Release mechanism
AssigneeHugh Steeper Limited
InventorJames Sykes
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A release mechanism especially but not exclusively for use in a prosthetic hand. The release mechanism includes a retainer and a release pin held within the retainer so as to be moveable between an engagement position and a release position. The retainer is provided with portions which engage the release pin to restrain it to movement between the engagement position and the release position. The portions include ball bearings to reduce the friction between the retainer and the release pin. Also, a prosthetic hand having such a release mechanism is provided so that the user can release the hand if it becomes jammed.
Claims15
A release mechanism for use in a prosthetic hand, the release mechanism comprising:
- a retainer;
- and
- a release pin held within the retainer so as to be moveable between an engagement position and a release position, wherein the release pin comprises:
- a first part comprising a first longitudinal body;
- a second part comprising a second longitudinal body, wherein the first part is connected to the second part such that the first longitudinal body and the second longitudinal body form an elongated body having a uniform diameter;
- and
- a disc head positioned at each end of the first part and the second part, wherein the disc head is configured to engage a recess of a gear,
- wherein the retainer being provided with portions which engage the release pin to restrain the release pin to movement between the engagement position and the release position, in which the portions comprise rolling-element bearings which are free to rotate to facilitate movement of the release pin between the engagement position and the release position.
A prosthetic hand comprising:
- a release mechanism comprising:
- a retainer;
- and
- a release pin held within the retainer so as to be moveable between an engagement position and a release position, wherein the release pin comprises:
- a first part comprising a first longitudinal body;
- a second part comprising a second longitudinal body, wherein the first part is connected to the second part such that the first longitudinal body and the second longitudinal body form an elongated body having a uniform diameter;
- and
- a disc head positioned at each end of the first part and the second part, wherein the disc head is configured to engage a recess of a gear,
- wherein the retainer being provided with portions which engage the release pin to restrain the release pin to movement between the engagement position and the release position, in which the portions comprise rolling-element bearings which are free to rotate to facilitate movement of the release pin between the engagement position and the release position.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.