Stop mechanism for a rotary device
A mechanical stop apparatus that permits more than 360 degrees rotation in a horizontal plane is disclosed. The apparatus includes a lifted tang ( 160 ) on the stationary portion ( 120 ) of the apparatus and a finger ( 150 ) on the rotating portion ( 110 ). During maximum rotation, the finger slides up onto the tang to attain a maximum rotation in excess of 360 degrees.
1. A mechanism for limiting the rotation about an axis of rotation of a rotating component relative to a second component, the rotating component being substantially fixed to the second component in a vertical direction parallel to the axis of rotation, the mechanism comprising:
a finger device attached to the rotating component, wherein upon rotation of the rotating component, slides along an upper surface of the second component;
a tang device attached to the second component; the tang device comprising a stop element and a ramp element; wherein the ramp element has a top surface distal from the upper surface of the second component and an opposing bottom surface, and wherein the stop element is located on the top surface of the ramp element;
wherein, in an initial position of the rotating component, the finger device resides between the second component and the bottom surface of the ramp element;
wherein upon rotation of the rotating component from said initial position the rotating component attains a maximum position of rotation when the finger device slides along the top surface of ramp element and stops rotating when the finger device abuts the stop element;
wherein said maximum position of rotation relative to said initial position is in excess of 360 degrees.
2. The mechanism of claim 1 wherein the finger device maintains a downward bias against the upper surface of the second component.
3. The mechanism of claim 2 wherein the finger device is a fixed cantilever spring.
4. The mechanism of claim 1 wherein the tang device is formed from, and one-piece with, the second component.
5. The mechanism of claim 4 wherein the stop element and the ramp element are each one-piece with the tang device.
6. The mechanism of claim 5 wherein at least one of the stop element and the ramp element are formed separately from the tang device and subsequently attached to the tang device.
7. The mechanism of claim 1 wherein the tang device is formed separately from the second component and subsequently attached to the second component.
8. The mechanism of claim 7 wherein the stop element and the ramp element are each on-piece with the tang device.
9. The mechanism of claim 7 wherein at least one of the stop element and the ramp element are formed separately from the tang device and subsequently attached to the tang device.
10. The mechanism of claim 1 wherein said maximum position of rotation relative to said initial position is in excess of 363 degrees.
11. The mechanism of claim 1 wherein said maximum position of rotation relative to said initial position is in excess of 365 degrees.
12. A recessed lighting fixture containing at least one rotating element whose rotation is limited by the mechanism of claim 1 .
13. An apparatus containing at least one rotating element whose rotation is limited by the mechanism of claim 1 .