WO2015149087A2

WO2015149087A2 - A locking gimbal

Info

Publication number: WO2015149087A2
Application number: PCT/ZA2015/000016
Authority: WO
Inventors: Henri Louis BURGER
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-03-26
Filing date: 2015-03-25
Publication date: 2015-10-01
Anticipated expiration: 2016-09-26
Also published as: KR101864521B1; RU2016141845A; EP3123109A2; EP3123109A4; RU2016141845A3; WO2015149087A3; PL3123109T3; DK3123109T3; CN106560000A; PT3123109T; ES2773433T3; US20170120992A1; CN106560000B; KR20160145621A; RU2673867C2; EP3123109B1; US10040517B2; SG11201608986WA

Abstract

This invention relates to a locking gimbal, 'More specifically, the invention relates to a locking gimbal for: automatically locking a gimballed object against' motion arising from an external force applied thereto; and automatically releasing the gimballed object on removal of the external force. The locking gimbal includes a first object pivotable about a first pivot axis, a second object movable along an arc centred substantially at a second axis, a locking member and. a locking formation. The first object defined a first reference axis passing through the first pivot axis and a centre of gravity of the first object, -whereas- the second object defines a second reference axis passing through the second axis and a centre of gravity of the second object. The first and second objects are movable relative to one another between a first aligned condition, wherein the first and second reference axes are substantially aligned, and a second displaced condition, wherein the first and second reference axes are angularly displaced relative to one another. The locking formation, actuated by displacement: between the first and second objects, is radially movable, relative to the first pivot axis between engaged and disengaged positions, wherein: (i) in the first aligned condition, the locking formation Is in a disengaged position and spaced from the locking; member, permitting rotation of the first object about the first pivot axis; and (ii) in the: second displaced condition, the locking formation is in an engaged position and In contact with the locking member thereby preventing rotation of the first object about the first pivot axis.

Description

A LOq&iNG G1 V1BAL

BACKGROUND OF THE I VE TION

THIS nvention relates to locking gimbai Mo specifically, the nvention relates to a locking gfmbs! for: automatically locking a gimbajied object against motion arising from an external force applied thereto: and automatically releasing the gimbaiied. object on removal of the external force.

It is well Known that objects such as stoves, ovens, tables, beds, etc. upon transportation craft (i.e. boats, automobiles, trains or aeropianes) are often gimbaiied in order for hem to remain substantially level despite the rocking motson of the craft, in- order for these gimbaiied objects to remain level, they must be able to swing freely, which Is inherently dangerous:.

It will be appreciated that it is very possible for a person to accidentally bump into or fal onto the gimbaiied object thereby exposing ¾ to an external direct load and throwing it and anything supported thereon; out of a level condition. In the case of a gimbaiied stove supporting:≤_: pot of boiling water, such an event would; certainly cause severe injuries.

Onelsdiutkmi irnpismsntad to cbunier this danger Is & manual mechanical lock, which locks the gimbaiied object against any motion. Although the locked gimbaiied object is locked against motion arising from exposure to an external direct load, it is incapable of salMevelling end as such, remains dangerous under the rocking motion of the craft,

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a locking gimbal tha allows the gimbaiied object to swing freely to selMevei, but to automatically lock in the event of the gimbaiied object being exposed to an external; direct load .that would otherwise force it from a level condition. SUMMARY OF THE i ViVEftmON

According to the invention there is provided a locking gimbai inducting: a first object pivotally conn ctible to a support, and being pivotabie about a first pivot axis, wherein the centre of gravity of the fi st object: is spaced from the first pivot axis, and further wherein the first object defines a first reference axis passing through the first pivot axis and the centre of gravity of the first object; a second object having a centre of gravity movable along an arc centred substantially- at a second axis and^' defining a second reference axis passing through t e seco d axis and the centre of gravity of -the second object, the first and second objects being mo able ^' relative to one another between a first aligned condition, wherein the first and second reference axes are substantially aligned:, and a second d splaced condition, wherein the first and second reference axes are angularly displaced relative to one another; a locking member %eb in position .relative to t e: support; and a locking formation for locking the first object wherein the Jacking fo m tio , actuated by displacement between the first and second objects, Is radially movable: relative .to. the first: pivot axis between engaged and disengaged positions, wherein, when:

(!) the first and second objects are in the first aligned condition, the locking formation is in the disengaged position in which the locking formation Is spaced from the locking member, permitting rotation of the first object about the first -pivot -axis; and

(is) the first and second objects are in the second displaced condition, the locking formation is In the engaged position in which the: locking formation makes contact with the locking member and. prevents rotation of the fi st object about the first pivot axis. Generally, the first object Is biased towards an in rest position in which a support surface of ^'the first object is substantially level Typically, the first object is biased toward the in rest position in which the centre of gravity of the -first object operaiively comes to rest at a position underneath the pivot support. in the in rest position, the first reference axis is preferably substantially upright, the first object being biased towards the in rest position under its own weight or under the weight of a first counterweight connected thereto such that the first object acts as a first pendulum. It will be appreciated that the term "substantially .upright" will be understood to mean vertical or any angular offset from vertical of up to 30 degrees either side of vedioal. in ode embodiment of the invention, the second object ma be movable along a track connected to the first object, with the second: object being capable of rolling or sliding along th track. Typically, the track is arcuate. Preferably, the track Is arced having a centre located substantially at the second axis, and further wherein the second axis is substantially oo-linear with the first pivot axis.

Typically, the locking formation is one or more formation on a looking arm pivotaii mounted on the first object and psyotaiiy movable relative thereto from the disengaged position into the engaged position by contact of the second object thereon In the displaced condition. in a first alternative embodiment of the invention, the second object is pivotaliy supported to act as a second pendulum, and the looking formation Is a terminal end of one or more locking pins being movable between the engage and disengaged positions. I the engaged position, th locking pin generally extends such that the locking formation thereof comes into engagement with the locking member when the first and second objects are In the second displaced condition, in the disengaged position, the locking pin is typically retracted such that the locking formation thereof is spaced from the locking member when the first and second objects are in the first aligned condition. The locking Qsm al may include one or more connectors for driving the socking pins between the respective disengaged and; engaged positions, the connector being cooperative between the first object or the second object, and the locking pin such that when the first and second objects are in the first. -aligned position, the locking_, pin is forced by. the connector into the retracted disengaged position, and when the first and second objects are in the second displaced position, the socking pin is forced by the connector into the extended engaged position.

-Generally, the locking pin is skdably mounted on the first object and the connector comprises first and second ends, each of the ends being pivotaily connected_. -to the locking pin and to the second object respectively. Preferably, the locking pin is siidabiy mounted, on the first object withi guides such that an axis along which th locking pin is s idabfe remains substantially paraliei with; the first reference axis. in a second aiternaiiye embodiment of the invention, the . ocking gimbal may have at least two locking pins siidabiy mounted on the first or second object, each being capable of actuation by one of the respective connectors, the connectors each having is t and second ends wherein the first ;end¾ thereof are pivotail connected to ode of the respective iocking pins and the second ends thereof being configured fa ;co~. -operative^ engage the first object thereby to transmit, on engagement between the first object: and the respective second ends of tn©:. connecters: in the first aligned and second displaced conditions, a corresponding force imparted onto the connectors by the first object to the looking pins such that the respective locking pin is _: driven towards the retracted disengaged or exten ed engaged positions respectively.

I a third alternative embodiment of the invention, the looking girnbaj may have at least two iocking pins siidabiy mounted on the first or second object, and connectors in the form of a plurality of gears for driving the locking pi s;, th gears being co-operatively engagabie with the first object thereby to transmit, on engagement between the first object and at least one of the gears in the first aligned or second displaced -conditions, a corresponding force imparted on the gears by the first object to the locking pins suc that the respective iocking pin i driven into the refracted disengaged or extended engaged positions. Preferably, the locking pins are slidahjy mounted on the first or second object within guides -such, that axes along which the locking pins are sildable remain substantially parallel with the respective first dr second reference axis. More preferably, the second object Is pivotally supported about the first pivot axis on the support, or about the S second axis located on a secondary support, the second axis being a second pivot axis. in a fourth alternative embodiment of the invention, the second object is pivotally supported on the first object and plvotabie relative thereto about the second axis, the 10 second axis being a second pivot axis spaced from the first pivot axis.

The locking formation may be a locking pin configured to ride between a cog formation on the second o ject and the looking member, with the locking pin capabl of riding freely along the locking member between in the disengaged position, when the first and I S second objects are i the first aligned condition.

In the engaged position, whe the first . and second objects are In the second displaced condition, the locking pin is captured between projections on the cog formation and the locking member, thereby to lock the first arid second objects to the locking member and 20 prevent natation of the first object, about the first pivot axis.

In a fifth alternative embodiment of the invention, the second object may be pivotally supported about the second axis to act as a second pendulum such that the second axis Is a second pivot axis, and further wherein the locking formation is one or more 25 formations on a locking arm, the locking arm eing pjvotai!y mounted on the first object and pivotable relative thereto about a third pivot axis.

Generally, the locking glrnbal includes one or more connectors having first and second ends, the first end thereof being pivotally connected to a first connection point on the 30 locking arm and a second end thereof being pivotally connected to a second connection point on the second object, wherein the first connection point and the third pivot axis lie on a primary plane and the second connection point and the second pivot axis lie on a secondary plane, Although not necessary, the primar and secondary pl nes, in use, remain substantially parallel throughout the range of pivotal mo ement of the first and second objects.

Typically, the centre of_. gravity of the second object and the second pivot axis lie on a transversa plane being substantially perpendicular to the secondary plane.

it will be appreciated that the second object may he pivotally supportable on a second support such that the first and second pivot axis are spaced relative to one another.

Alterna ely the second object is pivotally supportable on the support on which the first object Is pivotally supportable such that the first a d second pivot axes are co- iinear.

It will be further appreciated that th second object, acting as a second pendulum, comprises a second counterweight pivotally supported on a second pendulum arm.

To enable the. locking gimbal to arrest oscillations, it is preferable that a first length, as measured betwe n the first pivot ax s a d the centre the gravity of^" the first object and a second length, as measured between the axis about which the second object is pivotally supported and th centre of gravity of the second object, are unequal such that a period of oscillation of the first object Is different to a period of oscillation of the second object.

The centre of gravity of the first object and the first pivot axis ma lie on a transverse: plans being substantially perpendicular to the support surface of the first object The locking member Is curved, preferably arced, and ma have repeating projections spaced from one another dreumierehtia!iy there along. More- preferably, the centre of the arced locking member coincides with the first pivot axis.

Preferably, the locking member is two or more spaced: parallel looking members orientated relative to one another such that the projections o one of the locking members are staggered relative to the projections on the other locking members thereby increasing the engaging responsiveness of the locking formation: on the locking member. Generally, the locking formation is movabiy supported on the locking arm and movable relative thereto such thai the locking formation engages the locking member in the engaged position and disengages the looking member in the disengaged position.

Typically, the locking formation Is movabiy supported on a swivel pi on the locking formation or the locking arm, the swivel pin being captured within a swivel slot defined on the other of the locking formation or the locking arm. The swivel .pin and swivel slot preferably enable the locking formation to swivel and slide relative to the locking arm, with the range of motion of the locking engagement member being limited by the length of the^' swivel slot and corresponding abutment formations capable of abutting one another In the engaged position.

The first pivot axis may be one of two or more glmbal axes about which the first^■object, is pivotally supported, the at least two glrhbal axes being angularly offset relative to one^: another t ereby to maintain the first object and/or the support surface thereof substantially level. Preferably, the . at least two glmbai axes are angularly offset relative to o 8^: .an other hy -SG degrees,

G ne all , wherein in the first aligned condition, the first and second reference axes are substantially oo-planar and/or co-linear.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a glmbal object including a primary locking gim al and at least a second locking glmbai wherein th first pivot axes of the- respective primary and secondary locking gimbals are angularl offset relative to one another. Preferably the first pivot axes of the respective primar arid secondary looking gimbals are angularly offset relative to one another by about 90 degrees.

BRIEF OESC tPTIOM OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be describes" in more detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1A~1€ are side- views, of a preferred embodiment of a locking gimbai n accordance with the invention, figure 1A and 18 showing^' the^' locking gimbai In first, aligned conditions under moticniess and in motion states respectively, with figure 1G showing the locking gimbai in a second displaced condition:

Figsi^'r 2Α-2Ώ are side views . of the locking gimbai of figure 1 , having responsiveness and effectiveness enhancements included therein;

Figure 3A-3C are side views of a second embodiment of a locking gimbai in accordance with the invention, figure 3A and 3B showing the locking gimbai i firs aligned conditions under motionless and in motion states respectively, with figure 3C showing the locking gimbai in a second displaced condition; fig e A-4C are side views of a third embodiment of a locking gimbai in accordance with the invention, figure 4A and 48 showing the locking gimbai i first aligned conditions under motionless and in motion states respectively, with figure 4G showing the locking gimbai in a second dis laced condition;

Fig sro^■§ is a side view of a fourth embodiment of a locking gimbai in accordance with the invention;

Figure 6 is a side view of a variation of the fourth embodiment of the locking gimbai of figure 5; a

Figure 7A-7S are side views of a fifth embodiment of a locking gimbai in accordance with the Invention, figure 7A showing the locking gimbai in a first aligned condition and figure 73 showing the locking gimbai in a second displaced condition. DETAI LED .DESCRIPTION Of THE DRAWINGS

A locking nb&l according to a preferred embodiment of the invention is designated generally in t e accompanying figures with reference numeral 10. With reference now to figure 1 A to figure 1 C, the locking gim al 10 includes a first object 12, a second object 14, a locking member 16 and locking formation 18.

Although the first and second objects 1:2,1 4 have been illustrated for the ease of description as substantially T-shaped first and second pendulums respectively, it will be appreciated that the first and second objects may take any form:. For example, the first object 12 may In fad be a gim alied object (i.e. a stove) pivotaliy supported about point spaced from its centre of gravity.

Furthermore, although he locking gimbai 10 has been Illustrated in the accompanying figures in respect of objects glmballeel in a single plane, it will fe appreciated that ractic lly the object? may be gim ailed on multiple planes with one or rno re locking: gimbals 10 for locking the objects in one or more of the planes.

Turning back to the figures, the first object 12 is plv.ota_.ily conneciible to a support 20, _. for example a shaft, and pivoiable thereon about a first pivot axls_: "P_F ^S _; with the centre of gravity "CGy" of the first, object 12 spaced from the first pivot axis: "PF , to lie operatively below the first pivot axis f*f

As such, the first object 12 is fciased under Its own weight, or under th weight of a first cou terweight 22 , towards an in rest position In which the centre :of gravity ^¾CG_F ^" of the first object 12 lies substantially vertically below the first pivot axis: W with a support surface 24 of the first object 12 retained in a substantially level condition. The firs! object 12 defines a first reference axis ^i:A_RF" passing through the first pivot axis "T-y and the centre of gravit ^i:CG_F" of the first object 12,

The second object 14 is similarly pivotaliy connectible to the support 20 and pivotable thereon about the first pivot axi T^'V\ with the centre of gravity ^;:CGy of the second object 4 spaced from the first pivot axis-^aP_F" id. lie operatively below the first pivot axis ^'TV', it will be appreciated that the second object 14, Instead of being pivotaliy supported about trie first pivot axis "P " may be supported about a second pivot axis spaced from the first p vot axis "P_F",

As such, the second ^' .object 1 is biased under its own weight, or under t e weight of a second counterweight 26., towards an in rest position In w ich the centre of gravit "CGs" of the second object 1 iles substantially vertically below the first pivot axis "P '. The second object 14 defines a second reference axis '7 ^r passing through the first pivot axis ^*P_r ^* sod the centre of gravity ^ilCG_s" of the second object 14.

The locking member 16 Is arced having its centre lying substantially on the first pivot: axis "Pp* and being fixed In position relative to the support 20 such that the looking member 16 is restricte from movement. Preferably, the locking member 16 comprises repeating projections spaced from one -ai oiJier circumfereniiaijy there along as show in figure 2C. in respect of an alternative embodiment of the invention.

The locking formations 18 are located o a locking arm 1 pivotatly imounted on the first object 12 and pivotable relative thereto about a third pivot axis ψ£. Furthermore, the locking gjrnbai 10 includes one or mo e connectors 28 having first: and second ends, the first ends/thereof being plvotally connected to a first connection point 28A o the locking arm 18 and a second end thereof being pivotaliy connected to a second connection point 298 on the second object: 14 to define a quadrangular pendulum structure.

The quadrangula pendulum Structure Is movable between a substantially rectangular form (as ii usira^'te<Hn figure 1A and a substantially parallelogram form (as illustrated te figure 1€). In this manner a primary: plane on which the first connection point 28A and the third pivot axis "P lie, as well as a secondary plane on which: the second connection point 288 and the first pivot axis "P_F ^* lie, remain substantially parallel throughout the range of pivotal movement of the first and second objects 12:14.

Although the quadrangular pendulum structure has been described and Illustrated as being movable between substantially rectangular and parallelogram forms, it will be appreciated that it may instead be movable between any first and any second quadrangular forms, where the primary and secondary pianes at not necessarily parallel

With the components of the locking giroba! 10 configured as described, it will be appreciated that the first and second objects 12, 14 are movable relative to one another between a first aligned condition, wherein the first and second reference axes- "Af A_¾" are su sta tially aligned (as shown In figure 1A and B), and a second displaced condition, wherein the first and second axes "A«F, A_;fc ^" are angularly displaced relative to one another (as shown in figure 1C).

It will be appreciated further from the configuration of the components of the locking girnbal 10· that locking formations 18 on the locking arm 19 are radially movable relative to the first pivot axis W between engaged and disengaged positions.

In th disengaged position, and with the firs! and second o jects 12, 14 in the first: aligned condition (figures A an B), the locking formations I S are spaced from the locking member 16 permitting^' rotation of the first object 12 about the first pivot axis

In the engaged position, and with the first and second objects 12, 14 In the second displaced condition (figure 1,C), the locking formations 18 make contae with the locking member 16 preventing rotation of the first object 12 about the first pivot axis ^*.

In use, with the first and second objects 12, 14 in the first aiigned condition:, the first object 12 Is free to swing relative to the locking member 16 to enable the support surface 24^: thereof to self-level into the in rest position. Although It may not fee dear from the Illustrations, figure 1 (as well as figures 2A, 3A, 4A and ?A) Illustrates the locking oirnbai 10 In the first aligned condition in a motionless state, i.e. a boat supported on a trailer, whereas figure S (as well as figures 28, 33, 48 and 7B) illustrates the locking gimba! 10 also in the first aligned condition , but in a state of motion, i.e. the boat rocking or yawing In a body of water.

With reference now to figure TC, in the event of an external^' force V being applied to. the first object 12, for exampl as a result of a crewman breaking his fail by contact with the support surface 24 of the firsf object 12, the first object 12 is displaced from the firs! aligned condition into the second displaced condition.

Consequently,_, the locking formation 1 8 on the locking arm 1 9 is radiall moved from the disengaged positio Info the engaged position, with contact between the locking formation 1 8 and the locking member 1 6 preventing any further rotation of the first object; 12 about the first ^'pivot axis ^«P?", thereby to counter the extem-ai force _E ^B and to retain, as far as possible, the support surface 24 in the level condition. it will be appreciated that the parallelogram form that the quadrangula pendulum sirueture Is capable of taking coincides with second displaced condition of the first and second object 12, 14, and that release of the externa! force ^KF_£" from the first object- 12 will cause the first and second objects 1 2 , 14 to return to the first aligned condition, in which conditio the quadrangular .pendulum structure will return for the rectangular form.

Although- not necessary, it is clear from the Illustrations that a first ength. as measured betwee the first pivot axis "?y^! and the centre the gravity "CGF" of the first object 12, and a second length, as measured between the first pivot axis "p^ and the centre of gravity ^t;COs' of the second object 14, are unequal such that a period of oscillation of the first object 1 2 is different to a period of oscillation Of the second object 14. it wiil .be appreciated that in many glmballed applications, the girobalied object is prone to oscillations. For example, a girnbalied object aboard a waterborne boat is prone to induced oscillations by the wake of passing vessels, which can lead to the violent: swinging of the gimbalied object It is envisaged that the different periods of oscillations of the first and _:second objects 1¾ 1 4 , arising from unequal first and second lengths, will causa the first and second objects 12, 14 to swing out of synchronisation.

Consequently, the first and second objects 1 2, 1 4 are forced into the second displaced condition, placing the locking formations I S into the engaged position, thereby locking the first object 12 against the locking member 16 and arresting such oscillations. Accordingly, the locking plrobal 1 0 is capable of arresting unwanted oscillations In addition to locking the first object 12 when exposed to an external force "F_£" Figures 2A to 2D illustrates possible improvements to the locking girn l .10 shown in figures 1A to 1 C, The improvements are the inclusion .of a series of projections 30 spaced eircumierenttaliy along the locking member 1.6, and making the locking formation 18 movable on the locking arm 19. The projections 30 may be, amongst ethers, a series of posts, notches or teeth on a gear-like locking member 16.

The more closely spaced the projections 30, the greater the responsiveness of the iocking effect of the locking girnbaj 10, To further increase the responsiveness of the locking effect, and with reference to figure 2D, the locking girnbal ma comprise a pair or more of- locking formations 18,. 18' co-operative with a pair of spaced parallel locking members 16, 16 . the spaced parallel looking members 18, 16^s orientated relative to one anothe such that the projections .30 on one of the locking members IS are staggered relative to the projections SO¹ on the other Iocking member 16^!. The looking formation IS is mo abiy. supported on a swivel pin 32 located on the locking arm 19 feeing captured within a swivel slot: 34: defined by the looking formation 18. It will be appreciated that the: location of the swivel pin and swivel slot could be swopped such that the swivel pin is located on the locking farmatlon 18 and the swivel slot defined by the locking arm 19.

Co-operation between the swivel pin 32 and the swivel slot 3 enable the locking formation I S to swivel and slide relative to the locking arm 19·, with the range of motion of the locking formation 18 being limited by the length of the swivel slot 34 and corresponding abutment formations 38A, 368 located oo the Iocking fonnatlo I S and the locking arm 19 respectively.

In use. with the first and second objects 12, 14 moving into the second displaced cond:tlon _; the locking formation IS swivels and slides along the swivel pin 32 from the disengaged position, wherein the Iocking formation 18 Is raised from the Iocking member 16 as shown in figures 2A and 28, into the engaged position, wherein the iocking formation Is lowered into engagement with a ^'projection 30 of the locking member 1.6. thereby to_. check further rotation of the first object 12 about the first pivot axis "P_F", as shown in figure C. in this manner, with a greater surface area of the locking formation 18 coming into contact with the projection 30: of the locking member 16. the effectiveness of the locking effect of the locking girobaf 10 is .greatly increased .

Figures 3A to 3C, with like references designating like parts, illustrates sn alternative embodiment of the invention where instead of the second object being a pendulum, the second object 114 rolls or slides within a track 140. Preferably, the second object 1 14 is a rolling spherical weight 114, with the arced track feed to the first object 12 having a centre point substantially coinciding with the first pivot axis "Ρ~^:\

The lockmg formations 1 8 are located on a locking arm 1 19, pivot lly supported on the first object 112 about -a pivot support 142. In the first aligned condition, as illustrated in figures 3A and 38, the first object 12 is free to swing: relative to the locking member 1 18.

It will be appreciated that the pivot support 142 may be ^..configured on the locking am* 18 as illustrated In the accompanying figures, or such that i centre of gravity ties operative^? below the pivot support 142, thereby enabling the locking arm 1 8 to automatically reset to the disengaged .position with the first and second objects in the first aligned condition.

In the event. of the first arid second objects: 1 12, 1 14 moving Into the second displaced condition, the rolling spherical weight 1 14 abuts one of the upper sides of the locking arm 1 1 S causing the locking arm 1 19 to pivot about the pivot support 142 such that the respective locking formation 1 8 Is: brought into the engaged position with the locking member B, thereby to: check further rotation of the first obtect l 12 about the first pivo

Figures 4A to 4C, with like references designating like parts, Illustrates yet a further alternative embodiment of the invention where instead of having a concave looking member located proximate the free ends of the fs^'rst and second pendulum-like objects 212, 214, the locking member 215 is convex or circ lar and located proximate the first pivot axis "P_f ^*. The socking formation 21 S is a termina end of a locking pin 244 being sUdabiy mounted on t e first object 212 by guides 246. The locking pin 244 being sfldably movable between the disengaged and engaged positions. In t e disengaged position, the looking formation 218 is retracted towards the first counterweight end 222 of the first object 212 and spaced from the locking member 216 as shown in figures 4A and 43. in the engaged position, the locking formation 218 extends towards the locking member 216 to engage the projections 230 as shown in figures 4C The locking pin 244 is actuated between the disengaged and engaged positions by a connector 248 pivotaiiy connected at opposing ends 248A, 2488 to the second object 214 and the locking pin 244 respectively.

In the first, aligned condition _; as illustrated in figures 4A and 43, the connector 248 retains the connection point 2488 (as shown in figure 4C) at an initial spaced distance from the first pivot axis ^'*Ρ_? ^!' such that the locking pin 244 is retained in the retracted, disengage position, allowing the first object 212 to swing freely relative to. he locking member 216.

In the event of the first and second objects 212, 214 moving into the second displaced condition, the spaced distance between the connection point 248 B on the locking pin 244 and the first pivo axis. ' V decreases, causing the locking pin 244 to move towards the locking member 216 and bringing the locking formation 218 info the extended engaged position wit the locking member 216, In this manner, further rotation of the first object 212 about the first pivot axis "P_P ^!\ as shown In figure AC, is checked.

Figure 5, with like references designating like parts, shows an alternative to the sliding locking pin embodiment of figures 4A to 4C having a pair of locking pins 344 slidably mounted on the second pendulum like object 314 by guides 345, the locking pins 34 being configured to engage a locking member 316; located proximate the counterweight ends 322, 326 of the first and second pendulum-like objects 312_s 314,

In use, as the first and second objects 312, 314 move into the second displaced condition, an abutment surface 350 of the first object 312 contacts a first end 348A of a connector 348 such that a force imparted thereon by the first object 312 is transmitted to the respective locking pin 244 connected to a second end 3488 of the connector 348. in this- manner, the respective locking p.-n 344 is forced into the extended engaged position wit the locking member 316, thereby to check further rotation or the first object 312 about the. first pivot axis "FV^".

Yet another variation of the double locking pin embodiment of figure 5. is illustrated in figure 6_t wherein instead of connectors actuating movement of the locking pins 444, gears 4S2, -452Ά, 4528 are used. in respect of the embodiments illustrated in figure 5 and 6, instead of the locking pins 344, 444 being slidabJy mounted on the second object as illustrated, it will be appreciated that they may be slidabiy mounted on th first object. Figure 7A and 78, with like references designating like parts, illustrate one more of many other possible alternative em odimen s_., where the second pehoulurrHike object 514 Is pivotally supported at or near the free end of the first pendulum-like object 512.

The locking formation is in the form of a locki g pi 518 configured to ride between a cog, formation 554 on the second object 514 and the locking: member 51¾. in the first aligned condition as shown In figure 7Ά, the locking p n 518 is received betwee projections 556 on the cog formation 554 such that the locking pin SI 8 s spaced from the locking member 516 in the disengaged position. In the second displaced condition as shown In figure 78·, the locking pin 518 rides to the top of a respective projection 556 on the cog formation 554 of the second member 514, thereby placing th locking pin 518 into the engaged position with the locking member 518, such that the locking pin 518 is captured between respective projections 530 on the locking member 516 thereby checking any further rotation of the first object 512 about the first pivot axis ^!.

Although the invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments, it wili be appreciated that man modifications or variations of the invention are possible without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. For example., the gimbai sock may be applied to: applications beyond the application of transportation, i.e. manufacturing and industrial applications.

Furthermore, electronic devices and/or actuators could be emp oyed for even greaier responsiveness. Also, the second object instead of being a pendulum, sliding or rolling object ss described herein, could be any other similar mechanism relying on gravity to determine a level position. As previously mentioned herein, the gimbai lock may be applied In all three dimensions and is not limited to one dimension.

Claims

oking glm ai Including a first object pjvotaliy connectible to a support, and being pivotab!e about a first pivot axis, wherein the centre of gravity of the ^'first object is spaced from: the first pivot axis, and further wherein the first object defines a first reference axis passing through the first pivot axis and the centre of -gravity of the first object; a second object having a centre of gravity movable: along an arc centred substantially at a second axlsand defining a second reference axis passing through the second axis and the centre of gravity of the second object, the first and second objects being movabie relative to one .another between a /first aligned; condition, wherein the first and second referenc axes are substantially aligned, and a second displaced condition, wherein the first and second refere ce axes are angularly displaced relative to one another; a socking member fixed in position relative to the support and a locking formation for locking the first object wherein fbs locking formation, actuated by displacement between the first and second objects, is radially movable relative to the first pivot axis between- engaged and disengaged positions, wherein, when:

(i) ti e first and second objects are in the first aligned condition, the locking formation, is in the disengaged position in which the locking formation is spaced from the locking member, permitting rotation of the first object about the first pivot axis; and

{if}- the first and second objects are in the second displaced condition, the locking formation is in the engaged position in which the locking formation makes contact with the locking member and prevents rotation of the first object about the first pivot axis.

2. A Iocking gimbal according to claim 1 , wherein th first object is biased towards an in rest position in w ich a support surface of trie first object is substantially level.

3. A locking gimbal according to claim 2, wherein the first object is biased toward the

^•in rest position in which the centre of gravity of the first object operstfvely comes to rest at a position underneath the p vot support.

4. A Iocking gimbai^' according to claim 3, wherein in the in rest position, the first refere ce- axis is substantially upright, the first object being biased towards the in rest position under its own weight or under the weight of a first counterweight connected thereto by a first pendulum arm such that the first object acts as a first pendulum.

5. iocking gimbal acco ding to any one of claims 1 to 4 _: wherein the second object is: mo able along a track connected to the first object, the second object bei g capable o rolling or sliding along: the track,

8, A looking gimbai according: to claim Si wherein the track is arcuate,

7 A locking gimbal according to -claim 5 or claim 6, wherei the track Is: arced having a centre located .- substantially at the second axis, and further wherein the second axis is substantially co -linear with the first pivot axis,

8. A locking gimbal according to cl im 5_:> -wherein the iocking formation is one or more formations on a locking arm plvoiaii mounted on th first object and psvotaliy movable/ elative iheieto- from the disengaged position info the engaged position by contact of the second object thereon in the second displaced condition,

9. A locking gimbal according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second object Is pivotslly supported to act as a second pendulum, -and the locking formation is a terminal end of one or more locking pins being movable between the engaged and dⁱsengaged positions wherein in the engaged position, the locking pi extends such that the locking formation thereof comes into engagement with the locking member when the first and second objects are in the second displaced condition, and wherein in the disengaged position, the locking pin is retracted such that the locking ^'formation thereof is spaced from the locking, member when the first and second objects; are in the first aligned condition,

10. A locking clrnibal according to claim 9, including one or more connectors for driving the locking pins between the respective disengaged and engaged positions, the connector being co-operative between the first object or the second object, and the locking pin such that when the first and second objects are in the first aligned position, the locking pin is forced by the connector into the retracted disengaged position, and when the first and: second objects are. in the second displaced position, the locking pin Is forced by the connector into the extended engaged position. it; A locking girnbal according to eSaim 1Q, wherein the locking pin is si!dsb!y mounted o the first object and the connector comprises first and second ends, each of the ends being pivotally connected to th locking pin and to the second object respectively;

12. A locking girnbal according to claim 11 , wherein the locking pin is siidabty mounted on the first object within guides s c that en axis along which the locking pi is siidable remains substantially: parallel with the first reference axis.

13. A locking: girnbal; accord ng to claim 10, wherein at least two locking pins are si I da bjy mounted on the first or second: object, each being capable of .actuation hy one of the respective connectors, the connecters each having first and second ends wherein the first ends thereof are plvoiaily connected to one. of the respective locking pins and the second ends thereof being configured to co-oper th/ely engage the first object thereby to transmit, on engagement between the first object and the respective second ends of the connectors in the first aligned and second displaced conditions, a corresponding force imparted onto the connectors by the first object to the locking pins such that the respectiv locking pin is driven towards the retracted disengaged or extended engaged positions respectively.

14. A lacking gimbal according to claim 10, wherein at least two locking, pins are siidably mounted on the firs or second object and further wherein the connectors are a plurality of gears for driving the locking pins, the gears being co-operatively engagabie with the first object thereby to transmit, on engagement between the first object an at least one of th gears in t e first aligned or second displaced conditions, a corresponding force imparted on the gears by the first object to the locking pins such that the respective locking pin is driven into the retracted disengaged or extended engaged positions.:

15. A locking gimbal according to claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the locking pins are slldabiy mounted on the first o second object within guides such that axes along whic the locking pins are slidabie remain substantially parallel with the respective first or second reference axis.

16. A locking gimbal according to any one of claims 9 to 5, wherein the second object Is pivotaliy supported about the first :p!vot axis on the support, or about the second axis located on a secondary support, the second axis being a second pivot axis.

17. A locking gimbal according to claim 4, wherein the second o ject is pivot Hy supported on the first object and pjyota l relative thereto about the second axis, the second axis being a second pivot axis spaced from the first pivot axis.

18. A locking gimbal according to claim 17, wherein the locking fermation is; a locking pin configured to ride between a cog fermation on the second object and the locking member, the locking pin being capable of riding: freely along the locking member in the disengaged position when the first and second Objects are in the first aligned condition, and of being captured between projections on the cog formation and the locking member in the engaged position when the first and second objects are in the second displaced condition, thereby to lock the first and second objects to the locking member and prevent rotation of the first object about the first pivot axis. A locking gimbal according to claim 4, wherein the second object is plvofaily supported about the second axis to act as a second pendulum such that the second axis is a second pivot axis, and further wherein the ooking formation is one or mors formations on a locking arm. ^'the iockirtg arm being pivotaily mounted on the first object and pivotabie relative thereto about a third pivot axis.

20. A locking girnbal according to claim I S. Including one or more connectors having first and second ends, the first end thereof being pivotaily connected to a first connection point on the locking arm and a second end thereof being plvotally connected to a second connection point on the second object, wherein the first connection point and th third pivot axis lie on a primary plane and the second connection point and t e second pivot axis lie on a secondary plane, the primary and secondary planes in use remaining substantially parallel throughout the range of pivotal movement of the first and second objects.

21. A locking gim&al according to 20, wherein t e centre of gravity of the second object and the second pivot axis lie on transverse plane being substantially perpendicular to the secondary plane.

22. A locking g!mbal according to claim I S. claim 20 or claim . 21 , wherein the second oojec is plvoiaily supportable :on a second support such thai the first and second pivot. axis are spaced relative to one another or alternatively, the second object is pivotaily supportable on the support on which the first object is pivotaily supportable such thai the fsrst and second pivot axes are co-linear.

23. A Socking girnbal according; to any one of claims 9 ^"to 22, wherein the second object, acting as a second pendulum, comprises a: second counterweight plvotally supported on a second pendulum am

24. A locking girnbal according to any one of claims 9 to 23, wherein a first length, as measured between the first pivot axis and the centre of gravity of the first object, and a second length, as measured between the axis about which the second object is pivotaily supported and the centre of gravity of the second object, are unequal such that a period of oscillation of the first object is different to a period of oscillation of tne second object.

25. A locking gimbai according io any one of claims 2 io 24, wherein the centre of gravit of the first object and the first pivot axis lie on a plane being substantially perpenaicuiar to the support surface of the first object.

26. A locking -gimbsf according to any one of claims 1 to 25, wherein the locking member is arced with its centre substantially coinciding with the first pivot axis and having repeating projections spaced from one anothe cireumferenflaily there along.

27. A locking gimbaf according to claim 26, wherein the locking member is two or more spaced parallel locking members orientated relative to one another such that the piOjectians -oa.ene .of i e, looking memfcers-sre staggered relative to the projections on the other locking members thereoy Increasing the engaging responsiveness of the locking formation on the locking member.

28. A locking gimbai according to claim 6 or any one of claims IS to 27_; wherein the locking formation is movabiy supported on the locking arm and movable relative thereto suc that the locking formation engages the locking member in the engaged position and disengages the locking member in the disengaged position.

28; A locking gimbai according to- claim.28·,_· wherein the locking formation is movabi supported on the locking arm and movable relative thereto such that the locking formation engages the looking member In the engaged position and disengages the: locking member in the disengaged position, -the: locking formation being movabiy supported o a swivel pin :on the locking formation or the locking arm_s the swivel pin being captured within a swivei slot defined on the other of the locking formation or the locking arm, and further wherein the swivel pin and swivel slot enable the locking formation to swivel and slide relative to the locking a m, with the range of motion of the locking engagement member being limited by the length of the swivel slot and corresponding abutment formations capable of abutting one another in the engaged position.

30. A locking gimbai according to any one of claims 2 to 29, wherein the first pivot axis:

Is one of two o more gimbai axes about which the firs? object is plvofaily supported, the at least two gimba! axes being angularly offset relative to one another thereby to maintain the first object and/or the support surface thereof substantially level.

31. A locking girnbal according to claim 30. wherein the at least two gimbal axes being angularly offset relative to one another by SO degrees.

32. A locking .gimfeal according to claim 31, wherein in the first aligned condition, the first and second reference axes are substantially co-planar and/or co-Hnear.

33. A gimbal object including a primary, locking gimba! in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 32. and at least a second locking gimbai in accordance with any one of ■claims 1 to 32. w erein the -first pivot axes of t e respective primary and secondary locking gimbals are angularly offset e ative to one another.

34. A girnbal o;bjsct according to claim 33, wherein the first pivot axes of the respective primary and secondary locking gimbals are angularly offset relative to one another by about 90 degrees-.

35. A^■locking ginibal substanfialiy as herei described an illustrated ,

36. A gimbal. object substantially as herein described and illustrated.