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:
Apr. 16, 2002
Filed:
May. 26, 2000
Garth B. Maughan, Delta, OH (US);
Dana Corporation, Toledo, OH (US);
Abstract
A non-articulating joint assembly is disclosed having a bracket with a first generally cylindrical end that is received in a split-half bearing assembly that has a tapered outer surface. The tapered split-half bearing assembly matingly engages a tapered bore in the first housing of a socket. The tapered split-half bearing is slightly larger than the tapered inner bore to provide a radial pre-load on the assembly bearing. A cap bearing is located in the housing and engages the bottom surface of the tapered split-half assembly bearing. A closure member is located below the cap bearing and cooperates with a spring member and a rim of the first housing that is crimped over to securely hold the components in position and also provide an axial pre-load on the split-half bearing. Similarly, a second housing on the socket member has a second split-half bearing assembly and a second cap bearing assembly that receives a stud is provided. The stud includes a generally cylindrical end portion. The assembly of the components in the second housing is similar to the first housing. Thus, looseness and end play in the joint assembly is eliminated.