Patent ID: 6152645
Filing Date: 2000-11-28
Classification: F16D,Y10T

Abstract:
A lock mechanism comprising:a shaft having a longitudinal axis and having an annular groove formed therearound;a first sleeve fitted on said shaft for sliding engagement therewith, said first sleeve defining at least one channel between said first sleeve and said shaft that extends parallel to said shaft, said first sleeve incorporating an opening at one end of said channel facing away from said shaft;a plurality of bearings filling said channel with at least two of said plurality of bearings being maintained in parallel alignment with said shaft and one of said plurality of bearings extending partially through said opening when said channel and said annular groove are misaligned; anda second sleeve fitted over said first sleeve and said opening for retaining said plurality of bearings in said channel, said second sleeve configured and movable with respect to said first sleeve to push said one of said plurality of bearings into said channel when said channel and said annular groove are aligned, wherein another of said plurality of bearings is consequently pushed into said annular groove while remaining partially in said channel to inhibit axial movement of said shaft relative to said first sleeve.