Patent ID: 6694841
Filing Date: 2004-02-24
Classification: B25B,Y10T

Abstract:
An apparatus for providing self adjusting closure comprising:a) an extended support rod having a longitudinal axis; b) a push link having an opening defined therethrough receiving said support rod, having a ridge approximately aligned with and perpendicular to said support rod axis, and being rotatable between first and second positions; c) at least one friction pawl, adjacent to said push link, having an opening defined therethrough receiving said support rod; d) a spring, bearing against said friction pawl, urging said friction pawl into contact with said push link at said ridge; wherein when said push link is in said first position it contacts said friction pawl solely at said ridge, said friction pawl is maintained substantially orthogonal to said support rod axis by the action of said spring, and said friction pawl and said push link are free to move linearly along said support rod; and wherein when said push link is in said second position it contacts said friction pawl at a first point offset from said support rod axis, causing said friction pawl to tilt relative to said support rod, the edges of said opening in said friction pawl contacting and coupling to said support rod whereby linear movement of said pawl and said push link are blocked in at least one direction.