US Patent 7497638 Socket joint for tie-rod attachment system and method

An apparatus, system, and method includes a socket having a substantially spherical inner contour being accessible via an opening. A member having a partial spherical shape substantially similar to the spherical inner contour. A cross-sectional profile of the member is adapted to pass through the opening into the socket and to remain uncoupled with the socket when the socket and the member are in a first relative orientation. The member is further adapted to couple with the socket when the member is in the socket and in a second relative orientation with the socket.