Universal coupling
US5846015A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 12, 1996 |
| Grant date | Dec 8, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 12, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T403/32786
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A coupling member for joining a first article to a second article comprising first and second elongate arms that are pivotally connectable to a main housing via ball and socket joints. Each arm has one end formed for connection to one of the articles and the other end adapted to be engaged in the ball and socket joint. A locking system is also provided to lock the arms in position with respect to the main housing after the arms have been connected between the first and second articles to create a rigid connection between the first and second articles. The pivotable nature of the coupling member allows for a connection to be made between the first and second articles to be joined without the articles being in perfect alignment whereupon the locking system is applied to create a rigid link.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.