Patent ID: 6223802
Filing Date: 2001-05-01
Classification: E06B

Abstract:
An apparatus for unidirectionally driving a driven member comprising in combination:a pull system operatively connected to an output shaft to effect unidirectional driven rotation of said driven member, said pull system including a flexible pull element and a rotatable spool around which said pull element is selectively wound, and a one-way spring clutch operatively connecting said spool to said output shaft to effect unidirectional driven rotation of said driven member, andwherein said spool includes a substantially cylindrical drive member having a first outside diameter and forming part of said spring clutch, said spring clutch further including a driven member of substantially cylindrical configuration having a second outside diameter slightly smaller than said first outside diameter, a fixed member having a substantially cylindrical cavity with a first inside diameter and a coil spring having a second inside diameter that is slightly smaller than said first outside diameter and a third outside diameter that is slightly greater than said first inside diameter, said driven member being selectively rotatable about its longitudinal axis relative to said drive member and said fixed member, said drive member being selectively rotatable about its longitudinal axis relative to said fixed member and said driven member and said drive member being rotatable in unison with said spool, whereby rotation of said drive member in a first direction causes said coil spring to be reduced in inside and outside diameter so that said spring is released from engagement with said fixed member and becomes frictionally engaged with said driven member to cause said driven member to rotate with said drive member, and rotation of said driven member in an opposite direction causes said coil spring to be enlarged in inside and outside diameter so that said spring is released from frictional engagement with said drive member allowing said drive member to rotate independently of said fixed member and driven member.