Abstract: An integral or multi-component linkage structure formed at least partially by extrusion techniques to ensure uniformity and modularity. The structure includes a body section and a head section, which may be integrally or separately formed via extrusion or molding techniques. The body section may be extruded longitudinally or laterally relative to the longitudinal axis of the structure. The head section may be integrally formed with the body section, or it may be separately formed by extrusion or molding techniques for insertion into a receptacle of the body section.

Abstract: A molding-in-place technique for joint assemblies, such as a ball joint. The technique is particularly well suited for molding “in-place” a linkage structure about a joint structure. The technique uses a molding assembly having a plurality of centering and sealing structures for sealingly centering the linkage structure about the joint structure. A desired mold material is injected between the linkage structure and the joint structure “in-place” to provide a self-toleranced, self-retained, molded-in-place joint assembly.

Abstract: A stabilizer system including generally first and second pivotal components interconnected by at least one stabilizer member that dampens both compressive and tensile loads applied to the stabilizer member. The stabilizer member has opposing ends pivotally coupled to an upper anchor of one of the first and second pivotal components and a lower anchor of the other of the first and second pivotal components. The stabilizer member includes a resilient compressible member disposed in a housing between first and second substantially radial flanges of a linking member. The resilient compressible member is compressible between a first end portion of the housing and the second substantially radial flange when the housing and the linking member are in compression, and the resilient compressible member is compressible between a second end portion of the housing and the first substantially radial flange when the housing and the linking member are in tension.

Abstract: A stabilization member usable for coupling first and second pivotal suspension components in a vehicle suspension stabilization system. The stabilization member includes first and second tension members each having a substantially U-shaped closed first end portion linked together to form a cavity for retaining a resilient dampening member, and a second end portion coupleable to one of the first and second pivotal suspension components, whereby tension on the first and second tension members is at least partially absorbable by compression of the resilient dampening member. In one embodiment, the substantially U-shaped closed first end portions of the first and second tension members is a strap material, which are oriented substantially perpendicular to form the link, and the resilient dampening member is a thermoset urethane material, which may be pre-compressed to permit adjustably tuning the suspension stabilization system.

Abstract: An attenuated hinge spring assembly for a trunk lid of an automotive vehicle includes a coiled spring which is connected to a bracket secured to the vehicle, a threaded stud which is secured to the bracket, a plate which is slidably mounted on the bracket and the stud, a nut rotatably attached to said threaded stud and selectively secured to an arm, and a washer which lies between the plate and the nut. The plate lies adjacent to the coiled spring. The arm is pivotally connected to the trunk lid and to the bracket. The spring is connected to the stud and the arm and uncoils as the arm pivots from a lowered position to a raised position to move the lid between a lowered position and a raised position. When the lid is raised, the arm rotates which causes the nut to rotate and translate along the stud, which in turn causes the washer and plate to translate along said stud.