Ball and socket joints
US4415291A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 6, 1981 |
| Grant date | Nov 15, 1983 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 6, 2001 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T403/32762
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A ball and socket joint having a ball provided with an integral stud projecting outwardly through an end of the socket, a portion of the peripheral spherical surface of the ball being in swivelling sliding engagement with a corresponding partial spherical bore in the socket, and a generally disk-shaped retainer member holding the ball in assembly in the socket and applying a pre-load bias to the ball urging the bearing spherical surfaces in mutual engagement, the retainer member having an integral or separate spherical recess in swivelling sliding engagement with a portion of the peripheral surface of the ball opposite to the stud. The ball is a full ball or alternatively a partial ball having a substantially hemispherical protuberance of smaller diameter in engagement with the spherical recess in the retainer member. The pre-load bias is applied either directly by the retainer member as a result of being elastically stressed during assembly of the elements by swaging of the rim of the socket, or is provided by a frusto-conical spring member engaged against the periphery of the retainer member and flattened during assembly or by a dished spring member in direct engagement with the …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.