US4188801A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Universal joint
Assignee: Stanley Works
•
Filing: 1978-07-03
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Granted: 1980-02-19
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Expires: 1998-07-03
Abstract
Abstract A universal joint for power drive tools and the like. The universal assembly includes a means for connection to a tool and a means for engaging the nut or a head of a fastening member, such as a bolt. Articulation of the universal is accomplished by means of a quadrified ball in a square socket. The head of the ball retains its spherical form, and the base of the socket is spherical in shape to accommodate the ball head. The four sides of the quadrified ball do not intersect thereby retaining the spherical configuration of the ball at the corners. A unique ball spring preloads the socket. The resulting combination is ideally suited for power drive tools wherein the forces generated are high, and the rotation is rapid.
Inventors
- 👤 Melvin D. Hugh
- 👤 Chauncey H. Moore
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 16:23
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16D; F16D3/00; F16D3/16; F16D3/20
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
77 words
A universal joint which comprises: an interacting socket and spherical ball member, said socket member having equispaced straight sides and a spherical bottom portion; said ball member having an equal number of sides each of which are both radiused and sloped and which do not intersect each other and which co-act with said straight sides of said socket member; and said ball member having a spherical head for coacting with said spherical bottom of said socket member.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
77 words
A universal joint which comprises: an interacting socket and spherical ball member, said socket member having equispaced straight sides and a spherical bottom portion; said ball member having an equal number of sides each of which are both radiused and sloped and which do not intersect each other and which co-act with said straight sides of said socket member; and said ball member having a spherical head for coacting with said spherical bottom of said socket member.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
34 words
The universal joint of claim 1 wherein: the sloped and radiused sides of said ball member are radiused in a longitudinal plane and straight in a transverse plane to the axis of the ball.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
31 words
The universal joint of claim 2 wherein: the radiused portion of the sides of said ball member terminates in a sloped planer portion towards the spherical head of said ball member.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
32 words
The universal joint of claim 2 wherein: said ball member is provided with four sloped and radiused sides; and said socket member is provided with a like number of equispaced straight sides.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
32 words
The universal joint of claim 4 wherein: the ratio of the radius of the radiused portion of said radiused and sloped sides to the diameter of said ball member is approximately 0.4.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
33 words
The universal joint of claim 2 wherein: the sloped portion of the radiused and sloped sides of the ball member are sloped at approximately 32° to the longitudinal axis of said ball member.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
37 words
The universal joint of claim 2 wherein: the surface and radial gap said socket member and said ball member is in the order of 0.006 inch to 0.013 inch for nominal 3/8 and 1/2 inch drive universals.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
45 words
The universal joint of claim 2 wherein: said ball member is provided with a spring force means disposed within said spherical head of said ball means for interacting with said spherical bottom of said socket member for retaining joint alignment and for preloading said joint.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
24 words
The universal joint of claim 8 wherein: said spring force means is a ball spring embedded in said spherical end of said ball member.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
23 words
The universal joint of claim 1 wherein: said ball member is retained in said socket member by means of a "C" spring retainer.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
24 words
The universal joint of claim 1 wherein: a chamfer is provided on the square sides of the socket opening to allow greater articulation angle.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US2471974A
Cited
US2760358A
Cited
US2895314A
Cited
US3959987A
Cited
US3940946A
Cited
US4080097A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1983-02-18 | 1983-08-20 | 1984-02-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1987-02-18 | 1987-08-20 | 1988-02-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1991-02-18 | 1991-08-20 | 1992-02-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |