Leaf And Rubber Type Patents (Class 267/30)
  • Patent number: 11319983
    Abstract: An arrangement configured to introduce a force from a fastening element into a plastic component, the arrangement including a force-limiting element that is embedded in the plastic component; wherein the fastening element is configured to fasten the plastic component at a body; wherein the fastening element is insertable through the force-limiting element, and wherein the plastic component includes a retention device which protrudes at least partially into an interior of the force-limiting element so that the fastening element that is inserted into the force-limiting element is retained in the force limiting element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: ECO Holding 1 GmbH
    Inventors: Daniel Stanhope, Brent Brower, Matt Carlson, Matt Stolzman
  • Patent number: 11073192
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a novel system, device, and methods for providing an isolator for components and instrumentation to isolate vibrations, shock, static or quasi-static loads, thermal loads, and electrical currents. The novel isolator has an asymmetrical shape, experiences uniform motion under quasi-static loading, and reduces the effective modal mass across a range of frequencies. The novel isolator outperforms conventional vibration isolators in terms of cost, schedule (manufacturing time and lead time), heat dissipation, and performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: United Launch Alliance, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Ryan Lee Shannon
  • Patent number: 11072389
    Abstract: A tiltable vehicle is configured to transform between an autonomous mode and a rideable mode by pivoting the handlebars and steering column of the vehicle about a pitch axis. In the autonomous mode, the steering column is folded back toward the chassis and a tiltable chassis of the vehicle is prevented from tilting. In the rideable mode, the steering column is unfolded and the chassis is free to tilt. In some examples, a tiltable vehicle includes features beneficial for vehicle-sharing, such as parking devices or a basket. These features may be included on any suitable vehicle and are not limited to use on transforming vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: Sway Motorsports LLC
    Inventors: Kyle Jonathan Doerksen, Joseph Wilcox
  • Patent number: 10933708
    Abstract: A longitudinal leaf spring device for suspending a motor vehicle body or chassis on a vehicle axle thereof. Leaf spring device including an elongated leaf spring unit, a coupling device connecting the leaf spring unit to the vehicle axle, and suspension unit arranged in a substantially vertical direction between a chassis and the axle. The suspension unit including suspension elements providing a spring-back force in the vertical direction and producing an active connection between the chassis and the axle when the distance between the chassis and axle exceeds a predetermined first deflection depth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Wolfgang David, Paul Zandbergen, Thomas Gerhards, Ralf Hintzen, Marc Simon, Friedrich Peter Wolf-Monheim
  • Patent number: 10870324
    Abstract: A motor vehicle suspension having a leaf spring, a control, and a connector formed of a monolithic piece of elastomer. The connector has a blind-hole cavity receiving an end of the leaf spring and a through-hole cavity through which the control arm extends. The connector is bonded to the leaf spring and to the control arm by vulcanization. The control arm has at least one hole formed through a flat connection portion thereof, and the connector extends through the at least one hole. At least one stiffener plate is embedded in the connector and is arranged substantially parallel to the flat connection portion of the control arm received by the through-hole cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Friedrich Peter Wolf-Monheim
  • Patent number: 9549706
    Abstract: A cradle drive mechanism, a table and a patient imaging and carrying apparatus are provided. The cradle drive mechanism includes: a first portion, which is arranged on a main base and has a belt drive structure, wherein the belt drive structure is used to connect a cradle and drive the cradle to make a reciprocating motion; a second portion, which is arranged on a secondary base and has a secondary supporting and rotating member, wherein the second portion and the first portion form a gap therebetween, and the secondary supporting and rotating member is used to support the cradle; and two guiding and rotating members, which are arranged on the second portion and/or the first portion for guiding the cradle to move linearly. The present application can simplify the structure by adoption of the belt drive structure. Further, the gap between the second portion and the first portion does not attenuate the X-ray additionally, so the dose of the X-ray emitted can be decreased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Xiaoyan Zhang, Xuyong Yang, Yanguo Yang, Feng Yang, Jia Liu
  • Patent number: 9383059
    Abstract: An assembly securing arrangement, in particular for securing a transmission in a motor vehicle body, includes an assembly support and at least one assembly bearing for the vibration-damped mounting of an assembly, wherein the at least one assembly bearing is a load-bearing component of the assembly support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Joachim Kappich, Juergen Goeltenboth
  • Patent number: 9194452
    Abstract: Vibration damping apparatus, systems, objects including such apparatus and systems, and vibration damping methods. The vibration damping involves amplifying a vibration-induced displacement and damping the amplified displacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: The Aerospace Corporation
    Inventors: Gary F. Hawkins, Ching-Yao Tang
  • Publication number: 20150145187
    Abstract: A leaf spring assembly, which may be attached to, for example, an axle or suspended components a vehicle, includes a leaf having a first end and a second end on opposing sides of a center point. The leaf is the only leaf in the leaf spring assembly. The leaf spring assembly also includes a first bumper and a second bumper spaced from the first bumper. The first bumper contacts the leaf upon a first displacement of the leaf spring assembly. The second bumper also contacts the leaf upon the first displacement of the leaf spring assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Peter J. Soles, Jian Chen
  • Patent number: 8801018
    Abstract: A vehicle suspension may include a leaf spring, a link member and a bumper. The leaf spring may include first and second ends and a body extending between the first and second ends. The first end may be pivotably coupled to a first mounting structure and may be configured to pivot relative to a vehicle chassis. The second end may be pivotably coupled to a second mounting structure and may be configured to pivot relative to the vehicle chassis. The body may engage a third mounting structure configured to secure the body relative to a vehicle axle. The link member may include a first end pivotably coupled to the first mounting structure and a second end pivotably coupled to the third mounting structure. The bumper may extend downward from the link member toward the leaf spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Brian A Del Pup, Nicholas Walters, Todd R Kelpin, Murthy Kowsika
  • Patent number: 8720921
    Abstract: A vehicular suspension enhancer comprises a pair of vertically oriented spring portions, one portion mounted to the axle and the other portion mounted to the frame. Each vehicle axle can be equipped with two suspension enhancers, one enhancer located on each side of an axle. Each of the spring portions are positioned in the space between the axle and the vehicular frame, with the distal ends of each spring portion facing one another with a space between the distal ends defining a gap. The gap between the facing spring portions will increase in response to an increase in the distance between frame and axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: SuperSprings International, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerard A. Lamberti
  • Publication number: 20130154227
    Abstract: A motor vehicle arrangement, a motor vehicle and a connecting body for a motor vehicle. A leaf spring is configured to provide suspension of the motor vehicle, and an elastic connecting body is connected to the leaf spring, the elastic connecting body including a device configured to provide a rigid connection to a frame of the motor vehicle, a first elastic connecting body section and a second elastic connecting body section which are inclined with respect to one another and at least partially spaced apart from one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: MAGNA STEYR FAHRZEUGTECHNIK AG & CO. KG
    Inventor: MAGNA STEYR Fahrzeugtechnik AG & CO. KG
  • Patent number: 7647733
    Abstract: A reinforcing structure for a building and a reinforcing member used for the structure, where the structure has excellent anti-vibration characteristics and quake resistance. The reinforcing structure and member for a building are capable of reducing the deformation of structural members of the building caused by vibration and removing the deformation so that the original form is restored. A reinforcing member (1) is provided and fixed at a corner portion where structural members (11, 12) of a building intersect. The reinforcing member (1) is formed such that a first spring member (third leaf 33) and a second spring member (layered leaf (5)) are combined, and a damper (4) and a synthetic resin foam body (2a) are arranged in a space between the first and second spring members. A synthetic resin foam body (2b) is filled in a space surrounded by the structural members (11, 12) and the reinforcing member (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Nakamura Bussan Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takuzo Nakamura, Kiyotaka Nanama, Takaaki Eguchi
  • Patent number: 7017888
    Abstract: A suspension system includes a composite leaf spring attachment system having a bracket, a mount and a shear damper mounted therebetween. The mount is rectilinear in cross-section to receive a rearward leaf spring segment of the composite leaf spring. During flexing of the leaf spring, the rearward leaf spring segment of the leaf spring slides within the mount. The shear damper in combination with sliding of the leaf spring through the mount accommodates this longitudinal lengthen during flexing. Also, due to the width of the of the leaf spring segment the shear damper may alternatively be utilized alone to accommodate the flexing of the leaf spring as the significant width of the composite leaf spring provides a large mounting platform for a significantly large shear damper heretofore unavailable with relatively thin conventional steel leaf springs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology LLC
    Inventors: David K. Platner, Ramin Rezakhanlou, James Trotter
  • Patent number: 6886799
    Abstract: A structure for mounting a heavy article 27 to a carrier body 31 via an intermediate member 20, capable of temporarily fixing the heavy article during the mounting operation, wherein the intermediate member 20 is provided in a lower part thereof with a lower attachment portion 21 having holes 26 for fixing the heavy article 27 and in an upper part thereof with upper attachment portions 23 having engagement portions 25 for being temporarily fixed to the carrier body 31 and fixation portions 24 for being firmly fixed to the carrier body 31. To fix the intermediate member 20 to the heavy article 27, the lower attachment portion 21 of the former is sandwiched between a pair of elastic members 28 made of soft material, and fastened to the heavy article 27 by fastening members 30 through the holes 26, for allowing a slight vibration of the heavy article 27.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Satoru Yamanashi
  • Patent number: 6371466
    Abstract: An apparatus for mounting to a truck suspension system which provides reinforcement to standard leaf spring suspensions in a manner that is adjustable and flexible. It provides improved weight distribution while allowing for additional vertical travel of the suspension system during periods of extreme shock loading. The apparatus mounts to the vehicle frame at a location behind the rear axle between the rear axle and rear attachment point of the leaf spring. The apparatus is both vertically and horizontally adjustable and provides an adjustable amount of reinforcement, thus allowing the operator the match the amount of reinforcement to the load. The apparatus can be fully disengaged after installation and selectively used thereafter without requiring removal and subsequent reinstallation. In the disengaged position, the apparatus has no effect on the suspension system of the host vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Inventor: Lonnie K. Spears
  • Patent number: 6176478
    Abstract: A rubber shear spring add-on assembly for the leaf spring of an automotive vehicle, the rubber shear spring add-on assembly being connected between the rear end of the leaf spring and the frame, the rubber shear spring add-on assembly including a spring carrier assembly mounting the rear end of the leaf spring, a hanger assembly mounted on the frame member and a rubber shear spring mounted between the hanger assembly and the spring carrier assembly which is mounted on the rear end of the leaf spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: MOR/ryde International, Inc.
    Inventor: David E. Heitzmann
  • Patent number: 6062548
    Abstract: A damper mechanism for attenuating vibrations having a vibration attenuating spring element (1) which includes: a leaf spring (2) having a bent portion (4) and a pair of lever portions (5) extending from both ends of the bent portion (4); and an elastic member (3) disposed between the lever portions (5). When the leaf spring (2) is subjected to compressive forces, the lever portions (5) and the elastic member (3) are elastically deformed. Internal friction is generated in the elastic member (5). The functions typically provided by a conventional elastic member and a conventional resistance generating mechanism are realized by utilizing a simple spring element composed of the leaf spring (2) and the elastic member (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: EXEDY Corporation
    Inventors: Kanehisa Nagao, Mamoru Ohkubo
  • Patent number: 6056276
    Abstract: Leaf spring, in particular for a suspension of a vehicle, of the multiple-leaf type, and preferably of the double-leaf type: a first, upper leaf is provided at respective ends with corresponding eyelets for attachment to a vehicle, and is made of metal material, for example of steel, whereas a second leaf which is connected to a lower surface of the first leaf, is made of composite material, for example of plastic reinforced with fiber glass. The attachment eyelets, which are produced by plastic deformation of the ends of the first leaf, are disposed entirely on one side of a longitudinal axis of symmetry of the first leaf, on the side opposite the second leaf; the second leaf extends longitudinally with its own respective end edges at least as far as the geometric centers of the eyelets. Between the leaves, in the vicinity of the eyelets and partially below the latter, there are interposed two friction buffers with a predetermined thickness, which are coupled to the lower leaf by means of a coupling tooth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: Rejna S.p.A.
    Inventor: Carlo Muzio
  • Patent number: 5904345
    Abstract: To provide a vibration-damping assembly sufficiently functions in wide range of vibration with improved durability, and effective spring constant thereof can easily be changed as occasion demands. The vibration-damping assembly comprises a leaf spring (20) and a vibration-damping rubber (23) which are connected to each other in series, and a base end portion of the leaf spring (20) is secured to stand portions (3B, 3C) of a support (3), and another end of the vibration-damping rubber (23), which is not connected to the leaf spring (20), is connected to the prime mover (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Assignee: Kioritz Corporation
    Inventors: Tatsuhiko Matsubayashi, Satoru Kikuchi, Isamu Sekizawa
  • Patent number: 5865456
    Abstract: A flex joint for a vehicle frame has a flexible member fabricated of a durable material and a body formed upon the flexible member. The body is configured to define a desired bending of the flexible member at a bending site which is surrounded by a longitudinally flexible, substantially non-twistable encasement. Either the flexible member or the body is configured for attachment to two vehicle frame members so as to interconnect the frame members relative to each other and so as to facilitate movement of one of the frame members relative to the other of the frame members substantially according to the desired bending defined by the body and substantially without torsion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: GT Bicycles, Inc.
    Inventors: James S Busby, Stanley A Needle
  • Patent number: 5839547
    Abstract: In an application arrangement for a disc brake including a brake lining compartment having two lateral guide surfaces extending in the application direction for guiding and supporting a brake lining which can be displaced by the application arrangement, a plate is situated on the assigned wall surface of the brake lining compartment or on the lateral edge of the brake lining and is disposed so that it can be rollably or slidably displaced with respect to the wall surface along a predetermined path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: Knorr Bremse Systeme Fur Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH
    Inventor: Dieter Bieker
  • Patent number: 5743516
    Abstract: An improved shock absorber device including first and second shock absorbers. The spring characteristics of the shock absorbers provide a jump function. The position and size of the differential force value in the region of the spring characteristics are such that, when propulsive and shock forces occur with a force value within the differential force value, the second shock absorber is not activated and the first shock absorber has already reached its maximum shock absorbing limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Bruckner Maschinenbau GmbH
    Inventors: Paul Lindner, Ulrich Ruhlemann
  • Patent number: 5560590
    Abstract: A vehicle suspension friction control assembly includes vehicle suspension having at least two elements which are slidable with respect to each other in the fore-and-aft direction thereof. The assembly also includes a friction control device comprising a resiliently deformable member which is located between the suspension elements and means for limiting deformation of the deformable member to a predetermined degree in the fore-and-aft direction of the suspension elements. The suspension elements are slidable with respect to each other against friction when the deformable member has been deformed to the predetermined limited degree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1996
    Assignee: Detroit Steel Products Company, Inc.
    Inventor: John B. Reast
  • Patent number: 5549271
    Abstract: A vibration canceler includes a dimensionally stable inertial mass that is retained by a spring element made of a flexible material. A metal clamping element is mounted to the spring element and the clamping element and the inertial mass are fastened frictionally to one another through a wall of a recess in said inertial mass. The recess may be tapered in the direction of insertion of the spring element, to ensure a good frictional fit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1996
    Assignee: Firma Carl Freudenberg
    Inventor: Arno Hamaekers
  • Patent number: 5535993
    Abstract: An attachment for a vehicle suspension system of a type having a frame, a pair of leaf springs attached at the ends thereof to each side of the frame and operatively attached centrally thereof to the rear axle housing. An abutment structure is attached to the frame on each side thereof just above the portion of the leaf springs on each side of the frame. These abutment structures are positioned generally between the rear axle and rear end of the leaf springs for contacting an upper portion of the respective leaf spring under heavy load conditions to effectively shorten the operative length of the leaf springs automatically whereby the load will be effectively redistributed from rear to front upon engagement of the abutment structures with the top of the leaf springs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Inventor: Leon L. Hansen
  • Patent number: 5492311
    Abstract: An active positioning element for a rubber mount, including a space surrounded by a housing, a positioning member and a working member which is designed as a spring element arranged within the space. The positioning member and the working member are movable back and forth in the direction of oscillations introduced into the rubber mount, and the positioning member is sealed in the housing. The positioning member is formed by a gas pressure spring which can be acted on by gas under pressure, the gas pressure spring comprising at least one piston-cylinder unit which has a roller membrane for sealing the piston off from the housing. The spring element is formed by a compression spring which, in the direction of the oscillations introduced, rests under elastic initial stress, on one side against the positioning member and on another side against the support bearing of the rubber mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1996
    Assignee: Firma Carl Freudenberg
    Inventors: Klaus Kurr, Willi Schweikert, Armin Barth
  • Patent number: 5401009
    Abstract: A compound diaphragm bellows is provided that substantially increases the stroke of conventional viscous fluid dampers without significantly compromising radial stiffness. A method of restraining movement in a first plane while enhancing elastic movement in a plan perpendicular to the first plane is also provided. The disclosed compound diaphragm bellows are constructed by connecting alternating edges of flexible member pairs to rigid sleeves. Stiffening members may be added to enhance the compound diaphragm bellows' radial stiffness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1995
    Assignee: Honeywell Inc.
    Inventors: David C. Cunningham, Carl Riddle
  • Patent number: 5358210
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vibration-filtering device and to a system for fixing a load on a support by means of a plurality of such devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1994
    Assignee: Hutchinson
    Inventors: Jean-Michel Simon, Jean-Pierre Ciolczyk
  • Patent number: 5217184
    Abstract: A retaining wall for intercepting and holding freight pieces in a cargo hold of an aircraft cabin is provided with two parallel wall sections enclosing a space in which there are mounted elastically deforming hollow spring tubes which have an elliptical cross-section and are so arranged that the small axis of the ellipse is oriented in the direction of impact, while the long axis of the ellipse is oriented perpendicularly to the impact direction. The spring tubes may have a layered construction for a controlled spring characteristic. The elastic energy damping of the spring tubes may be combined with a friction energy absorption device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1993
    Assignee: Deutsche Aerospace Airbus GmbH
    Inventor: Mohammad Hararat-Tehrani
  • Patent number: 5193788
    Abstract: A damping bearing assembly, in particular a motor bearing for the vibration-insulated mounting of engines in motor vehicles, comprising an approximately annular spring body of fibrous composite materials, the spring body including a coil form of artificial resin impregnated fibers wound in several layers, force introducing elements clamping the coil form on mutually opposite sides, a working chamber for additional hydraulic damping disposed inside the spring body between the force-introducing elements, the working chamber being formed of elastically deformable material having a low degree of stiffness in an operating direction and a high degree of volume stiffness, a conduit hydraulically communicating with the work chamber and a compensating chamber hydraulically communicating with the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1993
    Assignee: Metzeler Gimetall AG
    Inventors: Matthias Richter, Mathias Gugsch, Robert Gresslinger
  • Patent number: 5193642
    Abstract: An engine mounting apparatus for a vehicle comprises an arm member projecting from an engine, a shell member mounted to the arm member, an insulator made of a relatively soft elastic material and received in the shell member, and a pin inserted into the insulator and mounted to a vehicle body frame. A resilient member is arranged to extend between the engine and the shell member in an elastically deformed state. One end of the resilient member is made to slidably bear against a suitable portion of the engine, whereas the other end of the resilient member is fixed to the shell member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1993
    Assignee: Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Miyake
  • Patent number: 5102107
    Abstract: A resilient support for a suspension system of the type comprising two frameworks (1) capable of being fastened to two assemblies between which the support is intended to be interposed. The support includes, as the main resilient element intended for supporting a load, at least one resilient tubular member (3), the axis (y) of which extends perpendicularly to the main direction (z) in which the load is exerted. An elastic material (2) is bonded or fixed on either side of the tubular member (3) for fastening the tubular member to a respective framework.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1992
    Assignee: Hutchinson
    Inventors: Jean-Michel Simon, Jean-Pierre Ciolczyk
  • Patent number: 5029888
    Abstract: A seat support for a bicycle including a combination beam interconnected with a bicycle frame at one end and having a seat mounted on its opposite end. The combination beam includes longitudinally extending load support members of relatively high modulus of elasticity spaced from each other along at least a portion of their length to define a gap. An elastomeric shock absorbing material is positioned in the gap. The material being deformed responsive to relative movement of the structural members of the beam when the beam is bent under load such that the material absorbs shock and vibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1991
    Assignee: Allsop, Inc.
    Inventors: James D. Allsop, David E. Calapp
  • Patent number: 5020824
    Abstract: A suspension for a vehicle having tandem axles includes a composite leaf spring connected between the axles. The leaf spring is constrained to bend about a transverse axis by a fixed elastic support having a concave, arcuate bottom surface whose center coincides with the transverse axis. The elastic support engages the top surface of the leaf spring at two points on opposite sides of the transverse axis, and is opposed by a central elastic element. The ends of the leaf spring are connected to the tandem axles by ball joints having elastic pads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1991
    Assignee: Renault Vehicules Industriels
    Inventors: Francois Mounier-Poulat, Marcel Savoie, Raymond Armanet
  • Patent number: 5007660
    Abstract: A leaf spring suspension for a motor vehicle wherein the leaf spring has one end pivotally connected to the frame and the other end also connected to the frame via a torsion spring member. The torsion spring member has a shaft member which is pivotally connected to the other end of the leaf spring. The torsion spring member has an elastomeric sleeve whose inner bore surface is bonded to the shaft member. The torsion spring member also has an outer shell secured to the sleeve and also connected to the frame. A stop member is mounted on the outer shell for engagement by an abutment member on the bracket member to cut out the torsion spring and place the leaf spring in sole control as the suspension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1991
    Assignee: The B. F. Goodrich Company
    Inventors: Roy L. Orndorff, Jr., Mark J. Bono
  • Patent number: 4988080
    Abstract: A variable rate leaf spring construction for a vehicle including a composite leaf spring composed of fiber reinforced resin. The ends of the spring are adapted to be connected to the frame of the vehicle and an axle is mounted to the central portion of the spring. A resilient bumper is mounted on the frame and is disposed to be engaged by the spring as a load is applied to the frame. The bumper is tapered downwardly and the lower end of the bumper terminates in a generally rounded tip. The rounded tip provides a low or soft spring rate on initial contact with the leaf spring, while further loading will compress the bumper to provide a higher spring rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 29, 1991
    Assignee: A. O. Smith Corporation
    Inventor: Rashmikant P. Shah
  • Patent number: 4934724
    Abstract: A seat support for a vehicle including a combination beam interconnected with the vehicle at one end and having a seat mounted on its opposite end. The combination beam includes longitudinally extending load support members of relatively high modulus of elasticity spaced from each other along at least a portion of their length to define a gap. An elastomeric shock absorbing material is positioned in the gap. The material being deformed responsive to relative movement of the structural members of the beam when the beam is bent under load such that the material absorbs shock and vibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 19, 1990
    Assignee: Allsop, Inc.
    Inventors: James D. Allsop, David E. Calapp
  • Patent number: 4817909
    Abstract: An elastomeric hanger structure is designed to provide both force stabilization and vibration isolation while connecting a part such as a vehicle exhaust system with a supporting structure such as a vehicle chassis. The elastomeric hanger of the invention is also capable of being selectively tailored to control numerous static and dynamic conditions which may be encountered when the part is suspended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1989
    Assignee: GenCorp Inc.
    Inventor: Donald L. Deane
  • Patent number: 4796910
    Abstract: The present invention provides an auxiliary suspension system for a motor vehicle, in particular for a trailer truck, which serves to both supplement and protect the trailer springs and also to prevent the trailer from dropping directly onto the tires of the vehicle in the event that a spring breaks. A thick rubber mat is mounted to a plate on the bottom of the subframe of the trailer. The spring is positioned above U-bolts on the subframe which hold the vehicle springs. When the trailer is unloaded, the rubber mat extending from the bottom of the trailer subframe will normally be spaced several inches above the top of the U-bolt. When the vehicle is carrying a full load, the rubber mat will normally be supported on top of the U-bolt. In the event that the trailer springs break during operation of the vehicle, the rubber mat will support the trailer subframe on top of the U-bolt and prevent the subframe from dropping directly onto the tires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1984
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1989
    Inventor: Urban Starr, Sr.
  • Patent number: 4773349
    Abstract: A boat dock bumper including an elongated vertical plate having an inner face and an outer face. A spring steel strap attached to the inner face of the plate and disposed to bow away from the inner face. The strap is attached at one end of the plate by a sliding attachment and at the other end of the plate by a pivoting attachment. Means are provided by way of a plate for attaching the strap to a boat dock such that the outer face of the plate will contact the hull of an approaching watercraft. The plate is movable between an at-rest position and a compressed position when contacted by a watercraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1988
    Inventor: Ronald W. McKinney
  • Patent number: 4744547
    Abstract: An elastic engine mount with a dynamic stiffness decreasing in dependence on frequency for damping sound transmitted through solids includes a leaf spring having a central region and ends, an elastomer support disposed on the central region of the leaf spring for transmitting force to the leaf spring in a given direction and loading the leaf spring by bending, and at least two support points supporting the leaf spring, the ends of the leaf spring extending freely beyond the support points forming auxiliary masses coupled to the elastomer support vibrating in a direction opposite to the given force transmission direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1988
    Assignee: Metzeler Kautschuk GmbH
    Inventor: Volker Hartel
  • Patent number: 4671535
    Abstract: An attachment for a vehicle suspension system of a type having a frame, a pair of leaf springs attached at the ends thereof to each side of the frame and operatively attached centrally thereof to the rear axle housing. An abutment structure is attached to the frame on each side thereof just above the leaf springs on each side of the frame. These abutment structures are positioned generally between the rear axle and the rear end of the leaf springs for contacting an upper portion of the respective leaf springs under heavy load conditions to effectively shorten the operative length of the leaf springs automatically whereby the load will be effectively redistributed from rear to front upon engagement of the abutment structures with the top of the leaf springs. Structure is also provided for vertically adjusting the position of the abutment structures with respect to the leaf springs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1987
    Inventors: Leon L. Hanson, Thomas J. Iwanski
  • Patent number: 4568067
    Abstract: A shock-absorbing strut suspension for an automotive vehicle includes a disc spring between the strut and the vehicle body. The disc spring is pre-loaded upon assembly in the vehicle so that it readily absorbs small-amplitude vibrations while transmitting larger-amplitude vibrations. The disc spring thus augments the effect of elastic dampers designed to absorb high-frequency, relative low-amplitude vibrations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1983
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1986
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Company, Limited
    Inventor: Kazuroh Iwata
  • Patent number: 4406444
    Abstract: A brake hanger comprises upper and lower U-shaped lugs of substantially rigid material spaced from each other by a pair of laterally spaced leaf springs which are rigidly secured to the lugs respectively at their opposite ends. The upper lug is adapted to be journaled on a fixed pivot pin secured to the frame of a railway truck, and the lower lug is adapted for journaling connections to a plurality of elements, including a connection to a brake head and a connection to a brake cylinder. The lugs provide rigidity for alignment of their pivots, while the spring rated connection between the plugs provides for substantial lateral movement of the lower lug relative to the upper lug without deforming the parts of the hanger beyond their elastic limits, and without substantially altering braking performance by maintaining side thrust of a wheel flange against a brake shoe carried by the hanger at a minimum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1981
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1983
    Assignee: General Signal Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas M. Bogenschutz
  • Patent number: 4377218
    Abstract: A buffer rod is interconnected between an engine and a chassis of a vehicle in addition to the main engine mounts. The rod has a resonance frequency slightly lower than the engine vibration frequency at which resonance in the vehicle cabin is apt to occur. Upon reaching the resonance frequency of the rod, the phase of vibration passing through the rod changes so that instead of increasing the spring modulus of the combination of engine mounts and buffer rod to damp vibrations which would otherwise shake the vehicle, the spring modulus thereof is reduced to a very low value due to the interference between the vibration passing through the mounts and the buffer rod. This sudden softening of the engine suspension as a whole, damps the engine vibrations which would otherwise induce resonance in the vehicle cabin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1980
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1983
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masao Fukushima
  • Patent number: 4272101
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved suspension for a group of wheels of a vehicle comprising longitudinal torsion bars coupled to the wheels outside longitudinal rails and to an elastic stabilizer bar by means of a connecting piece. According to the invention, the bar extends in a part beyond the torsion bar, which part is capable of abutting on an elastic stop placed between it and a fixed part of the structure when the load of the vehicle exceeds a certain threshold. The invention is more particularly applicable to automobile construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1979
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1981
    Assignees: Societe Anonyme Automobiles Citroen, Automobiles Peugeot
    Inventor: Andre F. Chambon
  • Patent number: 4177735
    Abstract: A car impact shock absorbing and coupler centering device for use in connection with railroad track bumping posts, which device comprises a block shaped body formed of resiliently compressible material that is of parallelepiped configuration which is adapted to be mounted against a fixed abutment defined by the post at the level of the center line of draft. The resilient body extends transversely of the track and is formed with a longitudinal bore through which extends a leaf spring assembly that has its ends projecting to either side of the body and which is proportioned transversely of the body bore to engage the body bore upper and lower sides. The ends of the leaf spring assembly are each equipped with a follower plate structure between which and a fixed support on the bumping post a compression spring assembly is interposed. Carried by the leaf spring assembly is a centering device for centering the car coupler relative to the resilient body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1978
    Date of Patent: December 11, 1979
    Inventor: Carl N. Rydin