Patent Application
20050279578
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The field of this invention includes agricultural, industrial, and automotive industries, and any other application where grease zerks are utilized.
Grease zerks are used to periodically lubricate a component such as a bearing, bushing or shaft. The zerk is fastened to the component with a threaded base which screws into the component. A tool commonly known as a grease gun is affixed to the zerk and grease is forced through the zerk into the component. When the grease gun is removed, residual grease is left on the zerk. During operation of the machine, airborne particles accumulate on the residual grease on the zerk. Before the next lubrication, a person must carefully wipe the accumulated matter from the zerk before greasing. If this is not done, the matter which has accumulated on the zerk is injected into the component and damages it. In some cases, high-velocity particles continually strike the zerk, wearing metal from it. This prevents effective greasing because the grease leaks past the worn area instead of being injected into the component through the zerk. Grit also accumulates around the check ball area in the zerk and is very difficult to remove. Often this grit is injected directly into the component during greasing. The presence of water is another reason to keep a grease zerk protected. Water leads to rust on the zerk and the check ball inside it, causing the zerk to leak grease back out of the component during machinery operation. These problems are the reason I have devised the grease zerk dust cap.
There is no known prior art.
The grease zerk dust cap is a protective cover affixed to a grease zerk to keep it free of unwanted matter and protect it from adverse operating conditions as described previously.
Figure one depicts the invention as a side view, where reference number one denotes the removal flare end of the cover. Reference number two indicates the scraper flare end of the cover.
Figure two shows a side view cutaway, where reference numbers one and two are the same as previously stated, and reference number three indicating the opening to accept a grease zerk. Reference number four indicates the retaining lip which fits into the neck of the grease fitting.
The grease zerk dust cap is a protective cover for a grease zerk to keep it free of unwanted matter. It is composed of a flexible material that is resistant to various chemicals, heat, cold and ultraviolet radiation. It is a single piece unit with two opposing ends, each end having a flare. The end with the larger flare has a bore to accept a grease zerk. Inside the bore is a retaining surface to prevent the cap from becoming dislodged from the zerk due to centrifugal force, such as on a rotating shaft. The retaining surface rests in the neck of the zerk. The flare on the end of the cap having the bore scrapes residual grease from the zerk when it is affixed to the zerk after greasing. On the remaining end of the cap is a domed flare. This flare provides a quick and convenient way to grip and remove the cap with the fingers of the human hand.
