Patent ID: 7004665

Claim:
A low insertion force snap together automotive coupler for the suspension of a vehicle comprising: a spherical bearing Insert having a first end, a second end, a body portion defining a pocket adapted to engage a ball stud that is integrally formed onto the end of a suspension component, and an axially extending annular flange spaced radially apart from the body portion, thereby defining an annular groove extending around said body portion between said body portion and said flange, said flange including an outer surface having a plurality of outwardly facing ramped ridges extending annularly thereabout; and a receiver adapted to receive said spherical bearing insert after said spherical bearing insert has been placed to a ball stud, said receiver including an liner surface having a plurality of inwardly facing ramped notches extending annularly thereabout, and an axially extending annular flange spaced radially inward from said inwardly facing ramped notches, said inwardly facing ramped notches engaging said outwardly facing ramped ridges of said flange of said spherical bearing insert, and said flange of said inner surface of said receiver being received within said groove between said body portion and said flange of said spherical bearing insert; said ramped notches and said ramped ridges being angled relative to one another such that upon axial insertion, said flange is adapted to deflect inward until said ramped ridges snap into engagement with said ramped notches, thereby preventing said spherical bearing insert from being axially pulled from said receiver and securing said spherical bearing insert within said receiver; said pocket within said spherical bearing insert being shaped such that an axial force tending to pull the ball stud out of said pocket will result in a radial force exerted upon said flange, thereby causing additional force to keep said flange engaged within said receiver.