ADAPTER FOR A ROTARY DEVICE

Abstract

An adapter is arranged to secure to a rotary device. The adapter includes a handle rotatable about an axis, and a coupler extending from and coaxial with the handle. The coupler is adapted to engage the rotary device via traction elements for simultaneously rotating the rotary device and the handle.

Claims

1. An adapter arranged to secure to a rotary device having a knob, the adapter having an axis and rotatable about the axis, the adapter comprising: a handle having a width greater than the knob of the rotary device and rotatable about the axis; a coupler extending from and coaxial with the handle, and adapted to engage the knob of the rotary device, the coupler oriented coaxially with the handle along the axis; wherein the adapter defines a cavity formed by a cavity wall defined about the axis and extending from an engagement side into the coupler; wherein a spacer protrudes from an upper portion of the cavity wall and is defined along the axis.

2. The adapter of claim 1, wherein the spacer protrudes short of a first height between the spacer and a bottom of a rim delimiting an entrance to the cavity.

3. The adapter of claim 2, wherein an interior surface of the rim defines a plurality of traction elements formed by teeth generally extending parallel to the axis.

4. The adapter of claim 3, wherein the traction elements are arranged as teeth.

5. A system including a rotary device and an adapter arranged to secure to the rotary device, the rotary device having a first axis and the adapter having a second axis arranged to be placed in alignment with the first axis of the rotary device, the adapter comprising: a handle having a width greater than a width of a knob of the rotary device and rotatable about the second axis; a coupler extending from and coaxial with the handle, and adapted to engage the knob of the rotary device, the coupler oriented coaxially with the handle along the second axis; wherein the adapter defines a cavity defined about the second axis and extending from an engagement side into the coupler, the coupler including a rim coaxial with the second axis and surrounding at least part of the cavity.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the handle and the coupler are formed as a monolithic single mass of material integrally and continuously formed to define the handle and the coupler.

7. The system of claim 5, wherein the handle defines indicia arranged for indicating a rotational direction for rotating the handle.

8. The system of claim 5, wherein the handle defines a profile forming a grip about a periphery of the handle.

9. The system of claim 5, wherein the handle defines at least one opening arranged for receiving an attachment element.

10. The system of claim 5, wherein the handle has a diameter greater than a diameter of the coupler.

11. The system of claim 5, wherein the coupler has a diameter greater than a diameter of knob of the rotary device.

12. The system of claim 5, wherein the handle has a height greater than a height of the coupler, the coupler has a height greater than a height of the knob of the rotary device, and the adapter has a height arranged at least twice the height of the knob of the rotary device.

13. The system of claim 5, wherein the rim defines an outer diameter of the coupler, the cavity has a diameter proximate to the diameter of the knob of the rotary device, wherein a height of the rim defines a height of the coupler.

14. The system of claim 5, wherein the handle forms an axial overhang coaxially extending at least along the rim.

15. The system of claim 5, wherein the cavity defines a top portion extending at least into the handle or within a height of the handle.

16. The system of claim 5, wherein a top portion of the cavity defines a profile adapted to correspond or proximate in shape to a top portion of the knob of the rotary device and adapted to facilitate traction with the top portion of the knob of the rotary device.

17. The system of claim 5, wherein a periphery of the rim defines at least first and second traction elements generally extending radially relative to the second axis and spaced apart from one another about the rim.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein the first and second traction elements each define a plurality of teeth extending coaxially relative to the second axis.

19. A system including a rotary device and an adapter arranged to secure to the rotary device, the rotary device having a first axis and the adapter having a second axis arranged to be placed in alignment with the first axis of the rotary device, the adapter comprising: a handle having a width greater than a width of a knob of the rotary device and rotatable about the second axis; a coupler extending from and coaxial with the handle, and adapted to engage the knob of the rotary device, the coupler oriented coaxially with the handle along the second axis; wherein the adapter defines a cavity defined about the second axis and extending from an engagement side into the coupler, the coupler including a rim coaxial with the second axis and surrounding at least part of the cavity; wherein the coupler has a diameter greater than a diameter of knob of the rotary device; wherein the handle and the coupler are formed as a monolithic single mass of material integrally and continuously formed to define the handle and the coupler.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein a periphery of the rim defines at least first and second traction elements generally extending radially relative to the second axis and spaced apart from one another about the rim; wherein the first and second traction elements each define a plurality of teeth extending coaxially relative to the second axis.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS

[0029] A better understanding of different embodiments of the disclosure may be had from the following description read with the accompanying drawings in which like reference characters refer to like elements. While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, certain illustrative embodiments are in the drawings and are described below. It should be understood, however, there is no intention to limit the disclosure to the embodiments disclosed; but on the contrary, the intention covers all modifications, alternative constructions, combinations, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 1 illustrates an adapter 100 arranged to secure to a rotary device 10 mounted on an article 50. The adapter 100 includes a handle 102 having a width greater than a knob 14 of the rotary device 10, and a coupler 104 extending from the handle 102 and adapted to engage the rotary device 10 and releasably interlock therewith. The coupler 104 is preferably coaxial with the handle 102 along an axis A-A of the adapter 100.

[0031] The handle 102 and the coupler 104 may be formed as a monolithic single mass of material integrally and continuously formed to define the handle 102 and the coupler 104. For example, the adapter 100 may be made from injection molding as the entire adapter 100 and its features are simultaneously molded as a single part. The adapter 100 can thereby be made at a low cost and provided with an article and/or rotary device as an accessory should it be needed to regulate a rotary device.

[0032] The handle 102 may define indicia 106 to indicate a rotational direction R for rotating the handle 102. For example, the indicia 106 may be printed or formed on the handle 102 in a conspicuous location for each indicium or identification. The indicia 106 may comprise a series of indentations, markings, raised features, or other indicia. The markings can have any suitable configuration, size, or pattern. In embodiments, the markings may have a similar shape and a pattern of the individual markings may provide a direction of rotation. For example, as the markings increase in size in a direction, a user may perceive that the direction is the rotation direction R. It will be understood that the3 depicted embodiment is merely exemplary and any suitable pattern, configuration, combination, or size of indicia may be provided.

[0033] The handle 102 defines a profile forming a grip 108 about a periphery of the handle 102. As shown in FIG. 1, the grip 108 may be formed by a serrated profile. FIG. 5 shows another example wherein the grip 108 is formed by an alternating profile 153 about the periphery of the handle 102. Alternatively or in combination, the handle 102 may include traction means such as overmolded and/or elastomeric material having frictional properties greater than a remainder of the handle 102 or adjacent parts of the handle 102, or traction means may be applied onto the handle 102. The traction means may be any material that improves gripping ability over adjacent portions of the handle 102. The entirety of the adapter 100 may be formed from a high-friction material to facilitate gripping and actuating the rotary device 10.

[0034] The handle 102 may define at least one opening 110 arranged for receiving an attachment element 112. For example, the attachment element 112 may be formed as a cord or other element that can attach onto the article 50 or another item to retain the adapter 100 in close position for use, for example, if the adapter 100 is de-coupled from the rotary device 10.

[0035] FIG. 2 shows how relational and dimensional features of the adapter 100 are provided to improve engagement and facilitate the rotation of the rotary device 10. The handle 102 preferably has a diameter D1 greater than a diameter D2 of the coupler 104. The handle 102 may define a radial overhang 105 extending radially outwardly from the axis A-A and a distance D4 relative to the diameter D2 of the coupler 104. The handle 102 may also form an axial overhang 107 coaxially extending at least along the rim 116, as shown in FIG. 4.

[0036] The coupler 104 preferably has a diameter D2 greater than a diameter D3 of the rotary device 10. The handle 102 may have a height H2 greater than a height H3 of the coupler 104. The coupler 104 may have a height H3 greater than a height H5 of the rotary device 10. In embodiments, the adapter 100 may have a height H1 at least twice a height H5 of the rotary device 10.

[0037] FIGS. 3 and 4 show the adapter 100 defining a cavity 114 about the axis A-A and extending from an engagement side 130 into the adapter 100. The coupler 104 includes a rim 116 coaxial with the axis A-A and surrounding at least part of the cavity 114. The rim 116 preferably defines an outer diameter D2 of the coupler 104. The cavity 114 may have a diameter proximate or corresponding to the diameter D3 of the rotary device 10. In embodiments, the diameter of the cavity 114 is complementary to the diameter D3 of the rotary device 10, allowing the adapter 100 to releasably engage the rotary device 10 and effectively transfer forces, such as rotation forces, thereto. A height H3 of the rim 116 defines the height of the coupler 104.

[0038] The cavity 114 defines a top portion 118 extending at least into the handle 102 or within a height H2 of the handle 102. The top portion 118 of the cavity 114 may define a profile or recess 120 adapted to correspond or that is proximate in shape to a cap 20, 22 of the rotary device 10. The profile or recess 120 may be configured to interlock and create traction with a profile of the cap 20, 22, as shown with a profile of the recess 120 in FIG. 3. The top portion 118 of the cavity 114 may have an arcuate cross-sectional profile to accommodate the cap 20, 22 of the rotary device 10, or to provide clearance therefrom to minimize traction or interference when rotating the rotary device 10.

[0039] A periphery 120 of the cavity 114 may define a plurality of traction elements 122A-122D, generally extending radially and/or circumferentially relative to the axis A-A. The traction elements 122A-122D may taper in width in the rotational direction R. For example, the traction elements 122A-122D may taper in width toward a forward end 134 in the rotational direction R and may taper in width toward a rearward end 136. The traction elements 122A-122D may define a peak 138 extending toward the axis A-A proximate the rearward end 136.

[0040] The traction elements 122A-122D may extend through and be defined by or proximate the periphery 120 at a top surface of the cavity 114. The traction elements 122A-122D may be of a same material as the handle 102 and the coupler 104 or may comprise a different material. In embodiments, the traction elements 122A-122D are configured to engage frictionally a surface of the rotary device 102, for example a top surface, a corner surface between the top surface and a side surface, and/or a side surface of the rotary device 102.

[0041] The periphery 120 of the cavity 114 may further define a plurality of traction elements 124A-124D extending about the axis A-A along an inner periphery of the rim 116. The plurality of traction elements 124A-124D may extend along protruding portions extending radially toward the axis A-A about the inner periphery of the rim 116, for example, about a lateral or side surface of the rim 116, and may be configured to engage a side surface or features of the rotary device 102.

[0042] The orientation of the traction elements 122A-122D, 124A-124D may be modified to engage the rotary device 10 better. For example, a plurality of the traction elements 122A-122D may be arranged obliquely relative to the axis A-A, or the plurality of traction elements 122A-122D may be arranged to extend in variable angles relative to the axis A-A. The plurality of traction elements 124A-124D may be arranged coaxially relative to the axis A-A, or the plurality of traction elements 124A-124D may be arranged obliquely relative to the axis A-A.

[0043] The individual traction elements may be formed in different configurations according to their location, orientation, and corresponding profiles of the rotary device. For example, the plurality of traction elements 122A-122D, 124A-124D may be defined as a plurality of teeth 128. The plurality of traction elements 122A-122D, 124A-124D may also be formed as a plurality of protrusions 126 of different shapes or sizes.

[0044] The plurality of traction elements 122A-122D, 124A-124D may be formed integrally with the handle 102 and the coupler 104. The plurality of traction elements 122A-122D, 124A-124D may be arranged to interlock with a plurality of traction elements 26 formed by the rotary device 10, such as recesses formed by the rotary device 10 or vice versa.

[0045] The handle 102 may define a cresting peak 140 on a gripping side 132 of the handle 102 corresponding to the axis A-A. The coupler 104 may be arranged to be placed coaxially with the rotary device 10 and mutually engage therewith upon application of pressure by the adapter 100 against the rotary device 10. The handle 102 is adapted to rotate the rotary device 10 because of the mutual engagement of the coupler 104 with the rotary device 10. Rotation of the handle 102 simultaneously rotates the rotary device 10 about a common axis A-A. Not only does the increased diameter of the handle 102 relative to the coupler 104 provide improved leverage and ease rotating the rotary device 10, but the handle 102 also facilitates easier gripping by a user.

[0046] FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of an adapter 150. In this embodiment, the coupler 154 preferably has a height greater than the handle 152, which allows for greater stacking or distancing of the adapter 150 from the article upon which a corresponding rotary device is mounted, and without making the handle 152 too thick for adjustment. The adapter 150 defines a cavity 156 having a spacer 160 protruding from an upper portion 158 of a cavity wall 159 and generally defined along an axis B-B. As the spacer 160 protrudes short of a height H6 between the spacer 160 and a bottom 166 of a rim 162, the handle 152 can be better elevated from the article with the rotary device abutting the spacer 160.

[0047] The height H6 may generally correspond to a height of the rotary device 10. The height H6 may be longer than a height of the spacer 160, or vice versa, depending on the extent it is desired to elevate the handle 152 relative to the article. The adapter 150 includes an interior surface of the rim 162 defining a plurality of traction elements 164 formed by teeth generally extending parallel to the axis B-B and configured for releasably engaging an outer surface of the corresponding rotary device. The traction elements 164 may be arranged as teeth and/or in sufficient numbers and frequency to allow a user to releasably attach the adapter 150 to the corresponding rotary device in substantially any configuration or degree of rotation, thereby significantly simplifying the design and use of the adapter 150.

[0048] FIG. 6 exemplifies a mounting system 200 for coupling a rotary device 202 to a frame member 201 of an article. The rotary device 202 may be of any of the devices described herein, and an exemplary frame member is found in U.S. patent application publication nos. 2017/0348131, published on Dec. 7, 2017, and 2019/0105188, published Apr. 11, 2019, which are incorporated herein by reference. As the rotary device 202 may be a standard part and sold in mass quantity as an off-the-shelf component, the frame member 201 may be adapted with coupling features to engage corresponding standard coupling features of the rotary device 202. However, corresponding coupling features of the rotary device 202 and the frame member 201 may not be suitable to securely lock the rotary device 202 to the frame member 201.

[0049] One drawback is that the frame member 201 may not be suitably rigid to retain the rotary device 202 firmly, particularly at desired and/or necessary levels of tension. This drawback is evident in certain applications with frame members of orthopedic devices with flexibility or which are semi-rigid to adapt to a contour of a leg. In the past, adhesives or stitching of the rotary device 202 to the frame member 201 has been a standard process, but it is desirable to eliminate these means to create means for coupling that provides better assurance that the connection between the rotary device 202 and the frame member 201 will be maintained over repeated use, and to simplify the manufacturing process. It is also desirable to provide means that enable removal of the rotary device 202 from the frame member 201 for maintenance or replacement of the rotary device 202.

[0050] To surmount drawbacks in known mounting systems, a connector 208 is provided to secure the connection between the rotary device 202 and the frame member 201. The rotary device 202 has coupling features 204 that engage with coupling features 206 of the frame member 201. The connector 208 cooperates with the coupling features 204, 206 of the rotary device 202 and the frame member 201 to ensure that the rotary device 202 is securely retained on the frame member 201. The connector 208 may be formed from a more rigid material than the frame member 201, and/or may have dimensional qualities, such as greater thickness, that result in a more stable structure than the frame member 201, for example to withstand interacting forces between the frame member 201 and the rotary device 202, such as tension applied by the rotary device 202 to an elongate tension element.

[0051] FIG. 7 shows an exemplary mounting system 200. The frame member 201 defines coupling features such a peripheral tab 210 extending about at least a portion of an opening 209 into which coupling features 204 of the rotary device 202 extend. The peripheral tab 210 may engage a corresponding and/or complementary peripheral groove 211 of the rotary device 202. A peripheral lip 212 of the rotary device 202 bordering the peripheral groove 211 may be biased against the peripheral tab 210. While these coupling features 204, 206 of the rotary device 202 and the frame member 201 interact with and correspond to one another, they may be provided to oppositely engage relative to the coupling provided by the connector 208, and retain the rotary device 202 within the opening 209 in a stable condition by forming a snap-fit.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 7 and FIGS. 8A-8C, the connector 208 may be configured to be retained by and fit with coupling features 206 of the frame member 201, and correspondingly engage the coupling features 204 of the rotary device 202. The connector 208 may have a first lip 214 bordering a recess 216 adapted to receive a protruding coupling part 220 of the coupling features 204 of the rotary device 202. The recess 216 may be formed along a first side of an extension 226 from a base 224 of the connector 208.

[0053] The first lip 214 may be accepted by or cooperate with a second peripheral groove 221 defined by the rotary device 202. While the recess 216 and the first lip 214 are shown in FIG. 7 with the first lip 214 extending above or outwardly from the recess 216, the depicted arrangement is exemplary and is by no means limiting. More or fewer recesses, lips, peripheral grooves, and other features may be provided as suitable and in any suitable configuration.

[0054] In the disclosed example, the base 224 and extension 226 have an arcuate profile 228 generally corresponding to a shape of the opening 209. The connector 208 is not limited to an arcuate profile 228, and it may be configured according to the coupling features 204, 206, the opening 209, the frame member 201, or otherwise.

[0055] The connector 208 may have first and second latches 218A, 218B on a second side of the extension 226 and engageable with the coupling features 206 of the frame member 201 and cooperating with the coupling of the coupling part 220 of the rotary device 202, thereby stabilizing and serving intermediate to both the frame member 201 and the rotary device 202. The connector 208 may form a base periphery 230 adapted to be retained by corresponding portions 222 of the coupling features 206 of the frame member 201. In embodiments, the corresponding portions 222 may be formed as a biasing part.

[0056] The extension 226 is arranged to be inserted through the corresponding portions 222 of the coupling features 206 of the frame member 201 to clasp or retain the coupling features 204, 206 of the rotary device 202 and the frame member 204 as the extension 226 is inserted. The base periphery 230 is preferably flush with a surface of the frame member 201 so as not to protrude beyond the frame member 201, thereby minimizing bulk, improving reliability, and optimizing comfort and aesthetics. The frame member 201 may be adapted with suitable biasing or retaining features to assure stable retention of the base 224 and the base periphery 230 relative to the frame member 201 while permitting the extension 226 to snap-fit to the coupling features 204, 206 of the rotary device 202 and the frame member 201.

[0057] The depicted coupling features 204, 206 of both the frame member 201 and the rotary device 202 are merely exemplary, and the mounting system 200 is not limited to the depicted features. The connector 208 is arranged, however, to accommodate the coupling features 204, 206 and to form a corresponding snap-fit to preferably both the rotary device 202 and the frame member 201, thereby forming a secure connection. The connector 208 may be adapted to be removed from the coupling features 204, 206, such as biasing the latches and or lip away from the coupling features 204, 206. However, such removal may require substantial exertion on the connector compared to normal use, so during normal use, the snap-fit connection is assuredly stable from inadvertent motion and resists decoupling.

[0058] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, another embodiment of connector 250 is provided to offer a robust connection of the rotary device 202 to the frame member 201 of the embodiment of FIGS. 6-8C. The connector 250 includes a plate 254 secured to the rotary device 202 by a fastener 253 that extends through a thickness of the plate 254, the frame member 201, and into a thickness of the rotary device 202 and an intermediate part 264. The plate 254 is adapted to extend along an inner side of the frame member 201 on the opposite side of the rotary device 202. The rotary device 202, aside from the fastener 253, is coupled similarly to a periphery 272 of an engagement section 270 of the frame member 201, as in the embodiment of FIGS. 6-8C, for example at a lip portion 251.

[0059] The plate 252 has a central flange 258 that carries the intermediate part 264, which generally extends perpendicularly from the central flange 258 toward the rotary device 202 to engage the rotary device 202 with at least one lip 268 projecting therefrom to engage a peripheral groove 269 defined by the rotary device 202, as in the embodiment of the connector 208 of FIGS. 6-8C. The intermediate part 264 may be formed similarly to the connector 208 aside from a base 266 (as the base 224) extending from the central flange 258.

[0060] The plate 252 further includes first and second flanges 260, 262, which flank the central flange 258 and reinforce the intermediate part 264 and provide flexibility. An elongate clearance 261a is located between the central and first flange 258, 260 and a base opening 263a. A similar arrangement is provided between the central and second flanges 258, 262 with an elongate clearance 261b and a base opening 263b. The clearances 261a, 261b aid in providing flexibility, while the central, first and second flanges 258, 260, 262 provide rigidity similar to or the same as the frame member 201 and reinforce the rotary device 202 upon use. The flanges 258, 260, 262 extend short of a tension relief slot 274 defined through a thickness of the frame member 201, and which itself serves as a flange extending from the frame member 201, as taught in U.S. patent application publication no. 2017/0348131.

[0061] The adapter for a rotary system according to the disclosed embodiments advantageously addresses the challenges of rotary systems being poorly adapted to be gripped and regulated by a user, particularly if the user has limited dexterity, eyesight, or due to difficulties with regulating a rotary device while the rotary device is being worn on the user's body. The adapter for a rotary system according to the embodiments advantageously provides increased leverage and clearance from a frame member and provides improved indicia for accurately regulating a rotary device for compliant use.

[0062] The embodiments disclosing a connector and/or a mounting system for better securing a rotary device to a frame member of a device advantageously address the problem of rotary devices being glued or similarly adhered to a frame member, and thus being difficult to accurately, consistently, and removably secure a rotary device to a surface. The connector and mounting system embodiments provide a secure, intuitive, and precise solution for releasably securing a rotary device to a surface.

[0063] It is to be understood that not necessarily all objects or advantages may be achieved under an embodiment of the disclosure. Those skilled in the art will recognize that an adapter for a rotary system may be embodied or carried out so it achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without achieving other objects or advantages as taught or suggested herein.

[0064] The skilled artisan will recognize the interchangeability of various disclosed features. Besides the variations described herein, other known equivalents for each feature can be mixed and matched by one of ordinary skill in this art to build and use an adapter for a rotary system under principles of the present disclosure. It will be understood by the skilled artisan that the features described herein may be adapted to other methods and types of adapters, rotary systems, and devices.

[0065] Although this disclosure describes certain exemplary embodiments and examples of an adapter for a rotary system, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present disclosure extends beyond the specifically disclosed adapters for rotary systems to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the disclosure and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof, including other types and components of various devices, including orthopedic, prosthetic, medical, and otherwise. It is intended that the present disclosure should not be limited by the disclosed embodiments described above and may be extended to other applications that may employ the features described herein.