Abstract: A semimanufactured product of a stopper includes: a plate-shaped bridging portion; a first curved portion extending from one end portion of the bridging portion integrally; and a second curved portion extending from the other end portion of the bridging portion integrally, and an entirety of the semimanufactured product is formed in a C-shape. The first curved portion includes a first locking part at the end portion. The second curved portion includes a second locking part that engages with the first locking part at the end portion. The first locking part includes a convex-shaped convex portion and a pair of receiving portions positioned so as to sandwich the convex portion. The second locking part includes: a concave-shaped concave portion which can accommodate the convex portion; and a pair of projecting portions positioned so as to sandwich the concave portion.

Abstract: A semimanufactured product of a stopper includes: a plate-shaped bridging portion; a first curved portion extending from one end portion of the bridging portion integrally; and a second curved portion extending from the other end portion of the bridging portion integrally, and an entirety of the semimanufactured product is formed in a C-shape. The first curved portion includes a first locking part at the end portion. The second curved portion includes a second locking part that engages with the first locking part at the end portion. The first locking part includes a convex-shaped convex portion and a pair of receiving portions positioned so as to sandwich the convex portion. The second locking part includes: a concave-shaped concave portion which can accommodate the convex portion; and a pair of projecting portions positioned so as to sandwich the concave portion.

Abstract: A retaining arrangement for restricting an axial movement of a rod member such as an automotive stabilizer supported by a stay member, comprising a tubular retaining assembly fitted on the rod member adjacent to the stay member so that the axial movement of the rod member may be restrained by the engagement between the retaining assembly and the stay member. The retaining assembly may consist of a plurality of part-annular segments or a C-shaped member which can be fitted onto the rod member from sideways, and fully surround the rod member. To ensure a secure attachment of the retaining assembly to the rod member, a rugged member such as abrasive grains or a rugged surface pattern may be interposed between an outer circumferential surface of the rod member and an inner circumferential surface of the retaining assembly.

Abstract: In a ball joint, a ball seat member is fitted into a housing, a ball stud having a spherical head is rotatably received in a cavity of the ball seat member, and a dust cover extends between a stem portion of the ball stud and a peripheral part of the open end of the housing, the end of the dust cover associated with the housing is held between an external flange provided in the ball seat member and the annular end surface of the open end of the housing. Because the end of the dust cover is firmly clamped and pressed over its entire circumference between the annular end surface and the external flange, a reliable clamping action can be produced. Because the securing process can be accomplished at the same time as the process of fitting the ball seat member into the housing without in any way complicating the assembling process, the material and fabrication costs can be reduced, and an economical ball joint can be provided.