Process for in situ molding of a bearing material in a ball and socket joint assembly
US5702660A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 25, 1996 |
| Grant date | Dec 30, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 25, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29C2045/1477
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A process is provided for injection molding a plastic material into an interfacial space between a spherical ball and a spherical cavity of a ball and socket joint assembly to form a plastic bearing which has an as-molded tapered undercut. A sacrificial ring having a preselected outer diameter and a generally triangular cross-sectional shape is selected. The sacrificial ring is placed around the ball adjacent the neck of the ball assembly. The sacrificial ring is rigidly confined between the ball, the cavity, and the mold. The plastic material is injection molded into the interfacial space and a plastic bearing having a tapered undercut which mimics the shape of the sacrificial ring is formed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.