Articulated coupling

Abstract

This invention concerns an articulated coupling or universal coupling including two coupling halves or forks coupled together. A respective machine part is connectable to each of the coupling halves. A supporting component, such as a bracing rod, extends between the coupling halves. On at least one of the coupling halves is a first surface. A second surface is connected to the rod. A spring, or the like, biases the second surface on the rod against the first surface on the coupling half and such bias blocks the coupling half thus engaged from pivoting, tilting or deflecting. The rod or second surface is so arranged that upon the thus supported coupling half being connected to its respective machine part, the cooperating first and second surfaces are no longer so biased together as to prevent the respective coupling half from pivoting, tilting or deflecting. In some embodiments, an appropriate spring holds the surfaces continuously together, but the spring permits pivoting, tilting or deflecting of the coupling halves when the coupling halves are assembled to their machine parts. In other embodiments, the rod is contacted by the machine part connected to the one coupling half and this actually separates the first and second surfaces which then permits the one coupling half to pivot, tilt or deflect.