Abstract: A method of fastening a sealing bellows to a ball joint as well as to a ball joint is shown comprising a joint housing, a ball stud pivotally received in the joint housing, and a sealing bellows which, related to a joint axis, comprises first axial end of the bellows resting against the ball stud and a second axial end of the bellows fastened to the joint housing, the joint housing for fastening the sealing bellows comprising a seat of the bellows forming a radial stop as well as an axial stop for the second axial end of the bellows, and wherein a closed retaining ring is provided which is spaced from the joint housing and acts upon the sealing bellows in radial inward direction against the seat of the bellows.

Abstract: A ball sheet made of a resin material having a recessed spherical surface and an external peripheral surface, a stud ball having a spherical head portion that engages with the recessed spherical surface in a rotatable manner, and a housing that accommodates the ball sheet which is inserted from an opening portion toward a bottom surface, and comprises a ball sheet insertion unit where an inner peripheral surface is engaged with an external peripheral surface of the ball sheet are provided, wherein an external diameter of the external peripheral surface increases from the bottom surface toward the opening portion, and an internal diameter of the inner peripheral surface increases from the bottom surface toward the opening portion.

Abstract: A ball and socket assembly includes a support having a plurality of arms extending between a face plate and a base, and defining a socket cup. A spherical end of a ball stud is disposed within the socket cup in a snap fit engagement with the plurality of arms. A radial biasing device is disposed annularly about an outer periphery of an upper portion of the plurality of arms to resist movement of the plurality of arms radially outward relative to the longitudinal axis, thereby increasing a retention force resisting removal of the spherical end of the ball stud from within the socket cup.

Abstract: A method of lifting an aircraft at a lifting location, the method comprising: securing a fitting (10) to the aircraft when the aircraft is at the lifting location; engaging the fitting with a crane hook (100); transmitting lifting load from the crane hook to the aircraft via the fitting; and removing the fitting from the aircraft. A fitting (10) for transmitting lifting loads from a crane hook (100) to an item, the fitting comprising: an attachment member (11) configured to be secured to the item; and a lifting member (12) which is pivotally coupled to the attachment member and configured to be engaged by the crane hook (100) so as to transmit lifting loads from the crane hook to the item. A crane hook (100) with a ball-and-socket connection is provided.

Abstract: A device for conducting ultrasonic inspections comprises a base. In addition, the device comprises a probe housing pivotally coupled to the base with a suspension system. Further, the device comprises an ultrasonic probe disposed within the probe housing and configured to transmit ultrasonic signals. The suspension system is configured to permit the probe housing to pivot relative to the base to transmit ultrasonic signals in a plurality of directions.

Abstract: A ball and socket joint which comprises a joint ball which is enclosed and rotationally supported by a ball socket. The ball socket has two socket parts that move axially relative to one another, and the socket parts act on opposite sides of the joint ball in the axial direction. An adjusting device has a transmission and drive by which the socket parts can be moved toward one another in the axial direction and exert pressure on the joint ball. The transmission comprises a first part which has tracks that rise in the axial direction and curve around a rotational axis oriented in the axial direction and in which a ball is guided. A second part, which contacts the balls, is disposed between the transmission parts in the axial direction. The balls and the first part can be rotated relative to one another about the rotational axis by the drive.

Abstract: A full breakout arm (1) having a sliding arm (4) that is attached to a door (2) along an upper edge (5) of the door. The sliding arm has a first end (6) fixedly and pivotally attached to a hinged side of the door. A release mechanism (9) is mounted to the opposite side of the door. A channel (13) located along the sliding arm is slidably and pivotally attached to a first end (15) of a rotating arm (14) via a pivot point (16) that slides within the channel. A second end (17) of the rotating arm is attached to a motor (3). When excess pressure is placed on the door, the release mechanism disengages from the second end of the sliding arm and the first end of the sliding arm remains fixedly and pivotally attached to the door while the pivot point of the rotating arm slides back and forth within the channel of the sliding arm.

Abstract: A ball and socket joint, especially for the wheel suspension of a motor vehicle, with a ball pivot (1), which is equipped with a first spheroidal bearing surface (3) mounted pivotably and rotatably in a housing (2). A roller bearing (5) is present between the first spheroidal bearing surface (3) and another spheroidal bearing surface (4), which is mounted in the housing (2) and is connected to the ball pivot (1). The roller bearing (5) is a roller bearing transmitting radial and axial forces.

Abstract: A ball joint assembly includes a shaft having ball at an end of the shaft. A component, such as an idler arm, a tie rod, a central link, or other steering or suspension component, has a socket with an open end for receiving the ball. An end cap is mounted in the open end of the component to close the open end and thereby capture the ball within the socket for swiveling movement. An anti-corrosion coating coats the end cap to seal the end cap to the component and prevent corrosion between the end cap and the component.

Abstract: The invention provides a grease composition containing (a) a base oil, (b) a lithium soap based thickener, (c) at least one stearic acid metallic salt selected from the group consisting of Ca stearate, Mg stearate and Zn stearate, (d) molybdenum dialkyl dithiocarbamate sulfide, and (e) zinc dialkyl dithiocarbamate sulfide. The present invention also provides a constant velocity joint such as a Barfield constant velocity joint (BJ), double offset constant velocity joint (DOJ), tripod constant velocity joint (TJ) or the like, containing the above-mentioned grease composition therein. The grease composition of the invention is excellent in antiwear properties and suitable for the constant velocity joint.

Abstract: The invention relates to a part (10) welded in a rotationally symmetrical manner and comprising two parts (12, 14), which are connected by a rotationally symmetrical weld (16), wherein a main loading area (22) occurs in the vicinity of the weld (16), and only the weld (16) and the surroundings (22) thereof are strengthened by case hardening in the extreme fiber in such a way that case strengthening is present there, and a method for producing a part (10) welded in a rotationally symmetrical manner and comprising two parts (12, 14) by welding a rotationally symmetrical weld (16) between the two parts (12, 14), wherein after the parts (12, 14) are welded, the weld (16) and the surroundings (22) thereof are case hardened and the hardened zone (16, 22) is quenched immediately thereafter.

Abstract: The ball joints are embedded via the coaxial orifice thereof, centered on a longitudinal shaft. The invention is characterized in that it comprises a bush (1) in the inner space of which the ball joint (2) is embedded, whilst, externally, this bush (1) is embedded in a cylindrical opening of a thin piece (10), mechanical means for axial retention of the bush (1) in both directions with respect to the thin piece (10) being included. All the aforesaid allows a thin structure or piece to be connected completely securely to a ball joint, thereby achieving a completely firm, solid connection.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ball joint, including a joint housing having a recess, a ball stud having a ball head, a sealing bellows having a sealing seat on the housing side and a sealing seat on the stud side in the form of a bellows mouth which is adapted to be brought into contact with the ball stud, a bellows body of the sealing bellows extending between the sealing seat on the housing side and the bellows mouth, and further including a joint socket, the ball head being accommodated for swiveling motion within the joint socket, and the joint socket being inserted in the recess of the joint housing.

Abstract: A suspension arm may include a metal ball housing, a metal bushing housing, a metal connecting portion including a ball housing annulus at an end portion thereof, wherein the metal ball housing is inserted and mounted in the ball housing annulus, and wherein the other end portion of the metal connecting portion is connected to the metal bushing housing, and a reinforcement member wrapping the metal ball housing, the metal bushing housing and the metal connecting portion.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a mechanical ball joint assembly which is particularly useful in finishing tools. The finishing tools may be used, for example, to prepare drywall surfaces for decorating and/or painting. The mechanical ball joint assembly may allow a body casting of the finishing tool to rotate in almost any direction with respect to ball joint and handle portion of the finishing tool. As a result, the body casting may be used to perform work on the drywall at many different angles, including ninety degree angles at the corners of most rooms. An opening in the ball joint assembly of the finishing tool may secure a ball joint portion by, for example, a moveable securing rod having an indentation. The movable securing rod of the ball joint assembly may allow the user to temporarily secure the ball joint within the opening of the ball joint assembly. The movable securing rod is spring-loaded to secure the ball joint within the opening of the ball joint assembly.

Abstract: This invention discloses a walking stick including a main body, a pivot connector and a socket. The main body is of the shape of stick and connects to the socket through the pivot connector. A sphere is inside the pivot connector. A sliding-proof elastic element locates between the bottom of the main body and the sphere. The sliding-proof elastic element and the sphere are mounted inside the pivot connector. A bottom of the sphere reaches the socket through the pivot connector. The sphere rotates inside the pivot connector as the socket moves, while being urged against the sliding-proof elastic element. The sliding-proof elastic element has characteristics of sliding proof, elasticity and wear resistance. Thereby the walking stick of the invention offers all-round support for the user in use. Especially the sliding proof effect of the sliding-proof elastic element restrains the instant movement of the sphere, and its elasticity offers an effect of shock resistance.

Abstract: A ball joint for a motor vehicle having a housing and a ball pin (2) whose joint ball (3) is rotatably and pivotally supported in a bearing shell (6). The bearing shell (6) has a sheet-metal strip provided with recesses and which is formed for the formation of the bearing shell. A method for producing a component of a bearing shell of a ball joint is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for adjustably coupling a threaded linkage rod to an arm of a fuel valve, air valve, air damper, damper blade assembly, or actuator that can include a sleeve, a collar, and a lock restraining axial movement of the collar with respect to the sleeve. The sleeve may include an inside threaded wall defining a sleeve bore axially receiving the linkage rod. The collar may include (i) a collar body having a collar bore axially receiving the sleeve and (ii) an about radial extension for engagement with the arm of the fuel valve, air damper, or actuator. Rotation of the sleeve causes axial movement of the sleeve, and thus the collar locked thereto, along the linkage rod. Fine position adjustments can be made to the position of the radial extension, and thus the arm of the fuel valve, air damper, or actuator engaged thereto, with respect to the linkage rod.

Abstract: The embodiments provide a barb assembly for use with a cable duct component to oppose removal of a cable duct section from the cable duct component. The barb assembly and/or cable duct component can comprise one or more barb arm supports, which can increase the ability of the barb assembly to oppose removal of the cable duct section from the cable duct component. The embodiments also provide methods of installing cable duct components and systems with the above-described features.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to an upper ball joint assembly for connecting an upper axle housing to a steering knuckle of a vehicle. In one embodiment, the upper ball joint assembly comprises a plurality of components including a tapered ball joint pin (or stud), a ball joint cup and a threaded cap configured to assemble together into an upper ball joint assembly. In an assembled configuration, a proximal, or head component, of the ball joint pin may be housed within one or more chambers (or tiers) of the ball joint cup. The cap may reversibly engage with the ball joint cup to complete the assembly. The ball joint assembly may have a hardness characteristic of between forty (40) and one-hundred (100) Rockwell.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a bearing shell assembly for a ball joint includes the following steps: a) a bearing shell having a plastic extension is produced; b) a spring element is arranged in a region of the plastic extension; and c) the spring element is fastened to the bearing shell by deformation of the plastic extension. The invention further relates to a bearing shell assembly for a ball joint, including a bearing shell and a spring element, the spring element being non-detachably connected with the bearing shell.

Abstract: A joint arrangement, for a vehicle, is provided with a joint (7), which has a joint housing (8) and a pivot pin (9) mounted movably in relation thereto. The arrangement also includes a rod (4), which has a cavity (6) and is connected to the joint (7); a sealing bellows (10), which defines an interior space (10) and in which the joint (7) is arranged at least partially; and a gas-permeable connection (13), which connects the cavity (6) of the rod (4) to the interior space (11) of the sealing bellows (10) and has at least one groove (15), which is formed in a front side (21) of the joint (7), which said front side faces the rod (4), opens into the interior space (11) and has a radially outer end (27). The groove (15) with its radially outer end ends at a spaced location from the outer circumferential contour of the front surface (21).

Abstract: A ball joint comprises a ball stud having a stud portion at a middle thereof, a ball portion and a screw portion at opposite sides of the stud portion, and a seat surface portion facing the screw portion between the respective portions, and a bearing member into which the ball portion is slidably fitted so as to universally pivotably-support the ball stud, so that the stud portion is inserted through a mounting member, and a nut is screwed with the screw portion projected from the mounting member, and the seat surface portion abuts and is fastened to the mounting member by fastening the nut to the mounting member. The seat surface portion abutting the mounting member is subjected to a co-rotation preventing process which prevents the ball stud from co-rotating along with the nut when the nut is fastened.

Abstract: The present invention relates to strollers for infants and young children, and more particularly to a stroller for hands-free use, such as while jogging. In one embodiment, a jogging stroller includes a stroller for a baby carriage or carseat, and a drawbar extending forward from the front of the stroller. A harness at the front of the drawbar attaches to the user's waist, enabling the user to pull the stroller forward hands-free. The drawbar is connected at one end to the waist harness by a joint that pivots about at least two axes. The drawbar is connected at the opposite end to the front of the stroller by a joint that pivots about one or two axes. These joints give the user the flexibility to move in various directions with the rigid drawbar drawing the stroller behind. The stroller includes a frame that is sized and shaped to receive various different carseats or other baby seats or carriers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for connecting at least one external functional device to an arrangement, wherein the device includes at least one first contact portion and at least one second contact portion for receiving the external functional device between the first contact portion and the second contact portion, and at least the first contact portion or the second contact portion is movable. It further relates to a method for connecting at least one external functional device to an arrangement by using the device of the present invention, as well as an arrangement which includes at least one device of the present invention.

Abstract: A housing component for a ball joint has an interior space (3) adapted for mounting the joint ball (1) of a ball journal, an opening (4) for guiding the journal section (5) of the ball journal (2) adjoining the joint ball (1), a contact region (7) formed on an outer lateral surface of the housing (6) for fastening a sealing bellows edge (8) and forming a seal, and a deformed section (9) which rotationally and pivotally fixes the joint ball (1) of the ball journal (2) in the interior space (3) of the housing (6). The deformed section (9) has a smaller material cross-section in comparison to the contact region (7) for the sealing bellows edge (8).

Abstract: A lubricant composition for ball joints exhibits excellent low friction not only at ordinary temperatures but also from higher to lower temperatures, and will not leak out of ball joints at higher temperatures. A ball joint has the lubricant composition sealed therein. The lubricant composition contains a base oil including a synthetic hydrocarbon oil, a thickener, and a fatty acid salt of a compound represented by the formula (1): R1—NH—R2—NH2??(1) (R1: hydrocarbon group of C1 to C24; R2: alkylene group of C2 to C4).

Abstract: The present invention provides four essentially equal and (generally) evenly spaced constraints on the ball. It is the equivalent of a ball and socket joint in which the “socket” is composed of four small constraining pads of equal size and equally spaced around the surface of the ball or sphere. If a sphere is constrained by four equidistant points, each point will exert the same amount of force on the sphere. If additional pressure is applied to one point, the pressure exerted by the other points will rise to match this increased pressure. The effect of constraining a smooth ball by four equidistant points is to create the equivalent of a ball and socket joint in which the force required to rotate the ball at a particular rate is about the same in any direction. The ball is constrained by four equidistant points such that the relative movement between the ball and housing is smooth and predictable in any direction.

Abstract: An improved compression load ball joint assembly consisting of a metal housing having an open end and an internal cylindrical chamber which at least partially encloses a portion of a movable stud member, a lower metal bearing, an upper metal split bearing, and a Belleville washer. The upper metal split bearing is disposed opposite the lower metal bearing to engage the movable stud member and the housing simultaneously. The upper metal split bearing is configured to slide within the housing to provide for a constant wear surface against the movable stud member. The lower metal bearing, upper metal split bearing, Belleville washer, and movable stud member are contained within the housing by a cover plate concentrically disposed about the movable stud member and secured within the open end of the housing.

Abstract: A joint unit such as for mounting the vehicle control arm of a motor vehicle, is provided with a control arm-side housing (1), in which a pivot pin (2) is mounted pivotably by means of a spheroidal bearing surface (3), wherein the joint unit has a securing unit against the separation of the housing (1) from the pivot pin (2). The securing unit includes a securing bolt (9), arranged within the pivot pin (2) essentially in parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the pivot pin (2) and with a blocking element (12) at a free end. A securing mount (13) is located within the housing (1) or the pivot pin (2) and in this the blocking element (12) is mounted in a contactless manner in the mounted state of the joint unit. The securing mount (13) is part of the securing unit, and the securing bolt (9) is fixed to the component of the joint unit (housing (1) or pivot pin (2)) that is not provided with the securing mount (13).

Abstract: A ball joint and a method of manufacturing a ball seat reducing the frictional force between a ball stud and the ball seat, reducing torque of the ball joint, improving performance of the ball joint as a spherical joint, and improving steering performance and the overall feel of riding in a vehicle. A method of manufacturing the ball seat, which has a spherical inner surface in which a ball stud, acting as a spherical joint is seated, includes: forming densely arranged irregular concave features in a processed portion of a mold core, for molding the spherical inner surface of the ball seat, by etching with a chemical solution; and forming the spherical inner surface of the ball seat using the mold core having the irregular concave features.

Abstract: A joint replacement assembly including a male component seating within a female component and a pattern of microgrooves defined in an articulating surface associated with at least one of the components. A volume of a lubricant is maintained in an evenly distributed fashion across the articulating surface in order to provide at least one of reduced friction, increased wear life, and elimination of squeaking or acoustical emissions. The microgrooves can exhibit any of a plurality of intersecting and enclosed profiles, a plurality of overlapping and undulating patterns, an intersecting grid pattern, and a plurality of isolated profiles. Other shapes include a concave depression cross sectional profile, each of which can further exhibit a central upward projection associated with the concave depression.

Abstract: A support for sonographers provides a path of force transmission from an ultrasound probe to the sonographer's upper arm bypassing the wrist, and thus reducing wrist injuries that can come from the need to tightly grip and restrain an ultrasound probe for long periods of time.

Abstract: A tool joint comprises a first rod, a pressing assembly, a second rod and a positioning element. Through a notch formed in the first rod, the first rod can be adjusted to be vertical to the second rod, thus increasing one driving method of the second rod with respect to the first rod. Thereby, the tool joint includes two operation modes, enhancing the applicability.

Abstract: A load-absorbing device for initiating load forces such as cable forces or tensioning forces of sheet-like structures into supporting structures (10), with at least one bearing element (24, 80) which is anchored on the respective supporting structure (10) and to which a tie rod (40) of a load-absorbing part (36, 40) is connected, and with a connection device (50) for tension members (16; 98) which cooperates with the tie bar (40), is characterized in that the connection device (50) has at least one connection wing (66) which projects laterally from the longitudinal axis (A) and which forms at least one connection point (69a) offset with respect to the longitudinal axis (A).

Abstract: A joint or bearing arrangement (1) comprises a pivot pin (2) whose head region (3) is movably mounted in a joint shell (5) accommodated in a housing (4). The joint shell (5) and the housing (4) have a through opening (6) for the pivot pin (2). The through opening (6) is sealed against the exterior environment by a sealing sleeve (7) resting against the pivot pin (2) and molded to the joint shell (4) by a firmly bonded connection, thus forming a unit with the joint shell (5). The sealing sleeve (7) consists of a soft elastic silicone.

Abstract: A load-absorbing device for introducing load forces, in particular cable forces in support devices for tent-like coverings and the like, with at least one load-absorbing part (9) on a supporting structure (7), is characterized in that the respective load-absorbing part (9) is provided on a transmission body (17) which forms, on at least part of its outer surface, a convex transmission surface (21) which transmits the load forces and which is guided on the supporting structure (7) on a carrier surface which is formed from concave surface parts adapted adapted to the convexity of the transmission surface (21), with the result that a load-absorbing node is formed which allows a ball joint-like mobility of the load-absorbing part (9) relative to the supporting structure (7).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a ball stud of a ball joint for a vehicle. The ball stud includes a ball stud body and an auxiliary flange plate. The ball stud body includes a spherical head, a neck provided on the spherical head, a flange provided on the neck, a connection part provided on the flange, and a threaded part which is coaxially provided on the connection part. A thread is formed on the threaded part. The threaded part has an outer diameter greater than a diameter of the connection part. The auxiliary flange plate is fitted over the connection part. A coupling hole is formed through a central portion of the auxiliary flange plate. The coupling hole has a diameter less than the outer diameter of the threaded part. The auxiliary flange plate has a support area greater than a support area of the flange.

Abstract: A load-absorbing device for introducing load forces such as cable forces or tensioning forces of sheet-like structures into supporting structures (10), with at least one load-absorbing part (36, 40) which can be anchored on the supporting structure (10) via a bearing element (24), is characterized in that the respective load-absorbing part (36, 40) has a transmission body (36) which forms a convexly shaped transmission surface which is guided on the bearing element (24) on a carrier surface which is formed from surface parts adapted to the convexity of the transmission surface.

Abstract: A coupling member for pivotally coupling an end of a device to a mounting ball includes a body connectable to an end of the device and defines a socket for receiving a mounting ball. The body further includes slots communicating with the socket. A sliding element arranged in a longitudinal groove of the body is movable from a first position to a second position. A C-shaped spring has two ends and a center section, the ends being received through the slots and projecting into the socket for holding the mounting ball in the socket. The sliding element interacts with the center section of the spring when the sliding element is moved to the second position so that the ends of the spring are drawn out from the socket to release the mounting ball from the socket, whereby the mounting ball is releasable from the socket without external tools.

Abstract: A joint structure for a toy, including, a male body including, two hemispherical sliding surfaces formed mutually concentrically and having a same central axis, and a female body, coupled to the male body with the male body and the female body rockable with each other, the female body including, a first female body having a hemispherical first surface to be slid complementary to one of the two sliding surfaces, and a second female body having a hemispherical second surface to be slid complementary to the other of the two sliding surfaces, wherein the first female body and the second female body nip the male body, with the one sliding surface and the first surface to be slid, slidable on each other, and with the other sliding surface and the second surface to be slid, slidable on each other.

Abstract: The present document describes a link member for providing an interface between an actuator and a seat base. The link member has a translational degree of freedom and at least two rotational degrees of freedom. The link member comprises: a joint member having a spherical surface, the joint member for attachment to one of the actuator and the seat base; a housing for attachment to the other one of the actuator and the seat base; and a slider mounted on the spherical surface and within the housing. The slider is free to move in a direction of a translational plane within the housing thereby providing the translational degree of freedom. Furthermore, the slider is free to slide on the spherical surface and to pivot about a first axis and a second axis thereby providing the at least two rotational degrees of freedom.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the production of a ball joint, in which a cover is electrically welded to a housing, the cover or the housing having at least one spacer which keeps the cover at an excessively great distance from the housing before welding, and in which then the current flowing during welding is controlled or regulated in such a way that the at least one spacer melts by a predetermined amount so that the cover is mounted in a prestressed manner on the housing. The invention further relates to a ball joint with a housing, a link pin, a bearing box and a cover which braces the bearing box in the housing, the cover being provided with at least one spacer which is welded electrically to the housing so that its height has reduced to a predetermined extent.

Abstract: A ball stud fastener (1) includes a stud stub (2) including a first free end (3), a threaded portion (4), an attachment channel (9), a bead (10), a cylindrical portion (11), a conical portion (12) and a second end (13). The threaded portion (4) is located in the region of the first free end (3). The attachment channel (9) is designed for attachment of a bellow (22) and the like to the stud stub (2), the attachment channel (9) being located between the threaded portion (4) and the conical portion (12) in an axial direction, the attachment channel (9) having a first axial end facing the conical portion (12), the first axial end being located next to the bead (10). The conical portion (12) is arranged between the bead (10) and the second end (13) in an axial direction. The bead (10) is produced by cold forming in an axial direction. The cylindrical portion (11) is located between the bead (10) and the conical portion (12), the cylindrical portion (11) resulting from cold forming of the bead (10).

Abstract: A ball joint includes a ball seat, and the ball seat includes a thermal caulking portion for fixing a ball seat to a housing. The ball seat includes a concave portion having an overhang portion for withstanding a pullout load so as to prevent a ball portion from coming off from the concave portion. The concave portion of the ball seat is formed of polyoxymethylene, and the overhang portion and the thermal caulking portion are formed of a resin, in which glass fiber is added to the polyoxymethylene, so as to be strengthened. Consequently, the pullout load can be increased, and the weight of the ball joint is maintained and the production cost is not greatly increased.

Abstract: A friction hinge includes a socket made up of a compressible elastomer insert sleeve inside a relatively rigid cup substrate. The insert sleeve defines an opening with a lip around the opening, and a relatively rigid ball or other center portion can be snap assembled through the lip and opening to center itself in the socket. A mount portion extends through the opening off the ball/center portion, and hand pressure on the mount portion can adjust the angular position of the joint. The size of the ball/center portion relative to the size of the cup substrate causes dimensional compression of the insert sleeve, such as about 15% of its thickness. The compression of the insert sleeve creates a controlled friction force on the ball/center portion, so the snap assembly friction hinge works consistently over a long time and over wide temperature ranges.

Abstract: A replacement ball joint assembly (10) adapted to be pressed into a previously used and possibly distorted receiving hole (26) in a suspension component such as a control arm (28). A socket housing (12) of the assembly (10) includes a plurality of generally annular, concentric knurls (36) each having a respective crest portion (38) and separated one from another by intervening relief grooves (40). The crest portions (38) of the knurls (36) may be tapered so as to provide a lead-in feature to minimize misalignment during a press-in installation operation. The knurls (36) are preferably softer than the control arm material so that they yield during press-in rather than further disfiguring or enlarging the receiving hole (26). Displaced material from the crest portions (38) of the knurls (36) flows into the relief grooves (40).

Abstract: A suspension arm may include a metal ball housing, a metal bushing housing, a metal connecting portion including a ball housing annulus at an end portion thereof, wherein the metal ball housing is inserted and mounted in the ball housing annulus, and wherein the other end portion of the metal connecting portion is connected to the metal bushing housing, and a reinforcement member wrapping the metal ball housing, the metal bushing housing and the metal connecting portion.

Abstract: A connecting piece for the articulated connection of components disposed in the chassis of a vehicle. The connecting piece comprises a base body (1) made out of sheet metal in which at least one through bore (3) is provided, a plastic part (13) is rigidly connected to the base body (1), and at least one articulated joint (5), comprising a housing (4), rigidly connected to the base body (1). The housing (4) is inserted into the through bore (3), in an axial direction (24), and has a housing section (22) with a radial shoulder (23) disposed outside the hole (3) and embedded in the plastic part (13), by which the housing section (22), rigidly connected to the housing (4), is axially supported on the base body (1).

Abstract: A connection element for attaching components such as trim parts to a structure of an aircraft, includes a retainer on the component, on which retainer an insertion pin is held so as to be adjustable to a limited extent in at least a Z-translational direction in relation to a component surface and mates a receiver coupled to the structure. The receiver has a recess contoured for receiving a trunnion portion of the insertion pin, providing a snap connection between the receiver and the insertion pin. The receiver on the structure includes a support flange, which is capable of coupling with a retainer mounted on the structure such that, the receiver rests flat against the retainer on the structure, and is adjustably held and attachable in a XY-plane that is arranged substantially perpendicularly in relation to the Z-translational direction.