Patent ID: 6505990
Filing Date: 2003-01-14
Classification: B60G,F16C,Y10T

Abstract:
A ball and socket joint assembly comprising:a) a ball and stud integrally joined together, said ball disposed within a socket housing for limited oscillatory and angular articulation movements of the ball and stud with respect to said housing, said housing having a longitudinally extending axis and comprising a unitary cup-shaped body disposed about said axis, said socket housing further comprising a socket bearing liner disposed within the interior of said housing, said liner being formed of a non-metallic compliant material, wherein said liner is adapted to directly physically contact and support said ball for said movements; wherein b) said liner defines two longitudinally disposed half portions comprising semi-spherical interior surfaces adapted to engage exterior complementary semi-spherical surface portions of said ball, said half portions of said liner presenting longitudinally extending confronting surfaces disposed parallel to said axis of said housing, at least one of each of said confronting surfaces comprising a protuberance for spacing said confronting surfaces apart to form a longitudinally extending gap therebetween.