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Self-aligning rod end coupler

  • US 5,711,709 A
  • Filed: 03/07/1996
  • Issued: 01/27/1998
  • Est. Priority Date: 03/07/1996
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A self-aligning rod end coupler, comprising:

  • a housing having a first open end and a second open end, said first open end having an internally threaded portion and said second open end having a radially inwardly extending flange;

    a female adapter having an externally threaded portion for engaging said internally threaded portion of said first open end of said housing;

    a slide washer having a first surface slidably disposed against said radially inwardly extending flange of said second open end of said housing and having a partial, substantially spherical second surface;

    a male adapter having a first threaded end and a second end, said second end including a radially outwardly extending portion having a first partial, substantially spherical, concave surface on a longitudinal end of said male adapter and a second partial, substantially spherical, convex surface, said second partial, substantially spherical, convex surface of said second end of said male adapter engaging said partial, substantially spherical second surface of said slide washer; and

    a thrust washer disposed between said male adapter and said female adapter, said thrust washer having a partial, substantially spherical, convex surface for engaging said first partial, substantially spherical, concave surface of said second end of said male adapter wherein during rotational movement of said male adapter relative to said housing, said male adapter moves relative to said slide washer and said thrust washer.

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