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US20150033885A1 - Linear Actuator - Google Patents

Linear Actuator Download PDF

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Publication number
US20150033885A1
US20150033885A1 US14/445,399 US201414445399A US2015033885A1 US 20150033885 A1 US20150033885 A1 US 20150033885A1 US 201414445399 A US201414445399 A US 201414445399A US 2015033885 A1 US2015033885 A1 US 2015033885A1
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
pusher block
assembly
threaded spindle
attachment means
linear actuator
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US14/445,399
Inventor
Martin Kristen
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
LIMOSS Inc
Limoss US LLC
Original Assignee
Limoss US LLC
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Family has litigation
First worldwide family litigation filed litigation Critical https://patents.darts-ip.com/?family=50670602&utm_source=google_patent&utm_medium=platform_link&utm_campaign=public_patent_search&patent=US20150033885(A1) "Global patent litigation dataset” by Darts-ip is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Application filed by Limoss US LLC filed Critical Limoss US LLC
Priority to US14/445,399 priority Critical patent/US20150033885A1/en
Assigned to LIMOSS, INC. reassignment LIMOSS, INC. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: KRISTIN, MARTIN, MR.
Publication of US20150033885A1 publication Critical patent/US20150033885A1/en
Assigned to Limoss US, LLC reassignment Limoss US, LLC CORRECTIVE ASSIGNMENT TO CORRECT THE ASSIGNEE NAME PREVIOUSLY RECORDED ON REEL 033417 FRAME 0240. ASSIGNOR(S) HEREBY CONFIRMS THE ASSIGNMENT. Assignors: KRISTEN, MARTIN
Priority to US16/107,412 priority patent/US20200271205A9/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16H—GEARING
    • F16H25/00—Gearings comprising primarily only cams, cam-followers and screw-and-nut mechanisms
    • F16H25/18—Gearings comprising primarily only cams, cam-followers and screw-and-nut mechanisms for conveying or interconverting oscillating or reciprocating motions
    • F16H25/20—Screw mechanisms
    • F16H25/24—Elements essential to such mechanisms, e.g. screws, nuts
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
    • A47C20/00—Head-, foot- or like rests for beds, sofas or the like
    • A47C20/04—Head-, foot- or like rests for beds, sofas or the like with adjustable inclination
    • A47C20/041—Head-, foot- or like rests for beds, sofas or the like with adjustable inclination by electric motors
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16H—GEARING
    • F16H25/00—Gearings comprising primarily only cams, cam-followers and screw-and-nut mechanisms
    • F16H25/18—Gearings comprising primarily only cams, cam-followers and screw-and-nut mechanisms for conveying or interconverting oscillating or reciprocating motions
    • F16H25/20—Screw mechanisms
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
    • A47C1/00—Chairs adapted for special purposes
    • A47C1/02—Reclining or easy chairs
    • A47C1/022—Reclining or easy chairs having independently-adjustable supporting parts
    • A47C1/024—Reclining or easy chairs having independently-adjustable supporting parts the parts, being the back-rest, or the back-rest and seat unit, having adjustable and lockable inclination
    • A47C1/0242—Reclining or easy chairs having independently-adjustable supporting parts the parts, being the back-rest, or the back-rest and seat unit, having adjustable and lockable inclination by electric motors
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
    • A47C1/00—Chairs adapted for special purposes
    • A47C1/02—Reclining or easy chairs
    • A47C1/022—Reclining or easy chairs having independently-adjustable supporting parts
    • A47C1/024—Reclining or easy chairs having independently-adjustable supporting parts the parts, being the back-rest, or the back-rest and seat unit, having adjustable and lockable inclination
    • A47C1/0246—Reclining or easy chairs having independently-adjustable supporting parts the parts, being the back-rest, or the back-rest and seat unit, having adjustable and lockable inclination by means of screw-and-nut mechanism
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
    • A47C20/00—Head-, foot- or like rests for beds, sofas or the like
    • A47C20/04—Head-, foot- or like rests for beds, sofas or the like with adjustable inclination
    • A47C20/042—Head-, foot- or like rests for beds, sofas or the like with adjustable inclination by means of screw-and-nut mechanism
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16H—GEARING
    • F16H25/00—Gearings comprising primarily only cams, cam-followers and screw-and-nut mechanisms
    • F16H25/16—Gearings comprising primarily only cams, cam-followers and screw-and-nut mechanisms for interconverting rotary motion and oscillating motion
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16H—GEARING
    • F16H25/00—Gearings comprising primarily only cams, cam-followers and screw-and-nut mechanisms
    • F16H25/18—Gearings comprising primarily only cams, cam-followers and screw-and-nut mechanisms for conveying or interconverting oscillating or reciprocating motions
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16H—GEARING
    • F16H25/00—Gearings comprising primarily only cams, cam-followers and screw-and-nut mechanisms
    • F16H25/18—Gearings comprising primarily only cams, cam-followers and screw-and-nut mechanisms for conveying or interconverting oscillating or reciprocating motions
    • F16H25/20—Screw mechanisms
    • F16H2025/2031—Actuator casings
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16H—GEARING
    • F16H25/00—Gearings comprising primarily only cams, cam-followers and screw-and-nut mechanisms
    • F16H25/18—Gearings comprising primarily only cams, cam-followers and screw-and-nut mechanisms for conveying or interconverting oscillating or reciprocating motions
    • F16H25/20—Screw mechanisms
    • F16H2025/204—Axial sliding means, i.e. for rotary support and axial guiding of nut or screw shaft
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16H—GEARING
    • F16H25/00—Gearings comprising primarily only cams, cam-followers and screw-and-nut mechanisms
    • F16H25/18—Gearings comprising primarily only cams, cam-followers and screw-and-nut mechanisms for conveying or interconverting oscillating or reciprocating motions
    • F16H25/20—Screw mechanisms
    • F16H2025/2043—Screw mechanisms driving an oscillating lever, e.g. lever with perpendicular pivoting axis
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16H—GEARING
    • F16H25/00—Gearings comprising primarily only cams, cam-followers and screw-and-nut mechanisms
    • F16H25/18—Gearings comprising primarily only cams, cam-followers and screw-and-nut mechanisms for conveying or interconverting oscillating or reciprocating motions
    • F16H25/20—Screw mechanisms
    • F16H25/24—Elements essential to such mechanisms, e.g. screws, nuts
    • F16H2025/2481—Special features for facilitating the manufacturing of spindles, nuts, or sleeves of screw devices
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T29/00—Metal working
    • Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
    • Y10T29/49826—Assembling or joining
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T74/00—Machine element or mechanism
    • Y10T74/18—Mechanical movements
    • Y10T74/18568—Reciprocating or oscillating to or from alternating rotary
    • Y10T74/18576—Reciprocating or oscillating to or from alternating rotary including screw and nut

Definitions

  • a linear actuator is an actuator that creates motion in a straight line, which is widely used within the area of adjustable furniture, where they are used to adjust the position of adjustable furniture such as the lifting and reclining of motion chairs, the height of a table, or the position of the mattress surface of a bed.
  • Prior art of linear actuators reveals drive assembly, a rotating member and an extending member or a drive assembly and rigid arm and pusher block.
  • the rotating member is threaded and rotated by the drive assembly.
  • the extending member cannot rotate and is threaded in conjunction with the rotating member.
  • the linkage assembly is attached to both sides of the pusher block.
  • the present disclosure reveals a linear actuator comprising a reversible drive assembly, rigid arm assembly and linkage assembly where the linkage assembly attaches to both sides of the pusher block or to one side of the pusher block and the top portion of the pusher block.
  • the linear actuator is attached to a piece of adjustable furniture by means of a rear mounting bracket and by means of a linkage assembly.
  • the rear mounting bracket stabilizes the linear actuator relative to the adjustable furniture, while the linkage assembly facilitates the adjustment of the adjustable furniture.
  • the reversible drive assembly comprises a control means for operating the linear actuator and a drive means for supplying the forces necessary to manipulate the linear actuator.
  • the drive assembly is attached to the rigid arm assembly by an attachment means and provides the force by which the adjustable furniture is adjusted.
  • the rigid arm assembly comprises an outer structure, a threaded spindle, a spindle nut, and a pusher block.
  • the threaded spindle is attached to the reversible drive assembly and the outer structure of the rigid arm in such a way as to allow the threaded spindle to rotate axially.
  • the spindle nut is attached to the threaded spindle and the pusher block.
  • the pusher block also straddles the outer structure and is secured in linear recesses that run the length of the outer structure. As the reversible drive assembly turns the threaded spindle, the spindle nut is moved along the threaded spindle and the spindle nut in turn moves the pusher block along the outer structure.
  • the linkage assembly is attached to the pusher block by a plurality of attachment means located on either side of the pusher block or the top of the pusher block.
  • a plurality of attachment means located on either side of the pusher block or the top of the pusher block.
  • Prior art can be generally described as including a drive assembly, a rotating member and an extending member.
  • the rotating member is threaded and rotated by the drive assembly.
  • the extending member cannot rotate and is threaded in conjunction with the rotating member.
  • the rotating member is rotated the extending member is extended or retracted relative to the location of the drive assembly, which also extends the overall length of the linear actuator.
  • Brieschke discloses a linear actuator that includes an input member that rotates, an output member attached to the input member by means of a nut and with a flanged portion that extends into a guide rail that runs the length of the outer casing of the linear actuator.
  • the flanged portion prevents the output member from rotating while the input member is rotating.
  • the output member moves along the axis of the input member and extends or retracts the output member away from the drive mechanism and adjusts the overall length of the linear actuator.
  • the present disclosure reveals a pusher block attached to the threaded spindle, where the pusher block is moved along the threaded spindle as the threaded spindle is rotated but the overall length of the present disclosure never changes.
  • Schmid discloses a linear actuator that includes a drive mechanism, an inner tube that rotates and an outer tube that does not rotate. As the inner tube rotates the outer tube is extended or retracted, extending the overall length of the linear actuator.
  • the present disclosure reveals a pusher block attached to the threaded spindle, where the pusher block is moved along the threaded spindle as the threaded spindle is rotated but the overall length of the present disclosure never changes.
  • a linear actuator comprising a reversible drive assembly, rigid arm assembly and linkage assembly for use with adjustable furniture.
  • the reversible drive assembly comprises a control means for operating the linear actuator and a drive means for supplying the forces necessary to manipulate the linear actuator.
  • the drive assembly is attached to the rigid arm assembly by an attachment means and provides the force by which the adjustable furniture is adjusted.
  • the rigid arm assembly includes a rigid arm assembly, a threaded spindle, a spindle nut, a pusher block, and a linkage assembly.
  • the threaded spindle is attached to the reversible drive assembly and the outer structure of the rigid arm in such a way as to allow the threaded spindle to rotate axially.
  • the spindle nut is attached to the threaded spindle and the pusher block.
  • the pusher block also straddles the outer structure and is secured in linear recesses that run the length of the outer structure.
  • the spindle nut is moved along the threaded spindle and the spindle nut in turn moves the pusher block along the outer structure.
  • the linkage assembly is attached to the pusher block by a plurality of attachment means located on either side of the pusher block or the top of the pusher block.
  • a plurality of attachment means located on either side of the pusher block or the top of the pusher block.
  • the plurality of attachment means includes the attachment means extending from the right side of the pusher block.
  • the plurality of attachment means includes the attachment means extending from the left side of the pusher block.
  • the plurality of attachment means includes the attachment means extending from the top of the pusher block.
  • the plurality of attachment means includes an attachment means extending from the right side of the pusher block and an attachment means extending from the top of the pusher block.
  • the plurality of attachment means includes an attachment means extending from the left side of the pusher block and an attachment means extending from the top of the pusher block.
  • FIG. 1 is an objective view of the disclosed linear actuator
  • FIG. 2 is an objective view of an alternative embodiment of the disclosed linear actuator
  • FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the disclosed linear actuator
  • FIG. 4 is a side view of the disclosed linear actuator
  • a linear actuator 1 comprising a reversible drive assembly 2 , rigid arm assembly 3 and linkage assembly 4 .
  • the reversible drive assembly 2 comprises a controller means and a drive means 6 .
  • the reversible drive motor assembly 2 is connected to the rigid arm assembly 3 .
  • the rigid arm assembly 3 an outer structure 7 , a threaded spindle 8 , a spindle nut 9 , and a pusher block 10 .
  • the threaded spindle 8 is retained within the outer structure 7 and attached to the drive assembly 2 outer structure 7 in such a fashion as to facilitate the threaded spindle 8 being allowed to rotate.
  • the spindle nut 9 is threaded onto the threaded spindle 8 and attached to the pusher block 10 .
  • the pusher block 10 is attached to the spindle nut 9 and the pusher block 10 straddles the outer structure 7 .
  • the pusher block 10 is attached to the linkage assembly 4 and the linkage assembly is attached to the adjustable portion of the adjustable portion of the adjustable furniture.
  • the spindle nut 9 moves along the threaded spindle 8 , which moves the pusher block 10 along the outer structure 7 . Movement of the pusher block 10 moves the linkage assembly 4 , which causes adjustment of the adjustable furniture.

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  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Nursing (AREA)
  • Dentistry (AREA)
  • Transmission Devices (AREA)
  • Connection Of Motors, Electrical Generators, Mechanical Devices, And The Like (AREA)
  • Hinges (AREA)
  • Furniture Connections (AREA)
  • Motor Or Generator Frames (AREA)
  • Optical Head (AREA)

Abstract

A linear actuator to provide the moving force for adjustable furniture, such as beds, chairs or tables. The linear actuator includes a drive assembly, rigid arm, and linkage assembly. The rigid arm includes a pusher block with one or more attachment means where the linkage assembly is attached.

Description

    CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
  • — — Kristin
    61-862409 August, 2013 Kristin
    20110298323 December, 2011 Brieschke
    20090308187 December, 2009 Schmid
    • STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
  • Not Applicable
    • REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISC
  • Not Applicable
    • DESCRIPTION
  • 1. Field of the Invention
  • The present disclosure reveals a new design for a linear actuator that modifies the positioning in adjustable furniture. A linear actuator is an actuator that creates motion in a straight line, which is widely used within the area of adjustable furniture, where they are used to adjust the position of adjustable furniture such as the lifting and reclining of motion chairs, the height of a table, or the position of the mattress surface of a bed.
  • 2. Background of the Invention
  • Prior art of linear actuators reveals drive assembly, a rotating member and an extending member or a drive assembly and rigid arm and pusher block. In the first category, the rotating member is threaded and rotated by the drive assembly. The extending member cannot rotate and is threaded in conjunction with the rotating member. As the rotating member is rotated the extending member is extended or retracted relative to the location of the drive assembly, which also extends the overall length of the linear actuator. In the second category of prior art, the linkage assembly is attached to both sides of the pusher block.
  • The present disclosure reveals a linear actuator comprising a reversible drive assembly, rigid arm assembly and linkage assembly where the linkage assembly attaches to both sides of the pusher block or to one side of the pusher block and the top portion of the pusher block. The linear actuator is attached to a piece of adjustable furniture by means of a rear mounting bracket and by means of a linkage assembly. The rear mounting bracket stabilizes the linear actuator relative to the adjustable furniture, while the linkage assembly facilitates the adjustment of the adjustable furniture.
  • The reversible drive assembly comprises a control means for operating the linear actuator and a drive means for supplying the forces necessary to manipulate the linear actuator. The drive assembly is attached to the rigid arm assembly by an attachment means and provides the force by which the adjustable furniture is adjusted.
  • The rigid arm assembly comprises an outer structure, a threaded spindle, a spindle nut, and a pusher block. The threaded spindle is attached to the reversible drive assembly and the outer structure of the rigid arm in such a way as to allow the threaded spindle to rotate axially. The spindle nut is attached to the threaded spindle and the pusher block. The pusher block also straddles the outer structure and is secured in linear recesses that run the length of the outer structure. As the reversible drive assembly turns the threaded spindle, the spindle nut is moved along the threaded spindle and the spindle nut in turn moves the pusher block along the outer structure. The linkage assembly is attached to the pusher block by a plurality of attachment means located on either side of the pusher block or the top of the pusher block. As the reversible drive assembly rotates the threaded spindle, the spindle nut moves along the threaded spindle causing the pusher block to move along the outer structure. Movement of the pusher block adjusts the linkage assembly and causes the adjustment of the adjustable furniture.
  • Several attempts have been made to develop a linear actuator but all involve a system distinct from the present disclosure. Prior art can be generally described as including a drive assembly, a rotating member and an extending member. The rotating member is threaded and rotated by the drive assembly. The extending member cannot rotate and is threaded in conjunction with the rotating member. As the rotating member is rotated the extending member is extended or retracted relative to the location of the drive assembly, which also extends the overall length of the linear actuator.
  • In U.S. Pat. App. 20110298323, Brieschke discloses a linear actuator that includes an input member that rotates, an output member attached to the input member by means of a nut and with a flanged portion that extends into a guide rail that runs the length of the outer casing of the linear actuator. The flanged portion prevents the output member from rotating while the input member is rotating. As the input member is rotated, the output member moves along the axis of the input member and extends or retracts the output member away from the drive mechanism and adjusts the overall length of the linear actuator. The present disclosure reveals a pusher block attached to the threaded spindle, where the pusher block is moved along the threaded spindle as the threaded spindle is rotated but the overall length of the present disclosure never changes.
  • In U.S. Pat. App. 20090308187, Schmid discloses a linear actuator that includes a drive mechanism, an inner tube that rotates and an outer tube that does not rotate. As the inner tube rotates the outer tube is extended or retracted, extending the overall length of the linear actuator. The present disclosure reveals a pusher block attached to the threaded spindle, where the pusher block is moved along the threaded spindle as the threaded spindle is rotated but the overall length of the present disclosure never changes.
    • SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
  • A linear actuator comprising a reversible drive assembly, rigid arm assembly and linkage assembly for use with adjustable furniture. The reversible drive assembly comprises a control means for operating the linear actuator and a drive means for supplying the forces necessary to manipulate the linear actuator. The drive assembly is attached to the rigid arm assembly by an attachment means and provides the force by which the adjustable furniture is adjusted.
  • The rigid arm assembly includes a rigid arm assembly, a threaded spindle, a spindle nut, a pusher block, and a linkage assembly. The threaded spindle is attached to the reversible drive assembly and the outer structure of the rigid arm in such a way as to allow the threaded spindle to rotate axially. The spindle nut is attached to the threaded spindle and the pusher block. The pusher block also straddles the outer structure and is secured in linear recesses that run the length of the outer structure. As the reversible drive assembly turns the threaded spindle, the spindle nut is moved along the threaded spindle and the spindle nut in turn moves the pusher block along the outer structure. The linkage assembly is attached to the pusher block by a plurality of attachment means located on either side of the pusher block or the top of the pusher block. As the reversible drive assembly rotates the threaded spindle, the spindle nut moves along the threaded spindle causing the pusher block to move along the outer structure. Movement of the pusher block adjusts the linkage assembly and causes the adjustment of the adjustable furniture.
  • In one preferred embodiment of the pusher block the plurality of attachment means includes the attachment means extending from the right side of the pusher block.
  • In a second preferred embodiment of the pusher block the plurality of attachment means includes the attachment means extending from the left side of the pusher block.
  • In a third preferred embodiment of the pusher block the plurality of attachment means includes the attachment means extending from the top of the pusher block.
  • In a fourth preferred embodiment of the pusher block the plurality of attachment means includes an attachment means extending from the right side of the pusher block and an attachment means extending from the top of the pusher block.
  • In a fifth preferred embodiment of the pusher block the plurality of attachment means includes an attachment means extending from the left side of the pusher block and an attachment means extending from the top of the pusher block.
    • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING
  • FIG. 1 is an objective view of the disclosed linear actuator;
  • FIG. 2 is an objective view of an alternative embodiment of the disclosed linear actuator;
  • FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the disclosed linear actuator;
  • FIG. 4 is a side view of the disclosed linear actuator;
    •  DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  • A linear actuator 1 comprising a reversible drive assembly 2, rigid arm assembly 3 and linkage assembly 4. The reversible drive assembly 2 comprises a controller means and a drive means 6.
  • The reversible drive motor assembly 2 is connected to the rigid arm assembly 3. The rigid arm assembly 3 an outer structure 7, a threaded spindle 8, a spindle nut 9, and a pusher block 10. The threaded spindle 8 is retained within the outer structure 7 and attached to the drive assembly 2 outer structure 7 in such a fashion as to facilitate the threaded spindle 8 being allowed to rotate. The spindle nut 9 is threaded onto the threaded spindle 8 and attached to the pusher block 10. The pusher block 10 is attached to the spindle nut 9 and the pusher block 10 straddles the outer structure 7. The pusher block 10 is attached to the linkage assembly 4 and the linkage assembly is attached to the adjustable portion of the adjustable portion of the adjustable furniture.
  • As the threaded spindle 8 is rotated by the reversible drive assembly 2 the spindle nut 9 moves along the threaded spindle 8, which moves the pusher block 10 along the outer structure 7. Movement of the pusher block 10 moves the linkage assembly 4, which causes adjustment of the adjustable furniture.

Claims (6)

What is claimed:
1. A linear actuator comprising a reversible drive assembly, rigid arm assembly and linkage assembly;
said drive assembly comprising a controller means and a drive means;
said rigid arm assembly comprising an outer structure, a threaded spindle, a spindle nut, and a pusher block, where the threaded spindle is retained within the outer structure and attached to the drive assembly and outer structure in such a fashion as to allow the threaded spindle 8 to rotate when force is applied from the drive assembly;
said spindle nut is threaded onto the threaded spindle and attached to the pusher block;
said pusher block is attached to the spindle nut and the pusher block straddles the outer structure;
said linkage assembly is attached to the pusher block by a plurality of attachment means;
as the threaded spindle is rotated by the drive assembly the spindle nut moves along the threaded spindle, which moves the pusher block along the outer structure; and
movement of the pusher block moves the linkage assembly, which causes adjustment of the adjustable furniture.
2. The pusher block of claim 1 where the attachment means extends from the right side of the pusher block.
3. The pusher block of claim 1 where the attachment means extends from the left side of the pusher block.
4. The pusher block of claim 1 where the attachment means extends from the top of the pusher block.
5. The pusher block of claim 1 where the attachment means extends from the right side of the pusher block and the top of said pusher block.
6. The pusher block of claim 1 where the attachment means extends from the left side of the pusher block and the top of said pusher block.
US14/445,399 2013-08-05 2014-07-29 Linear Actuator Abandoned US20150033885A1 (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US14/445,399 US20150033885A1 (en) 2013-08-05 2014-07-29 Linear Actuator
US16/107,412 US20200271205A9 (en) 2013-08-05 2018-08-21 Linear actuator

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US201361862409P 2013-08-05 2013-08-05
US14/445,399 US20150033885A1 (en) 2013-08-05 2014-07-29 Linear Actuator

Related Child Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US14/445,432 Continuation US9732832B2 (en) 2013-08-05 2014-07-29 Linear Actuator

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20150033885A1 true US20150033885A1 (en) 2015-02-05

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ID=50670602

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US14/445,399 Abandoned US20150033885A1 (en) 2013-08-05 2014-07-29 Linear Actuator
US14/445,432 Expired - Fee Related US9732832B2 (en) 2013-08-05 2014-07-29 Linear Actuator
US15/639,307 Active US10066717B2 (en) 2013-08-05 2017-06-30 Linear actuator
US16/107,412 Abandoned US20200271205A9 (en) 2013-08-05 2018-08-21 Linear actuator

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US14/445,432 Expired - Fee Related US9732832B2 (en) 2013-08-05 2014-07-29 Linear Actuator
US15/639,307 Active US10066717B2 (en) 2013-08-05 2017-06-30 Linear actuator
US16/107,412 Abandoned US20200271205A9 (en) 2013-08-05 2018-08-21 Linear actuator

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US (4) US20150033885A1 (en)
EP (1) EP2815681B1 (en)
JP (1) JP6091465B2 (en)
CN (1) CN103795180B (en)
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US20180092464A1 (en) * 2015-03-31 2018-04-05 Octo Group Ag Adjustable padding device
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DE102013106388B3 (en) 2014-10-09
US10066717B2 (en) 2018-09-04
US20180355960A1 (en) 2018-12-13
JP2015033321A (en) 2015-02-16
US9732832B2 (en) 2017-08-15
EP2815681B1 (en) 2020-11-11
US20150033538A1 (en) 2015-02-05
WO2015020972A3 (en) 2015-04-23
EP2815681A3 (en) 2016-03-09
EP2815681A2 (en) 2014-12-24
CN103795180B (en) 2016-06-22
US20200271205A9 (en) 2020-08-27
WO2015020972A2 (en) 2015-02-12
CN103795180A (en) 2014-05-14
JP6091465B2 (en) 2017-03-08

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