Key mechanism
OwnerRobert M. Napierinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A key operating mechanism is embodied in an elongate housing having an axially disposed shaft defining a helical groove. A shaft end is provided with a key to which rotation is imparted by an actuator slidably disposed on the shaft. A drive member of the actuator cooperates with the helical groove in the shaft to impart rotation to the latter and may serve as a detent to prevent actuator movement. Spring elements, oppositely disposed from the actuator, serve to return the actuator to a neutral or static position wherefrom rotation in either direction may be imparted to the shaft. A thumb operated control button of the actuator slides within a housing defined slot during operation of the mechanism.
Claims8
A key mechanism including,
- an elongate housing,
- a shaft journalled in said housing and having a helical surface,
- said shaft having an end segment terminating exteriorly of the housing,
- a key on said end segment,
- an actuator for rectilinear movement relative said housing and including a control having a drive member slidally engageable with said helical surface,
- first and second resilient means oppositely disposed from and biasing said actuator and said drive member toward a static position medially of said ends of the helical surface, and
- said control enabling selective rectilinear movement of the actuator and drive member lengthwise of said housing for rotation of said shaft and said key.
A finger actuated key mechanism including,
- an elongate tubular housing,
- a shaft defining a helical groove and journalled in said housing, a shaft end segment projecting from said housing,
- a key on said end segment,
- an actuator slidally disposed on said shaft and including a finger actuated control having a drive member in said groove for rectilinear travel within said housing,
- first and second compression springs in said housing and oppositely disposed from said actuator to retain same in a static position whereat said drive member is located at a point along said groove, and
- displacement of said control and said drive member by finger imparted force serving to impart rotation to said shaft and said key.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.