Adjustable spacer-cam assembly
AssigneeIllinois Tool Works Inc.
InventorErnest W. Reinwall, Jr.
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An adjustable spacer-cam assembly designed to close gaps which fall within a predetermined range of widths. The assembly includes: a cam plate which has a peripheral increasing-height ramp, a spring washer, and a threaded fastener. Serrations on the underneath surface of the fastener head engage serrations on the upper surface of the washer forming a friction clutch by which the cam plate is driven. Torque is transmitted from the washer to the cam plate by projections on the bottom of the washer which engage in apertures in the cam plate. The spacer-cam plate is driven until the ramp wedges between the members forming the gap causing the friction clutch members to slip.
Claims11
An adjustable spacer-cam assembly comprising in combination a generally disc-shaped cam plate;
- said plate having an elevated central portion, the upper surface of said central portion having a plurality of drive-receiving means thereon, a flange member extending outwardly from the bottom of the central portion and having a continuously-increasing, upwardly-directed ramp extending about a portion of its outer periphery;
- said cam plate having an aperture extending through the central portion of the cam;
- a spring washer member having a central aperture, friction-enhancing means on the upper surface thereof, and a plurality of drive-inducing means on the underneath surface thereof adapted to cooperate with the drive-receiving means of the cam plate;
- a screw member having a threaded shank portion and a headed portion including surfaces adapted to be engaged by a torque-inducing tool, and friction-increasing means on the underneath surface thereof;
- said shank portion being adapted to be received in the central apertures of both the spring washer and the cam plate's central portion and further extending into an aperture in a workpiece;
- whereby as the screw is rotated and advanced into the aperture in the workpiece by said torque-inducing tool, rotational force is transmitted from the screw to the washer by means of their respective engaged surfaces which have friction-increasing and friction-enhancing means thereon and, correspondingly, from the drive-incuding means of the washer to the cam plate by means of its drive-receiving means;
- the ramp portion increasing in height in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation such that, as the cam is rotated, the ramp portion will adjustably occupy a variable amount of space between the workpiece and another element attached thereto.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.