, 200/565, 200/566, 200/567, 200/336, 200/321, 200/322, 200/327, 200/318, 200/323, 200/324, 200/325, 200/179, 200/11 R, 200/116, 200/11 J
• US Class Current: 200/566
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2360/126 Rotatable input devices for instruments
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 35/10 Input arrangements, i.e. from user to vehicle, associated with vehicle functions or specially adapted therefor
• CPC Class Codes: G05G 1/10 Details, e.g. of discs, knobs, wheels or handles G05G1/085 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G05G 5/06 for holding members in one or a limited number of definite positions only G05G5/005, G05G5/03, G05G5/05, G05G5/28 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 21/24 biased to return to normal position upon removal of operating force
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 21/50 with indexing or latching means, e.g. indexing by ball and spring; with means to ensure stopping at intermediate operative positions

Abstract

A video cassette recorder operable in a plurality of picture search modes comprises a rotatable knob and a locking mechanism. The knob returns to an initial position thereof when an operational force applied thereto is released. Each of the picture search modes are selected in response to a respective angular displacement of the knob from the initial position. The locking mechanism has a locking arm urged to lock the knob while the video cassette recorder operates in one of the picture search modes.

Claims

1. A video cassette recorder operable in at least two picture search modes and having a rotary switch system, wherein said rotary switch system comprises:

a rotatable knob, the knob being capable of automatically returning to an initial position thereof when an operational force applied thereto is released, one of the picture search modes being selected in response to an angular displacement of the knob from the initial position, said knob including a cylindrical boss member with a plurality of recesses arranged on a periphery of the boss member in a circumferential direction; and

means for locking the knob while the video cassette recorder operates in the selected picture search mode, said locking means including a locking arm urged against the boss member of the knob, the locking arm having an end thereof capable of being inserted into one of the recesses.

2. The video cassette recorder of claim 1, wherein said locking means includes a button for causing the locking arm to release the knob.