Turnbuckle-type adjustable link

Abstract

An adjustable link assembly (10) comprising first and second axially aligned rods (12 and 14) and a turnbuckle (16) having a first end (18) threadedly engaging the first rod (12) and a second end (20) threadedly engaging the second rod (14) for axially adjusting the rods (12 and 14) relative to one another upon rotation of the turnbuckle (16). An adjustment sleeve (22) has first and second ends (24 and 26) and is in sliding and nonrotatable relationship with the turnbuckle (16). The assembly is characterized by the sleeve (22) being in sliding engagement with the first rod (12) adjacent the first end (24) of the sleeve (22) for movement between a locked position in which the sleeve (22) is prevented from rotating relative to the first rod (12) and an adjustment position in which the sleeve (22) is free to rotate relative to the first rod (12) so that the sleeve (22) may be rotated to rotate the turnbuckle (16) and axially adjust the rods (12 and 14) when in the adjustment position and so that the turnbuckle (16) is prevented from rotating relative to the first rod (12) to prevent the axial adjustment when the sleeve (22) is in the locked position. The sleeve (22) presents an annular interior shoulder (34) and the turnbuckle (16) presents an annular flange (36) at the second end thereof. A spring (28) is coiled about the turnbuckle (16) and reacts between an interior shoulder (34) and a flange (36) to bias the sleeve (22) to the locked position.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.