Upper Strut Mount Detail Patents (Class 280/124.155)
  • Patent number: 11548341
    Abstract: A strut mount includes an inner member, an outer member, and a body rubber. A stopper rubber which protrudes outward in an axial direction is disposed on the body rubber. The outer member includes a supporting portion which covers the stopper rubber from outside thereof in the axial direction. The stopper rubber includes a pedestal protrusion portion which protrudes outward in the axial direction from the inner member and a tip protrusion portion which protrudes outward in the axial direction from the pedestal protrusion portion, contacts the supporting portion, and has an elasticity in the axial direction lower than that of the pedestal protrusion portion. The pedestal protrusion portion and the tip protrusion portion taper outward in the axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: Prospira Corporation
    Inventors: Kazutaka Otsu, Musashi Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 11285770
    Abstract: A suspension thrust bearing device for use with a suspension spring in an automotive suspension strut of a vehicle. The device includes a bearing having an upper annular bearing member and a lower annular bearing member in relative rotation, and a damping element made of resilient material and interposed between the lower annular bearing member and the suspension spring. The lower annular bearing member provides an outwardly radially-extending flange, the flange being embedded within the damping element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: Aktiebolaget SKF
    Inventors: Xavier Blanchard, Thomas Lepine, Bruno Montboeuf, Desire Vidot
  • Patent number: 11279193
    Abstract: A mounting system for the elastic mounting of a strut or a vibration damper on a vehicle body includes a unit insertable into a receiving cup and a fixing device. The unit includes a mounting unit and a piston rod of a strut or vibration damper. In embodiments, the mounting unit has an elastomer mount for mounting the piston rod; the elastomer mount has a core for receiving the piston rod and an elastomer body, and a ring element that is a separate part or is non-positively, positively and/or materially connected to the body; the unit and fixing device may be inserted into the receiving cup from a side facing away from the body; the fixing device engages behind an undercut formed on the receiving cup; the ring element is supported on the fixing device; and/or the elastomer body is prestressed and presses the ring element against the fixing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: Vibracoustic SE
    Inventors: Philipp Werner, Hilrich Kardoes, Michael Mess, Antoine Geslain
  • Patent number: 11181147
    Abstract: Provided is a sliding bearing capable of reducing the number of components and reducing costs. This sliding bearing (1) is provided with; an upper case (2); a lower case (3) combined with the upper case (2); and an annular dust seal-integrated center plate (8) that has a dust seal part (6) for covering a gap between the upper case (2) and the lower case (3), is disposed between the upper case (2) and the lower case (3), and enables relative rotation between the upper case (2) and the lower case (3). The dust seal-integrated center plate (8) is integrally formed with the lower case (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: OILES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yuta Ishii, Kouichi Morishige
  • Patent number: 11098516
    Abstract: A damping assembly for a flap fitting includes first and second spring holders, between which at least two coil springs are arranged. In each of the at least two coils springs, a linear damper having a damper housing and having a piston rod slidable relative to the damper housing is arranged between the first and second spring holders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: HETTICH-ONI GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Andre Kaiser
  • Patent number: 11034385
    Abstract: A load impact management system for a vehicle includes a plurality of cross-vehicle support members extending from a first side of the vehicle to a second side of the vehicle opposite the first side of the vehicle, a shock tower spaced apart from the plurality of cross-vehicle support members and fixed to the vehicle frame rail, a first structural member extending along a first plane, a second structural member extending along a second plane separate from the first plane, and a third structural member extending along a third plane separate from the first and second planes. The first structural member defines a first load path between the center tunnel and the shock tower, the second structural member defines a second load path between the center tunnel and the shock tower, and the third structural member defines a third load path between the center tunnel and the vehicle frame rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Edward D. Moss, Mark J. McGuire, Peter M. Parlow, Robert M. Kielbik, Joshua Holder
  • Patent number: 11034387
    Abstract: A vehicle body-variant adaptable shock tower system for a vehicle body structure having an axis, a vehicle frame rail arranged along the axis, a bulkhead arranged orthogonally relative to the frame rail. The system includes a shock tower spaced apart from the bulkhead and fixed to the frame rail. The system also includes a shock tower cap defining a plurality of receivers and a plurality of braces, wherein the number of braces corresponds to the body-variant. Each brace extends from the shock tower through a respective one of the receivers to the bulkhead, and is fixed to the shock tower and the bulkhead. The system additionally includes an adhesive applied between the shock tower cap, the plurality of braces, and the shock tower to thereby bond the shock tower cap, the braces, and the shock tower to each other and reinforce the vehicle body structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Edward D. Moss, Mark J. McGuire, Peter M. Parlow, John J. Jackson, Jeffrey A. Mosher
  • Patent number: 11015653
    Abstract: A slide bearing for a support mount of a motor vehicle includes a first housing part, a second housing part, and a slide bearing device arranged between the two housing parts. In embodiments, the slide bearing device includes at least a first slide body and at least a second slide body. With embodiments, at least a section of the first slide body is made of a hybrid material. A method of producing a slide body and a method of producing a slide bearing are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: VIBRACOUSTIC GMBH
    Inventors: Philipp Werner, Hilrich Kardoes
  • Patent number: 10953924
    Abstract: A system for providing multiple variations of shock tower assemblies with a common vehicle body is provided. The system includes the common vehicle body including a vehicle body member comprising a plurality of bolt holes and a shock tower assembly. The shock tower assembly includes a bolt-on shock tower cap comprising a shock receiving cavity, a plurality of bolt fasteners attaching the bolt-on shock tower cap to the vehicle body member at the plurality of bolt holes, and shock tower components including a shock device. The shock tower components are configured to matingly engage with the shock receiving cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Edward D. Moss, Mark J. McGuire, Keith J. Saari, Jagmail Singh Cheema
  • Patent number: 10696114
    Abstract: A utility vehicle includes a rear frame, a front frame and a coupling body. A height of a vertical section of the front frame is shorter than a height of a vertical section of the rear frame tube, and a ground clearance of an upper face of the front frame tube is shorter than a ground clearance of an upper face of the rear frame. The coupling body connects a rear end of the front frame with a front end of the rear frame. An upper face member of the coupling body includes a forwardly descending sloped face that interconnects an upper face of the rear frame with an upper face of the front frame. A front differential unit is mounted on the front frame. A front drive shaft having a constant velocity joint extends from the front differential unit forwardly of the coupling body and upwardly of the front frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: KUBOTA CORPORATION
    Inventor: John White
  • Patent number: 10518598
    Abstract: A suspension strut bearing includes a top mount. The top mount is coupled to a guidance ring, wherein relative rotation or oscillation between the guidance ring and the top mount is enabled via rolling elements between an upper raceway and a lower raceway. The top mount has a top mount plate with an internal seal and an external seal. Both seals are overmolded to the top mounted plate and inhibit debris or the like from interfering with the operation of the rolling elements in the raceways. By overmolding the seals, a separate cap is no longer needed to be part of the suspension strut bearing. Further, the upper raceway can be integrated into the top mount plate itself. For example, the top mount plate can be shaped or formed to take the shape of the upper raceway, rather than having a separate element attached to the top mount plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KG
    Inventors: Shakeel Shaikh, Kunal Vidyasagar, Bogyu Kang
  • Patent number: 10375882
    Abstract: A header for an agricultural harvester comprising a first frame assembly and a second frame assembly is disclosed. The first frame assembly supports a first cutter bar segments and extends widthwise across the header. The second frame assembly supports a second cutter bar segment and is connected to the first frame assembly such that second frame assembly is movable relative to the first frame assembly about three rotational degrees of freedom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Andrew R. Wilbert, Blaine Noll
  • Patent number: 10082180
    Abstract: A thrust sliding bearing reduces the number of components to thereby reduce the burden of assembly and components management and prevents unusual wear of a surface of an annular synthetic resin-made sliding bearing piece, which faces an annular metal plate. A thrust sliding bearing comprises an upper case which is integrally formed at least by an annular upper case base having an annular bottom surface and by an upper case cylindrical portion which is provided vertically from the annular bottom surface of the upper case base to be fitted in a lower case, wherein a synthetic resin-made sliding bearing piece is fixed to the inner side of the upper case cylindrical portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: OILES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tsuyoshi Nagashima
  • Patent number: 9662953
    Abstract: A strut-type suspension device includes an upper support; a shock absorber that is supported by the upper support; a coil spring that is arranged surrounding the shock absorber, between an upper spring seat and a lower spring seat; and a bearing that is arranged between the upper spring seat and the upper support. The upper support includes a mounting portion that has a support surface for supporting the bearing. The support surface is inclined with respect to a plane perpendicular to a shock absorber axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takao Murakami, Yuji Homma, Naoya Asaoka
  • Patent number: 9624969
    Abstract: A thrust sliding bearing 1 includes: a synthetic resin-made upper casing 3 which has a vehicle body-side seat surface 10 for a mounting member 8 on a vehicle body side and an annular lower surface 2; a synthetic resin-made lower casing 5 on which an annular upper surface 4 opposed to the annular lower surface 2 and a spring seat surface 25 for a suspension coil spring 7 are integrally formed, and which is superposed on the upper casing 3 so as to be rotatable about an axis O of the upper casing 3 in an R direction; and a synthetic resin-made thrust sliding bearing piece 6 which is disposed in an annular gap 9 between the annular lower surface 2 and the annular upper surface 4, and has an annular thrust sliding bearing surface 51 which slidably abuts against at least one of the annular lower surface 2 and the annular upper surface 4.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: OILES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Ryohei Kaneko
  • Patent number: 9526206
    Abstract: A header of a combine harvester has a center part connected by an attachment frame to the combine feed channel. A first side part with first lateral frame and a second side part with second lateral frame are adjustable for changing their position relative to the center part. The first and second lateral frames are connected by a first ball joint and a second ball joint to the attachment frame, respectively so that the weight of the first and second lateral frames is supported by the first and second ball joints on the attachment frame. The first and second ball joints form first and second pivot axes. An end of the first lateral frame facing away from the center part is pivotable about the first pivot axis. An end of the second lateral frame facing away from the center part is pivotable about the second pivot axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: Carl Geringhoff GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Jan Bernd Schulze Rückamp, Steffen Sudhues, Reimer Tiessen, Michael Pokriefke, Robert Sonnen, Klemens Surmann
  • Patent number: 9488243
    Abstract: A damper with a vehicle height adjusting function includes a damper body and a vehicle height adjusting mechanism adapted to adjust an axial length of the damper body. The damper body includes a cylinder, a head member having an annular shape and closing one end of the cylinder, a piston rod axially supported on an inner periphery of the head member and inserted in the cylinder so as to be movable in an axial direction, and a piston retained by the piston rod and partitioning an inside of the cylinder into two pressure chambers. The vehicle height adjusting mechanism includes a partition wall member defining a jack chamber in one of the pressure chambers and being capable of extending and contracting in the axial direction, and a pump supplying/discharging a working fluid into/from the jack chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: KYB Corporation
    Inventors: Nobumichi Hanawa, Tsutomu Yoshimoto
  • Patent number: 9193391
    Abstract: A motor vehicle body is disclosed which includes at least one rear wheel house and a reinforcing structure for connecting a shock absorber in the region of the wheel house. The reinforcing structure includes a reinforcing profile arranged on an outside of the wheel house facing a rear wheel, and extends with a spring plate connecting piece provided for fastening a spring plate from a lower side of the wheel house to an upper apex portion of the wheel house. The reinforcing profile located in the region of the upper apex portion of the wheel house includes a middle profile portion with a shock absorber connection, to which a shock absorber can be fastened with an end portion facing away from the rear wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Udo Mildner, Lothar Teske
  • Patent number: 9186948
    Abstract: Apparatus are provided for a jounce bumper system for use with a damper. The jounce bumper system includes a first mount and a jounce bumper having a first end coupled to the first mount and a second end. The jounce bumper system includes a flexible striker cap spaced apart from the second end of the jounce bumper in a first position. The flexible striker cap includes a first surface in contact with the second end in a second position and defines a cavity opposite the first surface. The jounce bumper system further includes an insert received within the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Ravindra P. Patil, Robert L. Geisler, Joseph A. Schudt, Daryl R. Poirier, Maolin Tsai
  • Patent number: 8985605
    Abstract: A rear shock absorber mounting structure for a vehicle includes a rear shock absorber upper cover which may be mounted on a wheel housing and on which a rear shock absorber may be engaged and supported, an inner dual rail member which may be mounted on an inner surface of the wheel housing, which may be oriented toward a vehicle interior along a width direction of a vehicle, and an outer dual rail member which may be mounted on an outer surface of the wheel housing, which may be oriented toward an outside of the vehicle interior along the width direction of the vehicle, and thereby, the rear shock absorber mounting structure may be configured by a simple structure, and mounting stiffness of the rear shock absorber may be increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Sung Hoon Cho, Dae Seung Kim
  • Patent number: 8967318
    Abstract: An all-terrain vehicle (10) includes a vehicle body frame (11), a drive shaft (23) in the form of a constant velocity ball joint, and a lower arm (33) extending laterally of the vehicle. The drive shaft extends substantially parallel with the lower arm and includes an intermediate shaft (101) and a bearing portion (102) mounted to a vehicle-body-side end of the intermediate shaft. The bearing portion (102) is disposed to be positioned substantially on a vertical line passing over a vehicle-body-side connection portion (33a) of the lower arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoki Kuwabara, Bunzo Seki
  • Patent number: 8960695
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a suspension thrust bearing device adapted to receive a shock absorber piston rod along a main axis (X1), the device including a single bearing forming an axial thrust bearing and including an inner race, an outer race and rolling members disposed between the inner race and the outer race, and at least one intermediate member adapted to transmit to the inner race essentially axial forces exerted on the device by a suspension spring. One of the inner race and the intermediate member extend(s) radially beyond the outer race in the direction of the main axis (X1), forming a bearing surface for fixing and centering the shock absorber piston rod relative to the device. The invention also concerns a motor vehicle McPherson strut including a shock absorber and a suspension thrust bearing device as referred to above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Aktiebolaget SKF
    Inventors: Christophe Houdayer, Jean-Luc Jadeau, Herve Maury, Bruno Montboeuf, Jean-Marc Soudee, Desire Vidot
  • Patent number: 8960696
    Abstract: A top mount for a suspension damper has a housing with an interior chamber and a damper attachment member disposed in the interior chamber and spaced from the top end and the bottom end. An isolation assembly, formed of MCU, has an upper portion disposed between the member and the top end of the housing and a lower portion disposed between the member and the bottom end of the housing such that the isolation assembly supports the member in the housing. A travel limiter is disposed in the housing and has a first body of resilient material disposed between the member and the top end of the housing and a second body of material disposed between the member and the bottom end of the housing. The isolation assembly is disposed so as to function in parallel to the travel limiter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Zhongli North America Inc.
    Inventor: Bryan McMullen
  • Patent number: 8894079
    Abstract: An upper support for vehicle suspension including: an inner cylindrical member; an outer cylindrical member spaced apart peripherally outward from the inner cylindrical member; a rubber elastic body interposed between the inner cylindrical member and the outer cylindrical member while elastically connecting the two members; and a flange portion extending radially outward from the outer cylindrical member while being adapted to be overlapped and fixed onto a mounting portion of a vehicle body. A fastening seat portion is provided to the flange portion over a prescribed area and has a contact face adapted to be in contact against the mounting portion of the vehicle body. A concave/convex portion is formed on the contact face of the fastening seat portion over a prescribed area thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignees: Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Matsumura, Yorikazu Nakamura, Satoshi Uchida, Yusuke Washitani
  • Patent number: 8888081
    Abstract: Disclosed is a strut mount wherein an inclination of an outer circumferential surface of an outer cylinder (2) with respect to the central axis of the outer cylinder (2) is greater than that of an inner circumferential surface of a tapered sidewall (12) of a vehicle body panel (10) which is shaped like an inverted dish. When the strut mount is positioned to be fitted to the vehicle body panel (10), the elastic member (4) is brought into contact with the inner surface of the vehicle body panel (10) only at a portion (4a) of the elastic member (4) that covers the outer circumferential surface of the outer cylinder (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Bridgestone Corporation
    Inventor: Tsuyoshi Inoue
  • Patent number: 8876398
    Abstract: The axial thrust bearing device, in particular for the suspension strut of a motor vehicle, comprises a bottom support cover, a top bearing cover, a rolling bearing axially disposed between said covers, and at least a sealing ring axially bearing against the bottom support cover and adapted to reduce any ingress of foreign matter between said covers. The sealing ring comprises at least one friction lip in contact with the top bearing cover and tending to keep said sealing ring in axial contact with the bottom support cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Aktiebolaget SKF
    Inventors: Richard Corbett, Samuel Viault
  • Publication number: 20140306419
    Abstract: A top mount for a suspension damper has a housing with an interior chamber and a damper attachment member disposed in the interior chamber and spaced from the top end and the bottom end. An isolation assembly, formed of MCU, has an upper portion disposed between the member and the top end of the housing and a lower portion disposed between the member and the bottom end of the housing such that the isolation assembly supports the member in the housing. A travel limiter is disposed in the housing and has a first body of resilient material disposed between the member and the top end of the housing and a second body of material disposed between the member and the bottom end of the housing. The isolation assembly is disposed so as to function in parallel to the travel limiter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: Zhongli North America Inc.
    Inventor: Bryan McMullen
  • Patent number: 8820761
    Abstract: One variation includes a top mount, integrated housing and spring bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Bryan D. Wilson
  • Patent number: 8820759
    Abstract: An apparatus allows for the independent adjustment of caster and camber for vehicles utilizing MacPherson strut front suspensions. The apparatus has, in stacked arrangement, a fastener plate, a lower plate, and an upper plate. Camber adjustments are generally made by manipulation of the lower plate and caster adjustments are generally made by manipulation of the upper plate. The upper plate may be mounted in two different positions to allow for different camber adjustments, such as for competitive situations and non-competitive situations. The device utilizes a thrust bearing having a race in the upper face of the spring perch and an opposing race which mounts around the base of the bearing cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Inventor: Brian Croutcher
  • Patent number: 8814188
    Abstract: The strut mounting reinforcement unit of a vehicle includes a shock absorber housing cover in which a strut may be inserted, the shock absorber housing cover being mounted to a vehicle body together with the strut, a shock absorber cover panel covering an upper portion of the shock absorber housing cover to be mounted to the vehicle body, and a closed space formed between the shock absorber housing cover and the shock absorber cover panel, thereby improving strength of a strut mounted portion of the vehicle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Hyun Anh, Jaewoo Joung
  • Patent number: 8807597
    Abstract: In a frontal collision energy absorption structure for a vehicle (1) including a chassis frame (9), an engine mount bracket (27) is attached to a main frame (10) of the chassis frame (9) extending in a vehicle length direction, and is, in the vehicle length direction, apart from a connection part of the main frame (10) and a suspension tower (101), a connection part of the main frame (10) and a second cross-member (12) arranged apart from the suspension tower (101) in front thereof, and a connection part of the main frame (10) and a third cross-member (13) arranged apart from the suspension tower (101) in rear thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignees: Ford Global Technologies, LLC, Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Akaki, Hideto Yamada, Soukichi Kikuchi, Osami Ohno
  • Publication number: 20140225344
    Abstract: A thrust sliding bearing 1 includes a synthetic resin-made lower casing 2, a synthetic resin-made upper casing 3 superposed on the lower casing 2, and a synthetic resin-made thrust sliding bearing piece 4 interposed between said upper casing 3 and the lower casing 2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: Oiles Corporation
    Inventors: Kouichi MORISHIGE, Ryohei Kaneko
  • Patent number: 8764040
    Abstract: A quadricycle includes a four-wheel suspension system that is structured to maintain contact between the ground and the wheels when traversing uneven terrain, as well as to permit a rider to lean into a curve in order to facilitate steering the vehicle. The suspension assemblies are relatively wide to resist rollover accidents. Shock absorbers within the suspension assemblies are angled from vertical to provide both a vertical force component and a horizontal force component in order to permit leaning into a curve while resisting excessive leaning. The quadricycle's drivetrain is structured to increase clearance between the ground and many drivetrain components. Smaller components of the spindle and wheel hub assembly are protected by larger components of the suspension assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Inventor: Dennis DeLauter
  • Patent number: 8740233
    Abstract: A thrust sliding bearing 1 includes a synthetic resin-made lower casing 2, a synthetic resin-made upper casing 3 superposed on the lower casing 2, and a synthetic resin-made thrust sliding bearing piece 4 interposed between said upper casing 3 and the lower casing 2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Oiles Corporation
    Inventors: Kouichi Morishige, Ryohei Kaneko
  • Patent number: 8733745
    Abstract: A vehicle suspension system including a shock upper mount assembly mounted to vehicle structure, a jounce bumper being made of an elastomeric material and including a vertically extending rod bore around a rod of a shock absorber, and a jounce rate cup. The jounce rate cup is made of an elastomeric material and includes a horizontally extending support flange having a lower surface mounted on the jounce bumper, a horizontally extending dust boot attachment flange spaced from the support flange and having an upper surface located below and adjacent to the shock upper mount assembly, and a vertical flange extending between the support flange and the dust boot attachment flange to define a gap between the support flange and the dust boot attachment flange, with the jounce rate cup including a vertically extending rod bore mounted around the rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Ravindra P Patil, Robert T. Jane, Michael A. Ray, Robert L. Geisler, Joseph A. Schudt
  • Patent number: 8696004
    Abstract: A strut assembly includes a top mount assembly, a shock absorber, a lower spring seat and a spring extending between the top mount assembly and the lower spring seat. The lower spring seat includes an annular disc and a tubular extension extending from the annular disc. The tubular wall defines a plurality of lands or steps which define bearing surfaces which are used to press the lower spring seat onto the shock absorber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc.
    Inventors: Lynn R. Baker, Rand Raymo, Jason Shaw
  • Publication number: 20140097590
    Abstract: A reinforcement is installed in a mounting portion of a shock absorber of a vehicle to improve strength of a vehicle body. The reinforcement realizes a new type of a reinforcement which covers a mounting portion affected most by an excitation force from a shock absorber and is simultaneously coupled to a mounting cover, which is a peripheral member, and a front side upper member, such that road noise can be improved by improvement of Z-direction input point strength. (vehicle body strength) of a shock absorber housing portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Young Dae Yoo, Do Hoi Kim
  • Publication number: 20140070511
    Abstract: One variation may include a product comprising a top mount for a strut having a first inner strut rod attachment component comprising a metal, a second strut attachment component having at least a portion received in the first strut rod attachment component, a resilient or elastomeric material interposed between the first inner strut rod attachment component and the second inner strut rod attachment component, the second inner strut rod attachment component being constructed and arranged to receive a strut rod. One variation may include a product comprising a top mount for a strut having an inner strut rod attachment component, a first damping material and embedded in a resilient or elastomeric material, and wherein the first damping material has a greater damping property than the resilient or elastomeric material. One variation may include a product comprising an attachment collar for a strut rod, a microcellular urethane covering at least a portion of the collar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Inventor: Bryan D. Wilson
  • Publication number: 20140070510
    Abstract: One variation includes a top mount, integrated housing and spring bearing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Bryan D. Wilson
  • Publication number: 20140070512
    Abstract: One variation includes a top mount for a strut having an inner metal portion. Another variation includes a bearing integrated with the inner metal portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Bryan D. Wilson
  • Patent number: 8668213
    Abstract: A damper mounting structure is provided with a top buffer member and a bottom buffer member. The bottom buffer member has a protruding section that protrudes with an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the bottom buffer member. The damper mounting structure mates with the protruding section and is anchored to a vehicle body panel, and is provided with a collar formed at substantially the same height as the height of the protruding section. The corner of an opening formed on the vehicle body panel, which comes into contact with the top buffer member, is chamfered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuki Takagi, Makoto Kihara, Masanori Hayashi, Noriaki Masuda
  • Publication number: 20140049019
    Abstract: The strut mounting reinforcement unit of a vehicle includes a shock absorber housing cover in which a strut may be inserted, the shock absorber housing cover being mounted to a vehicle body together with the strut, a shock absorber cover panel covering an upper portion of the shock absorber housing cover to be mounted to the vehicle body, and a closed space formed between the shock absorber housing cover and the shock absorber cover panel, thereby improving strength of a strut mounted portion of the vehicle body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicants: Kia Motors Corporation, Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Hyun Ahn, Jaewoo Joung
  • Patent number: 8627930
    Abstract: A bushing having a variable and controllable hardness, and a method of restricting movement comprising using such bushing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Inventors: S. Gregory Smith, Jeffrey Beitzel
  • Patent number: 8596661
    Abstract: A thrust sliding bearing 1 includes a synthetic resin-made annular bearing body 4 having an annular upper surface 2 and an annular engaging projection 3; a synthetic resin-made annular bearing body 6; a synthetic resin-made thrust sliding bearing piece 7; an annular upper cover 9 having engaging projections 8 which engage the engaging projection 3 of the bearing body 4; and an annular metal plate 15 interposed between the bearing body 6 and the annular upper cover 9.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Oiles Corporation
    Inventors: Ryohei Kaneko, Kouichi Morishige
  • Publication number: 20130270790
    Abstract: A thrust sliding bearing 1 includes a synthetic resin-made lower casing 2, a synthetic resin-made upper casing 3 superposed on the lower casing 2, and a synthetic resin-made thrust sliding bearing piece 4 interposed between said upper casing 3 and the lower casing 2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: OILES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kouichi Morishige, Ryohei Kaneko
  • Patent number: 8556281
    Abstract: A bracket is provided to mount a shock absorber to a vehicle body. The bracket is configured to couple a distal end of a piston rod of the shock absorber to a vehicle body. The bracket is molded of a plastic material and includes a body having a recess formed thereon, the recess allowing a bush assembly to be inserted therein, and a flange extending from the body. The bracket is molded integrally with a metal insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Mando Corporation
    Inventors: Yoon Hyun Lee, Myung Hwa Hyun
  • Patent number: 8534686
    Abstract: A suspension system may be provided. The suspension system may comprise a wheel support idler and a strut. A top end of the strut may be attached to a bottom of the wheel support idler. The suspension system may further comprise a spring configured to absorb shock from the strut. A bottom of the spring may be attached to a top of the wheel support idler. The suspension system may further comprise a first tower and a second tower. The wheel support idler may be configured to slide up and down on the second tower and the wheel support idler may not contact the first tower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: AGCO Corporation
    Inventor: James Slawson
  • Patent number: 8534649
    Abstract: A mount structure for a vehicle damper, configured in such a manner that an end of the piston rod (33) of the damper (17) is supported by a vehicle-side member (51). A nut (57) engaged with the male thread section (42) formed on a reduced diameter section (41) of the piston rod (33) collectively fastens upper and lower gripping members (55, 56), a collar member (54), and upper and lower elastic sections (52, 53) to the reduced diameter section (41). An input from the damper body (38) side is transmitted to the vehicle body-side member (51) through a transmission member (58).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazunori Abe, Kosuke Uemori
  • Publication number: 20130207365
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a suspension thrust bearing device adapted to receive a shock absorber piston rod along a main axis (X1), the device including a single bearing forming an axial thrust bearing and including an inner race, an outer race and rolling members disposed between the inner race and the outer race, and at least one intermediate member adapted to transmit to the inner race essentially axial forces exerted on the device by a suspension spring. One of the inner race and the intermediate member extend(s) radially beyond the outer race in the direction of the main axis (X1), forming a bearing surface for fixing and centring the shock absorber piston rod relative to the device. The invention also concerns a motor vehicle McPherson strut including a shock absorber and a suspension thrust bearing device as referred to above.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: AKTIEBOLAGET SKF
    Inventor: AKTIEBOLAGET SKF
  • Patent number: 8474845
    Abstract: The invention relates to a wheel suspension having a shock absorber (1) with a piston rod (2) and a spring element (7), the spring element (7) being mounted between a lower spring retaining plate (4) and an upper spring retaining plate (6) and the head of the shock absorber (1) being fastened to a vehicle body (8). An intermediate element system (9, 11, 12; 9, 26) is arranged and embodied between the upper spring retaining plate (6) and the vehicle body (8) in such a manner that a compensating moment (23) is generated during final installation of the shock absorber (1) on the vehicle body (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Rainer Souschek, Wolfgang David, Michael Johannes Frantzen, Edmund Halfmann, Friedrich Peter Wolf-Monheim