Self centering support

[57] ABSTRACT

A support for a seat or the like can be rotated in either direction from its normally centered position. A helical spring extends circuitously around an annular channel concentric with the axes upon which the seat rotates. According to the direction of rotation, a depending arm disposed between seats for the ends of the spring engages one or the other end of the spring to displace the engaged end of the spring from its seat. When the deflecting force is released, the engaged end of the spring returns to its seat and, in so doing, acts on the depending arm to restore the arm to its normal position between the seated ends of the spring.

Claims, 3 Drawing Figures

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PATENTED JAN30 1973

3.713,618

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3,713,618

SELF-CENTERING SUPPORT

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

A wide variety of devices have been used to re-center parts which have been displaced rotatively from a normal position. In general, such re-centering devices have tended to use torsion springs.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The instant device uses a conventional helical spring disposed in an annular channel between seats engaged by its opposite ends and through which a spring-engaging arm is movable. The arm is assumed to be connected with the support controlled by the spring and the seats are so designed as to provide clearance required by the arm while, at the same time, having radial spacing such as to firmly engage the respective ends of the spring.

The assembly is mounted at the upper end of a column so that the entire spring and the actuated arm can all be disposed in immediate proximity to the controlled support.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a view partially in side elevation and partially in vertical axial section through the column and a controlled support which is pivotally movable through a predetermined range of oscillation in either direction from a normal centered position.

FIG. 2 is a view taken in section on the line 2—2 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a view taken in section on the line 3—3 of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

By way of exemplification, the device is illustrated in a form appropriate for usage to support a seat such as may be used at a lunch counter. A fragment of such a seat is illustrated at 6. A base 8 carries an upright column 10 upon which a support for the seat 6 is rotatable through a limited range in either direction from its normally centered position. The column 10 is designed for this particular service to include an external tube 12 and an internal tube 14 connected by horizontal annular spacer members 16 and 18 welded between these tubes. Tube 14 is relieved to form shoulders 20 and 22 which act as stops to define the limit of rotation of the oscillatable and normally centered support generically designated by reference character 30. The support comprises a shaft 32 secured to a bracket 34 and having a key way 36 in which a lug 38 of disk 40 is engaged to constrain the disk and the shaft to rotate in unison. The range of rotation is defined by a stud 42 screwed into the shaft to project radially therefrom in a position to engage the stops 20 and 22 provided by the inner tube 14 of the column.

The support 30 is not mounted directly on the column but upon an intervening annular spring housing 44 which provides an annular channel 46 between its inner wall 48 and its external wall 50. The two walls have oppositely projecting bosses 52 and 54, respectively, which provide spring seats 56 and 58 engaged by the terminal coils of the helical spring 60. The spring is disposed within the channel 46 and its length is such that it is under compression circumferentially of the channel between said bosses. The ends of the spring are exposed between the bosses for engagement to the arm 62, which normally is disposed between the spring ends and intermediate the bosses which provide the spring seat.

There is clearance between the spring seat bosses. 52 and 54 between which moves circumferentially of channel 46 the said arm 62. This is preferably an integral part of plate 40 and hence moves with such plate and the support 30 which rests thereon.

When the support and seat post 32 move clockwise from the centered position shown in FIG. 2, the arm 62 engages one end of the spring which is normally in abutment with spring seat 58. In consequence, the spring is compressed circumferentially toward spring seat 56. When the deflecting pressure is relieved, the spring expands to re-engage spring seat 58, thereby restoring the arm 62 and support 32 to their original position.

Assuming this deflection is exerted in a circumferential direction which is counterclockwise, the arm 62 will move the spring away from the seat 56 and increase its compression toward spring seat 58. When rotating pressure is relived, the spring will expand to reengage seat 56 and will restore the arm 62 and support 30 clockwise to the original centered position.

In the preferred arrangement, the spring housing 44 has a central sleeve or bushing 66 within which the shaft or seat post 32 is rotatable. This sleeve or bushing extends upwardly at 48 to define the inner wall of spring housing 44 and it also serves to cover key way 36 and to prevent the coils of the compression spring 60 from becoming caught therein.

The extremely sturdy construction shown may be unnecessary in some installations. In practically all instances, however, it is desirable that the entire centering spring and arm be confined to a relatively shallow housing immediately below the controlled support 30.