Adjustable spool assembly
AssigneeThomas & Betts Corporation
InventorAllen T. Weideman
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An adjustable spool comprises a pair of engageable, substantially identical, hermaphroditic components, each component including an end flange axially spaced from the other by an adjustable drum portion. The drum portion is defined by a plurality of axially extending splines projecting from each flange toward the other. The splines are spaced circumferentially about the axis and are arranged to interfit circumferentially in assembly. The splines are provided with a plurality of axially spaced tooth-like engagement elements. Each flange has interposed circumferentially between splines an opening for receipt therein of a free end of a spline and a latching member adjacent each opening for engaging the tooth-like members on the splines.
Claims26
An adjustable spool assembly, comprising:
- a drum portion defining a central axis and including a plurality of axially extending members circumferentially spaced about said axis, plural of such members having engagement elements projecting therefrom transversely to such axis;
- and
- a pair of end flanges spaced from each other along said axis by said drum portion, each of said flanges including a plurality of openings disposed circumferentially commonly with said members about said axis and interposed therebetween for receiving said members therein, said openings being sized such that a surface portion of said end flange adjacent such openings engages said engagement elements, such end flange surface portions comprising a cantilevered resilient portion.
An adjustable spool assembly, comprising:
- a pair of end flanges mutually spaced from each other along an axis, at least one of said flanges including a plurality of splines extending axially toward said other flange, said splines being spaced circumferentially about said axis, plural of said splines having engagement elements projecting radially therefrom, said other flange including a plurality of openings disposed about said axis in a circular locus substantially commonly with the circumferential disposition of said splines, said openings being spaced about said axis correspondingly with said splines, such other flange including a resilient latching member adjacent plural of said openings for engaging said engagement elements on said splines.
An hermaphroditic component for use in forming an adjustable spool assembly with another such hermaphroditic component, comprising:
- a flange member defining an axis extending transversely therethrough, a plurality of splines projecting axially from said flange member and spaced circumferentially about said axis, plural of said splines having a plurality of axially spaced engagement elements thereon, plural engagement means on said flange member, said engagement means being disposed about said axis substantially circumferentially commonly with said splines and interposed therebetween.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.