Abstract: In a ball joint including a retaining ring to which a boot is mounted and which is press-fitted to a ball stud, the ball stud is formed with a press-fit portion to which a cylindrical portion of the retaining ring is press-fitted, and an annular projection having a tapered forming face rising with an up-grade from a press-fit terminal end of the press-fit portion. When the cylindrical portion is press-fitted to the press-fit portion, a particular cylindrical portion set at a tip end of the cylindrical portion is expanded by pressing the particular cylindrical portion against the tapered forming face, thereby forming a small flange. Thus, the small flange of the retaining ring can be simultaneously formed utilizing a force of press-fitting of the cylindrical portion of the retaining ring to the ball stud. This can contribute to a reduction in the number of assembling steps.

Abstract: A ball-and-socket joint for motor vehicles is presented, which has a ball pivot (1), which comprises at least one joint ball (4) accommodated rotatably and/or pivotably in a bearing shell (2) of a housing (3), and a pivot section (5). A sealing bellows (6), whose first edge area (7) is fastened to the housing (3) and whose second edge area (8) has a sliding connection with a thrust ring (9) fixed on the pivot section (5), is used to seal the joint components. A protective cover (11), which is used to seal the thrust ring area as well as for shielding against damaging heat radiation and against the effects of splash water or corrosive media, is inserted between a surface of the thrust ring (9) and the surface of a motor vehicle component (10), which said surface faces the said surface of the thrust ring.

Abstract: The invention relates to a connecting ball joint (10), for example an anti-roll bar of a running vehicle, said ball joint (10) comprising a straight support (20) running along a general axis of elongation (xx′) and an elastically deformable member (30) mounted around this support (20). This ball joint has the characteristic that its elastically deformable member (30) comprises at least one laminated structure (35; 135) made up of (a) layer(s) (32) of elastically deformable flexible material and of (a) layer(s) (34) of more rigid material.

Abstract: A ball-and-socket joint (1) is provided with a housing (2) closed by a cover (3), with a bearing shell (5, 6) and a joint ball (4) accommodated therein rotatably and tiltably with a ball pivot. The bearing shell (6) provided with projections and offsets on its outside as well as an entropy-elastic, pretensioned spring element (7) are fixed by the cover (3) in the housing (2). The bearing shell is formed by lower and upper bearing shells (5, 6), both of which are closed, and the lower bearing shell (5) extending partially over the upper bearing shell (6) is provided on its overarching inside (5b) and the upper bearing shell (6) is provided on its outside (6a) with the projections and offsets (20, 21; 11, 12) with which the entropy-elastic spring element (7) cooperates in a positive-locking and/or non-positive manner under the action of the cover (3) in its closed position and nonrotatably couples the two bearing shells (5, 6) with one another.

Abstract: A tie rod end having a purgative zerk for removal of used lubricants is provided. In one embodiment of the invention, the tie rod end includes a socket member that defines a first bore in which a ball stud member is disposed and a second bore in communication with the first bore. The purgative zerk is disposed in the second bore. In a second embodiment of the invention, the purgative zerk is disposed in a plug used to close one end of the first bore. The use and location of the purgative zerk enable purge holes to be eliminated from a boot seal disposed at one end of the first bore thereby reducing contamination of the tie rod end.

Abstract: The invention relates to a connecting ball joint (10), for example an anti-roll bar of a running vehicle, the ball joint (10) comprising a straight support (20) running along a general axis of elongation (xx′) and an elastically deformable member (30) mounted around the support (20). The ball joint has the characteristic that its elastically deformable member (30) comprises at least one laminated structure (35; 135) made up of (a) layer(s) (32) of elastically deformable flexible material and of (a) layer(s) (34) of more rigid material.

Abstract: A ball-and-socket joint, preferably for motor vehicles, in which a joint ball formed on a pivot pin is mounted movably in a bearing shell consisting of a plastic, is presented. The bearing shell has recesses accommodating lubricant on its inner jacket surface facing the joint ball and is itself inserted into a housing. According to the present invention, the recesses may be grooves as a structural system with groove sections or depressions of microscopic size extending obliquely in relation to the central longitudinal axis of the ball-and-socket joint. Due to this novel design, a pumping effect is achieved during movements of the joint ball over the groove sections, and this pumping effect draws the lubricant present in the groove sections into the gap between the joint ball and the bearing shell, so that improved lubrication of the ball-and-socket joint compared with the state of the art is guaranteed under all operating conditions.

Abstract: A ball joint assembly for pivotally interconnecting a first member and a second member includes a housing defining a cavity. The housing is adapted to be coupled to the first member. The ball joint also includes a ball stud having a ball segment retained in the cavity and a post segment adapted to be coupled to the second member. An elastomer is positioned within the cavity between the ball segment and the housing. The ball segment is rotatably coupled to the elastomer.

Abstract: A steering shaft double joint is provided for motor vehicles where the shaft ends are connected non-rotatably in the joint. Each of the shaft ends is movably mounted in a housing connecting two joints with the shaft ends being connected by a ball joint so that the ball is rotatable around a midpoint in a receptacle of a shaft end and is slightly movably mounted in a direction of the shaft axis of the other shaft end. The ball is spring mounted in the receptacle and the receptacle contains and surrounds a bushing with elastic material located between the receptacle and bushing.

Abstract: A ball sleeve joint with a joint housing has a ball sleeve provided with a preferably spherically designed bearing surface. A bearing shell surrounds the bearing surface and is accommadated in a recess of the joint housing. The joint housing is formed from at least two housing parts. The housing parts have corresponding elastic toothed elements. The toothed elements are locked with one another in the assembled state of the joint housing.

Abstract: A ball and socket joint incorporating a detent mechanism that provides positive biasing toward a desired position. The ball and socket joint can be used in flexible supports that hold and support items such as lamps, tools and faucets. The detent mechanism comprises two corresponding parts, one in the ball portion and the second in the socket portion of the joint. The first detent part is a protrusion of some type and the second detent part is a groove or indentation that is adapted to accept and engage the protrusion. If the ball contains the detent protrusion, then the socket contains the detent indentation. And conversely, if the socket contains the detent protrusion, then the ball contains the detent indentation. The detent tensioning force can be provided by a spring, a spring band, the characteristics of the material from which the joint is made, or by some other similar tensioning device.

Abstract: A three-dimensional (spherical) joint for connecting mechanical links has its concave and convex concentrical spherical surfaces connected by preloaded in compression high shape factor (thin-layered) elastomeric elements, whose shear deformation provides for 3D mobility.

Abstract: A pivot socket of the present invention incorporates a stud shaft component having a lower part-spherical head portion disposed within a housing cavity, and an axial pin extension extending upward into the cavity therefrom. The lower part-spherical head portion seats against a partial spherical bearing surface disposed within the housing cavity, and the axial pin extension is enclosed within a corrugated or crinkled coil compliance bearing formed from sheet steel. During use, lateral and axial loads imparted on the stud shaft are transformed into radial and axial component forces at the partial spherical bearing surface and the corrugated or crinkled coil compliance bearing. The radial force components are distributed to the interior walls of the housing cavity, while the axial force components are transferred axially through the corrugated or crinkled coil compliance bearing to the end closure components secured to the housing.

Abstract: A cutting machine comprising a chassis connected to a motor vehicle, a cutting device comprising cutting members, a connecting device connecting the cutting device to the chassis in such a way as to allow the cutting device to be brought into a work position and into a transport position and comprising at least two connecting rods each one connected to the cutting device and to the chassis by means of a respective connection, one of the connections being a connection of the ball-joint type. The cutting machine is characterized in that at least one of the connections connecting a connecting rod to the cutting device or to the chassis comprises an elastic element.

Abstract: A mounting structure of a change lever in a vehicle constructed and arranged to absorb an allowance between a housing and a ball rotatively pivoting a lower end of the change lever to rule out generation of noise and to prevent leakage of lubricant coated on a frictional part located therebetween, thereby improving a lever-shifting feeling, the change lever having a change lever knob thereon and a ball thereunder and accommodated in a housing forming a spherical inner space therein for rotation, the structure comprising a support member integrally formed at a lower end of the change lever with a cylindrical upper body unit inserted into a change lever and a spherical inner lower body unit having its diameter expanded at a lower part of the upper body unit and its upper surface adhered to a lower surface of the ball and its lower surface adhered to an inner surface of the housing.

Abstract: A ball-and-socket joint for motor vehicles is described which includes a housing (3), a bearing shell (4), which is inserted into the housing and accommodates a joint ball (1.3) of a ball pivot (1) exiting from the housing on at least one side movably in all directions. The ball pivot is provided with a connection contour (1.4) on the side opposite the joint ball. The ball-and-socket joint also includes a sealing element (2) in the form of bellows, which is sealingly in contact with the housing, on the one hand, and with a shoulder (1.5) of the ball pivot, on the other hand. A circular ring collar (1.1) provided with an undercut contour is made in one piece with the ball pivot (1). The sealing element (2) is inserted with its area (2.1) that is sealingly in contact with the ball pivot (1) into the annular space (1.2) formed by the undercut under elastic pretension.

Abstract: An axial joint and a process for manufacturing an axial joint are described. The axial joint comprises a metallic housing (1) with an opening (2) and with an interior space (9), with a ball pivot (3), which has a joint ball (4) and a pivot pin (5). The joint ball (4) is surrounded for the most part by the housing (1) and a pivot pin neck (5.1) of reduced diameter compared with that of the pivot (5) is present in the transition area between the joint ball (4) and the pivot pin (5), and the pivot pin (5) projects through the opening (2) of the housing. The axial joint also has a bearing shell (6; 6.1, 6.2), which consists essentially of plastic and is arranged between the housing (1) and the joint ball (4), and the metallic housing is made in one piece.

Abstract: A plug-in coupling having vibration damping characteristics. An elastomeric insert member comprising a ball-shaped female part is inserted into a socket integral with a member so as to be positively retained therein. The plug-in coupling can be easily assembled and disassembled.

Abstract: A radial ball-and-socket joint for a motor vehicle with a housing and a ball pivot, whose joint ball is mounted movably in all directions in a bearing shell, is presented, in which the bearing shell (1) has a two-part design and the joint ball (3.1) of the ball pivot (3) is radially progressively pretensioned by at least one damping element (2) between the upper shell (1.1) and the lower shell (1.2). The damping element is inserted into the housing (4) and has a lower Shore hardness than the bearing shell (1), wherein the bearing shell is only in punctiform or linear contact with the joint ball (3.1) of the ball pivot (3) in the unloaded state of the joint.

Abstract: The joint assembly 1 for a car steering system has a first ball joint 11, a tubular collar 25, an elastic member 26 and a second ball joint 21. The first ball joint 11 has a stem 13 provided with a recess 13a. The tubular collar 25 has a protrusion 25a at an inside thereof and provided around the stem 13 in such a manner that the protrusion 25a confronts the recess 13a. The elastic member 26 is provided between the recess 13a of the stem 13 and the protrusion 25a of the collar 25. The second ball joint 21 has a hole 19 for accommodating the collar 25 covering the stem 13. According to the joint assembly 1, vibration generated at the wheel 71 is absorbed by the elastic member 26 and seldom gives the driver uncomfortableness or causes the driver to err in driving the car.

Abstract: A disengageable pivot connection includes a ball stud that is capable of being selectively removed from the corresponding socket. The ball stud includes an engagement head that has substantially flat faces or grooves that correspond to tabs extending from the rim of the socket into which the ball stud is engaged. To install, the ball stud is inserted into the socket such that the substantially flat faces or grooves on the head pass by the tabs extending from the rim of the socket. Then, the ball stud is rotated such that the head engages the tabs extending from the rim of the socket. Alternatively, the head of the ball stud is snap-fitted into the socket as is conventional in the art. As such, the head cannot be removed from the socket without additional rotation. The head remains free to pivot within the socket as required for the particular application. One particularly desirable application of the present invention is in automotive lamp assemblies.

Abstract: A bearing seat slidably supports a ball head of a ball stud in a housing. Circumferentially spaced-apart load bearing ribs on the outer surface of the bearing seat facing the housing support the load placed on the joint. Auxiliary load bearing ribs, between adjacent ones of the load bearing ribs, extend from the surface of the ball joint seat slightly less farther than the load bearing ribs. The auxiliary load bearing ribs come into supportive contact with the housing when subjected to heavier loads, to prevent excessive stress flexure of the bearing seat. The ability of the ball joint to absorb repeated heavy load applications while maintaining friction compensation and a stable torque without stress cracking is improved. The ball joint has an improved ability to compensate for dimensional tolerances, which facilitates component manufacture. The load withstanding ability and the durability of the ball joint are thus improved without an increase in size or cost.

Abstract: A joint assembly (10) includes a metal housing which encloses a head end portion (24) of a movable stud member (22). A metal outer (30) bearing engages the head end portion (24) of the stud member (22). The outer bearing (30) has a cylindrical outer side surface (44) with a diameter which is larger than a diameter of a cylindrical inner side surface (42) of a chamber (18) in the housing (12). The outer bearing (30) is retained against movement relative to the housing (12) by an interference fit. During fabrication of the joint assembly (10), a spring (34) and inner bearing (32) are inserted into the housing (12). An interference fit is established between the outer bearing (30) and the housing (12) by sliding the cylindrical outer side surface (44) of the outer bearing along the cylindrical inner side surface (42) of the chamber (18) in the housing.

Abstract: A ball joint (10) for interconnection between relatively movable parts (12, 14/16) includes a ball stud (70) having a central ball portion (24) and a pair of stud portions (40, 42) extending in diametrically opposite directions from the central ball portion. The stud portions (40, 42) and the central ball portion (24) have a central passage (54) extending axially through the stud portions and the central ball portion. A fastener (260) extends through the central passage (54) for attaching the ball stud (20) to the movable parts (12, 14/16). A housing (60) encloses the central ball portion (24) and has opposite openings (74, 88) through which the respective stud portions (40, 42) extend. First and second bearings (100 and 130) for the central ball portion (24) support the central ball portion in the housing (60) for movement relative to the housing. First and second seals (170 and 200) close the opposite openings (74, 88) in the housing (60).

Abstract: An axial ball-and-socket joint for linkages in motor vehicles, comprising a metallic housing, which is open on one side and has a fastening pin opposite the open side of the housing. A likewise metallic joint ball, which is mounted in it in a bearing shell made of plastic and is provided at the end of a ball pivot. The ball pivot projects from the open side of the housing coaxially with the fastening pin, wherein the joint ball is held in the housing by deformation of the material of the open edge of the housing. The bearing shell made of plastic is supported on the housing side with the fastening pin with an oblique surface against an oblique surface on the housing and against a buffer made of a material having selected elastic characteristics, which is inserted between the bearing shell and a radial support surface provided on the housing.

Abstract: A self-adjusting bearing assembly comprising a ball member, a connector member, and a bearing seat component having at least two seat members arranged to receive the ball member therebetween. The ball member has a shaped segment providing an outer bearing surface, and the seat members include correspondly shaped inner bearing surfaces for engaging the outer bearing surface of the ball member. A slack removal mechanism is provided to urge a movable one of the seat members toward the ball member and may comprise a pressure chamber having a wall formed by a resilient diaphram positioned adjacent a pressure surface of the movable seat member, and a fitting for pressurizing this chamber with a fluid. The assembly may include a second fitting for feeding lubricant from the pressure chamber to the bearing surfaces. Optionally, a screw member may be provided for exerting an adjustable mechanical force to urge the movable seat member against the ball member.

Abstract: A ball-and-socket joint includes a journal (1) having a ball (2) on one end. A plastic housing (3) has a socket and an opening through which the ball (2) is inserted into the socket. The socket is defined by a plurality of circumferentially spaced segmented bearing surfaces (3b) having a partially spherical shape and being formed by a plurality of circumferentially spaced radially extending slits (3a). The plurality of slits (3a) extend axially from the opening to at least an equator (3e) of said socket. The housing (3) includes a ring groove (3f) extending axially from the opening to at least the equator (3e). The ring groove (3f) encircles the plurality of segmented bearing surfaces (3b). A locking ring (4) is in the ring groove (3f) in the housing (3). The locking ring (4) elastically deforms the plurality of segmented bearing surfaces (3b) to position the ball (2) in a first position in the socket against the plurality of segmented bearing surfaces (3b).

Abstract: A ball-and-socket joint used in a linkage mechanism of the motor vehicle steering device has a ball head of a shank, encompassed by a bearing in a housing. The housing has an end opening at the opposite side of the shank. A joining member made up of a head part and a male screw portion is fitted in the opening at the head part. The head part is integrally formed with a peripheral flange, preferably a flange of flared shape. The surface of the flange is covered with an elastic layer. A fixing ring abuts against the flange to prevent detachment of the joining member from the housing. A closure plate may be interposed between the flange and the bearing and between the flange and the housing. Vibration and shocks imparted to the ball head through the shank is absorbed by the elastic layer without increasing the diametrical dimension of the joint.

Abstract: A ball joint (12) is disclosed comprising a stamped sheet metal socket (14) and a ball end (18). The socket (14) comprises a base portion (40) and a conical portion (38) above the base portion (40) integral with the base portion (40). A wear tolerance compensator (44) is seated against the base portion (40). A plastic spherical bearing (46) is contained within the socket (14) and seats against the wear tolerance compensator (44). The ball end (18) is contained by the spherical bearing (46). An annular metal collar (48) fits over the spherical bearing (46). The collar (48) comprises a tapered end (82) which seats in the socket conical portion (38). The socket (14) comprises an annular lip (32) which clamps the collar (48) and presses the collar tapered end (82) into sealing engagement with the conical portion (38), under a predetermined load, sealing the socket (14) against environmental ingress.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a spherical joint for transmitting rotating and rocking motions between an inner member and an outer member in sliding contact with each other, and provides a spherical joint which is excellent in the mechanical strength and capable of achieving smooth rocking or rotating motions, and a process for manufacturing the spherical joint. In order to achieve this object, according to the present invention, there is provided a spherical joint comprising: an internal member having a convex-spherical surface; an outer member cast by using the inner member as a core and so connected to the inner member as to rock and rotate relative to the inner member; and a bushing sandwiched between the inner member and the outer member and having a concave-spherical surface for sliding contact with the convex-spherical surface of the inner member. When the outer member is to be cast, the bushing made of a thin metal is partially fused to and rigidly unified with the cast outer member.

Abstract: A pitman arm incorporates a preloaded pivot joint that has a stud that rotates and angulates. The preloaded pivot joint is designed so that different internal components transfer the respective lateral loads, axial compression loads and angulation loads of the stud.

Abstract: A snap-fit plastic ball joint that may be molded using a plurality of shutoffs on inner and outer mold pieces without the need for a solid or collapsible ball-shaped core. The ball joint includes a socket and a plurality of molded plastic retaining fingers disposed around the perimeter of the socket and extending away from the socket. The retaining fingers extend longitudinally along a ball seated in the socket and are formed to engage the ball and retain it in its seated position. The socket itself is formed by a plurality of seating fingers that are disposed around the socket alternating with a plurality of web members. The web members form extensions of the retaining fingers. The alternating seating fingers and web members are joined at their neighboring edges to define the socket. The seating fingers are shaped at their distal ends to define a concave seat for seating the ball of the ball joint and the web members provide support for the seating fingers.

Abstract: A compression lower ball joint includes a ball pivotally mounted in a socket. The ball includes a substantially hemispherical bearing with a recess receiving a post of a stud which includes a parti-spherical head adapted to mate with the bearing. A spring is disposed between the post and the bearing providing a preload to force the bearing and stud apart maintaining the joint in a tight condition until a predetermined amount of wear has occurred. This provides a positive indication of when the joint is worn and in need of replacement.

Abstract: A bearing set for a ball and socket joint comprises an outer sleeve with an upper cavity and a lower cavity, each of the cavities defined by an inner skirt, an upper bearing received in the upper cavity and a lower bearing received in the lower cavity. A compression pre-load is applied when each of the bearings is inserted into its cavity, a cylindrical outer wedge surface of the respective bearing having a greater diameter than a corresponding diameter of the corresponding skirt. The bearing set is subjected to additional compression pre-load when the bearing set and ball stud are inserted into a housing and the housing is closed.

Abstract: A lightweight foot prosthesis is claimed, having a heel, a toe, and a raised instep, the instep including an upper surface and a lower surface, an ankle joint connected to the foot and capable of motion around each of three perpendicular axes, a pair of compression mounts for limiting rotation of the ankle joint, and a connector for connecting the ankle joint to a leg.

Abstract: By virtue of its modular construction, this external fixator makes it possible to position the pins (21 to 25) in the bone fragments (11 to 13) taking account of anatomical criteria. The pins are at least indirectly integral with universal joints (36 to 38) with balls (46 to 48) permitting the orientation of the pins relative to connecting bars 503 and 504. The external fixator additionally comprises connecting pieces for articulation between the connecting bars (501 to 507), such as the articulation (7), the telescopic connecting piece (8) and orientable connecting pieces (97 to 99). After the onset of osseous consolidation, some of the connecting bars and their connecting pieces can be removed, it being possible for the bars (501,502) to be withdrawn from the vices (65, 66).

Abstract: A synthetic resin connecting rod is disclosed having a ball socket integrally formed with an opening on one side and a concave spherical surface extending from the opening at each end of the rod. In order to increase the strength, the connecting rod has a rib as a reinforcement on the connecting line between the centers of each spherical surface, the connecting line intersecting a transverse cross section of the rib. A ball joint using the preferred synthetic resin connecting rod is lighter than one using a metal rod and is strong enough to be used as a ball joint for a stabilizer in an automobile.

Abstract: A ball joint has a stud with a ball end disposed in a housing in abutting engagement with an improved bearing. The bearing has a plurality of segments disposed in a circular array. A plurality of flexible connector sections interconnect the segments. As originally formed, the bearing has generally cylindrical outer side surface with a diameter which is less than the diameter of an inner side surface of the housing. This facilitates insertion of the bearing into the housing during assembly of the ball joint. The ball end of the stud applies force against a circular array of bearing segments to expand the circular array of bearing segments outwardly into engagement with the inner side surface of the housing. The bearing segments are interconnected by flexible connector sections which are deflected, as the bearing segments move outwardly, to accommodate expansion of the circular array of bearing segments.

Abstract: A link assembly connectable to a pair of spaced members and adapted for rotary motion and conical deflection relative to each of the connectable members generally consisting of an elongated, rigid member having a pair of spaced head segments interconnected by an intermediate segment, each of the head segments having an opening therethrough for receiving a connectable member therein, the rigid member further including a pair of identically configured, co-extensively disposed sections mated and rigidly secured together, each of the sections including a pair of spaced head portions interconnected by an intermediate portion, each of the head portions having an opening therethrough registered with an opening in an adjoining head portion of the other section to provide the connectable member receiving opening in one of the head segments, and a bushing disposed in each of the connectable member receiving openings in the head segments of the rigid member, being formed of a thermoplastic polyurethane material and havi

Abstract: A synthetic with an opening at the top and a concave spherical surface extending from the opening, where a ball head of a ball stud is fixed, has a circular concave step on the outer surface of the housing surround the opening. A metal ring is fixed on the circular step so that the strength of the opening of the synthetic resin housing in a radial inward direction is greatly increased to resist the pull-out load on the ball stud. Warping of the opening is thereby prevented.

Abstract: A hinge for a door or hatch of a motor vehicle has two hinge halves (1, 2), one (1) of which has a pivot pin (6) and the other (2) of which has a bearing portion (9) pivotally mounted on the pivot pin (6). The pivot pin (6) has a spherical end portion (11), onto which the bearing portion (9) fits with a complementary shaped cavity, and a narrower neck portion (12). A lock (18) cooperates with the neck portion (12) of the pivot pin (6) and the bearing portion (9) to lock the hinge halves (1, 2) against relative movement in the axial direction of the pivot pin (6). The bearing portion (9) has a bearing sleeve (13) journalled on the pivot pin (6), including the complementary shaped cavity therein. A bearing housing (15) has an inside surface which fits over an outside surface of the bearing sleeve (13), and a fastener (16) detachably fastens the bearing sleeve (13) to the bearing housing (15).

Abstract: A ball joint resiliently positions a portion of its hard-plastic bearing seat a short distance from a load-receiving portion of its housing. A compression load is capable of urging the bearing seat and the load-receiving portion into contact with each other to limit the load absorbed by the resilient member. This permits the resilient member to apply an appropriate bearing preload to overcome manufacturing tolerances in the parts, without requiring the resilient member to support large compression loads.

Abstract: A ball joint comprises a socket having a wall defining a socket hole, and a ball stud having a ball portion at one end thereof. The ball portion is received within the socket hole for pivotal movement by means of a bearing intervening between the ball and the wall of the socket. The bearing is provided with a plurality of protrusions formed in the outer circumferential surface thereof, the circumferential surface being in contact with the surface of the wall of the socket. The protrusions having a band or dot-shaped configuration.

Abstract: A bearing which includes an inner part and an outer part arranged in spaced apart relation. In between the inner part and the outer part is a rubber, or resilient, part which can be loaded axially for tension and/or compression and which permits cardanic loads with very little restoring torque. The rubber part, together with the inner part and the outer part, form a cavity which is filled with fluid which transfers corresponding load capacities in the main load direction.

Abstract: A ball and socket joint assembly incorporates an internal preload whereby a relatiely constant torque may be realized over the useful life of the assembly. In a preferred form, the assembly includes a housing having a ball socket cavity, a ball, a pair of socket beraings supporting the ball, and a stud shaft integral with the ball. The housing defines an axis along which the socket bearings position and retain the ball for limited oscillatory movement within the housing. One socket bearing defines a ring through which the stud shaft extends for coupling to the tie rod end of a steering arm assembly. The other socket bearing is cup-shaped and formed of an extrudable plastic material. A radially oriented seat in the housing is adapted to support a conical disc spring washer interposed between the seat and the cup-shaped bearing. The conical washer is preferably a Belleville spring capable of providing a relatively constant force over a limited deflection range.

Abstract: A ball joint has a folded, stamped metal housing with increased strength and a seal to contain a liquid lubricant from leaking out through the housing seam. An annular steel support seat member reinforces the stamped housing structure and has an outer flange received in a recess in the housing to cover the seam.

Abstract: An elastic bearing for steering rods of motor vehicles with a stud (1) which is rotatable and which is movable with limited angular and radial mobility. The stud (1) is pressed with interposition of an elastomer bushing (2) into an intermediate shell (3) to permit limited angular and radial mobility of the stud. The intermediate shell (3) is rotatably supported in a joint housing (9), is simpler to produce, and has close moment of rotation tolerances even during operation. For this purpose, the intermediate shell (3) has on the outside a collar (4). Two bearing shells (7, 8) are set between the intermediate shell (3) and the joint housing (9) and are supported against the collar. The bearing shells (7, 8) are pressed by a spring element (10) supported on the joint housing (9) in the axial direction of the stud against the collar (4).

Abstract: The invention relates to a ball joint, especially for steering or transmission rods of motor vehicles. The ball joint includes a bearing shell (3) made of plastic which has a lower shell (5) and an upper shell (6) for the support of a ball head (2) in a joint housing (4). The lower shell (5) is turned toward a housing opening (8) for a ball stud (1) and the upper shell (6) is supported through a spring element (11) against a housing cover (9). The lower shell (5) is connected elastically with the outer rim of the upper shell (6). To produce a technically improved ball joint of which the mounting is facilitated, of which the lower shell (5) and the upper shell (6) are secured from rotation in relation to each other, and of which has better operational properties, it is proposed that the lower shell (5) and the upper shell (6) be joined in one piece by at least one connection stop ( 12).

Abstract: An improved bearing for use in a ball and socket joint is disclosed. The bearing is generally cylindrical in shape, having a recess formed in one end thereof. The recess defines a semi-spherical bearing surface adapted to engage and support a head portion of a ball member of the joint. A plurality of lubricant passageways are formed through the bearing. Each of the passageways extends axially from the semi-spherical bearing surface to an annular channel formed in the opposite end of the bearing. A plurality of grooves are also formed in the opposite end of the bearing. The grooves extend radially inwardly from the channel to a central recess formed in the opposite end of the bearing. The channel functions as a reservoir for lubricant, thereby permitting the joint to be used without frequently re-injecting lubricant therein. An annular bead is formed about the circumference of the channel to provide a seal which prevents lubricant from escaping from the joint.

Abstract: A ball-and-socket joint comprising: a housing having an open end at its upper end, the upper end having an inner peripheral surface which inclines upward and radially inward; a bearing element disposed in the housing; a ball stud having a ball end retained in the bearing element and a shank portion extending from the ball end freely through the open end of the housing; an end cover plate secured in a lower end of the housing; and a resiliently yieldable member compressed between the bearing element and the end cover plate for urging the bearing element against the ball end of the ball stud. The inner peripheral surface of the housing is locally hardened by a high frequency hardening.