Patent ID: 8801318
Filing Date: 2014-08-12
Classification: F16C,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A joint for use in a suspension system including an elongated suspension member, the joint comprising: an outer race configured to be coupled to a cylinder of the elongated suspension member, wherein the outer race includes a contact portion; an inner race coupled to the outer race and moveable relative to the outer race; a shaft coupled to the inner race; a first collar including a coupling portion fixed to the shaft, a ring portion extending toward the inner race from the coupling portion, and an interfacing portion having a base extending radially outward from a centerline of the shaft and a limiting protrusion extending toward the outer race from the base and defining an angled contact surface, the angled contact surface interfacing with the contact portion of the outer race to limit the movement of at least one of the inner race and the shaft relative to the outer race, wherein the first collar and the shaft comprise separate components press fit together; and a seal member including a base portion fixed to the first collar to prevent sliding there between and an elongated portion extending radially outward and toward the outer race from the base portion and defining a periphery surface, wherein the periphery surface is slidably coupled to a portion of the cylinder of the elongated suspension member to form a seal; wherein the first collar limits the movement of the at least one of the shaft and the inner race to a range of motion that is offset relative to a longitudinal axis of the outer race so that the seal member maintains the seal between the one of the shaft and the first collar and the portion of the cylinder of the elongated suspension member.