Abstract: A dust boot retention system includes a jounce bumper having an end portion with an outer diameter and an annular recessed groove adjacent to the end portion. A dust boot is attached to the jounce bumper and has an upper flange including a radially inwardly extending portion and an axially extending portion extending from an innermost portion of the radially inwardly extending portion. The axially extending portion has an inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the end portion of the jounce bumper. A rate ring secures the dust boot to the jounce bumper. The rate ring includes an inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the end portion of the jounce bumper. The rate ring includes an annular recessed channel in a first end thereof for receiving the axially extending portion of the dust boot.

Abstract: An impact bumper assembly for a vehicle is provided. The assembly comprises a first member, and a second member coupled to the first member and configured for relative motion therewith. The assembly also comprises a resilient bumper coupled to the first member and interposed between the first and second members, wherein the resilient bumper has an annular wall having a plurality of openings therethrough, and wherein the resilient bumper is configured to deform axially without substantial radial deformation when compressed between the first and second members.

Abstract: A suspension strut with an elastomer block is provided for a wheel of a vehicle, in particular for a wheel of a motorcycle. The hardness of the elastomer block, which interacts with an additional spring element, can be modified. The spring constant of the elastomer block can be modified by adjusting a screw pot. The screw pot engages externally with the elastomer block. The spring base of the elastomer block may be adjustable.

Abstract: A bound stopper provided with a drainage path for draining water that has passed through drainage holes formed in a bottom portion of a bracket. The drainage path is constituted by a recessed portion formed on at least one of a plurality of corresponding portions of a fixing metal fitting and the recessed portion opens outward in a direction perpendicular to an axial direction of the fitting. The corresponding portions are positioned so as to correspond to each of the plurality of the drainage holes, upon the fitting being in contact with the bracket. A locating projection is provided on an outer surface of the corresponding portion different from the corresponding portion having the recessed portion. Insertion of a locating projection into the drainage hole corresponding to the different corresponding portion allows the fitting to be circumferentially positioned such that the corresponding portions correspond to the drainage holes.

Abstract: A jounce bumper assembly for a vehicular suspension system, the suspension system having a first member and a second member, is provided. The assembly comprises a mount coupled to the first member, wherein the mount has a cylindrical portion comprising a first cylindrical outer surface. The assembly also comprises a jounce bumper coupled to the second member, and a striker cap having a first end comprising a first cylindrical inner surface circumferentially coupled over the first cylindrical outer surface, and having a second end configured for resilient engagement with the jounce bumper.

Abstract: A spring perch assembly for automatically centering a load applied to a spring is provided. The assembly includes a body portion and a base portion which when engaged may tilt relative to one another. When disposed between a spring and an applied load, the assembly automatically centers the load along the spring's natural centerline.

Abstract: A jounce bumper assembly is provided including a retainer to secure a dust shield and a jounce bumper to a top mount. The retainer has a base portion adapted to engage an end of the jounce bumper. The retainer further includes a retainer clip adapted to retain mating surfaces of the dust shield and top mount in tension thereby eliminating or reducing noise and loose assembly due to tolerance stack-up of the jounce bumper assembly.

Abstract: A jounce bumper assembly is provided including a cup-shaped member adapted to be mounted to a vehicle. A spacer formed of an appropriate engineered material is mounted within the cup-shaped member and a jounce bumper is mounted to the spacer. The cup-shaped member includes retaining tabs which engage a shoulder of the jounce bumper for retaining the jounce bumper in the cup-shaped member.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system includes a mechanical spring portion adapted to undergo suspension deflection, a spring seat contacting and supporting the mechanical spring portion, and a mechanical gear assembly which is operatively connected to the spring seat to control spring seat position and which is adapted to be driven by an electric motor. A method for operating a vehicle suspension system undergoing suspension deflection, wherein the vehicle suspension system includes a mechanical spring portion having a spring seat with a movable spring seat position, includes determining a frequency content of the suspension deflection. The method also includes electromechanically controlling the spring seat position in response to suspension deflection when the determined frequency content is in a low-frequency range below a wheel hop frequency.

Abstract: A cord reinforced resilient membrane (or diaphragm) having a high radial (transverse) stiffness and a relatively low axial stiffness, wherein the cord reinforced resilient membrane has adapatability for use in both hydraulic and conventional strut mounts, as well as other applications, and wherein the radial stiffness provided by the cords is directionally tunable for utilization in a particular application.

Abstract: A decoupled mono tube damper assembly includes an outer tube attached to a vehicle's unsprung mass. The outer tube has a base and a sleeve end. An outer tube sleeve engaging end of an inner tube is slidingly engaged with the sleeve end. The inner tube has an end distal to the sleeve engaging end, and is attached to the vehicle's sprung mass at the distal end. A damper rod has one opposed end extending axially into a base aperture, and an opposed end connecting to the inner tube. The rod moves axially relative to the outer tube. A low amplitude energy-managing member is operatively disposed within the outer tube, and has a throughbore receiving the rod. A travel-limiting member attaches to the rod and is engageable with the energy-managing member to constrain axial movement of the rod through the outer tube base to a predetermined limit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydroelastic joint that is used to assemble two pieces. The inventive joint comprises an external reinforcement (1) and an internal reinforcement (3), each having a longitudinal axis, and one of which is disposed around the other. Moreover, said joint comprises a first assembly (5) forming a hydroelasctic spring which is disposed between said reinforcements. The aforementioned first assembly comprises a first elastically-deformable element (6) which is shaped in such a way as to define, between the reinforcements, at least one sealed volume (9) that contains a damping fluid (8). A second elastically-deformable element (24) is disposed between the first assembly and the first of said external and internal reinforcements. The invention is characterized in that the second elastically-deformable element (24) is provided with a longitudinal dimension which is smaller than the corresponding longitudinal dimension of the first elastically-deformable element (6).

Abstract: Mounting assembly for a vibration damper, comprising at least one aligning surface on the vibration damper side, which is in working connection with an opposing surface on the vehicle side at least during the installation of the vibration damper in a receiving opening in the vehicle. The at least one aligning surface and the opposing surface rotationally align the mounting side with the vehicle side. The aligning surface is arranged on a mounting cap with torque-transmitting element, and with at least one axial support surface for cooperation with the opposing surface on the vehicle side. The mounting cap prevents the vibration damper from falling out of the mounting assembly through the use of a carrier on the mounting side, to which the vibration damper is attached, this carrier having a retaining element in the form of a tongue which engages an opening in the mounting cap.

Abstract: A rigid jounce bumper includes a body and at least one support segment projecting axially from an end of the body. The rigid jounce bumper is formed from a substantially non-elastic material such that the rigid jounce bumper can support axially-applied loads without undergoing substantial axial deflection. The at least one support segment is capable of displacement relative to the body when under laterally-applied loads. A gas spring assembly having such a rigid jounce bumper is also included.

Abstract: A spring seat of a suspension for an automotive vehicle, which is capable of preventing occurrence of noises and preventing buckling deformations thereof has a spring seat body composed of an elastic rubber body. The spring seat body is interposed and pressed between a coil spring and an opposed member. This spring seat body has a plurality of non-through holes which are formed so as to be directed toward a first surface of the spring seat body from a second surface located on the side of the opposed member, and which have openings on the side of the second surface. In addition, the spring seat body has air passages connecting the non-through holes with the surface of the spring seat body other than the second surface on the side of the opposed member.

Abstract: A jounce bumper assembly includes a jounce bumper and a bumper retainer. The jounce bumper includes opposing end walls and a side wall extending therebetween. The bumper retainer includes a side wall for engaging the side wall of the jounce bumper and thereby restricting radially outward deflection of the jounce bumper. A gas spring assembly and a vehicle suspension system including a jounce bumper assembly are included. A method of utilizing a jounce bumper assembly is also included.

Abstract: In an elastic insertion bearing for supporting a component extending substantially axially, such as a damper rod for a strut tower on a vehicle body and for fitting in a vehicle body-side mount, comprising a rigid core to which the component can be secured, and an elastomeric body radially surrounding the core, it is provided for that at least two of the outer shell sections radially surrounding the elastomeric body are provided circumferentially spaced away from each other in the unfitted condition and which on being fitted can move each radially on the other such that the circumferential spacing is reduced in precompression of the elastomeric body.

Abstract: A vibration, motion and dampening system is provided for use with air conditioning, mechanical or electro-mechanical equipment to reduce or eliminate the deleterious effects of vibration, movement and excessive noise created by the equipment. The system includes specially designed upper and lower channel frame members. The frame members receive geometrically compatible spring assemblies and plate members, as well as locking assemblies, wherein the assemblies are slidingly positioned with the frame members at desired locations. The spring assemblies and frame members receive and diminish the undesirable phenomena created by the equipment.

Abstract: A shield assembly for a vehicle suspension. The shield assembly comprises a first shield portion attached to a lower arm of the suspension and a second shield portion attached to a lower spring seat of the suspension and at least partially surrounding the first shield portion. The first and second shield cooperate to deflect foreign objects proximate the suspension. A method employs the shield assembly.

Abstract: A spring seat assembly for a suspension system of a vehicle utilizing a coil spring. The spring seat assembly includes a first spring seat retainer having a central axis. The first spring seat retainer includes a flange and a pocket portion extending from the flange toward a distal end. The flange includes a first side and a second side extending radially from the central axis in a spaced and parallel relationship. The flange includes a plurality of ribs that extend radially relative to the central axis. The ribs project axially from the first side and the second side of the flange and are spaced angularly from one another. The ribs on the first side are angularly offset from the ribs on the second side for dampening vibration and absorbing noise upon a compression of the coil spring.

Abstract: A spring perch assembly for automatically centering a load applied to a spring is provided. The assembly includes a body portion and a base portion which when engaged may tilt relative to one another. When disposed between a spring and an applied load, the assembly automatically centers the load along the spring's natural centerline.

Abstract: A spring perch assembly for automatically centering a load applied to a spring is provided. The assembly includes a body portion and a base portion which when engaged may tilt relative to one another. When disposed between a spring and an applied load, the assembly automatically centers the load along the spring's natural centerline.

Abstract: A strut mount capable of reducing the weight and of intensifying the strength and having a good durability is provided. It comprises an inner cylinder, a vibration isolating base body and a pair of upper and lower brackets. The lower bracket is fabricated from aluminum alloy and includes a peripheral wall portion, a bottom wall portion and a first attachment flange while the upper bracket includes a second attachment flange and a lid wall portion. The first attachment flange has plural first through-holes for inserting plural attachment members, the second attachment flange has plural second through-holes for inserting the plural attachment members, and flange portions around the first through-holes of the first attachment flange bulge at their undersides to form respective thick-walled portions.

Abstract: A shock mount and jounce bumper assembly is assembled to a shock absorber of a vehicle. The shock mount and jounce bumper assembly includes an integrated isolator/jounce bumper that has an internal washer that is insert molded in place in the integrated isolator/jounce bumper. An upper isolator is assembled with bottom and top washers on the opposite side of a sheet metal support from the integrated isolator/jounce bumper.

Abstract: A jounce bumper assembly is provided including a cup-shaped member adapted to be mounted to a vehicle. A spacer formed of an appropriate engineered material is mounted within the cup-shaped member and a jounce bumper is mounted to the spacer. The cup-shaped member includes retaining tabs which engage a shoulder of the jounce bumper for retaining the jounce bumper in the cup-shaped member.

Abstract: An insulator for a wheel suspension system of a vehicle is formed of an elastomeric material. The elastomeric material defines a channel that provides increased flexibility to the insulator and defines an increased density about the channel that increases the durability of the insulator. The suspension system includes a support structure adapted to be mounted to the vehicle, a piston rod disposed within the aperture and displaceable relative to the support structure along a line of travel, and a plate mounted to the piston rod. The insulator is compressibly disposed between the support structure and the plate. The exterior channel increases the flexibility of the insulator to distribute localized stress on the insulator by the support structure and the plate. The increased density about the channel increases the durability of the insulator about the channel when the support structure and the plate exert a compressive force on the insulator.

Abstract: A blocking device for blocking a suspension strut of a motor vehicle for transportation of the motor vehicle. The suspension strut has a damper device and a helical spring. The helical spring is arranged between two spring plates and embraces at least one axial section of the damper device. The blocking device has a spacer body which is of substantially C-shaped design and can be fitted between the two spring plates to the damper device in a manner embracing an axial section on the latter.

Abstract: A suspension stop for a suspension strut of a vehicle equipped with a coil spring (10) comprises a rigid thrust bearing (24) equipped with a lower metal washer (28) rotating with respect to an upper metal washer (26), a synthetic material support part (38) designed to transmit the forces exerted by the spring to the lower washer and a cover (22) covering the upper washer and delimiting together with the support part a housing (54) for the bearing. The cover is equipped with a skirt (22) delimiting with the peripheral area of the support part an annular labyrinth (60), arranged radially outside the housing and connecting the housing to the outside, with the annular labyrinth successively comprising, from the housing towards the outside, an initial annular head loss of radial play P1, a second annular head loss of axial play P2, followed by a third annular head loss of radial play P3.

Abstract: An adjusting mechanism with a spring, particularly an adjusting mechanism with a helical spring of large diameter, is disclosed, the thread grooves of an inner bore of a rotation member being primarily used to allow the helical spring of large diameter fixed to the spring-fixed base to glide. When the rotation member rotates and axially shifts, the number of compressed coils of the helical spring of large diameter changes, thereby a spring coefficient of the helical spring of large diameter is changed.

Abstract: In a buffer device for an elevator, a hydraulic buffer that alleviates shock generated when a traveling body impacts at the bottom of a hoistway is located at the bottom of the hostway. Provided between the traveling body and the bottom of the hoistway is an elastic member that is elastically deformed and that alleviates the shock generated by the impact of the traveling body with the hydraulic buffer. The elastic member is arranged so that, when elastically deformed, almost fall of the elastic member is positioned within a range of a vertical dimension of the hydraulic buffer.

Abstract: An air spring assembly, for use on an associated vehicle suspension system having a mounting member and a damping member, includes spaced apart first and second end members. A flexible wall is secured on the first and second end members and defines a spring chamber therebetween. An isolator is supported on and sealingly engages the first end member. The isolator includes and isolator passage sealingly receiving the damping member. The isolator and the first end member at least partially form a first load transmission path such that a damping member load is distributed to the mounting member through the isolator and the first end member. The first end member at least partially forms a second load transmission path such that an air spring load is distributed to the mounting member through the first end member without substantial transmission through the isolator.

Abstract: A suspension system for a vehicle having a vehicle body and a plurality of wheels movable relative to the vehicle body. A hydraulic damper, which includes a piston rod and a cylinder, is disposed between the vehicle body and wheels. A striker plate is mounted to the cylinder and is displaceable with the cylinder relative to a support on the vehicle body. A jounce assembly is mounted to the support about the piston rod and extends outwardly toward the striker plate. The jounce assembly includes a jounce bumper and a cap. The cap is mounted to the jounce bumper with the cap having a flange extending to a distal edge for defining a cavity. The distal edge of the flange deflects into the cavity when the cap engages the striker plate during a predetermined displacement of the striker plate relative to the support.

Abstract: A spring seat of a suspension for an automotive vehicle, which is capable of preventing occurrence of noises and preventing buckling deformations thereof has a spring seat body composed of an elastic rubber body. The spring seat body is interposed and pressed between a coil spring and an opposed member. This spring seat body has a plurality of non-through holes which are formed so as to be directed toward a first surface of the spring seat body from a second surface located on the side of the opposed member, and which have openings on the side of the second surface. In addition, the spring seat body has air passages connecting the non-through holes with the surface of the spring seat body other than the second surface on the side of the opposed member.

Abstract: A cylindrical rebound cushion (8) is fitted to an outer circumference of a piston rod (5) inserted in a cylinder (3) of a hydraulic shock absorber (1). An upper end surface (8a) of the rebound cushion (8) comes Into contact with a rod guide (6) fixed to the cylinder (3) when the piston rod (5) reaches a protruding limiting position. Recesses (9) are provided in the upper end surface (8a) of the rebound cushion (8) at regular angular intervals in order to provide working oil between the rod guide (6) and the upper end surface (8a), thereby ensuring smooth rotation of the rebound cushion (8) with respect to the rod guide (6) when the piston rod (5) at the protruding limiting position and the cylinder (3) relatively rotate.

Abstract: (57) A roll control system (20) for installation between axially aligned wheels of a motor vehicle, the roll control system comprising a torsion bar (22); a damper (24) attached to one end (28) of the torsion bar and attachable to one of the wheels; and attachment means (25) attached to the other end (29) of the torsion bar and attachable to the other wheel; wherein the damper comprises an axially extending cylindrical housing (52); a piston (34) slidably mounted inside the housing; a piston rod (58) connected to the piston, extending out of one end (55) of the housing, and movable in an axial direction relative to the housing; a floating piston (35) slidably mounted in the housing between the piston and the other end of the housing; a compensation chamber (37) between the floating piston and the other end (54) of the housing containing a first pressurised fluid; a compression chamber (30) between the floating piston and the piston containing a second pressurised fluid; a rebound chamber (32) between the pist

Abstract: An upper portion of a damper connected at its lower end to a lower arm of a suspension is accommodated within a side frame having a closed section. An upper spring seat, which is a mounting portion for the damper, is fixed to a lower surface of the side frame by a bolt. Thus, the support rigidity of the damper is enhanced, whereby the responsiveness of the damper to a load input from the lower arm is improved. Moreover, since the upper portion of the damper is accommodated within the side frame, an internal space in the side frame can be utilized for disposition of the damper. In addition, it is unnecessary to arrange the side frame and the damper side-by-side in a lateral direction of the vehicle body, and hence it is easy to ensure a space for disposition of the suspension.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus for use within a suspension system having a frame member, a control arm, and an elongated suspension member extending between the frame member and the control arm is disclosed. The mounting apparatus includes a cup, a seal, a resilient element, and a fastener. The cup includes an end that is at least partially closed, a side wall, and an open end. The seal is disposed within the cup and is configured to be coupled to the elongated suspension member. The resilient element is at least partially disposed within the cup and is substantially encapsulated by the cup and the seal. The fastener is configured to couple the cup, the seal, and the resilient element between the elongated suspension member and one of the frame member and the control arm.

Abstract: Suspension strut unit comprising a connector bearing for piston rod of the suspension strut unit, a spring plate for a vehicle spring, and a first has a bearing with a bearing input part on the spring plate side and a bearing output part on the connector bearing side, which bearing allows relative rotational movement between the vehicle spring and the connector bearing of the piston rod. After the piston rod has traveled inward a certain distance, the cylinder is supported against the connector bearing by way of a stop buffer. A second bearing allows relative rotational movement between the connector bearing and the cylinder when the stop buffer is active; the second bearing is located functionally between the stop buffer and the connector bearing, and a functional separation is present between the bearing input part for the spring plate and the second bearing.

Abstract: An upper portion of a rod protruding from an upper end of a hydraulic cylinder of a hydraulic shock absorber, which suspends a wheel from a vehicle body, is inserted from below into a mounting hole in an upper wall of a wheel house, and with a lower portion and an upper portion of the mounting hole being held by a lower damper mount bushing and an upper damper mount portion, respectively, a nut is then screwed on the upper portion of the rod to thereby fasten the rod to the upper wall of the wheel house. A temporarily fastening locking portion formed integrally with the lower damper mount bushing and fixed to the rod is brought into engagement with the mounting hole in the wheel house to prevent the hydraulic shock absorber from falling away from the wheel house during installation.

Abstract: A suspension support device for a motor vehicle comprises an inner strength member comprising a support base and an annular side wall, an outer strength member having a side wall surrounding the side wall of the inner strength member, an elastomer body comprising a load-supporting portion interconnecting the inner and outer strength members. The outer strength member has a bottom portion located under the support base of the inner strength member, extending parallel to the support base and presenting a central passage for passing the top portion of a shock absorber. The side wall of the outer strength member includes a window between the support base of the inner strength member and the bottom portion of the outer strength member, the device including a cavity under the load-carrying portion of the elastomer body.

Abstract: A bearing for wheel suspensions in a motor vehicle includes a metallic housing with a pot-shaped vertical section, a rubber buffer arranged in the housing, and an inner part. The inner part can be connected to a piston-and-cylinder unit and is fixed in the rubber buffer. A reinforcing part, which is supported axially and/or radially at the inner wall of the housing, is arranged in the rubber buffer.

Abstract: Piston-cylinder assembly, comprising a container tube, in which a piston rod is guided with freedom of axial movement, which rod is at least partially covered by a sheath tube with at least one elastic fold, where a resilient stop pad is provided concentrically to the piston rod, the end of which pad comes to rest against an end cap during the inward travel of the piston rod, which end cap rests against the container tube in the fully assembled piston rod assembly. The stop pad, the sheath tube, and the end cap form a preassembled unit which is independent of the piston rod assembly, the end cap being pressed onto the container tube by the resilient stop pad during the inward travel of the piston rod into the container tube.

Abstract: A suspension strut including a piston rod extending from a cylinder, a connection bearing for connecting the piston rod to a vehicle body, a spring loading the cylinder away from the connection bearing, and a spring plate supporting the spring axially with respect to the connection bearing. A first bearing enables relative rotational movement between the spring plate and the connection bearing, and a second bearing enables relative rotational movement between the connection bearing and a stop buffer arranged between the connection bearing and the cylinder.

Abstract: A wheel-guiding spring strut, optionally with internal level regulation, including a shock strut, optionally constructed as a self-pumping hydropneumatic spring strut, a piston rod supported at an upper supporting bearing, and a coil spring which is fixed between the spring strut and the supporting bearing at a spring plate. The spring plate that cooperates with the end of the piston rod is arranged so as to be cardanically movable relative to the piston rod.

Abstract: The present invention provides a strut mount comprising an inner member (12) to which an upper extremity of a rod of a buffer is fixed, an outer member (14) attached to a vehicle while surrounding an outer circumference of the inner member, and an elastomer (16) interposed between both members to dampen vibration, wherein an attachment piece (28) of an outer fitting (14) and an attachment plate (2) of the vehicle body are curved in the form of a sphere to raise rigidity and improve vehicle running stability. Besides, a non-fastening surface portion (36) is provided by being lowered via a different level portion (34) around a bolt fastening surface portion (30) of the attachment piece (28), preventing rubber burr from being produced on the fastening surface. Furthermore, by the use of a caulking nut (52) stuck to the underside of the attachment piece (28), the weight of the products can be reduced, and cost reduction is accomplished by laborsaving during operations.

Abstract: A suspension strut used in a wheel suspension of an automotive vehicle, includes a shock absorber, a suspension strut bearing, and a coil spring at least partially coaxially surrounding the shock absorber and having one spring end supported by the shock absorber. The suspension strut bearing includes two plastic carrier elements, and a roller bearing positioned between the carrier elements. One carrier element is a guide ring connected to a vehicle body of the vehicle, and the other carrier element is a single-piece housing having incorporated therein plural hollow chambers in partial concentric surrounding relationship to the shock absorber and formed with a guide collar and a support surface for supporting the other end of the coil spring. The guide ring has a radially inner collar and a radially outer collar which together receive the roller bearing and extend at least beyond a midsection of the roller bearing.

Abstract: Fastening element for a shock absorber includes a first part which is fixed to the piston rod of the a shock absorber and is provided with an aperture for a bearing bolt and a second part with a bearing surface for a helical spring surrounding the shock absorber. The second part coaxially surrounds the first part and is held relative to the first part at least in an axial direction by a securing ring.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a travel-limiting stop device for a motor-vehicle shock absorber. The device is characterized in that the compression stop (2) and the vibration-damping element (8) are disposed within the envelope of the suspension spring (14) in such a way as to limit the total length of the shock absorber (1). The invention is applicable in the motor-vehicle sector.

Abstract: An upper mount in a suspension system of an automotive vehicle, including a metal housing, a cylindrical body accommodated in the housing, and an outer metal sleeve bonded to the outer circumferential surface of the elastic body and fitted in the housing, wherein the elastic body has an annular sealing lip integrally formed of a rubber material and located radially outwardly of a central opening formed through an upper wall portion of the housing such that the sealing lip is held in pressing contact with an inner surface of the upward wall portion or a cylindrical wall portion of the housing, for preventing a flow of an aqueous component such as water from the central opening to the outer metal sleeve.

Abstract: An upper strut assembly comprising a strut rod, a jounce bumper, a jounce bumper cup, and an upper strut mount attached to the strut rod by a fastener is disclosed. The strut rod extends about a vertical axis. The jounce bumper axially encompasses the strut rod. The jounce bumper cup includes an upper surface that is fixed about a top portion of the jounce bumper. The upper strut mount limits an anticipated peak force applied to the upper strut assembly.