Damper

#The present invention pertains to dampers. More particularly, the present invention pertains to one-way and two-way dampers that use a strand-type tether strap to control movement of an object.

#Movement dampers are used in various assemblies to control the movement of assembly components. For example, damper devices can be used to control the movement of spring actuated drawers, doors and other components. Dampers can provide a more controlled, gentle and smooth operation, than would otherwise occur from the movement caused by release of the spring energy.

#It is known to use control arms to limit movement of a component such as the door of an automobile glove box, the cover for a center console of an automobile or the like. Such devices also have application in and utility for furniture drawers and doors. Typically, damper devices are linear in design, with an opening stroke directly related to the length of the control arm. Such dampers are not readily adaptable to installations requiring different operating stroke lengths. As such, if a longer or shorter stroke is desired, a new arm must be designed. This requires that new molds be prepared and new components manufactured for the specific application. Known designs also are bulky, requiring significant space in which to operate.

#The benefits and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art after reviewing the following detailed description and accompanying drawings, wherein:

#FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a strand damper in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

#FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a strand damper that is adapted for two-way damping operation;

#While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described a presently preferred embodiment with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiment illustrated.

#It should be further understood that the title of this section of this specification, namely, “Detailed Description Of The Invention”, relates to a requirement of the United States Patent Office, and does not imply, nor should be inferred to limit the subject matter disclosed herein.

#Referring now to the figures and in particular, to FIG. 1, there is shown a strand damper 10 embodying the principles of the present invention. The damper 10 includes a frame 12 and a gear assembly 14 having a main gear 16 and a reel or pulley 18 associated with the main gear 16. The reel 18 is defined by a circumferential recess or channel 20 formed in the gear 16. The gear assembly 14 is mounted to or installed on the frame 12. A tether or flexible element 22, in the nature of a strand or string is attached to the reel 18. The tether 22 wraps around, and unwraps from, the reel 18.