Abstract: A spring element comprises an insert (1) of a compact material having a rigidity which is higher than that of the material of which the spring element consists, and comprises a part (2) which acts as an additional spring and a part (3) which acts as a spring pad.

Abstract: A device for the vibration-absorbing mounting of a compressed-air generator including a first spring element which is mounted on a mounting support. A second spring element is provided on which the compressed-air generator is arranged. One of the two spring elements has a spring rigidity in essentially the vertical direction that is maximally half its spring rigidity in essentially the horizontal direction. The second spring element is arranged in series with the first-spring element. The inventive device reduces the acceleration measured at the bottom of the understructure to values which are at least 30% of the values known from the prior art.

Abstract: A cylindrical rubber elastic member for having a stabilizer bar inserted therein comprises an inner layer rubber with high sliding properties and an outer layer rubber provided outside of the inner layer rubber. Both the stability in operation and the riding comfort can be improved. Further, the rubber elastic member comprises a sliding surface made of a rubber with high sliding properties at the end face thereof. Frictional resistance can be lowered to prevent abnormal noise. A stabilizer bushing comprising a main body rubber portion of a sulfur-vulcanizable first rubber compound and a sliding rubber portion of a second rubber compound containing a sulfur-vulcanizable lubricant on the inner surface of the main body rubber portion, wherein the first rubber compound exhibits vulcanizability satisfying: t90−t50 ≧1.

Abstract: A dual hemisphere elastomer mount having a first hemisphere composed of an elastomer and having a polar region and a base region with the polar region of the first hemisphere having a circumference smaller than a circumference of the base region of the first hemisphere; and a second hemisphere composed of an elastomer having a polar region and a base region with the polar region of the second hemisphere having a circumference smaller than a circumference of the base region of the second hemisphere, the first hemisphere securely attached to the second hemisphere at the polar region of the first hemisphere and at the polar region of the second hemisphere creating a hour-glass shaped body whereby the elastomer mount can support a housing while attenuate shocks and vibrations.

Abstract: A fluid and elastomer device for isolating dynamic loading between members connected to the device, the fluid and elastomer device comprising: an inner member that defines a compliance chamber; an outer member that defines an outer housing chamber; an elastomeric element flexibly interconnecting said inner member relative to said outer member; a passageway located in the compliance chamber and flow connecting the compliance chamber with a primary working chamber; a secondary compliance member joined to the passageway in the compliance chamber; a volume compensator located in the housing chamber the volume compensator comprising spring means, piston member at one spring end and a diaphragm member that overlies the piston; a member located between the compliance and housing chambers, the member being moveable with the outer housing, the moveable member in combination with the diaphragm defining a compensator chamber; and a volume of working fluid in said chambers and passageway.

Abstract: A framing structure for support of the rear suspension components of an automotive which includes a pair of generally vertically oriented suspension strut towers spaced laterally with respect to the vehicle and with each strut tower fixedly attached at lower end portions to a lower cross beam and fixedly attached at upper end portions to an upper cross beam and having an isolating structure at the upper end portion of each strut tower to which the upper end portion of a rear suspension component such as a shock absorber or a MacPherson suspension strut is attached in a manner isolating the suspension component from the strut tower and upper cross beam.

Abstract: A dynamic reaction reducer operably connected between spring isolated vibrating equipment and stationary support structure where the reducer permits the equipment to be operated within a range of operating frequencies with inducing excessive vibration to the support structure.

Abstract: A suspension for a vehicle wheel includes at least one helicoidal spring and at least one flexible retaining and connecting armoring, which in working position, stresses a portion of the spring by maintaining it compressed to obtain two different stiffness curves.

Abstract: In a spring seat fixing structure of a hydraulic shock absorber (10), a proximal end side of a cap (44) is provided with a small diameter force-fit portion (71) which is fixedly forced into a small outer diameter portion (51) of a damper tube (11), and a distal end side of the cap (44) is provided with a large diameter force-fit portion (73) which is fixedly forced into a large outer diameter portion (52) of the damper tube (11).

Abstract: Contact noise generated between a striker cap mounted on a strut and a jounce bumper connected to a shock tower is reduced by providing an axial projection on the roof of the striker cap. The projection progressively displaces and compresses the elastomeric jounce bumper material and thereby avoids large compressive impulse forces and associated noise generation.

Abstract: A spring and strut mount assembly for an automotive vehicle including a strut in the form of a shock absorber having a piston reciprocable within a cylinder, and a piston rod extending axially outwardly from the piston through a cap on an end of the cylinder. The assembly also includes a strut mount adapted to be secured to rigid frame structure of the vehicle. The piston rod is secured to the strut mount. A spring unit resists retraction of the piston rod into the cylinder. A jounce bumper of flexible compressible material is sleeved on the rod between the strut mount and the end of the cylinder. The jounce bumper is compressed axially by contact with the end of the cylinder when the piston rod strokes. A cup is provided to limit radially outward expansion of the jounce bumper when it is compressed by the end of the cylinder. The cup includes a side wall of plastic material surrounding the jounce bumper. The base of the cup is a metal washer.

Abstract: The coil spring of a vehicle shock absorber can be seated on an elastomeric sound isolator pad whose spring engagement surface has plural slot-like depressions evenly spaced around the pad circumference. These slot-like depressions form raised ribs that provide the contact surfaces for the lowermost convolution of the coil spring. Each rib can readily deform under the spring force. Side surfaces of the ribs can act as heat-dissipating surfaces. The slot construction allows the pad to be formed out of a reasonably high durometer and highly wear-resistant elastomer without adversely affecting the desired rib deflection.

Abstract: In an inline skate comprising a wheel frame provided with a rear wheel fixed axle at a rear portion thereof, a rear axle at a rear portion thereof, an intermediate fixed axle arranged between the rear wheel fixed axle and the rear axle, and a shock absorbing structure mounted between the rear wheel fixed axle, the rear axle and the intermediate fixed axle, the improvement wherein the shock absorbing structure comprises a front absorber and two rear absorbers, the front absorber comprising a first tubular member made of foamed plastic, two retainer rings each having an inner end slidably fitted into an end of the tubular member, and a first spring fitted inside said first tubular member and bearing against the two retainer rings, the two retainer rings being connected between the intermediate fixed axle and the rear wheel fixed axle, and each of the rear absorber comprising a second tubular member having an open end, a second spring fitted inside the second tubular member, a piston fitted inside the tubular me

Abstract: A spring and strut module for an automotive vehicle includes an extensible and contractable strut adapted to be secured to a rigid frame of the vehicle by a strut mount, and a spring unit including a spring for resisting retraction of the strut. A bearing and upper spring seat assembly includes an upper spring seat for the spring and an annular bearing for the spring seat. A bearing base is formed integrally with the spring seat and supports the lower race. A bearing cap covers the upper race. The bearing cap provides a seat for the strut mount. The spring seat is made of a plastic, preferably glass fiber reinforced Nylon. The bearing base has drain holes for carrying away any possible foreign matter. The spring seat has an annular upwardly opening trough, and the strut has an annular downturned lip extending into the trough providing a labyrinth seal inhibiting the entry of foreign matter into the bearing.

Abstract: A flexible connector which is a combination of a coil spring and an elastomeric sleeve is disclosed. This combination allows for greater strength and resistance to exceeding the strain limit of the coil spring.

Abstract: The strut comprises a ball bearing (42) located below the lower retainer ) of the spring (4). The ball bearing (42) is centered on an eccentric collar (27) in order to shift the center of the ball bearing (42) by a distance e from the axis of the shock absorber. Rotation between the body (2) of the shock absorber and the hub holder (5) displaces the center of the ball bearing (42), which shifts the lower retainer (41) accordingly. Using a suitable measuring bench, the strut is adjusted precisely upon the assembling thereof.

Abstract: The coil spring of a vehicle shock absorber is seated on an annular elastomeric pad that is equipped with a reinforced peripheral flange adapted to maintain the lowermost convolution of the spring on the elastomeric pad should the spring break during service. An annular steel band is incorporated into the elastomeric band to provide a reinforced flange structure resistant to deformation.

Abstract: An isolation component for vibratory equipment such as a vibratory trough or feeder includes an isolation spring for supporting the dynamic load of the equipment, and a damper element, preferably an elastomeric ring, arranged against an end of the isolation spring. The damper element prevents excessive motion of the isolation spring due to the vibratory equipment's operating frequency being close to any of the natural frequencies of the bending mode of the isolation spring by applying an opposing load to any such motion. The damper element is preferably an elastomer ring and is arranged along an axis of the support spring. A connector extends from a first end of the isolation spring, adjacent the damper element, toward and past a second end of the isolation spring and is connected to the vibratory equipment.

Abstract: An elastic band (90) comprises a pair of spaced apart retaining sections (92) and a center section (96) formed of an elastomer and extending between the retaining sections. Each retaining section has an elastomer matrix (98) and a hole (94) formed therethrough. At least one of the retaining sections includes a metallic coil spring (100) embedded in the elastomer matrix such that coils (102) of the spring encircle the hole. The elastomer of the retaining section matrix and the elastomer of the center section are the same compound. The elastic band (90) can be incorporated into a toy riding apparatus (200) incorporating a base (202), a rider support device (206), and a plurality of elastic bands (90). The base includes a plurality of support posts (204) extending upwardly from the base. Each of the elastic bands is connected between the rider support device and one of the plurality of support posts such that rider support device is suspended from the support posts by the bands.

Abstract: A vibration-damping rubber for a suspension of a vehicle is composed of a resilient rubber body adapted to be interposed between a plurality of members of the suspension. The resilient rubber body has a slide surface adapted to contact one of the plurality of members. One part of the resilient rubber body, which includes at least the slide surface, is composed of a rubber having high sliding characteristics.

Abstract: A mount insulator is structured by a core metal body, installed at a fixed side and including an almost flat intermediate flange section having a piercing hole at an axial center section and a ring-shaped wall section extensively provided at the outer periphery of the intermediate flange in the direction of both sides crossing the intermediate section, and a mount elastic body section integrally fixed and formed with both sides of the intermediate flange section, an inner peripheral surface of the piercing hole and an inner peripheral surface of the ring-shaped wall section, and including an extension section expanded in a direction to cross the intermediate flange section and projecting from both wall sections, and a piercing supporting hole provided at the inner periphery side of the piercing hole of the intermediate flange section and piercing through between end surfaces of both extension sections of smaller diameter than that of the piercing hole and almost concentric with the piercing hole for piercingl

Abstract: A bumper device for motor vehicle is disclosed. A series of impact absorbing means to reduce the force of impact from collision that is transmitted onto the chassis of a vehicle is disclosed. The impact absorbing means includes: a hydraulic cylinder and piston means, an impact receiving means, a liaising and resilient body means. The impact receiving means includes a pneumatic tubular body secured to it to be the contact body on collision.

Abstract: An apparatus for damping dynamic response in a primary structure in one, two or three dimensions, includes a secondary mass, and a spring and a viscoelastic element, the spring and viscoelastic element interposed between the primary structure and the secondary mass. The apparatus may include a housing for the secondary mass, the spring and the viscoelastic element, should the spring, viscoelastic element, or both the spring and viscoelastic element, be interposed between the secondary mass and the housing. A method for damping dynamic response in a primary structure in one, two or three dimensions is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a one piece, integrally molded, bumper-bellows subassembly for use in vehicles, for example, for use in suspension systems, rack and pinion steering systems and airsprings. The present subassembly prevents the elements from entering the bottom of the subassembly and thus eliminates the possibility of damage to the piston rod and seals of the damper. The present subassembly is cost-effective to produce and can be installed quickly and easily. During operation, the present subassembly is stable and is not affected by a severe drop in the suspension.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system (110) having a primary suspension system (112) and a secondary suspension system (114). Vertical motion of a vehicle wheel (120) places a force on the vehicle frame (126) which, in turn, places a force on the vehicle body (124). The secondary suspension system (114) translates the relative motion between the wheel (120) and frame (126) into a force on the vehicle body (124) which is equal and opposite to the force transmitted from the frame (126) to the body (124). A frictional shock absorber (300) is utilized in the suspension system (110) as well as a multi-stage coil spring (400).

Abstract: A shock absorber for a real wheel of a bicycle includes a body for connection to an axle of the wheel, a lower mounting member threadedly engaging around a circumferential periphery of the body, a first cushioning element made of urethane fixedly received in a cavity of the body, an upper mounting member for connection to a frame of the bicycle, a second cushioning element made of urethane mounted between the upper mounting member and the body, a rod having a top end fixedly connected to the upper mounting member and extending downwardly through the second and first cushioning elements, wherein the rod has an interference fit with the first and second cushioning elements, and a spring fixedly mounted between the upper and lower mounting members.

Abstract: An automotive suspension strut module has an upper mount assembly which includes a unitary plastic upper mount carrier formed with a through passage which is concentrically disposed about the strut principal axis. The passage is formed with a recessed pocket terminating in an internal annular shoulder, on which is seated a composite strut rod isolator having a metal rod connector cup embedded therein. The rod threaded upper end, which is positioned through a cup bottom wall aperture for threaded attachment by a nut, has its isolator annulus bonded to the connector cup by virtue of the side wall of the connector cup being embedded in the annulus of the rod isolator, whereby the strut rod loads may be tuned independently of the suspension travel loads.

Abstract: A suspension system includes a shock absorber, a coil spring, a tubular dust cover, and an insulator. The shock absorber is provided with a first seat and a second seat at the opposite ends. The insulator is disposed between the first seat and the coil spring, and includes a body for holding the coil spring, and a contact projecting from the body in a centripetal direction and having a portion being brought into contact with one of the opposite ends of the dust cover. The insulator forms a space between the first seat and an outer portion with respect to the portion of the contact. Thus, the insulator reduces the wear of the first seat resulting from the contact with the dust cover, inhibits the first seat from corroding, and keeps the strength of the first seat from decreasing.

Abstract: A hybrid elastomer-and-metal spring isolator with a low natural frequency. A fully bonded sandwich mount has cored pockets that receive metal coil springs. Extruded cavities on the lower and upper plates of the sandwich mount extend into the pockets within the interior of the coiled springs and receive a tension bolt and double lock-nut assembly to secure the separate lower cavities to the isolator. A preload retention nut engages a protruding portion of the tension bolt and preloads the coil springs to an amount equal to their static load. This hybrid isolator has particular application in mounting large (30 ton) diesel engines; the isolator assembly provides a natural frequency that is between 3 and 5 Hz, outside the normal idling frequencies of the engine so as to avoid resonance.

Abstract: A vibration damper between a vehicle body and/or a vehicle axle, comprising a cylinder in which a piston rod is guided so that it can move axially, whereby the piston rod is connected by way of a first connection to a bearing, and the cylinder is connected by way of an additional connection to a corresponding bearing, whereby the vibration damper runs through at least one bearing and has a self-locking closure by way of at least one radially movable flexible tab. The at least one radially movable flexible tab, by way of its end surface, forms a support for the vibration damper at the bearing in question for one direction, whereby the flexible tab(s) is/are accessible in the release direction, and an elastic clamping body is provided for the opposite direction, so that the vibration damper is restrained by way of the end surface and the clamping body.

Abstract: An apparatus for damping dynamic response in a primary structure, includes a secondary mass, and a spring and a viscoelastic element, the spring and viscoelastic element interposed between the primary structure and the secondary mass. The apparatus may include a housing for the secondary mass, the spring and the viscoelastic element, should the spring, viscoelastic element, or both the spring and viscoelastic element, be interposed between the secondary mass and the housing. A method for damping dynamic response in a primary structure is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for damping dynamic response in a primary structure in one, two, or three dimensions, includes a secondary mass, and a spring and a viscoelastic element, the spring and viscoelastic element interposed between the primary structure and the secondary mass. The apparatus may include a housing for the secondary mass, the spring and the viscoelastic element, should the spring, viscoelastic element, or both the spring and viscoelastic element, be interposed between the secondary mass and the housing. A method for damping dynamic response in a primary structure in one, two, or three dimensions is also disclosed.

Abstract: An elastic bearing includes a support and a thrust bearing. Each is provided with a fastening element and each are braced against each other by at least one elastic spring element of an elastomeric material and at least one damping device. The support includes a supporting body made of a tough material, which extends essentially transverse to the direction of the introduced vibrations. The thrust bearing includes a drum-shaped housing which essentially encloses the supporting body on all sides. The supporting body is adjoined by at least one ring-shaped damping element made of an elastomeric material which, under static preloading of the bearing, abuts on the front-side inner surfaces of the housing in a substantially stress-free manner. In the cylindrical recess of the damping element at least one elastic spring element is arranged axially on both sides of the supporting body.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for an electrical appliance such as television receiver or the like that has a mounting arm that extends from a mounting bracket affixed to a support surface includes a forced or vibration absorption assembly. This assembly includes an interface member which separates the mounting arm from the mounting bracket and mounting surface and absorbs forces to vibrations and other dynamic loading upon the structure or mounting assembly. The interface member is compressible and permits the mounting arm to have an articulation angle of much greater than would be obtained by a rigid mounting arm rigidly attached to a mounting bracket.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle suspension shock-absorbing assembly providing a metal-to-metal jounce stop arrangement. The lower extremity of a cylindrical canister, extending downwardly from an upper coil spring seat, defines an upper angular jounce stopper while a striker plate, fixed on the upper end of a shock-absorber unit, is formed with a downwardly off-set annular lower stopper ledge. The arrangement enables maximum jounce travel while limiting compression of the elastomeric jounce bumper, encircling the shock piston rod, to a predetermined axial dimension thereby substantially increasing its service life. Further, the canister shields the bumper during full jounce obviating damage thereto. The canister lower end portion has an inturned shoulder from which an inwardly offset ring depends terminating in an exterior return bent hemmed flange.

Abstract: A suspension system for motor vehicles has each wheel assigned a spring and a hydraulic unit and arranged in series with the latter. The ground clearance of the vehicle body can thus be altered wheel-by-wheel. A hydraulic feed system enables hydraulic fluid to be displaced between hydraulic units and allows pitching and rolling movements of the vehicle body to be counteracted.

Abstract: A bicycle frame assembly including a shock absorbing system associated with a rear wheel. The frame assembly comprises a main frame section, chain stays, seat stays and a rocker arm element, which are combined with each other to form a four-link mechanism that is movable within a vertical plane including the main frame section. A shock absorbing device is arranged between the rocker arm element and the main frame body, for absorbing shocks transmitted from the rear wheel to the main frame section when the frame assembly is in use.

Abstract: In a portable work machine, such as a chain saw, a vibration preventive coil spring mounting structure is provided which, upon interposition of a vibration preventive coil spring between a main body having a power source and a covering part having handles and adapted to support the main body, can ensure stable, secure and easy fixing of the coil spring to spring mount seats and which is advantageous from the standpoint of cost. Structurally, of a vibration preventive coil spring (10) is interposed between a main body (2) including a power source and a covering part (3) including grip handles (4, 5) and arranged to partially surround the outer periphery of the main body (2) to support same. Opposite ends (LO a, lob) of the coil spring (10) contact spring mount seats (11, 6a) of the main body (2) and the covering part (3), respectively, and cylindrical resilient fixing members (20, 20) are inserted at the opposite ends (10a, 10b) of the coil spring and abut against inner peripheries thereof.

Abstract: An automotive suspension strut upper mounting arrangement providing a one-piece elastomeric block isolator adapted for enclosure in a two-piece housing comprising upper and lower closure members. The isolator, which has a central generally tubular shape, is molded with an upper jounce collar and a lower rebound collar. A continuous internal radially extending tuning groove is formed in the jounce and rebound collars. By varying the axial dimension of the grooves the mount axial spring rate may be fine tuned to smoothly receive axially imposed suspension loads. Additionally, the isolator body outer surface may formed with a plurality of recesses defining predetermined voids providing selective tuning of laterally imposed suspension loads.

Abstract: An isolator mount assembly is disclosed which includes a support structure, a device and an isolator, disposed between the support structure and the device for reducing transmission of mechanical vibration therebetween. The isolator includes a plurality of canted-coils having an elliptical shape which are oriented for loading along a major or minor axis thereof. An elastomer may be applied to the coils and either bonded or unbonded thereto in order to provide the isolator with the capacity to be adapted to desired transmissibility and isolation efficiencies.

Abstract: An automotive suspension strut upper mounting arrangement providing increased stroke length and enhanced tunability by virtue of the major working area of the mount being located above the tower attachment surface. The mounting assembly comprises an outer housing defined by an upper closure formed with a flanged brim and a lower closure formed with a terminal flange. The housing encloses a composite mount comprising an elastomeric isolator ring surrounding an inner metal cup with the cup upstanding side wall embedded in the ring. The ring has an upper end face which abuts an upper closure internal shoulder and a lower tubular extension sized for press-fit capture in a lower closure annular U-shaped channel. Upon the upper closure flanged brim and the lower closure terminal flange being secured in flatwise contact an axial pre-load is applied to the elastomeric ring.

Abstract: A coil spring assembly is disclosed for use with motor vehicle suspension systems in which a portion of the wire coils of the coil spring is covered by a flexible hose or tube. Coil springs which could use such hoses include those having a tapered wire diameter wherein one end of the coil spring's wire has a smaller diameter than at other portions of its length. The flexible hose is made of a material which has sufficient resiliency to first be stretched as it is installed onto the wire of the coil spring, and then will naturally return back to near its original non-stressed diameter to tightly fit around the diameter of the wire at both ends of the hose. The resulting tight fit retains lubricant and anti-corrosive compounds inside the hose, and keeps moisture and dirt from entering the interior of the hose.

Abstract: An automotive suspension strut upper mounting assembly providing increased stroke length and enhanced spring rate tunability with the major working area of the mount being located above the body panel attachment surface. The mount comprises a housing including upper and lower closures readily assembled to enclose a composite isolator mount comprising an inner metal cup bonded to an outer elastomeric ring. The composite ring has a concentric sleeve embedded therein defining inner and outer body portions providing an increased spring rate for stiffening lateral vehicle motion caused by handling maneuvers. The inner and outer body portions are each formed with a pair of diametrically opposed fore and aft voids selectively reducing the spring rate thereby softening longitudinally imposed impact loads.

Abstract: A noise suppression apparatus for use with a spring. The apparatus includes a plurality of circular tubular members having a longitudinal slit in the tube wall and a radial slit. The slits allow the tubular members to be separated and disposed about the spring. Each of said circular tubes is interconnected by a web member. When the apparatus is snapped around the spring and the spring is compressed, any noise resulting from metal to metal contact will be suppressed by the apparatus.

Abstract: A jounce bumper and dust shield subassembly includes a washer having an annular opening for receiving a piston rod of a damper. A jounce bumper includes an axial bore for receiving the piston rod and top and bottom surfaces. A resilient collar is provided on the top surface of the jounce bumper. A dust shield includes a body and a planar end surface having an annular opening for receiving the piston rod. The planar end surface of the dust shield is placed against a lower surface of the washer so that their respective openings are aligned. The collar of the jounce bumper is inserted through the dust shield and the openings of the dust shield and washer to trap the planer end surface between the jounce bumper and the washer, thereby forming a subassembly.

Abstract: An upper mount assembly includes a pair of plates seating at least one Belleville spring. The plates are concentrically mounted about a hydraulic damper so that the Belleville spring is in series with a coil suspension spring. During use, deflection of the Belleville spring provides an additional degree of motion to reduce transmission of vibration to the vehicular body.

Abstract: A support for a coil spring of a spring strut of a motor vehicle, which is cardanically disposed on the vehicle body, comprises a coil spring which, on one side, on the side of the vehicle body, is supported on an upper first elastic spring pocket and, on the other side, is supported by way of another lower second spring pocket which is stationarily held on the spring strut. In the operating direction of the coil spring, the upper spring pocket has areas of different elastic characteristics. In an area of high axial pressure forces of the compressed coil spring, the elastic characteristic of the spring pocket is less than in an opposite area of the spring pocket of lower axial pressure forces of the compressed coil spring. By means of this development of the spring pocket, a disadvantageous bulging of the coil spring during compression and rebounding movements is largely prevented.

Abstract: A bicycle shock absorber system employs a rubber sleeve trapped between two bushings which are spring loaded so as to increase the force on the rubber sleeve as spring force increases with travel. The rubber sleeve and bushings move with the fork stem which is rigidly attached to the fork and wheel and which slide inside an oil coated steerer tube which in turn rotates inside the outermost head tube which is integral with the bicycle frame. Upper and lower drive flexures permit relative sliding motion but rigidly prevent relative rotary motion so that steering forces are rigidly transferred into the fork stem. The internal elements operate in a bath of heavy oil which coats all the sliding elements providing complete lubrication and the viscous "feel" of a hydraulic shock absorber. Any combination of spring and damping rates may be achieved by changing springs and the oil viscosity. The system is designed to be small and compact enough to fit in a common "oversize" bicycle headtube.

Abstract: An assembly and a method for quickly mounting a damper to a support structure in a vehicle includes an upper mount assembly mounted on a piston rod of a damper prior to assembly of the damper to a mounting tower. As the piston rod is guided through an opening in the mounting tower, a resilient ring is compressed until it passes through the opening. When the ring clears the opening, it expands radially outwardly to a diameter greater than the diameter of the opening, thereby quickly mounting the piston rod and damper to the vehicle.

Abstract: A supporting mount for the angularly mobile flexible support of a supporting member of a wheel suspension, especially a shock absorber, has a mount core which is vulcanized into an elastomer body and the movements of which are limited in the supporting direction by stops fixed in relation to the housing. The elastomer body is prestressed in the mount housing in the supporting direction and held in a manner which does not involve contact with the stops. The supporting mount makes it possible to introduce small supporting forces comfortably into the vehicle bodywork by a soft characteristic while larger supporting forces are transmitted by the stops via a progressively hardening characteristic.