The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jan. 23, 2001
Filed:
Aug. 24, 1998
Hans Wormsbaecher, Lake Orion, MI (US);
GKN Automotive, Inc., Auburn Hills, MI (US);
Abstract
A tripod universal joint assembly has a substantially annular outer race with three circumferentially distributed longitudinally extending, axis-parallel recesses. An inner joint member is disposed within the outer race and has three circumferentially distributed radial bores which define a centrally disposed cavity therebetween. A plurality of arm members each has a cylindrical body portion disposed in a respective radial bore and a head portion which projects from the inner joint member and engages a respective recess of the outer race. A spherical member is disposed in the cavity of the inner joint to maintain engagement of the head portion to the recess during articulation of the tripod universal joint. A plurality of annular bearing assemblies are each disposed between the cylindrical body portion of the arm member and its respective radial bore to provide a bearing contact surface for the radial and rotatable movement of each arm member with respect to its respective radial bore.