Dynamic rotary locking member
AssigneeSunrise Medical (US) LLC
InventorsSamuel D. Traxinger, Jefferey Bashian
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A selectively locking rotational bearing element includes at least one bearing element supporting an outer race for rotational movement and a plurality of locking elements disposed circumferentially about an inner surface of the outer race. An actuator selectively moves the plurality of locking elements into engagement with the outer race to restrict rotational movement of the outer race and selectively move the plurality of locking elements away from engagement with the outer race such that the outer race is free to rotate relative to the locking elements.
Claims20
A selectively locking rotational coupling comprising:
- a first coupling member fixedly supported relative to a frame, the first coupling member supporting at least one locking element;
- a second coupling member supported for rotation relative to the frame and the first coupling member, the second coupling member moveable relative to the at least one locking member;
- and
- an actuator responsive to a signal and configured to selectively move the at least one locking member between the first coupling member and the second coupling member to engage the at least one locking member therebetween such that the second coupling member is rotationally fixed relative to the frame.
A selectively locking rotational coupling comprising:
- a first coupling member fixedly supported relative to a frame, the first coupling member supporting at least one locking element;
- a second coupling member supported for rotation relative to the frame and the first coupling member, the second coupling member moveable relative to the first coupling member to engage the at least one locking member, the first and second coupling members each have a side facing the other coupling member, the at least one locking element is at least one locking tooth on the first coupling member side and a mating locking tooth on the second coupling member side;
- and
- an actuator configured as one of a solenoid or an electromagnetic coil responsive to a signal and configured to selectively move the second coupling member relative to the first coupling member and engage the at least one locking member therebetween such that the second coupling member is rotationally fixed relative to the frame.
A wheelchair comprising:
- a frame and a pair of spaced-apart caster arms;
- a first coupling member fixedly supported relative to the frame, the first coupling member supporting at least one locking element;
- a second coupling member supported for rotation relative to the frame and coupled to the caster arm, the second coupling member moveable relative to the first coupling member to engage the at least one locking member;
- and
- an actuator responsive to a signal and configured to selectively move the second coupling member relative to the first coupling member and engage the at least one locking member therebetween such that the second coupling member is rotatively fixed relative to the frame.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.