Abstract: A flexible ball type joint or bearing is constructed by inserting into a generally tubular-shaped rigid outer housing an assembly of an inner rigid member having a curved surface of part-spherical or barrel shape, a layer of elastomeric material surrounding said curved surface, and an annular member the inner surface of which is of a part-spherical or barrel shape to conform generally with said curved surface of the inner rigid member, and said annular member having an outer surface which conforms generally to the shape of the rigid outer housing.Subsequent to insertion of the assembly in the rigid outer housing, the rigid outer housing is adapted to possess a pair of end abutments between which the assembly is located. The outer housing is then subject to radial compression. The annular member is formed of a material of a modulus of elasticity which is higher than that of the elastomeric material and lower than that of the rigid outer housing.

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.

Abstract: An axial ball joint is fabricated from a housing having a substantially cylindrical outer surface and a cylindrical cavity which ends at an opening defined by a rim portion of the housing. The rim portion has a larger accumulation of material than elsewhere on the housing so that the housing can be deformed radially inwardly into a portion of the opening. A ball part with a ball portion and shank is inserted into the opening. A resilient socket is provided around the ball as a lining for the cavity. Once the ball portion is seated in the cavity, the rim portion is deformed inwardly toward the shank to retain the ball portion in the cavity. In this way the ball part is inserted from the opening end of the cavity rather than from an opposite end as is known in the art.

Abstract: A ball and socket joint, particularly a track rod joint for motor vehicles comprises a casing, a ball stud with a spherical head, and a socket received in the casing and being made of a material having a limited elasticity. At a flat polar surface of the spherical head, the socket is provided with an annular area which applies under biasing load against the flat polar surface and, upon an angular displacement of the ball stud, produces a restoring torque.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a ball joint including a stud having a ball head located in a bearing shell made of elastic material. The bearing shell, which exerts a radial pressure on the ball head, is mounted in a joint housing having substantially a pot shape. The bearing shell is provided on its outer surface with elastically deformable elevations, lying against the inner wall of the joint housing. The elevations are arranged on the shell surface of the bearing shell and are formed as ribs and bars extending in the axial direction and arranged alternatively on the shell surface circumference. The bars are separated from the ribs by grooves. The bar width, measured in the circumferential direction, is greater than the width of the ribs. The radial extent of the ribs is greater than that of the bars. The bars thus bear against the joint housing only in the case of large loads acting on the joint.

Abstract: This invention provides a rubberized stud (10), preferably the molded configuration has a ball shape with a rubber height (28) to thickness (29) ratio of 2.0 to 3.0 and preferably 2.2 to 2.7 which can be compressed sufficiently to be inserted into a smaller diameter shaped socket to maintain the rubber under compression of 20 to 30% of its thickness and thereby produce a spring effect when the ball rod is rotated or twisted.

Abstract: This invention is an improvement over the simple terminator, which has been applied at the mudline, and at the platform level, to resist very large stresses in the riser pipes when the vertically moored platform (VMP) is subjected to wind, tide and current. A second or short terminator is used with the terminator to form a multiterminator which results in the length and weight of the terminator assembly for a given site being greatly reduced from that of the prior art terminator. Thus, the cost of construction of the terminator assembly is drastically reduced with the use of our invention. Also disclosed is a novel bearing arrangement between the VMP and the terminator assembly.

Abstract: According to the invention, a prestress is applied to the bearing bush (17) to obtain a certain frictional torque between the latter and the spherical pivot while the locking ring (18) is placed on the bush (17); the punching tools (28) comprising a double die (30) are then actuated simultaneously in the direction of the socket (15) so as to deform the latter along two approximately circumferential and parallel zones located on both sides of the ring (18) to surround it without displacing it.

Abstract: Tie rod ball joint end connection for a vehicle rack and pinion steering system in which the ball joint end connection is characterized by the housing having a bearing surface in one open end to receive the ball head of the tie rod, a threaded opposite end and deformable means positionable in the housing from the threaded end for exerting a preliminary pre-load on the ball head suitable for establishing the initial assembly thereof, and for transmitting to the ball head the final pre-load when the rack is threaded into the threaded end.

Abstract: A remotely actuated pivotal device is provided comprising a weathertight housing, a spherical projection disposed on the back of the device and a socket disposed on the housing. A circular elastomeric O-ring is disposed in the socket and a wobble stick for pivotally actuating the device extends through the O-ring and the socket. The spherical projection is disposed within the socket such that the device is capable of independent pivotal movements about the socket. A universal joint that limits the motion of the device to pivotal movements about orthogonal X and Y axes is provided for compressing the sphere against the O-ring to provide both a weathertight seal for said housing and to dampen vibration of the pivotally actuated device.

Abstract: A method of forming a plastic lined ball joint is disclosed using a preheated socket with wider than normal dimensional tolerances and a melt-in-place plastic socket liner which melts on forced contact with the heated socket so as to exactly conform with and seat in the socket whereafter the assembly is then quenched to solidify the liner to effect a tight fit with the socket.

Abstract: A universal joint construction comprises a plastic housing casing portion which includes an interior cavity forming a ball receiving socket which has an opening in a wall bounding the opening exteriorally of the socket which is bevelled outwardly to an end from the socket. The exterior of the wall is bevelled outwardly in a direction toward the socket. The exterior of the housing casing has an annular groove around the socket which is adjacent to the wall. A ring portion is advantageously formed integral with and connected to the casing by a connecting web of slight thickness. The ring portion has a bore with a radially inwardly extending collar of a diameter to engage over the bevelled wall and be advanced over the bevelled portion of the wall to cause the inward deflection of the wall so as to permit the collar to move beyond the bevelled wall and engage in the groove.

Abstract: A mooring system bearing apparatus (28) has a flexible connector (16). The body (32) is connected to a bearing sleeve (52) thru elastomeric bearings 40,42. Stops 44,60 46,62 limit strain of the elastomeric bearings.

Abstract: A ball-joint assembly having a two-part hinged plastic bearing member adapted to be positioned about the ball portion of a ball-stud member and be placed within an aperture formed in a link having a plurality of upstanding tabs which are adapted to be bent over for maintaining the ball-stud member and bearing member in the end of the link.

Abstract: A device for supporting a shift lever in a manual transmission for an automobile which includes the shift lever having a large spherical portion and a small spherical portion, a shift lever retainer supporting the large spherical portion of the shift lever, a resin bush having a cylindrical outer surface spherically engaging with the small spherical portion of the shift lever and a shift lever housing fixed to an operation lever shaft extending toward the transmission. The device comprises a cylindrical vibration preventing bush interposed between the cylindrical outer surface of the resin bush and the inner surface of a hole in the shift lever housing.

Abstract: A sealed compound bearing consisting of an outer and an inner member movable relative to each other and between which are disposed load carrying annular members. The load carrying annular members comprise a pair of elastomeric rings held between the outer and inner members under compression, and a metallic ring insert disposed between and separating the two elastomeric rings. A narrow clearance is provided between the peripheral surface of the metallic ring insert and the inner surface of the bearing outer member, and between the metallic ring inner surface and the inner member peripheral surface. Normal loads are taken and absorbed by the elastomeric rings, while overloads and shock loads are taken by the metallic ring insert.

Abstract: A joint assembly has a member disposed within and movable relative to a housing from a first position through an intermediate position to a third position. A bearing member located between the movable member and the housing cooperates with the movable member and housing to provide a relatively low frictional force opposing movement of the movable member from the first position to the intermediate position. The bearing member also cooperates with the movable member and housing to provide a relatively large frictional force opposing movement of the movable member from the intermediate position to the third position. The bearing member preferably is laminated and has inner and outer surfaces formed of different materials.

Abstract: The articulated joint consists of a spherical ball with a stem which is assembled to pivot in a housing by means of a bearing member made from plastics material having an annular flange supported by a closing washer and provided with a series of slots which subdivide it into petals arranged between the ball and the bottom of the housing. The petals are in the form of wedges and are loaded by elastic elements made of the same material as the spherical ball race and which bear on the annular flange to ensure the preloading and automatic taking up of play.

Abstract: The invention is a method of assembly for a ball-and-socket joint of the preloaded type with automatic taking up of play, comprising a housing, a pivot, a bearing element disposed between these later and a locking ring. After the disposing in the housing of the various components of the joint, the latter is axially loaded until a predetermined value is obtained for the tilting torque, and once this value is obtained, the ring is crimped in the housing by means of punches acting radially, without alteration of the predetermined value of the tilting torque. Application of the ball-and-socket joint assembly in particular for suspension or steering of an automobile vehicle.

Abstract: The invention provides a dismantleable ball and socket joint.A bearing made of a plastic material is placed in a rigid housing, and is adapted to receive a ball. Accessory component parts, or special shaping of the bearing provide elasticity to the bearing, which enables part of the bearing to change position relative to the housing, according to the direction of insertion or extraction of the ball. On assembly, the bearing contracts and expands.The assembly of the ball and socket joint requires a much smaller force than that required for extraction of the ball from the socket.

Abstract: A ball joint construction having a ball-stud member with a ball portion and a shank portion and an open-ended socket member into which the ball portion is inserted. An elastomeric covering is permanently bonded to both the ball member and a part of the shank portion to provide increased bond life and strength and then deformed for inserting in the open end of the socket thereby resiliently interconnecting the socket and ball members. An additional rib or lip of elastomer is provided on the covering of the ball adjacent the shank which collapses into a continuous multiple curved pattern during insertion into the socket. The rib provides for increased life of the elastomer by improved surface tension parameters and also keeps stones and other debris out of the open-ended portion of the socket. A further bonding between the socket and elastomer after insertion provides a completely bonded system capable of accepting very substantial angular movement without slippage or pullout.

Abstract: A variable position friction joint, including a housing defining a housing cavity receiving therein a relatively soft lining material defining a lining cavity. A joint member has a rounded end which is received with a snug friction fit within the lining cavity, said joint member and said housing being selectively movable relative to each other. The joint member and said housing may be tipped relative to each other and/or they may be selectively moved rotationally relative to each other relative to the axis of said joint member. The rounded end of the joint member may include a plurality of valleys in the surface thereof to prevent squeaking of the joint when said joint member and said housing are moved relative to each other. The lining material may comprise either a tubular member defining a cylindrical lining cavity or another member which defines a generally spherical lining cavity.

Abstract: A ball-joint includes a housing with an inwardly facing projection, a ball socket secured to the housing near an end thereof, and a ball pin engaged in the ball socket. A portion of the ball socket extends towards the ball, so as to at least partially surround the ball, and has a plurality of slots extending in a meridional direction towards the free end of the ball socket, so as to form tongues between the slots. The ball socket has an external groove in a portion thereof extending in a direction away from the ball, which engages the projection of the housing, so that the ball pin may be inserted into the ball socket by elastically deforming the tongues, and subsequently the ball socket may be slid into the housing.

Abstract: An axial ball and socket joint particularly for steering suspensions of motor vehicles comprises a joint housing which has a first opening at one end and an opposite second opening at the opposite end and an interior surface which is at least partially spherical. A joint pin extends through the first opening and has a spherical ball head disposed within the housing and is journalled on a socket of elastic plastic for universal pivotal movement in the housing. The housing has a rim edge adjacent the second opening extending outwardly from the spherical surface with an inturned edge forming a ledge or underface which is partially spherical and is opposite to and spaced from the ball head.

Abstract: A ball joint comprises a circular cylindrical housing with at least one opening, a bearing member contained in the housing, a ball stud with its ball head pivotally supported by the bearing member, and a closing plate press-fitted in the opening so as to close the opening and to generate the contact pressure between the bearing member and the ball head.

Abstract: A joint assembly is connected between two relatively movable spaced parts. The joint assembly comprises a housing and a stud to be connected to the parts. The stud is supported for rotation about its own axis relative to said housing, for free axial movement relative to said housing, and for universal pivotal movement about a point on its axis relative to said housing. A spherical bearing in a chamber in the housing has a central passage through which said stud extends. The passage in the bearing is defined by an inner surface which conforms to and engages the outer surface of the stud. A stop portion on the stud engages the bearing to limit movement of the stud axially in a direction tending to separate the stud and housing. The stud is freely movable in an unrestrained manner axially relative to the bearing between a first position in which the stop engages the bearing and a second position spaced from said bearing. Means is provided for holding the bearing against axial movement relative to the housing.

Abstract: A device for spacing individual conductors of an overhead transmission line having a hub provided with at least two cavities each opening onto the periphery of the hub, at least two arms each having a conductor clamp at one end and a knob at the other end, the knob being received with clearance within a cavity to permit limited articulation of each arm with respect to the hub, and an elastomeric bush mechanism substantially encircling the arm in the clearance gap between the knob and the cavity wall, the cross-section of each half of the bush on opposing sides of a maximum diameter portion of the knob having been deformed by compression during assembly of the device such that the edge or side portions of the deformed cross-sections include elastomeric material displaced from the central portions of the uncompressed cross-sections.

Abstract: A flexible tension bearing connector includes a cylinder having a base portion supporting a central rigid spacer therein having an outer spherical surface facing away from the base portion and a center of curvature at the axis of the cylinder. A nipple has an internal spherically shaped surface contiguous to the spacer in a mating relation. An elastomeric bearing has an end inner ring which has a cylindrical center bore to receive the nipple and an end outer ring captured inside the cylinder. An intermediate elastomeric section has spherical geometry centered at the center of curvature of the spacer. The bearing encircles the nipple with annular planar bearing surface facing away from the spaces in a plane normal to the cylinder axis. A stop on the nipple contacts the annular planar bearing surface to transfer through the bearing to the cylinder any forces which would urge the bearing away from the spacer.

Abstract: An elastic connection of an axial joint with the connecting linkage of a motor vehicle steering gear, comprises a housing which has an opening at each end with one end opening into a spherical cavity for supporting the ball head of an axial joint and the opposite end opening into a cylindrical cavity. The cylindrical cavity contains an inner metal sleeve which is adapted to be connected to a connecting linkage which is held in position by an elastic bearing bushing which is firmly adhered thereto, such as by vulcanizing. The outer periphery of the elastic bushing is secured to a steering part secured in the cylindrical recess of the housing. The inner sleeve includes an annular collar adjacent the opening at the cylindrical recess end of the housing at a location adjacent the end which is formed with a downturned flange of both the housing and the outer bearing sleeve part.

Abstract: A plastic ball socket for a grease lubricated ball joint socket, having a hemispherical inner cup composed of thin, hard, elastic material; an outer cup composed of soft elastic material at least partially containing the inner cup and having elongated ribs disposed on the outer surface of the outer cup to support the outer cup in the ball joint socket, spaced apart from the ball joint socket whereby the plastic ball socket may be deformed during use to form grease lubrication grooves between it and an inserted ball.

Abstract: A rack and pinion steering assembly for automobiles and the like dirigible wheel equipped vehicles having a longitudinally driven rack bar connected to wheel turning tie rod linkage by ball and socket joints with thin wall, tubular metal housings or casings which are easily and inexpensively attached to the ends of the rack bar by deformation and which preload the bearings of the joints to maintain a predetermined torque on the ball studs and eliminate end play between the tie rods and the rack bar.

Abstract: A socket assembly for a ball and socket coupling comprises a socket body having a ball-receiving socket which includes a cylindrical portion. A pair of slots extend through the socket body and open into the cylindrical portion at locations diametrically opposite each other and outwardlyfrom the seated position of the ball. Each slot has a flat surface which generally faces the seated position of the ball and converges inwardly toward the axis of the cylindrical portion of the socket, thus to lie obliquely to the axis of the cylindrical portion. A generally C-shaped spring clip wraps around the socket body. The clip has opposed end portions which extend through the slots and part way into the socket far enough to engage the neck of the ball component. The end portions of the clip are oriented generally obliquely to the axis of the socket.