Ratchet link
US5582488A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 23, 1996 |
| Grant date | Dec 10, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 23, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T403/7045
- WIPO fieldFurniture, games
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A ratchet link having a cylindrically-shaped tongue at one end, and an offset C-shaped socket at the other end defined by a pair of opposing, spaced-apart, resilient arcuate prongs which extend outward from the device away from the tongue end. Spaced-apart teeth are provided along the inside surface of the socket and along the outside surface of the tongue. When the tongue of one link is placed into the socket of another link, the teeth intermesh wherein the teeth in the tongue fit into the interdental notches between the teeth in the socket, and the teeth in the socket fit into the interdental notches between the teeth in the tongue. The tongue and socket pivot in discrete positions, while lateral movement is prevented by the engagement of a ring on the tongue that mates with a slot on the socket.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.