Floating Pin Patents (Class 403/151)
  • Patent number: 11945551
    Abstract: A backrest adjustment structure for a boat seat includes a backrest and a bracket. A bottom of the bracket is rotatably connected to a seat of a boat. A back of the backrest is provided with at least two spaced pivot bases. An upper end of at least one of the pivot bases has an upper restricting portion. A pivot shaft is formed on a top of the bracket. The pivot shaft is rotatably pivoted between the pivot bases. The bracket is selectively engaged with the upper restricting portion. The leaning angle is adjustable, meeting the needs of players.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Inventor: Xizhen Lin
  • Patent number: 9103441
    Abstract: A piston assembly including a piston body pivotally connected to a connecting rod by a wrist pin. The wrist pin includes a sealed cavity therein partially filled with a heat transfer medium. The heat transfer medium may be composed of a fusible alloy. The sealed cavity may be comprised of discrete compartments. The wrist pin may be integrated with the connecting rod and share a conjoined sealed cavity therewith so that heat transfer medium can draw heat effectively away from the piston body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: Federal-Mogul Corporation
    Inventors: Miguel Azevedo, William Zdeblick, Kai Wang
  • Patent number: 8596666
    Abstract: A ground engaging machine includes a first and a second frame unit, and an articulation hitch coupling together the first and second frame units. The articulation hitch includes a pin, a first and a second bearing positioned about the pin, and abutting a first and a second axial side of an annular protrusion of a hitch plate in one of the first and second frame units. A clamping mechanism of the articulation hitch clamps the first and second bearings between first and second clamping components, such that they are preloaded against the annular protrusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew T. Hansen, Brian C. Howson, Christopher Carpenter, David R. Shields
  • Patent number: 8549989
    Abstract: A piston apparatus for an engine includes a piston pin that is inserted in a smaller end portion of a connecting rod and having a cross-section changing portion where a cross section changes at a portion of the piston pin, and a fixing member that engages the connecting rod and a piston through the cross-section changing portion so as to restrain longitudinal movement of the piston pin with respect to the connecting rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Jeyong Yun, Byungcheol Lee
  • Patent number: 8511861
    Abstract: A table lamp and rotary joint thereof is disclosed. The table lamp including a base body, a lighting member and a frictional rotary joint connecting the lighting member to the base body is disclosed. The rotary joint includes a housing defining a cavity and a rotary portion defining a rotator. The rotator deforms elastically by means of defining a center hole and a slot extending parallel to the axis of the center hole through the rotator. Compressing the rotator into the cavity, the outer surface of the rotator mates tightly to the inner surface of the cavity. Then the rotator rotates frictionally in the cavity and the lighting member can maintain at a desired angle with respect to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Gang Cheng, Meng-Hua He, Jia-Ning Huang, Yu-Tao Chen, Chun-Che Yen, Te-Sheng Jan
  • Patent number: 8469622
    Abstract: Improved connection systems for pinned connections are disclosed. Although the connection systems may be utilized in dragline excavating systems, the connection systems may also be utilized for pinned connections in a variety of other types of mining, dredging, forestry, and construction equipment. An insert utilized in the connections systems has a frustroconical shape that joins with an aperture in an element being joined by the connection system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: ESCO Corporation
    Inventors: Robert McClanahan, Carolyn Shapiro, Robin K Churchill
  • Patent number: 8430593
    Abstract: A two-member connection structure is provided with a boom to be arranged on a hydraulic excavator, an arm arranged inboard the boom, outboard bushings and inboard bushings press-fit in pin holes of the boom and arm, respectively. A connector pin is inserted in holes of the outboard bushings and holes of the inboard bushings to connect the boom and arm as two members for relative pivotal movement. Flange portions are integrally arranged on opposite end portions of the connector pin, respectively, to restrict slip-out of the connector pin. The connector pin is arranged rotatably relative to both of the outboard bushings and the inboard bushings, and the flange portions are arranged slidably relative to outboard end faces of the corresponding outboard bushings without being prevented from rotation relative to the boom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Osamu Gokita
  • Patent number: 7827683
    Abstract: A method is provided for cold forming center web or webless tapered piston pins in one forming sequence. The method eliminates secondary operations such as but not limited to machining, annealing, coating and secondary forming. The method includes the steps of cutting a metal rod into a substantially cylindrical slug piece, die extruding the slug piece to form a first cavity in the slug piece, optionally die extruding the slug piece to form a second cavity in the slug piece, piercing the slug piece to form the slug piece into a hollow cylindrical piece, die extruding the hollow cylindrical piece at either end to form a hollow cylindrical piece having a taper on an internal surface of the hollow cylindrical piece at either end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Burgess - Norton Mfg. Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Weiss, Stephen Bangs, James Engdahl, Paul Fecteau
  • Patent number: 7788993
    Abstract: A tie rod assembly includes a composite tie rod shaft having a first end and a second end, a first clevis carried by the first end of the tie rod shaft, a clevis adjustment collar carried by the second end of the tie rod shaft and a second clevis carried by and adjustable along the clevis adjustment collar. A method of connecting a fitting to a shaft is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Jeffrey H. Wood
  • Patent number: 7533597
    Abstract: An adapter mechanism for use with an explosive ordnance disrupter arrangement. The adapter includes a yoke and a mount rotatable relative to the yoke to assume a desired angular orientation, which is locked in the desired position. The yoke may be mounted on an explosive ordnance primary disrupter. The mount carries a supplemental disrupter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Scott A. Strohman
  • Publication number: 20090110472
    Abstract: A floating pin joint assembly pivotally connects a lift arm between spaced frame members. The lift arm includes a bushing with bearing surfaces supported on the pin for relative movement. Extending end portions of the pin are supported on bearing surfaces defined by collars connected to the frame members by inserts press fit into the frame members. Removable cover plates connected to the inserts contain the axial movement of the pin and permit removal of the pin and other components from the assembly. The load bearing surfaces are disposed within a lubricated chamber extending between the cover plates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.
    Inventors: Simon S. Liang, Ronald Mark Ginn
  • Patent number: 7364381
    Abstract: A connector assembly pivotally couples a caster assembly with a pivot arm of an agricultural implement. The connector assembly includes first and second structural support plates having openings to receive a connector pin therethrough pivotally coupling the arm between the plates. A fixed collar having a bore, and a lock pin passage aligned perpendicular thereto, is fixed at one of the first or second structural support plates to receive the connector pin therethrough. The connector pin includes a first end having an exterior threaded portion and a second end having a connector pin opening. The connector pin opening and the lock pin opening receive a lock pin therethrough that secures a position of the connector pin in the collar. Tightening a nut at the threaded end of the connector causes the structural support plates to squeeze against the arm, enhancing lateral support of the arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: CNH Canada, Ltd.
    Inventor: David D. Seib
  • Patent number: 7108444
    Abstract: A fastening device for pedals in motor vehicles has a supporting bolt (8) which is accommodated at each of its free ends in a mounting point (5, 5A) of a pedal block (2). The bolt (8) has, between the mounting points (5, 5A), a mounting point for the pedal. The pedal mounting point is arranged in a hole (7) of the pedal body (2). The supporting bolt (8) comprises two bolt halves (9, 10), which are locked with one another in the assembled state by an elastic snap holder (11). The bolt halves (9, 10) are fixed by at least one stop (13) with respect to their position to the pedal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: ZF Lemförder Metallwaren AG
    Inventors: Andree Burgstaler, Jan Dütz, Simone Pätzold
  • Patent number: 6925904
    Abstract: A control pedal assembly includes a first support and a second support adjustable in a fore-aft direction relative to the first support. At least one guide is carried by the second support and has a tapered engagement surface engaging the first support and moving along the first support as the second support is adjusted in the fore-aft direction. A spring member biases the tapered engagement surface of the at least one guide into engagement with the first support. A pedal is supported by the second support and is pivotable about a horizontal pivot axis. The second support carries the pedal as the second support is adjusted in the fore-aft direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Dura Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Srini Sundaesan, Gordon Smith
  • Publication number: 20040265048
    Abstract: A vibration-damping device comprising a link and a support. The link is assembled to the support by means of studs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Applicant: Hutchinson
    Inventors: Patrick Vanhille, Laurent Bodin
  • Patent number: 6612200
    Abstract: A pedal assembly 10 for use in a vehicle 11 includes a pedal arm 100 that moves in a normal operating range between a rest position and an applied position under a normal operating load. The pedal arm 100 moves in a plane about an axis of rotation. The pedal assembly 10 includes a mechanism 102 for releasing the pedal arm 100 from its support 16 in response to a predetermined force applied to the pedal arm 100.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Teleflex Incorporated
    Inventor: Christopher Rixon
  • Patent number: 6340263
    Abstract: A fastening of a tube mounting (10) for a wiper system on a vehicle body has at least one fastening bore (58), extending transversely through a mounting tube (12), into which bore a rubber-elastic coupling element (42) with a hole (56) for a screw is inserted. The contour of the coupling element (42) conforms to the internal contour of the mounting tube (12) in the region of the fastening bore (58), protrudes through openings (60) in the fastening bore (58) by a projecting length (44) and, on the inside, covers the openings (60) axially on both ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2002
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Claus Fleischer
  • Patent number: 6328256
    Abstract: A improved tilt rotor aircraft comprising an airframe, at least one wing member coupled to the airframe, and at least one tilt rotor assembly carried by the at least one wing member. The improved tilt rotor aircraft includes a low-height tunable downstop assembly for isolating static and dynamic lateral loads between the tilt rotor assemblies and the wings. The low-height tunable downstop assembly comprises a pivotable striker assembly having an adjustable stiffness, and a cradle assembly adapted to releasably receive the striker assembly. The low-height tunable downstop assembly isolates yaw loads while providing a stiff vertical support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Ryan, Brett R. Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 6249995
    Abstract: A linkage connection which loosely and yet securely mounts an excavator bucket on a hydraulic excavator and facilitates enhanced positioning capability of the bucket on the excavator, particularly in confined areas. In a preferred embodiment the linkage connection includes a pair of bucket flanges which extend rearwardly from the excavator bucket, in horizontally spaced-apart relationship to each other. A pair of circular linkage openings is provided in vertically spaced-apart relationship with each other in each bucket flange, and a circular pin plate is disposed in each linkage opening. A linkage pin extends through the pin plates of each bucket flange for connection to the rotation linkage and dipper stick linkage, respectively, of a hydraulic excavator, such that the bucket is supported on the respective pin plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Inventor: David E. Bush
  • Patent number: 6200060
    Abstract: The connector device of the arched poles of a tent is remarkable in that it includes two components (4-5), (9-10) which are able to be coupled into each other in a configuration and connection in the form of a knee permitting a positioning of said components either in a vertical plane or in an extension corresponding to the assembly and placing under tension of the segments of an arch, or by being folded corresponding to a folded position of said segments, and in that a male component (4-9) has on either side of its median portion a part receiving the end of the upper segment and opposite an arm of great length equipped with means permitting its articulation on the second component (5-10) and its locking into position, and in that a female component (5-10) has on either side of a median portion on the one hand means permitting the attachment of a lower segment, and on the other a fork shape (5b-10d) having a V configuration with inside an oblong port having a V configuration and permitting the positioning, th
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: Manufacture Stephanoise de Transformations Textiles M.S.T.T. (SA Counseil d'Administration)
    Inventor: Jacques Vernay
  • Patent number: 5628577
    Abstract: Wrist pin for a two-piece piston, having a cylindrical external surface (41) and an internal surface with an internal diameter, throughout the length of the pin (40). The end portions of the pin have a reduced internal wall thickness between the outer half of the supporting face of the bosses (50), where there exclusively occur bending moment and shearing force applied by the inertia of the skirt (20) and of the moving assembly (100). The reduction in the internal wall thickness is obtained by the increase in the internal diameter of the pin (40) at the end portions, through two different end revolution surfaces (43, 44) each having respective a generatrix which is at least substantially straight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1997
    Assignee: Metal Leve S.A. Industria E Comercio
    Inventors: Jose Do Ribeiro, Luis M. Lopes, Jose M. Leites
  • Patent number: 5398569
    Abstract: A mounting for a control pedal in a motor vehicle includes a mounting bracket fixed relative to the vehicle having apertures defining an axis of rotation. The pedal has a hub defining a pivot axis. Spring loaded bearings in the hub are adapted to automatically snap axially outward from a first position to a second position, thereby rotatably connecting the pedal with the bracket, when the pivot axis is aligned with the axis of rotation. The axes are aligned by manipulating the pedal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1995
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: James E. Carr
  • Patent number: 5362171
    Abstract: A shackle toggle joint for driving a warp knitting machine comprising a housing of synthetic material having a metal ring (13) for holding a roller bearing (16) imbedded therein. The roller bearing (16) carries a joint bolt (11). The housing (12) further comprises a securing means in the form of a threaded bore (19) for holding a connecting element. There is thus obtained a higher working life for the roller bearing and a lower level of working noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1994
    Assignee: Karl Mayer Textilmaschinenfabrik GmbH
    Inventor: Gerd Ritschel
  • Patent number: 5275499
    Abstract: A coupling for connecting a movable link member of a valve actuator assembly to a movable valve spool in a fluid control valve includes a swivel spud secured to the end of the valve spool. The swivel spud has a semi-spherical outer end surface and first and second transverse apertures formed therethrough. A first cylindrical pin is retained within the first aperture of the swivel spud. The actuator assembly further includes a movable inner piston having an end portion, which is generally hollow and cylindrical in shape, and a pair of opposed apertures formed therethrough. The semi-spherical outer end surface of the swivel spud is received within the hollow end portion of the inner actuator piston. A second pin is retained in the opposed apertures of the inner actuator piston, extending through the second aperture of the swivel spud. When the inner actuator piston is moved in one direction, the pins engage one another to effect movement of the valve spool in that direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 4, 1994
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventor: Kevin L. Shinler
  • Patent number: 5205667
    Abstract: An improved pivot pin which allows individual pin connection of each hammer in the rotor of a shredder is disclosed. The pivot pin includes male and female pin members which interengage in a tight fit so as to function as a single pin when fitted together. A bore extends through both of the male and female pin members, with the bore through the female pin member being threaded. A securing device such as a socket head capscrew passes through the male pin member from the outer to the inner end portion thereof and is threadedly received in the female pin member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1993
    Assignee: Montgomery Industries International Inc.
    Inventor: Robert C. Montgomery, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5143470
    Abstract: The end of the lever (2b) ends in a fork that receives the lever (5b) between its tines (6a, 6b). Each time (6a, 6b) has a recess (9) made on its inner face. This recess (9) is parallel to this inner face and extends longitudinally of this tine, thus opening out at its end to make a passage for receiving a pivot (10). This open space (9) does not extend through the full thickness of the tines (6a, 6b), thus preserving axial stop faces for retaining the pivot (10). The end of the lever (5b) has a lateral recess (11) intended to engage the pivot (10). A draw spring (13) has one end solid with the lever (2b), while the other is caught in a groove (12) that is concentric with the axis of the pivot (10) and is made at the end of the lever (5b) opposite the side face in which the recess (11) opens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1992
    Assignee: Mefina S.A.
    Inventors: Antonio Jimenez, Patrice Deplante
  • Patent number: 4712941
    Abstract: A tubular piston pin for an internal combustion engine being of lightweight and high strength design with a cylindrical exterior surface and a double hourglass shaped aperture defined by thin-walled end portions; a thin-walled intermediate portion and two thicker-walled portions therebetween. A method for easy and inexpensive piston pin manufacture includes: the formation of half pins by molding a metal slug between two dies each having tapered end portions, punching out a midportion or intermediate web or wall to form an aperture therethrough with a generally hourglass shape, and aligning and joining two half pins axially together to form a piston pin with the double hourglass shaped interior aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1987
    Assignee: Chrysler Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Eric D. Emmer
  • Patent number: 4544299
    Abstract: In the embodiments of the invention described in the specification, a piston and a connecting rod of an internal combustion engine have opposed approximately semi-cylindrical bearing regions partially enclosing a pin, leaving free gaps between the bearing regions to permit swivel motions of the piston and connecting rod about the axis of the pin. Two symmetrical rings which surround the pin axis retain the bearing regions against the pin. The provision of such opposed bearing regions reduces the oscillating mass of the link joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1983
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1985
    Assignee: Volkswagenwerk Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Hermann Danckert
  • Patent number: 4507106
    Abstract: A rocker joint for a drive chain or a chain-belt comprising a pair of joint members of like cross-section and having front surfaces which rock or roll on one another. The joint members each have a front surface defined by a first radius and a back surface defined by a second and a third radius both progressively smaller than the first radius. A rocker joint pair of members fits into each group of aligned apertures in the interleaved sets of links to join the links and permit articulation of the chain. The link apertures are generally round and have a surface substantially engaged by a back surface of a pivot member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1982
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1985
    Assignee: Borg-Warner Corporation
    Inventor: Edward H. Cole, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4493680
    Abstract: A link pin for connecting a pair of side links to a center link disposed therebetween including rectangular head portions at each end thereof for retaining the pin within the side and center links and a shaft portion disposed between the head portions. The shaft portion includes a pair of end portions and a central portion therebetween and a central axis extending therethrough and first and second offset axes which are parallel to the central axis and disposed on each side thereof. The shaft portion further includes a central protrusion extending from the central portion and radially outwardly from the first offset axis and having an outer arcuate surface defining an arc circumscribed about the first offset axis and a lateral protrusion extending from each of the end portions and radially outwardly from the second offset axis in a direction opposite to the central protrusion, each of the lateral protrusions having an outer surface defining an arc circumscribed about the second offset axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1982
    Date of Patent: January 15, 1985
    Assignee: Florkey's Conveyor Service, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank F. Hoffmann
  • Patent number: 4435100
    Abstract: A fail-safe zero-load hinge or pivot-joint having a first load primary support path comprising a sleeve and nut combination and a secondary or redundant load support path comprising a shaft, sized to be inserted axially through the sleeve with diametrical clearance, for threaded engagement with a nut providing axial clearance from said primary members. The secondary shaft and nut combination holds the joint intact after the primary load members have failed permitting the joint assembly to perform its normal designed function of load carrying with the continued full range of movement without the risk of restricted operation seizure or jamming.A locking cap is provided for simple, safe holding of the nuts of primary and secondary member from disengagement, or even partial back off.A dye indicator may be used to indicate failure of the primary load carrying members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1981
    Date of Patent: March 6, 1984
    Assignee: McDonnell Douglas Corporation
    Inventor: Ronald L. Cox
  • Patent number: 4406558
    Abstract: A device, such as a gudgeon pin, for connecting a piston of a reciprocating internal combustion agent to a connecting-rod comprises at least in part a fibre-reinforced composite material. The device further comprises a metallic sliding bearing having a circular cylindrical external surface. The sliding bearing layer is arranged on the external surface of the fibre-reinforced composite material. A plurality of fibre layers, which run in differing directions, are arranged in the composite material, and the sliding bearing layer is divided in the transition region from a piston to a connecting-rod. The gudgeon pin has alternate layers, in which fibres are arranged orthogonally to fibres in an adjacent fibre layer. The fibres run parallel to the gudgeon pin axis in one layer and orthogonally thereto in the two adjacent layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1980
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1983
    Inventors: Richard Kochendorfer, Helmut Krauss
  • Patent number: 4368997
    Abstract: A pivot joint having a housing member with a pair of opposing coaxially aligned bores in communication with an elongated channel transverse to the bores. A cylindrical member extends across the channel and rotates within the bores. The cylindrical member is longitudinally split to form a pair of clamping sections having a double-D configuration. A passageway is formed through the cylindrical member transverse to its axis and spanning across the split to define opposing concave bearing surfaces for receiving an axially adjustable rod therethrough. A locking clamp extends into the housing for locking the clamp sections together in a desired rotational orientation within the bores, thereby securely clamping the rod in a desired angular orientation as well as in a desired axial extension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1981
    Date of Patent: January 18, 1983
    Assignee: Berger Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Sami Shemtov
  • Patent number: 4062637
    Abstract: A tie rod end assembly for a motor vehicle steering linkage system and the method for making the assembly is disclosed. The tie rod end comprises first and second housing parts that are stamped of sheet metal and have substantially identical configuration. Each part has a semi-cylindrical stem portion and an eye portion. The eye portion has a generally channel shape in cross section with an inner frusto-conical wall and an outer curved wall that is a continuation of the wall forming the stem portion. The two housing parts are fitted together and welded along the abutting edges of the outer walls and stem portions. The inner walls define a convergent-divergent opening in which an annular elastomeric bushing is fitted. The stem portions of the two housings are internally threaded for attachment to a steering member and a fastener is fitted through the elastomeric bushing for attachment to another steering member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1975
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1977
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventor: William D. Allison
  • Patent number: 3959898
    Abstract: Shock mounting arrangements for mounting one end of a rigid dredge ladder and for mounting the holding spud on a dredging barge or dredging platform. In the ladder mounting, pivot pins are connected to one end of the ladder for permitting pivotal movement of the ladder thereabout. The pivot pins are supported in rigid housing structures attached to the barge structure. These housing structures include a plurality of coil springs operatively engaging the pins and the rigid housing structure such that the pins are normally held in a fixed position but are permitted limited radial movement in response to dredging operation shock forces transmitted by way of the ladder to the pin means. Guide means can also be provided to limit the motion of the pin means along a single plane extending perpendicularly to the pivot axis of the ladder. Other shock absorbing means, such as hydraulic means or rubber means can be substituted for the spring means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1974
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1976
    Inventor: William Andrew McWatters