WO2009001354A2

WO2009001354A2 - Autumatic mechanism for fastening and locking a moving element

Info

Publication number: WO2009001354A2
Application number: PCT/IL2008/000868
Authority: WO
Inventors: Avri Shvartz
Original assignee: Avri Shvartz
Priority date: 2007-06-25
Filing date: 2008-06-25
Publication date: 2008-12-31
Also published as: WO2009001354A3

Abstract

The present invention presents an automatic locking mechanism for latching moving objects. The weight and movement of the object causes the lock to latch. Pulling a latched object causes release of the lock.

Description

AUTOMATIC MECHANISM FOR FASTENING AND LOCKING A MOVING ELEMENT

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, presents a locking mechanism, and, in particular, an automatic locking mechanism for latching moving objects.

Several examples for moving objects are rolling shades, protective sheeting installed on building exterior, rolled awnings, and side curtains that must be anchored at some position. Anchoring must be done automatically, without manual intervention, when the desired position is reached and it needs to withstand heavy wind. Releasing an anchored object should be done automatically, without manual intervention, as well.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a unique and novel locking mechanism that is applied to moving objects that need flexible anchoring.

The mechanism suits elements that move on straight or inclined surface, or elements that are lowered by various types of cables or rods. The element can be located in inaccessible places such as external windows. The mechanism suits elements that move by gravity force, manually, or by electricity; and may need strengthening and stretching like rolled awnings and curtains. Anchoring and releasing can be done without manual intervention at any desired position. The lock of the present invention incorporates a movable sledge and two rotating members and is operated by the weight and move of the locked element. SUMMARY QF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a locking device implementation that is simple and automatic. It is another object of the present invention to provide a locking device for latching moving objects such as rolling sunshades, protective sheeting installed on building exterior, rolled awnings, and side curtains.

It is thus provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a mechanical locking mechanism accommodated in a housing for automatic latching a moving element, the mechanism comprising: a movable sliding member with a stopper, said movable sliding member is capable of sliding within the housing when pushed by said moving element; a rotating member rotating between a first state in which said rotating member is leveled with the housing and said movable sliding member while allowing said moving element to roll upon and a second state in which said rotating element is lifted above the housing and is capable of stopping said movable sliding member and latching said moving element to prevent its backward movement; a rotating middle member having a first state in which said rotating middle member is leveled with said housing allowing said moving element to roll upon and a said second state in which said rotating middle element is lifted above said housing while forcing said rotating member to rotate and move to its second state; whereby, initially all three members are leveled with said housing where the rotating member and the rotating middle member are in their corresponding first states; when moving element is rolling and getting to stopper of said sliding member, said sliding member slides and pushes said rotating middle member to rotate and move to its second state; said rotating member is rotating and moves to its second state to stop sliding element and prevent backward move of the moving element; and wherein for unlocking said moving element, said moving element is pulled backwards and said rotating element is rotating to its first state. Furthermore and in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the mechanism further comprising a spring controlling the sliding movement of said movable sliding member.

Furthermore and in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, said spring pulls said movable sliding element when the moving element is approaching said stopper.

Furthermore and in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, said rotating member is rotatble about an axle.

Furthermore and in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, said rotating middle member is rotatble about an axle. Furthermore and in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, said stopper is a protuberance on said movable sliding element and wherein said protuberance protrudes beyond the level of the housing.

Furthermore and in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the mechanism is inclined so that the movable element can roll on said housing through gravitational force and is being stopped by said stopper.

Furthermore and in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, said housing is a pipe with an upper opening. Furthermore and in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, said housing is an oval pipe with an opening.

Furthermore and in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, said housing is a frame made by two pieces of metal.

Furthermore and in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the moving element rolls by gravity force.

Furthermore and in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the moving element rolls by electrical force. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some embodiments of the invention are herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the preferred embodiments of the present invention only, and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 illustrates an isometric view of the interior portion of a locking mechanism in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in unlocked position.

Fig. 2 illustrates an isometric view of the locking mechanism shown in Fig. 1 when rolling element rolls forward into the locking mechanism, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 3 illustrates an isometric view of the locking mechanism shown in Fig. 1 when rolling element starts bouncing backward and apply pressure on the break during the backward movement, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 4 illustrates an isometric view of the locking mechanism shown in Fig. 1 when rolling element slides forward on the sledge that is now anchored.

Fig. 5 illustrates an isometric view of the locking mechanism shown in Fig. 1 when rolling element is being pulled to unlock position enabling release of the rolling element.

Fig. 6 illustrates an isometric view of an automatic locking mechanism in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, anchoring a rolling curtain.

Fig. 7 illustrates an exterior isometric view of the locking mechanism shown in Figure 1.

Fig. 8 illustrates an exploded view of a locking mechanism in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 9 illustrates an isometric view of an automatic locking mechanism in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention relates to an automatic locking and anchoring device that is capable of fastening in place a moving element. Examples for such elements are rolling shades, protective sheeting installed on building exterior, rolled awnings, and side curtains. Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not necessarily limited in its application to the details set forth in the following description or exemplified by the Examples. The invention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways.

The terms "comprises", "comprising", "includes", "including", and "having" together with their conjugates mean "including but not limited to". The term "consisting of has the same meaning as "including and limited to".

The term "consisting essentially of means that the composition, method or structure may include additional ingredients, steps and/or parts, but only if the additional ingredients, steps and/or parts do not materially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed composition, method or structure.

As used herein, the singular form "a", "an" and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, the term "a compound" or "at least one compound" may include a plurality of compounds, including mixtures thereof.

Throughout this application, various embodiments of this invention may be presented in a range format. It should be understood that the description in range format is merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the description of a range should be considered to have specifically disclosed all the possible sub-ranges as well as individual numerical values within that range.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub- combination or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the invention. Certain features described in the context of various embodiments are not to be considered essential features of those embodiments, unless the embodiment is inoperative without those elements. In discussion of the various figures described herein below, like numbers refer to like parts. The drawings are generally not to scale. For clarity, non-essential elements were omitted from some of the drawing

The presented mechanical locking is a device comprised of three components that are accommodated in a housing. An example is an oval pipe that is the frame for a protecting sunshade. When the sunshade is opened, it rolls over the frame and over the housing surface. The locking mechanism latches the sunshade in the opened position as will be shown herein after.

The components of an exemplary mechanism are: (i) a movable sliding member with a protuberance that is capable of sliding when pushed by the moving element that rolls over the housing surface; this can happen when the device is not positioned horizontally; (ii) the second component is a rotating member that can be in one of two states; in the first state, this components is leveled with the housing surface thus allowing the moving element to roll forward; and in the second state, part of the rotating element is lifted above the housing surface for latching the rolling moving element and prevent its backward movement and another part pushes the movable sliding member; (iii) the third component is a rotating middle member that have two states as well; in the first state, the rotating middle member is leveled with the housing surface thus allowing the moving element to roll forward; and in the second state, part of this rotating middle element is lifted above the housing surface and another part forces the second component to rotate and move to its second state.

Initially, all three components are leveled with the housing surface. When a moving element is rolled over the housing surface and getting to the protuberance of the sliding member, the sliding member slides and pushes the third component to rotate and move to its second state; as a result, the second component rotates and moves to its second state to stop the sliding moving element and prevent backward move of moving element. For unlocking the mechanism, the moving element is pulled backward; this pushes the second component to its first state and release the brake from the first component. Reference is now made to the Figures.

Figures 1-5 illustrate the operation of the automatic locking mechanism when a rolling element that was released from its folded position, as an example, is being rolled and stopped by the automatic locking device. Reference is now made to figure 1 illustrating an isometric view of the interior portion of a locking mechanism in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in unlocked position. Fig. 1 shows the interior locking mechanism 200 in unlocked position; the mechanism comprises three elements: a moving sledge 210 with a sledge protuberance 220 that can move within an oval pipe as an example, a clip tongue 230, which acts as a middle member, that can be rotated on its axis about a axle 240, and a sledge brake 250, that acts as the rotated first ember, capable of moving on its axle 260. A rolling element 270 is being rolled forward and is on its way toward sledge protuberance 220. Fig. 2 illustrates an isometric view of the internal locking mechanism when rolling element 270 rolled forward into locking mechanism, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. When the rolling element reaches the protuberance 220 it exerts pressure on the sledge hook and sledge 210 moves forward; as a result, knob 310 drags clip tongue 230 to rotate on its axis 240 in a circular leverage movement; clip tongue 230 is lifted to a locking position above the glide line 330 of rolling element; glide line 330 is the upper part of a housing in which the mechanism is positioned.

Fig. 3 illustrates an isometric view of the internal locking mechanism when rolling element is bouncing backward, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The movement backward of rolling element 270 to new position leverages the remaining maximum opening of clip tongue 230 to an elevated position while exerting backpressure at point 430 of breaking sledge 250. Further backward move of rolling element 270 leverages the remaining maximum opening of clip tongue 230 and the pressure applied to breaking sledge 250 makes it rotate on its axis 260; as a result breaking sledge moves to an upper position and generates pressure on sledge points 540 and 550, thus stopping the sledge's forward movement. Fig. 4 illustrates an isometric view of the internal locking mechanism when rolling element slides forward on the sledge that is now anchored. The return forward movement of rolling element 270 to its position bouncing protuberance 220 releases clip tongue 230 that dropped into the position in which it is leveled with the sledge's surface.

Fig. 5 illustrates an isometric view of the internal locking mechanism being pulled to unlock position enabling release of the rolling element.

Backward pressure on rolling element push breaking sledge 250 to leveled and releases the break; rolling element is moved backward so as to enable a new movement.

Reference is now made to Figure 6 illustrating an isometric view of an automatic locking mechanism in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, anchoring a rolling curtain. Fig. 6 depicts a use of an automatic locking mechanism 100 that comprises an oval pipe 110 containing a locking mechanism 120 latching a rolling element, in this case a foldable curtain 130. Locking mechanism is shown in an enlargement format for clarity, in a locking state.

Reference is now made to Figure 7 illustrating an exterior isometric view of the locking mechanism shown in Figure 1. The mechanism 200 that hooks rolling element 270 is provided within a housing 700.

Reference is now made to Figure 8 illustrating an exploded view of a locking mechanism in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention. The basic elements are similar to the element that were exhibited in Figure 1 - a moving sledge 210 with a sledge protuberance 220, a clip tongue 230, and a sledge brake 250 as well as housing 700. However, while embodiment 200 can be operated in accordance with one aspect fo the present invention by gravitational forces, the embodiment shown in Figure 8 is operated mechanically using a spring 800 that is connected to sledge 210.

Reference is now made to Figure 9 illustrating an isometric view of an automatic locking mechanism in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 9 shows the mechanism that can be provided between two pieces of metal 910a and 910b. The mechanism of the members that is provided within the two pieces that form a frame, can be tied to a cable. In this case, a moving element 270 is shown to be hooked within the mechanism that comprises the members 920.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A mechanical locking mechanism accommodated in a housing for automatic latching a moving element, the mechanism comprising: a movable sliding member with a stopper, said movable sliding member is capable of sliding within the housing when pushed by said moving element; a rotating member rotating between a first state in which said rotating member is leveled with the housing and said movable sliding member while allowing said moving element to roll upon and a second state in which said rotating element is lifted above the housing and is capable of stopping said movable sliding member and latching said moving element to prevent its backward movement; a rotating middle member having a first state in which said rotating middle member is leveled with said housing allowing said moving element to roll upon and a said second state in which said rotating middle element is lifted above said housing while forcing said rotating member to rotate and move to its second state; whereby, initially all three members are leveled with said housing where the rotating member and the rotating middle member are in their corresponding first states; when moving element is rolling and getting to stopper of said sliding member, said sliding member slides and pushes said rotating middle member to rotate and move to its second state; said rotating member is rotating and moves to its second state to stop sliding element and prevent backward move of the moving element; and wherein for unlocking said moving element, said moving element is pulled backwards and said rotating element is rotating to its first state.

2. The mechanism as claimed in Claim 1 , further comprising a spring controlling the sliding movement of said movable sliding member.

3. The mechanism as claimed in Claim 2, wherein said spring pulls said movable sliding element when the moving element is approaching said stopper.

4. The mechanism as claimed in Claim 1 , wherein said rotating member is rotatble about an axle.

5. The mechanism as claimed in Claim 1 , wherein said rotating middle member is rotatble about an axle.

6. The mechanism as claimed in Claim 1 , wherein said stopper is a protuberance on said movable sliding element and wherein said protuberance protrudes beyond the level of the housing.

7. The mechanism as claimed in Claim 1 , wherein the mechanism is inclined so that the movable element can roll on said housing through gravitational force and is being stopped by said stopper.

8. The mechanism as claimed in Claim 1 , wherein said housing is a pipe with an upper opening.

9. The mechanism as claimed in Claim 1 , wherein said housing is an oval pipe with an opening.

10. The mechanism as claimed in Claim 1 , wherein said housing is a frame made by two pieces of metal.

11. The mechanism as claimed in Claim 1 , wherein the moving element rolls by gravity force.

12. The mechanism as claimed in Claim 1 , wherein the moving element rolls by electrical force.

13. A mechanical locking mechanism accommodated in a housing for automatic latching a moving element substantially as described in the description and figures.