One-hand operable end fitting connector assembly

A method for enabling one-handed operation of an end fitting connector assembly, the method comprising:

• providing an end fitting having a first end, an opposing second end and a through opening at the first end that is transverse to an axis extending between the first and second ends, the through opening having opposing open ends and a continuous annular peripheral wall, the end fitting being a unitary component;
• providing an elastically deformable race as a unitary component having a split-ring configuration having a formed slit, the race being sized and engaged within the through opening of the end fitting by attachment through either of the opposing open ends of the through opening of the end fitting, the race having an outer surface and an inner surface configured to directly engage a spherical ball mount and in which the elastically deformable race includes a through opening having opposing ends aligned with the opposing open ends of the through opening of the end fitting when assembled thereto;
• providing engagement features on the outer surface of the race and the annular peripheral wall of the end fitting, the engagement features including a circumferential raised ridge formed on one of the outer surface of the race or the annular peripheral wall of the end fitting that extends continuously about an entire circumference of one of the outer surface of the race or the annular peripheral wall of the through opening of the end fitting, and an annular groove provided on the other of the outer wall surface of the race or the annular peripheral wall of the end fitting that extends continuously about an entire circumference of the other of the outer wall surface of the race or the annular peripheral wall of the through opening of the end fitting and,
• assembling and disassembling the spherical ball mount from either end of the through opening of the race wherein the race is made from a plastic material, the race being sized larger than an inner diameter of the through opening of the end fitting and in which the race is assembled by opening the split ring at the formed slit and expanding the race into a spiral to permit assembly into the through opening of the end fitting in which the engagement features of the race and the end fitting combine to form a snap fit.

An actuator assembly comprising:

• a rod member having at least one end;
• and
• an end fitting connector assembly attached to the at least one end of the rod member, the end fitting connector assembly comprising:
• an end fitting having a first end, a second end and a through opening at the first end of the end fitting extending in a direction that is transverse to an axis passing through the first and second ends, the through opening having opposing ends and an annular peripheral wall and in which the end fitting is a unitary component;
• and
• an elastically deformable race, the race being a unitary component that is disposed within the through opening and attached thereto through either of the opposing ends of the end fitting, the race including an inner surface, an outer surface and a through opening that is aligned with the through opening of the end fitting in which the outer surface of the race is engaged with the annular peripheral wall of the end fitting, and in which the race is defined by a split-ring configuration including a slit and wherein the race and the end fitting have corresponding engagement features that retains the race in a predetermined position, and in which a spherical ball mount is attached in engagement within the through opening of the race and is accessible for assembly or disassembly from either side of the opening and in which the engagement features include at least one of circumferential raised ridge formed on one of the outer surface of the race and the annular peripheral wall of the through opening of the end fitting and configured to extend continuously along an entire circumference of one of the outer surface of the race and the annular peripheral wall of the through opening of the end fitting, and an annular groove formed on the other of the outer surface of the race or the annular peripheral wall of the through opening of the end fitting and configured to extend continuously along an entire circumference of the other of the outer surface of the race and the annular peripheral wall of the through opening of the end fitting, and in which the engagement features are provided at the midpoint of the through opening of the race and the end fitting relative to the opposing open ends of each through opening, wherein the race is made from a plastic material, the race being sized larger than an inner diameter of the through opening of the end fitting and in which the race is assembled by opening the split ring at the slit and expanding the race into a spiral to permit assembly into the through opening of the end fitting in which the engagement features of the race and the end fitting combine to form a snap fit.