Patent ID: 7472627
Filing Date: 2009-01-06
Classification: F16C,F16H,Y10T

Abstract:
1. An adjustable linkage comprising: a housing including a first end attached with respect to a first attachment point, wherein said housing forms an opening; a slider including a second end attached with respect to a second attachment point; and said slider being automatically movable within said housing to adjust a distance between said first end and said second end by moving said second end with respect to said first end upon attachment of said housing and slider with respect to said attachment points; a locking member seated at least partially within said opening, said locking member being selectively movable between a locked position, wherein said locking member contacts said slider to restrain sliding movement of said slider, thereby fixing said distance between said first end and said second end, and an unlocked position, wherein said locking member does not interfere with movement of said slider; wherein said locking member includes at least one ramp, said at least one ramp preventing movement of said locking member from said unlocked position to said locked position without application of a force, and snugly contacting at least a portion of said housing when said locking member is in said locked position, thereby maintaining said locked position to fix said distance between said first end and said second end.