Spherical couplings for vehicle towing or kindred purposes

摘要

A ball-joint coupling comprises a male coupling member and a female coupling member. The male coupling member includes a ball to which a layer of elastomeric material is bonded. A part-spherical cap is received on the ball over said elastomeric layer and is bonded to such layer. The female coupling member has a part-spherical socket to receive the cap. Retaining means are operative between the cap and the female coupling member to prevent relative rotation of the cap in the socket at least in the horizontal plane, so that relative movement between the male and female coupling member results in deformation of the elastomeric layer and consequent damping of the movement.