Patent · US Active

Locking boot for ball joint

US9771971B1 · kind B1 · utility

3Cited by
20References
10Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateOct 31, 2016
Grant dateSep 26, 2017
Priority date
Expiry dateOct 31, 2036

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
  • CPC primaryF16C2326/24
  • WIPO fieldMechanical elements
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

An automotive component having an opening through which a ball joint extends, the ball joint comprising: a housing having an exterior substantially cylindrical surface, a seating surface radially extending from the exterior surface for abutting an adjacent first side of the automotive component, and a peripheral groove disposed in the exterior surface spaced axially from the seating surface a predetermined distance; a ball stud having a ball end mounted within the housing and a shank extending axially out of a crown of the housing; a flexible boot having an distal end sealingly engaged on the shank and an opposing proximal base end, the base end including a metal base ring with an inwardly extending flexible detent engaged in the peripheral groove in the housing and a base seal sealing engaged on the exterior surface, the base ring having a radially extending abutment surface for retaining an adjacent second side of the automotive component, and wherein the automotive component is selected from the group consisting of: a control arm; a stabilizer link; a stabilizer bar; and a steering linkage.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.