초록 ▼

The control knob includes an aperture with a D-shaped cross section. The aperture is formed by a relatively rigid planar portion and an arcuate portion which further includes a relatively flexible inner concentric portion and a relatively rigid flexible outer concentric portion. The relatively flexi

The control knob includes an aperture with a D-shaped cross section. The aperture is formed by a relatively rigid planar portion and an arcuate portion which further includes a relatively flexible inner concentric portion and a relatively rigid flexible outer concentric portion. The relatively flexible inner concentric portion is attached to the relatively rigid planar portion by living hinges and further includes outwardly pointing stop bumps. The outwardly pointing stop bumps are spaced from said relatively rigid flexible outer concentric portion when no rotational torque is applied to the control knob with respect to the shaft and the structure allows torsional elasticity when a limited amount of rotational torque is applied to the control knob. However, when torque is applied which exceeds a threshold, the stop bumps are urged against the relatively flexible inner concentric portion and additional torsional elasticity and additional rotation is limited. The relatively rigid planar portion further includes a stop bump along a portion thereof which limits insertion of the shaft, but which collapses upon sudden impact to allow additional insertion of the shaft into the control knob.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A control knob including an integral structure for engaging a shaft, the structure including:a planar portion with first and second ends; andan arcuate portion joining said first and second ends of said planar portion, said arcuate portion further including a relatively r

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A control knob including an integral structure for engaging a shaft, the structure including:a planar portion with first and second ends; andan arcuate portion joining said first and second ends of said planar portion, said arcuate portion further including a relatively rigid outer arcuate portion and a relatively flexible inner arcuate portion, said relatively flexible inner arcuate portion including at least one outwardly pointing protrusion, a gap being defined between said at least one outwardly pointing protrusion and said relatively rigid outer arcuate portion.