Abstract: There is described a shock absorber strut for a bicycle, comprising a piston (12), a cylinder (13) and a resilient element (20) positioned within the cylinder. The piston extends out of one end of the cylinder, and the other end of the cylinder is closed by a casing made up of two housing halves. Mounting bushings are integrally formed in the housing halves and on the piston end, respectively, for fixing the shock absorber to a bicycle frame. The piston (12) can be withdrawn from the cylinder (13) by a simple tension, without the use of tools.

Abstract: A moving tracks dozer equalizer link elastomeric bearing assembly including a concentric outer member operable for securely engaging a equalizer link bore structure associated with a first end portion of an equalizer link structural member, wherein the concentric outer member is disposed substantially within the equalizer link bore structure. The dozer equalizer link elastomeric bearing assembly also including a concentric inner member operable for securely engaging a pin structure associated with a second moving track roller frame assembly structural member, wherein the concentric inner member is disposed substantially within the concentric outer member.

Abstract: A rubber spring (7) for a vehicle axle leaf spring suspension comprises a rubber pillar (8) which at an upper end is attached to a tunnel shaped mounting member (20) having a tunnel (13) with interior upper and lower surfaces (21,22) and adapted to house an end portion of a spring leaf (6) of a leaf spring suspension. The upper and lower surfaces are convex so as to allow tilting of the rubber pillow relative to the spring leaf.

Abstract: Polyurethane elastomer foams can be prepared by mixing an isocyanate-terminated prepolymer obtained by reaction of a polyol with 3,3?-dimethylbiphenyl-4,4?-diisocyanate, with a foaming agent comprising a mixture of water, a low-molecular weight glycol having a molecular weight of 48-200, and a high-molecular weight glycol having a number average molecular weight Mn of 1000-3000 under stirring to conduct foaming reaction. The polyurethane elastomer foams so produced can have a high durability, particularly under a high load, even though a low-cost, easy-to-handle diisocyanate compound is used.

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 connecting bearing for elastic connection between at least two elements. The connecting bearing includes a first fastening device and a second fastening device. The first fastening device and second fastening device are each mechanically coupled by a elastomer means. The elastomer means is constructed and used as a vibration insulator.

Abstract: A polyurethane biasing mechanism, comprising a first surface contact area with a first mass having a durometer that provides a first resistance and a first rate of resistance responsive to application of forces. The biasing mechanism having a second surface contact area with a second mass having the same durometer that provides a second resistance and a second rate of resistance responsive to the forces. The first resistance and the first rate of resistance are different from the second resistance and second rate of resistance, a combination of which provides a rate of resistance that commensurately varies and is correspondingly responsive in relation to varying forces.

Abstract: At least one end of a longitudinally extending control link arm includes a laterally extending tubular portion that receives a bushing assembly. The tubular portion is used to pivotally secure an end of the control link arm to a vehicle structure or axle component. The bushing assembly is positioned within the tubular portion such that radial stiffness is distributed away from a center of the tubular portion. This configuration provides a high conical rate and provides auxiliary roll stiffness such that a sway bar is not required.

Abstract: A lateral displacement shock absorbing material includes a material consisting of elongated tubular impact absorbing members, each having an axis of elongation. The axes of elongation are parallel to one another by virtue of lateral webbing interconnecting them together. Each of the tubular members has an outer surface made up of two frustoconical surfaces with their larger diameter ends abutting one another and their smaller diameter ends facing away from one another. Each tubular member includes a passageway defined by two frustoconical shapes with the smaller diameter ends abutting one another, and the larger diameter ends facing away from one another and defining the openings of each passageway. Upon impact, the side walls of the tubular members bulge or displace laterally to absorb impacts.

Abstract: An insulator for a bushing may include a plurality of insulator bodies, a center hole formed to each insulator body for coupling the insulator bodies of the bushing to a bushing bracket, and operation slot being formed on each insulator body, wherein the insulator bodies are separately and relatively-rotatably coupled each other.

Abstract: An elastomeric spring suspension is described for supporting a longitudinally extending vehicle frame rail above first and second axles forming a tandem axle configuration. The suspension includes a frame hanger assembly mounted to the vehicle frame rail The frame hanger assembly has two full spring modules, each of which includes two elastomeric shear springs, an elastomeric progressive spring rate load cushion having a pyramidal shape with a flattened top surface and a spring mount for mounting the springs. A saddle assembly is connected to the spring mount, and an equalizing beam is connected to the saddle assembly and further connected to the axles. The spring rate for the suspension increases almost linearly as a function of sprung load, resembling a pneumatic suspension. Accordingly, the suspension exhibits excellent ride quality, without sacrificing roll stability.

Abstract: A vibration damping device including a first and a second mounting member connected together by an elastic body, comprising a rebound abutting portion of flange shape integrally formed on the first mounting member; a tubular bracket fastened about the second mounting member; a stopper abutting portion formed at the tubular bracket; and a cushioning rubber disposed on the rebound abutting portion to constitute a rebound stopper mechanism for limiting relative displacement in an axially away direction between the first and second mounting members, wherein a first rotation preventing mechanism for preventing rotation of the first mounting member about a center axis of the tubular bracket by means of abutting contact of a pair of first abutting faces formed on the cushioning rubber against a pair of first abutted faces formed on a mating tube portion of the tubular bracket.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an absorbent covering having high damping power, the covering being secured to a structure (20) and being provided with an absorbent layer (10) of elastic material (4). Remarkably, said absorbent layer (10) comprises a dissipater mesh arranged in the elastic material (4) and constituted by a plurality of nodes (2) and of dissipater elements (1), which dissipater elements are advantageously elliptical in shape.

Abstract: An engine mount insulator is interposed between a chassis frame and an engine, and includes a lower housing including flanges fixed to a lateral side of the chassis frame by means of a bolt, and a reverse-V shaped plate provided between the flanges and extending toward the engine; an upper housing including a body, a predetermined portion of which is fixed to one side of the engine by means of a bolt, and wings having a reverse-V shape and extending downward from both sides of the body; a rubber member having a rectangular shape and including a first side assembled with an inner surface of the wings of the upper housing, and a second side assembled with the lower housing; and a side plate assembled with the upper housing by means of a bolt so as to support the rubber member from a lower portion of the rubber member.

Abstract: A one-piece elastomeric spring having four spaced end portions all joined to and extending from a common body portion. Two end portions are commonly disposed to each side of an axis of the spring such that each end portion can independently deflect when a force is applied thereto. The one-piece spring is formed from a preform formed from an elastomer which is normally free of spring-like characteristics. The elastomer from which the preform is created has a molecular structure along with a ratio of plastic strain to elastic strain greater than 1.5 to 1. The molecular structure of the preform is oriented in at least one direction so as to allow a predetermined spring rate to be imparted to the preform whereby transmuting the preform into an elastomeric spring.

Abstract: An air spring for use with a closure of a vehicle is disclosed. The air spring includes a rod and a tube axially slidable in the rod. The rod may include a housing having tube slots defining flexible arms with rod cam extensions extending therefrom. The rod cam extensions may have an extension rod cam surface that has a smaller angle than a retraction rod cam surface, with a rod peak between the two. The tube may include a tube cam extension having a tube peak with a diameter greater than the diameter of the rod peak. The tube cam extension may include an extension tube cam surface that has a smaller angle than a retraction tube cam surface.

Abstract: A plastic ring (9) for detachably fixing a rounded-shaft tool (1) into a tool bushing (6), wherein the inside of the tool bushing (6) has an annular groove (7), into which the elastic plastic ring (9) held in an annular groove (3) of the tool shaft (2) engages, is designed in a slotted fashion and has at least one rib projecting beyond the outer surface of the plastic ring (9) and extending across at least a portion of the periphery of the plastic ring (9).

Abstract: In a liquid-filled anti-vibration mounting device suitable such as for an engine mount, an accommodation room containing a rubber movable plate is formed inside a partition member partitioning a liquid chamber into a pressure receiving chamber and a balancing chamber. The partition member includes a pair of division walls, one adjoining the pressure receiving chamber and the other adjoining the balancing chamber. Each division wall is formed with a plurality of communication holes. The communication holes are arranged to undulate at least a portion of the movable plate towards the peripheral edge thereof at specified circumferential intervals or greater by the action of the liquid pressure through the communication holes. The movable plate thus deformed, particularly its portion towards the peripheral edge, has a small area to come into contact with the division walls at a time, which effectively disperses and lessens a shock due to contact.

Abstract: A textile spring that comprises a textile core (2) and a cover over the outer surface of the textile core, such that the cover may be bonded or not bonded to the textile core, and upon application of compression load (4), the cover is compressed against the textile core, and the textile core contracts elastically. The textile spring may be in the form of a sandwich (1) that comprises two flexible face sheets (3), bonded to the upper and lower outer surfaces of the textile spring with a flexible adhesive.

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 vehicle suspension system for large vehicles includes at least one elastomeric bearing. The bearing includes at least one substantially cylindrical elastomeric portion, at least one substantially frustospherical elastomeric portion, and at least one non-extensible shim disposed between and bonded to the substantially cylindrical elastomeric portion and the substantially frustospherical elastomeric portion.

Abstract: A vibration damping device wherein a stopper rubber disposed between opposing faces of a first mounting member and the retainer member so as to project from one of the opposing faces to the other. When the first and second mounting members undergoes relative displacement axially towards each other, a shock produced at a time when an abutting face of the first mounting member comes into contact with the open end face, i.e., an abutting face of the retainer member absorbed by the stopper rubber coming into contact with the other one of the opposing faces until the first mounting member comes into contact with the open end face of the retainer member. A receiving space is disposed between the opposing faces of the first mounting member and the retainer member so that the stopper rubber is accommodated in an elastically compressive-deformed state within the receiving space when the abutting faces contact together.

Abstract: A jounce bumper assembly includes a bumper and a support member for supporting the bumper. The support member is made of a flexible material and is stiffer than the bumper. As the bumper is compressed, the support member is flexibly deformed and expands radially and at the same time limits the radial expansion of the bumper. The support member may have a base portion with a varied thickness. The base portion is also compressed as the bumper is compressed. The support member has the advantages of increasing the spring rate of the bumper to improve the load-carrying capability and providing a softer feel for occupants in a vehicle to which the jounce bumper assembly is mounted.

Abstract: A suspension bushing is provided in a connection between a lower arm supporting a drive front wheel and a subframe. The suspension bushing includes an inner cylindrical portion secured to the subframe, an outer cylindrical portion secured to the lower arm, and a rubber resilient member joining the inner and outer cylindrical portions. A protrusion, provided on the rubber resilient member as a region receiving a load during acceleration of the vehicle, is arranged to have a greater spring constant than a portion of the rubber resilient member surrounding a second opening section provided as a region receiving a load during braking of the vehicle.

Abstract: A torque rod comprising: a first and second bushing disposed at both ends of the resin torque rod, each bushing having a resin outer casing and a rigid inner casing and a rubber elastic body interposed between the outer and inner casings, and a connecting component for connecting the first and second bushings, The connecting component has a predetermined breaking location adapted to be broken upon input of a substantial load during collisions, the predetermined breaking location includes a thin-walled portion provided at a location where the thin-walled portion undergoes compression break upon input of the substantial load, and a thick-walled portion provided at a location apart from a central axis of the connecting component in a perpendicular direction to the central axis of the connecting component.

Abstract: A cylindrical fluid-filled elastic mount which has a structure that avoids or mitigates a deterioration of damping effect, when an outer cylindrical member is subjected to a diameter-reducing operation. A cylindrical fluid-filled elastic mount including; a communication groove connecting a pair of pockets in the circumferential direction formed in an elastic body; fluid chambers provided by the corresponding pockets; an orifice member having a trough-form protrusion in which both-side wall portions provided at an end of the orifice groove are formed by an elastic material. The trough-form protrusion is inserted in the communication groove. At least one hollow groove is provided along the communication groove where the trough-form protrusion is inserted, and the hollow groove is formed longer in the circumferential direction than a length of a protrusion part of the trough-form protrusion.

Abstract: A dynamic damper including: a mass member; a support frame member having a substantially rectangular support frame portion surrounding the mass member with a given gap distance therebetween and a pair of support sides opposed to each other in a first direction with the mass member disposed therebetween. A plurality of elastic connecting members are disposed in spaces defined between the support sides and opposing end faces of the mass member, respectively, and elastically connect the mass member with respect to the support sides. The support frame portion is deformed so that the pair of support sides are relatively displaced toward each other, to thereby pre-compress the plurality of elastic connecting members. A method of producing such a dynamic damper is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a rate stiffening jounce bumper assembly, including a cup member having a large-headed mushroom stud which is inserted into the cup-shaped member and overmolded with an elastomeric bumper material. The head portion of the mushroom stud forms a shelf against which the bumper material is compressed such that the head portion effectively shortens the bumper spring thereby providing a stiffer spring rate to be obtained with a taller jounce bumper assembly.

Abstract: An elastomer spring element arranged in operable combination with structure for inhibiting localized heat deterioration of the elastomer spring element.

Abstract: A mount with replaceable load bearing and rebound members is provided. The mount comprises a housing that defines a first chamber and a second chamber; a load bearing member removably located in said first chamber, said load bearing member comprising a load bearing member contact portion; a rebound member removably located in said second chamber, said rebound member having a rebound member contact portion, the contact portions of the load bearing member and rebound member being in abutment when the members are removably located in the chambers; and means for coupling said load bearing member and rebound member.

Abstract: A vibration-damping device includes: a damper mass having a housing member with an accommodation space, an independent mass member housed within the accommodation space with a slight spacing therebetween so that the independent mass member is independent of the housing member and is freely displaceable within the accommodation space of the housing member to come into impact on the housing member via an elastic member; and a metallic spring member to be fixed at a plurality of fixing portions thereof on the vibrative member for elastically supporting the damping mass vibrative member, such that the housing member of the damper mass is fixed to a portion of the metallic spring member through which a principal elastic axis of the metallic spring member extends, and that a center of gravity of the damper mass is located on the principal elastic axis of the metallic spring member.

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 transmission mount structure for mounting a transmission connected to an end of a transverse-mounted engine to a vehicle body includes an elastic main vibration-damping member for reducing both vibrations in a vertical direction and vibrations in a roll direction, and an elastic auxiliary vibration-damping member smaller in diameter or thickness than the main vibration-damping member and extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the roll direction. The auxiliary vibration-damping member has a constricted portion formed at a longitudinal central portion thereof and having a smaller cross-section than any other part of the auxiliary vibration-damping member.

Abstract: A dual tube shock absorber includes a baffle located in the reservoir chamber to define a non-linear flow path within the reservoir chamber. The baffle extends between the pressure tube and the reservoir tube such that the non-linear flow path is the only flow path between two portions of the reservoir chamber. One embodiment is a T-shaped baffle, and another embodiment has a base section and an upright section with a wire being embedded in the base section.

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: A vibration isolation assembly comprises a base, a plunger and an annulus of resilient material between the base and plunger. The base has a pair of oppositely inclined, internal, tapered surfaces connected to each other which define an opening though the base. The tapered surfaces of the base contact corresponding external surfaces of the annulus. The plunger has an inclined surface substantially parallel to one of the internal surfaces and a second surface within the opening and facing the pair of tapered surfaces. The inclined surface and the second surface of the plunger engage corresponding internal surfaces of the annulus. In this device vibration creates a load on the annulus which is entirely compressive, or nearly so.

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: A bulk modulus elastomeric element is employed in the present invention. The material from which the invention is fabricated is formed as a sheet, which has a plurality of channels that run through, or partially through it. The holes in the sheet are angled such that the remaining material may be of a parallelogram shape. The top and bottom surfaces of the particular element may be rectangular, circular, hexagonal, or other shapes, since the shape of the end surface is not important to the invention. An edge of an upper end surface is displaced from a remote edge of the lower surface so that a vertical line from one edge normal to the upper surface, is displaced from the remote edge of the lower surface, so that it preferably does not intersect any part of the lower surface when no forces are applied to the surfaces. However, in some instances, under load, a small overlap at the cross-sectional areas of the upper surface and lower surfaces, may be desirable.

Abstract: A mount for an upper portion of a vehicle damper suspension includes an elastic member interconnecting a bracket fixed to a vehicle body and a bracket fixed to a damper rod protruding from a damper case and formed into a tubular shape to surround an outer periphery of an upper portion of the bracket, a first liquid chamber defined in part by the elastic member, and a second liquid chamber defined in part by a diaphragm communicate with each other through a communication passage. The elastic member is shear-deformed vertically with the vertical movement of the damper rod. Thus, it is possible to reduce the vertical dimension of a damper mount, while ensuring a large amount of change in the volume of the first liquid chamber, as compared with a conventional damper mount in which the block-shaped elastic member provided at the upper portion of the damper case is deformed under compression or tension, to thereby change the volume of the first liquid chamber.

Abstract: An elastomeric bushing assembly including a substantially cylindrical elastomeric bushing segment having a recessed channel manufactured into a portion of an outer surface thereof and a rigid member disposed within the recessed channel manufactured into the portion of the outer surface of the substantially cylindrical elastomeric bushing segment. The substantially cylindrical elastomeric bushing segment is configured such that it may be disposed within a first structure comprising an inner surface having edges defining a gap and the substantially cylindrical elastomeric bushing segment is configured such that it may receive a second structure comprising an outer surface. The substantially cylindrical elastomeric bushing segment is configured such that it may be disposed within the first structure comprising the inner surface having edges defining the gap such that the rigid member is substantially aligned and in direct contact with the edges defining the gap.

Abstract: A stack of sheet elastomers, each having multiple holes therein, dissipates shock forces applied to it. The elastomeric sheets are formed with identical holes each of which have a periphery that is symmetrical around the centers of the holes that extend over a shock dissipation area of the device. The sheets are stacked so that one, or more continuous material passageways are formed through the stack that extend from one support surface to a parallel support surface. This allows for the elastomer material of these passageways to transmit sheer shock forces when a compressive force is applied normal to the support surfaces. Elastomeric, or other material of a composition different, preferably elastomeric, from the material of the stacked sheets, may be filled into holes of the sheets to adjust the characteristics of the device.

Abstract: An elastomeric bearing assembly including a concentric outer member operable for securely engaging a bore structure associated with a first structural member, wherein the concentric outer member is disposed substantially within the bore structure. The elastomeric bearing assembly also including a concentric inner member operable for securely engaging a pin structure associated with a second structural member, wherein the concentric inner member is disposed substantially within the concentric outer member. The elastomeric bearing assembly further including an elastomeric section disposed between the concentric inner member and the concentric outer member, wherein the elastomeric section is bonded to a surface of the inner member and a surface of the outer member, and wherein the elastomeric section is operable for accommodating axial, cocking, and torsion motions of the second structural member relative to the first structural member.

Abstract: A suspension stop device, for a motor vehicle driving wheels, including a filtering block, having an upper housing fixed relative to the vehicle body and co-operating with a lower housing mobile in rotation about a shock absorber rod and supporting a suspension spring, and a ball bearing. The upper and lower housings are made of thermoplastic material and have opposite surfaces hollowed out in a circle, about the rotation axis of the shock absorber rod, to receive a raceway for the ball bearing. The upper housing further incorporates an impact stop molded around the leading stop of the shock absorbing device, and the thermoplastic structure of the upper housing is reinforced by a ring made of overmolded elastomer.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension includes a mount assembly for a gas strut. The mount system includes a resilient bushing supported upon an annular carrier. A rigid annular member is mounted within an inner diameter of the resilient bushing. The resilient bushing, the annular carrier, and the annular member are symmetrical about an equator. The resilient bushing, the annular carrier, and the annular member are of a two-piece structure which are mirror images when reflected through the equator. The two-piece structure allows rapid assembly, simplification of manufacture, and assembly into the vehicle structure. Another mount system includes a one-piece resilient bushing having a cylindrical annular carrier.

Abstract: A vibration-damping device includes a housing member and a pillar-shaped mass member housed within an accommodation space of the housing member with a slight spacing therebetween so that the mass member is freely displaceable within the accommodation space to come into impact on the housing member. A rubber buffer and an abutting rubber member integrally formed with each other and fixed to at least one of axial end portions of the mass member such that the rubber buffer covers an outer circumferential surface of the end portion of the mass member, and the abutting rubber member disposed over an end face of the axial end portion of the mass member. A void is formed between the abutting rubber member and the end portion of the mass member so that the abutting rubber member undergoes shear deformation upon an impact of the mass member on the housing member at the abutting rubber member.

Abstract: Vibration damping device for vehicles includes: a rigid housing member having an accommodation space and fixed to a vibrative member; and an independent mass member having a rigid mass body and an elastic body layer bonded on the outer surface of the rigid mass body. The independent mass member is non-adhesively disposed in the accommodation space such that an outer surface of the independent mass member is opposed to the inner surface of the housing member with a predetermined gap distance therebetween, to thereby permit displacement of the independent mass member relative to the housing member. The independent mass member and the housing member is brought into elastic impact against each other at respective abutting surfaces thereof in at least one vibrational input direction. The elastic body layer has a spherical outer surface so as to facilitate bouncing displacement of the independent mass member within the accommodation space.

Abstract: A rubber bearing, preferably a simple rubber bearing, is provided with an essentially cylindrical inner part (1), a tubular outer sleeve (2) coaxially surrounding the inner part (1), as well as a pressure body, which is an elastomer (3). The elastomer (3) is arranged between the inner part (1) and the outer sleeve (2) and is connected to same by vulcanization. Two free grooves (4, 4′) extend, beginning from the axial ends of the bearing, into the interior of the bearing in the axial direction over a complete circle around the bearing axis (5). The axial distance of the free grooves (4, 4′) from the bearing axis (5) and/or whose width continuously changes cyclically, wherein there is a phase shift between the two free grooves (4, 4′) in terms of their course, which is determined by the change in the radial distance from the bearing axis (5) and/or the width and which course preferably follows the same cycle.

Abstract: A method of producing a dust cover assembly comprising the steps of: preparing a fixing member having a mounting bore to be fitted on a shock absorber's piston rod, and an engaging portion formed in its outer circumferential surface as an axially undercut portion; preparing a tubular parison having a large diameter portion at its one axial end portion; positioning the large diameter portion to be disposed radially outwardly of the outer circumferential surface of the fixing member; closing a blow mold to form a mold cavity around the parison and to hold the large diameter portion of the parison in close contact with the outer circumferential surface of the fixing member; and blow molding the parison by introducing a compressed gas into the blow mold through the mounting bore, thereby molding the dust cover. A dust cover assembly and a shock absorber equipped with the dust cover assembly are also disclosed.

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 bushing for a lift axle assembly for a heavy vehicle. The lift axle assembly selectively lowers and raises supplemental wheels of the vehicle into and out of engagement with a support surface and forms a part of the support system for the vehicle when the supplemental wheels are lowered. The assembly comprising at least one bushing. The bushing includes a hard polymeric sleeve having a wall thickness of about 0.1″ to about 0.3″ (0.25-0.76 cm) and a hardness of greater than Shore 65D. An elastomeric polyurethane sleeve surrounds the hard polymeric sleeve and is fixed to it. A metal shaft is rotatably mounted in the hard polymeric sleeve.