초록 ▼

A spherical bearing used in a rod end housing is modified with an elastomeric member equally precompressed in an amount of about 30% of an unstressed thickness of the elastomeric member to isolate the transmission of vibrations and sound. Such spherical elastomeric bearings can be used in any applic

A spherical bearing used in a rod end housing is modified with an elastomeric member equally precompressed in an amount of about 30% of an unstressed thickness of the elastomeric member to isolate the transmission of vibrations and sound. Such spherical elastomeric bearings can be used in any application where a conventional spherical bearing is used such as cable connections, clutch linkages, etc., in trucks, farm tractors, and various other pieces of equipment.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A spherical rod end, comprising:a) a rod end includingi) a generally cylindrical rod end housing which has a first generally cylindrical portion with a first longitudinal axis and a first generally cylindrical opening in said first generally cylindrical portion defining a

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A spherical rod end, comprising:a) a rod end includingi) a generally cylindrical rod end housing which has a first generally cylindrical portion with a first longitudinal axis and a first generally cylindrical opening in said first generally cylindrical portion defining an inner surface of said first generally cylindrical portion, andii) a second elongated cylindrical portion integral with said first generally cylindrical portion, said second elongated cylindrical portion having a second longitudinal axis perpendicular to said first longitudinal axis and a threaded portion which is directly attachable to a complementarily threaded element;b) a spherical bearing subassembly, including:i) an inner element having a generally spherical external surface and an axial through bore, andii) a unitary plastic intermediate element having a generally spherical inner surface which receives said generally spherical external surface of said inner element for pivotal movement therewith, said intermediate element including a generally cylindrical external surface; andc) a unitary elastomeric member which surrounds said intermediate element and is bonded to said generally cylindrical external surface of said intermediate element, said unitary elastomeric member having an external surface portion having a generally cylindrical shape which is press fit into said first generally cylindrical opening, said external surface portion of said elastomeric member contacting said inner surface of said first generally cylindrical portion such that said unitary elastomeric member is equally precompressed about a periphery of said external surface portion of said elastomeric member in an amount of about 30% of an unstressed thickness of said unitary elastomeric member, and a pair of flanges extending radially outwardly on both sides of the first generally cylindrical opening beyond both a radial extent of said external surface portion of said elastomeric member and a radial extent of said first generally cylindrical opening in said housing to capture said spherical bearing subassembly within said generally cylindrical rod end housing;wherein said subassembly is received in and retained by said first generally cylindrical opening of said housing and said unitary elastomeric member reduces transmission of vibrations to and from said rod end housing from and to said inner element.