Flexible coupling
US6916248B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 31, 2002 |
| Grant date | Jul 12, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 21, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16D3/76
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
Flexible couplings are provided comprising a male member disposed within a female member in a spaced apart configuration, with the space being filled, at least partially, with an elastically deformable material. The male and female members comprise features that prevent separation from one another after the elastically deformable material is provided in the space between them. For example, the male and female members of one embodiment each comprise a threaded region, with the respective male and female threads being intermeshed but generally spaced apart from each other. At least one of the male and female threads is tapered in two opposing directions with respect to a coupling centerline. The double taper requires the elastically deformable material to be displaced for the male and female members to become separated. However, the elastically deformable materials are constrained by surfaces of the male and female members, and therefore, cannot be displaced.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.