Patent ID: 6397805
Filing Date: 2002-06-04
Classification: F01L,F16C,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 and with an annular recess delineated within the first coupling member:the improvement comprising: a resilient retainer comprising a resilient mounting portion and a resilient restricting portion; said resilient mounting portion of said resilient retainer having a plurality of projections being engageable with the recess delineated within the first coupling member for resiliently securing said resilient retainer to the first coupling member; a plurality of voids defined in said resilient mounting portion and located adjacent to said plurality of projections, respectively; and said resilient restricting portion permitting insertion of the ball into the socket defined in the first coupling member upon deformation of said resilient restricting portion with said resilient restricting portion inhibiting removal of the ball from the socket.