Dust boot and suspension assembly including the dust boot

Abstract

A dust boot configured for secured positioning on a lower ball joint assembly including an engagement component. The dust boot includes a dome shaped body extending between first and second open ends and an interior cavity defined between the first and second open ends. An engaging member extends radially inwardly from the body first end. A mechanical fastener is associated with the engaging member to securely retain the engaging member relative to the engagement component of the lower ball joint assembly.

Description

DUST BOOT AND SUSPENSION ASSEMBLY INCLUDING THE DUST BOOTBACKGROUND

[0001] Vehicle suspension parts, such as ball joints, are frequently enclosed in a rubber or polyurethane boot or casing to prevent dirt and debris from entering the assembly. This boot can become damaged from road debris, during removal of the part, or during installation of the part. In either case, installation of the boot usually requires stretching the boot for installation on the part. Frequently, the installer uses a tool to assist in stretching the boot and the tool causes damage to the boot during installation.

[0002] It is also known to provide a press-on dust boot. Users who cannot utilize a shop-press due to lack of availability, size restrictions, or lack of mobility, are often forced to use extra tools and methods that can increase time or cause damage to the boot.

[0003] It is known to provide a split boot that does not require the same stretching force; however, the effectiveness of this approach can depend on the flexibility of the boot and the reliability of the closing method. This method is not desirable on components like ball joints, where boots remain in a compressed state as a result of their assembled- design. Splits could expand during compression and diminish the boot's ingress protection.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] In at least one embodiment, the present disclosure provides a dust boot configured for secured positioning on a lower ball joint assembly including an engagement component. The dust boot includes a dome shaped body extending between first and second open ends and an interior cavity defined between the first and second open ends. An engaging member extends radially inwardly from the body first end. A mechanical fastener is associated with the engaging member to securely retain the engaging member relative to the engagement component of the lower ball joint assembly. The potential for labor reduction is addressed by utilizing hand installation with no requirement for tools, or reduced requirement for tools in the case of commonly-available retaining ring pliers or wrenches.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] Figure 1 illustrates a ball joint assembly having a dust boot according to a first embodiment;

[0006] Figure 2 illustrates the ball joint assembly of Figure 1 with the dust boot exploded up from the lower ball joint assembly;

[0007] Figure 3 illustrates the ball joint assembly of Figure 1 with a fragmentary section to reveal a mechanical connection between the lower ball joint assembly and the dust boot of Figure 1 ;

[0008] Figure 4 illustrates a ball joint assembly having a dust boot according to a second embodiment exploded up from the lower ball joint assembly;

[0009] Figure 5 illustrates the boot according to the second embodiment on the lower ball joint assembly with a fragmentary section to reveal the mechanical connection between the lower ball joint assembly and the dust boot according to the second embodiment;

[0010] Figure 6 illustrates a ball joint assembly having a dust boot according to a third embodiment exploded up from the lower ball joint assembly;

[0011] Figure 7 illustrates the boot according to the third embodiment assembled on the lower ball joint assembly with a fragmentary section to reveal the mechanical connection with the lower ball joint assembly;

[0012] Figure 8 is an enlarged view of the encircled area on Figure 7;

[0013] Figure 9 illustrates a ball joint assembly having a dust boot according to a fourth embodiment exploded up from the lower ball joint assembly;

[0014] Figure 10 illustrates the boot according to the fourth embodiment assembled on the lower ball joint assembly with a fragmentary section to reveal the mechanical connection with the lower ball joint assembly;

[0015] Figure 11 is an enlarged view of the encircled area on Figure 10;

[0016] Figure 12 illustrates a ball joint assembly having a dust boot according to a fifth embodiment assembled on the lower ball joint assembly;

[0017] Figure 13 illustrates the dust boot according to the fifth embodiment exploded up from the lower ball joint assembly;

[0018] Figure 14 illustrates the dust boot according to the fifth embodiment assembled on the lower ball joint assembly with a fragmentary section to reveal the mechanical connection with the lower ball joint assembly; and,

[0019] Figure 15 is an enlarged view of the encircled area on Figure 14.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] The dust boots illustrated in the drawings will be described in more detail with reference to the drawing figures wherein the same or like structural features are identified with the same numeral.

[0021] Referring to Figures 1-3, a ball joint assembly 10 in accordance with a first embodiment of the disclosure will be described. The ball joint assembly 10 generally includes a dust boot 20 secured to a lower ball joint assembly 30. The lower ball joint assembly 30 includes the ball joint and is inserted in a defined aperture in a predetermined suspension component. With reference to the exploded view in Figure 2, it can be seen that the lower ball joint assembly 30 includes a tapered stem 32 that connects with a predesignated suspension component, a shoulder 34 that is dimensioned to abut a predetermined suspension component, a press-fit interface 36 that establishes an interference fit with the defined aperture in a predetermined suspension component, and an upper portion 38 that is dimensioned and configured to protrude from a predetermined suspension component so that the recess or groove 40 is exposed. The recess 40 is dimensioned to receive a lip associated with the lower end 24 of boot 20 and retain the boot 20 on the lower assembly 30. It is noted that the press-fit interface 36 is shown with knurling thereon which modifies the press-fit characteristics with the suspension component, however, the press-fit interface 36 may be smooth or otherwise textured.

[0022] The details of the first embodiment of the dust boot 20 will be provided with reference to Figures 1-3. The lower assembly 30 is as described above. The boot 20 has a domed shaped body 23 extending from an upper end 22 to a lower end 24. The boot body 23 is molded from a rubber or polyurethane compound or a similar compound that will permit some stretching of the lower end 24. The lower end 24 includes an outwardly extending flange 21 extending about a majority of the circumference of the lower end 24 except for an open area 31 , as will be described hereinafter. An inwardly extending lip 26 is defined adjacent the lower end 24, generally opposite of the flange 21 . The lip 26 defines an inwardly extending engagement member and is dimensioned to fit in the recess or groove 40.

[0023] A mechanical fastener 25 is molded in the lower end 24 of the boot 20, preferably in the flange 21 generally axially aligned with the inwardly extending lip 26. In the present embodiment, the mechanical fastener 25 is a split ring which is inwardly biased. The fastener 25 extends about the circumference of the lower end 24 and two exposed tabs 27 extend from open area 31 of the flange 21. The open area 31 preferably has a circumferential width larger than a circumferential width of the flanges 27 such thatthe flanges 27 may be radially expanded. In the illustrated embodiment, the tabs 27 have two features to facilitate expansion. Firstly, each of the exposed tabs 27 has an aperture 28 for insertion of a tool for spreading the exposed tabs 27. Additionally, the tabs 27 are circumferentially spaced from each other to define a tool gap 29 to receive duck bill pliers or the like. While two features are shown, only one such feature may be provided. Additionally, alternative engagement elements may be provided for spreading of the tabs 27.

[0024] Spreading the exposed tabs 27 expands the interior circumference of the lower end 24 of the boot 20 so the lip 26 passes over the upper portion 38 and can be inserted in groove 40. Releasing the tabs 27 cause the fastener 25 to spring back toward the relaxed state and apply a mechanical force to retain the lip 26 in the groove 40. Regardless of the feature utilized to spread the tabs 27, releasing the exposed tabs 27 will result in an applied mechanical force to retain the lip 26 in the groove 40. This allows the boot 20 secured to the lower ball joint assembly 30 with readily available tools in a efficient and reliable manner.

[0025] Referring to Figures 4 and 5, a ball joint assembly 10’ utilizing a dust boot 20’ in accordance with a second embodiment of the disclosure will be described. In this embodiment, the lower assembly 30 is substantially the same as in the previous embodiment. The dust boot 20’ of the present embodiment is similar to the previous embodiment, however, the lower end 24’ does not include an outward flange and the mechanical fastener 50 is different. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, mechanical fastener 50 of the present embodiment is an embedded spring metal ring with overlapping ends 52 that have exposed tabs 54 extending through opening 51. The exposed tabs 54 can be gripped and compressed toward each other by hand or with a tool, such as pliers, to expand the lower end 24’ of the boot 20’ over the upper portion 38 and insert the lip 26’ in groove 40. The exposed tabs 54 can be drawn together in any fashion that spreads the lower end 24’ of the boot 20’ so it passes over the upper portion 38 and the lip 26’ is inserted in groove 40. Regardless of the manner of spreading the tabs 54, the spring mechanical fastener 50 will bias the overlapping ends 52 toward their original positions and apply a mechanical force for retaining the lip 26’ in the groove 40.

[0026] Referring to Figures 6-8, a ball joint assembly 110 utilizing a dust boot 120 in accordance with a third embodiment of the disclosure will be described. The lower ball joint assembly 130 is similar to the first two embodiments and includes the ball joint and is inserted in a defined aperture in a predetermined suspension component. With reference to the exploded view in Figure 6, it can be seen that the lower ball joint assembly 130includes a tapered stem 132 that connects with a predesignated suspension component, a shoulder 134 that is dimensioned to abut a predetermined suspension component, a press-fit interface 136 that establishes an interference fit with the defined aperture in a predetermined suspension component, and an upper portion 138 that is dimensioned and configured to protrude from a predetermined suspension component so that one or more connection barbs 140 are exposed. As shown in Figure 8, each barb 140 has a ramped surface 141 and a perpendicular surface 143. The barbs 140 are preferably integrally formed with the upper portion 138, but may be machined subsequently or formed separately and attached to the upper portion 138.

[0027] The boot 120 is similar to the previous two embodiments and has a domed shaped body 123 extending from an upper end 122 to a lower end 124. The boot body 123 is again molded from a rubber or polyurethane compound or a similar compound that will permit some elasticity of the boot body 123. In the present embodiment, the inwardly extending engagement member and the mechanical fastener are integrated into a single mechanical fastener unit 150 along the interior surface of the lower end 124. The mechanical fastener unit 150 includes one or more barbs 152. Similar to the barbs 140, each barb 152 has a ramped surface 151 and a perpendicular surface 153. The mechanical fastener unit 150 may be formed integrally with the boot body 123 or may be formed separately and secured to the boot body 123, for example, via adhesive or overmolding.

[0028] To install the boot 120, it is only necessary to apply axial pressure on the boot 120 toward the lower assembly 130, not requiring any tools. As the boot 120 is installed, the ramped surfaces 141 , 151 slide along one another with the boot barbs 152 elastically deforming in the radial direction. Once the perpendicular surfaces 143, 153 align with one another, the barbs 152 spring back and engage the barbs 140. Engagement of the perpendicular surfaces 143, 153 retain the boot 120 with the lower ball joint assembly 130.

[0029] Referring to Figures 9-11 , a ball joint assembly 110’ utilizing a dust boot 120’ in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the disclosure will be described. The lower ball joint assembly 130’ is similar to the previous embodiment. In the present embodiment, a circumferential exterior thread 140’ is provided along the upper portion 138 instead of the connection barbs. The thread 140’ is preferably integrally formed with the upper portion 138, but may be machined subsequently or formed separately and attached to the upper portion 138.

[0030] The boot 120’ is similar to the previous embodiment. In the present embodiment, the inwardly extending engagement member and the mechanical fastener are again integrated into a single mechanical fastener unit 160 along the interior surface of the lower end 124. The mechanical fastener unit 160 includes an interior thread 162 configured to mate with the exterior thread 140’. The mechanical fastener unit 160 may be formed integrally with the boot body 123 or may be formed separately and secured to the boot body 123, for example, via adhesive or over-molding.

[0031] To install the boot 120’, it is only necessary to engage the interior thread 162 with the exterior thread 140’. To facilitate threading, a pair of external lands or projections 168 are provided on radially opposite sides of the mechanical fastener unit 160. The external lands or projections 168 allow the use of a tool for tightening the boot 120’ on the threads 140’ of the lower assembly 130’ and confirming a mechanical connection between the boot 120’ and the lower assembly 130’. As with the previous third embodiment, the threads 240 are formed after the ridges or grooves 136.

[0032] Referring to Figures 12-15, a ball joint assembly 110” utilizing a dust boot 120” in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the disclosure will be described. The lower ball joint assembly 130” is similar to the previous two embodiments. In the present embodiment, the upper portion 138 has a series of grippers 140” defined thereon. Each of the grippers 140” include a ramping surface 146 and a recess 148. The grippers 140” are preferably integrally formed with the upper portion 138, but may be machined subsequently or formed separately and attached to the upper portion 138.

[0033] The boot 120” is similar to the previous two embodiments. In the present embodiment, the inwardly extending engagement member and the mechanical fastener are again integrated into a single mechanical fastener unit 170 along the lower end 124. The mechanical fastener unit 170 includes circumferential ring 172 (shown in phantom in Figure 14) embedded within the lower end 124 with a plurality of circumferentially spaced projections 174 extending inwardly from the ring 172 and projecting from the interior surface of the lower end 124. The ring 172 and projections 174 are preferably integrally formed from a rigid material, however, the projections 174 may be partially or completely overmolded with the elastic material of the body 123. Additionally, while the present embodiment is described with the grippers 140” formed on the lower ball joint assembly 130” and the projections 174 formed on the boot 120”, it is understood that the opposite is possible with grippers formed on the interior surface of the boot 120” and projections formed on the upper portion 138.

[0034] To install the boot 120”, the boot 120” is aligned with the lower ball joining assembly 130” with the projections 174 aligned between the grippers 140”. The boot 120” is pushed onto the lower assembly 130” and then turned so the projections 174 contact the ramping surfaces 146 and pass into the recesses 148. As shown in Figures 14 and 15, the projections 174 and recesses 148 interlock to form a mechanical connection.***************************

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:1 . A dust boot configured for secured positioning on a lower ball joint assembly including an engagement component, the dust boot comprising: a dome shaped body extending between first and second open ends and an interior cavity defined between the first and second open ends; an engaging member extending radially inwardly from the body first end; and a mechanical fastener associated with the engaging member to securely retain the engaging member relative to the engagement component of the lower ball joint assembly.

2. The dust boot of claim 1 , wherein the engaging member includes a portion of the body defining a circumferential lip extending radially inwardly proximate the first end.

3. The dust boot of claim 2, wherein the mechanical fastener includes a spring member partially embedded in the body adjacent the first end.

4. The dust boot of claim 3, wherein the spring member includes a first portion extending circumferentially about the first end and includes two ends extending radially outwardly from the body.

5. The dust boot of claim 4, wherein the two ends are configured such that application of a force which moves the ends circumferentially apart causes the first portion to expand in diameter.

6. The dust boot of claim 5, wherein upon removal of the force, the ends automatically move circumferentially toward one another and the first portion contracts to a smaller diameter.

7. The dust boot of claim 4, wherein the two ends are configured such that application of a force which moves the ends circumferentially toward one another causes the first portion to expand in diameter.

8. The dust boot of claim 7, wherein upon removal of the force, the ends automatically move circumferentially apart and the first portion contracts to a smaller diameter.

9. The dust boot of claim 1 , wherein the engaging member and the mechanical fastener are formed as a single mechanical fastener unit.

10. The dust boot of claim 9, wherein the mechanical fastener unit has at least one interior thread that extends into the interior cavity.11 . The dust boot of claim 10, wherein the mechanical fastener unit has at least two projections that extend radially outside the dome shaped body.

12. The dust boot of claim 11 , wherein the at least two projections are circumferentially opposite to each other.

13. The dust boot of claim 9, wherein the mechanical fastener unit includes a plurality of inwardly extending barbs configured to mate with complimentary barbs.

14. The dust boot of claim 9, wherein the mechanical fastener unit has plurality of projections or grippers configured to mate with a complementary plurality of the other of the projections or grippers.

15. A ball joint assembly comprising: a lower ball joint assembly comprising: a stud portion configured for connecting with a vehicle suspension member and a ball opposite to the stud portion; and a housing enclosing a portion of the ball and defining an engagement component; and a dust boot comprising: a dome shaped body extending between first and second open ends and an interior cavity defined between the first and second open ends; an engaging member extending radially inwardly from the body first end; and a mechanical fastener associated with the engaging member to securely retain the engaging member relative to the engagement component of the lower ball joint assembly.

16. The ball joint assembly of claim 15, wherein the engaging member includes a portion of the body defining a circumferential lip extending radially inwardly proximate the first end and the engagement component includes a circumferential groove configured to receive the circumferential lip.

17. The ball joint assembly of claim 16, wherein the mechanical fastener includes a spring member partially embedded in the body adjacent the first end and configured to apply a radial force to the circumferential lip.

18. The ball joint assembly of claim 15, wherein the engaging member and the mechanical fastener are formed as a single mechanical fastener unit; wherein the mechanical fastener unit has at least one interior thread that extends into the interior cavity and the engagement component is at least one complementary exterior thread.

19. The ball joint assembly of claim 15, wherein the engaging member and the mechanical fastener are formed as a single mechanical fastener unit; wherein the mechanical fastener unit includes a plurality of inwardly extending barbs and the engagement component includes complimentary outwardly extending barbs.

20. The ball joint assembly of claim 15, wherein the engaging member and the mechanical fastener are formed as a single mechanical fastener unit; wherein the mechanical fastener unit has plurality of projections or grippers and the engagement component is a complementary plurality of the other of the projections or grippers.

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