Fail-safe zero-load hinge/pivot
First Claim
1. A fail-safe hinge for joining linkage members comprising:
- a primary sleeve inserted through the linkage members having a flange on one end and threads on the opposite end and an axial bore;
a primary nut threaded on the sleeve that captures and holds the linkage members in juxtaposition;
a secondary support member axially inserted inside the primary sleeve, and having a diameter with a predetermined clearance therein and having a head on one end and threads on its opposite end; and
a secondary nut in threaded engagement with said secondary support member, limited travel of said nut limited on said support member to provide axial clearance between said secondary support member and nut and the combined primary sleeve and nut said secondary support member and secondary nut being of such a size that upon failure of the primary sleeve and nut combination said secondary support member and nut maintain the linkage members in juxtaposition and hold the primary sleeve and nut combination in their relative position.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A fail-safe zero-load hinge or pivot-joint having a first load primary support path comprising a sleeve and nut combination and a secondary or redundant load support path comprising a shaft, sized to be inserted axially through the sleeve with diametrical clearance, for threaded engagement with a nut providing axial clearance from said primary members. The secondary shaft and nut combination holds the joint intact after the primary load members have failed permitting the joint assembly to perform its normal designed function of load carrying with the continued full range of movement without the risk of restricted operation seizure or jamming.
A locking cap is provided for simple, safe holding of the nuts of primary and secondary member from disengagement, or even partial back off.
A dye indicator may be used to indicate failure of the primary load carrying members.
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Citations
7 Claims
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1. A fail-safe hinge for joining linkage members comprising:
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a primary sleeve inserted through the linkage members having a flange on one end and threads on the opposite end and an axial bore; a primary nut threaded on the sleeve that captures and holds the linkage members in juxtaposition; a secondary support member axially inserted inside the primary sleeve, and having a diameter with a predetermined clearance therein and having a head on one end and threads on its opposite end; and a secondary nut in threaded engagement with said secondary support member, limited travel of said nut limited on said support member to provide axial clearance between said secondary support member and nut and the combined primary sleeve and nut said secondary support member and secondary nut being of such a size that upon failure of the primary sleeve and nut combination said secondary support member and nut maintain the linkage members in juxtaposition and hold the primary sleeve and nut combination in their relative position. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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Specification