Swivel connector
US5484220A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 19, 1993 |
| Grant date | Jan 16, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 19, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T403/32983
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A self cleaning ball bearing swivel connector. The first swivel member is equipped with a seal engaging surface defined by a frusto-conical shoulder and a cylindrical neck. The end of the tubular body which contains the bearing assembly is adjacent to but spaced a distance from the shoulder and together with the shoulder and the neck defines a seal receiving space. A flanged seal is supported in the seal receiving space and the flange is adapted to serve as a one-way flap type valve, permitting debris inside the seal receiving space to be extruded by centrifugal force as the swivel connector rotates, yet preventing the entry of debris or surrounding liquids. The angled surface provided by the frusto-conical shoulder decreases the resistance to the centrifugal force propelling the debris out of the seal receiving space and, thus, facilitates the extrusion of debris.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.