US 2020/0248475 A1 · KNOB ASSEMBLY WITH FREE-SPINNING RING

Abstract

An exemplary knob assembly includes a knob having a circumferential channel, and a deformable ring seated in the circumferential channel. The ring is normally rotatable relative to the knob such that rotation of the ring does not cause a corresponding rotation of the knob. When gripped with a sufficient gripping force, the ring frictionally engages and rotationally couples with the knob, thereby permitting transmission of torque between the ring and the knob. In certain embodiments, the knob assembly may include a detent mechanism operable to selectively couple the ring and the knob. In certain embodiments, the ring may include protrusions operable to engage pockets in the knob to provide for rotational coupling.

Claims22

Dependent claims

A knob assembly, comprising:

a knob including a shank extending along a longitudinal axis and a body portion extending radially outward from the shank, the body portion comprising a circumferential channel;
a ring seated in the circumferential channel, the ring having a radially-inward portion received within the circumferential channel and a radially-outward portion projecting out of the circumferential channel, wherein the ring is resilient and has a natural state and a deformed state;
wherein with the ring in the natural state, the ring is free to rotate relative to the body portion;
wherein with the ring in the deformed state, the ring frictionally engages the body portion, thereby enabling transmission of torque between the ring and the knob;
and
wherein the ring is configured to transition from the natural state to the deformed state when gripped with a sufficient radially-inward gripping force.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Knob assembly with free-spinning ring

Life of this patent

Knob assembly with free-spinning ring

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims22