US3947077A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Sealed ball and socket connection
Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
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Filing: 1974-09-23
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Granted: 1976-03-30
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Expires: 1994-09-23
Abstract
Abstract An outer bearing race is mounted in a bore defined in a support member and an inner bearing race is universally mounted in the outer race to form a ball and socket connection therebetween. An annular retainer is secured in the bore on each side of the outer race to retain an annular lip seal therebetween. A flexible lip of the seal extends radially inwardly into sealing contact with a convex spherical surface formed on the inner race.
Inventors
- 👤 Lawrance F. Berg
- 👤 Peter F. M. Prillinger
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 16:19
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16C; F16C23/00; F16C23/02; F16C23/04; F16C11/00; F16C11/04; F16C11/06; F16C11/0614; F16C11/0666; F16C11/0676; F16C33/00; F16C33/72; F16C33/74
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 3
Claim 1
Independent Claim
102 words
A combined sealing and retaining means adapted for use in a sealed ball and socket connection comprising an annular rigid retainer having a generally rectangular cross section, annular recess means of generally rectangular cross section formed on only one axial side and radially inner corner of said retainer to extend to a limited and substantially constant depth axially in said retainer and radially downwardly thereon and an annular elastomeric lip seal constituting an upper portion secured in said recess means and substantially conforming to the shape thereof and a flexible lip extending radially downwardly from said upper portion and below said retainer.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
102 words
A combined sealing and retaining means adapted for use in a sealed ball and socket connection comprising an annular rigid retainer having a generally rectangular cross section, annular recess means of generally rectangular cross section formed on only one axial side and radially inner corner of said retainer to extend to a limited and substantially constant depth axially in said retainer and radially downwardly thereon and an annular elastomeric lip seal constituting an upper portion secured in said recess means and substantially conforming to the shape thereof and a flexible lip extending radially downwardly from said upper portion and below said retainer.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
36 words
The combined sealing and retaining means of claim 1 wherein an exposed side of said seal is substantially flush with respect to an adjacent sidewall of said retainer, said retainer having a generally rectangular cross section.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3814446A
Cited
US3848938A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1979-03-30 | 1979-09-29 | 1980-03-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1983-03-30 | 1983-09-29 | 1984-03-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1987-03-30 | 1987-09-29 | 1988-03-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |