US 4,659,069 AGranted

Laminated mechanical elements

OwnerSteven L. Odobasicinventor

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Abstract

Flexurally stiff members having low torsional stiffness, high transverse shear resistance and high stability are disclosed. In several embodiments, each member includes a flexurally and torsionally stiff tapered elongate beam surrounded by an outer tube-like component of lower torsional stiffness and interconnected by an elastomeric medium which enables the tube-like component to twist relative to the beam while permitting some of the flexural and transverse loads applied to the tube-like component to be transferred to the beam. In several embodiments, the tube-like component includes a pair of interarranged corrugated open section members engaged by one or more stabilizers, including a shrunk fit tube of elastomeric material extending lengthwise between attachment fittings at opposite ends. End fittings for applying various loads to the members are also disclosed.

Claims21

Dependent claims

A structural member for use in connecting structural elements, comprising:

a flexurally stiff elongate beam having a predetermined torsional stiffness about a longitudinal axis,
an axially stiff tube-like component surrounding said beam and extending therealong in spaced relation therewith for at least a portion of its length, said tube-like component including at least one open section member at least partially extending around said axis and having a pair of spaced longitudinal edges movable lengthwise relative to one another during application of torque, said tube-like component having a torsional stiffness lower than the torsional stiffness of said beam
first connecting means adapted to connect both said beam and tube-like component to one of said structural elements,
second connecting means rotatable about an axis coaxial with said longitudinal axis and adapted to connect said tube-like component to another of said structural elements, and
bearing means located between at least one portion of said beam and said tube-like component for permitting an end of said tube-like component to twist relative to said beam when torque is applied to said end of said tube-like component and for permitting said second connecting means to transfer shear loads to said beam,
whereby the beam and tube-like component cooperate with the bearing means therebetween to provide a connection characterized by low torsional stiffness, high flexural stiffness and high shear resistance.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 06/714,188Filed 20 Mar 1985 · continuation in part
Priority: GB 842424626 Sep 1984
Granted: 21 Apr 1987
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification14 codes

F16C 7/026
Constructions of connecting-rods with constant length: made of fibre reinforced resin
B64C 25/64
Spring shock-absorbers; Springs: using rubber or like elements
B64C 27/35
Rotors: having elastomeric joints
F16C 1/02
Flexible shafts ; Mechanical means for transmitting movement in a flexible sheathing: for conveying rotary movements

Family

Serial412,095Parent of this continuation-in-part · filed 27 Aug 1982
Serial511,955Parent of this continuation-in-part · filed 8 Jul 1983
US 4,593,889 AParent of this continuation-in-part
US 4,521,003 AParent of this continuation-in-part
US 4,659,069 AThis patent

From the US filing history. Foreign family members aren’t listed.