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

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

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.

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

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