Apparatus for converting motion

Abstract

An assembly for converting motion comprises a first arm rotatable about a first fixed pivot; a second arm rotatable about a second fixed pivot spaced apart from the first fixed pivot. A third arm pivotably connects to the second arm. A fourth arm pivotably connects to the first arm. A first connecting arm extends between the first arm and the third arm, the first connecting arm pivotably connected to the first arm and pivotably connected to the third arm. A second connecting arm extends between the first arm and the second arm, the second connecting arm pivotably connected to the first arm disposed and pivotably connected to the second arm. The third arm connects to a first position on a component to be moved relative to the first and second fixed pivots and the fourth arm connects at a second position thereon to a second position on the component.

Claims

1. An assembly for converting motion, the assembly being moveable between a retracted position and an extended position, the assembly comprising; a first arm rotatable at a first position on the first arm about a first fixed pivot; a second arm rotatable at a first position on the second arm about a second fixed pivot, the second fixed pivot spaced apart from the first fixed pivot, wherein the first fixed pivot is fixed in relation to the second fixed pivot; a third arm pivotably connected at a first position on the third arm to the second arm at a second position on the second arm, the second position on the second arm spaced apart from the first position on the second arm; a fourth arm pivotably connected at a first position on the fourth arm to the first arm at a second position on the first arm, the second position on the first arm spaced apart from the first position on the first arm; a first connecting ann extending between the first arm and the third arm, the first connecting arm pivotably connected to a third position on the first arm spaced apart from the first position on the first arm, the first connecting arm pivotably connected to the third arm at a second position ton the third arm spaced apart from the first position on the third arm; and a second connecting arm extending between the first arm and the second arm, the second connecting arm pivotably connected to a fourth position on the first arm disposed between the first and second positions on the first arm and pivotably connected to a third position on the second arm; the third arm being adapted to connect at a third position on the third arm to a first position on a component to be moved relative to the first and second fixed pivots, wherein the third arm comprises a point on the third arm, the said point on the third arm spaced from the first position on the third arm and located such that the second position on the third arm lies between the said point and the first position, movement of the third arm between the retracted position and the extended position causing the said point to move in a substantially straight line extending perpendicular to the line joining the first and second fixed pivots; the fourth arm being adapted to connect at a second position on the fourth arm to a second position on the component; and the first arm, second arm, third arm fourth arm, and the first and second connecting arms all lie substantially within a single plane.

2. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the arms are arranged to be accommodated adjacent to one another or within one another when in the retracted position.

3. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first arm has an end and the second arm has an end, and wherein the first position on the first arm is at or adjacent the end of the first arm and wherein the first position on the second arm is at or adjacent the end of the second arm.

4. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the second arm has an end, the third arm has an end and the fourth arm has an end, and wherein the second position on the second arm is at or adjacent the end of the second arm, the first position on the third arm is at or adjacent the end of the third arm, and the first position on the fourth arm is at or adjacent the end of the fourth arm.

5. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the length of the first arm is no greater than the distance between the first and second fixed pivots.

6. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the length of the second arm is no greater than the distance between the first and second fixed pivots.

7. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the length of the first and second arms is substantially the same.

8. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the lengths of the first, second and third arms are substantially the same.

9. The assembly according to claim 8, wherein the lengths of the first, second, third and fourth arms are substantially the same.

10. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first connecting arm has a first end and a second end, and wherein the pivotable connection between the first connecting arm and the first arm is at or adjacent the first end of the first connecting arm and wherein the pivotable connection between the first connecting arm and the third arm is at or adjacent the second end of the first connecting arm.

11. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first arm has a first end and a second end, and wherein the second position on the first arm is at or adjacent the first end of the first arm and wherein the third position on the first arm is at or adjacent the second end of the first arm.

12. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the second connecting arm has a first end and a second end, and wherein the pivotable connection between the second connecting arm and the first arm is at or adjacent the first end of the second connecting arm and wherein the pivotable connection between the second connecting arm and the second arm is at or adjacent the second end of the second connecting arm.

13. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first and second connecting arms are equal in length.

14. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the third position on the second arm coincides with, the second position on the second arm, such that the second connecting arm is connected to both the second and third arms.

15. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the movement of at least one of the third or fourth arms is limited; the movement of the third arm being limited to confine the third position on the third arm to move in a straight line; the movement of the fourth arm being limited to confine the second position on the fourth arm to move in a straight line.

16. The assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a first assembly according to claim 1 and a second assembly according to claim 1, the third and fourth arms of the first assembly forming or supporting the fixed pivots for the second assembly.

17. The assembly according to claim 16, wherein the second assembly is inverted with respect to the first assembly.

18. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the said point on the third arm is at the third position on the third arm.

19. An assembly comprising a first component and a second component, the first component being arranged for movement with respect to the second component, wherein an assembly for converting motion according to claim 1 is provided between the first component and the second component, operation of the assembly providing movement of the first component with respect to the second component.

20. The assembly according to claim 19, wherein the first component is moveable in a linear motion with respect to the second component between a retracted position and an extended position.

21. The assembly according to claim 19, wherein at least one of the first component and the second component are building structures.

Description

(1) The principles and operation of the assembly of the present invention will be further explained by reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

(2) FIG. 1 is a simplified diagrammatical representation of an assembly according to the present invention in an extended position;

(3) FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the assembly of FIG. 1 in an extended position;

(4) FIG. 3 is a diagrammatical representation of the assembly of FIG. 1 in a retracted position;

(5) FIG. 4 is a diagrammatical representation of the assembly of FIG. 1 in a first partially extended position;

(6) FIG. 5 is a diagrammatical representation of the assembly of FIG. 1 in a second partially extended position;

(7) FIG. 6 is a diagrammatical representation of the assembly of FIG. 1 in a third partially extended position;

(8) FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a building assembly comprising two panels interconnected by two assemblies of FIG. 1;

(9) FIG. 8 is a side representation of a moveable structure comprising an assembly of FIG. 1 and an assembly of GB1209982.6 arranged in end-to-end relationship;

(10) FIG. 9 is a side representation of a moveable structure comprising two assemblies of FIG. 1 arranged in an end-to-end relationship;

(11) FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the structure of FIG. 9 in an extended position;

(12) FIG. 11 is a diagrammatical side representation of the assembly of FIG. 9 in a retracted position;

(13) FIG. 12 is a diagrammatical side representation of the assembly of FIG. 9 in a first partially extended position;

(14) FIG. 13 is a diagrammatical side representation of the assembly of FIG. 9 in a second partially extended position

(15) FIG. 14 is a side view of a bridge assembly incorporating a plurality of assemblies of the present invention in a retracted position;

(16) FIG. 15 is a side view of the bridge assembly of FIG. 14 in a partially extended position;

(17) FIG. 16 is a side view of the bridge assembly of FIG. 14 in an extended position;

(18) FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the bridge assembly in the extended position of FIG. 16

(19) FIG. 18 is a side view of an extendable roof assembly incorporating a plurality of assemblies of the present invention in a partially extended position;

(20) FIG. 19 is a side view of the roof assembly of FIG. 18 in an extended position;

(21) FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the roof assembly in the extended position of FIG. 19;

(22) FIG. 21 is a side view of an extendable gantry assembly incorporating a plurality of assemblies of the present invention in a partially extended position;

(23) FIG. 22 is a side view of the gantry assembly of FIG. 21 in an extended position;

(24) FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the gantry assembly in the extended position of FIG. 22.

(25) Turning to FIG. 1, there is shown a diagrammatical representation of an assembly of one embodiment of the present invention, generally indicated as 2. The assembly 2 is shown in an extended position. The assembly 2 is shown mounted to a fixed structure at a first fixed pivot 4 and a second fixed pivot 6. The fixed pivots 4, 6 are spaced apart and are fixed in relation to one another. The fixed pivots 4, 6 are shown in FIG. 1 rigidly attached to each other by a support arm 8. However, any other rigid member or component may be used to connect the fixed pivots 4, 6.

(26) A first arm 10 is pivotally connected at a first position D at one end to the first fixed pivot 4. A second arm 12 is pivotally connected at a first position C at one end to the second fixed pivot 6. A third arm 14 is mounted at one end by a pivot connection 16 at the second end of the second arm 12, the position of this connection being indicated as B in FIG. 1. A fourth arm 18 is mounted at one end by a pivot connection 20 at the second end of the first arm 10, the position of this connection being indicated as E in FIG. 1.

(27) A first connecting arm 22 is mounted at one end by the pivot connection 20 at the second end of the first arm 10. The second end of the first connecting arm 22 is mounted by a pivot connection 24 to the third arm at a position F spaced from the position B on the third arm.

(28) A second connecting arm 26 is mounted at one end by a pivot connection 28 to the first arm 10 at a position G spaced from both positions D and E. The second end of the second connecting arm 26 is mounted by the pivot connection 16 to both the second arm 12 and the third arm 14 at position B.

(29) The pivot connections may be formed by any suitable means, for example by pins extending through holes in the arms being pivotally joined.

(30) In use, the third arm 14 and the fourth arm 18 are pivotably connected to an object to be moved. In particular, the third arm 14 is connected to the object by a pivot connection 30 in the distal end of the arm at a position A. Similarly, the fourth arm 18 is connected to the object by a pivot connection 32 in the distal end of the arm at a position G. The third and fourth arms may be connected to any object or component to be moved relative to the fixed pivots 4, 6. The component to be moved is shown in FIG. 1 as a support arm 34, by way of example.

(31) Movement of the first arm 10 about the first fixed pivot 4 and the second arm 12 about the second fixed pivot 6 causes the third arm 14 to move such that the point A on the third arm moves between a retracted position and an extended position. In moving between the retracted position and the extended position, the point A on the third arm 14 describes a substantially straight line. The line of motion is indicated by the solid line X in FIG. 1, with the corresponding straight line indicated by the broken line X. Similarly, movement of the first arm 10 about the first fixed pivot 4 and the second arm 12 about the second fixed pivot 6 causes the fourth arm 18 to move such that the point G on the fourth arm moves between a retracted position and an extended position. In moving between the retracted position and the extended position, the point G on the fourth arm 18 describes a substantially straight line. The line of motion is indicated by the solid line Y in FIG. 1, with the corresponding straight line indicated by the broken line Y.

(32) The support arm 34 is moved in a substantially straight line relative to the fixed pivots 4, 6. The support arm is held parallel to the line joining the fixed pivots 4, 6 throughout its motion, in the arrangement shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

(33) An exemplary arrangement of the assembly of FIG. 1 has the dimensions set out in Table 1.

(34) TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Dimension of assembly of FIG. 1 Length (mm) C-D 1300 D-E 1250 C-B 1250 B-A 1250 E-H 1250 D-G 540 G-B 500 E-F 500 B-F 710 G-H 1085 X-Y 2750

(35) The arrangement of Table 1 provides movement of point A on the third arm 14 and point H on the fourth arm 18 to follow approximate straight lines X, Y perpendicular to the line joining the fixed pivots at points C and D, the straight line having a length of 1720 mm.

(36) Referring to FIG. 2, the assembly of FIG. 1 is shown in a perspective view in an extended condition. As can be seen, each of the first, second, third and fourth arms 10, 12, 14, 18 is formed from two parallel, equal length arm members 10a, 10b, 12a, 12b, 14a, 14b, 18a, 18b. As shown, the arm members 10a, 10b of the first arm 10 are arranged either side of the first and second coupling arms 22, 26. The arm members of the second, third and fourth arms are similarly arranged. In this way, the arms are able to be folded in the retracted position in a very compact arrangement.

(37) Turning now to FIGS. 3 to 6, there is shown a sequence of drawings of the assembly of FIG. 1 in positions between a retracted position, shown in FIG. 3, and a partially extended position shown in FIG. 6.

(38) Referring to FIG. 3, the assembly 2 is shown in a retracted position.

(39) The arms of the assembly are formed to lie within one another when in the retracted position of FIG. 3. In this way, the assembly 2 occupies the minimum amount of space when in the retracted position.

(40) The assembly 2 is shown in FIG. 4 in a first partially extended position, with the third and fourth arms 14, 18 having moved away from the fixed pivots 4, 6 in the direction indicated by arrow R. In the movement from the position of FIG. 3 to the position of FIG. 4, the point A at the end of the third arm 14 and the point H at the end of the fourth arm are following a substantially straight line.

(41) FIG. 5 shows the assembly 2 in a second partially extended position, with the third and fourth arms 14, 18 moved further away from the fixed pivots 4, 6. Again, points A and H on the third and fourth arms 14, 18 are tracing a substantially straight line from their position in the retracted position of FIG. 3.

(42) Similarly, FIG. 6 shows the assembly 2 in a third partially extended position, with the third and fourth arms 14, 18 still further from the fixed pivots 4, 6 and the points A and H each still following a straight line path.

(43) Further movement of the assembly from the position shown in FIG. 7 brings the assembly to the extended position shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

(44) Referring now to FIG. 7, there is shown a pair of conjoined assemblies of the general arrangement of the assembly of FIGS. 1 and 2. The assemblies, generally indicated as 102a and 102b, have the general configuration of the assembly shown in FIG. 1 and components of the assemblies are indicated using the reference numerals used in FIG. 1. The assemblies 102a, 102b are arranged in a parallel orientation and mounted to opposing sides of a generally rectangular, vertical panel 104. In particular, the first and second arms 10, 12 of each assembly 102a, 102b are pivotally connected to respective vertical sides of the panel 104.

(45) The assemblies 102a, 102b are further connected to and support a second panel 106. The second panel 106 is movable with respect to the panel 104. The third and fourth arms 14, 18 of each assembly 102a, 102b are pivotally connected to respective vertical sides of the second panel 106.

(46) It will be understood that the panels 104, 106 are examples only of components that may be interconnected and moved by way of the assemblies 102a, 102b. It is to be further understood that additional assemblies may be provided, as required to move and support one component with respect to the other.

(47) As noted above, it has been found that the assembly of the present invention may be combined with one or more further assemblies to provide a straight line motion, without deviation. In particular, the assembly of the present invention can be combined in an end-to-end configuration either with one or more further assemblies of the present invention and/or with an assembly as described and shown in GB 1209982.6.

(48) Turning to FIG. 8, there is shown a side view of a moveable structure comprising a first assembly 202 and a second assembly 204. The first assembly 202 has the generally configuration of the assembly of FIG. 1 and the components of the assembly are labelled using the same reference numerals. The first assembly 202 is mounted to a support arm 8 providing the fixed location of the fixed pivots 4, 6, the components of the first and second assemblies moving relative to the support arm 8 and the fixed pivots 4, 6.

(49) The second assembly 204 is an assembly of GB 1209982.6. The second assembly 204 has the following configuration:

(50) A first arm 210 is pivotally connected at one end to the pivoted connection 30 of the first assembly, forming the first fixed pivot for the second assembly 204. A second arm 212 is pivotally connected at one end to the pivoted connection 32, forming the second fixed pivot for the second assembly 204. It will be noted that the first and second fixed pivots for the second assembly 204 are inverted with respect to the first and second fixed pivots 4, 6 of the first assembly 202.

(51) A third arm 214 is mounted at one end by a pivot connection 216 at the second end of the second arm 212.

(52) A first connecting arm 222 is mounted at one end by the pivot connection 220 at the second end of the first arm 210. The second end of the first connecting arm 222 is mounted by a pivot connection 224 to the third arm 214, at a position on the third arm spaced from the pivot connection 216.

(53) A second connecting arm 226 is mounted at one end by a pivot connection 228 to the first arm 210 at a position spaced from both the pivot 30 and the pivot 220. The second end of the second connecting arm 226 is mounted by the pivot connection 216 to both the second arm 212 and the third arm 214.

(54) The pivot connections may be formed by any suitable means, for example by pins extending through holes in the arms being pivotally joined.

(55) Movement of the first arm 210 about the pivot 30 and the second arm 212 about the pivot 32 causes the third arm 214 to move such that the point A on the third arm moves between a retracted position and an extended position. With both assemblies 202, 204 moving between the retracted position and the extended position, the point A on the third arm 214 describes a straight line with no deviation therefrom, indicated by the line Z.

(56) The structure shown in FIG. 8 further comprises bracing arms 240a, 240b pivotally connected at a first end to the fourth arm 18 of the first assembly 202 and the second arm 212 of the second assembly 204, respectively. The bracing arms 240a, 240b are joined by a pivot connection 242 at their second ends. The pivot connection 242 is slidable along an elongate slot 244 in the support arm 34. A force to drive the entire structure between its retracted and extended positions may be applied to the pivot connection 242.

(57) FIG. 9 shows a structure comprising a first assembly 302 and a second assembly 304. Both assemblies 302, 304 are of the arrangement shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and described above. The assemblies 302, 304 are connected in an end-to-end relationship analogous to that of the assemblies of FIG. 8, with a similar arrangement of bracing arms. Thus, the pivot connection 30 provides the first fixed pivot for the second assembly 304 and the pivot connection 32 provides the second fixed pivot for the second assembly 304. The second assembly 304 is inverted with respect to the first assembly 302.

(58) The third and fourth arms 14, 18 of the second assembly 304 are connected at their distal ends to a component to be moved. In the structure of FIG. 9, the component is a support arm 310. It is to be understood that other components may be connected to the third and fourth arms, as required.

(59) The points A and H on the third and fourth arms 14, 18 respectively of the second assembly 304 move in a precise straight line with respect to the fixed pivots 4, 6, more particularly perpendicular to the line joining the fixed pivots 4, 6.

(60) The structure of FIG. 9 as shown consists of two assemblies 302, 304 interconnected. It will be understood that the structure may comprise one or more further assemblies connected in an analogous end-to-end relationship to that shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. When the total number of assemblies is an even number, the distal or endmost moveable arms will have a point thereon that follows a precise straight line relative to the fixed pivots 4, 6, in particular a line extending perpendicular to the line joining the fixed pivots.

(61) The structure of FIG. 9 is shown in a perspective view in its extended position in FIG. 10.

(62) FIG. 11 shows the structure of FIGS. 9 and 10 in a retracted position. The movement of the structure from the retracted position of FIG. 11 to the extended position of FIGS. 9 and 10 is shown in FIGS. 12 and 13.

(63) In the arrangement shown, drive is applied to the structure at the pivot connection 242 of the bracing arms 240a, 240b, for example by way of a jack or other linear drive means. Drive may be applied to other components of the structure, for example rotational drive applied to one or both of the first and second arms 10, 12. The direction of the force applied to move the structure from the retracted to the extended position is indicated by the arrows K. Force applied in the reverse direction retracts the structure from the extended position.

(64) Turning to FIGS. 14 to 17, there is shown a bridge assembly comprising a plurality of assemblies of the present invention. The bridge assembly, generally indicated as 402, is shown mounted on fixed structure 404 by means of a fixed vertical support member 406. The bridge assembly 402 comprises a first assembly 410 and a second assembly 412, both of the form shown in FIG. 1 and described above. The first assembly 410 has its first and second arms connected to fixed pivots mounted on the fixed vertical support member 406. A first moveable vertical support member 420 is connected to the third and fourth arms of the first assembly 410. The second assembly 412 has its first and second arms connected to pivots mounted to the first moveable vertical support member 420. A second moveable vertical support member 422 is connected to the third and fourth arms of the second assembly 412. As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the second assembly 412 is inverted with respect to the first assembly 410.

(65) The bridge assembly 402 further comprises an assembly of GB 1209982.6, indicated as 424, having its first and second arms pivotally connected to the second moveable vertical support member 422.

(66) A plurality of decking members 430 are hingedly connected together and pivotally connected to the vertical support members 406, 420, 422. A decking member 430 is connected to each of the third arm of the first assembly 410, the fourth arm of the second assembly 412 and the third arm of the assembly of GB 1209982.6 424, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15. A further decking member 430 is pivotally connected to the third arm of the assembly of GB 1209982.6 424.

(67) The bridge assembly 402 is shown in the extended position in a perspective view in FIG. 17. As can be seen, the assemblies 410, 412, 424 are arranged in pairs on either side of the vertical support members 406, 420, 422 and the decking members 430.

(68) Turning now to FIGS. 18 to 20, there is shown an expandable roof assembly comprising a plurality of assemblies of the present invention. The roof assembly, generally indicated as 502, is mounted at an opening in a wall of a building 504 by means of a fixed vertical support member 506. The roof assembly is arranged in an analogous manner to the bridge assembly of FIGS. 14 to 17. Thus, the roof assembly 502 comprises a first assembly 510 and a second assembly 512, both of the form shown in FIG. 1 and described above. The first assembly 510 has its first and second arms connected to fixed pivots mounted on the fixed vertical support member 506. A first moveable vertical support member 520 is connected to the third and fourth arms of the first assembly 510. The second assembly 512 has its first and second arms connected to pivots mounted to the first moveable vertical support member 520. A second moveable vertical support member 522 is connected to the third and fourth arms of the second assembly 512. As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the second assembly 512 is inverted with respect to the first assembly 510.

(69) The roof assembly 502 further comprises an assembly of GB 1209982.6, indicated as 524, having its first and second arms pivotally connected to the second moveable vertical support member 522.

(70) Wheels 526 are provided on the lower end of the second support member 522, for contacting and moving along the ground.

(71) A plurality of roof members 530 are hingedly connected together and pivotally connected to the vertical support members 506, 520, 522. A roof member 530 is connected to each of the fourth arm of the first assembly 510, the third arm of the second assembly 512 and the third arm of the assembly of GB 1209982.6 424, as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19. A further roof member 530 is pivotally connected to the third arm of the assembly of GB 1209982.6 524.

(72) The roof assembly 502 is shown in the extended position in a perspective view in FIG. 20. As can be seen, the assemblies 510, 512, 524 are arranged in pairs on either side of the vertical support members 506, 520, 522 and the roof members 530.

(73) Referring now to FIGS. 21 to 23, there is shown an expandable gantry assembly comprising a plurality of assemblies of the present invention. The gantry assembly, generally indicated as 602, is mounted at an opening in a wall of a building 604 by means of a fixed vertical support member 606. The gantry assembly is arranged in an analogous manner to the bridge assembly of FIGS. 14 to 17. Thus, the gantry assembly 602 comprises a first assembly 610 and a second assembly 612, both of the form shown in FIG. 1 and described above. The first assembly 610 has its first and second arms connected to fixed pivots mounted on the fixed vertical support member 606. A first moveable vertical support member 620 is connected to the third and fourth arms of the first assembly 610. The second assembly 612 has its first and second arms connected to pivots mounted to the first moveable vertical support member 620. A second moveable vertical support member 622 is connected to the third and fourth arms of the second assembly 612. As shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, the second assembly 612 is inverted with respect to the first assembly 610.

(74) A plurality of gantry members 630 are hingedly connected together and pivotally connected to the vertical support members 606, 620, 622. A gantry member 630 is connected to each of the fourth arm of the first assembly 610, the third arm of the second assembly 612, as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19.

(75) A platform 632 having a railing 634 is mounted to the second vertical support member 622, with the platform 632 in line with the gantry members 630, when in the extended position shown in FIGS. 22 and 23.

(76) The gantry assembly 602 is shown in the extended position in a perspective view in FIG. 23. As can be seen, the assemblies 610, 612, 624 are arranged in pairs on either side of the vertical support members 606, 620, 622 and the gantry members 630.