Fixed adjustment dial

Abstract

A rotary controller selectively-disengageable locking knob assembly, having a hub having a longitudinal axis and an axial bore extending at least partially through the inner hub along the longitudinal axis, wherein the axial bore is configured to receive a shaft of the rotary controller arranged in or on a device surface. The assembly also includes a knob concentrically disposed about at least a portion of the hub, wherein the knob includes a first engagement arrangement. A post is threadedly engaged with the radial bore so as to secure the hub to the shaft of the rotary controller, and projecting radially outwardly through the radial slot, such that rotation of the knob induces a rotation of the hub via contact of the post with the radial slot. The knob is axially moveable on the hub to selectively disengage the first engagement arrangement from contact with a second engagement arrangement.

Claims

1. A rotary controller selectively-disengageable locking knob assembly, comprising: a hub having a longitudinal axis and an axial bore extending at least partially through the hub along the longitudinal axis, wherein the axial bore is configured to receive a shaft of the rotary controller arranged in or on a device surface; the hub including a radial bore extending from an outer surface of the inner hub to the axial bore, wherein the radial bore is perpendicular to the axial bore; a knob concentrically disposed about at least a portion of the hub, wherein the knob includes: at least one central bore structured to receive at least a portion of the hub; a radial slot alignable with the radial bore; and a circumferential bottom surface having a first engagement arrangement comprising first projections; a post threadedly engaged with the radial bore so as to secure the hub to the shaft of the rotary controller, and projecting radially outwardly through the radial slot, such that rotation of the knob induces a rotation of the hub via contact of the post with the radial slot; a base having a first side securely fastenable to the device surface and a circumferential second surface having a second engagement arrangement comprising second projections configured to interact with the first engagement arrangement to prevent relative rotational movement between the base and the knob when the first engagement arrangement is in contact with the second engagement arrangement; a biasing member arranged within the knob and structured and arranged to bias the first engagement arrangement into contact with the second engagement arrangement, wherein the knob is axially moveable on the hub to selectively disengage the first engagement arrangement from contact with the second engagement arrangement.

2. The rotary controller selectively-disengageable locking knob assembly of claim 1, further comprising an adhesive layer structured and arranged to securely fasten the base to the device surface.

3. The rotary controller selectively-disengageable locking knob assembly of claim 1, further comprising a cap threadedly-engageable with the hub, wherein the cap is structured and arranged to maintain the biasing member within the knob.

4. The rotary controller selectively-disengageable locking knob assembly of claim 3, wherein the cap is structured and arranged to restrict an extent of an upward movement of the knob away from the base.

5. The rotary controller selectively-disengageable locking knob assembly of claim 1, wherein the hub includes a circumferential flange structured and arranged to maintain the biasing member within the knob.

6. The rotary controller selectively-disengageable locking knob assembly of claim 5, wherein the circumferential flange is structured and arranged to restrict an extent of an upward movement of the knob away from the base.

7. The rotary controller selectively-disengageable locking knob assembly of claim 1, wherein the biasing member comprises a spring.

8. The rotary controller selectively-disengageable locking knob assembly of claim 1, wherein the radial slot extends in an axial direction of the knob.

9. The rotary controller selectively-disengageable locking knob assembly of claim 1, wherein the first engagement arrangement and the second engagement arrangement each comprise projecting teeth.

10. The rotary controller selectively-disengageable locking knob assembly of claim 1, wherein the base and the knob have approximately a same outer diameter.

11. The rotary controller selectively-disengageable locking knob assembly of claim 1, wherein the hub comprises a cylindrical shape.

12. The rotary controller selectively-disengageable locking knob assembly of claim 1, wherein the knob comprises one or more of metal, plastics, and composite materials.

13. The rotary controller selectively-disengageable locking knob assembly of claim 1, wherein the rotary controller is a potentiometer.

14. The rotary controller selectively-disengageable locking knob assembly of claim 1, wherein the rotary controller is a rotary encoder.

15. A method of releasably locking adjustability of a rotary controller, the method comprising: attaching the selectively-disengageable locking knob assembly of claim 1 to the rotary controller, wherein, when attached to the rotary controller, the selectively-disengageable locking knob assembly is operable to prevent rotation of the rotary controller when the first engagement arrangement is engaged with the second engagement arrangement.

16. A rotary controller assembly, comprising: a rotary controller having the shaft; and the selectively-disengageable locking knob assembly of claim 1 arranged on the rotary controller.

17. The rotary controller assembly of claim 16, wherein the rotary controller is a potentiometer.

18. The rotary controller assembly of claim 16, wherein the rotary controller is a rotary encoder.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

(1) FIG. 1 is an elevational view of a first embodiment of the invention in the locked position associated with a housing.

(2) FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the invention in an unlocked, adjustable, position.

(3) FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2.

(4) FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional elevational view taken along lines 4-4 of FIG. 3.

(5) FIG. 5 is a partial cutaway exploded view of the first embodiment of the invention.

(6) FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the outer barrel.

(7) FIG. 7 is a top perspective view thereof.

(8) FIG. 8 is a bottom plan view thereof.

(9) FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of the inner hub and biasing member of the invention showing a compression spring disposed thereon.

(10) FIG. 10 is a bottom plan view thereof without the spring.

(11) FIG. 11 is a top plan view of the locking ring.

(12) FIG. 12 is a bottom perspective view thereof.

(13) FIG. 13 is a top perspective partially cutaway view of a second embodiment of the invention.

(14) FIG. 14 is a bottom perspective view thereof.

(15) FIG. 15 is a top plan view of the knob of the second embodiment of this invention.

(16) FIG. 16A is a cross-sectional elevational view of a representative prior art potentiometer and first output shaft (D-shaft) type.

(17) FIG. 16B is a representative prior art potentiometer with a second type of output shaft (splined).

(18) FIG. 16C is a representative prior art potentiometer with a third type of output shaft (threaded).

(19) FIG. 17 is a top perspective partially cutaway view of a third embodiment of the invention.

(20) FIG. 18 is a bottom perspective view of thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT(S)

(21) FIGS. 1-12 show a first embodiment of the invention. It is to be understood, however, throughout this disclosure that the various individual components have been depicted in a form which is easily represented and understood for the sake of understanding of the invention. It is to be appreciated, however, that the shape of the individual components may be modified from the forms shown herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

(22) In addition, the structures shown herein are described in use with the adjustment shaft of a control device, such as a typical adjustable potentiometer. However, it is to be understood that the inventions disclosed herein are suitable for use with any adjustable rotary control member such as the type having a rotary output shaft mounted or extending through a panel of an object, such as, but not by way of limitation, a body of a musical instrument, amplifier or other audio control component.

(23) FIGS. 1-12 depict a first embodiment of the invention herein. With particular reference to FIGS. 1-4, a control knob indicated by reference numeral 10 is releasably held relative to the output shaft 13 of a control device 17, and also lockingly but releasably engaged against an object 12, such as a panel of an audio component or musical instrument containing the control device 17. The knob is shown in a first, locked, position in FIGS. 1 and 4, and in a second, unlocked, position in FIG. 2. The knob is placed into the unlocked position (shown in FIG. 2) by pulling upwardly on outer barrel or knob body 14, which causes locking elements L.sub.1 (e.g., first projections) associated with at least a portion of a bottom surface of knob body 14 to be removed from engagement with corresponding locking elements L.sub.2 (e.g., second projections) associated with a locking member 16. Locking member 16 is, in turn, rigidly attached to object 12 or control device 17. When locking elements L.sub.1 and L.sub.2 are disengaged, knob body 14 can be rotated, which in turn allows for rotation of shaft 13, and commensurate adjustment of control device 17, in a manner which will be described hereinafter.

(24) It is to be appreciated that shaft 13, as well as control device 17, may be of any type or arrangement. FIGS. 16A-C depict known control device adjustment shaft structures. FIG. 16A shows control device 17 having an adjustment shaft 13A with a D-shaped cross-section. FIG. 16B shows a control device 17 having an adjustment shaft 13B with a splined surface. FIG. 16C shows a control device 17 having a shaft 13C with a threaded collar 40 positioned concentrically thereabout onto which locking member 16 may be threaded (in a version where the interior aperture in locking member 16 is threaded). It is to be understood that collar 40 may be employed with any of the control device, depicted herein, including those in FIGS. 16A-C. Alternatively, or in addition, locking member 16 may be connected to object 12 by any known means, such as any set screw or other mechanical fastener(s) such as adhesive (e.g., an adhesive layer 85).

(25) In a preferred embodiment, knob 10 is arranged as follows: outer knob body or barrel 14 is concentrically disposed about inner hub 20, which in turn is concentrically disposed about adjustment shaft 13. A set screw 26 (or post) passed through radial bore 26 or any other fastening means is used to lock hub 20 in a given position relative to adjustment shaft 13, and to thus retain knob 10 in position. Hub 20 defines an inner journal 25 which may, but need not necessarily, have a surface contour corresponding to the surface contour of adjustment shaft 13. As discussed previously, the surface contour of adjustment shaft 13 may be cylindrical, splined, hexagonal, D-shaped, or any other shape. All that is required, in the preferred embodiment, is that adjustment shaft 13 have a polygonal surface which substantially matches that of the surface contour of journal 25 of hub 20. By polygonal surface is meant a surface that is not cylindrical. However, it is to be appreciated that output shaft may be cylindrical, and journal 25 may also be cylindrical, so long as set screw 26 or other fastener serves the function of preventing angular movement of hub 20 relative to output shaft 13.

(26) Hub 20 is generally comprised of a lower section which is shown surrounding shaft 13 in FIG. 4, and a T-shaped upper section 121 above that.

(27) In the embodiment shown, hub 20 has an integrally formed T-shaped head section 22, the underside thereof defining a shoulder 29. Opposite shoulder 29 is annular shoulder 19 defined by knob body 14. A compression spring 30 is disposed between shoulder 19 and shoulder 29, and normally urges knob body 14 downwardly such that locking elements L.sub.1 and L.sub.2 engage each other, preventing rotation of knob body 14, hub 20 or output shaft 13 relative to housing 12. Knob body 14 defines an inner bore 15 which preferably has a surface contour which substantially matches the surface contour of an outer surface of hub 20. In the embodiment shown, and as best seen in FIGS. 6 and 8, inner bore 15 and the outer surface of hub 20 are square shaped. It is, of course, to be appreciated that the surface contour of inner bore 25 and the outer surface of hub 20 may be of any shape, so long as angular movement therebetween is prevented while allowing axial (i.e. coaxial/parallel) movement therebetween.

(28) From the foregoing, it is to be appreciated that exerting an upward force on knob body 14 strong enough to overcome the spring force of spring 30 will disengage locking elements L.sub.1 and L.sub.2 from one another, permitting rotation of knob body 14. This, in turn, due to the mating engagement of, or other connection between, the outer surface of hub 20 with bore 15, causes hub 20 to rotate, which, in turn, causes rotation of shaft 13, and consequent adjustment of control device 17.

(29) Indicia such as setting line 50 may be inscribed in head 22 (as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5) or the top or side circumferential surface of knob body 14, along with corresponding indicia 52 on object 12 (shown in FIG. 3). Upon rotation of knob body 14 relative to object 12, the angular position of setting line 50 relative to indicia 52 will change, indicating the adjustment position of the control device.

(30) Referring now to FIGS. 13-15, a second embodiment of an adjustment knob is shown. In this embodiment, knob 100 is manufactured in the shape of an ornamental object, such as a bullet. It is to be understood, as stated previously, that the shape and ornamentation of the components of this invention may be varied to suit the circumstances. In this embodiment, knob 100 is comprised of an outer knob body 114 concentrically disposed about inner hub 120, which in turn is adapted to be concentrically disposed about shaft 13 of control device 17. A fastening means such as set screw 26 retained against shaft 13, or any other fastening means, is used to lock hub 120 in a given position relative to shaft 13, and to retain knob 100 in position relative to controller 17. Hub 120 defines an inner bore 125 which may, but need not necessarily, have a surface contour corresponding to the surface contour of shaft 13. The surface contour of shaft 13 may be cylindrical, splined, hexagonal, D-shaped, or any other suitable shape which prevents angular movement of hub 120 relative to output shaft 13. All that is required is that some means be provided for preventing angular movement of shaft 13 relative to hub 120, such as set screw 26 or providing an output shaft 13 with a polygonal surface (e.g. splined) which substantially matches that of the surface contour of journal 125 of hub 120.

(31) Alternatively, for any embodiment of this invention, the contour of the exterior surface of shaft 13 of control device 17 need not match the surface contour of inner journal 25 or 125 of hubs 20, 120, because set screw 26 retains hubs 20, 120 in position relative to output shaft 13.

(32) Knob body 114 defines an inner shoulder 119 against which a bottom end of spring 30 bears. Upper head (or cap) 123 of shaft 121 defines a lower shoulder 129 against which the upper end of spring 30 bears, such that when knob body 114 is moved upwardly relative to hub 120, engagement elements L.sub.1-L.sub.2 become disengaged such barrel 114, hub 120 and shaft 13 can be rotated relative to body 12 and controller 17. Spring 30 urges knob body 114 back into a position where engagement elements L.sub.1-L.sub.2 lock together, preventing adjustment of shaft 13.

(33) Upper end 122 of barrel 114 may be designed to be coplanar with the top surface of head 123, or it may be of any other shape or orientation.

(34) In order to make it easier to assemble/install the knob 100, the upper T-shaped section 121 of hub 120 is made to be releasably connectable to hub 120, as by threads 125. To assemble the knob 100, hub 120 is placed over shaft 13 and secured thereto, as by using set screw 26. Outer knob body 114 is then placed over hub 120, spring 30 placed into the recess 127 defined by knob body 114 above shoulder 119, and upper T-shaped section 121 screwed or otherwise connected to hub 120. This arrangement will lock knob body 114 into position about hub 120 and shaft 13, and, in an at-rest state such as that shown in FIG. 1, will cause locking elements L.sub.1 and L.sub.2 to engage. By pulling up on knob body 114 with a force sufficient to overcome the spring force of spring 30, locking elements L.sub.1 and L.sub.2 disengage from each other as shown in FIG. 14, so that one can rotatably adjust shaft 13. Releasing knob body 114 will allow spring 30 to urge knob body 114 downwardly such that locking elements L.sub.1 and L.sub.2 engage each other. It can be seen that head 123 generally resides in registry with opening 117 in the upper portion 122 of knob body 114.

(35) A modified version of the invention is shown in FIGS. 17-18, in which a radial slot 140 is placed in outer barrel 14 or 114 so that the set screw 26 or other fastening means may be accessed and installed or removed without the necessity of having to lift the outer barrel up to install the knob. This is particularly useful for smaller knob applications, such as for foot pedal controllers and the like.

(36) In this embodiment, it is not necessary to have the outer surface of hub 220 and the inner surface of barrel 14 or 114 be polygonally shaped (e.g. square, splined, etc.) as in the embodiment of FIGS. 13-15, although such as configuration is neither obsoleted nor negated by this embodiment. However, if outer surface of hub 220 and the inner surface of barrel 14 or 114 are not polygonally shaped (e.g. square, splined, etc.) as in the embodiment of FIGS. 13-15, the set screw 26 should be of such a length that it protrudes into slot 140 so that when the knob is assembled, so that, when barrel 14 or 114 is rotated, set screw 26 will drive hub to rotate as well so as to result in corresponding angular movement of shaft 13.

(37) Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to specific embodiments of the present invention. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause or result in such benefits, advantages, or solutions to become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature or element of any or all the claims. The invention is defined solely by the appended claims including any amendments made during the pendency of this application and all equivalents of those claims as issued.