Patent ID: 6102604
Filing Date: 2000-08-15
Classification: B60G,F16C,F16D,Y10T

Abstract:
A ball and socket joint having a boot seal, the combination comprising:a socket with a cavity having a ceiling with a first radial notch therein;at least one annular bearing receivable within said socket, said bearing having an inner seat face and an axial surface that is generally parallel to said ceiling such that said axial surface engages and contacts said ceiling when said annular bearing is received within said socket;a ball stud with a stud head and a shank, said stud head engaging said seat face;a boot seal that has an expandable body portion and a sealing lip, said lip having a bulb that is slightly larger than said first radial notch, said bulb being receivable within said first radial notch such that said bulb is compressively retained within said first radial notch during insertion of said bearing into said cavity of said socket, said axial surface of said bearing serving to compress said bulb within said first radial notch to mechanically secure said bulb internally within said socket.