US 10,256,589 B2 · Power rotating transfer coupler

Abstract

A power rotating transfer coupler is disclosed for use within a retractable shade system of the type operatively deployed upon a rotating roller member transversely disposed within a framework and mounted in connection with a boat, recreational vehicle or other stationary structure. Adapted for mounted attachment to the end of the roller member intermediate of the roller member and the adjacent framework, the power transfer coupler comprises a contact ring assembly set immediately adjacent to the roller member having separate continuous ring members of different diameter concentrically disposed each with a separate power wire attached thereto, a contact pin assembly having separate spring-loaded contact pins each connected to a lead wire and fitted within a cylindrical housing in a respective position to make contact with a respective one of the ring members, and a compression spring centrally positioned and set against of the end of the housing for constant tensioning of the housing against the contact ring assembly so that an uninterrupted electrical connection with the respective contact rings is maintained throughout relative motion of the roller member during operational deployment of the shade system.

Claims20

Dependent claims

An electrical power transfer coupling device for fitted attachment to an end of a roller member rotating about its longitudinal axis in operational deployment of a retractable shade, comprising:

a contact ring assembly housed and mounted to the end of the roller member for rotation therewith along the longitudinal axis thereof, said contact ring assembly including a separate pair of continuous ring members having different relative diameters and concentrically disposed within said assembly, each of the ring members formed having an electrical conductor surface to provide separate electrical conductor paths;
and
a contact pin assembly housed and adapted to mount in engagement with said contact ring assembly, said contact pin assembly including a pair of spring-loaded contact pins longitudinally disposed in separate positions to engage in contact with a respective conductor surface of one of the separate pair of ring members.

A power transfer coupler for mounted attachment to an end of a roller member capable of rotating about its longitudinal axis in operational deployment of a retractable shade from a stationary structure, comprising:

a contact ring assembly housed and mounted to the end of the roller member for rotation therewith along the longitudinal axis thereof, said contact ring assembly including a separate pair of continuous ring members having different relative diameters and concentrically disposed within said assembly, each of the ring members formed having an electrical conductor surface to provide separate electrical conductor paths;
a contact pin assembly housed and adapted to mount in engagement with said contact ring assembly, said contact pin assembly including a pair of spring-loaded contact pins longitudinally disposed in separate positions to engage in contact with a respective conductor surface of one of the separate pair of ring members;
and
mounting means operatively connected to said contact pin assembly for maintaining the proper position thereof in engagement with said contact ring assembly substantially along the longitudinal axis of the roller member.

1 more element

In a retractable shade system of the type having a longitudinal roller member capable of rotating about its longitudinal axis in operational deployment of the retractable shade from a stationary structure, the improvement of a power transfer coupler comprising:

a contact ring assembly housed and mounted to the end of the roller member for rotation therewith along the longitudinal axis thereof, said contact ring assembly including a separate pair of continuous ring members having different relative diameters and concentrically disposed within said assembly, each of the ring members formed having an electrical conductor surface to provide separate electrical conductor paths;
and
a contact pin assembly housed and adapted to mount in engagement with said contact ring assembly, said contact pin assembly including a pair of spring-loaded contact pins disposed in separate positions to engage in contact with a respective conductor surface of one of the separate pair of ring members.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Power rotating transfer coupler

Life of this patent

Power rotating transfer coupler

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20