Quick release tilt adjustment mechanism

• US 5,613,833 A
• Filed: 10/30/1995
• Issued: 03/25/1997
• Est. Priority Date: 10/30/1995
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Sunbeam Products, Inc. d/b/a Jarden Consumer Solutions (Newell Brands Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Holmes Products Corporation (Newell Brands Inc.)
• Inventors: Hsu, Johnson, Wolfe, Robert E.
• Primary Examiner(s): Look, Edward K.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Sgantzos, Mark
• Application Number:
  US08/550,157
• Time in Patent Office: 512 Days
• Field of Search: 416/244 R, 416/246, 416/247 R, 248/292.13
• US Class Current: 416/246
• CPC Class Codes: F04D 29/601 specially adapted for elastic fluid pumps

Abstract

A support particularly adapted to support an electric fan is provided. The support has a cam action quick release mechanism which is movable between locked and free positions. When the release mechanism is in the free position the fan can be easily rotated to a desired degree of tilt about a horizontal axis. When the release mechanism is in the locked position rotation of the fan is prevented. The support also includes tilt limiting mechanisms which sets a predetermined forward and backward limitation on fan rotation.

Claims

1. A support for an article comprising:

a U-shaped support bracket having mutually opposing end portions, each of said end portions having central apertures formed therein,

means for supporting said support bracket in a vertical position,

quick release mechanisms attached to each of said end portions for supporting said article at opposite sides thereof, each of said quick release mechanisms having a lever coupled to a post to effect axial movement thereof, the post extending through said central apertures, a compression member having a central bore axially aligned with said central apertures, said post having a threaded end which projects into and through said central bore, and means secured to said threaded end of said post to effect compression of said compression member in response to axial movement of said post,

whereby said quick release mechanisms allow for selective rotation of said article about a horizontal axis.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein said quick release mechanisms can be pivotally moved between first and second positions, said article being free to rotate when the mechanisms are in the first position and being prevented from rotation when said mechanisms are in the second position.

3. The device of claim 1 including means to limit rotation of said article about said horizontal axis.

4. The device of claim 1 wherein said U-shaped support bracket is attached to an oscillatory drive mechanism.

5. The device of claim 1 wherein said compression members are made of an elastomeric material.

6. The device of claim 1 wherein said compression members are comprised of a compression spring.

7. The device of claim 6 wherein said compression spring is a coiled type.

8. The device of claim 6 wherein said compression spring is a flat type.

9. The device of claim 1 wherein said quick release mechanisms can be pivotally moved between two extreme positions, said article being free to rotate when the mechanisms are at one extreme and being prevented from rotation when said mechanisms are at other extreme.

10. The device of claim 3 wherein said means to limit rotation is comprised of a friction plate, said plate having tabs which engage slots formed in said bracket.

11. The device of claim 3 further comprising a fan housing supported at opposite sides thereof by said quick release mechanism, and wherein said means to limit rotation is comprised of a control box protruding from said fan housing which is configured to contact said support bracket.

12. The device of claim 3 further comprising a fan housing supported at opposite sides thereof by said quick release mechanism, and wherein said means to limit rotation is comprised of a material protruding from said fan housing which is configured to contact said support bracket.

13. The device of claim 12 wherein said fan housing includes at least one fan grill, and wherein said material is formed by extending a structural member of the fan grill.

14. The device of claim 12 wherein said material is a separate piece attached to the fan grill.