US3857187A

US3857187A - Mechanical motion device

Info

Publication number: US3857187A
Application number: US00079107A
Authority: US
Inventors: P Jensen; O Jensen
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1970-10-08
Filing date: 1970-10-08
Publication date: 1974-12-31
Anticipated expiration: 1991-12-31

Abstract

A stationary frame having a flat planar surface is provided with one or more upstanding members which may be adjustably mounted on the planar surface in a plurality of fixed positions. A relatively flat movable rotor is positioned on the planar surface at the frame in contact with the fixed projections at two or more speced points whereby upon turning movement of the rotor relative to the projections while maintaining at least a two point contact therewith, a point on said rotor will travel in a closed path having a specific configuration.

Description

United States Patent [191 Jensen et al.

[ Dec. 31, 1974 MECHANICAL MOTION DEVICE [76] Inventors: Preben W. Jensen, 21 Southside Ave., Sommerville, NJ. 08876; Ole R. Jensen, 126 Nottingham St., Montvale, NJ. 07645 [22] Filed: Oct. 8, 1970 [21] Appl. No.: 79,107

[52] US. Cl. 33/27 L [51] Int. Cl. B431 11/00 [58] Field of Search 33/27 K, 27 L, 31. 27 F; 74/63 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,878,633 9/1932 l-loferer 33/27 K 2,468,320 4/1949 Arnemann 33/31 2,624,117 l/l953 Daci 33/27 C 3,167,863 2/1965 Komorowski. 33/30 A 3,465,445 9/1969 Fisher 33/27 C FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 733,259 5/1966 Canada 33/27 L Primary Examiner-Harry N. Haroian Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Sughrue, Rothwell, Mion, Zinn and Macpeak [5 7] ABSTRACT A stationary frame having a flat planar surface is provided with one or more upstanding members which may be adjustably mounted on the planar surface in a plurality of fixed positions. A relatively flat movable rotor is positioned on the planar surface at the frame in contact with the fixed projections at two or more speced points whereby upon turning movement of the rotor relative to the projections while maintaining at least a two point contact therewith, a point on said rotor will travel in a closed path having a specific configuration.

6 Claims, 12 Drawing Figures PATENTEUDE 3,857. 187

SHEET 1 [1F 5 FIGI INVENTORS PREBEN W. JENSEN OLE R. JENSEN ATTORNEYS PATENTED I974 3.857. 1 87 SHEET 4 0F 5 11m iimmniii FIGIZ PATH-M0 1974 SHEET 5 OF 5 FIGIO FIGII BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to mechanical motion devices in general and more particularly relates to a mechanical motion device whereby a point on a movable rotor will generate a closed curve.

2. Prior Art Mechanical devices for generating a plurality of decorative designs are well known in the art and generally involve one or more movable elements which are constrained by gear teeth, fixed pivot points and/or movable pivot points to move in a predetermined path rela tive to each other. A marking instrument, such as a pencil, may be fastened to a movable element at a plurality of selected points so that the pencil will scribe a plurality of decorative designs on a sheet of paper as the members move relative to each other. Still other mechanical drawing devices utilize a complicated arrangement of pulleys and drive belts which in turn are combined with a plurality of pivoted levers and gears. Still other mechanical drawing devices utilize a driving arrangement for a plurality of magnets which in turn cause other marker carrying magnets to traverse a particular path on a sheet of paper.

The majority of these prior art mechanical drawing devices are generally expensive to manufacture due to the need for forming the various gear teeth and for pivotally connecting the various elements to each other. The magnetically actuated devises suffer from a lack of accuracy due to the indirect magnetic connection between the moving parts.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a mechanical motion device which may be utilized as a mechanical drawing device or as a means for translating one form of mechanical motion into another.

The present invention provides a mechanical motion device which is inexpensive to manufacture since it is substantially free of gear teeth and needs no pivoted members.

The present invention provides a device which is extremely accurate in producing repetitive designs since the movable member is maintained in direct contact with the statonary members at all times.

The present invention provides a mechanical motion device which when provided with a suitable marking device, is capable of providing a plurality of unique and attractive designs. The mechanical motion device according to the present invention is comprised of a frame member having a substantially planar surface upon which one or more projecting members may be fixed in a plurality of adjusted positions. A rotor is pressed into contact with the projections in at least two spaced points and upon rotation of the rotor about the projections, a selected point on said rotor will describe a closed path.

The present invention provides a unique spring loaded pencil holder so that the pressure on the point of the pencil will remain substantially constant independent of the pressure exerted on the rotor.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 shows a device comprised of two straight bar members adjustable relative to each other and a rotor having two curved surfaces disposed in contact with said bars.

FIG. 2 shows a device similar to FIG. I with the addition of spring biased means for holding the movable rotor in contact with said bars.

FIG. 3 shows a second embodiment having two fixed rollers and a rotor having a plurality of curved surfaces bearing thereagainst.

FIG. 4 shows a third embodiment wherein a curved rotor is disposed within a rectilinear frame member for rotation therein while maintaining four point contact.

FIG. 5 is a fourth embodiment showing a curved rotor disposed within a double rectilinear frame, the parts of which are adjustable relative to each other to vary the opening for receiving said rotor.

FIG. 6 is a fifth embodiment wherein a curved rotor is disposed within a triangular frame member which in turn may be angularly adjusted within a circular frame member having a plurality of index notches therein.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view showing several features applicable to all of the embodiments.

FIG. 8 shows a sixth embodiment wherein a rotor having a slot and a roller is disposed in engagement with a pin and a closed curved track, respectively, on the frame.

FIG. 9 shows a seventh embodiment wherein a rotor having a plurality of angularly disposed grooves on the underside thereof, is disposed with three stationary rollers located in said grooves.

FIG. 10 shows an eighth embodiment wherein a rotor having two normal grooves in the under surface thereof is disposed with two stationary slide members located in said grooves.

FIG. 11 shows a ninth embodiment wherein a plurality of rollers are fixed in a circular pattern on a frame member with a rotor having angularly related straight line surfaces thereon bearing against said rollers.

FIG. 12 shows a tenth embodiment wherein a rotor having acircular opening and a curved groove is disposed in engagement with two stationary rollers at tached to the frame and received in the circular opening and circular groove.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring now to the drawings, the preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described as applied to a mechanical drawing machine, although not limited thereto. Referring now to FIG. 1, the first embodiment consists of a base plate or surface member 20 constructed of a material which presents a smooth surface which can be easily penetrated by a sharp pointed object, such as a pin or similar device. Such material may include cork, fiber board, or any other suitable material. The base plate 20 can also incorporate a metallic member therein to which permanent magnets would be attracted. A sheet of paper on which a pattern is to be drawn is placed on a base plate 20. A stationary bar or guide rail 22, having needlelike projections or permanent magnets located in the ends thereof is then placed on top of the piece of paper and attached to the base plate by forcing the pins into the base plate material or utilizing the permanent magnets to attract a metallic sheet therein. A second adjustable bar or guide rail 24 having pin-like projections or permanent magnets in the ends thereof is then placed on the paper and attached to the base plate in an angular spaced-apart relationship with the fixed or stationary guide rail 22. Preferably, the rail 24 pivots about a dowel 25 which in turn is secured to the base. Although the adjustable guide rail 24 is shown as being a separate member from the stationary guide rail 22, these guide rails may be connected together at a common point at one of the ends of each rail. A rotor member 36 having any desired number of openings 38 therethrough is placed between the two

guide rails

22 and 24 to obtain a twopoint contact therewith. A pencil, scribe, or any similar type of marking device is placed through one of the openings 38 in the rotor 36 and a manual force is exerted against the marking means to cause the rotor 36 to rotate about its instantaneous center while simultaneously sliding along the two

guide rails

22 and 24, and maintaining a two point contact therewith, as indicated by P, and P at all times. The rotor 36 will then be caused to simultaneously rotate and slide along the

guide rails

22 and 24. Such movement will cause the selected opening 38 to generate a curved pattern on the surface of the paper, as indicated by the line 50. By placing the openings 38 at various locations on the rotor 36, an infinite number of patterns 50 may be generated and placed on the paper. The number of patterns may be increased by substituting elongated curved rails for the straight rails or by the use of a different rotor.

The adjustable bar or guide rail 24 may incorporate an adjusting means attached to the end of the guide rail 24 opposite the end connected to or extending toward the fixed or stationary guide rail 22. Such an adjusting means may include a guide slot 26 located in the base plate 20 or in a separate member attached to the base plate 20. A clamping means, such as a screw and nut assembly 28 may be used to clamp the adjustable guide rail 24 in the desired angular position. A scale 30 may be used to accurately position the adjustable guide rail 24. Although the adjusting means shown in FIG. 1 is described as a nut and bolt type of clamping means, and type of securing means, such as a sharp pointed pin or permanent magnet located in the end of adjustable guide rail 24 may be used.

A modification of the embodiment of FIG. 1 is illustrated in FIG. 2, in which a biasing lever or bar is pivoted about a pivot point or shaft 41 and biased into engagement with the rotor 36 by means of a biasing spring 42 to assist the rotor 36 in maintaining a twopoint contact at all times with the

guide rails

22 and 24 as the rotor 36 is rotated by means ofa pencil or similar instrument projected through an opening 38 and simultaneously maintaining a sliding contact with the

guide rails

22 and 24. The pivot 41 may be formed in one of the rails or may incorporate a sharp pointed pin or permanent magnet fixed to one end thereof for attaching the biasing lever 40 to the base plate 20 independently of the fixed guide rail 22. The use of spring biased lever or bar 40 to assist in maintaining the two point contact between the rotor 36 and the two

guide rails

22 and 24 makes the use of the drawing apparatus of FIG. 1 much easier for an unskilled person to use. Suitable spring biased means may be used with any of the embodiments where it is necessary to maintain an unconstrained rotor in engagement with the frame.

In the second embodiment shown in FIG. 3, a base plate 20 constructed in the same manner as the base plate in FIG. 1 has two rollers 44 secured thereto. The

rollers 44 may be rotatably attached to pivot points 46. The pivot point 46 may be in the form of dowel rods or similar cylindrical shaped structures. Sharp pointed pins or permanent magnets may be located in one end of the pivot points 46 for attaching the rollers 44 to the base plate, with the material on which a pattern is to be traced placed therebetween. An oval shaped rotor 36 having a plurality of openings 38 therethrough is maintained in two point contact with the rollers 44, as indicated at P, and P in the same manner as the embodiment shown in FIG. I. A drawing instrument, such as a pencil, scribe or similar device is inserted through an opening 38 and moved in a circular motion, thereby causing the rotor 36 to rotate about its instantaneous center while simultaneously having its outer periphery moved along the rollers 44. A plurality of patterns or paths are traced by the pencil as the rotor is rotated, as indicated at 50, depending on the location of the opening 38 through the rotor 36. By placing the openings 38 at any random location in the rotor 36, an infinite number of different patterns or paths may be placed on the material placed on the base plate 20. The positions of the rollers 44 may be adjusted in any manner on the base plate to modify the patterns traced in any desired manner. If desired, the rollers 44 and pivots 46 may be attached to a guide means and adjustable thereon, whereby the guide means can be placed on the base plate 20 and the rollers 44 can then be adjusted along a slot in the guide means.

In the third embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4 a rigid rectilinear frame 20 has a rectangular opening 48 in the interior thereof. A curved rotor 36 having a plurality of openings 38 therethrough is placed within the opening 48 of the rectilinear frame 20. The curved rotor 36 is dimensioned in such a manner as to maintain a four point contact with the interior surfaces of the rectilinear frame or base plate 20 at all times, as indicated at P P P and P In operation, the base plate 20 is placed on the surface of the paper or material on which a pattern is to be traced and the rotor 36 is placed in the opening 48 of the base plate 20. A marking device such as a pencil, scribe, or similar device, is then placed in any one of the openings 38 and moved in a closed path manner to cause the rotor 36 to rotate within the rectilinear frame or base plate 20, thus generating a plurality of patterns or paths indicated at 50. Any form of rotor may be employed in this embodiment, as long as the diameter of the rotor is kept constant and a fourpoint contact is maintained with the guide surfaces.

The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5 utilizes two

rectilinear frames

20 and 20 connected together and adjustable relative to each other by any suitable means. The adjusting means illustrated in the preferred embodiment incorporates a plurality of guide slots 26 located at each of the corners of the

rectilinear frame members

20 and 20. The

frame members

20 and 20 are clamped together by any suitable clamping means, such as a bolt and nut assembly 28 extending through the guide slots 26 of both frames. The adjustable

double frame assembly

20 and 20 is placed on the surface of the paper or material on which patterns are to be traced and a curved triangular shaped rotor having openings 38 therethrough is placed within the rectilinear frame assembly. The

frame assemblies

20 and 20 and triangular rotor 36 are dimensioned in such a manner as to maintain a four-point contact between the rotor and guide frame assemblies as indicated at P,, P

P and P A marking device is placed through an opening 38 in the same manner as described above with regard to the previous embodiments and the rotor 36 is rotated, thereby causing a sliding contact between the rotor 36 and the

frame members

20 and 20. The movement of the marking device guided by the opening 38 on the surface of the paper causes a pattern to be generated thereon. By adjusting the angular relationship between the two

frame members

20 and 20, a given point 38 on the rotor will trace different patterns, depending upon the angle selected.

FIG. 6 illustrates a fifth embodiment of the subject invention in which a base plate 20 has a circular opening 60 therein. A plurality of index notches 52 are formed in the base plate 20 about the circumference of the circular opening 60. A triangular shaped guide member 24 is positioned within the circular opening 60 and has each of its corners 25 in engagement with one of the guide notches 52 in the base plate 20. An oval shaped rotor 36 having a plurality ofopenings 38 therethrough is placed within the interior space in the triangular shaped guide member 24 and is caused to rotate by a drawing instrument such as a pencil or scribe as described above, thus causing the drawing instrument to trace a pattern on a piece of paper or other material placed beneath the base plate 20. The triangular shaped guide means or frame member 24 may be angularly adjusted and indexed in various notches 52 around the circumference of the circular opening 60, thereby causing the openings 38 and the rotor 36 to generate a variety of patterns. The rotor is dimensioned in such a manner as to maintain a three-point contact P,, P and P In FIG. 7 a rotor 70 and a pair of

stationary frame members

72 and 74 are shown in a cross section and are provided with complimentary edge portions to help maintain the planar relationship of the elements. The flanges 76 and 78 on the

frame members

72 and 74 respectively cooperate with the groove 80 formed by the

flanges

82 and 84 on the rotor 70. A crank handle 86 may be connected to the rotor 70 at any convenient point, preferably at approximately the geometrical center thereof, to facilitate the turning of the rotor 70 about its instantaneous center of rotation while maintaining the rotor in at least two point contact with the stationary frame. A spring biases scriber 88 may be located in the aperture 90 in the rotor. The spring 92 biases the scriber, which may be a pencil, ball-point pen or the like, against the writing surface substantially independent of the downward pressure exerted on the rotor. Although the scriber support 94 is shown in threaded engagement with the aperture 90 in the rotor it is obvious that other securing means such as a snap ring or the like could be used to facilitate the transfer of the scriber from one aperture to another in the same or other rotors. The various features shown in FIG. 7 may be used with any of the disclosed embodiments.

Also in all of the disclosed embodiments the kinematic inversion principle may be applied, that is, the stationary surfaces could become the movable surfaces and the movable surfaces could become the statonary surfaces. In all instances the term stationary is used in a relative sense since the stationary members can be adjustably positioned on the support. Likewise, in the various modifications, such as FIG. 3, the rollers are considered to be stationary since the roller is merely provided to reduce friction.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, a rotor 36 having an elongated slot 54 in one end thereof and a plurality of openings 38 in the other end thereof is guided on the surface of a piece of paper or similar material placed on base plate 20 by means of a first roller 44 traveling in a guide slot or groove 58 formed in a triangular shape guide frame 62. A second guide roller or pin 44 is positioned within the slot 54 of rotor member 36 and fixed to the frame or base plate 20. Again, the guide pin 44 may have a sharp pointed pin or permanent magnet in one end thereof for attaching the pin to the base plate 20 through the paper or material on which a pattern is to be traced. The rotor 36 is rotated about the fixed guide pin 44 by a drawing instrument inserted through any selected opening 38 resulting in a pattern 50 being traced. The location of the fixed pin 44 relative to the frame 62, as well as the position of the frame itself, may be altered to obtain different patterns. In addition, it is not necessary to use a triangular shaped frame 62, but any desired configuration may be used as long as the two-point contact is maintained.

The embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10 utilize circular shaped rotors 36 having guide slots 54 formed therein and guided on the surface of a piece of paper or similar material placed on base plate 20 by means of fixed rollers or guide blocks secured to the base plate 20. In the structure illustrated in FIG. 9, three equally spaced grooves or guide slots 54 are formed in the circular rotor 36 across the diameter thereof. These straight slots 54 are formed in the rotor 60 apart. Three rollers 44 are secured to the base plate 20 through the material on which a pattern is to be traced by any suitable means, such as those described previously and are positioned in the form of an equilateral triangle, that is, the rollers 44 are positioned on a circular 120 apart. This causes each of the rollers to be positioned in three adjacent slots. A drawing instrument is inserted in an opening 38 located at any desired position on rotor 36 and is moved in a circular manner, thus causing rotor 36 to rotate. As the rotor 36 rotates, the slots 54 will move relative to each of the fixed rollers 44, thus causing the rollers 44 to move in the guide slots and allowing an opening 38 to generate a pattern as indicated at 50 in FIG. 9.

The structure illustrated in FIG. 10 is similar to that of FIG. 9, except that two slots 54 are formed in the rotor 36 and are spaced from each other. Each of these slots 54 extend across the diameter of the rotor 36. Two elongated guide blocks 56 are pivotally secured to the base plate 20 on top of a piece of paper or similar material positioned on the surface of base plate 20. As the rotor 36 is rotated by means of a drawing instrument placed in an opening 38 therethrough the guide blocks 56 slide in the two slots 54 and cross at the center of he rotor, thus enabling a pattern to be traced on a surface by the drawing instrument placed through opening 38. By adjusting the positions of the guide blocks 56 on the surface of base plate 20, any desired number of different patterns may be traced thereon. The guide slots in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 could also be curved.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11, a plurality of guide rollers 44 are secured to the base plate 20 through the surface of a piece of paper on which a pattern is to be traced in a manner described previously with reference to the other embodiments. A triangular shaped rotor 36 has two angularly related straight guide surfaces 64 formed therein for maintaining at least a two-point contact with guide rollers 44. A plurality of openings 38 are formed through the rotor 36 for generating a pattern 50 on a surface when the rotor is moved around the outer circumference of the rollers 44 by means of a drawing instrument placed in one of the openings 38. Although the guide surfaces 64 are illustrated as angularly related straight surfaces, the guide surfaces may be formed in any configuration as long as the rotor 36 maintains contact with at least two rollers at all times.

FlG. l2 discloses a lOth embodiment which incorporates a rotor 36 having a circular guide opening 60 formed in one portion thereof and an arcuate shaped guide groove formed therein and spaced apart from the circular opening 60. Two guide rollers are used for guiding the movement of rotor 36, one of the rollers 44 being secured to base plate through a piece of sheet material on which a pattern is to be traced and located thereon. The second roller 44 is positioned in the circular groove 66 and secured to the base plate 20 in the same manner as the first roller. The means for securing the two rollers 44 in this embodiment may be the same as those described above with regard to the other embodiments. Openings 38 may be placed anywhere on the rotor 36 and a drawing instrument or similar device is inserted therein and moved to cause the rotor to be guided by the circular opening 60 and arcuate shaped slot 66 and the guide rollers in conjunction therewith, thus causing a pattern to be generated on the surface of a piece of paper or a similar material. The rotor 36 and guide rollers 44 may be placed on the surface of base plate 20 in any desired location, as long as the roller 44 always maintains contact with the edge of the opening 60 of the rotor 36.

Although the drawing or tracing instrument, such as a pencil, scribe or other similar device was described above as being manually held in opening 18 through the rotor members 36, any other satisfactory method of retaining the drawing device therewith, may be used such as a clip spring or clamping means secured to rotor 36 into which the drawing instrument may be inserted and secured.

Although the preferred embodiments of the subject invention have been described above as mechanical drawing devices, the subject invention is not specifically limited thereto, but may be used as mechanical motion transmitting devices by connecting various desired linkages to the moving members and supplying motive power thereto in any desired manner to obtain a desired input and output motion or pattern.

What is claimed is:

l. A mechanical motion device for generating a plurality of patterns comprising a movable member for generating a specific path of motion, a fixed guide means for guiding said movable member along a predetermined path, said movable member being maintained in sliding and rolling contact with said fixed guide means in at least two points at all times, said two points of contact shifting relative to said fixed guide means during movement of said movable member, said movable member and said fixed guide means each having non-circular surface between said two points of contact, means for supplying motor power to said movable member to cause said movable member to rotate about an instantaneous center and simultaneously move relative to said fixed guide means while maintaining said two-point sliding and rolling contact therewith at all times, wherein said movable member is constructed of an oval shape, said fixed guide means being two elongated straight members and further comprising a base plate for positioning said oval-shaped movable member and said elongated straight guide members thereon, said elongated straight guide members positioned on said base in angular relationship with each other with one end of each guide member intersecting at a common point, at least one opening in said ovalshaped movable member for generating a pattern on a surface of said base plate whereby said mechanical motion device may be used as a mechanical drawing apparatus by inserting a drawing instrument through said opening in said oval-shaped movable member and moving said drawing instrument.

2. A mechanical motion device as set forth in claim 1 further comprising means for adjusting the angular relationship between said two elongated guide means.

3. A mechanical motion device as set forth in claim 1 further comprising means for removably securing said fixed guide means to said base plate through a piece of material placed on the surface of said base plate.

4. A mechanical motion device as set forth in claim 1 further comprising a spring biased lever removably and pivotally secured to said base plate, said spring biased lever maintained in contact with said oval-shaped movable member at all times, whereby a force is exerted on said oval-shaped movable member for maintaining the two point contact between said movable member and said guide means at all times.

5. A mechanical motion device as set forth in claim 1 further comprising spring means biasing said movable member into contact with said fixed guide means.

6. A mechanical motion device for creating noncircular designs comprising a frame means and rotor means disposed in contact with said frame means in at least two points of contact at all times in the same plate during rotary movement of said rotor, means for moving said rotor relative to said frame means, said two points of contact shifting relative to said frame means during rotary movement of said rotor means about its instantaneous center, said rotor means and said frame means having surfaces between said points of contact which are non-circular and spring means for biasing said rotor means into engagement with said frame

Claims

1. A mechanical motion device for generating a plurality of patterns comprising a movable member for generating a specific path of motion, a fixed guide means for guiding said movable member along a predetermined path, said movable member being maintained in sliding and rolling contact with said fixed guide means in at least two points at all times, said two points of contact shifting relative to said fixed guide means during movement of said movable member, said movable member and said fixed guide means each having non-circular surface between said two points of contact, means for supplying motor power to said movable member to cause said movable member to rotate about an instantaneous center and simultaneously move relative to said fixed guide means while maintaining said two-point sliding and rolling contact therewith at all times, wherein said movable member is constructed of an oval shape, said fixed guide means being two elongated straight members and further comprising a base plate for positioning said oval-shaped movable member and said elongated straight guide members thereon, said elongated straight guide members positioned on said base in angular relationship with each other with one end of each guide member intersecting at a common point, at least one opening in said oval-shaped movable member for generating a pattern on a surface of said base plate whereby said mechanical motion device may be used as a mechanical drawing apparatus by inserting a drawing instrument through said opening in said oval-shaped movable member and moving said drawing instrument.

6. A mechanical motion device for creating non-circular designs comprising a frame means and rotor means disposed in contact with said frame means in at least two points of contact at all times in the same plate during rotary movement of said rotor, means for moving said rotor relative to said frame means, said two points of contact shifting relative to said frame means during rotary movement of said rotor means about its instantaneous center, said rotor means and said frame means having surfaces between said points of contact which are non-circular and spring means for biasing said rotor means into engagement with said frame means.