toggle joint

American  

noun

Machinery.

1. any of various devices consisting basically of a rod that can be inserted into an object and then manipulated so that the inserted part spreads, becomes offset, or turns at a right angle to the exterior part, allowing it to be used as a support, handle, linkage, lever, etc.

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toggle joint British  

noun

1. a device consisting of two arms pivoted at a common joint and at their outer ends and used to apply pressure by straightening the angle between the two arms

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Etymology

Origin of toggle joint

First recorded in 1840–50

Example Sentences

The ends of these arms being curved roll together, the arrangement forming in effect a rolling toggle joint.

From Modern Machine-Shop Practice, Volumes I and II by Rose, Joshua

Further, the ends of the lintels of the outer circle were shaped so as to dovetail into one another, and form what is known as a "toggle" joint.

From Stonehenge Today and Yesterday by Sumner, Heywood

The hook lever operates on the long spring of the group of switch springs by means of a toggle joint in an obvious manner.

From Cyclopedia of Telephony & Telegraphy Vol. 1 A General Reference Work on Telephony, etc. etc. by Miller, Kempster

Ben held up for inspection a fist as big as a picnic ham, and worked it around as if it was fitted to a toggle joint.

From Ted Strong in Montana With Lariat and Spur by Taylor, Edward C.