Socket assembly and method of making a socket assembly
US10473147B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 15, 2016 |
| Grant date | Nov 12, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 16, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16C11/0685
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The socket assembly includes a housing with an inner bore that extends from a closed end to an open end. A ball portion of a ball stud is received in the inner bore. A shank portion projects through the open end. A backing bearing is disposed in the inner bore and is movable in a radial direction relative to the housing. The backing bearing presents a first bearing surface which is in sliding contact with the ball portion. A radial ring with an annular shape is also disposed in the inner bore of the housing and presents a second bearing surface which is in sliding contact with an equator of the ball portion. An exit bearing is in the inner bore, and the exit bearing has a curved third bearing surface that is in sliding contact with an opposite hemisphere of the ball portion from the first bearing surface.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.