The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jul. 03, 2001
Filed:
Nov. 09, 1998
Jared C. Pulling, Grand Rapids, MI (US);
Jeffrey L. Kincaid, Clarkston, MI (US);
Darrell L. Jacques, Clinton Township, MI (US);
American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc., Detroit, MI (US);
Abstract
A suspension assembly is provided including a pair of stabilizer bar links which interconnect the opposite ends of a stabilizer bar to a pair of suspension members. Each stabilizer bar link has a central body or housing constructed of a polymeric resin including 20 to 40% glass fill for increased mechanical properties. A bowl is formed at each end of the housing and is adapted to support a bearing member defining a socket. A ball segment of a ball stud is disposed in the socket to facilitate angular movement of the ball stud relative to the bowl. The bearing member includes a plurality of axial slots extending from an open end of the socket to define resilient socket tabs for enabling the bearing member to snap over and retain the ball stud. The bearing member also includes a collar segment which engages the bowl, and a plurality of circumferential spring tabs engaging the ball stud to provide for wear compensation and to reduce the effect of axial compression variation. A polymeric retention cap is snap fit into each bowl of the housing to secure the ball stud and the bearing member therein.