Abstract: A driveline yoke assembly may include a yoke and a barrel. The yoke may include first and second arms extending from a base. The base may include a first protrusion extending radially therefrom. The barrel may be axially fixed to the yoke and may define an axially extending body having a second protrusion extending radially therefrom and engaged with the first protrusion to transfer rotation from the barrel to the yoke.

Abstract: A fencing connector and fencing system utilizing fencing connectors. The fencing connectors include a swivel mount having a cavity configured to receive a first swivel assembly. The first swivel assembly is rotatable about a first axis within the swivel mount. A second swivel assembly is rotatably attached to the first swivel assembly. The second swivel assembly is rotatable about a second axis. The second swivel assembly further having a pocket configured to receive a structural member.

Abstract: A baby carriage having a steering device is disclosed. The baby carriage includes a pair of handles manipulated by a user to generate rotating force for steering. A pair of steering wheels is rotated in conjunction with the handles to steer and move the baby carriage. Further, a pair of steering devices transmits the rotating force from the handles to the steering wheels. Each steering device includes a vertical steering shaft coupled to each steering wheel, an inclined rotating shaft, a steering joint transmitting rotating force from the inclined rotating shaft to the vertical steering shaft, and a shock absorbing part absorbing an external force acting on each steering wheel, thus enabling a baby riding in the baby carriage to be stably moved.

Abstract: The present invention provides a constant velocity universal joint having a recess-projection engagement configuration in which backlash at a shaft connecting region does not easily occur, and an inner joint component and a shaft can be firmly connected. In the constant velocity universal joint of the present invention, the inner joint component and the shaft 5 fitted into an axis hole 22 of the inner joint component are connected by the recess-projection engagement configuration. Engagement contacting regions 38 of projections 35 and recesses 36 corresponding thereto are in close contact over the whole region.

Abstract: A pivot joint has a first structure comprising a ball mounted in a receptacle, wherein the location of the ball is held with respect to the receptacle, and a second structure mounted on and movable with respect to the ball, wherein the second structure has at least one bearing surface which defines its position with respect to the ball. The ball may be held in location by contact with the receptacle at least two positions. At least one of the positions of contact may be adjustable.

Abstract: Provided is a universal joint capable of freely regulating a mounting angle of one member with respect to the other member, and an image display unit using the same. The image display unit (1) includes an image display unit main body (100) having a convex surface (101) forming a part of a specific spherical surface, and an intermediate member (200). The intermediate member (200) includes a guide member (220) having a concave surface (221) that is a curved surface corresponding to the convex surface (101) and is supposed to come into contact with the convex surface (101) when the image display unit main body (100) and the intermediate member (200) are fixed to each other, and a magnet (230) provided at a position substantially the center of the guide member (220) and capable of being fixed to the convex surface (101) by attraction.

Abstract: A shaft assembly having a first shaft and a second shaft interconnected by a bipot joint is disclosed. The first shaft and the second shaft are disposed in overlapping spaced relationship. The bipot joint includes a pivot block sandwiched between the first shaft and the second shaft. The pivot defines a mounting surface abutting one of the first and second shafts, and a semi-annular surface opposing the mounting surface and abutting the other of the first shaft and the second shaft. A fastener extends through a bore defined by the first shaft, the pivot block and the second shaft to interconnect the first shaft, the pivot block and the second shaft. The fastener includes a spring to bias the first shaft, the pivot block and the second shaft together, thereby de-lashing the bipot joint.

Abstract: An assembly error prevention member includes a first plate portion that is attached to a first tab and a third plate portion that is inserted into a slit. The third plate portion has a blocking portion that inhibits a bolt from being tightened into a bolt hole and a driven portion that moves the blocking portion. The second plate portion has a first end portion connected to the first plate portion and a second end portion connected to the third plate portion. The second end portion is wider than the first end portion.

Abstract: A swivel joint is provided comprising a first base member, a second base member, and a spider positioned between the first and second base members. The spider includes a center support and first and second bearing support elements. Each bearing support element has an arcuate surfaces adapted to form joints with the first and second base members. In one embodiment, at least one shim element disposed is between at least one of the first and second bearing support elements and the center support.

Abstract: A universal joint includes a pair of yoke members each having a pair of spaced arms. A coupler is pivotably coupled with the arms of the yoke members, allowing the yoke members to respectively pivot about two pivot axes perpendicular to each other. The coupler includes opposite first and second faces slideably abutting with inner faces of the arms of one of the yoke members, opposite third and fourth faces slideably abutting with inner faces of the arms of the other yoke member, and opposite filth and sixth faces. A length of each of the first, second, third, and fourth faces between the fifth and sixth faces is larger than 0.6 times a width between the first and second faces and smaller than a distance from one of the two pivot axes to an intermediate face between the inner faces of the arms of one of the yoke members.

Abstract: A joint and/or bearing arrangement (1) with a pivot pin (2), in particular with a pivot pin (2) having a head region (3) which is movable with respect to a receiving joint socket (4), wherein the pivot pin (2) is at least partially surrounded by a circumferential sealing collar (7), is configured so that the outside of the sealing collar (7) is covered by a separate protective cover (11) which conforms to the shape of the sealing collar.

Abstract: A steering system for a vehicle includes two skis turned by a handlebars gripped by a user. A shaft formed of two sections couples the handlebars to the skis. The sections are angled with respect to one another and coupled to one another by means of a U-joint oriented such that for small rotations from a straight orientation of the handlebars the U-joint transfers a greater force to the skis than for rotations between large angled orientations of a range of angled orientation of the handlebars.

Abstract: This application discloses a toy construction apparatus that can be used to make posable toy figures. The apparatus includes structural pieces, called “bones,” which can be connected to a plurality of other bones by joints that can be formed by a marble or similar device and connecting structures on the ends of each bone. These joints can either be movable or rigid depending on the type of connecting structures on the end of each bone being connected by the joint. Additionally, specialized structures, such as heads, feet, and torsos, can be used with the toy construction apparatus that allow the user to create more complex and life-like toy figures.

Abstract: A pivot joint has a first structure comprising a ball mounted in a receptacle, wherein the location of the ball is held with respect to the receptacle, and a second structure mounted on and movable with respect to the ball, wherein the second structure has at least one bearing surface which defines its position with respect to the ball. The ball may be held in location by contact with the receptacle at at least two positions. At least one of the positions of contact may be adjustable.

Abstract: A coupling device used for driving or in the drives of, agricultural implements or machinery, has a first universal joint (2) with a first outer yoke (3) a first inner yoke (4), a second universal joint (5) with a second outer yoke (6) and a second inner yoke (7). A connecting member (8) connects the first inner yoke (4) and the second inner yoke (7) to one another in a rotationally fast way. A first coupling element (12) is connected to the first outer yoke (3) in a rotationally fast way. A pressure spring (16) is axially supported against and pretensioned between a supporting element (15), which forms part of the connecting member (8), and the first coupling element (12). A longitudinal adjusting member enables an axial displacement of the first coupling element (12) relative to the supporting element (15).

Abstract: A chip compressing mechanism is provided. The chip compressing mechanism essentially comprises a loading component, a head component and a gimbal. The head component is disposed under the loading component, with a gap in-between. The gimbal is disposed between the loading component and the head component to support the gap therebetween.

Abstract: The invention relates to a connection between a steering mechanism and a steering column (1) of a motor vehicle steering system. The connection comprises a steering coupling (2) which connects these two components, is attached by one end (3) to the steering mechanism or to the steering column (1) and, at the other end (4), bears a coupling piece (5) in an articulated manner. The latter forms a connecting partner with the other component (1) in each case and has two clamping jaws (6, 7) which, after the coupling piece (5) has been pivoted around the axis of articulation (8), engage around a section (9) of the other component (1).

Abstract: A universal joint having a first yoke including a body portion and an overmold portion. The body portion includes a base and a pair of arms that extend from the base. A trunnion assembly is coupled to the first yoke and extends between the arms. A second yoke is coupled to the trunnion assembly.

Abstract: A sinusoidal structural member having a dual component flange is provided. In the preferred embodiment, the flange (both upper and lower) is comprised of at least two components. These two components can be produced by dividing the flange lengthwise; where the division plane is substantially parallel to the plane of the web, when observing a standard flange-web relationship; and the geometry of the division border substantially matches the sinusoidal geometry of the web. The two resulting flange components substantially complement one another; wherein the sine peak of one component fits within the sine valley of its corresponding component, leaving a gap sufficient to accommodate the thickness of the web to be interposed. The sinusoidal web, substantially matching the division pattern of the flange components, is compressively sandwiched between the flange components, with sufficient compression to bring the sinusoidal web within dimensional compliance.

Abstract: A shaft coupling assembly comprising a coupling element including a shaft-receiving slot configured to receive a shaft. A retaining bolt is extendable through the coupling element adjacent the shaft receiving slot and to be received and retained in a bolt receiving recess in the upper shaft surface adjacent the forward shaft end after the shaft forward end is inserted in the coupling element slot. At least one projection extends from the shaft forward end adjacent the shaft upper surface to prevent improper clamping of the shaft forward end and any associated feeling of proper interconnection.

Abstract: This invention relates to a hinge for interconnecting sections of a floating dock and for interconnecting walkways with floating docks. This hinge protects docks from being damaged by stress exerted by the side to side or up and down motion of the wave, storm or high winds. This hinge can also be used for reconstructing old damaged docks. The hinge comprises two stackable sheet of twisting members which are preferably flat, each having an arcuate front end for facilitating a twisting motion of the twisting members relative to each other, a mounting plate, and a central opening for accomodating a pivot rod; a fastener for keeping the hinge components together; and, preferably washers to protect the outside surfaces of the twisting members from abrasion. One side of the hinge preferably attaches to a dock section having a dock joint bracket while the other end preferably attaches to a plain corner bracket to allow vertical pivotal movement of the dock sections in response to wave motions.

Abstract: The invention includes linkage assemblies comprising coupled links with metallic contact surfaces with improved stiffness. The inventors found significant mechanical problems with all previous descriptions of metallic contact links sufficient to preclude their commercial use. These metallic contact links are a significant improvement over existing plastic ball and metal joint, or all plastic beads as found in the prior art. The invention includes methods providing these links and high friction couplings between them, as well as the linkage assemblies and flexible arms resulting from these processes.

Abstract: A coupling device used for driving or in the drives of, agricultural implements or machinery, has a first universal joint (2) with a first outer yoke (3) a first inner yoke (4), a second universal joint (5) with a second outer yoke (6) and a second inner yoke (7). A connecting member (8) connects the first inner yoke (4) and the second inner yoke (7) to one another in a rotationally fast way. A first coupling element (12) is connected to the first outer yoke (3) in a rotationally fast way. A pressure spring (16) is axially supported against and pretensioned between a supporting element (15), which forms part of the connecting member (8), and the first coupling element (12). A longitudinal adjusting member enables an axial displacement of the first coupling element (12) relative to the supporting element (15).

Abstract: The coupling structure includes: a shaft body 1 having an engagement portion 11 with a slip-off preventing groove; a shaft joint body 2 having an engagement groove 21 with which the engagement portion 11 is engaged and bores 22 and 23 facing the engagement groove 21; a locking body 3 press-fitted into the bore 23; and a plate body 5 having regulating tongues 51 for regulating movement of the shaft body 1, a supported portion 56 extending from the regulating tongues 51 and supported between the locking body 3 and the shaft joint body 2, and a projection 57 projecting from the supported portion 56. The shaft joint body 2 and/or the locking body 3 have a recessed portion 27 into which the projection 57 is fitted.

Abstract: A device for interconnecting optical units includes three elements, namely a pair of carriers and an intermediate body having passages defining an optical path in the device. At least two of the three elements contains an optical unit. A hinge connects one of the carriers to the other carrier and/or the intermediate body for changing the shape and possibly the length of the optical path through the device. One of the carriers of the intermediate body is slidable transversely of the other elements for also changing alignment of the elements and consequently of optical units mounted therein.

Abstract: A swivel joint according to the present invention includes first and second base members. A spider includes first and second arcuate surfaces which form joints with the first and second base members, respectively. Furthermore, the spider includes first and second pins both opposed from each other and third and fourth pins opposed from each other. A first mechanism is coupled to the spider and the first base member and is adapted to effect a force between the first arcuate surface and the first base member. Also, a second mechanism is coupled to the spider and the second base member and is adapted to effect a force between the second arcuate surface and the second base member.

Abstract: A connector hub assembly having universal joint comprises a housing including at least a first connector having its mating portion accessible from a surface of the housing. A joint device is universally attached to the housing such that the housing is moveable along a first plane. A second connector is attached to the joint device. The joint device includes a socket defined in a recessed portion of the housing and a ball joint swivelably received in the socket. Wherein the joint device further includes a pin shaft located on an end of supporting arm of the ball joint, wherein the second connector is pivotally mounted on the pin shaft.

Abstract: A joint having a metal or plastic core and a metal or plastic outer shell. The core has two studs extending in a direction of an axis of rotation and arranged vertically at 180° from each other. The outer shell consists of two half shells, each having a reinforcing segment. A bore with a bore base is provided on each reinforcing segment. Two cup-shaped elastomeric pads are located between the core and the outer shell and are insulated from one another. The elastomeric pads surround the studs which penetrate the bore in the reinforcing segments. A ratio of the stud diameter to the pad thickness is specified.

Abstract: A medical stirrup device includes a base adapted for fixed securement to an associated support member. The device further includes a gooseneck shaft member having a proximal end connected to the base and a distal end spaced from the base. The gooseneck shaft member is selectively manually bendable by an end-user into a curvilinear operative shape between an unbent linear position and a bendable limit of the gooseneck shaft member. A fastener is located at the distal end of the gooseneck shaft member. The fastener is adapted to engage a mating fastener of an associated limb support member to connect the associated limb support member to the shaft. In one version of the development, the shaft member includes first and second co-axial spiral-wound tubular members. In another version, the shaft has adjustable rigidity and is defined from a series of articulated links. A method of positioning a human limb for a medical procedure is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a fastening system comprising a first mounting bracket rotatably attached to a first assembly, a second mount bracket rotatably attached to a second assembly and a rigid attachment between the first mount bracket and the second mount bracket wherein the attachment enables the first mount bracket and the second mount bracket to rotate together about a common axis and wherein the attachment enables a portion of the first mount bracket and a portion of the second mount bracket to be separated by space.

Abstract: A single lever control assembly that limits motion due to the inherent design of the assembly. In other words, no additional components are required to limit the motion of the single lever control assembly. The assembly includes two U-shaped members each having a base and parallel legs extending from the base, a lever connected to one of the U-shaped members and a pivot block interconnecting the parallel legs for allowing the U-shaped members to rotate relative to one another. The assembly has at least one of the parallel legs having a projection that engages one of the parallel legs of the other U-shaped member. In general, the single lever control assembly is a type of modified universal joint whose movement is limited by a projection.

Abstract: A universal joint adapted to interconnect a pair of rotating shafts at an angle relative to one another including a first member and a second member wherein the first member has a first longitudinal axis and includes an elongated semi-spherical head having a plurality of circumferentially spaced and radially outward facing facets which are curved along the first longitudinal axis and the second member has a second longitudinal axis and includes a pocket adapted to receive the elongated head. The pocket further includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced and radially inward facing facets which correspond to the plurality of radially outward facing facets on the elongated head and are tapered relative to the second longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An elastic shaft joint comprises a shaft with a pair of outer-diameter side engagement surfaces which are substantially parallel to each other at two positions on the opposite sides of the outer peripheral surface in the radial direction, a rotary member with a pair of restraint plate portions which are substantially parallel to each other, having an opening on a lateral side thereof, and a vibration absorbing member provided between the rotary member and the shaft. The vibration absorbing member is constituted by an elastic member disposed on the inner peripheral surface of a part fixed to the rotary member and a sliding sleeve which is supported by the inner peripheral surface of the elastic member and which inner peripheral surface is in slidable contact with the outer peripheral surface of the shaft.

Abstract: An elastomeric joint (100) that comprises a wing plate (102) including a base plate (104) generally extending along a first axis and generally perpendicular to a second axis is provided. The wing plate further includes a mutually opposite first and second bushing-receiving bores (120) co-axially aligned relative to a third axis perpendicular to said first and second axes. A plurality of elastomeric shear pads (106) is affixed on mutually opposite sides of the base plate. The plurality of shear pads is stacked generally perpendicular to the second axis. Top and bottom elastomeric bushings (122) are received by said respective bushing-receiving bores. Each elastomeric bushing comprises a plurality of torsion pads (124) and includes a respective pin-receiving bore(128).

Abstract: A universal connector that facilitates quick assembly and disassembly of substantially the same and/or different member trusses at substantially the same and/or different angles, one from the other, and which may vary from installation to installation. The universal connector comprises: a male threaded eye end; a female threaded fork end, the female threaded fork end hingedly fastened and mating with the male threaded eye end, one with the other; and opposing threaded barrel sleeves, one of the opposing threaded barrel sleeves fastened to the male threaded eye end, the other opposing barrel sleeve fastened to the female threaded fork end, the threaded barrel sleeves adapted to be fastened thereto truss member ends. The universal connector facilitates quick, easy, and safe assembly and disassembly of the trusses, and is capable of use in a large variety of structures and situations, with the same and/or different types of truss members.

Abstract: An elastomeric joint (100) that comprises a wing plate (102) including a base plate (104) generally extending along a first axis and generally perpendicular to a second axis is provided. The wing plate further includes a mutually opposite first and second bushing-receiving bores (120) co-axially aligned relative to a third axis perpendicular to said first and second axes. A plurality of elastomeric shear pads (106) is affixed on mutually opposite sides of the base plate. The plurality of shear pads is stacked generally perpendicular to the second axis. Top and bottom elastomeric bushings (122) are received by said respective bushing-receiving bores. Each elastomeric bushing comprises a plurality of torsion pads (124) and includes a respective pin-receiving bore(128).

Abstract: A selected one of several bathroom accessories each having a different utilitarian front, such as a toothbrush holder, soap dish or the like, and a common uniform T-shape base which tracks in a T-shape recess of a suction cup support, wherein a position of movement of a crank which operates the suction cup is used to advantage to contribute to facilitating the attaching and detaching of the T-shape base and recess, and their uniform configuration results in interchangeability therebetween.

Abstract: Self aligning, blind mating connector bodies are provided for connecting to mating connector bodies. One embodiment of the connector body has an annular housing with two slots disposed 180 degrees apart. An inner body has two dowel pins disposed at locations corresponding to the slots in the annular housing. A compliant O-ring is disposed between and is resiliently coupled to the inner body and the annular housing. The inner body is free to rotate relative to the annular housing about an axis defined by the dowel pins to provide single axis gimbal motion. Another embodiment of the connector body has an annular housing with two holes disposed 180 degrees apart. An inner body has two dowel pins disposed at locations corresponding to the holes in the annular housing. An external housing ring is connected to the annular housing using a second pair of dowel pins located 180 degrees apart that are disposed at 90 degrees with respect to the first set of dowel pins.

Abstract: An elastic shaft joint comprises a shaft with a pair of outer-diameter side engagement surfaces which are substantially parallel to each other at two positions on the opposite sides of the outer peripheral surface in the radial direction, a rotary member with a pair of restraint plate portions which are substantially parallel to each other, having an opening on a lateral side thereof, and a vibration absorbing member provided between the rotary member and the shaft. The vibration absorbing member is constituted by an elastic member disposed on the inner peripheral surface of a part fixed to the rotary member and a sliding sleeve which is supported by the inner peripheral surface of the elastic member and which inner peripheral surface is in slidable contact with the outer peripheral surface of the shaft.

Abstract: A connection device for supporting one of a plurality of accessories with respect to a support surface includes a two piece suction cup. The two piece suction cup has an outer shell and a flexible inner member attached to a plunger which extends through the shell. The plunger terminates in a connector configured to engage with a connection feature on each of the accessories. The connection device acts to support a generally universal connector with respect to a support surface.

Abstract: An athletic pole including a handle, a shaft, and a handle-to-shaft transition assembly, the transition assembly adapted for allowing the handle to articulate. The transition assembly includes an enlarged shaft base on the shaft, the shaft base including a handle-base-engaging surface. The transition assembly also includes an enlarged handle base on the handle. The handle base and the shaft base are biased together by a tension force into a mating, coaxially aligned position when any bending forces applied to the pole are insufficient to overcome the tension force, the handle being pivotable to an articulated position relative to the shaft upon the application of a predetermined bending force on the pole sufficient to overcome the tension force.

Abstract: A device for use with a hinge in which two rigid elements (104, 105) may be placed in various relative angular positions, wherein the elongate part (109) to be protected and guided consists of a section or tube inserted through two mutually facing channels (111, 110) in respective ones of the rigid elements (104, 105). The device includes a movable member (107) arranged between said rigid elements (104, 105) and at least rotatably movable about a rotational axis of said hinge. The member further includes a hole (108) through which said elongate part (109) may inserted.

Abstract: A coordinate measuring machine (CMM), including three spherical base joints, a device for maintaining the base joints in a fixed spaced relation, and six actuator assemblies each having a variable length. Each of the base joints has a first end of two of the six actuator assemblies connected therewith, respectively. A center pole is provided having a first spherical joint connected to a first end thereof and a second spherical joint connected to a second end thereof. A second end of a first one of each of the two actuator assemblies connected to each of the base joints is connected to the first spherical joint of the center pole, and a second end of a second one of each of the two actuator assemblies connected to each of the base joints is connected to the second spherical joint of the center pole, in a manner which forms a hexahedron.

Abstract: An athletic pole including a handle, a s haft, and a handle-to-shaft transition assembly, the transition assembly being adapted for allowing the handle to articulate and for minimizing rotational motion of the handle relative to the shaft during pole operation. The transition assembly includes an enlarged shaft base on the shaft and an enlarged handle base on the handle. The shaft base includes a handle-base-engaging surface, a raised alignment post on the handle-base-engaging surface, axial splines formed with the alignment post, and radial splines extending along the handle-base-engaging surface of the shaft base. The handle base includes a shaft-base-engaging surface having spline grooves complementary to the radial splines and the axial splines of the shaft base.

Abstract: Several improvements relating to hexapods are described. The improvements relate to universal joints and ball and socket joints where two struts meet at a common focal point, two axis gimbals which are used for ballscrew drives in universal joints and a micro positioning device incorporating a hexapod structure. The universal joint (1) includes two part spheres (13, 14) connected to one strut (12) and a rotatable ring (15) connected to another strut (11). The two part spheres (13, 14) are secured together by fasteners (25) with the ring (15) secured therebetween so as to form a sphere. The ring (15) is preloaded and rotatable about a common axis (17) of the sphere.

Abstract: A yoke of a universal joint for a steering apparatus, the yoke including a coupling member made by press-shaping a metallic plate and formed into the shape of a tube having a split in a circumferential portion thereof and a serration on an inner peripheral surface thereof. The coupling member has one end portion, having a partially cylindrical portion and a pair of flange portions integral with the partially cylindrical portion with the split interposed therebetween, and a substantially cylindrical coupling portion at another end portion thereof. Notably, the substantially cylindrical coupling portion has a larger outer diameter than an outer diameter of the partially cylindrical portion. The coupling member further includes a threaded hole formed in one of the flange portions, and a through hole formed in the other of the flange portions and coaxial with the threaded hole for passing a bolt to be threadably engaged with the threaded hole.

Abstract: A linear ball screw actuator assembly and a method of constructing it. The actuator assembly has a housing for a ball screw and ball nut which together define a raceway between them for a recirculating ball bearing train of balls, one of the screw and nut being reciprocable along a z axis responsive to rotation of the other and being adapted to be coupled to a member to be actuated. The housing has gearing for transmitting rotation to the other of the ball and screw nut in a direction lateral to the z axis. A base for the housing is spaced from the housing and has a base journal journaling the first pin extending along a first pin axis laterally perpendicular to the z axis. The housing has a housing journal journaling a second pin extending crosswisely perpendicular to the first pin. The second pin axis intersects the z axis and x axis. The pins are coupled in a manner to permit relative rotation of the base and housing about either pin axis, or both, to obviate misalignment problems.

Abstract: A positioning device (500) for positioning workpieces along translations and through angular rotations about two or more axes of rotation. In particular, the positioning devices (500) can be employed in method for aligning an optical fiber (510) with an optical beam such that the axis of the optical fiber (510) is aligned coincident to the axis of the optical beam and the endface (508) of the optical fiber (510) is deployed at the global maximum along the axis of the optical beam. The positioning devices are for use laser-to-fiber set-ups, laser-to-spatial filter set-ups, fiber-to-fiber set-ups and the like.

Abstract: A coupling for a vehicle steering unit includes a first linking section including two leg portions extending from a hub portion and a second linking section including two wings extending from and integrated to the hub portion and protrusions on the wings pierced with holes for the passage of a tightening bolt for tightening the wings to bear radially on a shaft. The wings are terminated at a longitudinal slot extending substantially in parallel to an axis of rotation of the coupling. This longitudinal slot is wide enough to allow the passage of the shaft.

Abstract: An improved braked or snubbed joint assembly for use for supporting a grapple, clam shell or like device, is disclosed. The present braked or snubbed joint assembly includes a first member including an element defining an elongate cylindrical bore therethrough having a central axis, and first and second outwardly tapered or conical convex axial end faces. A second member having first and second arms defining a space therebetween receives the first member, and an axial pin rotatably joins the first member and the second member. The second member includes an element located in the space which has a correspondingly tapered or conical concave axial end face positioned in spaced opposed relation to the first outwardly tapered or conical convex axial end face and the second arm includes an element located in the space which has a correspondingly tapered or conical concave axial end face positioned in spaced opposed relation to the second outwardly tapered or conical convex axial end face.