Abstract: An adjustable two-dimensional joint for use in hip compression screw assemblies, allows for relative alignment of the lag screw and angle plate, even when these components are effectively fitted to the respective bone sections. The joint has first and second elements (2, 4), formed with complementary male and female cylindrical surfaces (10, 12), which define the plane of adjustment. The first element (2) also defines a hinge point (6) at the axis of the male cylindrical surface (10), and the second element (4) includes a fulcrum (8) extending to the axis of the female cylindrical surface (12). A setting device (20) extends between the two elements (2, 4), which can be extended or contracted to alter the angle subtended at the hinge point/fulcrum (6, 8).

Abstract: The adjustable clutch hinge assembly includes a shaft, an adjustment member connected to one end of the shaft, a metal inner cone member, and a metal outer cone member. The end of the shaft to which the adjustment member is connected is inserted into an aperture in the inner cone member, which is split, to allow a decrease of the internal diameter thereof, and has protruding key features, such that a threaded portion of the adjustment member protrudes out the opposite end of the inner cone member. The inner cone member resides within the outer cone member, which has receptive features for the inner cone member and its protruding key features to prevent rotation of the inner cone member within the outer cone member. When the threaded portion of the adjustment member protruding out the end of the inner cone member is drawn through the outer cone member, an outer surface of the inner cone member is forced against an inner surface of the outer cone.

Abstract: A suspension assembly for ceiling fans includes an upper supporting device securely attached to a ceiling, a suspension rod, and a motor casing. The upper supporting device includes a bowl-like upper retaining seat having a bowl-like spherical inner periphery and a through hole extending along a longitudinal axis thereof. A bowl-like upper suspension member is securely mounted to an upper end of the suspension rod and securely retained in the upper retaining seat. An inverted bowl-like lower suspension member is securely mounted to a lower end of the suspension rod. The motor casing includes an upper casing and a lower casing securely attached to the upper casing. The upper casing includes a lower retaining seat integrally formed on an upper part thereof. The lower retaining seat includes an opening in an upper end thereof for securely holding the lower suspension member. The lower retaining seat further includes a wave-like inner surface to retain the lower suspension member in place.

Abstract: A ball joint has a ball (10) mounted within a ball socket (14) in a body (16). The ball is normally retained in place behind a throat (30) of the socket, but the ball also has a radial projection (32) which will ensure that the ball is held captive in the socket, even after so much wear has taken place that the diameter of the throat is increased. If this does happen, the flange (32) will be retained behind a shoulder (44). In an unworn state, the ball (10) is retained between a bearing surface in the upper spherical part of the socket, between the throat (30) and the shoulder (44) and a pressure pad (48) on the inside of a cap (20) which closes the socket at one end. A pin (12) attached to the ball (10) can freely move within a substantially circular cone as permitted by the radius of the throat (30).

Abstract: A ball stud (30) has a ball end (32) received in a socket (60) to form a ball and socket joint (20). A boot seal (10) has a first end portion (82) for encircling and sealingly engaging a portion (78) of the socket (60). The boot seal (10) has a second end portion (84) which defines an opening (94) through which the ball stud (30) extends. The second end portion (84) of the boot seal (10) has portions (140, 150, 160, 170) which permit relative angular movement of the ball stud (30) and the socket (60) in a first direction (A) and block relative angular movement of the ball stud and the socket in a second direction (C).

Abstract: An automotive vehicle suspension unit assembly located near the sides of a vehicle includes a driving axle shaft, a gear box, an electric motor, and a suspension beam. The driving axle shaft, which drives a wheel hub of the vehicle, defines an axis of rotation about which the wheel hub rotates. The gear box includes a pinion shaft connected to a pinion gear which meshes with a ring gear. The pinion shaft is driven by a motor drive shaft which extends outwardly from the electric motor. The motor generates the torque necessary to drive the driving axle shaft. As known, suspension beams extend transversely to the axis of rotation of the driving axle shaft. The electric motor is pivotally attached to the gear box by means of a flexible coupling and is pivotally attached to the suspension beam by means of a movable connection.

Abstract: A die coater for applying a material to a web is provided including a die for applying the material to the web in an application region; and a plurality of interconnected rolls selectably positionable in the application region to serve as a backup roll for the web for the application of the material. In addition, or in the alternative, the die coater includes a plurality of interconnected dies selectably positionable in the application region for applying the material to the web; and a backup roll for the web in the application region, wherein a selected one of said interconnected dies selectably positioned in said application region is adjustable to adjust an angle at which said material is applied to said web through said selected die.

Abstract: A suspension assembly includes an upper supporting member securely attached to a ceiling, a suspension rod, and a connecting member. The upper supporting member includes a bowl-like section defined in a lower portion thereof. The bowl-like section includes a first through hole defined in a bottom thereof, and a bowl-like upper suspension member is securely retained in the bowl-like section. A suspension rod includes an upper end which extends through the first through hole and securely attached to the upper suspension member. A suspension seat is securely mounted to the suspension rod and includes an inverted bowl-like seat which has a second through hole extending along a longitudinal axis thereof. An inverted bowl-like lower suspension member is securely received in the bowl-like seat, and the lower end of the suspension rod extends through the second through hole and securely attached to the lower suspension member.

Abstract: A ball and socket joint (10) includes a socket (20) having a chamber (120). A ball stud (40) includes a ball end (50). The ball end (50) is movable relative to the socket (20) in a first direction (186) into the chamber (120) in the socket. The socket (20) has first portions (142, 144, 152, 154) engageable with the ball end (50) for blocking rotation of the ball end about a first axis (56) during movement of the ball end into the chamber (120). A resilient retainer (180) is deflected during movement of the ball end (50) into the chamber (120). When the ball end (50) is in the chamber (120), the retainer (180) straightens to rotate the ball end into an operating position in the chamber. The socket (20) has second portions (130, 146, 162, 166) engageable with the ball end (50) for blocking movement of the ball end out of the chamber (120) when the ball end is in the operating position.

Abstract: A coupling for joining a pair of tubes having ends has a ball having a substantially spherical outer surface and a center and formed with an outwardly projecting pin extending along an axis radial of the ball and center. The pin is dimensioned to fit snugly into the end of one of the tubes. Another pin dimensioned to fit snugly into the end of the other of the tubes has a seat shaped to complementarily fit against the surface of the ball. The other pin is secured to the surface the ball at any of a multiplicity of angular offset positions thereon. A threaded bore is formed in the ball and centered on a bore axis traversing the center and another bore is formed in the other pin, opening into the seat, and centered on a bore axis extending at an acute angle to the respective pin. A screw extends through the bore of the other pin and is seated in the threaded bore of the ball. Normally the bore axis of the threaded bore extends at an acute angle to the axis of the pin of the ball.

Abstract: Device for absorbing lateral forces generated as a result of a linearly reciprocating pin causing rotation of a scotch yoke, the device including a guide block guided along a guide rod, the guide block carrying a yoke engaging pin as well as having opposed connector-receiving cavities; connectors linking each cavity with opposed rod members, each connector having opposed curved surfaces and one or more flats intermediate adjacent such surfaces, the guide block positioning a plurality of annular members each having an arcuate surface slidably receiving one such curved surface, said block also including a locking device for engagement with each connector flat.

Abstract: A cap for supporting a spehrical fulcrum member of a change lever between the cap itself and a hemispherical bottom wall of a housing, and a retainer for pressing the cap through an elastic ring are fitted to the housing. The retainer and the housing are provided at opposed peripheral surfaces of thereof with an engagement claw and an engagement hole, respectively. Therefoere, by only fitting the retainer to the housing, it is possible to easily secure the retainer to the housing.

Abstract: A brush assembly includes a brush head that is releasably attached to a first elongate handle when a remote area is to be reached and which is releasably attached to a second palm-held handle when the elongate handle is not required. The assembly includes a ball and socket joint. The elongate handle is detachably secured within a blind bore formed in the ball. The socket is defined by a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart curved retainers that are spaced apart from one another by a distance sufficient to receive the elongate handle when the handle is held at an angle relative to the brush head. Thus, the brush head does not rotate with respect to the handle when the brush is in use.

Abstract: A universal joint including a ball and a ball socket. The ball includes a drive socket for connection to a driving or driver shaft. The drive socket is located substantially totally within the ball socket.

Abstract: A joint apparatus which has a spherical bearing member which is outsert-molded at the end of a rod, a spherical shaft inserted to the spherical bearing member rotatably in three-dimensional directions, a circular concave portion provided at the top of the spherical shaft, and a convex portion provided in protrusion at the spherical bearing member and inserted into the concave portion. The convex portion is formed to have the width perpendicular to the axis of the rod, being larger than the longitudinal width.

Abstract: A universally articulable supporting sheath comprises an interconnected series of links, each having a convex spherical surface at one end, and a concave spherical surface at its opposite end. The concave and convex surfaces mate with one another to form the sheath. Special links having branch openings may be provided. Various forms of waterproofing seals are provided, including O-rings, axially compressed rings, flexible belts, and ridges on the spherical surfaces. The links can be fitted together by thermal expansion. However, an axially split link is also described, which comprises two parts which snap together. The split parts may be molded as a unit with an integral thin wall hinge. The bending characteristics and bending radius of a sheath can be modified by insertion of spacers between the links at selected locations, or by the insertion of pins into radial holes provided in the links.

Abstract: A universally articulable supporting sheath comprises an interconnected series of links, each having a convex spherical surface at one end, and a concave spherical surface at its opposite end. The concave and convex surfaces mate with one another to form the sheath. Special links having branch openings may be provided. Various forms of waterproofing seals are provided, including O-rings, axially compressed rings, flexible belts, and ridges on the spherical surfaces. The links can be fitted together by thermal expansion. However, an axially split link is also described, which comprises two parts which snap together. The split parts may be molded as a unit with an integral thin wall hinge. The bending characteristics and bending radius of a sheath can be modified by insertion of spacers between the links at selected locations, or by the insertion of pins into radial holes provided in the links.

Abstract: A ceiling fan assembly wherein an upper ceiling ball attachable to a ceiling structure, a vertical shaft and a continuous cylindrical housing, which are both easily replaced with parts which are longer or shorter than the original parts so as to allow easy adjustment of the ceiling fan assembly's height, and which hang vertically from the upper ceiling ball so as to structurally support the ceiling fan assembly, wherein the top portion of the vertical shaft rests on a cushioning material within the upper ceiling ball so that the ceiling fan assembly can accommodate moderate ceiling structure angles, an electric fan drive motor located in a cylindrical enclosure beneath the cylindrical housing, a motor rotor assembly with a means for attaching fan blades which is located beneath the cylindrical motor enclosure, and, optionally, a partially hemispherical-shaped unit which may be located beneath the motor rotor assembly, wherein this unit may contain a light are present.

Abstract: A dry wall power sander having a reciprocating sanding head driven by pulsing solenoids with a ball and socket connection between the head and an elongated handle to allow movement of the head in two directions but not rotatary motion. Brake means are provided for locking head in a predetermined position with respect to the handle.

Abstract: An assembly for providing socket plate torque restraint for a variable displacement wobble plate compressor includes a non-rotary Rzeppa joint. The joint has an outer race, an inner race, grooves in the races, a plurality of torque receiving balls and a cage for properly maintaining and positioning the balls in the grooves for operation. The joint is connected to an anti-rotational shaft. The shaft is mounted by the drive hub of the compressor to allow for translational axial and relative rotational motion. At least one key is received in a keyway in the anti-rotational shaft and a companion socket in the cylinder block fixed to the compressor housing. The Rzeppa joint provides the ideal kinematic restraint motion of the socket plate; the profile of the grooves on the inner and outer races and the cage having a curvature to effectively maintain the balls situated substantially in a single torque transmitting plane that bisects the joint angle.

Abstract: A light fixture having a base coupled to a housing by means of a coupling of the ball and socket type. The light housing may be fixed in any angular orientation over a range of azimuth angles well in excess of two hundred and seventy degrees and any angle of elevation from completely horizontal to completely vertical. The coupling can do so while accommodating the passage of electrical conductors from the base of the fixture extending toward the lamp and while also protecting the fixture against misuse in the form of repeated rotation tending to disconnect those conductors internally of the fixture. Altering the relative positions of a lamp and reflector changes the width of the beam cast by the apparatus. With the reflector and front lens fixed, a lamp holder is mounted for sliding motion with respect to the rear of the housing and is moved by manual actuation of a mechanism accessible from the rear of the fixture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pivotal attachment means intended for attaching an object to a supporting surface and comprising a lower attachment part (1) which is intended to be fastened to the supporting surface and which includes an outwardly projecting part (9) configured with a central dished recess (10) and a surrounding screw thread (11), and an upper attachment part (3) including an attachment plate (4) which is intended to be fastened to the object, a spacer bolt (5) which projects out from the attachment plate, an attachment nut (6) which is placed around the spacer bolt and which is firmly screwed to the outwardly projecting part of the lower attachment part and is provided with an inwardly projecting edge (16) having a dished chamfer or bevel (17), and a spherical body (7) which is attached to the outer end of the spacer bolt and which is positioned in the space between the lower attachment part and the attachment nut.

Abstract: A device for connecting an arm (2) to a fastening plate (3) comprises an external casing (11) rotatably coupled to the fastening plate (3) by a pivot assembly (5). The external casing (11) is provided with a substantially cylindrical cavity having a hemispherical bottom accessible from the outside of the casing (11). The pivot (5) extends with clearance through a cylindrical cavity of a substantially spherical internal casing (21). The internal casing (21) is fastened to an extremity of the arm (2). The arm (2) extends with clearance through a clamping collar (13). The clamping collar (13) is slidably mounted in the cavity of the external casing (11) for exerting pressure against the internal casing (21) and for clamping the arm (2) in a desired variable angular position with respect to a central axis of the cavity of the external casing (11).

Abstract: A bearing for a gear shift lever for the mechanical remote control of the selector shaft of a gear change unit in motor vehicles includes a stationary housing pivot which supports a gear shift lever in such a manner that it can swivel around a selection axis and also around a change axis lying at an angle in relation to it. The gear shift lever is in addition jointed by a sliding selector shaft with the gear shift shaft in a gear change box or transmission. The gear change lever is supported in a movable bearing that can swivel around a defined axis. The movable bearing in turn can swivel around another redefined axis. Also, the lever is pivotal with a limited degree of freedom, around a main axis positioned through the center of the selection axis and also is pivotal at a link connection with the sliding selector shaft. The pivotal bearing housed in the stationary housing part is attached to the body.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for supporting a shift lever for a transmission the shift lever including a ball-like portion which is on the shift lever and has spherical surfaces of a fixed curvature at least on a part of the lower and upper sides. A receiving surface has a concave spherical surface of nearly the same curvature as the lower spherical surface of the ball-like portion and is in contact with the lower spherical surface, and a retaining surface has a concave spherical surface in surface contact with the upper spherical surface of the ball-like portion and holds the ball-like portion between the concave spherical surface and the receiving surface. A retaining member is installed from above to cover the ball-like portion, and an elastic displacement section is projectingly formed on the lower side of the retaining member to enclose the upper part of the ball-like portion and is elastically deformable in the radial direction of the ball-like portion.

Abstract: A modified ball and socket connection is provided between links of a windshield wiper linkage system to resist rolling motion of the links with respect to the ball. A pin extends from the ball into sliding and rotating engagement with a slot formed adjacent the socket.

Abstract: A knuckle joint for articulating a first bar to a second bar comprises a knuckle piece carried by the first bar and a rotary socket carried by the second bar, in such a way as to allow universal movement of one bar with respect to the other.Stop means are provided between the first bar and the second bar so as to limit relative tilting as between the two bars. The invention is especially applicable to windshield wipers for automotive vehicles.

Abstract: In a toy figure with body parts movable in various directions the body parts (in the embodiment shown the legs) are connected with the body in a manner known per se by means of a socket (13) designed to receive a ball (6). To ensure long-term frictional stability between the movable parts, the body part (9) is formed with a pair of opposed walls (10,11) designed to squeeze an engagement face (7) which is contiguous with the ball (6 l ).

Abstract: A hitching device for connecting the shafts of a racing sulky to a harness saddle which includes a harness pin affixed to and extending outwardly from the saddle and a normally locked, spring loaded retractable ball bearing locking devive on the harness pin. A connector assembly is attached to a shaft and retains a rotatable ball provided with an central aperture through the ball and a collar surrounding the central aperture on both sides of the ball. When in the unlocked position the connector assembly slides over the locking device and when in the locked position the connector assembly is positively locked on the harness pin. A spacer is positioned on the harnes pin to maintain the connector assembly at least a preselected distance from the saddle.

Abstract: A dry wall power sander having a reciprocating sanding head driven by pulsing solenoids with a ball and socket connection between the head and an elongated handle to allow movement of the head in two directions but not rotatary motion. Brake means are provided for locking head in a predetermined position with respect to the handle.

Abstract: A ball joint for use in motor vehicles and comprising a one-piece ball head (4) having a simplified construction, an increased bearing surface, and including a ball portion (11) of a smaller radius adjacent to the shank (5), an inner ball portion (10) of a greater radius both having the same center, and an annular shoulder (14) formed between the two ball portions (10, 11) and cooperating with an outer bearing shell half (3) for the smaller ball portion (11) which acts as a stop.

Abstract: A universal joint for use with impact wrenches and the like comprising a coupling having a bore at one end for engaging the drive shaft of a wrench and a ball receiving cavity at its other end; a socket engaging part having a ball member disposed in the ball receiving cavity; and a guide sleeve concentrically and slidably mounted for free rotation to the coupling, the guide sleeve having a substantially smooth uninterrupted outer cylindrical surface which may be held between the fingers of an operator while the joint is rotating.

Abstract: Shifting apparatus for power transmissions incorporating vibration damping elements whereby vibrations occurring within the transmission are substantially isolated from the shift lever extending into the vehicle cab. A homogeneous vibration isolator body is mounted to the end of a shift lever. The body includes a spherical segment bearing surface and a cylindrical bore receiving a gear shifting stem. Elastomeric vibration damping rings interposed between the stem, which is pivotally mounted on the body, and the body absorbs and isolates vibration, while metal-to-metal contact between the stem and body is possible upon maximum compression of the elastomeric elements occurring.

Abstract: An apparatus for lapping of ophthalmic lenses has a spherical bearing for supporting a rod, one end of which carries a lapping tool. The spherical bearing has a race and ball through which the rod is fixedly secured. The ball has a generally vertically extending channel facing the race and the race has a guide pin which slidably extends into the channel thus allowing the ball free pivotal but not free rotational movement with respect to the race.

Abstract: An surveying apparatus for a route survey including a laser oscillator incorporated in a subjective cylinder and adapted to direct a laser beam onto a target disposed in an objective cylinder to form a laser spot on the target so as to enable the curvature of a route to be measured by analyzing deviation of the laser spot on the target. The subjective and objective cylinders are connected by a joint means disposed in the middle between the laser oscillator and the target, thereby to improve measuring accuracy and durability.

Abstract: A trencher comprising a main frame. The main frame includes a pair of longitudinal, relatively narrow frame members spaced a distance apart and have a forward and rearward end. A first liquid carrying tank is mounted adjacent the rearward end of the trencher and extends between the frame members. The tank is operable to bear a significant structural load and to act as a cross member for the frame.

Abstract: The invention provides a headband fastened by moveable ball and socket to a mounting ring attachable to the earpiece of a standard telephone handset. The ball affixed to the headband has an adjust tab on the rounded end which fits adjust receptacles in the base of the socket. The tab and receptacle arrangement allows a three-position positive adjustment of the handset position in relation to the headband. In a square-type attachment for modern rectangular telephone handsets, an embodiment designed for the purpose includes two holder frames, one for right ear use and one for left ear use through positioning of the socket holder. The headband and holder for rectangular handsets includes a three-position positive adjust ball and socket fitting and an opened frame yoke that supports the earpiece attachment frame in a manner which prevents interference with the plunger on and off switch of the telephone handset.

Abstract: A shift lever supporting apparatus for a transmission, has an integral structure comprising a cylindrical shift lever mounting portion for receiving a ball portion of a shift lever, a pyramidal retainer portion contiguously provided below the shift lever mounting portion, a plate portion contiguously provided below the retainer portion, and a bearing portion for mounting a select bell-crank, the bearing portion being contiguously provided on the retainer portion and in close proximity to the shift lever mounting portion. The shift lever mounting portion is provided with a seat surface for supporting the ball portion of the shift lever, and a U-shaped notch which allows insertion of a select lever extending from the ball portion. The ball portion of the shift lever is inserted into the shift lever mounting portion from the upper side and this ball portion is pressed against and thereby retained on the seat surface by the use of a cap.

Abstract: Ratchet recliner for automotive vehicle seats provided with remote hand lever release feature. Lower bracket sandwich plate extensions for hand lever pivot and single plane push-pull connecting link accommodate integral assembled unit installation.

Abstract: A drywall sander mount which permits sanding action at a location remote from the person of the user, as on a ceiling or other high access location. The sanding mechanism is pole supported, where the mount permits universal movement during use. The basis of the mount is the provision of a connecting member having an enlarged end with flat opposite walls, where a pin secures the connecting member into position and permits sanding mechanism movement in the longitudinal axis direction of such and, as well, laterally.

Abstract: The mechanical joint includes a spherical member having a pair of grooves in its outer surface, each groove extending circumferentially about the spherical member and disposed approximately 90.degree. from each other. A housing has a concave spherical socket for receiving the spherical member. The housing includes a pair of slots located proximately at an equatorial plane of the spherical member. A frame is fixedly secured to the spherical member at the intersection of the first and second groove opposite the housing. A first ribbon, slidable within the first groove, is attached to pivot pins in the slots of the housing and is looped around a first pulley within the frame. A second ribbon slidable within the second groove is attached to pivot pins mounted in the housing at the approximate midpoints between the slots of the housing. The second ribbon is attached to a second pulley within the housing. An output member is fixedly connected to the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a clay target throwing machine on a towing hitch ball which is coupled with a vehicle or a post anchored in the ground. A framework is coupled with an upright cylinder which engages the hitch ball or post allowing movement or apparatus about the vertical axis of the hitch ball or post.

Abstract: A steering knuckle assembly is provided. The assembly includes a steering knuckle fabricated of unitary sheet metal. The knuckle has three channels. Two of the channels are used for mounting upper and lower control arms by ball joints. The third channel is used for mounting the steering tie rod by a ball joint. The channels for securing the control arms in place are symmetrical about the horizontal axis of the knuckle and the channel for mounting the steering tie rod extends from the mid-point of the steering knuckle so that the steering knuckle is usable as a left hand or right hand steering knuckle by orienting the steering arm channel to point in one direction or the other.

Abstract: A link coupling device comprising a ball pin and a ball retainer is disclosed, wherein the ball pin is provided with a movement-restricting projection portion and the ball retainer is provided with a movement-restricting recess portion capable of engaging with the movement-restricting projection portion when the spherical part of the ball pin is press-fitted into the press fitting part of the ball retainer.

Abstract: A shift lever tower assembly includes a spherical inner bearing with a central aperture formed therein for attachment to the shift lever, a spherical intermediate bearing having a hollow interior and inwardly extending projections for cooperating with slots formed in the outer surface of the inner bearing, and an outer bearing having a hollow interior with slots formed therein for cooperating with outwardly extending projections formed on the exterior of the intermediate bearing. The slots and projections are spaced such that the slot/projection combination of the inner and intermediate bearings limits movement of the shift lever in the fore and aft direction and the slot/projection combination of the intermediate and outer bearings limits shift lever movement to the side to side direction.

Abstract: A ball joint (9) for mutually rotatably interconnecting two members (12, 5), the ball joint (9) including a ball shaft (35) attached to one member (12) out of the aforesaid two members, the ball shaft (35) having at one end thereof a ball (34) rotatably accommodated in a housing (31) attached to the other member (5) out of the aforesaid two members, and a dust boot (50) fitted on the ball shaft (35) to surround the ball shaft (35), the dust boot (50) being fixedly attached at one end thereof to the housing (31) and formed at the other end thereof with a seal lip (54) adapted to come into elastic contact with the aforesaid one member (12). The dust boot (50) has formed thereon a projected portion (53) surrounding the seal lip (54) and facing the side of the aforesaid one member (12) so that a labyrinth (S) defined between the projected portion (53) and the aforesaid one member (12).

Abstract: A ball type universal joint construction where a ball member is rotatably received in a housing and a bearing structure interposed therebetween in a manner which limits the relative rotational degrees of freedom. The ball member has a spherical surface portion which includes axially extending bearing receiving slots and the housing has a cavity spherical surface portion which includes bearing receiving recesses in registry with the receiving slots. Ball type bearings disposed partially within the recesses and partially within the slots limit movement between the ball member and the housing to articulated movement relative to each other. The housing also includes an access opening at one end face having an enlargement through which the ball member can be passed when rotated 90 degrees to its nominal, functioning position. This allows the ball member to be inserted into the housing through the enlargement while at the same time accommodating passage of the bearings into the housing recesses.

Abstract: A pipe joint has a pair of latching hooks pivotal on opposite sides of a tubular coupling member, which hooks engage into slots in an annular plate and, when pivoted, lock over the slot ends. The hooks are simultaneously actuated by levers having free ends connected to a ring which surrounds the tubular member and is manually rotatable in the circumferential direction thereof so as to pivot the hooks to or from locking engagement with the annular plate at the ends of the slots.

Abstract: A coupling assembly particularly for a trailer hitch or similar device, wherein a coupling hook is to be engaged about a coupling sphere including an annular retainer plate having a radially innermost conical support region and a radially outermost conical guide region formed integrally with each other opening away from said coupling sphere with the support region having an opening angle of about 156.degree. and the conical guide region having an opening angle of less than 120.degree., the support region extending radially through about one-third of the total radial width of the annular retainer plate.

Abstract: A ball joint at the end of a track rod of a steering system has a ball pin rotatable in a socket at the end of the track rod. The spherical head of the ball pin has an extension on which a slug is slidable. The slug is constrained to move in a direction axially of the track rod in an aperture in the base plug which closes the socket.