Patent ID: 6199526
Filing Date: 2001-03-13
Classification: F01L,Y10T

Abstract:
In an internal combustion engine having a valve assembly and a rocker arm assembly with a rocker arm coupling interposed therebetween, the rocker arm coupling comprising a first coupling member engageable relative to the valve assembly and a second coupling member engageable relative to the rocker arm assembly, the first coupling member having a socket for receiving a ball extending from the second coupling member:the improvement comprising:a retainer comprising a unitary polymeric material having a mounting portion and a resilient restricting portion;said mounting portion of said retainer being engageable with the first coupling member for securing said retainer to the first coupling member;said restricting portion comprising a plurality of angularly disposed resilient protuberances extending from said mounting portion in an angular direction inwardly into the socket; andsaid plurality of angularly disposed resilient protuberances of said restricting portion preferentially permitting insertion of the ball into the socket upon deformation of said resilient protuberances and preferentially inhibiting removal of the ball from the socket.