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US 6,957,824 B2Granted
Interlocking device
AssigneeJerry A. Edwards
InventorKenneth J. Klar
Life of this patent
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AssigneeJerry A. Edwards
InventorKenneth J. Klar
Estimating the term…
The specification discloses several embodiments of an interlocking device. The specification discloses a preferred embodiment of an interlocking device having an inner bar slideable within the confines of an outer bar. The outer bar has a first end and a second end. When the inner bar slides towards the second end of the outer bar, a plug, which is attached to the inner bar, is adapted to abut a plug barrier thereby preventing the inner bar from sliding towards the second end. The outer bar of the interlocking device further defines an interlocking member passage and an interlocking member stop. The interlocking device further has an interlocking member attached to the inner bar. When the inner bar slides towards the first end of the outer bar, at least a portion of the interlocking member moves transverse to the sliding axis of the inner bar and into the interlocking member passage. The interlocking locking member further abuts the interlocking member stop, thereby stopping the inner bar from sliding towards the first end of the outer bar. The interlocking device preferably has a cam attached to the outer bar and adjacent to the interlocking member stop. The cam may be actuated to release the interlocking member from the interlocking member stop thereby allowing the inner bar to slide through the confines of the outer bar.
A tow bar system comprising:
The tow bar system of 1, wherein the plug barrier comprises a collar attached to the second end of the outer bar, and wherein the collar further defines the inner bar passage.
The tow bar system of 1, wherein the plug barrier further comprises a bushing attached to the confines of the outer bar.
A tow bar comprising:
An interlocking towbar device for an inner bar slidable within confines of an outer bar, the interlocking towbar device comprising:
A tow bar comprising:
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.
Drawings are temporarily unavailable. Open the PDF at USPTO
From the US filing history. Foreign family members aren’t listed.
For being adjustable: horizontally
Consisting of an elongated single bar or tube: comprising telescopic or foldable parts
Draw-gear or towing devices characterised by their type: consisting of articulated or rigidly assembled bars or tubes forming a V-, Y- or U-shaped…
Clamped members: by wedge or cam
Term ended 10 Mar 2023 (estimated)
The present invention relates to locks and fasteners. More particularly, the present invention relates to locks that mechanically interlock an inner member from sliding within the confines of an outer member.
Inner-Outer Member Combination
Various devices presently utilize inner members that are slidable within the confines of outer members (also referred to as “inner-outer member combination”). An inner-outer member combination allows a user to adjust a device's dimension. For example, some tow bars used for towing vehicles have legs that utilize the inner-outer member combination so that they can easily be stored when not in use. Camera tripods also utilize the inner-outer member combination so that they can be stored in a non-bulky manner.
Certain embodiments of the invention are shown in the following drawings where:
FIG. 1 is substantially a perspective view of an embodiment of the interlocking device.
FIG. 2 is substantially a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the interlocking device wherein the inner bar is in a locked position within the outer bar.
In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this application. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.
Referring now to FIG. 1, the preferred embodiment of an interlocking device 20 is shown. Interlocking device 20 has an outer bar 24 and an inner bar 22. Outer bar 24 is preferably formed from a plurality of interconnected walls (only 32 and 34 are shown). The plurality of interconnected walls preferably define a rectangle-shaped outer bar and a square-shaped cross-section. The interconnected walls define a cavity within the outer bar, which is referred to as the confines of the outer bar. Alternatively, outer bar 24 may be formed from a hollow cylindrical tube.
Outer bar 24 has a first end 26 and a second end 27. Second end 27 is also referred to as the receiving end. Outer bar 24 preferably has a collar 28 attached to receiving end 27. Collar 28 is preferably cylindrical in shape. Collar 28 defines an inner bar passage 29. In an embodiment without a collar, inner bar passage 29 may be defined by the plurality of interconnected walls at receiving end 27.