Importance

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Abstract

A self-aligning rod end coupler including an outer housing having a first open end with an internally threaded portion and a second open end having a radially inwardly extending flange. A female adapter is provided having an externally threaded portion for engaging the internally threaded portion of the first open end of the outer housing and an internally threaded portion for engaging an external thread on a rod member. A slide washer is provided having a substantially flat surface disposed against the radially inwardly extending flange in the second open end of the outer housing and having a partial, substantially spherical surface. A male adapter is provided having an externally threaded first end and a second end including a radially outwardly extending portion having a first partial, substantially spherical, concave, surface on a longitudinal end of the male adapter and a second partial, substantially spherical, convex, surface for engaging the partial, substantially spherical surface of the slide washer. A thrust washer is disposed between the male adapter and the female adapter. The thrust washer includes a partial, substantially spherical, convex, surface for engaging the first partial, substantially spherical, concave, surface of the male adapter. The male adapter is both laterally and spherically moveable relative to a central axis of the outer housing.

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First Claim