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:
May. 08, 2001
Filed:
Aug. 31, 1999
Johnny N. Smith, Toledo, OH (US);
Jeffrey A. Dutkiewicz, Toledo, OH (US);
Damien Gremillard, Lyons, FR;
Dana Corporation, Toledo, OH (US);
Abstract
A locking cover is designed to protectively enclose a lubricant fitting mounted on a cross of a universal joint and cannot be removed after installation without damaging or destroying the locking cover. The locking cover includes a first half and a second half that are joined together by a hinge. Each half includes a generally U-shaped body portion defined by a central web and a pair of opposed leg portions. The first leg has an outwardly extending tang formed thereon having an outwardly extending barb. The second leg has an opening formed therein that terminates in a shoulder. A cover panel extends between the first and second legs defining a partial cavity therebetween. A pair of posts are provided on the cover panel and extend inwardly into the partial cavity defined by the first and second legs and the cover panel. When the locking cover is closed about the lubrication fitting, the tangs are received within the openings such that the barbs engage the associated shoulders. As a result, the two halves are locked together about the lubricant fitting. The posts are sized and positioned to engage portions of the lubricant fitting to support the locking cover thereon. Once the two halves are enclosed about the lubricant fitting, the locking cover cannot be subsequently removed without damaging or destroying the locking cover. This feature prevents service personnel from readily gaining access to the lubricant fitting to lubricate the cross at premature intervals.