초록 ▼

An adjustable clutch mechanism for fixing the relative position of two objects rotationally coupled relative to each other. The pressure resisting the change of rotational position submits to adjustment to permit facile movement but yet resists change from the selected position. The mechanism finds

An adjustable clutch mechanism for fixing the relative position of two objects rotationally coupled relative to each other. The pressure resisting the change of rotational position submits to adjustment to permit facile movement but yet resists change from the selected position. The mechanism finds particular utility for holding a portable computer terminal\s cover containing a display at a desired position relative to the base containing the keys. The clutch mechanism itself includes two sets of annular rings held against each other by a nut and bolt pressing against a spring which in turn presses against one of the rings. Tightening the screw applies greater pressure to the rings and prevents the relative rotation. The first set of the rings moves with the cover while the second set of rings has a fixed rotational orientation relative to the base. A tubular shaft, affixed to the base, passes through the center of the rings engaging tabs of the second set. The shaft keeps the second set from moving relative to the base. Tabs extending outwardly from the first set contacts one of the arms holding the cover to the base; these tabs, and thus the first set of rings, move with the arms and thus the cover.

대표청구항 ▼

A clutch mechanism for retaining first and second objects, coupled together to have rotational freedom relative to each other over a predefined arc about an axis, at any of a plurality of preselected positions about said axis, said mechanism comprising: (A) a first set of a plurality of substantiall

A clutch mechanism for retaining first and second objects, coupled together to have rotational freedom relative to each other over a predefined arc about an axis, at any of a plurality of preselected positions about said axis, said mechanism comprising: (A) a first set of a plurality of substantially flat surfaces, at least two of said flat surfaces of said first set being formed from separate pieces of material physically unattached to each other; (B) first holding means, coupled to said first set of surfaces and to said first object, for retaining said surfaces of said first set substantially parallel to each other and at a substantially fixed spatial orientation relative to said first object, said first holding means permitting surfaces of said first set to move translationally toward and away from each other; (C) a second set of a plurality of substantially flat surfaces, at least two surfaces of said second set being formed from separate pieces of material physically unattached to each other, said surfaces of said first and second sets being sufficiently large and having locations that at least one surface of said second set sits between any two surfaces of said first set that are free to move forward and away from each other and at least one surface of said first set sits between any two surfaces of said second set that are free to move toward and away from each other and said surfaces of said first set make contact with said surfaces of said second set at all orientations of said first and second objects within said arc about said axis; (D) second holding means, coupled to said second set of surfaces and to said second object, for retaining said surfaces of said second set substantially parallel to each other and at a substantially fixed spatial orientation relative to said second object; said second holding means permitting surfaces of said second set to move translationally toward and away from each other; (E) pressure means, coupled to said first and second sets of surfaces, for holding, with an adjustable, predetermined, substantially constant pressure, said first set of surfaces in contact with said second set of surfaces as said first and second objects rotate, relative to each other, about said axis through said arc.