Abstract: A spring assembly includes a plurality of coils interconnected with one another in a spaced-apart relationship for causing the spring assembly to exert a force in a loading direction approximately normal to a tangent to a centerline of the plurality of coils in response to deflection of the spring assembly along the loading direction. An elastic material is provided which is disposed around and between the plurality of coils and has a hollow cross section for modifying the force exerted by the spring assembly in response to the deflection of the spring assembly along the loading direction.

Abstract: A shock absorber mount is described as having two pressed fittings which are mounted in end-to-end relationship. Each insert has two rigid, radially spaced cylindrical sleeves which are separated by a resilient rubber insert. The inner sleeve of the vertically lowermost fitting, when the fittings are properly mounted on, for example, an automobile frame, extends upwardly beyond the associated outer sleeve and is coated with rubber to enter a hollow bore formed by the inner sleeve of the upper fitting. The extension allows the lower fitting to initially absorb an upwardly applied axial force until it moves into shock absorbing relation with the upper fitting. The extension also acts to bolster the radial shock absorbing characteristics of the upper fitting to provide improved shock absorbing characteristics of the mount; namely, low axial shock absorption and high radial shock absorption.

Abstract: A jounce bumper is described as being formed of resilient eleastomeric material. The bumper comprises a cylindrical head protruding from a hollow cylindrical body which terminates at an outstanding annular flange. An annular extension of the body extends from the body in spaced relation around the head to form an annular void around the head. The body extension has a free marginal edge which curves inwardly towards the head and terminates in close proximity to the head to prevent particulate matter from entering the void which is sized to have a volume which is correlated to the displacement of the head when a predetermined load is applied against the head. Voids are placed in the head and body to provide the deflection control characteristics desired. A rigid metal sleeve is encased in the extension of the body to prevent radial displacement of the head beyond filling of the void around the head.

Abstract: An upper part of a strut is attached throught a rubber bushing to a body side member, and an upper spring sheet is attached to a lower surface of the rubber bushing. By this arrangement, in the loaded condition, the rubber bushing is compressed by the coil spring force so that comfort of ride and cornering stability are improved.

Abstract: A hydraulic pressure control device of a load sensing type is provided. The hydraulic pressure control device includes a spring support disposed on a vehicle body side or wheel side for supporting a suspension spring, a support member tiltably disposed in the spring support for supporting a load of the suspension spring at three support portions, and a hydraulic pressure control valve mounted on the support member for controlling hydraulic pressure supplied to a braking unit mounted on a wheel from a source for generating hydraulic braking pressure. Thus, at least a portion of the force applied to one of the support portions can be applied to a control piston of the hydraulic pressure control valve.

Abstract: A vibration and shock absorber device, comprising a metal body constituted by one or more helically wound lengths of cable (1) and two bars (10, 20) interconnecting the turns in two diametrically opposite zones, with a layer of elastomer material (30) coating the structure and leaving a central orifice (31, 32, 33, 34). The turns of the lengths of cable (1) are greased or otherwise treated to prevent them from adhering to the elastomer material (30).

Abstract: A suspension system for a vehicle includes a suspension arm. The outer end portion of the suspension arm is connected to a wheel support for rotatably supporting a wheel. The inner end portion of the suspension arm is bifurcated and has first and second branch arms spaced from each other in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body. Each of the inner end portions of the first and second branch arms is supported by a slide member so that the inner end portion is slidable relative to the vehicle body in the longitudinal direction of the same. A coil spring is provided for at least one of the first and second branch arms and urges forward the suspension arm. A stopper defines the foremost position of the suspension arm which is urged forward by said coil spring.

Abstract: The outer profile of the spring is shaped to control breakover (i.e., the change in spring deflection from constant to rising rate) and spring rate. A process for inducing breakover in thick-walled elastomeric springs which normally have no breakover, and for controlling breakover, whether so induced or occurring naturally, as well as spring rate, is disclosed.

Abstract: An electromagnetic shielding gasket is provided which includes a coil spring for blocking the propagation of electromagnetic waves therepast. The coil spring includes a plurality of individual coils which provide shielding of electromagnetic waves independent of compression of the coil spring within a range of deflection of the individual coils.

Abstract: A method of wall construction using a compressive fastener for log building construction which acts to continuously maintain pressure between individual logs in a building wall which includes a plurality of logs in stacked configuration. Logs are joined by boring a row of bores in the top log and counterboring each bore as a receptacle for the head of the fastener and a concentric spring assembly, the bores being larger than the shank of the fastener as well as the spring assembly to allow the fasteners to freely vertically expand and contract. Once the bored log is stacked and aligned on the log immediately below it, the fasteners are inserted into the boreholes and driven or tightened until the spring assembly is partially compressed and the fastener heads are below the upper surface of the upper log. The compressive fasteners pull the logs together to overcome long-term shrinkage and the continuous expanding and contracting caused by climatic changes.

Abstract: A fastener having resilient means interconnecting a head portion and a threaded portion for maintaining tight axial fitment between mating parts and compression on a gasket therebetween whereby to assure a leak free mating. A method of forming the fastener is also disclosed.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension device which suspends a vehicle body and a wheel, comprising a coil spring body having a predetermined number of coaxial turns, and a first cylinder and a second cylinder, each including a soft synthetic resin open-cell foam which is treated to be surging-proof and waterproof and which has a wall in which is embedded at least one turn located at each end of said coil spring body.

Abstract: The strut includes a bidirectional frictional damping assembly which provides frictional damping under rebound and jounce conditions. A separate rebound frictional damping assembly, or a separate jounce frictional damping assembly, or both, provide differential rebound and jounce damping, with and without bidirectional frictional damping.

Abstract: An improved spring with a compression-type, helical spring in which a dowel member is inserted is disclosed. The dowel member can be a solid metal dowel having a length approximately equal to the length of the spring when fully compressed and having a diameter equal to the internal diameter of the spring. The compression-type, helical spring is preferably an encapsulated spring.

Abstract: A length of hose made out of an elastic material that readily recovers its shape, especially intended for covering the coiled section of a helical compression spring with a progressive characteristic of the type employed in motor vehicles and similar machines. At least one terminating section of the length of hose has a shorter inside diameter and communicates with the remaining, cylindrical, section of the length of hose through an intermediate section that tapers conically at least inside.

Abstract: The damping device has an elastic structure consisting of one or a number of segments of wire cable and provided with fasteners for interposing the structure between two elements. The structure is enclosed within a mass of elastomeric material which adheres to the structure and has a high internal damping coefficient. The mass is traversed by at least one bore so arranged that the elastic deformations sustained by the structure cause the elastomeric material to work in compression and/or in shear.

Abstract: The spring includes a tubular elastomeric body, preferably rubber, and a coil spring embedded in and bonded to it. The coil spring controls the occurence of symmetric bulging instablity in the body under axial load conditions. This bulging instability occurs sequentially along the length of the body between adjacent coils of the coil spring until it assumes the form of a continuous coil of elastomer.

Abstract: The system includes a hydraulically damped strut and a tubular elastomeric spring. The ends of the spring may be sealed so that the spring can be pressurized internally. An improved bearing, which permits rotative shifting of the spring and strut in response to turning effort, also is disclosed. The suspension is particularly useful in applications which heretofore involved MacPherson struts.

Abstract: The strut mount is secured to the piston rod of the damper of the strut and provides the upper seat for the suspension spring. A support plate with a coned opening cams a snap ring held in the isolator or rubber body of the mount radially inwardly. At the top of the coned opening, the snap ring deflects radially outwardly over the top of the coned opening to engage the upper surface thereof to lock the isolator and the strut in position.

Abstract: An improved deflection jounce bumper assembly for a vehicle suspension strut which dampens and limits the action of the shock absorber in its jounce stroke. The bumper assembly comprises an inverted metal cup-shaped shell member which attaches a molded elastomeric bumper member to the strut upper mount. The bumper member has a lower hollow right cylindrical sleeve portion which surrounds the strut piston rod with the sleeve upper end in turn surrounded by an outer side wall portion of the shell member. The sleeve portion has a predetermined height such that upon its lower end face impacting on the strut support casing upper end closure plate an initially high spring dampening rate is achieved. A control ring is embedded in the sleeve portion adjacent its lower end face which, together with the shell member outer side wall is operative to restrict and control the expansion of the sleeve portion as it undergoes progressive spring rate deformation adjacent the full jounce position.

Abstract: An improved deflection composite jounce bumper for a vehicle suspension strut. The bumper comprises an inverted metal cup-shaped shell insert embedded within a molded elastomeric body. The body defines a hollow elongated sleeve portion which surrounds a piston rod upper end with its upper portion in turn concentrically surrounded by the annular side wall of the shell. The sleeve portion has a predetermined height such that upon its lower end face impacting on the strut support casing upper end cap an initially high spring dampening rate is achieved. The shell outer side wall is operative to restrict the expansion of the sleeve portion as it undergoes progressive controlled deformation and compaction providing a substantially uniform spring rate while obviating over stressing of the jounce bumper.

Abstract: Two support assemblies for respectively supporting the tapered end and the cylindrical end of an elongated tubular elastomeric spring between two opposed spring seats are disclosed. The support assembly for the tapered end is made up of an elongated retaining member which is positionable generally transverse to and entirely inside the tapered end. This retaining member includes two inclined portions which bear down upon the inside of the tapered end when pulled in an outward direction by a bolt thredably secured to a convetional spring seat. The support assembly for the cylindrical end is made up of a second retaining member which is positionable generally transverse to and entirely inside the cylindrical end. The second retaining member includes a plurality of expandable flange portions which engage the inside of the cylindrical portion as the retaining member is pulled in an outward direction by a second bolt threadably secured to the second spring seat.

Abstract: The spring includes a tubular elastomeric body and an embedded coil spring composed entirely of active coils. The ends of the body are contoured with respect to the ends of the coil spring, and provide for control of the orientation of the composite spring with respect to spring seats. An end seal for composite or other tubular elastomeric springs also is disclosed.

Abstract: A device for connecting a helical compression spring to the trailing arm in the wheel suspension of a motor vehicle. Bending stresses on the spring are prevented by supporting it on the trailing arm through a support that is mounted in a bushing rigidly attached to the trailing arm in such a way that the support moves freely around predetermined angle to the normal to the plane of support on the trailing arm. In one embodiment that is especially simple in design the wire at the end of the spring that faces the trailing arm spirals in as far as the center line of the spring, the end of the spring wire is bent at a right angle and extended axially out of the spring, and the end of the spring wire functions in itself as a support, the face of the end of the wire resting on a ball positioned in a bushing.

Abstract: Two support assemblies for respectively supporting the tapered end and the cylindrical end of an elongated tubular elastomeric spring between two opposed spring seats are disclosed. The support assembly for the tapered end is made up of an elongated retaining member which is positionable generally transverse to and entirely inside the tapered end. This retaining member includes two inclined portions which bear down upon the inside of the tapered end when pulled in an outward direction by a bolt threadably secured to a conventional spring seat. The support assembly for the cylindrical end is made up of a second retaining member which is positionable generally transverse to and entirely inside the cylindrical end. The second retaining member includes a plurality of expandable flange portions which engage the inside of the cylindrical portion as the retaining member is pulled in an outward direction by a bolt threadably secured to the second spring seat.

Abstract: A vibration absorber is provided having a pendulum (12) mounted on a body (21) for oscillation about an axis (13). A pair of resilient members (14, 15) are mounted on the body (21) in contact with the pendulum (12) in preloaded opposed relation with respect to oscillation of the pendulum (12) about the axis (13) and resonant at the frequency of the vibration. A pair of resilient members (16, 17) are mounted on the body (21) to contact the pendulum (12) only upon oscillation of magnitude beyond a predetermined limit.

Abstract: A coated coil spring wrapped in a coating member prepared from a soft synthetic resin foam, wherein the coating members of the respective coil spring turns constituting at least the effective region of the coil spring are provided with a helical clearance; and the width of said clearance accounts for 0.15 to 0.50 times the width of the adjacent coil spring turns.

Abstract: A spring system for resiliently supporting a mass with respect to a base comprises a supporting member mounted for movement and which can be coupled to the mass and is bounded by a portion of a spherical surface which bears against a concentric complementary guiding spherical surface fixed with respect to the base to guide the supporting member to rotate in all directions around the center of the sphere. A circular resilient device is provided in engagement with the supporting member and is supported with respect to the base. The supporting member is coupled to the mass at a point inside the circular resilient device whereby the supporting member is tilted by radial shocks while its spherical surface is guided along the guiding spherical surface and by the deformations of the resilient device as a result thereof, a resilient couple and/or a radial resilient force is developed which tends to move the supporting member into its initial position.

Abstract: This invention relates to a multiple mounting vibration-preventing device wherein a partition wall is interposed between an upper plate and a lower plate. An upper vibration-preventing rubber member is interposed between the partition wall and the upper plate so as to define an upper damper liquid chamber therebetween. A lower vibration-preventing rubber member is interposed between the partition wall and the lower plate so as to define a lower damper liquid chamber therebetween. The upper damper liquid chamber communicates with the lower damper liquid chamber through an orifice. Either or both the upper damper liquid chamber and the lower damper liquid chamber is horizontally divided into a plurality of damper liquid subschambers by division plates extending in the vertical direction of the damper liquid chambers. Adjacent damper liquid subchambers communicate through orifices provided in the division plates.

Abstract: Vehicle suspension strut with quick take-apart upper mount featuring a jounce bumper retainer which can be turned from a locked to an unlocked position and axially removed for jounce bumper service and to allow access to service the strut through the engine compartment so that the expense of removing the strut and spring is eliminated. The design effectively eliminates prior upper spring seat designs and is simple and inexpensive and readily accommodates high service loads.

Abstract: A wheel suspension in a road vehicle having a frame includes a longitudinal arm extending substantially in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle and having a front end, a rear end, and an intermediate portion. The longitudinal arm also having, on the rear end, a member for supporting the wheel and, on the intermediate portion, a member for pivotally coupling the longitudinal arm to the frame. The wheel suspension further includes a guide assembly for controlling movement of the longitudinal arm in a transverse direction of the vehicle while allowing the rear end of the longitudinal arm to move substantially in a vertical direction. The guide assembly comprises a first lateral link having a first end coupled to the frame and a second end coupled to the front end of the longitudinal arm, the first lateral link extending substantially in the transverse direction of the vehicle, and a link assembly coupling the frame and the longitudinal arm to each other and cooperating with the first lateral link.

Abstract: A fluid-filled bushing comprises at least two sleeves disposed in concentric relation to each other, a resilient member interposed between the two sleeves and having a substantially annular recess defined in an outer circumferential surface thereof, a partition disposed in the annular recess and having holes defined therein and defining first and second substantially annular fluid chambers in the annular recess which selectively communicate with each other through the holes of the partition, a fluid filled in each of the first and second fluid chambers, and a valve for variably restricting the flow of the fluid between the first and second fluid chambers.

Abstract: A double isolated jounce bumper system comprises first and second shaped members mounted upon the chassis and a control arm of a motor vehicle, respectively. Each shaped member comprises a rigid armature and an elastomeric covering and bears a shape which is complementary to the shape of the other.

Abstract: A suspension for a vehicle includes a shock absorber provided with a tube, a piston partitioning the interior of the tube into two liquid chambers and a piston rod connected to the piston having a bypass path for affording communication between the two liquid chambers, a control shaft disposed in the piston rod of the shock absorber to open and close the bypass path, a support interposed between the piston rod and a car body and provided with a valve base connected to the piston rod, having a hole in which a valve body is disposed and a bushing disposed radially outward of the valve base, having two fluid chambers, the valve body disposed in the hole of the valve base to afford and interrupt communication between the two fluid chambers of the bushing and an actuator for operating the control shaft and the valve body.

Abstract: A construction for coupling a car body with a shock absorber having a piston rod comprises a valve base coupled with the piston rod and having a hole extending from an upper end surface to an intermediate portion axially of the piston rod for inserting a valve body, a first path consisting of a plurality of path portions extending from the hole to an outer peripheral surface and having different bores and a second path spaced axially from the first path and extending from the hole to the outer peripheral surface, a bushing having a first fluid chamber communicating to the first path and second fluid chamber communicating to the second path and disposed radially outward of the valve base, a connecting member for coupling the bushing with the car body, the valve body having a third path capable of affording and interrupting communication for the first and second paths and disposed rotatably in the hole of the valve and an actuator for operating the valve body.

Abstract: An abutment element 11 is fixed to the upper element 7 of the suspension strut below the flexible joint 5 which connects the upper element to the structure 1 of the vehicle. This abutment element cooperates, in order to limit the "relaxation" movements, with a support element 12 disposed below the abutment element and connected to the structure. Such an arrangement facilitates the placement of a hydraulic device 6 above the flexible joint 5. Application in motor vehicle suspensions.

Abstract: The resilient block serves to connect a stem of a shock absorber of a suspension of a vehicle to the body thereof and is provided with a rolling element bearing keyed to the stem and provided with an outer ring having an annular groove on its outer cylindrical surface, engaged by an inner rim of a first frusto-conical support sleeve, a second frusto-conical support sleeve which can be fitted to the body, and an elastomeric sleeve directly vulcanized onto the outer lateral surfaces of the outer ring of the bearing and the associated frusto-conical sleeve and to the inner surface of the second sleeve to form a single indivisible unit.

Abstract: Devices for stiffening automotive vehicle coil springs comprise spacers positionable between one or more adjacent convolutions of the springs. The spacers offer no or very minimal resistance to limited compressions of the springs, but an increased resistance to increased compressions. They do not interfere with the standard manufactured height of the springs or vehicle, and under normal driving conditions the vehicle rides smoothly on its suspension. However, under severe conditions, causing sufficient compressions of the springs, the spacers stiffen the reaction of the springs for increased roadability, handling and safety.

Abstract: A frictional damping assembly operated by a load bearing spring assembly, either an elastomerically damped coil spring or a reinforced elastomeric spring, together provide damped, resilient load bearing support for a telescoping load bearing assembly. The strut is particularly suitable for use in front and/or rear suspensions of light weight passenger vehicles.

Abstract: The invention relates to an antivibration device particularly adapted for mounting motorcar engines, comprising a shaft (2) fixed to a base and supporting above it a metallic plate (3), fixing one extremity of a metallic container cylinder (4) inside which there is axially positioned a shaft (5) bearing the static work preload by means of a spacer spring (7) interposed between the plate (3) and a plate (6) held at one extremity of the same shaft (5), rigid revolving elements (9) being disposed between a viscoelastic material rolling race (10), preferably sheathing the shaft (5), and a metallic sliding race (8) consisting of a groove made in the inner wall of the container cylinder (4) in which the said rigid revolving elements are housed.

Abstract: A cushion to provide added impact resistance to front or back bumpers of passenger cars or light trucks. The cushion may be bolted to front or back standard bumpers and consists of two steel plates or rails about 4" wide, and 1/4" thick separated by some 3". It may also be chrome plated for aesthetic reasons. The same rail is bolted to each respective bumper and the interspace between the rails includes steel coil springs approximately 4" apart, welded to and separating the two rails. Each spring is encapsulated with a heat resistant tape wrapping and the space outside the springs and between the rails is filled with shock-absorbing rubber or plastic material. The interior of each spring is accordingly free of the shock-absorbing material and can function as a coil spring without the inhibition of the resilient filling material.

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.

Abstract: A MacPherson strut front suspension is provided with an upper spring seat assembly which retains the upper end of a front coil spring and is rotatable together with the coil spring and a strut outer tube relative to a vehicle body. The upper spring seat assembly comprises concentric inner and outer tubular members, a spring seat rubber interconnecting the inner and outer tubular members, and a shallow dish-shaped abutment member which is attached to the inner tubular member to be rotatable together therewith and abuttingly engageable to limit upward movement of the outer tubular member relative to the inner tubular member.

Abstract: An elastic support structure for a wheel suspension mechanism of a wheeled vehicle, comprising a first rigid member to be subjected to shocks and vibrations produced in a tire-and-wheel assembly, a second rigid member to which shocks and vibrations may be transmitted from the first rigid member, the first and second rigid members being movable with respect to each other when the first rigid member is subjected to the shocks and vibrations produced in the tire-and-wheel assembly, and an elastic member composed of at least two segments constructed independently of each other in at least one plane parallel with the direction in which the first and second rigid members are to be displaced with respect to each other, the segments of the elastic member being constructed of the same material and being similar in geometry.

Abstract: A MacPherson strut type suspension including a shock absorber operatively disposed between vehicle wheels and a vehicle body of a motor vehicle, the shock absorber having a piston rod; a coil spring disposed in association with the shock absorber to elastically support the vehicle body; a core member secured to an end of the piston rod of the shock absorber; an insulator rubber securely connected between the core member and the vehicle body; and a stop device for restricting the movement of the core member in the axial direction of the piston rod of the shock absorber when the axial movement of the piston rod exceeds a predetermined distance, thereby effectively damping high and low frequency vibrations applied to the suspension while prolonging the life of the insulator rubber.

Abstract: A bearing assembly for a stamped MacPherson strut front suspension includes an angular contact ball bearing with stamped upper and lower races. The lower race is seatable on a bearing seat of the cylindrical reservoir of the damper while the upper race is engaged with the lower surface of a lower spring seat. A combined shielding and retaining wall has an upper wall engageable with the upper surface of the lower spring seat and a cylindrical inner wall engageable with the lower race to retain the bearing and lower spring seat together as a subassembly separable from the suspension. When assembled in the suspension, the upper wall of the shielding is maintained spaced from the upper surface of lower spring seat by the force of the suspension coil spring to allow free turning of the bearing.

Abstract: A suspension device particularly for a trailer. On each side thereof the device includes a suspension arm whose free rear end supports a spindle and whose front end is interconnected with the frame by means of a pin carried by a fixed bracket. A shock absorbing element consisting of a soft material block and an elastic element consisting of a helical spring are mounted inside a common tubular housing which is interconnected with the fixed bracket. A push rod, interfacing with the spring and the block is pivotally mounted to the suspension arm. This device may include an optional telescoping cross member which can be welded together during the assembling operation.

Abstract: A hydraulic shock absorber of the type having a piston fitted in a cylinder filled with a working oil to thereby construct a shock absorbing force generating mechanism, including a cylindrical shock absorbing rubber seat for preventing shock fitted onto the end portion of the piston rod; a protecting cylinder with at least its leading end having a larger diameter than that of the rubber seat fitted on the base portion of the rubber seat; a spring receiving collar fitted on the outer side of the protecting cylinder; a mounting fixture screwed onto the end portion of the piston rod, and a coil spring interposed under compression between the spring receiving collar and the cylinder so that the spring receiving collar is forced into contact with the mounting fixture. The replacement of the spring can be easily performed without damaging the rubber seat. Further, the outer circumferential side of the rubber seat is protected from being damaged by the spring when the shock absorber is compressed to its limit.

Abstract: A strut type suspension for a vehicle includes a mounting insulator rubber divided into two separate parts, one attached to the piston rod of a shock absorber, and a relatively more rigid one associated with both a spring coil telescoped about the shock absorber and a bumper.

Abstract: The spring includes a tubular elastomeric body, preferably rubber, and a coil spring embedded in and bonded to it. The coil spring controls the occurence of symmetric bulging instablity in the body under axial load conditions. This bulging instability occurs sequentially along the length of the body between adjacent coils of the coil spring until it assumes the form of a continuous coil of elastomer.