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US 12,378,990 B2Granted
Ball joint assembly
AssigneeSynergy Manufacturing, Inc.
InventorAndrew J. Smith
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Adjustable and rebuildable ball joint assemblies are disclosed. Methods for installation, adjustment, and rebuilding ball joint assemblies are described. In some embodiments, the ball joint assembly includes a washer with tabs to restrain rotation of the cap relative to the housing. In some embodiments, the ball joint assembly includes a locking mechanism to restrain rotation of the bearing relative to the housing.
Claims9
A method of installing a lower ball joint assembly into a vehicle comprising:
- positioning a housing into a component of the vehicle, the housing defining a cavity and a longitudinal axis and comprising a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end comprising an opening;
- positioning a bearing in the cavity of the housing;
- advancing a ball stud proximally into the cavity of the housing such that the bearing rotatably supports the ball stud;
- positioning a cap over the ball stud and engaging the cap with the housing;
- and
- restraining rotation of the cap relative to the housing, wherein restraining rotation of the cap relative to the housing comprises:
- positioning a washer distal to the housing and proximal to the cap, the washer comprising a first tab and a second tab;
- bending the first tab of the washer proximally into a slot of the housing to rotationally restrain the washer relative to the housing;
- and
- bending the second tab of the washer distally into a notch of the cap to rotationally restrain the washer relative to the cap.
7 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.