BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates, in general, to damper regulators for controlling the
flow or air or the like in the ducts of a heating, ventilating or air conditioning
(HVAC) system. More particularly, the present invention relates to a damper positioning
lock.
[0002] It is well-known in ducted heating, ventilating or air conditioning systems to provide,
at selected number of points, regulating damper assemblies 20, such as that shown
in FIG. 1, for controlling the rate of flow of air or the like through the ducts of
the HVAC system. Such known assemblies 20 generally include a blade 22 dimensioned
to conform substantially to the cross-section of a flue or duct 24 through which the
passage of air or the like is regulated (e.g., a generally circular blade 22 for a
generally cross-sectionally circular duct 24). The blade 22 is attached to a shaft
26 which is itself rotatably connected to the duct 24 by bearings such that the blade
22 is pivotable within the duct 24 as the shaft 26 is rotated. One end of the shaft
26 extends out from the duct 24 and through an aperture (not shown) in the hub of
a simple handle or lever 28 where the aperture is sized and shaped to engage the shaft
26 (e.g., a generally square aperture for a cross-sectionally square shaft 26). The
shaft 26 further extends through an aperture (not shown) of a bracket 30 connected
to the exterior of the duct 24 where the shaft 26 is rotatable within the aperture
of the bracket 30. A user rotating the lever 28 causes the shaft 26 to rotate within
the duct 24, and the blade 22 therewith so that the blade 22 is able to be rotated
between configurations where the duct 24 is in an open configuration, allowing air
or the like to pass through the duct 24, and where the duct 24 is in a closed configuration,
preventing the flow of air or the like from flowing past the blade 22 through the
duct 24.
[0003] Attempts have been made to improve the ability to fix the blade in a particular orientation
within the duct between fully open and fully closed configurations. As seen in FIG.
2, a lever 32 used with a regulating damping assembly, such as the assembly 20 illustrated
in FIG. 1, is connected to a plate 34 having a slot 26. The lever 32 is held in any
desired radial angular position by means of lever locking mechanism 38 that includes
a bolt 40 which passes through the lever 32 and the slot 36. The head (not shown)
of the bolt 40 engages one side of the slot 36 and a wing-nut 42 engages the other
end of the bolt 40 in order to secure the lever 32 in a locked configuration. Tightening
of the wing-nut 42 secures the head of the bolt 40 against the area of the plate 34
surrounding the slot 36, preventing the lever 32 from being able to be moved. Another
example of this type of locking mechanism is described in
U.S. Patent No. 1,282,811.
[0004] However, conventional positioning locks, such as those described above, have certain
disadvantages. For example, the use of the positioning lock is limited by the fact
that a user cannot actually see the orientation of the blade within the duct. The
use of a conventional positioning lock can result in a user guessing just how far
open/closed the duct because the user cannot see the blade as it is being used.
[0005] Various attempts have been made to overcome the problems associated with conventional
damper positioning locks. For example,
U.S. Patent No. 1,885,548 discloses a damper apparatus. However, this damper regulator is still limited in
its ability to lock the lever, and by extension the blade, in an exact position. In
another example,
U.S. Patent No. 2,345,997 discloses a dial damper regulator. However, this damper regulator still suffers from
the same drawbacks as a wingnut and bolt combination are still used to lock the blade
in position. In a further example,
U.S. Patent No. 3,073,564 discloses a damper regulator. However, this damper regulator also uses a wingnut
and bolt combination to secure the lever in position and likewise suffers the same
drawbacks as discussed above. In a further example,
U.S. Patent No. 5,169,121 discloses a damper control mechanism. However, this device requires the use of a
motor and gear unit, a power supply and the like.
[0006] Accordingly, there is a need for a damper positioning lock that provides a number
of exact locking positions. There is a further need for a damper positioning lock
that provides for simple locking/unlocking of the lever. There is an additional need
for a damper regulating lock that is simple and economical to manufacture. The present
invention fulfills these needs and provides other related advantages.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention resides in an apparatus that provides a damper positioning
lock. As illustrated herein, an embodiment of a damper positioning lock includes a
plate having a plurality of recesses along an arcuate edge and a damper positioning
handle pivotally associated with the plate. A mechanism is associated with the handle
for selectively engaging a selected one of the recesses.
[0008] The engaging mechanism includes a pin slidable relative to the plate for engaging
the selected recess. The pin is also slidable relative to the handle for engaging
the selected recess. The damper positioning lock also includes a mechanism for biasing
the pin toward the recess. The biasing mechanism includes a spring disposed within
the handle.
[0009] The engaging mechanism further includes a rod having the pin, the rod being slidable
relative to the handle. The rod is adapted to slide within a channel of the handle,
and movement of the rod in first and second directions within the channel causes,
respectively, engagement and disengagement of the pin and the selected recess. A mechanism
for biasing the pin toward the recess is disposed between the handle and the rod.
[0010] The damper positioning lock further includes a mechanism for selectively disengaging
the pin from the selected recess.
[0011] The handle of the damper positioning lock includes a hub rotatably positioned in
a plate aperture.
[0012] In another embodiment, the handle comprises first and second interconnected disks,
and wherein the plate is disposed between the first and second disks.
[0013] In an additional embodiment, the arcuate edge comprises one edge of an arcuate slot.
[0014] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from
the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention. In such drawings:
FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a conventional damper regulating assembly;
FIGURE 2 is a top plan view of a conventional damper positioning lock;
FIGURE 3 is a top plan view of an embodiment of a damper positioning lock illustrating
the damper positioning lock in a locked configuration;
FIGURE 4 is a top plan view of the damper positioning lock of FIG. 3 illustrating
locking/unlocking of the damper positioning lock and movement of the handle between
locking positions;
FIGURE 5 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the damper positioning lock of FIG.
3;
FIGURE 6 is a cross-sectional view of the damper positioning lock taken generally
along line 6-6 of FIG. 3;
FIGURE 7 is a cross-sectional view of the damper positioning lock taken generally
along line 7-7 of FIG. 4;
FIGURE 8 is a top plan view of another embodiment of a damper positioning lock illustrating
the damper positioning lock in a locked configuration;
FIGURE 9 is a top plan view of the damper positioning lock of FIG. 3 illustrating
locking/unlocking of the damper positioning lock and movement of the handle between
locking positions;
FIGURE 10 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the damper positioning lock of FIG.
3;
FIGURE 11 is a cross-sectional view of the damper positioning lock taken generally
along line 11-11 of FIG. 8;
FIGURE 12 is a cross-sectional view of the damper positioning lock taken generally
along line 12-12 of FIG. 9;
FIGURE 13 is a top plan view of an additional embodiment of a damper positioning lock
illustrating the damper positioning lock in a locked configuration engaging, the plate
in one of a number of locking positions;
FIGURE 14 is a top plan view of the damper positioning lock of FIG. 13 illustrating
the handle engaging the plate in another one of the locking positions;
FIGURE 15 is a cross-sectional view of the damper positioning lock of FIG. 13 taken
generally along line 15-15 of FIG. 13 illustrating the lock in a locked configuration;
FIGURE 16 is a cross-sectional view of the damper positioning lock illustrating the
lock in an unlocked configuration after force is applied; and
FIGURE 17 is a cross-sectional view of the damper positioning lock taken generally
along line 17-17 of FIG. 14.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0016] As shown in FIGS. 1-17 for purposes of illustration, the present invention is concerned
with a damper positioning lock 20, 110, 170.
[0017] An embodiment of a damper positioning lock assembly 50, illustrated in FIGS. 3-7,
includes a plate 52 and a damper positioning lever or handle 54 pivotally associated
with the plate 52. The plate 52 is a generally planar body that can be made from various
materials including, without limitation, metal, plastic, composite or the like. In
the alternative, the plate 52 may be a center portion of a U-shaped bracket (e.g.,
bracket 30 of FIG. 1). The plate 52 includes a generally arcuate slot 56 having a
plurality of recesses 58 along one of the arcuate edges of the slot 56. A mechanism
60 is associated with the handle 54 for selectively engaging a selected one of the
recesses 58.
[0018] The plate 52 further includes a generally circular aperture 62 through which a generally
cylindrical hub portion 64 extends from a generally disk-shaped end 66 of the handle
54. A fastener (not shown), such as a clip-on bearing, o-ring or the like, may be
positioned about the hub portion 64 to secure the handle 54 to the plate 52. The circular
aperture 62 and the arcuate slot 56 are aligned on the plate 52 such that the circular
aperture 62 and the arcuate slot 56 share a common centerpoint 68. The hub portion
64 of the handle 54 also shares this centerpoint 68 and rotates about this centerpoint
68 within the aperture 62. The hub portion 64 includes a central bore 70 extending
through the handle 54 through which a shaft extending from a duct (e.g., shaft 26
extending from duct 24 of FIG. 1) may extend. An axis 72 about which the shaft rotates
extends through the centerpoint 68. The bore 70 is sized and shaped so as to engage
the shaft. For example, the bore 70 is illustrated in cross-section as being generally
square so that the bore 70 can engage a cross-sectionally square shaft, such as the
shaft 26 of FIG. 1.
[0019] Another end 74 of the handle 54 includes an eyelet 76 large enough for an adult finger
to be inserted through. The handle 54 includes a channel 78 along a central portion
80 between the two ends 66, 74 of the handle 54. The channel 78 is illustrated as
being generally U-shaped with linear sides meeting at right angles and an open side
facing the plate 52. In the alternative, the channel 78 may also be cross-sectional
semi-circular. A recess 82 is formed on the handle 54 creating a space between the
channel 78 and the eyelet 76.
[0020] The engaging mechanism 60 includes a rod 84 disposed within and slidable along at
least a portion of the length of the channel 78. The rod 84 is generally T-shaped
with a cross bar 86 on one end 88 of the rod 84 being disposed within the recess 82.
The cross bar 86 includes a slight detent 90 that is designed to accommodate a fingertip.
The rod 84 includes a pin 92 extending away from a side of the rod 84 adjacent the
open side of the channel 78 which faces the plate 52 such that the pin 92 extends
through the arcuate slot 56. As the rod 84 slides along the channel 78, the rod 84
slides relative to the handle 54 which, in turn, slides the pin 92 relative to both
the handle 54 and the plate 52. This slidable movement of the rod 84 in first and
second opposite directions within the channel 78 causes, respectively, engagement
and disengagement of the pin 92 and the selected recess 58. When the pin 92 is disengaged
from all of the recesses 58, the pin 92 is slidable within the arcuate slot 56 as
the handle 54 is rotated about the centerpoint 68 and the axis 72.
[0021] The damper positioning lock assembly 50 also includes a mechanism 94 for biasing
the pin 92 toward the recess 82. The mechanism 94 comes in the form of a spring 96
disposed within the channel 78 of the handle 54, between one end 98 of the channel
78 and an end 100 of the rod 84 distal from the cross bar 86. The spring 96 offers
resistance to compressive loading such that the spring 96 biases the rod 84 away from
the end 98 of the channel 78 towards engagement of the pin 92 with one of the recesses
58 of the arcuate slot 56. Once the pin 92 engages one of the recesses 58, the handle
54 can no longer be rotated about the common axis 72. The spring 96 may come in a
variety of forms including, without limitation, open-coil helical spring, closed-coil
helical spring, compression spring, extension spring, torsion spring or the like.
The biasing mechanism 94 can also be in the form a resilient, flexible member or material
disposed within the channel 78 between the end of the channel 98 and the rod 84 where
the flexible member or material offers resistance to compressive loading. The spring
96, in the form of an open-coil helical spring, is disposed about a cylindrical projection
102 on the end 100 of the rod 84.
[0022] The damper positioning lock assembly 50 further includes a mechanism 104 for selectively
disengaging the pin 92 from the selected recess 58 by a user inserting a finger through
the eyelet 76 of the handle 54 and pressing that finger against the detent 90 on the
cross bar 86 of the rod 84 which, in turn, depresses the rod 84 against the spring
96, compressing the spring 96 within the channel 78 and moving the rod 84 further
within the channel 78. Movement of the rod 84 into the channel 78 also moves the pin
92 out of engagement with whichever recess 58 the pin 92 had previously been engaging.
When a user takes their finger off the cross bar 86, the spring 96 automatically pushes
the rod 86 towards the end 88 of the handle 54 which results in the pin 92 moving
into engagement with the nearest recess 58.
[0023] In use, a user wishes to rotate the blade 22 within a duct 24 from being in a closed
configuration blocking the flow of air or the like to an open configuration allowing
the air or the like to flow within the duct 24 past the blade 22. When blade 22 is
in a closed configuration, for the purposes of illustration only, the handle 54 of
the damper positioning lock assembly 50 is in a locked configuration where the pin
92 engages the middlemost recess 58 along the arcuate slot 56, as seen in FIGS. 3
and 4. In order to move the blade 22 to an open configuration, the user engages the
mechanism 104 for selectively disengaging the pin 92 from the selected recess 58 by
inserting their finger through the eyelet 76 of the handle 54 and pressing that finger
against the detent 90 on the cross bar 86 of the rod 84 which, in turn, depresses
the rod 84 against the spring 96, compressing the spring 96 within the channel 78
and moving the rod 84 further within the channel 78 which, into turn, moves the pin
92 out of engagement with the middlemost recess 58. The user, with their finger still
pressing against the detent 90 in order to keep the pin 92 within the slot 56, then
rotates the handle 54 to either the left or the right to move the blade 22 into an
open configuration that can range from minimally open to fully open with the only
difference being the orientation of the blade 22 relative to its position in the closed
configuration. When the user aligns the pin 92 with the recess 58 that corresponds
with the desired amount of openness of the open configuration, the user then takes
their finger off the cross bar 86 which allows the spring 96 to automatically pushes
the rod 86 towards the end 88 of the handle 54 which moves the pin 92 into engagement
with the selected recess 58.
[0024] In the alternative, when the handle 54 is all the way to the left, as seen in FIG.
4, and the pin 92 engages the leftmost recess 58, the blade 22 could be in the closed
configuration. Likewise, when the handle 54 is in the middle, as seen in FIG. 9, and
the pin 92 engages the middlemost recess 58, the blade 22 could be in a half open/half
closed configuration. Thus, when the handle 54 is all the way to the right, as seen
in FIG. 4, and the pin 92 engages the rightmost recess 58, the blade 22 could be in
the fully open configuration.
[0025] Another embodiment of a damper positioning lock assembly 110, illustrated in FIGS.
8-7, includes a plate 112 and a damper positioning lever or handle 114 pivotally associated
with the plate 112. The plate 112 is a generally planar body that can be made from
various materials including, without limitation, metal, plastic, composite or the
like. In the alternative, the plate 112 may be a center portion of a U-shaped bracket
(e.g., bracket 30 of FIG. 1). The plate 112 includes a generally arcuate edge 116
having a plurality of recesses 118. A mechanism 120 is associated with the handle
114 for selectively engaging a selected one of the recesses 118.
[0026] The plate 112 further includes a generally circular aperture 122 through which a
generally cylindrical hub portion 124 extends from a generally disk-shaped end 126
of the handle 114. A fastener (not shown), such as a clip-on bearing, o-ring or the
like, may be positioned about the hub portion 124 to secure the handle 114 to the
plate 112. The circular aperture 122 and the arcuate edge 116 are aligned on the plate
112 such that the circular aperture 122 and the arcuate edge 116 share a common centerpoint
128. The hub portion 124 of the handle 114 also shares this centerpoint 128 and rotates
about this centerpoint 128 within the aperture 122. The hub portion 124 includes a
central bore 130 extending through the handle 114 through which a shaft extending
from a duct (e.g., shaft 26 extending from duct 24 of FIG. 1) may extend. An axis
132 about which the shaft rotates extends through the centerpoint 128. The bore 130
is sized and shaped so as to engage the shaft. For example, the bore 130 is illustrated
in cross-section as being generally square so that the bore 130 can engage a cross-sectionally
square shaft, such as the shaft 26 of FIG. 1.
[0027] Another end 134 of the handle 114 includes a generally egg-shaped head portion 136.
The handle 114 includes a rectangular block member 138 along a central portion 140
between the two ends 126, 134 of the handle 114 where the rectangular member is less
wide than the width of the handle 114 and extends away from the handle 114 toward
the plate 112. A recess 142 is formed on the handle 114 creating a space between the
hub portion 124 and the egg-shaped head portion 136 that is interrupted only by the
rectangular member 138.
[0028] The engaging mechanism 120 includes a rod 144 disposed within and slidable along
at least a portion of the length of the recess 142. The rod 144 is generally T-shaped
with a cross bar 146 on one end 148 of the rod 144 disposed within the recess 142
near the head portion 136 of the handle 114. The cross bar 146 includes a pair of
detents 150 that are each designed to accommodate a fingertip. The rod 144 includes
a pin 152 extending away from a side of the rod 114 adjacent the open side of the
recess 142 which faces the plate 112 such that the pin 152 extends beyond the other
side of the plate 112 from the handle 114 when the pin 152 engages one of the recesses
118. As the rod 144 slides along the recess 142, the rod 144 slides relative to the
handle 114 and theplate 112 which, in turn, slides the pin 152 relative to both the
handle 114 and the plate 112. This slidable movement of the rod 144 in first and second
opposite directions along the recess 142 causes, respectively, engagement and disengagement
of the pin 152 and the selected recess 118. When the pin 152 is disengaged from all
of the recesses 118, the pin 152 is slidable adjacent to the arcuate edge 116, along
an arc parallel to the arc of the arcuate edge 116, as the handle 114 is rotated about
the centerpoint 128 and the axis 132.
[0029] The damper positioning lock assembly 110 also includes a mechanism 154 for biasing
the pin 152 toward the recess 142. The rod 144 includes an elongated slot 156 extending
through the rod 144 between the pin 152 and an end 158 of the rod 144. One end 160
of the slot 156 is adjacent the pin 152 and abuts against the side of the block member
138 nearest the head portion 136 of the handle 114 when the pin 152 engages the selected
recess 118. An opposite end 162 of the slot 156 is near the end 158 of the rod 144.
The mechanism 154 comes in the form of a spring 164 disposed within the recess 142
of the handle 114, between the end 162 of the slot 156 and an end 166 of the block
138 distal from the side nearest the pin 152. The spring 164 offers resistance to
compressive loading such that the spring 164 biases the rod 144 away from the end
166 of the block 138 which, in turn, biases the pin 152 towards engagement with one
of the recesses 118 along the arcuate edge 116. Once the pin 152 engages one of the
recesses 118, the handle 114 can no longer be rotated about the common axis 132. The
spring 164 may come in a variety of forms including, without limitation, helical spring
(open coil, closed coil or the like), compression spring, extension spring, torsion
spring or the like. The biasing mechanism 154 can also be in the form a resilient,
flexible member or material disposed within the slot 156 between the end 166 of the
block 138 and the end 162 of the slot 156 where the flexible member or material offers
resistance to compressive loading. In the alternative, the spring 164, in the form
of an open-coil helical spring, can be disposed about a cylindrical projection extending
from the end 166 of the block 138.
[0030] The damper positioning lock assembly 110 further includes a mechanism 168 for selectively
disengaging the pin 152 from the selected recess 118 by a user pressing fingertips
against the detents 150 on the cross bar 146 of the rod 144 in a direction away towards
the head portion 136 of the handle 114 which, in turn, pulls the end 162 of the slot
156 against the spring 164, compressing the spring 164 between the end 162 of the
slot 156 and the end 166 of the block member 138. Movement of the rod 144 away from
the hub portion 124 of the handle 114 also moves the pin 152 out of engagement with
whichever recess 118 the pin 152 had previously been engaging. When a user takes their
finger off the cross bar 146, the spring 164 automatically pushes the end 162 of the
slot 156 away from the end 162 of the block member 138 which results in the pin 152
moving into engagement with the nearest recess 118.
[0031] In use, a user wishes to rotate the blade 22 within a duct 24 from being in a closed
configuration blocking the flow of air or the like to an open configuration allowing
the air or the like to flow within the duct 24 past the blade 22. When blade 22 is
in a closed configuration, for the purposes of illustration only, the handle 114 of
the damper positioning lock assembly 110 is in a locked configuration where the pin
152 engages the middle most recess 118 along the arcuate edge 136, as seen in FIGS.
8 and 9. In order to move the blade 22 to an open configuration, the user engages
the mechanism 168 for selectively disengaging the pin 152 from the selected recess
118 by positioning fingertips along the detents 150 on the cross bar 146 of the rod
144 and pulling the cross bar 146 in a direction away towards the head portion 136
of the handle 114 which, in turn, pulls the end 162 of the slot 156 against the spring
164, compressing the spring 164 between the end 162 of the slot 156 and the end 166
of the block member 138. Movement of the rod 144 away from the hub portion 124 of
the handle 114 also moves the pin 152 out of engagement with the middlemost recess
118. The user, with their fingers still pulling against the detents 150 in order to
keep the pin 152 away from the arcuate edge 116, then rotates the handle 114 to either
the left or the right to move the blade 22 into an open configuration that can range
from minimally open to fully open with the only difference being the orientation of
the blade 22 relative to its position in the closed configuration. When the user aligns
the pin 152 with the recess 118 that corresponds with the desired amount of openness
of the open configuration, the user then takes their finger off the cross bar 86 which
allows the spring 156 to automatically pushes the end 158 of the rod 144 towards the
hub portion 124 of the handle 114 which moves the pin 152 into engagement with the
selected recess 118.
[0032] In the alternative, when the handle 114 is all the way to the left, as seen in FIG.
9, and the pin 152 engages the leftmost recess 118, the blade 22 could be in the closed
configuration. Likewise, when the handle 114 is in the middle, as seen in FIG. 9,
and the pin 152 engages the middlemost recess 118, the blade 22 could be in a half
open/half closed configuration. Thus, when the handle 114 is all the way to the right,
as seen in FIG. 9, and the pin 152 engages the rightmost recess 118, the blade 22
could be in the fully open configuration.
[0033] An additional embodiment of a damper positioning lock assembly 170, illustrated in
FIGS. 13-17, includes a plate 172 and a damper positioning lever or handle 174 pivotally
associated with the plate 172. The plate 172 is a generally flat, planar body that
can stand alone or be a center portion of a U-shaped bracket that can be made from
various materials including, without limitation, metal, plastic, composite or the
like. The plate 172 includes a generally arcuate edge 176 and a plurality of recesses
in the form of apertures 178 arranged along the edge 176 in an arc offset from and
generally parallel to the arc formed by the arcuate edge 116. A mechanism 180 is associated
with the handle 174 for selectively engaging a selected one of the apertures 178.
[0034] The plate 172 further includes a generally circular aperture 182 surrounded by hollow
neck extending away from the plate 172. The handle 174 includes first and second disks
184, 186 where the plate 172 is disposed between the first and second disks 184, 186.
The first and second disks 184, 186 are interconnected by a generally cylindrical,
hollow hub portion 188 extending away from the second disk 186 through the aperture
182 of the plate 172 and a central bore 190 of the first disk 184. A fastener (not
shown), such as a clip-on bearing, o-ring or the like, may be used to secure the first
and second disks 184, 186 together. The circular aperture 182 and the arcuate edge
176 are aligned on the plate 172 such that the circular aperture 182, the arcuate
edge 176, and the arc formed by the plurality of apertures 178 share a common centerpoint
192. The hub portion 188 of the handle 174 also shares this centerpoint 192 and rotates
about this centerpoint 192 within the aperture 182. The second disk 186 includes a
central bore 194 extending through the hub portion 188. A shaft extending from a duct
(e.g., shaft 26 extending from duct 24 of FIG. 1) extends through this central bore
194. An axis 196 about which the shaft rotates extends through the centerpoint 192
and the central bore 194. The bore 194 is sized and shaped so as to engage the shaft.
For example, the bore 194 is illustrated in cross-section as being generally square
so that the bore 194 can engage a cross-sectionally square shaft, such as the shaft
26 of FIG. 1.
[0035] The engaging mechanism 180 includes a pin 198 extending away from a side of the second
disk 186 towards the plate 172 such that the pin 198 extends beyond the other side
of the plate 172 from the second disk 186 when the pin 198 engages one of the apertures
178. When the pin 198 is not engaging one of the apertures 178, the handle 174 is
rotatable within the aperture 182 with the first and second disks 184, 186 rotating
together as a single unit. As the handle 174 rotates about the axis 196, the pin 198
also rotates about the axis 196, relative to the plate 172. This rotatable movement
of the handle 174 in first and second opposite directions (i.e., clockwise and counter-clockwise)
allows for engagement and disengagement of the pin 198 and the selected aperture 178.
When the pin 198 is disengaged from all of the apertures 178, the pin 198 is rotatable
adjacent to the plate 172, along an arc parallel to and offset from the arc of the
arcuate edge 176, and directly parallel with the arc formed by the plurality of apertures
178, as the handle 174 is rotated about the centerpoint 192 and the axis 196.
[0036] The damper positioning lock assembly 170 also includes a mechanism 200 for biasing
the pin 198 toward the selected aperture 178. The mechanism 200 comes in the form
of a spring 202 disposed about the hub portion 188, between the plate 172 and the
first disk 184. The spring 202 extends into a recess 204 of the first disk 184 that
faces the plate 172. The spring 202 offers resistance to compressive loading such
that the spring 202 biases the pin 198 towards engagement with one of the apertures
178. Once the pin 198 engages one of the apertures 178, the handle 114 can no longer
be rotated about the axis 196. The spring 202 may come in a variety of forms including,
without limitation, helical spring (open coil, closed coil or the like), compression
spring, extension spring, torsion spring or the like. The biasing mechanism 200 can
also be in the form a resilient, flexible member or material disposed between the
plate 172 and the first disk 184 where the flexible member or material offers resistance
to compressive loading.
[0037] The damper positioning lock assembly 170 further includes a mechanism 206 for selectively
disengaging the pin 198 from the selected aperture 178 by a user pressing a hand,
palm, fingers or other body part against the first disk 184 in a direction towards
the plate 172 which, in turn, pushes the second disk 186 away from the plate 172,
compressing the spring 202 between the plate 172 and the first disk 184. Movement
of the second disk 186 away from the plate 172 also moves the pin 198 out of engagement
with whichever aperture 178 the pin 198 had previously been engaging. When a user
takes their hand, palm, finger or other body part off the first disk 184, the spring
202 automatically pushes the first disk 184 away from the plate 172 which results
in the second disk 186 moving toward the plate 172 and the pin 198 moving into engagement
with the nearest aperture 178.
[0038] In use, a user wishes to rotate the blade 22 within a duct 24 from being in a closed
configuration blocking the flow of air or the like to an open configuration allowing
the air or the like to flow within the duct 24 past the blade 22. When blade 22 is
in a closed configuration, for the purposes of illustration only, the handle 174 of
the damper positioning lock assembly 170 is in a locked configuration where the pin
198 engages the middle most recess 178 along the arcuate edge 176. In order to move
the blade 22 to an open configuration, the user engages the mechanism 206 for selectively
disengaging the pin 198 from the selected recess 178 by pressing a hand, palm, fingers
or other body part against the first disk 184 in a direction towards the plate 172
which, in turn, pushes the second disk 186 away from the plate 172, compressing the
spring 202 between the plate 172 and the first disk 184. Movement of the second disk
186 away from the plate 172 also moves the pin 198 out of engagement with whichever
aperture 178 the pin 198 had previously been engaging. The user, still pressing the
first disk 184 toward the plate 172 in order to keep the pin 198 away from the apertures
178 along the arcuate edge 176, then rotates the handle 174 to either clockwise or
counter-clockwise to move the blade 22 into an open configuration that can range from
minimally open to fully open with the only difference being the orientation of the
blade 22 relative to its position in the closed configuration. When the user aligns
the pin 198 with the aperture 178 that corresponds with the desired amount of openness
of the open configuration, the user then takes their hand, palm, finger or other body
part off the first disk 184 which allows the spring 202 to automatically push the
first disk 184 away from the plate 172 which also moves the second disk 186 toward
the plate 172 which, in turn, moves the pin 198 into engagement with the selected
aperture 178.
[0039] In the alternative, when the handle 174 is turned, as seen in FIG. 13 such that the
pin 198 engages the leftmost aperture 178, the blade 22 could be in the closed configuration.
Likewise, when the handle 174 is in the middle, and the pin 198 engages the middlemost
aperture 178, the blade 22 could be in a half open/half closed configuration. Thus,
when the handle 174 is all the way to the right, as seen in FIG. 14, and the pin 198
engages the rightmost aperture 178, the blade 22 could be in the fully open configuration.
[0040] All features of the various embodiments discussed above can be mixed and matched
to define an embodiment that is not directly illustrated in the accompanying figures.
[0041] The above-described embodiments of the present invention are illustrative only and
not limiting. It will thus be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes
and modifications may be made without departing from this invention in its broader
aspects. Therefore, the appended claims encompass all such changes and modifications
as falling within the true spirit and scope of this invention.
1. A damper positioning lock, comprising:
a plate having a plurality of recesses along an arcuate edge;
a damper positioning handle pivotally associated with the plate; and
means associated with the handle for selectively engaging a selected one of the recesses.
2. The damper positioning lock of claim 1, wherein the engaging means comprises a pin
slidable relative to the plate for engaging the selected recess.
3. The damper positioning lock of claim 2, including means for biasing the pin toward
the recess.
4. The damper positioning lock of claim 3, wherein the biasing means comprises a spring.
5. The damper positioning lock of claim 4, wherein the spring is disposed within the
handle.
6. The damper positioning lock of claim 2, including means for selectively disengaging
the pin from the selected recess.
7. The damper positioning lock of claim 1, wherein the engaging means comprises a pin
slidable relative to the handle for engaging the selected recess.
8. The damper positioning lock of claim 1, wherein the handle includes a hub rotatably
positioned in a plate aperture.
9. The damper positioning lock of claim 1, wherein the handle comprises first and second
interconnected disks, and wherein the plate is disposed between the first and second
disks.
10. The damper positioning lock of claim 1, wherein the arcuate edge comprises one edge
of an arcuate slot.
11. The damper positioning lock of claim 1, wherein the engaging means comprises a rod
having a pin, the rod being slidable relative to the handle.
12. The damper positioning lock of claim 11, wherein the rod is adapted to slide within
a channel of the handle, and movement of the rod in first and second directions within
the channel causes, respectively, engagement and disengagement of the pin and the
selected recess.
13. The damper positioning lock of claim 11, wherein a means for biasing the pin toward
the recess is disposed between the handle and the rod.
14. A damper positioning lock, comprising:
a plate having a plurality of recesses along an arcuate edge;
a damper positioning handle pivotally associated with the plate; and
means associated with the handle for selectively engaging a selected one of the recesses;
wherein the engaging means comprises a pin slidable relative to the plate and the
handle for engaging the selected recess.
15. The damper positioning lock of claim 14, including means for biasing the pin toward
the recess comprising a spring disposed within the handle.
16. The damper positioning lock of claim 14, including means for selectively disengaging
the pin from the selected recess.
17. The damper positioning lock of claim 14, wherein the handle includes a hub rotatably
positioned in a plate aperture.
18. The damper positioning lock of claim 14, wherein the arcuate edge comprises one edge
of an arcuate slot.
19. The damper positioning lock of claim 1, wherein the engaging means comprises a rod
having a pin, the rod being adapted to slide within a channel of the handle, relative
to the handle, and movement of the rod in first and second directions within the channel
causes, respectively, engagement and disengagement of the pin and the selected recess,
and wherein a means for biasing the pin toward the recess is disposed between the
handle and the rod.
20. A damper positioning lock, comprising:
a plate having a plurality of recesses along an arcuate edge;
a damper positioning handle pivotally associated with the plate;
means associated with the handle for selectively engaging a selected one of the recesses,
wherein the engaging means comprises a rod having a pin slidable relative to the plate
and the handle for engaging the selected recess, the rod being adapted to slide within
a channel of the handle, relative to the handle, and movement of the rod in first
and second directions within the channel causes, respectively, engagement and disengagement
of the pin and the selected recess; and
means for biasing the pin toward the recess comprising a spring disposed within the
channel between the handle and the rod.