Lockable ball joint apparatus
June 2, 2015. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.Patent References 2559925 3470793 3519236 Safety arrester for arresting a hydraulically operated lifting ram of a hydraulic elevator Variable contour securing system Means for securing an observation instrument to a supporting stand Universal contoured parts holding fixture Universal holding fixture Load-locking joint, particularly for surgery microscopes and suspension mount constructed for the same Adjustable swivel InventorAssigneeApplicationNo. 460047 filed on 06/02/1995US Classes:403/31, WITH FLUID PRESSURE RESPONSIVE COMPONENT248/181.1, Ball and socket type248/288.31, Ball and socket type248/288.51, Including mechanically actuated tension or locking member403/90, Ball and socket403/122, Universal ball and socket403/144Spring-biasedExaminersPrimary: Johnson, Brian L.Assistant: Lev, Bruce A. Attorney, Agent or FirmInternational ClassesF16D 001/12F16D 003/80 F16C 011/00 F16M 011/20 AbstractA lockable ball joint apparatus including a ball and a ball receiving cavity and at least one annular clamp ring in the casing extending around the ball. The clamp ring has a spherically concave inner clamping surface engaging the outer surface of the ball and a frusto-conical outer surface. An annular cam extends around the clamp ring and has a frusto-conical inner surface engaging the frusto-conical outer surface of the clamp ring. The annular cam is formed on an annular piston and springs are provided for moving the annular piston and cam axially in a first direction to diametrically compress the clamp ring into clamping engagement with the ball, and fluid pressure is applied to the annular piston for moving the annular cam means axially in a second direction to release the clamp ring from clamping engagement with the ball.Field of SearchWITH FLUID PRESSURE RESPONSIVE COMPONENTIncluding port or reservoir communicating with joint Articulated member At joint interface Articulate joint is ball and socket Lockable at fixed position At selected angle Ball and socket Universal ball and socket Spring acts through wedging surfaces Variably preloaded Spring-biased seat opposite ball stud Divided socket-type coupling Bifurcated socket Separable socket sections Spring-biased Ball and socket type Socket captures ball in upper hemisphere Ball and socket type Including mechanically actuated tension or locking member | |
