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:
Aug. 28, 2007
Filed:
Apr. 23, 2004
Kenneth S. Dobson, Chicago, IL (US);
Robert K. Dutzi, Palatine, IL (US);
Dennis M. Mark, Chicago, IL (US);
Kenneth S. Dobson, Chicago, IL (US);
Robert K. Dutzi, Palatine, IL (US);
Dennis M. Mark, Chicago, IL (US);
Illinois Tool Works Inc, Glenview, IL (US);
Abstract
A ball socket ring seal for use with a ball joint assembly eliminates the need for a boot or bellows to protect the ball joint against the environment. The ball socket ring seal of the invention is positioned between the ball and the socket at the point of contact between the ball and socket. The ball socket ring seal not only provides a seal against the environment, it further functions as a wiper for the ball during articulation of the ball stud. The ball socket ring seal of the present invention reduces the weight and complexity of the ball joint assembly through the elimination of several parts, including the known boots or bellows, retainer rings, bands and clips.