Joints and connections – Articulated members – Pivoted
Reexamination Certificate
1999-09-16
2002-02-05
Kim, Harry C. (Department: 3629)
Joints and connections
Articulated members
Pivoted
C403S127000, C403S135000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06343889
ABSTRACT:
The present invention relates to a ball joint assembly. More specifically, this invention relates to a split-socket ball joint, wherein each socket comprises a race configured to mate with the ball portion of a stud.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Ball joint assemblies, typically manufactured for automotive use, comprise stamped metal housings (e.g. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,163,772; 5,066,160; 5,492,427). The edge of the joining surfaces may be beaded to close off the assembly in order to increase strength and ensure a seal to limit lubricant leakage, or the lower end of the ball joint socket is deformed to encase the ball portion of the stud and preload the bearing (e.g. U.S. Pat. No. 5,163,722). It is not possible to disassemble these types of ball joints once they are deformed and preloaded. Furthermore, such ball joints may comprise bearing shells that are disposed between the ball portion of the stud and the socket wall. For example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,492,427 there is disclosed a plastic bearing shell laterally disposed between the ball portion of the stud and socket wall. However, in rough or heavy use, the bearing shell becomes pitted and with repeated shock breaks down. These types of ball joints are suitable for light duty use, however, they are not suitable for off-road, or repeated heavy duty use.
Elastomeric bearings encapsulating the end of a stud are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,163,772; 5,4,725,159 or 4,927,285. The bearing is elastically deformed and fits into an open end of a socket thereby taking the shape of the socket, and can be preloaded upon deformation of the socket as described above. This type of ball joint design is suitable for light duty use.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,028,784 discloses a ball joint assembly comprising two housings for use in a steering assembly. These housing are held together by butt welding under a compressive load in order to preload the ball joint assembly. The compressive load fractures frangible annular bushing-like bearings within the ball joint in order to produce a plurality of self-aligning bearing pieces each comprising a quarter of the bearing surface. The bronze bushing-like bearings are generally annular in configuration with a spherical inner surface to mate with the ball portion of the stud. The annular bushing-like bearings are fit within the upper and lower sockets. Again, such a design does not permit for any repair or replacement of component parts as the housing halves are permanently welded. Furthermore, the annular bearings, while helping to reduce the friction between the stud and socket, are suitable for light duty use only.
There is a need of a ball joint assembly which can be used for heavy duty applications that effectively provides for reduced friction between the ball portion of the stud and the socket. Furthermore, there is a need for a ball joint assembly that optionally permits easy repair and replacement of component parts.
The present invention is directed to a ball joint assembly that includes a stud, upper and lower sockets each capable of receiving a bearing race configured to matingly fit the ball portion of the stud. The upper and lower sockets are optionally reversibly fastened together to permit for repair of the ball joint assembly.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a ball joint assembly. More specifically, this invention relates to a split-socket ball joint, wherein each socket comprises a race configured to mate with the ball portion of a stud.
According to the present invention there is provided a split-socket ball joint comprising, a stud with a ball portion and attachment portion, an upper and lower socket capable of being attached by a suitable fastening means, and at least one race disposed with said upper or lower socket, wherein said at least one race comprises either ball bearings, roller bearings, or a combination thereof, said at least one race providing a spherical inner surface to mate with said ball portion of said stud. Preferably, said suitable fastening means is a reversible fastening means, and more preferably comprises bolting said upper and lower sockets together. Furthermore, said race comprises roller bearings.
The present invention also provides for a split-socket ball joint as defined above, wherein at least one of said upper or lower socket is slightly hollowed thereby providing a preload to the ball joint when attached by said suitable fastening means.
This invention is also directed to a split-socket ball joint as defined above, wherein said suitable fastening means is welding.
The present invention also includes a split-socket ball joint as defined above, wherein either the upper or lower socket further comprise a lip that matingly fits with a recess on the corresponding lower or upper socket, respectively.
The present invention includes a split-socket ball joint wherein said upper and lower sockets are machined from SAE 4340 heat treated material, or said upper and lower sockets are forged.
This invention is also directed a split-socket ball joint wherein said stud is machined from SAE 8620 material.
The present invention also embraces a split-socket ball joint comprising:
a stud with a ball portion and attachment portion, said stud is machined from SAE 8620 material;
an upper and lower socket capable of being bolted together, said sockets machined from SAE 4340 heat treated material; and
two races disposed with said upper and lower sockets, wherein said race comprises roller bearings and provides a spherical inner surface to mate with said ball portion of said stud;
wherein at least one of said upper or lower socket is slightly hollowed thereby providing a preload to the ball joint when attached by said suitable fastening means; and
wherein either the upper or lower socket further comprise a lip that matingly fits with a recess on the corresponding lower or upper socket, respectively.
The present invention is directed to ball joints comprised of a stud with a ball portion, two sockets within which is disposed at least one race fitted with either ball, roller or a combination of ball and roller bearings. The upper and lower sockets of the ball joint of this invention may be reversibly attached thereby permitting repair of the ball joint. Prior art ball joints are not serviceable in this manner. Furthermore, the bearing material of the present invention is much more resilient than the plastic bearing shells, or elastomeric materials used within prior art ball joints and ensures the free movement of the ball portion of the stud within the socket assembly, under load conditions. The present invention provides for a ball joint capable of withstanding appreciable loads and is suitable for rugged, off-road vehicle use.
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Hendricks Chuck
Volkaert Joe
Haynes and Boone LLP
Kim Harry C.
Odyssey X-Treme Technologies, Inc.
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