IP Library › Patent Application 10636043
Patent Application
App. No. 10/636,043

Lead screw coupling

Loading inventors, assignments & file history…
Monitor This Case
Get email alerts when status or documents change.
Order Certified Copies
Most orders are placed with the USPTO same day — all within 24 business hours.
Order via The Patent Place →
Pre-filled with this patent's details
Quick Facts
Patent No.
US None
App. No.
10/636,043
Abstract

A lead screw coupling that includes two universal joints. The first joint is operatively connected between a first member that includes a mounting site for coupling to a lead screw nut, and a second member. The second joint is operatively connected between the second member and a third member that includes a mounting site for coupling to a movable printer carriage. In a preferred embodiment the universal joints and the members are all defined by a plurality of slanted planar slots that are each cut along a plane that is tilted with respect to an axis of rotation of the lead screw.

Claims (21)

1 . A lead screw coupling for coupling a printer carriage to a lead screw, including:

a first member including a mounting site for coupling to a lead screw nut,

a lead screw nut mounted to the mounting site of the first member,

a second member,

a first universal joint operatively connected between the first and second members,

a third member including a mounting site for coupling to a movable printer carriage, and

a second universal joint operatively connected between the second and third members, wherein the second universal joint includes a plurality of flexures and wherein each of the first, second, and third members can move relative to the others.

2 . The lead screw coupling of claim 1 further including a lead screw engaged with the lead screw nut.

3 . The lead screw coupling of claim 1 wherein the first, second, and third members are at least generally tubular.

4 . A coupling, including an at least generally tubular body with an inside surface and an outside surface, the tubular body including:

a first member including a mounting site for coupling to a lead screw nut,

a lead screw nut mounted to the mounting site of the first member,

a second member,

a third member,

a fourth member,

a fifth member,

at least a first articulation between the first and second members,

at least a second articulation between the second and third members, wherein the first and second articulations are within a same first plane normal to a longitudinal axis of the tubular member,

at least a third articulation between the third and fourth members,

at least a fourth articulation between the fourth and fifth members, wherein the third and fourth articulations are within a same second plane normal to a longitudinal axis of the tubular member.

5 . The coupling of claim 4 further including a lead screw engaged with the lead screw nut.