Ball joint coupling
US4708510A · kind A · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 17, 1986 |
| Grant date | Nov 24, 1987 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 17, 2006 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T403/32754
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A ball joint coupling assembly permits universal movement and positioning of an object with respect to a vertical support shaft. Quick release/lock action is provided by a ball joint assembly having a housing in which a ball and piston are movably coupled. The ball is captured between annular jaw portions of the housing and piston, with locking action being provided by gripping engagement of the piston jaw portion and the housing jaw portion. The ball member is gripped in line-contact, compressive engagement by the annular edges of the piston jaw and housing jaw on opposite sides of the ball. The piston is constrained for axial movement within the housing with locking engagement and release being effected by rotation of a threaded actuator shaft.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.