Lubrication device for a pivot joint
AssigneeCase Corporation
InventorBryan J. Garberg
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The invention is a ring-like lubrication device used in a pivot joint of the type connecting two members such as on an articulated agricultural tractor or wheeled loader. Such joint has a joint pin and a bearing permitting relative oscillating and articulating movement of the members one to the other. The device includes a hollow, annular reservoir-like chamber which holds lubricant for the joint/bearing sliding surfaces. The device also seals the joint to obstruct the entry of dirt. In a highly preferred arrangement, a device is mounted at the top and bottom of a joint for lubrication and obstruction of dirt entry. The device is configured and arranged to accommodate oscillating and articulating movement between the joined members.
Claims12
In a structure for lubricating a pivot joint of the type permitting relative oscillating, articulating, non-rotating motion of connected members one to the other and having a primary bearing with a spherical load-bearing external surface, the improvement comprising:
- a generally spherical secondary bearing adjacent to and outside of the primary bearing;
- an annular hollow, disc-like device in sliding, sealing engagement with the secondary bearing and having a lubricant reservoir within the device;
- a lubricant flow path extending from the device toward the external surface of the primary bearing, wherein the surface is lubricated and entry of dirt thereto is obstructed.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.