Patents by Inventor Thomas J. Sweeney, Jr.

Thomas J. Sweeney, Jr. 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: 5971654
    Abstract: A device for mounting a leaf spring to an axle housing of a vehicle, in which a cap device receives the axle housing of the vehicle. A liner is positioned inside the cap to permit rotational movement of the axle housing. A pair of U-bolts is mounted on the cap and extends down from the cap toward the leaf spring. First and second plates engage the U-bolts to present a pair of parallel plates positionable on top and bottom of the leaf spring, respectively. Preferably, the liner is fabricated from a low friction material such as polytetrafluoroethylene. To prevent aixal movement of the device, stops engage the axle housing. Stabilizing plates maintain the top, first plate generally parallel to the leaf spring and prevent relative movement of the first plate and the U-bolts. Spacers maintain a minimum spacing between the first and second plates on the U-bolts. In a preferred embodiment, a low friction surface is provided on the portion of the plates in contact with the leaf spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Inventor: Thomas J. Sweeney, Jr.