Abstract: An improved socket liner for a ball and socket joint is adapted to be fixedly installed within a joint housing so as to encase the ball. The housing defines a longitudinal axis, and the liner, formed in two longitudinally extending mating halves that confront one another along surfaces parallel to the axis of the housing, are oriented to provide a theoretically tightest possible ball bearing-socket fit. Each liner half includes at least one protuberance on each longitudinally confronting surface. The protuberances not only facilitate location of the liner halves during assembly, but also assure a physical separation between the halves, creating an additional lubrication groove for enhanced operation of the joint during its useful life. In one preferred form, a compliant thin soft material cover is overmolded over the exterior socket liner structure, and exterior surface slots integrally provided on the cover interlock with protruding ribs fixed to the interior of the housing.

Abstract: A ball joint, and in particular a motor vehicle steering or suspension ball joint, which includes a pivot with a spherical head, a ball joint case with a housing for receiving the pivot head and a case housing, and a plastic bearing interposed between the pivot head and the case housing. The ball joint bearing includes a cup molded in one single piece, closed at a base, and having a molded inner spherical surface extending over more than one hemisphere. A circular orifice with a diameter smaller than the spherical inner surface diameter, opposite the base, is also provided as are several rupture zones distributed on the periphery of the opening part and shaped so as to be subjected to a predefined rupture into two sections when the opening part first expands and to enable, after the head has been inserted in the bearing, an elastic tightening of the opening part with accurate repositioning of the two sections of each rupture zone around the head.

Abstract: In the case of a holder (1) which is intended for a motor vehicle and is for a ball head (10) of a tappet (11), the ball head (10) is enclosed in a sealing manner between an elastic insert body (13) and a sintered insert body (8) forming a ball socket (7), and is fixed in a hollow body (2) by a securing element (21). The securing element (21) and the elastic insert body (13) are provided with openings (15) which enable the ball head (10) to be passed through. As a result, the holder (1) can be fitted in a particularly simple manner. Furthermore, the ball head (10) is protected against the escape of lubricant and against the ingress of dirt particles and, because of the damping properties of the elastic insert body (13), is free of play for its entire working life.

Abstract: There is provided a ball joint provided with a ball stud having a spherical head portion in an end portion, a ball seat to which the spherical head portion is slidably fitted, thereby pivoting the ball stud universally, and a housing receiving the ball seat, the housing being structured such that a closed-end cylindrical main body portion and a flange portion extending outward in a radial direction from an edge portion of the main body portion are formed in accordance with sheet metal processing. The flange portion is formed thinner than a thickness of the main body portion.

Abstract: A variable compression piston assembly includes a plurality of pistons, a transition arm coupled to each of the pistons, and a rotating member mounted for pivoting movement to slide along an axis of the drive member. Movement of the rotating member relative to the drive member changes the compression ratio of the piston assembly. An engine assembly includes first and second piston assemblies mounted back-to-back and 180° out of phase. A joint for positioning between first and second pistons includes an outer member and an inner member. The outer member is configured for movement relative to the pistons along a first axis perpendicular to the common axis of the pistons. The inner member is mounted within the outer member for rotation relative to the outer member about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis and the common axis.

Abstract: A pivot socket of the present invention incorporates a stud shaft component having a partially spherical head portion disposed within a housing cavity, and an axial pin extension extending upward into the cavity therefrom. The partially spherical head portion seats against a partial spherical bearing surface disposed within the housing cavity, and the axial pin extension is enclosed within a resilient cushion. A Belleville washer is interposed between the resilient cushion and the partial spherical bearing surface. During use, lateral and axial loads imparted on the stud shaft are transformed into radial and axial component forces at the bearing surfaces. The radial force components are distributed to the interior walls of the housing cavity, while the axial force components are transferred axially through the resilient cushion to the end closure components secured to the housing.

Abstract: A pivot socket of the present invention incorporates a stud shaft component having a partially spherical head portion disposed within a housing cavity, and an axial pin extension extending upward into the cavity therefrom. The partially spherical head portion seats against a partial spherical bearing surface disposed within the housing cavity, and the axial pin extension is enclosed within a resilient cushion. During use, lateral and axial loads imparted on the stud shaft are transformed into radial and axial component forces at the bearing surfaces. The radial force components are distributed to the interior walls of the housing cavity, while the axial force components are transferred axially through the resilient cushion to the end closure components secured to the housing. Little or no lateral force components are transferred to the resilient cushion from lateral loads imparted on the stud shaft, thereby reducing wear on the pivot socket components and extending the useful life thereof.

Abstract: A resilient retainer is disclosed for a rocker arm coupling joining a valve assembly to a rocker arm assembly in an internal combustion engine. The rocker arm coupling comprises a first coupling member having a socket for receiving a ball extending from a second coupling member. The resilient retainer consists of unitary polymeric material comprising a resilient mounting portion and a resilient restricting portion. The resilient mounting portion is engageable with a recess delineated within the first coupling member for resiliently securing the resilient retainer. The resilient restricting portion permits insertion of the ball into the socket upon deformation of the resilient restricting portion with the resilient restricting portion inhibiting removal of the ball from the socket.

Abstract: A ball joint assembly includes a multiple part ball stud that is press fit together and then assembled with a ball socket. The ball socket is ultrasonically welded to a ball joint housing, and the ball joint housing is assembled to a heated link to form a strong mechanical joint therebetween. The weld joint between the ball socket and the housing is positioned near the bottom of the ball socket, away from high stress areas of the housing. An annular seal is adhered between an inwardly facing portion of the housing and an outwardly facing portion of the ball stud to heremetically seal the joint.

Abstract: A supporting joint having a casing and a ball pin held therein comprises, on the pin side, a support having a bearing shell and, oppositely to the pin, a pressure shell. A cutout is provided in the central region of the pressure shell. On the rear side the pressure shell is provided with a cover having a support surface. Referred to the installed joint, the thickness of the pressure shell in a central support region, measured in the uninstalled state, is greater than the distance between the ball and the support surface of the cover.

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: Disclosed is a ball sleeve structure. The ball sleeve structure has convex ball portions and grooves. The convex ball portions are formed at the middle of its outer circumference and are tightly coupled within a ball race in a housing of a variety of joints. The grooves are formed at both sides of its outer circumference and are coupled with sealing boots. The ball portions are formed at regular thickness in the whole portions, by swaging predetermined portions in a hollow tube with holes at the center thereof, such that a metal flow is continuously connected. The ball sleeve structure can be simply and easily manufactured and has excellent strength and reduced amount of material, thereby being capable of achieving a reduction in the manufacturing costs and a reduction in the weight of the product.

Abstract: Disclosed is a ball-and-socket joint connection, in particular for a holding arm system for holding surgical instruments, with a joint ball sitting in a seat of a joint casing and permitting rotation in several axes and with a ball-shaped joint socket which can be axially displaced to and from the joint ball in a cylindrical section of the joint casing. A magnet is provided which produces a magnetic force between the joint ball and the joint socket such that they are drawn to one another. An actuation element is provided for displacing the joint socket and with this the joint ball is fixable in the seat of the joint casing by way of retracting the joint socket, wherein the joint ball by way of the magnet force is pressed into the seat of the joint casing, and wherein the joint ball by displacing forwards the joint socket with the actuation element is separable from the seat.

Abstract: An assembly for restricting movement of the ball joint utilized in automotive vehicles and the like, comprising a socket (2), a bearing (3), an “O” ring (4), two retaining rings (5) and one protection cap (6). The bearing (3) has a function to lock one of the movements of the ball pin to prevent the fall of the steering bar (7) of vehicles due to the fact that the same is long and curved with the purpose of allowing the entry of the wheels when of the process of maneuvers with the vehicle, specifically when turning. An o-ring (4) has a function to make the sealing between the bearing (3) and the ball pin. The retaining rings (5) serving to lock the protective cap (6) to prevent the entry of dust and other agents in the joint assembly, avoiding possible damages to the movable components of the same.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a split-socket ball joint comprising, a stud with a ball portion and attachment portion, an upper and lower socket capable of being attached to each other, and at least one race disposed with either the upper or lower socket, wherein the race comprises either ball bearings, roller bearings, or a combination thereof, and provides a spherical inner surface to mate with the ball portion of the stud. Furthermore, the split-socket ball joint may be fastened using a reversible fastening means, such as bolting the upper and lower sockets together. The ball joint of the present invention can be dismantled and is therefor repairable. The ball joint is useful for heavy duty applications.

Abstract: A rubber-mounted ball-and-socket joint with stress-optimized bearing geometry is provided. The bearing geometry of a ball-and-socket joint mounted in a rubber-metal bearing is changed such that a sufficiently great pivot angle is guaranteed for the pivot pin and the surface of the elastomer is enlarged at the same time to prolong its life. The bearing is extended beyond the radius of the joint ball on its side located opposite the pivot pin projecting from the bearing. The fulcrum point of the bearing and the fulcrum point of the pivot pin mounted in the inner part having an offset in relation to one another in the axial direction, wherein the inner and outer parts of the bearing are conically expanded. The rubber-mounted ball-and-socket joint may have, on at least one side, at least one insert with a Shore hardness lower than that of the elastomer. The insert may be inserted into the elastomer.

Abstract: A ball joint for different applications in special car suspension is disclosed. The ball joint includes a pin (1) with a first end for fixing in a counterpart, and a second spherical end (2), that is encased in a bearing (3) of consequently spherical internal profile, that by its turn is mounted in the internal area of a housing (4), whose external area is intended for fixing in a second counterpart. The housing (4) is closed over a retaining ring (5), that by its turn presses the bearing (3) and the pin (1), in such a way as to prevent axial or radial moving between the parts, including the dismounting of the assembly, but allowing rotational and oscillatory movements required for the operation of the assembly. Further, the retaining ring (5) supports the external (6) and the internal (7) sealings, preferably vulcanized, both of the area between the retaining ring (5) and the housing (4) and of the area between the retaining ring (5) and the pin (1).

Abstract: A ball-and-socket joint preferably for vehicle suspensions or steerings of motor vehicles with a joint housing, with a housing cover closing the joint housing on one side, and with a pivot pin, which is mounted rotatably and deflectably in at least one bearing shell using a spherical bearing surface, is described. The bearing shell is in turn stationarily fixed in the joint housing and an elastic buffer element (6) is arranged on the outside of the joint housing (3) facing away from the pivot pin (1).

Abstract: A connection between a steering knuckle arm and tie rod linkage. A spherical bearing having an integral seal formed thereon is disposed within a machined bore formed in one of the steering knuckle arm or tie rod linkage. A mounting stud is pressed into the spherical bearing and extends to the other of the steering knuckle or tie rod end of which the spherical bearing is disposed and extends there through to threadingly engage a nut to secure the mounting stud and firmly connect the steering knuckle arm to the tie rod linkage. The integral seals eliminate the need for separate boot seals thus forming a closer and more precise connection between the steering knuckle arm and tie rod linkage.

Abstract: A suspension assembly is provided including a pair of stabilizer bar links which interconnect the opposite ends of a stabilizer bar to a pair of suspension members. Each stabilizer bar link has a central body or housing constructed of a polymeric resin including 20 to 40% glass fill for increased mechanical properties. A bowl is formed at each end of the housing and is adapted to support a bearing member defining a socket. A ball segment of a ball stud is disposed in the socket to facilitate angular movement of the ball stud relative to the bowl. The bearing member includes a plurality of axial slots extending from an open end of the socket to define resilient socket tabs for enabling the bearing member to snap over and retain the ball stud. The bearing member also includes a collar segment which engages the bowl, and a plurality of circumferential spring tabs engaging the ball stud to provide for wear compensation and to reduce the effect of axial compression variation.

Abstract: A tie rod end (16) comprises a metal stem (30) having a first surface (44) defining a first chamber (48). A ball stud (130) has a ball end (132) and a stud shaft (134). A plastic bearing (70) is located in the first chamber (48). The plastic bearing (70) includes a tubular sleeve portion (72) press fit in the first chamber (48). The tubular sleeve portion (72) has an open first end (76) and an opposing second end (78). The stud shaft (34) extends through the open first end (76). The tubular sleeve portion (72) includes a second surface (96) partially defining a second chamber (90). The second surface (96) engages the ball end (132) for relative sliding movement. The plastic bearing (70) further includes a plastic plug member (110) disposed in the second chamber (90). The plastic plug member (110) is fixedly attached to the tubular sleeve portion (72) and closes the second end (78) of the tubular sleeve portion. The plastic plug member (110) engages the ball end (132) for relative sliding movement.

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 V-configuration torque rod has an apex pivotal joint assembly which includes either a single forging or a pair of eyelets each of which form one arm of the V. An intermediate sleeve is located within the forging or each eyelet and an elastomeric bearing socket is located within the sleeve. The bearing socket defines a pocket within which a bar-pin journal is located. Each eyelet of the apex pivotal joint assembly is connected to a tube which is connected to an end pivotal joint assembly. Each end pivotal joint assembly has an internal joint configuration the same as the apex pivotal joint assembly.

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 ball joint having a cylindrical housing containing a plurality of projections. A cylindrical ball seat is inserted within the housing and secured to the housing by the plurality of projections. A ball stud having a spherical head portion is rotatably disposed within the ball seat, and a cap is disposed at and secured to the lower, outside portion of the ball seat.

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: A bearing set for a ball and socket joint comprises an inner and outer bearing with a head of a ball stud engaging an inner seat face of each of the bearings. An axial compression preload results when the bearing set and ball stud are inserted into a socket and the socket is closed. To eliminate internal machining of the socket to precise tolerances, the outer peripheral surfaces of the bearings are provided with a plurality of deformable alternating ribs and grooves. The ribs cooperate with the grooves to conform the bearings to the dimensions of the socket and produce and preload the ball and socket joint assembly.

Abstract: To provide a simple and quality improving manufacturing process for a bearing shell, particularly for rotatable and, to a limited extent, tiltable support of a ball pivot in a joint housing of a ball-and-socket joint comprising a one-piece ball socket (1) made of plastic, in which a ball above and below its equatorial plane (6) is supportable in form-fit manner at least in a spherical zone (7) along the inner surface (3) of the ball socket (1), it is proposed to provide the ball socket (1), which has a closed lateral surface (8), with elastically deformable segments (2) extending substantially meridionally in axial direction. Furthermore proposed is a ball-and-socket joint with a bearing shell (1) formed in this manner.

Abstract: Sliding contact portions on an inner surface of a bearing seat slidably support a ball head of a ball stud in a housing. Spaces between one or more of the sliding contact portions contain lubricant reserves. Load receiving portions on the outer surface of the bearing seat facing the housing also support the load placed on the ball stud. Protruding portions on the sliding contact portions decrease contact surface area and permit lubricant to cover nearly the entire ball head surface. The load receiving portions and sliding contact portions, including the protruding portions, deform to absorb repeated heavy loads while maintaining friction compensation and stable torque. The ball joint has an improved ability to compensate for dimensional tolerances, which facilitates component manufacture. The load withstanding ability, lubrication efficiency and durability of the ball joint are thus improved.

Abstract: A joint assembly is provided having a first bearing member engaging a second bearing member and having a sealing washer that is located adjacent to the second bearing member. A wear indicator insert is sandwiched in between the second bearing member and the sealing washer in a pre-compressed condition. The indicator insert includes a head that extends beyond the sealing washer until a certain amount of bearing wear is present in the joint assembly. In addition, the indicator insert cannot be wiggled until a certain degree of wear has occurred in the joint assembly.

Abstract: A non-oscillating joint assembly is disclosed having a bracket with a first end having a tapered bearing portion and a flange located longitudinally upwardly of the tapered bearing portion. The bracket is received in socket member having a first housing. A cap bearing is located in the housing and has a tapered inner bore that matingly engages the bracket tapered bearing portion. The tapered bearing portion is slightly larger than the tapered inner bore to provide a radial pre-load on the cap bearing. An annular bearing is also located in the housing and is positioned so as to contact an upper surface of the flange. A closure member is located below the cap bearing and cooperates with a rim of the housing which is crimped over to securely hold the components in position and also provide an axial pre-load on the cap bearing. Similarly, a second housing on the socket member has a second end cap bearing and a second annular bearing that receive the stud.

Abstract: An articulation head for a clutch-release rocker arm of a friction clutch of a motor vehicle is sealed with respect to dust and abraded material by means of an elastic sleeve. The sleeve is clamped between flanges of a ball shaft and a bearing shell. Consequently, the articulation head is particularly unsusceptible to wear and can be moved virtually without noise.

Abstract: The present innovation pertains to a ball-and-socket joint for wheel suspensions in motor vehicles including a joint ball provided at the end of a ball pin, bearing shell made of plastic for mounting the joint ball, housing which accommodates the bearing shell and which is closed by an inner cover on one side, and from which the ball pin exits on the side opposite the cover, an outer bushing for mounting the joint in a motor vehicle via an elastomeric layer arranged adhesively between the housing and the outer bushing and a movable flange which is rigidly arranged on the outside of the housing and is provided on its radial outer surface with elastomeric coating. The outer bushing of the ball joint is provided with a circular radial flange on a side of the outer cover. The circular radial flange is fixed together with the outer cover by deformation of the material of the edge of the mounting bushing of the motor vehicle part.

Abstract: A stabilizer link rod for linking to suspension arm the stabilizer rotatably fitted to the chassis of a car. The link rod comprises a rod, a socket provided at either end of the rod and having a bore with at least one opening, bearing provided in the bore of the socket, and a ball stud of which a spherical head is grasped in the bearing. Further, the rod and sockets at the opposite ends of the rod are integrally molded in a synthetic resin, and the bearing is molded in a synthetic resin having a good sliding property.

Abstract: A ball and socket joint includes a stud having a shank connected to a ball stud, which is received in a ball stud housing. A one piece bearing shell is provided having a generally spherically shaped hollow body with an inner surface to matingly engage the ball stud and an outer surface for contacting the stud housing. Moreover, the outer bearing shell surface includes a first spherical portion having a first radius and first center and a second spherical portion having a second radius and second center. The first and second centers are axially offset relative to each other to create a converging sphere design that permits a low profile design. The converging sphere design also permits more effective compression pre-loading on the bearing sleeve as compared to a single spherical outer surface.

Abstract: A ball joint (10) supports a first suspension member (14) for movement relative to a second suspension member (40). The first and second suspension members (14, 40) define a steering axis (30). The ball joint (10) comprises a ball stud (100) and a socket (60) having a chamber (74). A bearing (80) is located in the chamber (74). The ball stud (100) has a shank portion (102) for connecting the ball stud for movement with the first suspension member (14). The socket (60) has a mounting portion (64) for connecting the socket for movement with the second suspension member (40). The ball stud (100) has a ball end portion (110) received in the bearing (80) and rotatable in the bearing to provide for relative movement between the first and second suspension members (14, 40). The ball stud (100) and the bearing (80) are movable together in the chamber (74) relative to the socket (60) and the second suspension member (40) in a direction parallel to the steering axis (30).

Abstract: An annular bearing set for a ball and socket joint includes annular inner and outer bearings that has a head of a ball stud engaging an inner seat face of each of the bearings. An axial compression preload results when the bearing set and ball stud are inserted into a socket and the socket is closed. The seat face of the outer bearing is provided with a plurality of compliance grooves and lubrication grooves. The inner bearing is also provided with lubrication grooves. The grooves permit the preloaded bearing set to relax during a predetermined time period, thereby producing a joint that has low torque and low end motion. The bearings are further provided with an alignment mechanism for aligning the lubrication grooves of the inner and outer bearings.

Abstract: A ball joint, particularly a steering joint for motor vehicles, with a joint housing (1) having a spherical ring-shaped bearing surface (1b), in which a ball (2c) arranged on a ball pin (2) is seated so as to be able to rotate and tilt to a limited extent and which is closed off by a lid (3) which is formed in the initial state with an outer diameter exceeding the inner diameter of a smooth-walled cylindrical drillhole (1a) of the joint housing (1) and which in the installed state is supported at its rim (3c) in a force fit on the inner surface of the smooth-walled cylindrical drillhole (1a) in the joint housing (1), characterized in that the lid (3) is formed with a spherical ring-shaped bearing surface (3a) for the ball (2c) on the side of the ball equator away from the spherical ring-shaped bearing surface (1b) of the joint housing (1).

Abstract: A ball and socket joint includes a bearing set having an upper bearing and a lower bearing that have respective rim portions that are shaped for complementary overlapping engagement to create a radial and axial preload on a ball and socket joint assembly. The upper and lower bearings include generally spherical inner surfaces for contacting a ball stud outer surface. A socket housing includes a generally cylindrical inner wall for contacting outer surfaces of the upper and lower bearings. The upper and lower bearing rims overlap at a bearing to bearing interface that is preferably at the equator of the ball stud.

Abstract: A ball joint assembly (10) includes a housing (12) having a socket chamber (20). A bearing (22) is disposed in the socket chamber. A ball stud has a head end portion (30) enclosed by the bearing (22) and a shank portion (34) which extends out of the housing (12). A retainer (38) applies force against an outer end portion (40) of the bearing (22) to press an inner end portion (44) of the bearing firmly against a locating surface (46) of the housing. A torque adjustment assembly (64) is operable to adjust the torque required to rotate the ball stud (32) about a longitudinal central axis (36) of the shank portion (34). The torque adjustment assembly (64) includes a force transmitting member (70) and an adjustment member (72). The adjustment member (72) is operable to press the force transmitting member (70) against the flexible inner end portion (26) of the bearing to vary the force applied against the head end portion (30) of the ball stud (32).

Abstract: A ball stud (30) has a ball end (32) received in a socket (60) to form a ball and socket joint (20). A boot seal (10) has a first end portion (82) for encircling and sealingly engaging a portion (78) of the socket (60). The boot seal (10) has a second end portion (84) which defines an opening (94) through which the ball stud (30) extends. The second end portion (84) of the boot seal (10) has portions (140, 150, 160, 170) which permit relative angular movement of the ball stud (30) and the socket (60) in a first direction (A) and block relative angular movement of the ball stud and the socket in a second direction (C).

Abstract: A ball and socket joint is disclosed. The joint comprises two hard, self-adjusting, tapered side bearing halves with inner spherical faces. The inner spherical faces are lined with a low friction synthetic filament impregnated fabric overlay bonded to the spherical face by stiff reinforced polymer based adhesives, ceramic based adhesives or other high temperature adhesives. The bearing halves receive a ball stud sphere and are compression pre-loaded into a socket. Bearing taper is controlled so that minute filament particles fill microscopic low places of the stud sphere as the sphere moves or articulates within the bearing against the compressed fabric overlay. The sphere becomes very smooth and minimizes friction within the joint and improves bearing life and performance of the joint. The fabric may also be bonded to an inner surface of a hemispherical cup which is placed adjacent the bearing halves prior to assembly of the joint.

Abstract: A ball joint having a polymeric housing with an integral bearing seat for receiving a ball stud. A polymeric cap attaches to the housing and includes a bearing cavity for contacting the ball stud. The housing and bearing cap each have retention features that cooperate to securely assemble the joint. A pattern of reinforcing ribs are optionally provided on the outer surface of the housing to increase strength and dimensional stability.

Abstract: A process for preparing a low-friction ball joint and a ball joint prepared according to this process are presented, wherein a ball pivot with a joint ball made integrally in one piece with it is fitted into an insert ring via the intermediary of a bearing shell, which is cylindrical on the outside at least in some areas, the insert ring is subsequently screwed with its external thread into the internal thread of a housing in a self-locking manner, and the insert ring is then additionally tightened in the housing.

Abstract: A ball joint with a ball (1a) that is arranged on a gudgeon (1) and situated in a ball socket in a rotatable and tiltable fashion. The ball socket consists of plastic and is closed on one side. The ball socket is arranged in a housing (3). The ball socket is sealed at its opening, which faces the gudgeon (1), by a sealing bellows (4) arranged between the housing (3) and the gudgeon (1). An edge (4a) of the sealing bellows (4) on the side of the ball is clamped in the axial direction between the housing (3) and an extension (2a) of the ball socket (2) on the side of the gudgeon.

Abstract: A ball joint assembly is disclosed which comprises a generally cylindrical housing having a recess at one end thereof with a circumferential lip, a ball element disposed in the housing, and a joint pin connected to the ball element and extending from the housing. The assembly further includes a polymeric bearing disposed over the ball element in the housing and a cover plate for sealing the ball element and bearing in the housing and preventing contaminants from entering the housing.

Abstract: A ball joint of the present invention joins a pair of members so that relative pivotal movement of the pair of members is permitted. The ball joint comprises a ball stud to be connected to one of the pair of members, a bearing support rod to be connected to the other member, and a cup-shaped bearing for supporting the ball stud on the rod. The bearing is formed of an elastic polymeric material and has an expandable open end to permit the ball of the ball stud to be put in and taken out of a hollow defined by the spherical inner surface of the bearing through the open end. The opposite ends of a rod forming the bearing support rod is bent in a ring-shaped heads, respectively. When the bearing is fitted in the ring-shaped head, the ring-shaped head compresses the bearing so that the ball of the ball stud is unable to come off the bearing.

Abstract: A preloaded pivot joint has a threaded ball seat that is screwed into an open end of the joint housing to adjust the axial load on the ball stud and consequent torque characteristics. The adjusted position of the ball seat is then maintained by swaging the joint housing inwardly to engage a hexagonal portion of the ball seat that is used to screw the ball seat into the housing.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a ball-and-socket joint composed of a ball pivot (1) and a joint housing (3), in which the coupling ball (1a), is supported, such that it can be twisted and tilted to a limited extent, by a plastic bearing shell (2). The bearing shell (2) supports the coupling ball (1a) both above and below the equator (1b) of the ball, at least in the region of a bearing surface (2a',2c') in the form of an annular segment of a sphere. In order to create a mountable ball-and-socket joint, which guarantees the creation and retention of defined joint characteristics over the entire service life of the joint, at least the part of the bearing shell (2) supporting the surface of the coupling ball (1a) lying below the equator (1b) of the ball is divided into at least two sections (2a), each hinge delimited by a film hinge (2b), which together form a bearing surface (2a') in the form of an annular segment of a sphere.