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US 5,492,428 AGranted
Ball joint assembly
AssigneeMacLean-Fogg Company
InventorsKeith Hellon, Jiri Pazdirek
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A ball joint assembly includes a ball stud and bearing sub-assembly that is economical to manufacture, strong, durable and long-lasting. The bearing is molded directly on the ball surface of the ball, thereby eliminating the need for precise tolerances in machining the ball. Microcavities formed on the ball surface facilitate the introduction of lubricant between the ball and the bearing. A two-piece stud and collar nut adds ease of manufacture.
Claims12
A ball stud for connecting two components of a vehicle suspension system together comprising:
- a) a ball for seating in a socket formed in one suspension component and connecting the ball stud to the one component;
- b) a stud extending from said ball for connecting said ball stud to another suspension component and having a cylindrical portion which is threaded with screw threads;
- c) said stud having a collar formed around it between said threaded portion and said ball;
- d) a frusto-conical face formed on said collar immediately adjacent said threaded portion;
- e) a collar nut having internal threads threaded onto said threaded portion of said stud;
- f) said collar nut having a face and being threaded onto said threaded portion of said stud until said collar nut face engages said frusto-conical collar face;
- g) said threaded portion extending from adjacent said frusto-conical collar face to adjacent an exposed end of the stud and adapted to pass loosely through an aperture in the other suspension component;
- and
- h) a clamp nut threaded onto said threaded portion from said exposed end for clamping the other suspension component tightly against said collar nut to form a rigid connection between the ball stud and the other suspension component.
6 more elements
A ball joint assembly for a vehicle suspension system comprising:
- a) a ball having a stud extending therefrom;
- b) screw threads on at least a portion of said stud;
- c) a reinforcing collar formed around an outer surface of said stud and adjacent said screw threads;
- d) a supporting collar nut having inner screw threads, whereby said collar nut is attached to said stud by screwing said collar nut on to the screw threads of said stud, thereby bringing said collar nut into contact with said reinforcing collar and securing said collar nut against said reinforcing collar;
- e) a channel formed around said collar nut by a flange formed unitarily with said collar nut and a removable washer mounted on said collar nut;
- and
- f) an elastomeric dust cover having an annular ridge portion seated in said channel.
4 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.