Rotary shafts – gudgeons – housings – and flexible couplings for ro – Coupling accommodates drive between members having... – Coupling transmits torque via radially directed pin
Reexamination Certificate
1999-10-12
2001-09-11
Browne, Lynne H. (Department: 3629)
Rotary shafts, gudgeons, housings, and flexible couplings for ro
Coupling accommodates drive between members having...
Coupling transmits torque via radially directed pin
C464S136000, C464S147000, C081S177600, C081S177750
Reexamination Certificate
active
06287206
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND-FIELD OF INVENTION
This invention relates to a universal joint as is commonly used with socket wrench sets.
BACKGROUND-DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART
Mechanics and do-it-yourselfers, in daily use of their socket wrench sets and other rotatable and angularly adjustable tools employ the use of a universal joint to angulate the drive to accommodate unusual or difficult locations to reach. The standard block and pin universal joint used has no means to limit angulation and when angled to approximately 42 or 43 degrees, locks up or twists back on itself. In U.S. Pat. No. 2,498,465 (1950) Thomas describes a block and pin universal joint on a shaft with it sliding means and collar mechanism connected by a link which will hold the universal joint at any angle by the position of the sliding means. He also incorporates this same mechanism for two universal joints in series to increase the potential angle of workability. This device is cumbersome and large, with a long shaft and bulky side appendages requiring a large working area which is not commensurate with the available working space oil on most modern automotive type machines of other appliances. Desmarais, in Patent 5,766,081 describes specifically angled ears with specific end radii and specific rotational pin spacing which allows contact of the ears at 45 degrees angulation of the joint. However lockup still occurs at approximately 42 degrees and the contact points of the ears is at an extremely thin portion of both ears which would be prone to fracture when mechanics put heavy pressure on the tool. Manufacturers of impact tools have made ball and socket universal joints with complex means of angulation and conveying impact forces but with limited angulation and at at extremely high cost. There is no simple, inexpensive limited angle block and pin universal joint for every day use which is no larger than the currently used universal joints and which will fit into the confined work areas that mechanics have to deal with while maintaining an angle limitation of 40 or less degrees.
SUMMARY
In accordance with the present invention, a universal joint with standard male and female ends, but they may be of other form, and a rotatable and angularly adjustable center block, which by beveled extensions, the angle of the bevel and the spacing of the pivotable pins and holes determined by the degree of angle desired and the size of the tool, produce limitation of allowed angulation at any degree of angle up to a point just prior to that at which lockup would occur.
OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES
The objects and advantages described in the present invention are:
(a) to provide a block and pin type universal joint which will do everything that the currently used standard universal joints of the same type except fail by locking up;
(b) to provide a block and pin type universal joint which may have angulation limited at any degree desired up to the point of lock up;
(c) to provide a block and pin type limited angle universal joint which may be placed together in series to increase rotational angulation capability without lockup;
(d) to provide a block and pin type limited angle universal joint of essentially the same diameter as currently used rotatable and angularily adjustable tools;
(e) to provide a block and pin type limited angle universal joint free of external appendages which would prevent its use in closely confined spaces.
REFERENCES:
patent: 541997 (1895-07-01), Fravega et al.
patent: 1185199 (1916-05-01), Hauer
patent: 2005202 (1935-06-01), Pilger
patent: 2256624 (1941-09-01), Odlum
patent: 2304766 (1942-12-01), Pratt
patent: 2498465 (1950-02-01), Thomas
patent: 2636759 (1953-04-01), Rueb
patent: 2826252 (1958-03-01), Stillwagon, Jr.
patent: 3650123 (1972-03-01), Sheppard, Jr.
patent: 5458028 (1995-10-01), Cleveland, III
patent: 5496219 (1996-03-01), Anspach, Jr. et al.
patent: 5766081 (1998-06-01), Desmaris
Browne Lynne H.
Dunwoody Aaron M
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