MECHANICAL TRANSMISSIONS, AND ASSOCIATED DEVICES AND METHODS

FIELD

This application and the subject matter disclosed herein (collectively referred to as the “disclosure”), generally concern mechanical transmissions, and related devices and methods. More particularly, but not exclusively, this disclosure pertains to transmission housings for expandable and collapsible chassis, with an expandable and collapsible chassis for furniture being but one particular embodiment of disclosed principles.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

U.S. Pat. No. 10,010,179 disclosed collapsible furniture, including collapsible tables, chairs, and stools. Some embodiments of such collapsible furniture include legs that may pivot from a central hub. In some embodiments, the legs may include geared teeth that may be used to help control the deployment of the legs.

SUMMARY

A mechanical transmission transfers movement and force from one place to another. Commonly, but not exclusively, transmissions mechanically couple two or more components with each other so that as one of the components moves, e.g., to translate or to rotate, it urges another, complementary component to move in correspondence with it. For example, in a rack-and-pinion arrangement, a pinion gear can rotate and urge a gear rack (a linear gear) to translate, or vice-versa. Alternatively, a rotatable gear can engage with and transmit rotation and torque to another rotatable gear, or vice-versa. Depending on the type of gears involved, the axes about which (or along which) two engaged gears move can intersect with each other, or they can be parallel or skew relative to each other. For example, a pair of spur gears engaged with each other can rotate about respective axes that are parallel with each other, while bevel gears engaged with each other can rotate about intersecting axes.

Disclosed principles, and particularly but not exclusively, those pertaining to mechanical transmissions and associated transmission housings, can reduce the complexity of mechanical transmissions compared to the prior art. Further, disclosed transmission housings can improve the ease with which a mechanical transmission be assembled. As well, by reducing or eliminating components from prior art mechanical transmissions, disclosed transmission housings can have a more physically robust configuration. And, further, with the increase in physical robustness of disclosed transmission housings, the housings can be manufactured from a weaker (and often less expensive) material than prior transmission housings.

According to one aspect, a transmission housing defines an open interior region and comprises a plurality of spaced apart legs positioned outward of the open interior region with each leg in the plurality of legs being spaced apart from another leg in the plurality of legs to define a gap therebetween. Each leg in the plurality of legs defines a pair of intersecting bores, each bore in each respective pair of bores defining a corresponding longitudinal axis such that each leg defines a pair of intersecting longitudinal axes. The pair of intersecting longitudinal axes corresponding to one of the legs in the plurality of legs are substantially coplanar with the pair of intersecting longitudinal axes corresponding to another one of the legs in the plurality of legs.

A first one of the bores in each pair of intersecting bores can extend through the respective leg from a first open end to an opposed, second open end. The second one of the bores in each pair of intersecting bores can extend from a corresponding open end into the respective leg and intersects the first one of the bores. In some embodiments, the second one of the bores extends from the corresponding open end to a terminal end positioned within the respective leg. The terminal end of the second one of the bores can open to the first one of the bores.

The plurality of legs can define a corresponding plurality of clevis-like yokes. Each clevis-like yoke can be configured to pivotably retain a linkage between a corresponding pair of the plurality of legs.

In some embodiments, the transmission housing is a unitary construct. For example, the unitary construct can be made from die cast aluminum, nylon, 3-D printed titanium, cast titanium, carbon fiber or a combination thereof.

According to another aspect, a mechanical transmission has a housing defining a plurality of clevis-like yokes and an internally facing wall corresponding to each clevis-like yoke. An elongate axle extends longitudinally from a first end to a second end and across each clevis-like yoke. Each respective axle defines a longitudinally extending axis-of-rotation. At least one of the first end and the second end of each axle is positioned in opposed relation to the internally facing wall, inhibiting longitudinal movement of the axle in at least one longitudinal direction. The mechanical transmission also includes a plurality of linkage arms. Each linkage arm corresponds to one of the plurality of clevis-like yokes and extends from a proximal geared end to a distal end. Each respective axle extends through the proximal geared end of the corresponding linkage arm, pivotably coupling the proximal geared end within the respective clevis-like yoke. The proximal geared end of each linkage arm matingly engages the proximal geared end of at least one other of the plurality of linkage arms.

In some embodiments, the housing has a unitary body defining the plurality of clevis-like yokes. Each clevis-like yoke can have a pair of legs with a gap therebetween, and each leg in the pair of legs can define a bore. Each respective axle can extend across the gap from the bore in one of the pair of legs to the bore in the other of the pair of legs.

The bore in each leg can be a first bore and each leg can define a second bore, where each respective second bore intersects the corresponding first bore. Each axle can define a proximal region and a distal region. The first end of each axle can be a proximal end of the axle and the second end of each axle can be a distal end of the axle. The proximal region of each respective axle can be positioned in the first bore of one leg in the plurality of legs and the distal region of the respective axle can be positioned in the second bore of another leg in the plurality of legs.

The distal end of each axle can be positioned adjacent the proximal end of another axle. The distal region of each axle can extend from the corresponding second bore into the intersected first bore, thereby impeding another axle from moving proximally along the other axle's longitudinal axis. The internally facing wall of each clevis-like yoke can be positioned distally of the distal end of the axle corresponding to the respective clevis-like yoke, thereby impeding the axle from moving distally along the axle's longitudinal axis.

In some embodiments, rotation of one of the proximal geared ends urges the matingly engaged proximal geared end of each at least one other of the plurality of linkage arms to rotate.

In some embodiments of disclosed mechanical transmissions, the housing defining a plurality of clevis-like yokes is a first such housing, and the mechanical transmission can have a second such housing. At least one of the plurality of linkage arms can be coupled with the second such housing.

For example, the plurality of linkage arms can be a first plurality of linkage arms. In such an embodiment, the mechanical transmission can have a second plurality of linkage arms. The second plurality of linkage arms can extend from a proximal geared end to a distal end. Each proximal geared end in the second plurality of linkage arms can matingly engage the proximal geared end of at least one other of the second plurality of linkage arms, such that rotation of one of the proximal geared ends in the second plurality of linkage arms urges the matingly engaged proximal geared end of each at least one other of the second plurality of linkage arms to rotate.

In some embodiments, each at least one of the first plurality of linkage arms coupled with the second such housing is pivotably coupled with a corresponding at least one of the second plurality of linkage arms, thereby coupling the respective at least one of the first plurality of linkage arms with the second such housing.

The first plurality of linkage arms, the second plurality of linkage arms, or both, can be configured to expand from a stowed arrangement toward a use arrangement as the proximal geared ends rotate in a first direction and to contract from the use arrangement toward the stowed arrangement as the proximal geared ends rotate in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

Other principles also are disclosed. For example, some pertain to mechanical transmissions that urge one or more linkage arms to move, e.g., to pivot or otherwise rotate, through a defined range of motion, e.g., through a range of angular displacement. Such movement can reorient a plurality of linkage arms within a chassis from a stowed arrangement to a deployed, or use, arrangement. Moreover, by incorporating selected gear ratios between or among coupled linkage arms, a disclosed transmission can urge one or more in a plurality of linkage arms through a different range of motion than it urges one or more other linkage arms in the plurality of linkage arms. Such improvements in mechanical transmissions can yield heretofore unknown configurations of expandable and collapsible structures, as well as expandable and collapsible furniture such as, for example, tables, chairs, and stools of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 10,010,179.

The foregoing and other features and advantages will become more apparent from the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring to the drawings, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views and this specification, aspects of presently disclosed principles are illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation.

FIG. 1 illustrates an expandable and collapsible chassis.

FIG. 2 illustrates an enlarged region of the chassis shown in FIG. 1, revealing detail of a transmission housing and meshed gears within the housing.

FIG. 3A illustrates a plan view from above a transmission housing.

FIGS. 3B, 3C, 3D and 3E illustrate respective side elevation views of the transmission housing shown in FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3F illustrates a plan view from below the transmission housing shown in FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4 illustrates an isometric view from above the transmission housing shown in FIG. 3A.

FIG. 5 illustrates an isometric view from below the transmission housing shown in FIG. 3A.

FIG. 6 illustrates an isometric, cross-sectional view of the transmission housing shown in FIG. 3A.

FIG. 7A illustrates another isometric, cross-sectional view of the transmission housing shown in FIG. 3A.

FIG. 7B illustrates another isometric, cross-sectional view of the transmission housing shown in FIG. 3A. In FIG. 7B, axles are shown partially inserted into bores defined by the housing.

FIG. 7C illustrates a similar isometric, cross-sectional view of the transmission housing shown in 7B, except that the axles in FIG. 7C are shown fully inserted into bores defined by the housing in the direction of the arrows shown in FIG. 7B, capturing each other within the housing.

FIG. 7D illustrates a similar isometric, cross-sectional view of yet another embodiment of a transmission housing.

FIG. 7E illustrates an isometric view of a cross-section of yet another embodiment of a transmission housing and axles.

FIG. 7F illustrates one of the axles and a corresponding set screw as in FIG. 7E.

FIG. 8A illustrates a plan view from above another embodiment of a transmission housing.

FIGS. 8B, 8C, 8D and 8E illustrate respective side elevation views of the transmission housing shown in FIG. 8A.

FIG. 8F illustrates a plan view from below the transmission housing shown in FIG. 8A.

FIG. 9 illustrates an isometric view from above the transmission housing shown in FIG. 8A.

FIG. 10 illustrates an isometric view from below the transmission housing shown in FIG. 8A.

FIG. 11 illustrates isometric, cross-sectional view of the transmission housing shown in FIG. 8A.

FIG. 12 illustrates another isometric, cross-sectional view of the transmission housing shown in FIG. 8A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following describes aspects of expandable and collapsible chassis, as well as mechanical transmissions and transmission housings. For example, described principles pertain to mechanical transmission housing configurations that eliminate the need for conventional fasteners or improve the housing's physical robustness, or both, as well as mechanical transmissions that incorporate such housings. Certain aspects of disclosed principles pertain to mechanical transmissions coupled with one or more linkages such as, for example, the pivotable arms and legs disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 10,010,179.

I. Overview

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, an embodiment of an expandable and collapsible chassis 100 is described. The chassis 100 includes a framework of mechanical linkages 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d extending from a mechanical transmission 110. The illustrated mechanical linkages 102a-d are similar to the pivotable arms and legs disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 10,010,179. The mechanical transmission 110 incorporates a transmission housing as described more fully below. Nevertheless, other embodiments of expandable and collapsible chassis will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art following a review of this disclosure.

The mechanical transmission 110 has a housing 105 defining a plurality of clevis-like yokes 106. A corresponding mechanical linkage 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d extends distally from each of the clevis-like yokes 106. Each linkage 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d extends from a proximal end 104 to a distal end 107. Each respective proximal end 104 of the linkages 102a-d is pivotably retained within a corresponding one of the clevis-like yokes 106. Moreover, each proximal end 104 among the plurality of linkages 102a-d defines a plurality of gear cogs 108 that mesh with the gear cogs, in this embodiment, of two adjacent geared proximal ends 104. The mating between adjacent geared proximal ends 104 provides engagement between adjacent linkages, e.g., linkage 102a is matingly engaged with linkage 102b and linkage 102c, such that pivoting of one linkage, e.g., linkage 102a, urges the other two linkages, e.g., linkages 102b, 102c, to pivot in a corresponding fashion.

Other aspects of disclosed principles pertain to improvements to mechanical transmission housings that yield reduced complexity and improved ease of assembly. Such improvements include, for example, reconfiguring the body of the housing, and more particularly but not exclusively, reconfiguring the pivotable coupling between the housing 105 and the linkages 102a-d extending therefrom.

That said, descriptions herein of specific apparatus configurations and combinations of method acts are but particular examples of contemplated systems chosen as being convenient illustrative examples of disclosed principles. One or more of the disclosed principles can be incorporated in various other systems to achieve any of a variety of corresponding system characteristics. Thus, systems, components and devices, and methods, having attributes that are different from those specific examples discussed herein can embody one or more presently disclosed principles, and can be used in applications not described herein in detail. Accordingly, such alternative embodiments also fall within the scope of this disclosure.

II. Transmission Housings

Referring now to FIGS. 3A to 3E, a first embodiment 200 of a transmission housing is described. The transmission housing 200 defines an open interior region 202 and has a plurality of spaced apart legs positioned outward of the open interior region. The illustrated embodiment 200 has four legs 204a, 204b, 204c, 204d, though other transmission housing embodiments may have more or fewer legs.

A top wall 212 defines an upper extent of the open interior region 202. A bottom wall 214 defines a lower extent of the open interior region and is positioned opposite the top wall relative to the open interior region. Each illustrated leg 204a, 204b, 204c, 204d extends from the top wall 212 to the bottom wall 214. Further, each leg 204a, 204b, 204c, 204d is spaced apart from at least one other leg in the plurality of legs to define a gap between the spaced-apart legs. For example, the leg 204a is spaced apart from the leg 204b, defining a gap 205a, and the leg 204a is spaced apart from the leg 204c, defining a gap 205d. Similarly, the leg 204b is spaced apart from the leg 204d, defining a gap 205b, and the leg 204d is spaced apart from the leg 204c, defining a gap 205c.

Further, each leg 204a, 204b, 204c, 204d defines a pair of intersecting bores 206a, 206b. FIG. 4, for example, shows the pair of intersecting bores 206a, 206b in the leg 204c, though, as noted above, each leg 204a, 204b, 204c, 204d defines intersecting bores 206a, 206b. Each bore 206a, 206b in each respective pair of bores defines a corresponding longitudinal axis 207a, 207b, respectively, such that each leg 204a, 204b, 204c, 204d defines a pair of intersecting longitudinal axes. In FIG. 3C, for example, the longitudinal axis 207b in the leg 204c extends into and out of the page, and thus is shown as a small circle, or dot. Similarly, in FIG. 3C, the longitudinal axis 207a in leg 204a extends into and out of the page, and thus is shown as a small circle, or dot. Further, as shown, the pair of intersecting longitudinal axes 207a, 207b corresponding to the leg 204a are substantially coplanar with the pair of intersecting longitudinal axes 207a, 207b corresponding to the leg 204c. Similarly, in the illustrated embodiment, the pair of longitudinal axes 207a, 207b of each leg also are substantially coplanar with the pair of longitudinal axes of each of the other legs. However, in some embodiments, one or both longitudinal axes 207a, 207b lie out-of-plane in relation to another pair of longitudinal axes defined by a leg. Such alternative embodiments, for example, may be useful for chassis having a framework of linkages that expand or collapse asymmetrically.

As a comparison of FIGS. 4 and 5 show, the bore 206a in the leg 204d extends through the leg 204d from a first open end 208a (FIG. 4) to an opposed, second open end 208b (FIG. 5). The cross-sectional view in FIG. 7A reveals each intersecting pair of bores 206a, 206b among the legs 204a, 204b, 204c, 204d. As FIG. 7A shows, the second bore 206b in each pair of intersecting bores extends from an open end 209a into the respective leg and intersects the first bore 206a. More particularly, the second bore 206b extends from the open end 209a to a terminal end 209b positioned within the respective leg. As shown in FIG. 7A, the terminal end 209b of the closed second bore 206b may be a wall of the bore 206a, as when the terminal end of the second one of the bores opens to the first one of the bores. Alternatively, the bore 206b may extend transversely across the bore 206a further into the leg. In such an embodiment, the terminal end 209b of the second bore 206b is positioned distally of the first bore 206a (relative to the open end 209a of the second bore 206b). Nevertheless, the second bore 206b terminates within the leg without extending all the way through the leg.

Referring again to FIG. 3C and FIG. 7A, the bore 206a, and thus its corresponding longitudinal axis 207a, in one leg, e.g., leg 204c, substantially aligns with the bore 206b, and thus its longitudinal axis 207b, in an adjacent leg, e.g., leg 204a. Indeed, the longitudinal axis 207a defined by the leg 204c is substantially coextensive with the longitudinal axis 207b defined by the leg 204a.

As explained more fully below, such a complementary arrangement of bores permits axles to be inserted into one leg, to span the gap between adjacent legs and to be inserted into a complementary bore in an adjacent leg. Further, as will be explained, such an arrangement of complementary bores allows each such axle to be inserted “behind” an adjacent axle in an overlapping relationship (e.g., shown in FIG. 7C) to retain the adjacent axle and inhibit or prevent it from backing out of the bores 206a, 206b, thus eliminating the need for additional pins or fasteners to retain the axle within the housing 200. In some embodiments, a remaining open region of each bore 206a left unoccupied by an axle can be filled with a plug of material, providing a smooth, continuous outer surface of the housing that is uninterrupted by the bore. In other embodiments, a single plug can be used to capture all of the axles within the transmission housing.

For example, prior-art axles have been retained within the clevis-like yoke by a transverse pin inserted through the axle at a position outboard of the clevis gap. Alternatively, some prior-art axles have been retained by a radial shoulder positioned at each end of the axle. Such a shoulder has been defined by the head of a screw inserted longitudinally within the axle, where the head has a larger diameter than the axle. Alternatively, such a shoulder can be defined by peening the end of the axle, causing the end region to longitudinally collapse locally, and spread radially outward. Disclosed housings 200 eliminate the need for a shoulder defined by such pins, screws or peening because the arrangement of axles described above captures them within the housing.

Moreover, the arrangement of legs 204a, 204b, 204c, 204d, gaps 205a, 205b, 205c, 205d, and bores 206a, 206b in each leg defines a plurality of clevis-like yokes 210. The illustrated embodiment has four such clevis-like yokes 210, each being configured to pivotably retain a linkage between each corresponding pair legs when an axle spans the gap within each clevis-like yoke, as described above. Nevertheless, a transmission housing disclosed herein can have more or fewer clevis-like yokes than shown.

As shown among FIGS. 3A to 7C, the transmission housing 200 can have a unitary construction, e.g., the transmission housing can be formed from a continuous, monolithic material. For example, in some embodiments, a housing can constitute a unitary construct made from die cast aluminum, nylon, 3-D printed titanium, cast titanium, carbon fiber or a combination thereof. Nevertheless, disclosed principles do not require transmission housings described herein to have a unitary construction.

Another embodiment 300 of a transmission housing is shown among FIG. 8A to FIG. 12. The transmission housing 300 is similar to the transmission housing 200. For example, the transmission housing 300 defines an open interior region 302 (see, e.g., FIG. 8B) and has a plurality of spaced apart legs 304a, 304b, 304c, 304d positioned outward of the open interior region. As with the embodiment 200, the embodiment 300 has four legs 304a, 304b, 304c, 304d, though other transmission housing embodiments may have more or fewer legs.

As with the transmission housing 200, the top wall 312 of the housing 300 defines an upper extent of the open interior region 302. A bottom wall 314 defines a lower extent of the open interior region and is positioned opposite the top wall relative to the open interior region. Each illustrated leg 304a, 304b, 304c, 304d extends from the top wall 312 to the bottom wall 214. Further, each leg 304a, 304b, 304c, 304d is spaced apart from at least one other leg in the plurality of legs to define a gap between the spaced-apart legs. For example, the leg 304a is spaced apart from the leg 304b, defining a gap 305a, and the leg 304a is spaced apart from the leg 304c, defining a gap 305d. Similarly, the leg 304b is spaced apart from the leg 304d, defining a gap 305b, and the leg 304d is spaced apart from the leg 304c, defining a gap 305c.

Further, each leg 304a, 304b, 304c, 304d defines a pair of bores 306a, 306b (FIG. 12). Each bore 306a, 306b in each respective pair of bores defines a corresponding longitudinal axis 307a, 307b, respectively, such that each leg 304a, 304b, 304c, 304d defines a pair of longitudinal axes. Further, as shown for example in FIG. 12, the pair of intersecting longitudinal axes 307a, 307b corresponding to the leg 304c are substantially coplanar with the pair of intersecting longitudinal axes of each of the other legs. However, in some embodiments, one or both longitudinal axes 307a, 307b lie out-of-plane in relation to another pair of longitudinal axes defined by a leg. Such alternative embodiments, for example, may be useful for chassis having a framework of linkages that expand or collapse asymmetrically.

Similar to the transmission housing 200, the arrangement of legs 304a, 304b, 304c, 304d, gaps 305a, 305b, 305c, 305d, and bores 306a, 306b in each leg defines a plurality of clevis-like yokes 310. The illustrated embodiment has four such clevis-like yokes 310, each being configured to pivotably retain a linkage between each corresponding pair legs when an axle spans the gap within each clevis-like yoke, as described above. Nevertheless, a transmission housing having legs configured like legs 304a, 304b, 304c, 304d can have more or fewer clevis-like yokes than shown.

As explained more fully below and shown, for example in the cross-sectional view in FIG. 12, such a complementary arrangement of bores 307a, 307b among the legs 304a, 304b, 304c, 304d permits axles 320a, 320b, 320c, 320d to be inserted into one leg, to span the gap between adjacent legs and to be inserted into a complementary bore in an adjacent leg.

Unlike the unitary legs 204a, 204b, 204c, 204d shown among FIGS. 3A to 7C, each illustrated leg 304a, 304b, 304c, 304d has somewhat less material and is strengthened by gusseted walls. For example, a gusseted wall 311a, 311b, 311c, defining the bore 306a, extends from the bottom wall 314 to the top wall 312 of the housing 300. Similarly, a gusseted wall 313a, 313b, 313c, defining the bore 306b, extends from the bottom wall 314 to the top wall 312 of the housing 300. More particularly, the central segments 311b, 313b, respectively, define the bores 306a, 306b. Further, horizontal walls 315a, 315b define, respectively, lower and upper gussets that vertically flank the bores 306a, 306b and extend transversely relative to the walls 311a, 311b, 311c and 313a, 313b, 313c. As the cross-sectional view in FIG. 12 shows, a plug, or cap 314c is positioned within the recess bounded by the vertical wall segments 311b, 313b and the horizontal gussets 315a, 315b. The plug, or cap 314c overlies the bores 306a, 306b, inhibiting longitudinal movement of the axles. In the illustrated embodiment, the horizontal gussets 315a, 315b, define respective recesses, bores, or detents 317a, 317b, in which a corresponding boss or other raised feature (not shown) defined by the plug, or cap 314c, rests when the plug, or cap 314c, is positioned within the leg's recess. The mating of the boss with the recesses, bores, or detents inhibits movement of the plug, or cap, out of the recess, thereby retaining the axles 320a, 320b, 320c, 320d and inhibiting them from backing out of the bores 306a, 306b defined by adjacent legs. A similar plug, or cap 314a, 314b, 314d, is positioned within each analogous recess defined among the other legs 304a, 304b, 304d. Thus, disclosed housings 300 also eliminate the need for a prior-art shoulder defined by a pin, screw or peening because the arrangement of axles relative to the plug, or cap, described above captures the axles within the housing.

The transmission housing 300 can have a unitary construction, e.g., the transmission housing can be formed from a continuous, monolithic material. For example, in some embodiments, a housing can constitute a unitary construct made from die cast aluminum, nylon, 3-D printed titanium, cast titanium, carbon fiber or a combination thereof. Nevertheless, disclosed principles do not require transmission housings described herein to have a unitary construction.

III. Mechanical Transmissions

A mechanical transmission can incorporate a transmission housing arranged as described above. For example, referring again to FIG. 2, the transmission 110 can include a housing 105 (analogous to housings 200, 300 described above) defining a plurality of clevis-like yokes from which a linkage arm 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d pivotably extends. For example, referring to FIGS. 3F and 9, each clevis-like yoke 210, 310 defined by the housings 200, 300, respectively, defines a pair of inwardly facing walls 211, 213 and 311, 313 positioned opposite each.

Further, as depicted in, for example, FIGS. 7B and 7C, each elongate axle 220a, 220b, 220c, 220d can extend longitudinally from a respective first end 221 to a second end 222 and across the gap between the inwardly facing walls of each clevis-like yoke 210. For example, each axle can be inserted through the bore 206a of one leg and into the intersecting bore 206b of another leg, spanning the gap defined by the clevis-like yoke 210. Adjacent each respective first end 221, each axle 220a, 220b, 220c, 220d defines a proximal region. Adjacent each respective second end, each axle 220a, 220b, 220c, 220d defines a distal region. As shown in FIGS. 7B and 7C, when the axles are fully inserted into the housing bores 206a, 206b, the proximal region of each respective axle is positioned in the first bore 206a of one leg in the plurality of legs and the distal region of the respective axle is positioned in the second bore 206b of another leg in the plurality of legs.

Further, with such an arrangement, the distal end of each axle can be positioned adjacent the proximal end of another axle. Referring now to FIG. 7B, the axles 220a, 220b, 220c, and 220d can be inserted into the respective bores 206a, across the respective clevis-like yokes, and into the respective bores 206b. With an embodiment as in FIG. 7B, a retention plug (not shown) can be inserted within each bore 206a, proximally of the proximal end of each axle, to retain the axles within the housing 200. In such an embodiment, the distal end 222 of each axle 220a, 220b, 220c, 220d is positioned adjacent to the proximal region of another axle, as shown in FIG. 7B. When assembling the axles 220a, 220b, 220c, 220d with the housing 200 to form an embodiment as shown in FIG. 7B, each axle can be inserted sequentially around the housing. For example, a first axle from among the axles 220a, 200b, 220c, 220d can be inserted. Next, each subsequent axle (in a clockwise or a counter-clockwise direction with respect to FIG. 7B) can be inserted. For example, starting by inserting axle 220c, the axles 220d, 220a and 220b can be inserted in that order to arrive at an assembly as shown in FIG. 7B. Similarly, starting by inserting axle 220c, the axles 220b, 220a and 220d can be inserted in that order to arrive at an assembly as shown in FIG. 7B. In still another example, the axles 220a, 220b, 220c and 220d can be inserted in any desired order to arrive at the embodiment in FIG. 7B.

In another embodiment, as in FIG. 7C, the distal region of each axle 220a, 220b, 220c, 220d can extend from the second bore 206b into the intersected first bore 206a, thereby impeding the other axle from moving proximally along that other axle's longitudinal axis, e.g., from backing out of the bores 206a, 206b into which the other axle is inserted. In such an embodiment, by contrast to the embodiment in FIG. 7B, the proximal end 221 of each axle is positioned adjacent to the distal end of another axle, capturing each axle within the housing as shown in FIG. 7C.

One of the axles can be selected to be shorter than the remaining axles to facilitate assembly of the embodiment shown in FIG. 7C. For example, one of the axles can be made to be shorter than the other axles so that an adjacent axle does not overlap with the shorter axle when first assembling the axles (which would proceed as described in connection with FIG. 7B). Having one axle shorter than the others allows the adjacent axle to slide fully into the bore 206b during assembly, capturing the shorter axle within the housing.

By way of reference to FIG. 7B, the axle 220d, for example, could be made shorter than the other axles, which could allow the distal end of axle 220c, in this example, to slide deeper into the bore 206b past the proximal end of the shorter axle 220d. The arrow at the distal end of axle 220c in FIG. 7B reflects this intermediate assembly act. Moving the adjacent axle (e.g., axle 220c) from the position shown in FIG. 7B into a position as shown in FIG. 7C permits the axle 220b to subsequently slide fully into its bore, capturing the axle 220c within the housing. The arrow adjacent the axle 220b reflects this further intermediate assembly act. Moving the adjacent axle (e.g., axle 220b) from the position shown in FIG. 7B into a position as shown in FIG. 7C permits the axle 220a to subsequently slide fully into its bore, capturing the axle 220b within the housing. The arrow adjacent the axle 220a reflects this further intermediate assembly act. Moving the axle 220a into the position shown in FIG. 7C from the position shown in FIG. 7B allows the axle 220d to slide fully into the position shown in FIG. 7C, capturing the axle 220a in the housing. Because the axle 220d is somewhat shorter than the remaining axles, the axle 220d may reciprocate back-and-forth within the housing. Nevertheless, such movement can be inhibited by an internal spring or other biasing element that urges, or biases, the axle 220d in one longitudinal direction or the other.

In still another embodiment, as in FIG. 7D, which is similar in respects to the embodiment in FIG. 7C, the axles 220a, 220b, 220c and 220d can all have the same length. Unlike the embodiment shown in FIG. 7C, the leg 204d in FIG. 7D has two intersecting bores 206b, e.g., the portion of the bore 206a labeled 206a′ in leg 204d can be omitted, effectively converting the bore 206a in the leg 204d to a bore 206b. Similarly, the bore 206b in leg 204c can be expanded to include the segment 207, effectively converting the bore 206b in leg 204c to a bore 206a, such that the leg 204c has a pair of intersecting through-bores 206a. When assembling the embodiment shown in FIG. 7D with axles all the same length, the axles can be inserted sequentially running clockwise or counter-clockwise, with the axle 220c, in this example, being inserted last to capture axle 220d, which captures axle 220a, which captures axle 220b. In this embodiment, the bore segment 207 can be plugged to prevent the axle 220c from backing out of the position shown in FIG. 7D, while the remaining axles cannot back out of their positions because each axle is captured by an adjacent axle at one end and a housing wall at an opposite end.

In still another embodiment, as in FIG. 7E, which is similar in respects to the embodiment in FIGS. 7B and 7C, two axles 420a, 420b can have a same configuration as each other. A third axle 420c can have a relatively shorter length than the axles 420a, 420b and an axle 420d can have a relatively longer length than the axles 420a, 420b. During assembly, the axles 420a, 420b, 420c and 420d can be partially inserted into the bores defined by each of the legs 204a, 204b, 204c, 204d generally as described above in connection with the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7B and 7C. However, before seating the axles within their respective bores, the relatively shorter axle 420c can be inserted deeply enough that its proximal end 421c is positioned inward of the distal end 422b of the axle 420b, allowing the axle 420b to be fully seated in the position shown in FIG. 7E, which in turn allows the axle 320a to fully seat into the position shown in FIG. 7E. Once the axle 420a is seated as shown, the axle 420d can be seated as shown in FIG. 7E. In addition, as shown in FIG. 7F, the axle 420d can define a threaded bore 426 configured to receive a complementarily threaded set screw 423. The threaded stud 425 of the set crew 423 can define an external thread configured to matingly engage with a complementary thread defined by an inner surface of the bore 326.

When the axle 420d is seated in the housing as shown in FIG. 7E, the axle can be rotated about its longitudinal axis until the threaded bore 426 defined by the axle 420d is aligned with the through-bore defined by the leg 204a. For example, a proximal end 421d of the axle 420d can define a slot or other engageable feature suitable for engaging with a tool that can apply a longitudinal torque to the axle 420d sufficient to cause the axle 420d to rotate within the housing when the axle 420d is seated therein.

As shown in FIG. 7F, the set screw 423 can define a cap from which the threaded stud 425 extends. When the set screw 423 is seated in the threaded bore 326 as shown in FIG. 7E, the cap of the set screw 423 can sit partially (or entirely) outside the outer radius of the axle 420d and the corresponding outer radius of the bores defined by the legs 204a and 204c, thus capturing the axle 420d and preventing it from backing out of the housing longitudinally. In some embodiments, the threaded bore 426 defined by the axle 420d is a through-hole bore. Further, in some embodiments, the proximal end 421a of the axle 420a defines a longitudinally extending, threaded bore, or recess, that can threadably receive a portion of the threaded stud 425, thereby securing the distal end 422d of the axle 420d with the proximal end 422a of the axle 420a.

Although a screw having a threaded stud has been described, such a stud need not be threaded, nor does the fastener need to have an enlarged head like the illustrated screw, because there is little stress applied along the screw's longitudinal axis and the interlocking nature of the axles can retain them in the housing. In some embodiments, for example, the screw can be omitted altogether. In other embodiments, a pin can be press-fit into the aligned bores of the axles 420d and 420a. In such an embodiment, the bores themselves need not be threaded. For example, the bores can have a diameter suitable to receive such a pin in a press-fit arrangement. In some embodiments, the pin can have a longitudinal taper between a relatively larger proximal end and a relatively smaller distal end of the pin. The bores through the axles can have a corresponding taper to facilitate a press-fit.

Each clevis-like yoke also has an internally facing wall that inhibits longitudinal movement of the axle within the yoke. For example, at least one of the first end 221 and the second end 222 of each axle is positioned in opposed relation to the internally facing wall. By way of example, the terminal end of each internal bore 206b in the housing 200 defines such an internally facing wall. In connection with the housing 200, the internally facing wall of each clevis-like yoke is positioned distally of the distal end of the axle inserted into the second bore 206b. That is to say, the floor of the bore 206b constitutes such an internally facing wall, which impeding the axle from moving distally along the axle's longitudinal axis. Because the proximal end of each axle is impeded from moving proximally along its longitudinal axis by the distal region of the adjacent axle, each axle shown in FIG. 7C is captured within the housing. By contrast, the inserts 314a, 314b, 314c, 314d of the housing 300 (e.g., shown in FIG. 12) define such an internally facing wall that inhibits longitudinal movement of the axles 320a, 320b, 320c, 320d. As noted elsewhere herein, such a housing 200, 300 eliminates the need for creating a shoulder on each axle or inserting a transverse pin across each axle, improving ease of assembly, and decreasing the number of components necessary to assemble a mechanical transmission.

Each respective axle also defines a longitudinally extending axis-of-rotation about which a corresponding mechanical linkage 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d can pivot. Referring again to FIG. 2, a disclosed mechanical transmission 110 can include a plurality of linkage arms 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, each corresponding to one of the plurality of clevis-like yokes defined by the transmission housing 200, 300. Each linkage arm extends from a proximal geared end 104 to a distal end 107. An axle as described above extends through each proximal geared end 104, pivotably coupling the proximal geared end within the respective clevis-like yoke.

Further, the proximal geared end 104 of each linkage arm 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d matingly engages with the proximal geared end 104 of at least one other of the plurality of linkage arms. With such meshing between the proximal geared ends, rotation of one of the proximal geared ends urges the other proximal geared end(s) to rotate.

In some embodiments, the proximal geared ends that mesh together have a 1:1 gear ratio. As used herein, the term “gear ratio” means, with respect to meshed together proximal geared ends, the ratio between the angular displacement of one proximal geared end to the angular displacement that another proximal geared end undergoes. For example, when meshed together proximal geared ends have a substantially identical configuration, e.g., same gear diameter, pitch, etc., the gear ratio will typically be 1:1, meaning that a 90-degree rotation of one proximal geared end results in a corresponding 90-degree rotation of other meshed proximal geared ends. Nevertheless, this disclosure is not limited to proximal geared ends that mesh together with a 1:1 gear ratio. Rather, any suitable gear ratio can be selected according to a desired application of disclosed mechanical transmissions. By way of specific examples, and not intending to limit this disclosure, gear ratios can range between 1:1 and 1:100, such as, for example, between about 1:1 and about 1:20, with between about 1:1 and about 1:10 being a particular range. Further, disclosed gear ratios can range between about 1:1 and about 1:5, such as, for example, between about 1:1.5 and about 1:5.

As noted above, each proximal geared end 104 defines an internal bore and the axle corresponding to each respective proximal geared end extends through the internal bore. In some embodiments, each internal bore is sleeved with a relatively more wear-tolerant material as compared to the material used to form the proximal geared end 104 itself. For example, a sleeve, e.g., hollow cylinder, formed of steel can be press-fit within each internal bore and the corresponding axle can be inserted through the sleeve. Such a sleeve performs as a bushing, allowing the proximal geared end to pivot about the axle without causing excessive wear to the bearing surface of the axle or the bearing surface of the proximal geared end. In some embodiments, such a sleeve is made from an alloy of steel, whereas each proximal geared end may be made from cast aluminum, titanium, carbon fiber, or a combination thereof.

IV. Expandable and Collapsible Structures

Mechanical transmissions described herein can be well suited to expandable and collapsible structures. For example, the proximal geared ends 104, by virtue of the linkages extending therefrom, may be limited in their ability to rotate through more than about 270 degrees in some embodiments. Nevertheless, proximal geared ends and their associated linkages that are configured to rotate from a lower threshold orientation to an upper threshold orientation can allow a user to conveniently and simply urge a plurality of meshed-together linkages to rotate from, e.g., a stowed orientation to, e.g., a use orientation, and back again. In some embodiments, one or more proximal geared ends can rotate from the stowed orientation to the use orientation by rotating through between about 30 degrees and about 160 degrees, such as, for example, through between about 45 degrees and about 135 degrees, with between about 60 degrees and about 120 degrees being a specific exemplary range. As but one example, one or more proximal geared ends can rotate from the stowed orientation to the use orientation by rotating through about 90 degrees.

Moreover, referring still to FIG. 2, the mechanical transmission 110 has four outwardly extending linkages 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d. Nevertheless, other transmission embodiments have more or fewer linkages. For example, a transmission embodiment can have two or more linkages, such as, for example, three, four, five, six, seven, or eight, or more, linkages. Further, other linkages can be fixedly or pivotably coupled with each such linkage arm that is directly pivotably coupled with the transmission housing 105. For example, the framework of linkages shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 includes linkage arms 103a, 103b, 103c, 103d, each of which is pivotably coupled with an intermediate region of a respective linkage arm 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d. Similar to the arms and legs described in U.S. Pat. No. 10,010,179, one or more of the linkage arms 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d and the linkage arms 103a, 103b, 103c, 103d can have one or more segments that are movable relative to the other segments of the respective linkage arm. For example, such segments can be telescopically coupled with each other, allowing the linkage arms to collapse and expand. Each such segment can be formed of extruded aluminum, carbon fiber, titanium, or a combination thereof.

As with the pivotable arms and legs described in U.S. Pat. No. 10,010,179, the linkage arms 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d can be substantially parallel with each other when the linkages and transmission 110 are retracted to a stowed arrangement. In some embodiments, the linkage arms are substantially coplanar with each other when the transmission 110 deploys the linkage arms to a use arrangement.

Moreover, the transmission 110 can be configured to limit an extent of rotation of the linkage arms. For example, the housing 105, one or more of the proximal geared ends 104, or a combination thereof, can be configured to limit rotation of each proximal geared end to an upper extent of rotation. The upper extent of rotation can correspond to the orientation of the linkage arms when they are deployed to a desired use arrangement.

Further, each linkage arm 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 as having the same configuration as the other linkage arms. However, this disclosure is not so limited and one or more of the linkage arms pivotably coupled with the housing 105 can have a configuration that differs from one or more, or all, of the other linkage arms in accordance with a selected transmission embodiment.

Still further, this disclosure contemplates mechanical transmissions that incorporate more than one transmission housing 105 and its corresponding linkages extending therefrom. For example, a linkage pivotably coupled with a given transmission housing 105 at one end of the linkage can be directly or indirectly pivotably coupled with another transmission housing. Thus, the group of linkages pivotably coupled with the first transmission housing can be coupled with another group of linkages pivotably coupled with the other transmission housing through a shared linkage (or a shared group of linkages). In such an arrangement, rotation of a linkage associated with the first transmission housing can urge the remaining linkages associated with the first transmission housing to rotate, including the shared linkage. As the orientation of the shared linkage changes, it can pivot relative to the second transmission housing 105, which in turn can urge the other linkages associated with the second transmission also to pivot. Thus, a given mechanical transmission can incorporate a plurality of disclosed transmission housings, each of which transmit force and/or motion to a plurality of linkages. Each transmission housing can be positioned at an apex or corner of a given expandable or collapsible structure to facilitate convenient deployment of the structure and convenient stowing of the structure.

More particularly, but not exclusively, the linkage arms that extend from each transmission housing can, similar to the linkage arms 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, extend from a proximal (relative to the respective transmission housing) geared end to a distal end. Like the proximal geared ends 104 of the linkage arms 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, each geared end associated with each transmission housing can matingly engage the geared end of at least one other of the linkage arms associated with the respective transmission housing, such that rotation of one of the geared ends urges each matingly engaged geared end to rotate. Thus, an expandable and collapsible chassis incorporating a plurality of transmission housings and described herein can expand from a stowed arrangement to a use arrangement and can collapse from the use arrangement to the stowed arrangement. Such a chassis can also incorporate one or more secondary linkages, e.g., analogous to linkages 103a, 103b, 103c, 103d shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

When such a chassis is deployed to a use arrangement, a selected subset of linkages, secondary linkages, or both, can support a flexible sheet of material in a selected manner. For example, the selected subset of linkages can be configured to support a flexible sheet of material in a planar or a substantially planar arrangement when and while in the deployed use arrangement. In another embodiment, the flexible sheet of material defines a concave seating surface, e.g., a pouch, configured to receive a user's body in a supportive manner. In an embodiment, a disclosed flexible sheet of material defines a plurality of engagement regions, each being configured to physically coupled with a corresponding region of the chassis.

For example, a flexible sheet of material can define an outer perimeter and a plurality of engagement regions. Each engagement region can be positioned adjacent a corresponding segment of the outer perimeter. Each engagement region, for example, can define a pouch or a pocket that is configured to receive a distal end of one of the linkages (e.g., selected from among the linkages 102a, 102b, 102c, 102 and the secondary linkages 103a, 103b, 103c, 103d). In an embodiment, the distal end of each linkage to be received in a corresponding pouch of the flexible sheet of material can incorporate an engagement feature that corresponds to another engagement feature in the corresponding pouch. For example, the distal end of the linkage can incorporate a male snap feature and the pouch can incorporate a female snap feature, or vice-versa, that is so complementarily configured with the male snap feature as to be configured to matingly engage with the male snap feature. Such mating engagement between complementarily contoured features can help ensure that the chassis properly supports the flexible sheet of material in its intended arrangement during use. Further, such mating engagement can ensure that the flexible sheet of material remains attached with the chassis when the chassis is collapsed to the stowed arrangement. Still further, by incorporating a matingly engagable and disengageable connection between the chassis and the sheet of material, a user can remove the flexible sheet of material at-will, e.g., to replace the flexible sheet of material with another similar flexible sheet of material or to wash the flexible sheet of material (as in a washing machine). For example, a user may wish to substitute one flexible sheet of material with a different flexible sheet of material, e.g., a sheet having a different color or a different configuration that provides a different function or size. As but one example, a generally flexible sheet of material that is suitable for use as a table can be substituted for by another generally flexible sheet of material that defines a human-body-contoured pouch suitable for supporting a person's body in a reclined seating position. Such interchangeable sheets of material can rely on the same expandable and collapsible chassis for substantially different functions (e.g., in one instance as a table or an ottoman and in another instance as a chair or recliner).

VII. Other Embodiments

The foregoing and other features and advantages will become more apparent from considering this description in connection with the accompanying drawings. That said, descriptions and depictions herein of specific apparatus configurations and combinations of method acts are but particular examples of contemplated embodiments chosen as being convenient illustrative examples of disclosed principles. This description is provided to enable a person skilled in the art to make or use the disclosed principles. One or more of the disclosed principles can be incorporated in various other embodiments to achieve any of a variety of corresponding characteristics. Thus, embodiments having attributes that are different from those specific examples discussed or shown herein can embody one or more presently disclosed principles and can be used in applications not described herein in detail. Accordingly, such alternative embodiments, together with any attendant changes in configurations of the respective apparatus or changes in order of method acts described herein, without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure, and various modifications to the examples described herein will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, all of which fall within the scope of this disclosure. For example, the principles described above in connection with any particular example can be combined with the principles described in connection with another example described herein. Thus, all structural and functional equivalents to the features and method acts of the various embodiments described throughout the disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are intended to be encompassed by the principles, features and acts described herein.

Directions and other relative references (e.g., up, down, top, bottom, left, right, rearward, forward, etc.) may be used to facilitate discussion of the drawings and principles herein, but are not intended to be limiting. For example, certain terms may be used such as “up,” “down,”, “upper,” “lower,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “left,” “right,” and the like. Such terms are used, where applicable, to provide some clarity of description when dealing with relative relationships, particularly with respect to the illustrated embodiments. Such terms are not, however, intended to imply absolute relationships, positions, and/or orientations. For example, with respect to an object, an “upper” surface can become a “lower” surface simply by turning the object over. Nevertheless, it is still the same surface, and the object remains the same. As used herein, “and/or” means “and” or “or”, as well as “and” and “or.” Moreover, all patent and non-patent literature cited herein is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in one or more claims presented in any application claiming benefit of or priority to this application. No feature in any such claim is to be construed under the provisions of 35 USC 112(f), unless the feature is expressly recited using the phrase “means for” or “step for”.

Reference to a feature in the singular, such as by use of the article “a” or “an” is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specifically so stated, but rather “one or more”. Further, in view of the many possible embodiments to which the disclosed principles can be applied, we reserve the right to claim any and all combinations of features and technologies described herein as understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art, including the right to claim, for example, all that comes within the scope and spirit of the foregoing description, as well as the combinations recited, literally and equivalently, in any claims presented anytime throughout prosecution of any application claiming benefit of or priority from this application, including in the following preliminary claims.

MECHANICAL TRANSMISSIONS, AND ASSOCIATED DEVICES AND METHODS

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