Patent ID: 6164707
Filing Date: 2000-12-26
Classification: F16C,F16L

Abstract:
In combination with a swivel joint forming a flow passage and having a central axis, the improvement comprising:a hollow tubular male connector having a first end, an annular outer surface and a plurality of outer annular grooves formed on said outer surface concentric with said central axis, wherein each said outer groove comprises a generally arcuate cross-section and a radius measured from said central axis, and wherein the radius of each said outer groove is greater than the radius of each adjacent outer groove closer to said first end;a hollow tubular female connector having an annular recess adapted to receive and fit around said outer surface and a plurality of inner annular grooves formed on said annular recess concentric with said central axis, said recess forming a shoulder within said female connector adjacent said first end, wherein each said inner groove comprises a generally arcuate cross-section and a radius measured from said central axis, and wherein the radius of each said inner groove is greater than the radius of each adjacent inner groove closer to said shoulder, said inner grooves each corresponding to one of said outer grooves and forming therewith an arcuate race; anda plurality of ball bearings received in each race to secure said male and female connectors together and to facilitate relative rotation of said male and female connectors about said central axis; wherein the cross-section of at least each outer groove or each inner groove comprises first and second arcuate segments each having a distinct centerpoint and substantially the same radius; andwherein the centerpoint of the first segment is offset from the centerpoint of the second segment in a direction parallel to the central axis; andwherein the radius of the first and second segments is substantially the same as the radius of the ball bearings positioned in the race formed by the corresponding outer or inner groove.