Low-torque pivot bushing

Abstract

A pivot joint has a low friction rotational property by allowing the elastomeric bushing to rotate with respect to the inner metal. A low friction material can be incorporated between these two components to facilitate the rotation, if desired. The elastomeric bushing helps to isolate the pivot joint and prevent the transmission of vibrations. In one embodiment, the elastomeric bushing is also allowed to pivot about an axis generally perpendicular to its axis of rotation.

1 . A pivot joint comprising: 
 an inner member;    an elastomeric member disposed around said inner member, said inner member slidingly engaging said elastomeric member;    an outer member disposed around said elastomeric member, said elastomeric member being fixedly secured to said outer member; wherein    said inner member rotates within said elastomeric member around a first axis and pivots within said elastomeric member around a second axis, said second axis being different than said first axis.    
     
     
         2 . The pivot joint according to  claim 1  wherein said second axis is generally perpendicular to said first axis.  
     
     
         3 . The pivot joint according to  claim 1  wherein said inner member defines a contoured outer surface and said elastomeric member defines a contoured inner surface, said contoured outer surface mating with said contoured inner surface.  
     
     
         4 . The pivot joint according to  claim 3  further comprising a low friction member between said inner member and said elastomeric member.  
     
     
         5 . The pivot joint according to  claim 4  wherein said low friction member is separate from said elastomeric member.  
     
     
         6 . The pivot joint according to  claim 3  wherein said contoured outer surface and said contoured inner surface are spherical.  
     
     
         7 . The pivot joint according to  claim 6  further comprising a low friction member between said inner member and said elastomeric member.  
     
     
         8 . The pivot joint according to  claim 7  wherein said low friction member is separate from said elastomeric member.  
     
     
         9 . The pivot joint according to  claim 3  wherein said contoured outer surface and said contoured inner surface are curved.  
     
     
         10 . The pivot joint according to  claim 9  further comprising a low friction member between said inner member and said elastomeric member.  
     
     
         11 . The pivot joint according to  claim 10  wherein said low friction member is separate from said elastomeric member.  
     
     
         12 . The pivot joint according to  claim 1  wherein said elastomeric member defines a first circular extension extending through a first aperture defined by said outer member.  
     
     
         13 . The pivot joint according to  claim 12  wherein said elastomeric member defines a second circular extension extending through a second aperture defined by said outer member.  
     
     
         14 . The pivot joint according to  claim 13  wherein said first circular extension is opposite to said second circular extension.