Rapid installation tube gripper
US4643472A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 24, 1984 |
| Grant date | Feb 17, 1987 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 24, 2004 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T403/592
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A gripper device (24) for attachment to the inside of a tube (12) has a shaft member (26) including an upper tapered portion (30) surrounded by a generally cylindrical sleeve member (34) having at least two holes (38) opposite the tapered portion of the shaft. The sleeve outer diameter is slightly less than the inner diameter of the tube targeted for attachment. A spring (32) is connected between the shaft member and the sleeve member, for biasing the tapered shaft downwardly relative to the sleeve. A round bearing or hard ball (36) is located in each hole such that downward motion of the shaft relative to the sleeve urges the balls outwardly to protrude from the sleeve surface against the tube wall. The device is installed by pushing on stem (28) at the lower end of the shaft member to insert the device into the tube. A flange (44) is formed at the lower end of the sleeve to limit the sleeve insertion into the tube. In this way, the tapered portion may be pushed longitudinally upward relative to the holes, whereby the balls are retracted into the sleeve and the device may be installed into or removed from the tube.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.