Flexible mechanical joint
US6328346A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 22, 1999 |
| Grant date | Dec 11, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 22, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16L59/14
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A flexible mechanical joint is disclosed for joining a first elongated structural section with a second elongated structural section. The joint is compressible and expandable at least along a substantially longitudinal direction upon movement of at least one of the first and second sections. The joint includes a first connecting portion fixedly attached to the first section and a second connecting portion fixedly attached to the second section. The joint also has a flexible member that connects the first connecting portion with the second connecting portion and is positioned between the two connecting portions. The flexible member is shiftable upon relative longitudinal movement between the first and second sections. At least one of the first and second connecting portions includes an anchoring member frictionally engaging one of the first and second sections and including a lip that is secured into the one section. Further, the first and second connecting portions define at least one variable space therebetween and the variable space has a longitudinal length or volume that varies in response to relative movement between the first and second sections along the substantially longit…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.