Slip joint and method for assembling the same
US8460116B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 6, 2011 |
| Grant date | Jun 11, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 6, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/49826
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A slip joint comprising, a female portion comprised of four axially extending segments. The segments together create an outer perimeter. Each of the combined segments together form an inner surface of the female portion and each has its own ball tracks extending substantially the length of the female portion. A unitary male portion has an outer surface defined by a plurality of axially extending ball tracks. A unitary cage is located radially outward from the male portion and radially inward from the female portion. The cage has a plurality of ball apertures with balls located in the ball apertures. The balls are in contact with both the ball tracks in the male and female portions for selective movement of the male portion with respect to the female portion. A tube member is in direct radial outer contact substantially entirely along the outer perimeter of the female portion.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.