EP0853269B1 - Shield and control mechanism assembly - Google Patents
Shield and control mechanism assembly Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP0853269B1 EP0853269B1 EP19980300103 EP98300103A EP0853269B1 EP 0853269 B1 EP0853269 B1 EP 0853269B1 EP 19980300103 EP19980300103 EP 19980300103 EP 98300103 A EP98300103 A EP 98300103A EP 0853269 B1 EP0853269 B1 EP 0853269B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- shield
- control
- control mechanism
- user
- magnifying
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
- G05G—CONTROL DEVICES OR SYSTEMS INSOFAR AS CHARACTERISED BY MECHANICAL FEATURES ONLY
- G05G1/00—Controlling members, e.g. knobs or handles; Assemblies or arrangements thereof; Indicating position of controlling members
- G05G1/015—Arrangements for indicating the position of a controlling member
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F75/00—Hand irons
- D06F75/08—Hand irons internally heated by electricity
- D06F75/26—Temperature control or indicating arrangements
- D06F75/265—Temperature indicating arrangements; Control knobs
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H9/00—Details of switching devices, not covered by groups H01H1/00 - H01H7/00
- H01H9/16—Indicators for switching condition, e.g. "on" or "off"
- H01H9/165—Indicators for switching condition, e.g. "on" or "off" comprising numbered dials
Definitions
- the invention relates to an assembly for protecting user operated controls while ensuring that the controls are visible to the user.
- Such user operated controls may be present on any user operated device.
- the controls and devices may, for example, include volume or tone controls for an electronic device, temperature settings for an iron, timer for a toaster or oven, power settings for a mixer or blender, or any other user operated controls which occupy a limited space on the associated device.
- a device of this kind is disclosed, for example, in DE 30 05 457 A1.
- Control mechanisms on user operated devices are often difficult to read.
- Product design and size often limit the space available for providing information to a user.
- Common methods of providing user indications include providing a raised dot, an arrow, or a line to indicate the selected setting. These indicators are sometimes printed in a colour contrasting with the colour of the background.
- the graphics related to the control mechanism are printed directly on the control mechanism and/or associated controlled device. Accordingly, the graphics are not protected and eventually are damaged through wear.
- An object of the invention is to protect the graphics related to a user operated control mechanism.
- a further object of the invention is to enhance the visibility of a user-selected setting.
- a shield is provided to protect the graphics related to a control mechanism.
- the present invention provides a shield for a user operable control mechanism having a plurality of graphically displayed control setting options, the shield comprising:
- a first embodiment of the invention includes a control assembly having a manually operable control mechanism with a plurality of graphically displayed control setting options selectable by a user.
- a shield for the control mechanism includes a main portion for covering a substantial portion of the control mechanism and all of the control setting options, and an indicator portion having a magnifying section that is positioned and sized for magnifying only one control setting option selected by the user at a time.
- the invention comprises an iron with a control assembly.
- the assembly includes a temperature control mechanism protected by a shield.
- the shield includes a main portion and an indicator portion with magnification capabilities.
- Figure 1 is a front elevation view of an embodiment of the invention.
- a shield 1 covers control mechanism 6.
- the shield includes a main portion 2.
- the main portion is translucent or transparent so that control setting options 7 can be viewed through main portion 2.
- Shield 1 also includes a magnifying section 4.
- the magnifying section 4 is sized such that it magnifies only the setting selected by the user.
- the shield also includes peripheral portions 3a and 3b, which are ribbed in the embodiment illustrated. Attachment areas 5b and 5a allow the covering to be attached to the controlled device (not shown in Figure 1). The attachment areas are disclosed in detail below with reference to Figure 2.
- the control mechanism 6 of Figure 1 is a rotatable dial with a plurality of control settings 7.
- the shield 1 covers all of the settings to protect the graphics from wear. However, the user can easily access the edges of control mechanism 6 in order to rotate it and change the setting. Shield 1 therefore remains stationary, while the control mechanism 6 is rotated by the user to select a setting.
- Figure 2 is a side view of the shield illustrated in Figure 1. From Figure 2, the domed or bubble shape of the magnifying section 4 can be seen. The bubble acts as an indicator of the user-selected setting. Both the bubble shape and the magnification capability enhance visibility.
- Base 6 connects with the main portion 2 of the covering 1 and with peripheral portions 3a and 3b.
- the substantially elongated shape of the shield is designed to protect the graphics while maximising the visibility of the full range of settings.
- Attachment portions 5a and 5b extend from peripheral portions 3a and 3b.
- attachment portion 5a is a hook mechanism and attachment portion 5b is a snap portion. These mechanisms are matched with attachment mechanisms in the control device 10. However, the particular method of attachment depends upon the selected device.
- the method of attachment may include, but is not limited to adhesive, friction fit, detent mechanism, or screws.
- Figure 3 is a sectional view along the line A-A of Figure 1 of the shield in conjunction with the control mechanism 6. Attachment portions 5a and 5b extend beyond the edges of control mechanism 6.
- the shield has a convex shape such that the main portion 2 of shield 1 extends slightly above magnifying portion 4. The distance between the raised bubble and the control mechanism should be selected to maximise visibility.
- Figure 4 illustrates the control mechanism 6 and shield 1 attached to a controlled device 10. The attachment is made, as explained above, by attachment portions 5a and 5b. In the embodiment illustrated, the shield 1 and control mechanism 6 are attached to iron 10.
- the control mechanism 6 and covering 1 may be provided on any user operated device 10.
- the controls and devices may, for example, include volume or tone controls for an electronic device, temperature settings for an iron, timer or temperature setting for a toaster or oven, power settings for a mixer or blender, or any other user operated controls which occupy a limited space on the associated device.
- Figure 5 illustrates an alternative embodiment in which control mechanism 6 is a sliding bar mechanism.
- Shield 1 has a modified rectangular shape and includes magnifying section 4.
- control mechanism 6 is slid under shield 1 and the user selected setting is magnified under magnifying section 4.
- Figure 6 illustrates an alternative embodiment in which the control mechanisms 6 are rotatable dials and the covering 1 is rectangular and includes two magnifying sections 4.
- this configuration could be adapted to accommodate any number of control mechanisms.
- shield 1 is formed from a transparent or translucent plastic, such that all selectable settings are visible to the user.
- a polycarbonate such as LEXAN is used to form the shield.
- the covering may be opaque except for magnifying portion 4, such that only the selected setting is visible to the user.
- Figure 7 illustrates an alternative embodiment in which the settings are printed directly on the controlled device 10.
- the control mechanism 6 is also a shield for the numbers printed directly on the device.
- the shield/control mechanism is rotatable and includes a magnifying portion 4. Accordingly, the numbers 0-6 are stationary.
Description
- The invention relates to an assembly for protecting user operated controls while ensuring that the controls are visible to the user. Such user operated controls may be present on any user operated device. The controls and devices may, for example, include volume or tone controls for an electronic device, temperature settings for an iron, timer for a toaster or oven, power settings for a mixer or blender, or any other user operated controls which occupy a limited space on the associated device.
- A device of this kind is disclosed, for example, in DE 30 05 457 A1.
- Control mechanisms on user operated devices are often difficult to read. Product design and size often limit the space available for providing information to a user.
- Common methods of providing user indications include providing a raised dot, an arrow, or a line to indicate the selected setting. These indicators are sometimes printed in a colour contrasting with the colour of the background.
- Generally, the graphics related to the control mechanism are printed directly on the control mechanism and/or associated controlled device. Accordingly, the graphics are not protected and eventually are damaged through wear.
- An object of the invention is to protect the graphics related to a user operated control mechanism.
- A further object of the invention is to enhance the visibility of a user-selected setting.
- In order to achieve the objective of protecting the graphics, a shield is provided to protect the graphics related to a control mechanism.
- The present invention provides a shield for a user operable control mechanism having a plurality of graphically displayed control setting options, the shield comprising:
- a main portion for covering a substantial portion of the user operable control mechanism and all of the control setting options; and
- a magnifying section within the main portion, wherein the magnifying section is positioned and sized for magnifying only one control setting option selected by the user at a time.
-
- A first embodiment of the invention includes a control assembly having a manually operable control mechanism with a plurality of graphically displayed control setting options selectable by a user. A shield for the control mechanism includes a main portion for covering a substantial portion of the control mechanism and all of the control setting options, and an indicator portion having a magnifying section that is positioned and sized for magnifying only one control setting option selected by the user at a time.
- In an alternative embodiment, the invention comprises an iron with a control assembly. The assembly includes a temperature control mechanism protected by a shield. The shield includes a main portion and an indicator portion with magnification capabilities.
- The invention will now be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
- Figure 1 is a front elevational view of an embodiment of the shield and control mechanism;
- Figure 2 is a side view of the embodiment of the shield shown in Figure 1;
- Figure 3 is a sectional view along line A-A of the embodiment shown in Figure 1;
- Figure 4 is a perspective view of the embodiment of Figure 1 incorporated on an iron;
- Figure 5 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the covering and control mechanism;
- Figure 6 is a front elevation of a further alternative embodiment of the covering and control mechanism; and
- Figure 7 shows a further embodiment in which the covering functions as the control mechanism.
-
- Figure 1 is a front elevation view of an embodiment of the invention. A
shield 1 coverscontrol mechanism 6. The shield includes amain portion 2. In the embodiment illustrated, the main portion is translucent or transparent so that control setting options 7 can be viewed throughmain portion 2.Shield 1 also includes amagnifying section 4. Themagnifying section 4 is sized such that it magnifies only the setting selected by the user. - The shield also includes
peripheral portions Attachment areas - The
control mechanism 6 of Figure 1 is a rotatable dial with a plurality of control settings 7. Theshield 1 covers all of the settings to protect the graphics from wear. However, the user can easily access the edges ofcontrol mechanism 6 in order to rotate it and change the setting.Shield 1 therefore remains stationary, while thecontrol mechanism 6 is rotated by the user to select a setting. - Figure 2 is a side view of the shield illustrated in Figure 1. From Figure 2, the domed or bubble shape of the
magnifying section 4 can be seen. The bubble acts as an indicator of the user-selected setting. Both the bubble shape and the magnification capability enhance visibility.Base 6 connects with themain portion 2 of the covering 1 and withperipheral portions Attachment portions peripheral portions attachment portion 5a is a hook mechanism andattachment portion 5b is a snap portion. These mechanisms are matched with attachment mechanisms in thecontrol device 10. However, the particular method of attachment depends upon the selected device. The method of attachment may include, but is not limited to adhesive, friction fit, detent mechanism, or screws. - Figure 3 is a sectional view along the line A-A of Figure 1 of the shield in conjunction with the
control mechanism 6.Attachment portions control mechanism 6. In the embodiment illustrated, the shield has a convex shape such that themain portion 2 ofshield 1 extends slightly abovemagnifying portion 4. The distance between the raised bubble and the control mechanism should be selected to maximise visibility. - Figure 4 illustrates the
control mechanism 6 andshield 1 attached to a controlleddevice 10. The attachment is made, as explained above, byattachment portions shield 1 andcontrol mechanism 6 are attached toiron 10. - The
control mechanism 6 and covering 1 may be provided on any user operateddevice 10. The controls and devices may, for example, include volume or tone controls for an electronic device, temperature settings for an iron, timer or temperature setting for a toaster or oven, power settings for a mixer or blender, or any other user operated controls which occupy a limited space on the associated device. - Figure 5 illustrates an alternative embodiment in which
control mechanism 6 is a sliding bar mechanism.Shield 1 has a modified rectangular shape and includesmagnifying section 4. In operation,control mechanism 6 is slid undershield 1 and the user selected setting is magnified under magnifyingsection 4. - Figure 6 illustrates an alternative embodiment in which the
control mechanisms 6 are rotatable dials and thecovering 1 is rectangular and includes two magnifyingsections 4. Of course, this configuration could be adapted to accommodate any number of control mechanisms. - In the embodiments described above, it is preferred that
shield 1 is formed from a transparent or translucent plastic, such that all selectable settings are visible to the user. In a preferred embodiment, a polycarbonate such as LEXAN is used to form the shield. However, any suitable materials known to those skilled in the art may be used. Alternatively, the covering may be opaque except for magnifyingportion 4, such that only the selected setting is visible to the user. - Figure 7 illustrates an alternative embodiment in which the settings are printed directly on the controlled
device 10. Thecontrol mechanism 6 is also a shield for the numbers printed directly on the device. The shield/control mechanism is rotatable and includes a magnifyingportion 4. Accordingly, the numbers 0-6 are stationary.
Claims (14)
- A shield (1) for a user operable control mechanism (6) having a plurality of graphically displayed control setting options (7), the shield (1) comprising:a main portion (2) for covering a substantial portion of the user operable control mechanism (6) and all of the control setting options (7); anda magnifying section (4) within the main portion (2), wherein the magnifying section (4) is positioned and sized for magnifying only one control setting option (7) selected by the user at a time.
- A shield according to claim 1, characterised in that the main portion (2) is translucent or transparent.
- A shield according to claim 1, characterised in that the main portion (2) is opaque.
- A shield according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the magnifying section (4) is bubble-shaped.
- A shield according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the shield is substantially elongated.
- A shield according to claim 5, characterised in that it further comprises peripheral ribbed portions (3a,3b).
- A shield according to claim 6, characterised in that the peripheral ribbed portions (3a,3b) are connected with attachment means (5a,5b) for attaching the shield (2) to a controlled device (10).
- A control assembly, comprising:a manually operable control mechanism (6) having a plurality of graphically displayed control setting options (7) selectable by a user; anda shield (1) for the control mechanism (6), the shield comprising,a main portion (2) covering a substantial portion of the control mechanism and all of the control setting options (7); andan indicator portion including a magnifying section (4) that is positioned and sized for magnifying only one control setting option (7) selected by the user at a time.
- A control assembly according to claim 8, characterised in that the shield (1) is a shield as claimed in any of claims 1 to 7.
- A control assembly according to claim 8 or claim 9, characterised in that the control mechanism (6) is a rotatable dial.
- A control assembly according to any of claims 8 to 10, characterised in that the control mechanism (6) is a temperature control.
- A control assembly according to claim 11, characterised in that the temperature control is for controlling the temperature of an iron (10).
- A control assembly according to claim 8 or claim 9, characterised in that the control mechanism (6) is a sliding mechanism.
- An iron comprising a control assembly, as claimed in any of claims 8 to 13.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US78108997A | 1997-01-10 | 1997-01-10 | |
US781089 | 1997-01-10 |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP0853269A1 EP0853269A1 (en) | 1998-07-15 |
EP0853269B1 true EP0853269B1 (en) | 2004-01-02 |
Family
ID=25121654
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP19980300103 Expired - Lifetime EP0853269B1 (en) | 1997-01-10 | 1998-01-08 | Shield and control mechanism assembly |
Country Status (6)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP0853269B1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU5040098A (en) |
BR (1) | BR9800234A (en) |
CA (1) | CA2226279A1 (en) |
DE (1) | DE69820801D1 (en) |
ES (1) | ES2210666T3 (en) |
Families Citing this family (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
ITMI20071054A1 (en) * | 2007-05-24 | 2008-11-25 | Palazzoli Spa | STRUCTURE OF ROTARY MANUAL CONTROL DEVICE, PARTICULARLY FOR INTERLOCKED SOCKETS |
TR201815044T4 (en) * | 2013-10-07 | 2018-11-21 | Anheuser Busch Inbev Sa | Control element. |
Family Cites Families (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
FR1422833A (en) * | 1963-12-05 | 1966-01-03 | United Carr Fastener Corp | Set of indicator and sleeve |
US3450091A (en) * | 1967-03-20 | 1969-06-17 | Spectrol Electronics Corp | Multi-turn indicator dial system |
DE3005457A1 (en) * | 1980-02-14 | 1981-08-20 | Marquardt Gmbh, 7201 Rietheim-Weilheim | Rocker switch cover with mechanical state indicator - has shutter moved by central switch body member when operated and visible design change through top window |
DE3533461A1 (en) * | 1985-09-19 | 1987-03-26 | Rexroth Mannesmann Gmbh | Rotary knob |
-
1998
- 1998-01-07 CA CA 2226279 patent/CA2226279A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1998-01-08 ES ES98300103T patent/ES2210666T3/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1998-01-08 BR BR9800234A patent/BR9800234A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1998-01-08 AU AU50400/98A patent/AU5040098A/en not_active Abandoned
- 1998-01-08 EP EP19980300103 patent/EP0853269B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1998-01-08 DE DE69820801T patent/DE69820801D1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
ES2210666T3 (en) | 2004-07-01 |
EP0853269A1 (en) | 1998-07-15 |
BR9800234A (en) | 1999-07-13 |
AU5040098A (en) | 1998-07-16 |
CA2226279A1 (en) | 1998-07-10 |
DE69820801D1 (en) | 2004-02-05 |
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