Abstract: A ball joint includes an inner layer of a fiber-reinforced plastic resin and an outer layer of a self-lubricating plastic resin substantially covering the inner layer. A spherical inner chamber in the outer layer slidably holds a ball portion of a ball stud. A stud portion of the ball stud projects from the spherical inner chamber for connection to an external device. A link rod having first and second ball joints at distal ends of a rod portion is also disclosed. The link rod and housings of the first and second ball joints include inner and outer layers as above. In one embodiment, the link rod includes a metallic rod embedded at each end in the plastic resin of rod portions affixed to respective ball joints.

Abstract: A method for providing a dust-proof boot for a protruding equipment shaft of the type including a pair of spaced apart annular grooves. The boot includes an expandable central belly portion, a pair of restricted diameter attachment ring portions adapted to be received in the shaft grooves, and a pair of connecting portions connecting the attachment ring portions to the belly portion. It is formed by first forming a parison on a male die. The parison includes preformed attachment ring portions and connecting portions, at least one of which includes an inwardly protruding annular ridge member which is received in a mating recess in the die. The parison and the male die are inserted into a female blow-molding, die, with the preformed attachment ring portions and connecting portions caught and supported between the male and female dies.