US 6,644,671 B1 · High articulation dust boot for ball joint

Abstract

An improved dust boot accommodates a ball and socket joint subject to high articulation under harsh environmental conditions of moisture and corrosive contaminants. The improved boot is capable of accommodating articulation of an associated ball stud up to 60 degrees from the rotational center of the joint, as well as twisting motions of the stud of at least 45 degrees. The dust boot includes multiple undulations that feature a series of convolutions or deep folds. In one example, the boot contains at least one undulation that includes two pairs of radially extending ribs so as to present a fully convoluted bulbous loop, complete with reverse bends to maximize amount of material available for stretching when the stud is articulated to high angles. The bulbous loop not only provides for up to 60 degrees of stud articulation but also provides at least 45 degrees of twisting motion without potential deleterious effects.

Claims11

Dependent claims

A flexible boot for enclosing and sealing the ball and stud interface of a ball and socket joint assembly comprising:

a) a flexible sheath having multiple undulations defining loops defining collapsible sections in an unstressed state of the boot;
b) at least one of said undulations having a cross-section that includes a plurality of circumferentially extending segments and radially extending ribs of generally uniform thickness, and wherein each of said segments is contiguously and flexibly joined at each end to its adjacent rib;
and
c) said one undulation comprises a pair of radially outermost ribs and a pair of radially innermost ribs, said outermost ribs being substantially parallel to one another and spaced apart from one another by a first distance, said innermost pair of ribs being also substantially parallel and spaced apart from one another by a second distance, wherein the value of said first distance is greater than the value of said second distance.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

High articulation dust boot for ball joint

Life of this patent

High articulation dust boot for ball joint

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims11