Latching motion transfer mechanism

摘要

Latching motion transfer arrangements may be used to raise an object up and out of the engagement with the ground or other support surface and to lower the object back onto the ground or other support surface. In one exemplary embodiment, the mechanism is caused to lift and latch by applying force in a first direction, a first time, and is caused to release and lower by applying force in the first direction, a second time.

主权项

1. A bed comprising:
a bed frame; at least one caster assembly that supports the bed frame above a support surface; a latching lift mechanism connected to the at least one caster assembly; wherein moving a drive member of the lift mechanism in a first direction a first time causes a foot of the latching lift mechanism to engage the support surface and lift the at least one caster assembly off of the support surface and latch; wherein moving the drive member of the lift mechanism a second time in said first direction causes the lift mechanism to unlatch and allow the at least one caster assembly to return to the support surface upon movement of the drive member of the lift mechanism in a second direction; wherein the latching lift mechanism comprises:
a frame that comprises an elongated channel with first and second side walls;a first catch extending from the first side wall into the channel at a first position along a length of the channel;a second catch extending from the second side wall into the channel at a second position along the length of the channel;a plunger disposed in the channel;a biasing member coupled to the plunger such that the plunger is urged toward the first catch by the biasing member;a detent member disposed in the channel including a leg portion in contact with the drive member; anda latch portion in contact with the plunger having first and second latch projections extending from opposite sides of the leg portion.