초록 ▼

A retractable flush-mounted apparatus which is mounted in a floor or other flat mounting surface. The apparatus includes a housing with a flange plate which is mounted in an opening in the mounting surface. A retractable member is provided within the housing which alternates between a raise position

A retractable flush-mounted apparatus which is mounted in a floor or other flat mounting surface. The apparatus includes a housing with a flange plate which is mounted in an opening in the mounting surface. A retractable member is provided within the housing which alternates between a raise position and a lower position. By pressing downwardly on the top of the retractable member, a latching mechanism is released, allowing the spring biased retractable member to move to the raised position. The retractable member is lowered by applying a force sufficient to counteract the action of the spring and move the member into the housing, whereupon the latch mechanism re-engages the retractable member to retain it in the lower position. The apparatus can be adapted for use as a security door stop or as a pop-up utility outlet. When used as a security door stop, the risk of accidental lock-out is reduced through the use of a ratchet plate and camming surface.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A spring biased retractable apparatus mounted in a flat surface such as a floor or wall and having raised and lowered positions, said apparatus further having dual lockout resistance, said apparatus comprising:a housing having an opening to receive a retractable member;a

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A spring biased retractable apparatus mounted in a flat surface such as a floor or wall and having raised and lowered positions, said apparatus further having dual lockout resistance, said apparatus comprising:a housing having an opening to receive a retractable member;a spring biased retractable member disposed in said opening, said spring biased retractable member having a top surface substantially coplanar with said flat surface in which said apparatus is mounted when said apparatus is in said closed position, said spring biased retractable member having an engagement surface for engaging and impeding the movement of an object, said surface for engaging said object having a camming surface for lowering said retractable member by engaging said object, wherein said camming surface and said top surface of said spring biased retractable member form a single uninterrupted surface;a ratchet plate in association with said retractable member, said ratchet plate having a series of teeth mounted to form an arc of teeth wherein said ratchet plate and said retractable member are moveable relative to said housing;a latch mechanism in association with said housing, said latch mechanism having a spring biased plunger which sequentially engages surfaces of said teeth of said ratchet plate and which follows said arc of said teeth to retain said retractable member in a plurality of indexed positions relative to said housing, said plunger having a camming surface which interacts with said ratchet to incrementally move said plunger.