GB411622A - Improvements in joints - Google Patents

Abstract

411,622. Flexible - - unjointed hinges. MIDDLETON, B. M., Dene Croft, Allendale, Northumberland. March 15, 1933, No. 7881. [Class 65 (ii).] A joint of the kind in which parts between which movement is to be permitted are held out of contact by members of rubber or like resilient material deformed by the movement comprises two main relatively movable members, one or more intermediate members between and movable relatively to the main members, and rubber or like elements disposed between each main member and the adjacent intermediate member and between each pair of adjacent intermediate members to allow relative movement of the parts, means being provided to limit the relative angular movement between the members enclosing at least one, and preferably all but one, of the rubber elements. The members are preferably in the form of concentric cylinders, and the rubber elements have their radial thickness reduced by compression between their enclosing elements so that it will adhere to these members. This form of joint allows of a large angle of movement and prevents overstressing of the rubber, also equalizing the strain between the several rubber elements. The Figure shows a joint comprising an inner main member A, an outer main member B, and a single intermediate member C, spaced from member B by a rubber sleeve E and from member A by similar sleeve. Relative movement between the members A, C is limited by laptes N having lugs N<1>, N2 which engage in circumferential slots or recesses in the members A, C respectively. An alternative means for limiting relative motion between two cylindrical members comprises a tongue or tongues bent inwards or outwards from one member to engage a slot or slots in the other member in a manner similar to the lugs N<1>, N2. In a further modification, according to the Provisional Specification, one of the members has a flange at each end provided with inturned teeth to engage corresponding suitably spaced teeth on the other member. In cases where the load on the oscillating member is variable, the joint is preferably arranged so that the rubber has its neutral position at the position of maximum load. The applications to door hinges, spring shackles and the knife shafts of cotton gins are mentioned.