Captive ball and end connector assembly
US5372446A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 23, 1993 |
| Grant date | Dec 13, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 23, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T403/32811
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A captive ball and end connector assembly having a spring wire split, ball retaining ring positioned within the socket. The ball retaining ring is movable to an expanded position so as to enable the ball to be inserted through the ring. After the ball has been inserted, the ring then presses against the ball and a shoulder in the socket so as to hold the ball firmly in the socket. The ball shaft may be inserted into the socket so that its threaded end may selectively project from the socket in either one of two directions. The ball retaining ring may be returned to its expanded position, whereby the ball may be removed from the socket, by the use of a tool manipulated from without the socket.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.