US3663044A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Universal joint
Assignee: Eaton Aeroquip LLC
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Filing: 1970-05-04
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Granted: 1972-05-16
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Expires: 1990-05-04
Abstract
Abstract A universal joint used in conjunction with flexible bellows duct connections to restrain axial loading. Two sleeves connected by the bellows have pairs of diametrically opposed lugs pivoted to a gimbal ring. This ring is of non-circular shape, and in particular has four uncurved sides connected to the lugs, these sides being joined in one version of the invention by square corners and another by rounded corners.
Inventors
- 👤 Gilbert E Contreras
- 👤 Robert W Graves
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 00:19
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16L; F16L27/00; F16L27/08; F16L27/0849; F16L27/0857; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T403/00; Y10T403/32; Y10T403/32008; Y10T403/32041
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
110 words
In a universal joint for connecting two parts, a pair of diametrically opposed lugs extending from one of said parts toward the other part, a second pair of diametrically opposed lugs extending from said other part toward the first part, adjacent lugs being 90* apart when the parts are aligned, a gimbal ring between said parts, and pivotal connections between said gimbal ring and said lugs, the four portions of said gimbal ring in the vicinity of said pivotal connections being substantially uncurved forming a substantially square configuration, whereby the torsional shear stress created at the corners of said gimbal ring by axial forces between said parts will be reduced.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
110 words
In a universal joint for connecting two parts, a pair of diametrically opposed lugs extending from one of said parts toward the other part, a second pair of diametrically opposed lugs extending from said other part toward the first part, adjacent lugs being 90* apart when the parts are aligned, a gimbal ring between said parts, and pivotal connections between said gimbal ring and said lugs, the four portions of said gimbal ring in the vicinity of said pivotal connections being substantially uncurved forming a substantially square configuration, whereby the torsional shear stress created at the corners of said gimbal ring by axial forces between said parts will be reduced.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
11 words
The combination according to claim 1, said uncurved portions being flat.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
14 words
The combination according to claim 1, the corners of said gimbal ring being square.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
The combination according to claim 1, the corners of said gimbal ring being slightly rounded.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
15 words
The combination according to claim 4, the uncurved portions of said gimbal ring being flat.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
92 words
In a universal joint for connecting two ducts, a flexible bellows extending between and secured to the ducts, a pair of diametrically opposed lugs extending from each duct toward each other, adjacent lugs being spaced 90* apart, a gimbal ring, and pivotal connections between said lugs and said gimbal ring, the portions of said gimbal ring in the vicinity of said pivotal connections being uncurved forming a substantially square configuration, whereby the torsional shear stress at the corners of said gimbal ring created by axial forces between said ducts will be reduced.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
92 words
In a universal joint for connecting two ducts, a flexible bellows extending between and secured to the ducts, a pair of diametrically opposed lugs extending from each duct toward each other, adjacent lugs being spaced 90* apart, a gimbal ring, and pivotal connections between said lugs and said gimbal ring, the portions of said gimbal ring in the vicinity of said pivotal connections being uncurved forming a substantially square configuration, whereby the torsional shear stress at the corners of said gimbal ring created by axial forces between said ducts will be reduced.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
25 words
The combination according to claim 6, said uncurved portions of the gimbal ring being flat, the gimbal ring and lugs being outside said flexible bellows.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
35 words
The combination according to claim 6, said uncurved portions of the gimbal ring being substantially flat, said corners of the gimbal ring being slightly rounded, the gimbal ring and lugs being inside said flexible bellows.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-05-16 | 1975-11-15 | 1976-05-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-05-16 | 1979-11-15 | 1980-05-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-05-16 | 1983-11-15 | 1984-05-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |