Patent ID: 7261488
Filing Date: 2007-08-28
Classification: B60G,F16C,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A ball joint assembly comprising: an arm member, a socket housing, the socket housing defining a spherical cavity and a recessed channel, the spherical cavity having an end which is directly connected to an end of the recessed channel, the socket housing being integrally connected to the arm member such that the socket housing is fixed relative to the arm member so as not to move with respect thereto, a ball received within the socket housing, the ball defining an outwardly extending ball stud, the ball being positioned within the spherical cavity of the socket housing, and a ring seal having a continuous, annular shape, an outer peripheral portion and an uninterrupted inner portion, the ring seal being made of a single material having a solid cross-sectional shape, the ring seal being positioned between the socket housing and the ball, the ring seal being securely captured within the recessed channel so as to prevent any substantial sliding movement with respect to the socket housing, the outer peripheral portion of the ring seal being secured within the recessed channel and held in a stationary position relative to the socket housing, and the ring seal extending radially toward and in contact with the ball such that a surface of the inner portion of the ring seal remains in constant contact with the ball, wherein the spherical cavity defines an opening at only one end thereof through which extends the ball stud, and wherein, except for the opening, the spherical cavity is closed to substantially envelope the ball yet still permit the ball to rotate and pivot within the socket housing for pivotal and rotational movement with respect to the arm member, and wherein the closed spherical cavity defines a smooth, continuous, uninterrupted spherical inner surface.