Elastomeric Spring Patents (Class 280/124.177)
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Patent number: 6761238Abstract: A joint case includes a flange, a joint shaft extending from the flange, and a case main body fitted to the joint shaft. The flange is fitted to a rear portion of a front vehicle body, whereas the side of the case main body of the joint case is fitted to a rear vehicle body. With the above construction of the joint case, the distance between the front vehicle body and the rear vehicle body can be reduced, and a reduction in the overall length of the tricycle can be obtained.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2001Date of Patent: July 13, 2004Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takuya Tagami, Takashi Ozeki, Mitsuo Nakagawa
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Patent number: 6722677Abstract: A connecting component connecting two members, such as a suspension component and a vehicle component, dampens vibrations and produces springing forces. The connecting component is formed by a steel strip including a plurality of holes. A sealing strip is secured to the upper surface of the steel strip to contain fluid for damping, and springing strips are secured to the upper surface of the steel strip to provide for springing forces. The steel strip is rolled to form the connecting component, trapping the fluid between the sealing strips. As the connecting component is a linking element with several degrees of freedom, different springing and damping rates are possible at each degree of freedom.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2002Date of Patent: April 20, 2004Assignee: Meritor Light Vehicle Technology, LLCInventors: Robert P. Carlstedt, Daniel Eugene Whitney, Mark C. Smith, Eric Stephen Geib, Steven M. Foster, Richard M. Clisch, Shan Shih, Juan Jose Marcos Munoz
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Publication number: 20040041362Abstract: A pivot bearing, e.g. for a vehicle trailing arm suspension, comprising a housing (4), a resilient bush (3), preferably compressed and bonded in the housing, and a rigid axial sleeve (2) in the bush, has voids, (9) formed in the bush to be above and below the sleeve when the pivot bearing is fitted for use, and there are stiffening elements (17) in the bush which extend between the voids (9) at opposite sides of the sleeve. When the pivot bearing is in use in a vehicle trailing arm suspension, the voids increase flexibility of the bush under generally vertical loading on the pivot bearing and the stiffening elements enhance the stiffness of the bush in generally horizontal direction for improved vehicle dynamics and reduced vibration.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2003Publication date: March 4, 2004Inventor: Thomas Hughes
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Publication number: 20040021288Abstract: The present invention provides a suspension beam and bush attachment assembly. The assembly comprises a longitudinally extending control arm, a bush eye clamp, and a mounting bracket. The control arm has a bush end, a mid-region, an axle mount formed opposite of the bush end, and one or more fastener bore. The bush eye clamp is transversely mounted to the bush end of the control arm and has a center bore configured for receiving a bush therein and an axial slot biasing the bushing eye clamp open for bush insertion. To securely position the bush within the bush eye clamp, the mounting bracket is affixed to the bushing eye clamp and has one or more fastener bores substantially aligned with the one or more fastener bores of the control arm such that securing a fastener through each of the bores of the bracket and control arm couples the bracket to the control arm and biases the axial slot into a substantially closed position to contact and compress a perimeter of the bush with the bush eye clamp.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 2, 2002Publication date: February 5, 2004Inventors: John Raidel, Bruce Barton, Jason Klein, Emmitt Scammahorn
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Patent number: 6631914Abstract: A suspension system is provided with a suspension cross member 12 for rear wheels, a suspension member supported on the suspension cross member 12, elastic mounts 19 to 21 for mounting the suspension cross member 12 on the vehicle body, the elastic mounting means 19 to 21 being provided at three positions along forward and backward directions in such a manner as to form a triangle when the vehicle body is viewed sideways. Thus, a change in wheel alignment can be effectively suppressed without reducing a vehicle's comfort to ride.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2001Date of Patent: October 14, 2003Assignee: Mazda Motor CorporationInventors: Kazunori Kawamura, Masashi Oda, Hiroyoshi Kumada, Toshihide Koyama
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Patent number: 6588778Abstract: An axle assembly for a vehicle or a trailer includes an outer housing, an axle shaft and a plurality of bushings. The axle shaft is a single piece unitary construction which includes an activator shaft portion, a trailing arm portion and a spindle portion. The outer housing is adapted to be secured to the frame of the vehicle or trailer while the spindle portion is adapted to support a wheel assembly of the vehicle or trailer. Another embodiment has a single piece unitary axle which includes an activator shaft portion and a trailing arm portion. A spindle is secured to the trailing arm portion to complete the axle assembly.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2000Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Assignee: The Pullman CompanyInventor: Ronald J. McLaughlin
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Publication number: 20030111819Abstract: A vehicle suspension bush enhances safety and ride comfort by controlling a vehicle's wheels' toe on turn. It also improves turning performance of a vehicle by inducing movement of the suspension, which is caused by a lateral force on the turn, with toe-in and reinforcing lateral stiffness of suspension. The bush consists of an outer pipe comprising a horizontal part and a flange perpendicular to the horizontal part, and a main body, that is inserted into the outer pipe. The front and rear of the main body are asymmetrical when installed to the trailing arm bracket of the suspension. The inner pipe is inserted into the main body and fixed to the trailing arm bracket by a fastening device.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2002Publication date: June 19, 2003Inventor: Kyung II Bae
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Patent number: 6565105Abstract: A frame for an electric scooter has a body, a pivotal bar, two wheel mounts, two resilient members and two tabs. The pivotal bar is pivotally attached to the front end of the body. Each wheel mount is pivotally attached to one end of the pivotal bar in a longitudinal direction. A front wheel is rotatably attached to each of the wheel mounts. The resilient members are attached to the top of the pivotal bar. The tabs are secured to the body and respectively abut one of the resilient members. Consequently, one of the resilient members will be compressed when one of the front wheels is bumped. This can keep the force applied to the front wheel from being transmitted to the body and the steering bar of the scooter. To steer and to drive the electric scooter become is easier.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2001Date of Patent: May 20, 2003Inventor: Samuel Lin
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Patent number: 6513801Abstract: A stabilizer bar assembly includes a stabilizer bar and a pair of bushing assemblies. Each bushing assembly includes a first semi-circular member, a second semi-circular member and a hinge connecting the two semi-circular members together. The two semi-circular members encases the stabilizer bar and the two semi-circular members are encased by a frame bracket which attaches the stabilizer bar to a vehicle. Each semi-circular member includes an embedded rigid semi-circular member to control the compression and flexing of the bushing assembly.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2002Date of Patent: February 4, 2003Assignee: The Pullman CompanyInventor: Frank J. McCarthy
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Patent number: 6511084Abstract: An axle suspension of rigid axles is presented, on the axle body (1) of which a steering triangle (2) as well as two longitudinal control arms (3, 4), which are located at spaced locations from the steering triangle and have different vertical positions, and additionally a stabilizing device (5) are arranged. The steering triangle has two control arms (2.1 and 2.2), which form an angle with one another and are fastened to a central joint (2.3), on the one hand, and are connected to the vehicle body via a guiding joint (2.4 and 2.5) each, on the other hand.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2001Date of Patent: January 28, 2003Assignee: ZF Lemförder MetallwarenInventors: Reinhard Buhl, Wilfried Lustig, Werner Schmudde
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Patent number: 6478321Abstract: A rubber shear spring assembly for mounting between inner ends of adjacent leaf springs of a tandem axle including a hanger for mounting on a vehicle frame, hanger sides on the hanger, a rubber shear spring assembly between the hanger sides, the rubber shear spring assembly including a central plate and first and second rubber shear springs having inner sides mounted on opposite sides of the central plate and the rubber shear springs having outer sides mounted on the hanger sides, and connector members mounted at opposite ends of the central plate for connection to the inner ends of adjacent leaf springs.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2000Date of Patent: November 12, 2002Assignee: MOR/ryde International, Inc.Inventor: David E. Heitzmann
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Patent number: 6478102Abstract: A vehicle includes a body structure that is suspended from a chassis of the vehicle by a vehicle body suspension system. The vehicle body suspension system is constructed in a manner to allow relative movement to occur between the suspended body structure and the chassis in such a manner to at least partially isolate the suspended body structure from the vibrations and accelerations of the chassis. The vehicle body suspension system includes one or more spring/damper components that comprise an elastomer body that is surrounded and, therefore, reinforced by a reinforcing wall constructed of a relatively rigid material. The vehicle body suspension system may utilize one or more of the reinforced elastomer block spring/damper components as bump stops and/or primary spring/damper components.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2001Date of Patent: November 12, 2002Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, L.L.C.Inventors: Benjamin S. Puterbaugh, Michael A. Taylor, Lucas E. Satter, Mark H. Musselman
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Patent number: 6474430Abstract: A mount for mounting a cab on a vehicle frame includes a first and a second mounting part, one of which is provided on the cab and the other of which is provided on the frame. The mount further includes a vibration damper acting between frame and cab. The first mounting part includes an inner anchoring part and an outer anchoring part that is movable with respect to the inner anchoring part, the outer anchoring part radially enclosing the inner anchoring part, an elastic spring element acting between the inner and the outer anchoring parts, the cab being raiseable with respect to the vehicle frame, e.g., in a swiveling manner, from a driving position into a service position, and being lowerable from the service position into the driving position. In response to raising the cab into the service position, the first and the second mounting parts are separated from each other, and, in response to lowering the cab into the driving position, the first and second mounting parts are reconnected.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2001Date of Patent: November 5, 2002Assignee: Firma Carl FreudenbergInventors: Arno Hamaekers, Arnold Simuttis, Axel Rudolph
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Patent number: 6446993Abstract: An automotive suspension system bushing is provided, including an inner sleeve, an outer sleeve having an upwardly generally perpendicular extending flange, and a non-fluid filled elastomeric isolator bonded to the inner and outer sleeves, the isolator having transversely aligned solid sections and first and second generally arcuate axial slots geometrically spaced with respect to one another, the first slot having a major arcuate portion with a generally uniform axial first thickness and the second slot having a major arcuate portion with a non-uniform axial second thickness, the second slot on an axial upper end having a thickness more than one millimeter and less than the first slot thickness and the second slot thickness being tapered axially downward wherein at least one-third of the axial length of the second slot along the lower end has contact between the fore and aft walls of the second slot.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2000Date of Patent: September 10, 2002Assignee: DaimlerChrysler CorporationInventors: Ronald J. Huszarik, Terry R Costyk
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Patent number: 6435491Abstract: A process for stabilizing the mechanical operating characteristics of an elastomeric flexible joint which acts as a spring in a vehicle suspension device by subjecting the joint, before it is put into service, to a deformation corresponding substantially to the maximum deformation intended in service.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2000Date of Patent: August 20, 2002Assignee: Compagnie Generale des Etablissements Michelin-Michelin & CieInventors: Michel Blondelet, Jean Coue, Patrick Pennequin, Marie-Héle{grave over (n)}e Vantal
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Publication number: 20020109324Abstract: A suspension system is provided with a suspension cross member 12 for rear wheels, a suspension member supported on the suspension cross member 12, elastic mounts 19 to 21 for mounting the suspension cross member 12 on the vehicle body, the elastic mounting means 19 to 21 being provided at three positions along forward and backward directions in such a manner as to form a triangle when the vehicle body is viewed sideways. Thus, a change in wheel alignment can be effectively suppressed without reducing a vehicle's comfort to ride.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2001Publication date: August 15, 2002Inventors: Kazunori Kawamura, Masashi Oda, Hiroyoshi Kumada, Toshihide Koyama
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Publication number: 20020093170Abstract: An antivibration sleeve comprising an inner strength member which extends longitudinally along a central axis, a rigid annular strength member surrounding the inner strength member, and an elastomer body which interconnects the two strength members. The strength members have respective wedge-shaped bearing zones placed in register with each other to compress the elastomer body when the antivibration sleeve is supporting a static axial load. The bearing zones of the annular strength member enabling passages to be formed between two hydraulic chambers defined by the elastomer body.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2001Publication date: July 18, 2002Inventors: Alain Deschaume, Ali Medjani, Christophe Duvallet, Andre Girard
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Patent number: 6416068Abstract: An inexpensive damping force generating mechanism capable of generating both a compression side damping force and a tensile side damping force has a simple, lightweight structure. The damping force generating mechanism provides an inexpensive axle suspension capable of simplifying the suspension structure, reducing the weight, and effectively utilizing space. The damping force generating mechanism includes an elastic body which generates a damping force when being pressed. An internal pressure generating member is inserted in the elastic body and resists the pressing force.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2000Date of Patent: July 9, 2002Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hiroki Makino, Tsutomu Tomizawa
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Patent number: 6408970Abstract: The invention is a mechanical suspension system for cab-over tractors, specifically those used in terminal transport having two front cushion dual suspension components on the front pivot area of the cab to tractor frame connection and a single rear cushion dual suspension component on the rear of the tractor frame at the cab-over latch area, the three point dual suspension system providing a more stable suspension package than the four point and other single suspension systems.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2000Date of Patent: June 25, 2002Inventor: Allen L. Eng
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Patent number: 6402171Abstract: A link assembly for connecting a stabilizer crank arm and a suspension arm in a vehicle suspension system. The link assembly includes a barrel-shaped spacer having dome-shaped opposite ends. The spacer body has an axial bore therethrough which receives a bolt or stud shaft. The spacer spaces the crank arm and suspension system arm. Grommets on opposite ends of the shaft resiliently hold the arms against the spacer.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2000Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Assignee: MacLean-Fogg CompanyInventors: Gerald D. Nickerson, Michael T. Burzawa
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Patent number: 6354615Abstract: An articulating vehicle (10) includes a front axle (21) operatively connected to a front frame (40) and a rear axle (21) is operatively connected to the rear frame (30). A torsional joint (50) has an inner shaft member (51) operatively connected one of the frames and an outer hollow member (52) operatively connected to the other of the frames. An elastomeric material (53) is positioned between the inner member (51) and outer member (52). The elastic material (53) connects the inner and outer members, whereby the frames may rotate relative to each other along the longitudinal axis as the elastomeric member (53) is compressed and resiliently resists rotation between the frames (30 and 40). A torsional energy absorption suspension is provided for one of the wheels. The suspension includes a torsional joint (50), a single A-frame member (94). A lever arm (95) may also be utilized to vary the preload on the torsional joint (50).Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 1999Date of Patent: March 12, 2002Assignee: The Toro CompanyInventors: Kip S. Vangsgard, Richard T. Cairns, Rodney W. Woock, Dennis J. Berndt
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Patent number: 6349952Abstract: A trailer with a frame having a center load receiving channel for a motorcycle or for a similar load. A pair of oppositely extending wheel supporting axles are pivotally mounted near the center channel. Bladder type air cylinders extend between the frame and axles near the outer end of the axles. An air suspension system automatically controls the inflation of the air cylinder during transit and allows the user to selectively deflate the air springs to lower the trailer to a position close to the ground so a load such as a motorcycle can be rolled into the trailer. The user can then operate the system to inflate the air cylinder. Level control valves maintain the air cylinders at the proper position. A fail safe system maintaining the trailer in an elevated position in the event of air system failure.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2000Date of Patent: February 26, 2002Inventor: Ervin C. Kallstrom
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Patent number: 6293572Abstract: A framing structure for support of the rear suspension components of an automotive which includes a pair of generally vertically oriented suspension strut towers spaced laterally with respect to the vehicle and with each strut tower fixedly attached at lower end portions to a lower cross beam and fixedly attached at upper end portions to an upper cross beam and having an isolating structure at the upper end portion of each strut tower to which the upper end portion of a rear suspension component such as a shock absorber or a MacPherson suspension strut is attached in a manner isolating the suspension component from the strut tower and upper cross beam.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 1999Date of Patent: September 25, 2001Assignee: DaimlerChrysler CorporationInventors: Norman B. Robbins, Max A. Corporon
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Patent number: 6206391Abstract: A vehicle suspension system is provided including a trailing arm which is adapted to be pivotally connected to a frame of the vehicle. A wheel assembly is mounted to a first end of the trailing arm and a torsion element is integrally mounted within the trailing arm. A crank arm is provided having a first end mounted to the torsion element and a second end which is substantially fixed against movement in a vertical direction. As the trailing arm moves in a vertical direction, the crank arm provides torsion to the torsion element which acts as a spring for the vehicle suspension. By substantially mounting the entire suspension system directly below the vehicle frame rails, increased space is available between the wheels for luggage, fuel and spare tire storage. The rear suspension package is substantially reduced in both size and weight.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 1999Date of Patent: March 27, 2001Assignee: DaimlerChrysler CorporationInventors: David G Speth, Del C Schroeder, James C Rich
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Patent number: 6186526Abstract: An inexpensive damping force generating mechanism capable of generating both a compression side damping force and a tensile side damping force has a simple, lightweight structure. The damping force generating mechanism provides an inexpensive axle suspension capable of simplifying the suspension structure, reducing the weight, and effectively utilizing space. The damping force generating mechanism includes an elastic body which generates a damping force when being pressed. An internal pressure generating member is inserted in the elastic body and resists the pressing force.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 1998Date of Patent: February 13, 2001Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hiroki Makino, Tsutomu Tomizawa