Completely Spacing The Members Patents (Class 403/140)
  • Patent number: 12257874
    Abstract: A ball joint assembly for a vehicle includes a mounting part including an inner circumference part forming a hole in a vertical direction; a ball stud including a ball and a stud extending from the ball; a bearing coupled to surround the ball and disposed in the hole; and an insert molding part for filling the space of the hole formed between the inner circumference part and the outer surface of the bearing. The inner circumference part includes at least one upper protruding part protruding from an upper area thereof in a direction toward a central axis of the hole and at least one lower protruding part protruding from a lower area thereof in a direction toward the central axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2025
    Assignee: ILJIN CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hee Mun Jeong, Hyun Ho Park
  • Patent number: 12215738
    Abstract: A three-point link having two control arms forming an acute angle and meet at a central joint. The central joint has a cylindrical dome extending perpendicular to a plane defined by the control arms. The central joint has a joint ball penetrated by the dome. To prevent separation of the central joint, it has a captive securing device which functions as a stop that extends perpendicular to an axial direction. The securing device is penetrated by the dome and is secured against axial withdrawal by an annular securing element. Viewed in axial direction, the annular securing element is arranged on a side of the captive securing device) remote of the joint ball and engages in a circumferential groove of the dome. The annular securing element is snugly surrounded in radial direction by the captive securing device to prevent a withdrawal of the annular securing element from the circumferential groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2025
    Assignee: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Günter Reddehase, Jörg Heemann
  • Patent number: 12215739
    Abstract: A ball joint reducing influence on a characteristic by fixing a plug by swaging while preventing corotation of a bearing sheet. The ball joint includes a housing-including a housing body part and the plug fixed to the housing body part at one end portion thereof by swaging and closing the housing body part at the one end portion. The ball joint includes the cylindrical bearing sheet rotatably holding a ball part and housed and held in the housing. The bearing sheet includes a groove formed at an end facing the plug. The plug includes a projection inserted into the groove. The height of the projection is less than the depth of the groove, the width of the projection is greater than the width of the groove, and the projection contacts the bearing sheet at a width smaller on an inner side than on an outer side relative to the groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2025
    Assignee: SOMIC MANAGEMENT HOLDINGS INC.
    Inventor: Tomoya Hirano
  • Patent number: 12172724
    Abstract: A steering knuckle includes a housing and an extension arm. One end of the extension arm is disposed on the housing on a side corresponding to a position of a rear wheel. A first assembly hole configured to fit a ball joint tie rod is created at another end of the extension arm. The housing includes a bottom face as well as a first end face and a second end face disposed opposite to each other on the bottom face. A second assembly hole configured to fit a ball joint lower control arm is created on the first end face. A third assembly hole configured to fit a ball joint upper control arm assembly is created on the second end face. A connecting line between the second assembly hole and the third assembly hole forms a kingpin axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2024
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2024
    Assignee: CONTEMPORARY AMPEREX TECHNOLOGY (HONG KONG) LIMITED
    Inventors: Changxing Sun, Xiaowei Yu
  • Patent number: 11982309
    Abstract: A ball joint includes: a ball stud including a stud portion having one end portion connected to a structural member and another end portion, to which a ball portion is integrally joined; a housing made of metal and configured to support the ball portion to allow swinging and rotating movement of the ball portion; and a ball seat made of plastic and interposed between the housing and the ball portion. The ball seat includes a plurality of protrusions jutting out from the ball seat and inserted into a plurality of through holes formed in a bottom portion of the housing. The protrusions having pierced through the through holes are staked at their distal portions. The protrusion of the ball seat has a large diameter portion, whose diameter is larger than an inner diameter of the through hole, at its proximal portion proximal from the distal portion thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: NHK SPRING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shigeru Kuroda, Yuya Nagata
  • Patent number: 11982310
    Abstract: A ball joint for a chassis of a vehicle. The ball joint has an inner joint portion (2) and a slide bearing (7). The inner joint portion (2) is movably fitted in the slide bearing (7). The ball joint further has a closure element (5) for closing a joint housing. The slide bearing (7) and the closure element (5) are connected to one another. To reduce the number of components and/or the number of assembly steps, the ball joint (1) is characterized in that the slide bearing (7), for the inner joint portion (2), is made as a single, one-piece plastic component (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Thomas Kramer, Josef Holtheide
  • Patent number: 11859657
    Abstract: One aspect of the present invention is related to a ball socket assembly that includes a housing with an inner bore and at least one open end. The ball socket assembly also includes a ball stud which is partially received in the inner bore of the housing. An exit bearing supports the ball stud and is positioned in the inner bore adjacent the at least one open end. The exit bearing includes a plastic piece and a metal piece which are connected with one another. The metal piece has a semi-conical shape. The housing is deformed adjacent the at least one open end to capture the exit bearing within the inner bore. In operation, the metal piece reinforces the plastic piece to transfer forces between the ball stud and the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Federal-Mogul Motorparts LLC
    Inventors: Andrew Auquier, Glen Parker, Thomas J. Byrnes, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11754114
    Abstract: An axial ball joint includes a ball stud including a stud portion and a ball portion; a metal housing configured to rotatably support the ball portion of the ball stud; a resin ball sheet provided in an interposed manner between the ball portion and the housing. The housing is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape by press work. The housing has a bottom wall and a peripheral side wall which are set respectively to thicknesses substantially equal to each other. The bottom wall and the peripheral side wall of the housing have therebetween a boundary portion formed with multiple rib portions which project in a brace shape from outside to inside of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: NHK SPRING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Shigeru Kuroda
  • Patent number: 11698101
    Abstract: The ball socket assembly includes a housing with an inner bore, and a bearing is received in the inner bore. The bearing is made as a monolithic piece of a plastic material and has a curved bearing surface which surrounds a ball cavity. The ball socket assembly also includes a ball stud with a ball portion and a shank portion. The ball portion is received in the ball cavity of the bearing and has an equator. The curved bearing surface of the bearing is in slidable contact with the ball portion on opposite axial sides of the equator. The plastic material of the bearing comprises 8-12 mass percent polytetrafluoroethylene, 2-6 mass percent carbon fibers, and the remainder acetal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: Federal-Mogul Motorparts LLC
    Inventors: Sidney Paerewyck, Johannes Kankare, Thomas J. Byrnes, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11668433
    Abstract: A locking system securing an image scanning device to a container includes a compressible material. The compressible material is disposed between a first securing plate and a second securing plate. A rotational element is disposed within curved edges of the first and second securing plates, where the curved edges each curve away from the compressible material. A shaft extends from the rotational element to the image scanning device. A fastener is secured through the first and second securing plates, and into the securing surface to lock the rotational element, and subsequently the shaft and image scanning device, in place. The locking system can be secured to a pitched surface to naturally position the image scanning device perpendicular to level ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: AGI SURETRACK LLC
    Inventors: Luke Kelly, Corey Barkhurst, Cole Fincham
  • Patent number: 11635184
    Abstract: A ball socket assembly is provided that includes a ball socket having a socket base with a plurality of socket legs extending therefrom, the socket legs include ball stud interface surfaces forming a ball cavity for receiving and selectively engaging a ball head of a ball stud, a plurality of slots extending between the plurality of socket legs, a lower abutment wall having a bend line and situated in the socket base, and a flexible securing substrate positioned under the lower abutment wall, the socket assembly further including a mating boss substrate having a first boss inner passage with a first passage inside diameter, a second boss inner passage having a second passage inside diameter, wherein the first passage inside diameter is greater than the second passage inside diameter, a boss transition wall between the first boss inner passage and the second boss inner passage, and a boss bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: Asyst Technologies L.L.C.
    Inventor: Scott Fladhammer
  • Patent number: 11460068
    Abstract: An axial ball joint is provided with: a ball stud including a stud section and a ball section; a metallic housing which rotatably supports the ball section of the ball stud; and a resin-made ball seat which is provided to be interposed between the ball section and the housing. The housing is formed into a bottomed cylinder shape by pressing. The thickness of a bottom wall and the thickness of a circumferential side wall of the housing are set to be equal to each other. A plurality of bead sections are formed on the inner bottom of the housing by press-molding or forging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: NHK SPRING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Shigeru Kuroda
  • Patent number: 11415265
    Abstract: A locking system securing an image scanning device to a container includes a first and second compressible material. A first securing plate is disposed between the first and second compressible materials, while a second securing plate is adjacent to the second compressible material on a surface opposite a surface of the second compressible material that is adjacent to the first securing plate. A ball is disposed within curved edges of the first and second securing plates, where the curved edges each curve away from the second compressible material. A shaft extends from the ball to the image scanning device. A fastener is secured through the first and second securing plates, and into the securing surface to lock the ball, and subsequently the shaft and image scanning device, in place. The locking system can be secured to a pitched surface to naturally position the image scanning device perpendicular to level ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: AGI SURETRACK LLC
    Inventors: Luke Kelly, Corey Barkhurst, Cole Fincham
  • Patent number: 11396906
    Abstract: The ball socket assembly includes a housing which has at least one open end and an inner bore that extends along a central axis. The ball socket assembly further includes a ball stud that has a ball portion and a shank portion. The ball portion is disposed in the inner bore of the housing, and the shank portion extends out of the inner bore through the at least one open end. At least one bearing is disposed in the inner, and the at least one bearing has a bearing surface which is in direct contact with the ball portion of the ball stud. The at least one bearing is made of a monolithic piece of a spring-like material and has a single gap and is flexed to preload the at least one bearing against the ball portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Assignee: Federal-Mogul Motorparts, LLC
    Inventors: John Blair, Brian Krueger, Thomas J. Byrnes, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11345202
    Abstract: A three-point suspension link has a housing supported by a ball joint so as to be rotatably and swivelably movable relative to an axle connection of the link. The link further has a captive securing arrangement functioning as a stop and extending perpendicular to the central axis of the axle connection so as to prevent a separation of the housing and axle connection in the event of failure of the ball joint. The captive securing arrangement extends perpendicular to the central axis of the axle connection operatively in two spatial directions. The three-point suspension link is formed as an axle guide link for guiding a rigid axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Günter Reddehase, Jörg Heemann
  • Patent number: 11326641
    Abstract: The ball joint assembly includes a housing with an inner wall which surrounds an inner bore that extends along a central axis. The ball joint assembly further includes a ball stud with a ball portion and a shank portion. The ball portion is received in the inner bore of the housing, and the shank portion projects out of the inner bore through an open end of the housing. First and second preload members are disposed in the inner bore on opposite axial sides of the ball portion and are in contact with the ball portion. The preload members are of an elastomeric material. At least one of the preload members is compressed to urge the ball portion to a central location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: Federal-Mogul Motorparts LLC
    Inventor: Roger Sellers
  • Patent number: 11009063
    Abstract: A spherical bearing for a damper system includes a first segment and a second segment with a ball therebetween. The ball includes a shaft extending therefrom. The shaft extends out of the first segment. A lubricious liner is disposed between the first segment and the second segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: Roller Bearing Company of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Jarrod McGuire, Travis Gipson, Brian Rowe, Jr., Bradley Smith
  • Patent number: 10844900
    Abstract: A radial ball joint (1, 50, 70) for a vehicle having a housing (2, 51) for holding a joint ball (11) of a ball stud (6) so that the ball stud can rotate and pivot. An upper bearing shell (7), made from a steel sheet, is arranged between an inside wall (10) of the housing (2, 51) and the joint ball (11). The upper bearing shell (7) is in contact with the joint ball (11) over a contact zone (21) to provide the joint ball (11) with a circumferential slide bearing between its equator (12) and its upper pole (13). The upper bearing shell (7) is in the form of an annular, circumferentially closed drawn component and has in the contact zone (21) with the joint ball (11). A number of lubrication grooves (14), pass through a wall (20) of the upper bearing shell (7), in an embossment manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Günter Reddehase, Uwe Petersen, Dirk Sokolihs, Frank Hensel
  • Patent number: 10808605
    Abstract: An actuating device for operating an actuating element of a turbocharger, comprises an actuating drive for generating an actuating force; and a coupling device which is mechanically coupled to the actuating drive and to the actuating element and which is designed to transmit the actuating force to the actuating element; wherein the coupling device has a coupling rod which is coupled, in each case by means of a joint, both to the actuating drive and to the actuating element; at least one of the joints is formed as a ball joint and has a ball socket and a ball head; and a sphere-like surface either of the ball head or of the ball socket of the corresponding joint is formed such that the ball head and the ball socket are in contact by way of at least two contact points in the assembled state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: Vitesco Technologies GmbH
    Inventor: Mark Paulov
  • Patent number: 10610005
    Abstract: A cosmetic applicator comprises a grip, a holder shaft that extends from the grip, the holder shaft comprising a longitudinal axis, an applicator region, one end of the applicator region being connected to a ball stud, and a buffer element that is disposed inside the holder shaft and is in contact with one end of the ball stud. The applicator region pivots at a desired angle of up to 90° around the longitudinal axis, and is adjusted to any desired angles and any directions off the longitudinal axis. The ball stud is connected to the holder shaft. The holder shaft comprises an eye which acts as a socket for the ball stud to fit securely into and allows adjustments to be made in any direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: AA R&D LLC
    Inventors: Yoon H. Kim, Asher Kim
  • Patent number: 10557496
    Abstract: A ball joint has a bushing with a defined housing space sized to receive ball joint components. The ball joint further has a cage member having an exterior surface that fits within the housing recess and an interior surface with a pattern of raised and recessed portions, and a cup member over-molded on the cage member component. The cup member complements the interior surface pattern of the cage member and includes an interior surface having a circular configuration. The ball joint also has a stem having a ball portion dimensioned to fit within and complement the interior surface of the cup member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: RB Distribution, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph W. Lonergan, III, David J. Grasso, Thomas Allan Reiff
  • Patent number: 9999287
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a packaging container with a smearing component, which includes a container body, a smearing component, a sealing cap and a buckle. The sealing cap engages with the container body and the container body is entirely sealed by the sealing cap. The smearing component is rotatably arranged around an opening end of the container body. A part of the buckle plug is fixed on the container body, the other part thereof matches with an end of the smearing component, and the smearing component is positioned in an axial direction by the buckle plug and the container body. The advantages of the packaging container can be achieved by the smearing component being arranged on a rolling rod of the liquid outlet of the container body and the smearing component being positioned on the container body in the axial direction by means of the buckle plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: SHENZHEN BEAUTY STAR CO., LTD
    Inventors: Ruofei Cheng, Shenzhou Li, Zhu Bao
  • Patent number: 9841051
    Abstract: A ball joint, in particular for a wheel suspension of a motor vehicle, with a housing. A joint ball is arranged inside the housing and a ball shell is arranged therebetween. The outer surface of the joint ball contacts the inner surface of the housing and on its inner surface against the surface of the ball, such that the ball shell holds the joint ball so that it can move by sliding. The shell is elastic such that when a force acts upon the ball joint, the joint ball can move relative to the housing. As viewed in at least one cross-section plane passing through the mid-point of the ball, the ball shell has a radial thickness that varies, in the circumferential direction, in such manner that the force acting on the ball shell in the circumferential direction is distributed uniformly, particularly over enlarged areas thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Jürgen Gräber, Martin Rechtien
  • Patent number: 9316250
    Abstract: The ball joint includes a housing and a stud with a spherical bearing surface disposed in the housing. The bearing has a concave spherical bearing surface which is brought into sliding abutment with the spherical bearing surface of the stud. The bearing is of a monolithic piece of fiber-reinforced polyamide material and includes carbon fibers which extend circumferentially about the concave spherical bearing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: Federal-Mogul Products, Inc.
    Inventors: James Elterman, Thomas J. Byrnes, Jr., Timmy L. Henson
  • Patent number: 9278602
    Abstract: The inner peripheral side radial direction surface of the fixing portion of the dust cover is abutted to the outer peripheral side radial direction surface of the flange portion of the ball seat, and the end portion of the fixing portion is abutted to the side surface of the outer peripheral side of the ball seat. The outer peripheral side radial direction surface of the fixing portion is pressed toward the flange portion by the radial direction surface pressing portion of the die member, and the fixing portion of the dust cover is held by the radial direction surface pressing portion of the die member and the flange portion. The pressing by the radial direction surface pressing portion is appropriately performed to withstand an injection molding pressure of the resin injection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: NHK SPRING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Shigeru Kuroda
  • Patent number: 9056538
    Abstract: A stabilizer link and a manufacturing method therefor in which there is less concentration of stress, the stud releasing load is improved, and the accuracy of centering of the ring member is improved. A second subassembly is formed by inserting a ball seat of a first subassembly into a ball seat receiving portion of a housing and by arranging a ring member at an opening side of the ball seat. A stopper base portion is abutted to an opening end surface of the ball seat. An outer peripheral end portion taper surface has a taper shape in which a diameter is increased toward an opening side in an axial direction, in a stopper base portion and it is abutted to a slope portion for a stopper base of the housing. An opening side of the ball seat is pressed through the ring member by caulking inwardly a caulking portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: NHK SPRING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Shigeru Kuroda
  • Patent number: 8627569
    Abstract: A radial joint with a metallic housing (1), through the opening (2) on one side of which a ball pivot (3) can be inserted into an interior space (4) of the housing (1). The housing (1) has, in the area of its opening (2), a section (7), which is prepared by machining and which is deformed by a cold forming process. A process for manufacturing a radial joint includes: manufacturing the housing blank, machining of section (7) close to the opening (2) of housing (1), inserting the joint ball (5) of ball pivot (3) into the interior space (4) of housing (1), cold forming of the opening-side edge section of housing (1) until a metallic overlap (13) is attained between the joint ball (5) and housing (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Jürgen Schmitz, Christian Rziczny, Horst Pott, Benjamin Ziebart, Michael Heuer gen. Hallmann
  • Publication number: 20110293359
    Abstract: A ball joint with a housing formed entirely by a cold forming method. The housing having an inner chamber for receiving the joint ball of a ball pin and an opening through which the ball pin extends, and a contact area on the outer surface area of the housing forms a seal with a bellows. A forming section of the housing secures the joint ball within the inner chamber such that the joint pall can both rotate and pivot. Following completion of the housing, the material displaced during the cold forming method creates the forming section of the housing. The method for producing a ball joint comprises the steps of producing a metallic housing blank with a thickening formed by compression, forming the outer contour of the housing by compression, shaping the inner contour of the housing through dishing, and using the displaced material for creating the forming section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Dirk Mahlmann, Frank Schmeink, Benjamin Ziebart, Horst Pott, Christian Rziczny, Michael Heuer Gen Hallmann, Philippe Milos, Wolfgang Kleiner, Reinhard Buhl, Jurgen Schmitz
  • Patent number: 7641413
    Abstract: A ball joint is provided that when a load equal to or greater than a first predetermined value is applied in the axial direction of a ball stud, if a cushion seat is deformed by a predetermined amount, an opposing surface portion contacts a first load receiving portion of a ball seat, preventing the cushion seat from being deformed by a predetermined amount in the central axis direction. When a load equal to or greater than a second predetermined value greater than the first is applied in the axial direction of the ball stud, a second load receiving portion of the ball seatcontacts a bottom surface portion of an inner chamber of a socket, whereby an axial load onto the cushion seat is reduced, and the ball seat prevents the cushion seat from being deformed by a predetermined amount or more in the axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Somic Ishikawa
    Inventors: Kazuharu Shimazu, Takahiro Oda
  • Publication number: 20090236812
    Abstract: A joint arrangement for a vehicle is provided including a joint (7), which has a joint housing (8) and a pivot pin (9) mounted movably in relation thereto. The joint arrangement has a rod (4), which has a cavity (6) and which is connected to the joint (7). A sealing bellows (10) defines an interior space (11) in which the joint (7) is arranged at least partially. A gas-permeable connection (13) connects the cavity (6) of the rod (4) to the interior space (11) of the sealing bellows (10). At least one part of the gas-permeable connection (13) is formed by at least one bore (14), which is formed in the joint (7) and which opens into the cavity (6) of the rod (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2007
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Dirk Mahlmann, Benjamin Ziebart
  • Publication number: 20080213036
    Abstract: A ball and socket joint, for example, for an axle system of a motor vehicle. The ball and socket joint has an essentially ring-shaped or pot-shaped joint housing (1), in the essentially cylindrical interior space of which a ball shell 2 can be arranged. The ball 3 of a ball pivot 4 or of a ball sleeve 8 can be accommodated in the ball shell 2 in a slidingly movable manner. The bearing surface 10 of the ball shell 2 is essentially the same as the surface of an ellipsoid of revolution, whose smaller semiaxis coincides with the axial direction of the ball and socket joint. The construction has advantages in terms of service life, fail-safe operation and load-bearing capacity. The more uniform surface pressure distribution in the bearing gap between the ball shell and joint ball guarantees reduced wear and lower moments of friction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2006
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Inventors: Martin Rechtien, Helmut Noe, Marc Zeidler
  • Patent number: 7306393
    Abstract: An elastomer joint, in particular for chassis parts of motor vehicles, comprising a housing (6), an elastomer body (2) arranged in the housing (6), and a joint body (1) that is arranged in the elastomer body (2), is characterized in that the housing (6) has a cylindrical inner wall, and a spacer (4) is provided that is arranged at an axial end of the elastomer body (2) between the latter and the inner wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: TRW Automotive GmbH
    Inventor: Cengiz Erdogan
  • Patent number: 7261488
    Abstract: A ball socket ring seal for use with a ball joint assembly eliminates the need for a boot or bellows to protect the ball joint against the environment. The ball socket ring seal of the invention is positioned between the ball and the socket at the point of contact between the ball and socket. The ball socket ring seal not only provides a seal against the environment, it further functions as a wiper for the ball during articulation of the ball stud. The ball socket ring seal of the present invention reduces the weight and complexity of the ball joint assembly through the elimination of several parts, including the known boots or bellows, retainer rings, bands and clips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc
    Inventors: Kenneth S. Dobson, Robert K. Dutzi, Dennis M. Mark
  • Patent number: 7226233
    Abstract: A snap-in coupling for releasably connecting a first structural member and a second structural member. The snap-in coupling comprises a female coupling member comprising a plastic support member and a metallic spring clamp, said support member being insertable into a socket provided at said first structural member such that the female coupling member is retained therein, and a male coupling member comprising a mounting portion for being fixed to said second structural member, and a head portion. Said spring clamp and said head portion are arranged to snappingly engage each other when said female coupling member and said male coupling member are inserted into each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Bollhoff Verbindungstechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Rainer SuBenbach, Jochen Rintelmann, Hans-Joachim Dembowsky, Martin Jodeleit
  • Patent number: 7134801
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: NHK Spring Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shigeru Kuroda
  • Patent number: 7040833
    Abstract: A ball joint includes: a ball stud having a spherical ball part and a shank part extending from the spherical ball part; a bearing cupping the spherical ball part of the ball stud; and a housing holding the bearing therein. The housing is provided with a recess in an inner surface thereof. The bearing deforms to enter into the recess of the housing in such a manner that a space is formed between the bearing and the spherical ball part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Musashi Seimitsu Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Kondoh
  • Patent number: 6902344
    Abstract: An angle joint for connecting two components in articulated fashion includes a joint ball, a cup at least partially surrounding the joint ball, and a liner positioned in the cup. The joint ball has a first mounting element for mounting the joint ball on a first component, while the cup has a second mounting element for mounting the cup to a second component. The second mounting element is rotatable about a preferred axis at least through an angular range, and is pivotal relative to the second mounting element. The liner has a nest with a nest opening for receiving the joint ball, at least one sliding surface for slidable mounting of the joint ball, first integrally molded form-fit elements for securing the liner in the cup, and second integrally molded form-fit elements for securing the joint ball inside the liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Igus Spritzgussteile für die Industrie GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Raak, Gerhard Baus, Frank Blase
  • Patent number: 6866441
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: Musashi Seimitsu Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tokuji Yokoyama
  • Patent number: 6840697
    Abstract: Ball-and-socket joint includes a joint housing (1) and a ball head (2) with a ball pivot (3). A bearing shell (4) is disposed between the ball head (2), the joint housing (1), and a housing cover (5). A compressive force is produced between the housing cover (5) and at least a portion of the bearing shell (4). The compressive force acts in an axial direction of the ball pivot (3). The compressive force permanently acts on the portion of the bearing shell (4) and presses the portion of the bearing shell (4) into a gap between the ball head (2) and the joint housing (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: TRW Fahrwerksysteme GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Christoph Dorr
  • Patent number: 6692179
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: ZF Lemförder Metallwaren AG
    Inventors: Manfred Bohne, Klaus Lampe, Stefan Husmann, Franz-Josef Wehri, Stefan Klumpe
  • Patent number: 6554525
    Abstract: A radial ball-and-socket joint is provided with a housing. A bearing shell (2) in the housing rotatably and tiltably accommodates a joint ball (4). The joint ball is part of a ball pivot (3). The ball pivot also has a shaft (5), which projects through a outlet opening (6) of the housing (1). The housing is closed with a cover (7) on the side opposite the outlet opening (6). The bearing shell (2), accommodated in the housing in a positioned manner, has an axially extending continuous slot (8). The cover (7), arranged between the cover and the bearing shell, has a geometry (9) impressed into a damping element (11) on its inner side facing the bearing shell. As a result of the construction the damping element (11) and the bearing shell are fixed in the housing (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: ZF Lemförder Metallwaren AG
    Inventors: Manfred Heidemann, Guido Schulte, Martin Rechtien, Olaf Abels, Frank Berstermann, Rainer Ungruh
  • Patent number: 6488436
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: Societe Mecanique de Villeurbanne
    Inventor: Marie-Laure Modat
  • Patent number: 6386787
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Inventor: Helmut Reichelt
  • Patent number: 6213675
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: ZF Lemförder Metallwaren AG
    Inventors: Rainer Ungruh, Norbert Schmudde, Gerhard Hüneke, Dieter Müller
  • Patent number: 6190080
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Central Corporation
    Inventor: Hee-Bang Lee
  • Patent number: 6164861
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventor: Garth B. Maughan
  • Patent number: 6152640
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Somic Ishikawa
    Inventors: Takahiro Oda, Keiichiro Suzuki
  • Patent number: 6146045
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventor: Garth B. Maughan
  • Patent number: 6123181
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: Mannesmann Sachs AG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Grosspietsch, Stefan Rumpel, Ulrich Husse
  • Patent number: 6113302
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: Lemforder Metallwaren AG
    Inventor: Reinhard Buhl