Patents by Inventor Chris Allard

Chris Allard has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 7549657
    Abstract: A wheel support knuckle and trailing arm assembly that is attached to a toe link of a vehicle suspension system. The trailing arm assembly is formed by a blade member and a reinforcement member. The wheel support knuckle defines an axle bore and includes an integrally formed upper link receptacle and an integrally formed brake caliper track. The toe link is retained on the trailing arm assembly by a clevis formed by a transverse wall formed in the blade member and a parallel transverse wall formed in the reinforcement member. An alternative embodiment discloses a one-piece trailing arm that defines a clevis for connection to the toe link between a transverse wall and a tab that extends parallel to the transverse wall. A method of making cast wheel support knuckle and stamped trailing arm assembly is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Peter Jargowsky, Jaspal Sohal, Greg Gombert, Oskar Rozalski, Chris Allard
  • Publication number: 20090008889
    Abstract: A wheel support knuckle and trailing arm assembly that is attached to a toe link of a vehicle suspension system. The trailing arm assembly is formed by a blade member and a reinforcement member. The wheel support knuckle defines an axle bore and includes an integrally formed upper link receptacle and an integrally formed brake caliper track. The toe link is retained on the trailing arm assembly by a clevis formed by a transverse wall formed in the blade member and a parallel transverse wall formed in the reinforcement member. An alternative embodiment discloses a one-piece trailing arm that defines a clevis for connection to the toe link between a transverse wall and a tab that extends parallel to the transverse wall. A method of making cast wheel support knuckle and stamped trailing arm assembly is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Peter Jargowsky, Jaspal Sohal, Greg Gombert, Oskar Rozalski, Chris Allard
  • Patent number: 7431315
    Abstract: A wheel support knuckle and trailing arm assembly that is attached to a toe link of a vehicle suspension system. The trailing arm assembly is formed by a blade member and a reinforcement member. The wheel support knuckle defines an axle bore and includes an integrally formed upper link receptacle and an integrally formed brake caliper track. The toe link is retained on the trailing arm assembly by a clevis formed by a transverse wall formed in the blade member and a parallel transverse wall formed in the reinforcement member. An alternative embodiment discloses a one-piece trailing arm that defines a clevis for connection to the toe link between a transverse wall and a tab that extends parallel to the transverse wall. A method of making cast wheel support knuckle and stamped trailing arm assembly is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Peter Jargowsky, Jaspal Sohal, Greg Gombert, Oskar Rozalski, Chris Allard
  • Patent number: 7325820
    Abstract: An independent rear suspension system is provided that has a trailing arm connected between a frame rail and a wheel support knuckle. A lower control arm is connected between a frame cross member and the knuckle. The suspension system also includes an upper link that extends between the frame rail and the knuckle. The toe link and upper link are generally vertically aligned. A stabilizer bar extends between the toe link and upper link and is connected to the lower control arm outboard of the shock and spring to reduce space requirements for the suspension system forward of the wheel support knuckle. The lower control arm is elongated and attached to the frame cross member inboard of the frame rails to improve the ratio of wheel travel to shock travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Steve Allen, Tony Adamo, Peter Jargowsky, Chris Allard, Brian Miller
  • Publication number: 20070007741
    Abstract: A wheel support knuckle and trailing arm assembly that is attached to a toe link of a vehicle suspension system. The trailing arm assembly is formed by a blade member and a reinforcement member. The wheel support knuckle defines an axle bore and includes an integrally formed upper link receptacle and an integrally formed brake caliper track. The toe link is retained on the trailing arm assembly by a clevis formed by a transverse wall formed in the blade member and a parallel transverse wall formed in the reinforcement member. An alternative embodiment discloses a one-piece trailing arm that defines a clevis for connection to the toe link between a transverse wall and a tab that extends parallel to the transverse wall. A method of making cast wheel support knuckle and stamped trailing arm assembly is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2005
    Publication date: January 11, 2007
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Peter Jargowsky, Jaspal Sohal, Greg Gombert, Oskar Rozalski, Chris Allard
  • Publication number: 20070007742
    Abstract: An independent rear suspension system is provided that has a trailing arm connected between a frame rail and a wheel support knuckle. A lower control arm is connected between a frame cross member and the knuckle. The suspension system also includes an upper link that extends between the frame rail and the knuckle. The toe link and upper link are generally vertically aligned. A stabilizer bar extends between the toe link and upper link and is connected to the lower control arm outboard of the shock and spring to reduce space requirements for the suspension system forward of the wheel support knuckle. The lower control arm is elongated and attached to the frame cross member inboard of the frame rails to improve the ratio of wheel travel to shock travel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2005
    Publication date: January 11, 2007
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Steve Allen, Tony Adamo, Peter Jargowsky, Chris Allard, Brian Miller