Patent ID: 8337087
Filing Date: 2012-12-25
Classification: F16C,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A mechanical joint assembly, comprising: an inner ring having an outer joint surface substantially in the shape of a truncated sphere; an intermediate member having a bearing inside surface that is substantially in the shape of a truncated sphere and complementary to the outer joint surface so as to receive the inner ring, an axis of revolution of the bearing inside surface defining a joint axis of the joint; and an outer body defining a chamber for retaining the intermediate member; wherein the intermediate member defines two first surfaces formed by cylindrical portions, the two first surfaces having a common first axis of revolution which intersects the joint axis; wherein the outer body defines two second surfaces formed by cylindrical portions, the two second surfaces having a common second axis of revolution; wherein each first surface is configured to cooperate respectively with one of the second surfaces in such a manner that when the intermediate member is mounted in the chamber, the first axis of revolution coincides with the second axis of revolution and the first surfaces and the second surfaces enable the intermediate member to rotate relative to the outer body about the first axis of revolution but prevent the intermediate member from moving parallel to the joint axis or parallel to an axis orthogonal to the joint axis and to the second axis of revolution; and wherein the two first surfaces are connected together by two third surfaces, formed by portions of cylinders having circular bases of the same radius and axes of curvature that are separate, being parallel to the joint axis and intersecting the first axis of revolution.