Patent · US Expired

Connector with insert molded captive ball

US5676484A · kind A · utility

67Cited by
10References
11Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJan 8, 1997
Grant dateOct 14, 1997
Priority date
Expiry dateJan 8, 2017

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10T403/32631
  • WIPO fieldMechanical elements
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A connector assembly with a connector body molded directly about a captive ball formed on a separate shaft, where the shaft and connector are attached to separate bodies which move relative to each other. This assembly retains an essentially zero clearance fit between the ball and the connector so as to prevent rattling between the parts from vibrations. This zero clearance fit is achieved at a much lower cost than comparable quality connectors due to higher diametric tolerances for the ball component. Higher diametric tolerances do not affect the final fit because the connector is molded directly about the ball.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.