Universal joint device for a toy

• US 5,531,625 A
• Filed: 05/18/1995
• Issued: 07/02/1996
• Est. Priority Date: 05/18/1995
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Lung Ching Ko
• Original Assignee: Chun-Chium Zhong
• Inventors: Zhong, Chun-Chium
• Primary Examiner(s): Yu, Mickey
• Application Number:
  US08/443,732
• Time in Patent Office: 411 Days
• Field of Search: 446/120, 446/121, 446/376, 446/383, 446/97, 446/99, 403/142, 403/164, 403/165, 403/113, 403/311, 59/80, 59/2, 59/900
• US Class Current: 446/120
• CPC Class Codes: A63H 3/46 Connections for limbs
• CPC Class Codes: A63H 33/06 to be assembled without the use of additional elements
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 403/32557 for pivotal motion
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 403/32983 Rod in socket

Abstract

A universal joint device includes a number of couplers. Each coupler has a spherical head and a frustum portion secured together for engaging with the frustum portion and the spherical head of the other couplers. A tube has a frustum portion formed on one end for engaging with the spherical head of the couplers and has an annular rib extended radially inward from the other end. A rod has a number of teeth for engaging with the annular rib so as to secure the rod to the tube. The rod has a spherical head formed on one end for engaging with the frustum portion of the couplers.

Claims

1. A universal joint device comprising:

at least one coupler including a first spherical head and a first frustum portion having a neck portion formed between said first spherical head and said first frustum portion,

a tube including a first end having a second frustum portion formed therein for engaging with said first spherical head of said coupler, and including a second end having an annular rib extended radially inward therefrom,

a rod including a first end adapted to be engaged in said tube and including a plurality of teeth for engaging with said annular rib so as to secure said rod to said tube, said rod including a second end having a second spherical head formed thereon for engaging with said first frustum portion of said coupler, and

said first spherical head of said coupler including a tip for engaging with said second frustum portion so as to limit a rotational movement of said first spherical head relative to said second frustum portion.