Patent ID: 8323116
Filing Date: 2012-12-04
Classification: F16D

Abstract:
1. A universal joint, comprising: an outer member defining an interior opening and a plurality, comprising at least four, grooves disposed within the interior opening and extending along a first longitudinal axis with each of the plurality of grooves being parallel to all other of the plurality of grooves and the first longitudinal axis; a one-piece inner member disposed within the interior opening having a second longitudinal axis and a bulbous end and defining a plurality of fixed pockets on the bulbous end corresponding to the plurality of grooves disposed radially about the second longitudinal axis with each of the plurality of pockets opposing one of the plurality of grooves, wherein the plurality of pockets comprise a curved, non-spherical shape or the plurality of grooves comprise a cross-section transverse to the longitudinal axis having a curved, non-circular shape, or a combination thereof; and a plurality of drive balls corresponding to the plurality of grooves, each drive ball having a spherical shape and rotatably disposed within and retained by one of the plurality of pockets and moveably disposed within one of the plurality of grooves, wherein the outer member, inner member and plurality of drive balls comprise a universal joint.