Abstract: Assembly comprising a spring in the form of a zig-zag strip of fibre reinforced plastics material with limbs (10-16) connected by reflex portions (17,22), wherein end limbs (10,16) of the spring are mounted at an attitude they would adopt when loaded if they were pin-jointed so as to be free to move as the spring is loaded so that over-stressing of the reflex portions (18,21) of the spring is thereby avoided when the spring is loaded. In modifications of the invention, a spring end limb (39) may be progressively engaged by a surface (42) of a mounting to be supported at a range of attitudes corresponding to a range of spring loads; or a spring mounting may be associated with pivotable members so that end limbs of the spring move arcuately therewith and change their relative attitude as if they were pin-jointed.

Abstract: A hydraulic antivibratory support is provided comprising a rigid base (4), a rigid annulus (1), a resilient annular support wall (6) sealingly connecting the base to the annulus and a flexible membrane (7) sealingly connected to the annulus, the inside of the sealed case thus formed being divided by a sealed dividing wall into two chambers connected together through a restricted passage, and a liquid mass filling the two chambers. A traction resistant cable section (13) is situated inside the support and is fixed to the case and to the rigid annulus so that the relative movements of these two elements away from each other are limited by said cable section being placed under traction.

Abstract: A hollow torsion bar reinforced by a mixture of resin and filler and method of making such a torsion bar. The torsion bar is formed from mild or medium grade steel seamless or welded tubing. The tubing is cut to length and charged preferably with a mixture of substantially uncured thermoset resin and plastic or glass hollow microspheres and/or metal pellets. The mixture may be charged into the tube by injection as a paste or by placing inside the tube a B-stage form insert having preferably between about 10 and 50 percent elongation tensile strength. After the tube has been charged with the reinforcing mixture, the tube is bent to form a torsion bar having a radius arm and a spring portion. In areas that the torsion bar is bent, the reinforcing mixture is provided to act as an internal mandrel preventing collapse of the tube walls. The mixture is then cured and bonded in place by chemical reaction of the rein or by thermally curing the resin mixture within the tube.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of manufacturing a spring (10) of the cylindrical type to be used at high temperatures. This spring (10) is made of refractory material, such as quartz, boron nitride or graphite. It is constituted by recesses (11.sub.1 to 11.sub.7) not adjoining each other, having a height h and which are distributed along a helical line. The method of manufacturing utilizes a wire saw for forming these recesses in a cylindrical tube, which is subjected to a rotation after each sawing operation. The absence of microcracks imparts a high elasticity to the spring up to high temperatures. It is used for transmitting movements at high temperatures, more particularly when conditions of perfect cleanliness are desired, as, for example, in the case of semiconductor metallurgy.

Abstract: A leaf spring of fibre reinforced composite material comprises a longitudinal cross-section having a thickened central zone, adjacent tapered zones and end zones. The tapered zones have curved surfaces comprising convex and concave portions, the convex portions being adjacent to the central zones and the concave portions being adjacent to the end zones. Each convex and concave portion is a segment of a curve defined by the equation(X/A).sup.c +(Y/B).sup.D =1.

Abstract: A shock absorbing spring device (A,C) is illustrated which includes a plurality of elongated, slender spring elements (B). The device may also include a central shock absorbing unit (10). Spring elements (B) comprise fiber reinforcing strands (32) embedded in the matrix material (31). Spring elements (B) have a contoured profile which includes a thickened medial bend (38) and a reverse bend (44) formed at ends (34,36). In this manner, spring elements (B) deflect outwardly from their longitudinal axis in a reliable manner when ends (34) and (36) are loaded with compression. In one embodiment of the device (A) spring elements (B) are arranged to deflect radially with respect to longitudinal axis (37) of the device. In another embodiment (C) medial portion (38) of spring elements (B) deflect circumferentially in a row about longitudinal axis (43) of the device.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a device with a flat component made of fiber-reinforced synthetic material and an end power induction unit, in particular a leaf spring or transverse link for motor vehicles. The flat component essentially enters the power induction unit without a change in fiber direction and is contained therein by a clamp. The contact point on the power induction unit is displaced by a distance "a", asymmetrically to the fiber levels such that a resultant of perpendicular forces and forces acting parallel to the fiber direction cause a reduction in stress and momentary relief. The portion of the flat component in the power induction unit has a length, using the perpendicular projection of the point of application of force, that is at least two-thirds of the length from the point of application of force to the resultant in the fiber plane or at least corresponds to quantity "a".

Abstract: A flexible, resilient control arm is rigidly connected at an inner end thereof to a side of a vehicle frame and pivotally connected at an outer end thereof to a wheel assembly. A rigid control arm may be pivotally connected at an inner end thereof to the side of the frame and pivotally connected at an outer end thereof to the wheel assembly. A shock absorber is connected for damping motion of the wheel assembly. The flexible control arm thus operates in place of a second rigid control arm and a separate coil or leaf spring. The flexible control arm may have various composite constructions for providing both dimensional integrity and flexibility, including metal and binder impregnated fiber portions having varying thickness and width along their lengths.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system includes a primary composite control arm element and a secondary composite control arm element. The secondary element has a length shorter than a length of the primary element. A root attachment assembly is provided for mounting an inner end of each of the primary and secondary elements to a corresponding side of a vehicle frame. The primary and secondary elements are positioned relative to each other such that the secondary element overlaps an inner portion of the primary element. An outer portion of the primary element extends beyond an outer end of the secondary element. A wheel hub assembly is mounted to the outer portion of the primary element. A shock absorber is connected to the side of the frame for damping motion of the outer end of the primary element relative to the frame. The primary and secondary composite control arm elements provide greater overall strength, a progressive spring rate, and over-load protection.

Abstract: A dual rate leaf spring construction including a main leaf spring, preferably formed of fiber reinforced resin, and having a central section adapted to be connected to an axle of a vehicle and having a pair of ends to be connected to the frame of the vehicle. A secondary leaf spring, having a substantially shorter length than the main leaf spring, is secured beneath and parallel to the main leaf spring, and an elastomeric pad is mounted on each end of the secondary spring. The pads have upwardly facing rounded heads that are spaced out of contact with the lower surface of the main spring under normal load conditions. Under heavy load conditions, the main spring will deflect downwardly into contact with the pads to thereby enable the secondary spring to carry a portion of the load.

Abstract: A constant cross-sectional area filament wound composite material leaf spring of optimal energy storage efficiency given the constraints of filament winding and maximum spring width comprises a portion which widens toward the end of the spring, the rate of increase of width of the spring being such that the longitudinal side surfaces of the spring along such portions follow a lateral, outwardly convex curve of radius R.sub.I, wherein R.sub.I at each point is substantially equal to the camber, i.e., the longitudinal radius of curvature R.sub.C at that point.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system includes a parallel set of pultruded composite leaf springs connected by a sway bar to minimize rolling of the vehicle body during turning. The rear ends of the springs are pivotally connected to shackles which are in turn pivotally connected to the vehicle frame and rigidly connected to opposite ends of the sway bar.

Abstract: A plastic leaf spring with spring-eyes at the spring-ends has a spring-eye section (1) or a spring-eye body (15, 28) of fiber-reinforced plastic, with the spring-eye section (1) integrated in the leaf spring body or the spring-eye body (15, 28) manufactured separately from it. The spring-eye section (1) or spring-eye body (15, 28) each contain a layer (2, 16, 29) of essentially constant thickness with a center section (4, 18, 31) wrapping the spring-eye opening, and two connecting sections (3, 17, 32) appropriately essentially parallel to each other, with the outside surface of the layer (2, 16, 29) forming a hollow groove (13, 24, 33) at least one transition between the center section (4, 18, 31) and the connecting sections (3, 17, 32).

Abstract: In the process for producing a leaf spring which, at least in essential springy sections, is composed of a fiber-reinforced plastic material, a continuous web (9) is formed comprised of reinforcing fibers, appropriately in the form of fiber rovings or fibrous tissues, with the reinforcing fibers being appropriately impacted or impregnated with a hardenable plastic substance, whereupon intermediate layer pieces (37) are appropriately put on the continuous web (9). The continuous web (9) is then wound up in several layers (36) on a rotating pick-up device (27) into a continuous reel (35), with the intermediate layer pieces (37) arranging themselves in the continuous reel (35) between contiguous superposed continuous web layers (36); the continuous reel (35) is then placed in a mold in such a manner that it adjoins along its entire periphery the barrel-shaped contact area of the mold chamber.

Abstract: A leaf spring assembly comprises a longitudinal leaf spring of fiber reinforced plastics having a first surface to be applied with a tension force and a second surface to be applied with a compression force, a pair of retainer plates attached to the first and second surfaces of the leaf spring, and a pair of U-bolts and nuts for clamping the retainer plates to the leaf spring and mounting the same on an axle housing. The leaf spring is provided at the second surface thereof with a recess which is located substantially at the central portion of the leaf spring.

Abstract: An improved axle clamp is provided, particularly for use with composite material leaf springs, to securely fix the position of the leaf spring relative to a wheel axle or other suspension system member. The axle clamp comprises a rigid clamp base, a resilient wedge insert, a rigid clamp plate, and a resilient cover pad. The clamp base provides a bottom wall and substantially parallel side walls extending from the bottom wall to form a channel adapted to receive the wedge insert. The inner surface of at least one side wall of the clamp base fairs from both ends into a channel-widening concavity, preferably at the longitudinal mid-point of the channel. The wedge insert has a bottom wall and substantially parallel side walls extending from the bottom wall and forming therewith an inner channel adapted to laterally jacket a leaf spring.

Abstract: An improved hydrostatically compressed elastomeric spring in which an inner metal core buried in the elastomer contained in a flattened and bent tube constitutes a heating resistor for the elastomer to control its expansion and the compression of the spring under the effects of a static load. The spring is useful in shock absorbing devices.

Abstract: A leaf spring assembly comprises a longitudinal leaf spring made of fiber reinforced plastics, a pair of retainer plates attached to opposite faces of the leaf spring, and a pair of fastening U-bolts and nuts for clamping the retainer plates to the leaf spring and mounting the same on an axle housing. The leaf spring is provided only at its compression surface with a protrusion which is located substantially at the central portion of the leaf spring, and one of the retainer plates is formed with an indented portion which is coupled to the protrusion of the leaf spring to clamp the leaf spring at its central portion.

Abstract: A crash protection structural component is constructed as a hollow sleeve pe body which is open at its ends. The hollow body is made of at least one strand of fiber compound material formed into a netting. The netting is constructed for an irreversible stepwise take-up of energy in response to a shock load or impact, whereby the strand layers delaminate at the strand intersections or junctions of the netting as the strand layers are taking up shearing loads in response to a compression load which is applied to the component in the direction of its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a FRP leaf spring suspension for an automobile including a FRP leaf spring body interposed between a hat-shaped retainer having flanges at its free ends and a U bolt seat having opposed flanges through a rubber pad at its longitudinally central portion. The FRP leaf spring body is fixed through a spring seat to an axle housing by a U bolt passing through mating holes formed in flanges of the retainer and the U bolt seat. A reinforcing fiber impregnated with resin is wound around a central portion of the FRP leaf spring body and is fixed thereto to form unevenness on a surface of the FRP leaf spring body, thereby distributing frictional force between the FRP leaf spring body and the rubber pad uniformly on the frictional contact surface of the FRP leaf spring body, and preventing stress concentration from being generated in the FRP leaf spring body.

Abstract: A constant cross-sectional area filament wound composite material leaf spring of optional energy storage efficiency given the constraints of filament winding and maximum spring width comprises a portion which widens toward the end of the spring, the rate of increase of width of the spring being such that the longitudinal side surfaces of the spring along such portions follow a lateral, outwardly convex curve of radius R.sub.I, wherein R.sub.I at each point is substantially equal to the camber, i.e., the longitudinal radius of curvature R.sub.C at that point.

Abstract: A suspension consisting of an elastic leaf (17) made of a composite material, having in its plane of vertical symmetry a height which increases towards the end or ends supporting the wheels. The leaf is fixed to the chassis (21) at two points (22) which are symmetrical relative to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The leaf may be mounted longitudinally or transversely.The leaf may consist of fibers extending longitudinally, without being cut, from one end to the other, embedded in an appropriate binder.

Abstract: A mounting member for mounting an engine or transmission on a supporting ucture of a motor vehicle, is constructed as a one piece integral component made of fiber compound material in which the fiber layers have defined, preselected orientations. The damping characteristics can be optimally tuned for specific types of use or vehicles by controlling the materials and orientation of the fibers in each layer, and by controlling the number of layers. Additional damping may be achieved by inserting an elastomeric intermediate layer between the individual fiber layers. The shape of the mounting member also varies according to the load or stress to which the member will be exposed in use. The available space and the type of motor vehicle in which the member will be used are also taken into account in determining the shape, cross-sectional configuration and other structural details of the mounting member.

Abstract: A spring useful as various machine parts or elements for various machines and apparatuses, which is made of a fiber-reinforced metallic composite material comprising a matrix metal (e.g. a metal having a melting point of not higher than 1,700.degree. C.) and a reinforcement of an inorganic fiber having high modulus of elasticity and high strength selected from a ceramic fiber and a metallic fiber, particularly an alumina or alumina-silica fiber containing alumina of 100 to 72% by weight, preferably 98 to 75% by weight, and silica of 0 to 28% by weight, preferably 2 to 25% by weight, and having substantially no .alpha.-alumina reflection by X-ray diffraction. The spring of the present invention is light in weight and has far greater heat resistance and mechanical properties in comparison with the conventional metallic or non-metallic springs, and hence is particularly valuable from the standpoint of saving energy and saving resources.

Abstract: An FRP leaf spring wherein finer continuous fibers are embedded in that thickness range of the leaf spring to which tension stress is applied, and continuous fibers of greater diameters are embedded in that thickness range of the leaf spring to which compression stress is applied.

Abstract: An improved axle clamp is required, particularly for use with composite material leaf springs, to securely fix the position of the leaf spring relative to the axle or other wheel carrying member such as in the suspension system of an automotive vehicle. The present invention provides an axle clamp comprising a clamp base (1) and a wedge insert (2). The clamp base provides a platform portion (3) and substantially parallel side walls (4A, 4B) extending from the platform portion to form a channel adapted to receive the wedge insert. The inner surface of at least one side wall of the clamp base provides a channel-widening concavity (5A, 5B). The wedge insert has a platform portion (7) and substantially parallel side walls (9A, 9B) extending from the platform portion forming an inner channel adapted to jacket a mid-portion of the leaf spring (10).

Abstract: A leaf spring is provided in which the major component is a leaf made up of continuous strands of fibers distributed in a matrix of polymerized plastic resin. The spring has a theoretical constant cross-sectional area and uniform width throughout its length and at the same time is thickest at its midportion and tapers to the opposite ends. The spring results in an arrangement having a cavity intermediate opposite ends and opposite sides which is capable of receiving locating pins or bolts of the type used with conventional metal leaf springs without the requirement for drilling of holes or otherwise weakening the structure. One embodiment of the invention incorporates a metallic leaf with the non-metallic components.

Abstract: An assembly of a leaf spring of composite, fibre reinforced resin, material, and a component secured to the spring by clamping means, wherein the relative positions of the spring and component are determined by a locating element with a head engaging in a shallow, sloping walled, recess in the spring, and a body which engages the component, e.g. with an aperture therein. An element of resilient material, e.g. a polyurethane rubber, may be positioned adjacent the spring surface to prevent abrasive wear thereof.

Abstract: A fibre reinforced composite leaf spring is provided at its end with an end fitting for attachment to a rigid part of a vehicle. The end fitting 11 comprises an attachment member which fits snugly within an arcuate recess defined by a terminal portion of the spring. A sheet metal clamping member surrounds and reinforces the attachment member and recess and is rivetted or otherwise fastened to the leaf spring at a position remote from its terminal portion. The terminal portion of the spring extends around the attachment member at least beyond a position at right-angles to the longitudinal axis of the spring.

Abstract: A vehicular spring leaf comprises a pultruded beam that has about 40-75% by volume filamentary solids of a first modulus and a remainder fraction comprising continuous organic solid of a second, lower modulus that binds together the filamentary solids. A first portion of at least about 80% by weight of the filamentary solids is a multitude of discrete, tensilely stressed filamentary solids, densely packed substantially uniformly throughout the organic solid and coextending the beam longitudinally in a plurality of planes that accept tensile or compressive stress, respectively, upon a flexure of the leaf that bends the beam. A second portion of up to about 10% by weight of filamentary solids is randomly oriented on a surface of the beam, and a third portion of up to about 10% by weight of filamentary solids is woven oriented substantially across one another in one of the planes.

Abstract: A shock-absorbing torsionally elastic power transmitting device is described having resilient cushioning means loaded with modulus-increasing fibrous reinforcement, adapted to be interposed between mating lugs of a hub and rim configured to accommodate high torque levels simultaneously with relatively large angular deflections. The fibrous reinforcement is preferably aligned in the principal direction of displacement of the cushions under load. In another aspect, a torsionally elastic power transmitting device is used with V- or V-ribbed belt friction drive sheaves subject to slippage, to absorb torsional shocks and minimize heat build-up.

Abstract: An elongated spring member is formed of fiber reinforced plastics, particularly resin-impregnated glass fiber strands, and includes end provisions adjacent the two ends for the reception of attachment elements associated with the use of the spring. The spring includes parallel impregnated strands which have been wound about a rack provided with end supports following which the entire wound resinous product is placed within a mold cavity and cured to provide a spring member having integral, molded end provisions encircled by continuous, uncut reinforcing fibers with or without the inclusion of additional reinforcing material, and which is molded without the formation of any significant waste product. The improved spring member includes transversely disposed end provisions which may comprise a passageway or elongated end members encircled by the reinforced strands and the center axis thereof may be along the neutral axis of the spring body or alternatively, above or below the neutral axis.

Abstract: A fiber-reinforced resin coil spring impregnated with thermosetting resin which comprises a resin-impregnated and twisted rod-shaped fiber bundle formed by bundling a plurality of fiber wire blanks made of glass or carbon, immersing the fiber bundle and twisting the rod-shaped fiber bundle in a thermosetting resin, and forming coiled twisted rod-shaped fiber bundle from the resin-immersed and twisted rod-shaped fiber bundle. Thus, the resin coil spring incorporates large elastic energy and high load withstanding capability due to the twisting of the fiber bundle.

Abstract: A suspension for a set of two wheels of a vehicle comprises two arms oscillating about an axis X--X transverse with respect to the vehicle and each bearing a wheel, and dampers associated with said arms to counteract and damp the vertical movements of the wheels. The dampers comprise an assembly of two concentric tubes made of composite fiber-synthetic resin material coaxial to the transverse axis X--X of oscillation of the arms. The ends of the tubes are connected to each other and with one of the arms, and the outer tube of the assembly of tubes is connected to the chassis of the vehicle at at least one point close to the middle of its length.

Abstract: A composite spring comprising coaxially coiled sheet in which filamentary materials spiral about a first rotational axis of the spring in performed resinous convolutes. A method of fabricating a coaxial composite spring having filamentary materials that spiral about a first rotational axis of the spring in preformed resinous convolutes comprising wrapping a plurality of sheets including a release sheet about a mandrel wherein the sheets comprise the filamentary materials and hardenable resin.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with an absorbing spring involving the hydrostatic compression of an elastomer, comprising a tight casing constituted by a deformable, bent elastic tube of flattened section, filled with elastomer. A central core is embedded in the elastomer, the core being made of elastic material, the coefficient of heat expansion of which is lower than that of the tube. The invention finds particular application in the manufacture of absorbing devices.

Abstract: A platform rocker structure for supporting a chair seat and back for rocking motion includes two or more flexure members formed of epoxy-glass laminates which have unusual flexural characteristics and high resistance to flexural fatigue.

Abstract: A disk spring also known as a Belleville spring is used for applications where stiffness of the spring is an essential requirement and where the usual disk springs made of metal cannot be used or are impractical to use. The disk spring of the invention consists of a body having the shape of a conical shell of elastically deformable material, such as plastic resin, and reinforcing elements within the shell to establish directed resistance to specific deformations occurring in the disk spring when axially loaded.In preferred embodiments of the invention, the reinforcing elements have the shape of bodies of rotation designed and positioned within the shell in configurations chosen to satisfy specific requirements of particular practical applications. The stiffness, the spring constant and the load carrying capacity which can be achieved are considerably higher than are obtainable with customary glass fiber reinforced plastic disk springs.

Abstract: Energy absorption elements for automotive vehicles are obtained by winding filaments in the form of a continuous wire impregnated with polymerizable resin in such a manner that the turns are wound parallel to one another in horizontal planes about a detachable core of complementary contour, so as to obtain a member having a closed-loop contour; the energy absorption elements may constitute closed-contour members for producing two or more automobile bumpers cutting said elements at predetermined locations.

Abstract: Light-weight, corrosion-resistant, elongated spring structure formed from fiber-reinforced composite material and method of manufacture in which a configuration-defining core portion is laid up from non-woven fiber plies of varying longitudinal dimension with such centrally located core portion being overlaid with a plurality of elongated plies of non-woven fibers extending between longitudinal ends of the spring structure. Transverse strength in the elongated spring structure is obtained from placement of crossply material generally contiguous to the outer surface or by helical wrapping of the longitudinally oriented plies. Included are methods for forming integral spring-mounting means and manufacture of a plurality of spring structures simultaneously.

Abstract: This invention provides an improved pull and press exercise appliance having two tubes which fit telescopically into each other with gripping handles at opposite ends which are interconnected by pliable elastic spring elements. For push exercises the spring elements bow outwardly when the handles are pushed together, while for pull exercises the spring elements are pulled apart midway between the handles.