Ball Joint Or Bushing Patents (Class 280/86.756)
  • Patent number: 11926362
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for a camber adjustment system for a control arm of the subject matter of the present disclosure which allows the quick change of camber settings of a vehicle by utilizing a pill adjustment component containing several camber settings including a track and street setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Inventors: Abraham Fischer, Ben Schaffer
  • Patent number: 11904941
    Abstract: An adjustable front axle includes an axle housing; an axle tube connected to an end of the axle housing; an inner-C-forging disposed on the axle tube at an end away from the axle housing; and a mounting apparatus configured for detachably fixing the inner-C-forging to the axle tube. The inner-C-forging is provided with a first angle adjustment structure, the axle tube is provided with a second angle adjustment structure. The mounting apparatus is disposed on the axle tube, and capable of cooperating with the inner-C-forging to fix the inner-C-forging to the axle tube. The first angle adjustment structure and the second angle adjustment structure have different cooperation positions such that the inner-C-forging has different installation angles relative to the axle tube. A vehicle is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: SHANGHAI LINGHUO TRADING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Dehui Du, Jia Fu, Bin Cheng
  • Patent number: 11904942
    Abstract: An adjustable front axle includes an axle housing; an axle tube connected to an end of the axle housing; an inner-C-forging disposed on the axle tube at an end away from the axle housing; and a mounting apparatus configured for detachably fixing the inner-C-forging to the axle tube. The inner-C-forging is provided with a first angle adjustment structure, the axle tube is provided with a second angle adjustment structure. The mounting apparatus is disposed on the axle tube, and capable of cooperating with the inner-C-forging to fix the inner-C-forging to the axle tube. The first angle adjustment structure and the second angle adjustment structure have different cooperation positions such that the inner-C-forging has different installation angles relative to the axle tube. A vehicle is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: SHANGHAI LINGHUO TRADING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Dehui Du, Jia Fu, Bin Cheng
  • Patent number: 11845316
    Abstract: A pivot joint for connection between first and second suspension members in a vehicle suspension permits adjustment of wheel alignment characteristics without removal or disassembly of the pivot joint. Wheel alignment adjustment may be accomplished with mutual rotation of engaged components of the pivot joint, wherein engaged guide structures of the pivot joint component convert the mutual rotation to translational movement of one pivot joint component relative to the other pivot joint component. The translational movement may be oriented to selectively adjust wheel alignment characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: NORTHSTAR MANUFACTURING CO., INC.
    Inventors: Shawn Miller, Kurt Vinje, James Ryshavy
  • Patent number: 11577783
    Abstract: An independently driving wheel module includes: a base frame including an upper end fixed to a coupling surface of a vehicle body, and a rotation part coupled to the upper end of the base frame such that the rotation part is rotatable with respect to the upper end of the base frame; a connection link including a first end integrally coupled to the rotation part, and a second end having a shape extending downward from the first end of the connection link; a driving wheel disposed at a side of the second end of the connection link and coupled to the second end of the connection link; and a rotation plate including an upper and lower surfaces extending obliquely in misaligned directions, the rotation plate being interposed between the base frame and the vehicle body so as to be rotatable with respect to the base frame or the vehicle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: HYUNDAI MOBIS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tae Heon Lee, Won Hyok Choi
  • Patent number: 11059337
    Abstract: An alignment assembly for a motor vehicle includes a first bushing with a slot, the first bushing being configured to be positioned and secured to an end of a first link of a wishbone suspension assembly, and an insert that fits within the slot, the insert having a locating hole that positions a bolt within the slot for nominal caster and camber angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Eric B. Hoyer, Jack Marchel
  • Patent number: 10882369
    Abstract: A longitudinal leaf spring device for the suspension of a body of a motor vehicle has a leaf spring unit in an elongated form, a coupling device for the mechanical coupling of the leaf spring unit to a motor vehicle axle and at least one bump stop unit having two separate elastic stop elements which can be connected, in a manner arranged vertically above one another, to a chassis or to the axle. According to the invention, perpendicular directions to a downwardly directed mean contact area of the upper stop element and to an upwardly directed mean contact area of the lower stop element each form an angle other than zero with the vertical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Friedrich Peter Wolf-Monheim
  • Patent number: 10843280
    Abstract: A levelling apparatus for use in gang saws comprises first and second wedge portions. The first wedge portion comprises upper and lower surfaces, wherein the lower surface is nonparallel to the upper surface. The first wedge portion further comprises a plurality of openings for accepting mounting fasteners. The openings are arranged in a spaced, circular pattern about a centre of the first wedge portion. The second wedge portion also comprises upper and lower surfaces, wherein the upper surface is nonparallel to the lower surface. The second wedge portion further also comprises a plurality of openings for accepting the mounting fasteners. The second wedge openings correspond to the first wedge openings Rotation of the first wedge portion with respect to the second wedge portion varies an angle between the first wedge upper surface and the second wedge lower surface, thereby allowing for angular adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Precision Guide Machinery and Repair Limited
    Inventors: Nalynd Vogt, Carrick Bergen
  • Patent number: 10814687
    Abstract: An assembly includes a leadscrew, a strut, and a motor. The strut is movable along the leadscrew upon rotation of the leadscrew. A camber angle of a wheel is changeable according to movement of the strut along the leadscrew. The motor is drivably connected to a rotating shaft that is mounted to the leadscrew.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Nicholas Anthony Quatrano
  • Patent number: 10731699
    Abstract: The invention relates to a pivot connection type assembly comprising a shaft and first and second connection parts, each receiving the shaft so as to enable them to pivot relative to each other, the first connection part being arranged axially between a first end of the shaft and a radial plane, while the second connection part is arranged axially between said radial plane and the other end of the shaft. The shaft is hollow and includes an inside section that presents a radial dimension at least in a first axial plane and over a first segment of the shaft extending axially between the first end and the radial plane, which radial dimension varies, decreasing on axially approaching the radial plane. The assembly includes a ring interposed radially between the shaft and a bore of the first connection part, and presenting radial thickness that varies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignees: SAFRAN, SAFRAN LANDING SYSTEMS
    Inventors: Mathieu Renaud, Jean-Sébastien Charrier, Rémi Grenêche, Anne Mounier, Aurélie Eléonore Pilato
  • Patent number: 10493812
    Abstract: A motor vehicle wheel suspension, comprising a guide wheel having an outer jacket comprising a wheel attachment for the connection of the guide wheel to a rotation pin of a wheel. The guide wheel extends between opposite axial upper and lower ends in correspondence of which it comprises attachments for its connection to connection elements of an associated frame, wherein said outer jacket internally encloses a damper and a spring. The outer jacket, in correspondence of one of said axial upper and lower ends comprises a slot for realizing a first attachment to connection elements of the frame, said slot housing a pin axially guided by said slot, the slot connecting a cavity inside the outer jacket with said pin. The outer jacket, in correspondence of the other of said axial upper and lower ends comprises a tilting hinge for realizing a second attachment to connection elements of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: PIAGGIO & C. S.p.A.
    Inventor: Andrea Raffaelli
  • Patent number: 10106195
    Abstract: A system for wheel alignment is provided including adjustments to camber, toe, and thrust. A sleeve is fitted over the spindle of an axle. Rotation of the sleeve relative to the spindle provides for adjustments to wheel alignment while a locking feature such as e.g., a pin, is used to maintain the selected position of the sleeve relative to the spindle. The available positions of the sleeve relative to the spindle are predetermined in order to provide for discrete, known adjustments to the alignment of the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: Compagnie Generale des Etablissements Michelin
    Inventors: Zachary Alexander Merrill, Matthew J. Hanlon
  • Patent number: 10023018
    Abstract: An arrangement for a motor vehicle includes a suspension arm, an engine cradle, a wheel attached to the suspension arm, at least one intermediate linking fork joint disposed between the suspension arm and the engine cradle to ensure attachment of the suspension arm to the engine cradle, removable elements to attach the linking fork joint to the engine cradle, elements to attach the suspension arm to the linking fork joint, and first fusible elements to allow a first relative displacement of the suspension arm with respect to the engine cradle over a first path only in an event of application, to the wheel or to the suspension arm, of an external force having a lateral component that exceeds a first predetermined threshold for which the first fusible elements are sized. The first fusible elements include at least one portion of the linking fork joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: RENAULT s.a.s.
    Inventor: Yoann Saudemont
  • Patent number: 10005494
    Abstract: An apparatus for adjusting the toe and camber of a wheel including a spindle, a spindle sleeve, the spindle disposed inside the spindle sleeve, a spindle sleeve bolt, disposed through the spindle through hole and the spindle sleeve through hole, an alignment cam, including an eccentric cam through hole, a cam bolt head, a spindle cup, the eccentric cam through hole offset from an alignment cam constant center of the alignment cam, and a spindle bolt, securely connecting the alignment cam to the spindle. The alignment cam is connected to a first end of the spindle, with the alignment cam and the spindle disposed inside the spindle sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: KUHN KRAUSE, INC.
    Inventors: Jerome Fink, Charles Westfahl
  • Patent number: 9186945
    Abstract: A cam adjustable shim assembly includes a bushing defining a bushing opening. The bushing opening extends longitudinally along a bushing axis to define a bushing bore. The cam adjustable shim assembly further includes a cam disposed in the bushing bore. The cam defines a cam bore extending longitudinally along a first cam axis offset relative to the bushing axis such that the cam bore is eccentric relative to the bushing bore. The cam adjustable shim assembly further includes a bolt at least partially disposed within the cam bore along a first cam axis. The bolt is engaged with the cam bore such that rotation of the bolt about the first cam axis causes the cam to rotate within the bushing about the bushing axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: James L. Luttinen, Steven A. Lamouria
  • Patent number: 9186944
    Abstract: A cam adjustable shim assembly includes a bushing defining a bushing opening. The bushing opening extends along a first axis. The cam adjustable shim assembly further includes a cam disposed in the bushing opening and a bolt at least partially disposed within the cam. The bolt extends along a second axis. The second axis is offset relative to the first axis such that the bushing opening is eccentric relative to the bolt. The bolt is fixed to the cam such that rotation of the bolt about the second axis causes the cam to rotate within the bushing about the first axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: James L. Luttinen, Steven A. Lamouria
  • Patent number: 8419031
    Abstract: A new and novel suspension link for the suspension system of vehicles, which is easily removed and replaced in a repair mode. More specifically, there is an vehicle sway bar stabilizer link that has angle capability for replacing prior art suspension links having ball-type devices which comprise a polished steel ball surround by a steel liner, or a polished steel ball surrounded by a plastic liner. A method of manufacture is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Inventor: Larry Verbowski
  • Patent number: 8109528
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a suspension assembly including a bolt made from a bolt material; a suspension component made from a suspension material, the suspension component having a suspension opening therethrough, the suspension opening having a geometry for insertion of at least a first portion of the bolt; and a bushing assembly including an elastomeric element and a bushing opening therethrough, the bushing opening having a geometry for insertion of at least a second portion of the bolt; wherein the suspension material has a yield strength that is substantially higher than a yield strength of the bolt material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Automotive Casting Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Whitacre, Zhiyou Xu
  • Patent number: 8079607
    Abstract: A spherical bearing including a ball having an external surface defined by an outside diameter of said ball and an outer race having an inside surface contoured to a shape defined by said external surface of the ball. The inside surface extends between a stud end and a cover end of the outer race. The ball is moveably positioned within the outer race such that the inside surface and the external surface slidably engage one another. The inside surface includes at least one lubrication groove formed therein. The lubrication groove initiates at a first position adjacent to the cover end and terminates at a second position adjacent to the cover end. Remaining portions of the lubrication groove are spaced apart from the stud end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Roller Bearing Company of America, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian Gaumer
  • Patent number: 8075005
    Abstract: An apparatus for adjusting wheel alignment at an upper ball joint assembly of a vehicular suspension includes a bushing having an outer surface defined about a first axis, and a receptacle defined about a second axis eccentric to the first axis. The apparatus further includes a locking key having an arm portion adapted to removably cooperate with selected ones of slots arranged radially in a flange portion of the bushing so as to retain the bushing in a predetermined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Stempf Automotive Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: John W. Ryshavy, James R. Ryshavy
  • Publication number: 20110204587
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a suspension assembly including a bolt made from a bolt material; a suspension component made from a suspension material, the suspension component having a suspension opening therethrough, the suspension opening having a geometry for insertion of at least a first portion of the bolt; and a bushing assembly including an elastomeric element and a bushing opening therethrough, the bushing opening having a geometry for insertion of at least a second portion of the bolt; wherein the suspension material has a yield strength that is substantially higher than a yield strength of the bolt material,
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Inventors: DONALD WHITACRE, Zhiyou Xu
  • Patent number: 7914021
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a suspension assembly including a bolt made from a bolt material; a suspension component made from a suspension material, the suspension component having a suspension opening therethrough, the suspension opening having a geometry for insertion of at least a first portion of the bolt; and a bushing assembly including an elastomeric element and a bushing opening therethrough, the bushing opening having a geometry for insertion of at least a second portion of the bolt; wherein the suspension material has a yield strength that is substantially higher than a yield strength of the bolt material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Automotive Casting Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Whitacre, Zhiyou Xu
  • Publication number: 20090218776
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a suspension assembly including a bolt made from a bolt material; a suspension component made from a suspension material, the suspension component having a suspension opening therethrough, the suspension opening having a geometry for insertion of at least a first portion of the bolt; and a bushing assembly including an elastomeric element and a bushing opening therethrough, the bushing opening having a geometry for insertion of at least a second portion of the bolt; wherein the suspension material has a yield strength that is substantially higher than a yield strength of the bolt material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2007
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Inventors: Donald E. Whitacre, Zhiyou Xu
  • Patent number: 7568711
    Abstract: Apparatus for adjusting the caster of the steering wheels of an all terrain vehicle. An eccentric threaded stud support is adjustively rotatable to position the eccentrically retained stud at a plurality of caster angle defining orientations extending from zero caster negatively or positively. Perceptible indicia identifies each caster incremental location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Inventors: John Abbott Houser, Jeffrey David Houser
  • Patent number: 7513514
    Abstract: The present invention includes a ball joint assembly having a first stud extending upward from a ball joint housing and a second stud extending from the ball joint housing opposite the first stud. The ball joint assembly is adapted to adjustably connect with a control arm through a slotted connection. The rotational position of the second stud of the ball joint assembly relative to the control arm as well as the linear position of the first stud of the ball joint assembly within the slot can be adjusted to affect the camber and/or caster angles for wheel alignment on motor vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Niwot Corporation
    Inventors: Richard D. Schlosser, James A. Bloemen
  • Publication number: 20080145141
    Abstract: A joint and/or bearing arrangement (1) has a pivot (2) with a separate joint head (4) part, which can be held thereon and surrounds the pivot (2) in some areas. At least one equalizing channel (15) connects a space (13) located between the joint head (4) and a surrounding joint shell (5) to a space (14) located on the other side of the joint head (4) in respect to the radial extension of the pivot (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2005
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventors: Klaus Broeker, Jens Bach
  • Patent number: 7331589
    Abstract: A dual axis bushing assembly for engagement between an axle arm and an upper ball joint of a vehicle. The dual axis bushing assembly includes an inner skewed bushing engaged in and rotatable in an outer skewed bushing. The dual axis bushing assembly includes a zero offset setting or a zero skewed setting where a skewed axis of the inner bushing is coaxial with a center axis of an outer cylindrical surface of the outer bushing. At the zero setting, a connector seating annular surface on the inner skewed bushing is disposed at a right angle relative to a cylindrical outer surface of the outer skewed bushing. In one embodiment, the connector seating annular surface is recessed in a head of the inner skewed bushing. In another embodiment, the connector seating annular surface is an outermost end surface of a head of the inner skewed bushing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Stempf Automotive Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: William E. Ingalls, John W. Ryshavy, James R. Ryshavy
  • Publication number: 20070152417
    Abstract: A dual axis bushing assembly for engagement between an axle arm and an upper ball joint of a vehicle. The dual axis bushing assembly includes an inner skewed bushing engaged in and rotatable in an outer skewed bushing. The dual axis bushing assembly includes a zero offset setting or a zero skewed setting where a skewed axis of the inner bushing is coaxial with a center axis of an outer cylindrical surface of the outer bushing. At the zero setting, a connector seating annular surface on the inner skewed bushing is disposed at a right angle relative to a cylindrical outer surface of the outer skewed bushing. In one embodiment, the connector seating annular surface is recessed in a head of the inner skewed bushing. In another embodiment, the connector seating annular surface is an outermost end surface of a head of the inner skewed bushing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2007
    Publication date: July 5, 2007
    Inventors: William Ingalls, John Ryshavy, James Ryshavy
  • Patent number: 7210693
    Abstract: A dual axis bushing assembly for engagement between an axle arm and an upper ball joint of a vehicle. The dual axis bushing assembly includes an inner skewed bushing engaged in and rotatable in an outer skewed bushing. The dual axis bushing assembly includes a zero offset setting or a zero skewed setting where a skewed axis of the inner bushing is coaxial with a center axis of an outer cylindrical surface of the outer bushing. At the zero setting, a connector seating annular surface on the inner skewed bushing is disposed at a right angle relative to a cylindrical outer surface of the outer skewed bushing. In one embodiment, the connector seating annular surface is recessed in a head of the inner skewed bushing. In another embodiment, the connector seating annular surface is an outermost end surface of a head of the inner skewed bushing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Stempf Automotive Industries, Ltd
    Inventors: William E. Ingalls, John W. Ryshavy, James R. Ryshavy
  • Publication number: 20060138740
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a wheel angle adjustment apparatus for automobile suspension systems. The wheel angle adjustment apparatus of the present invention has a structure such that upper, lower, left and right gaps between a spindle bracket and a wheel bracket are changed by tightening or loosening a plurality of locking bolts that couples the spindle bracket and the wheel bracket together. Therefore, toe and camber angles of each wheel are easily adjusted by tightening or loosening the locking bolts. In particular, when the present invention is used in a suspension system such as a torsion beam suspension system which has a structure such that a wheel alignment using a connection part provided between the automobile body and wheels is impossible, the wheels are easily aligned merely by adjusting the gap between the spindle bracket and the wheel bracket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2005
    Publication date: June 29, 2006
    Inventor: Duk-Woo Nam
  • Patent number: 7052024
    Abstract: A vehicular suspension assembly is applicable to both manual and power steering systems. In the suspension assembly, when the manual steering system and the power steering system are exchanged with each other, a strut, a lower arm and a frame are commonly used. Three mounting bolts of an insulator are eccentrically disposed relative to the center of the strut. A connector has an insertion hole which is eccentrically drilled on a connector. A bracket of the frame is shared by two applications. Thus, it is possible to perform all functions of both manual and power steering systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Hyundai Mobis, Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Dall-Hee Jung
  • Publication number: 20050280229
    Abstract: A dual axis bushing assembly for engagement between an axle arm and an upper ball joint of a vehicle. The dual axis bushing assembly includes an inner skewed bushing engaged in and rotatable in an outer skewed bushing. The dual axis bushing assembly includes a zero offset setting or a zero skewed setting where a skewed axis of the inner bushing is coaxial with a center axis of an outer cylindrical surface of the outer bushing. At the zero setting, a connector seating annular surface on the inner skewed bushing is disposed at a right angle relative to a cylindrical outer surface of the outer skewed bushing. In one embodiment, the connector seating annular surface is recessed in a head of the inner skewed bushing. In another embodiment, the connector seating annular surface is an outermost end surface of a head of the inner skewed bushing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2004
    Publication date: December 22, 2005
    Inventors: William Ingalls, John Ryshavy, James Ryshavy
  • Patent number: 6672605
    Abstract: A vehicle suspension system having first and second trailing arms (10), each trailing arm (10) being mounted to the vehicle adjacent its forward end (14) for pivotal movement about a transverse axis of the vehicle, one trailing arm (10) being located adjacent one side of the vehicle and adapted adjacent its trailing end (22) to support a first wheel of a vehicle and the other trailing arm (10) being located adjacent the other side of the vehicle and adapted adjacent its trailing end (22) to support a second wheel of the vehicle, the first and second wheels being located on a transverse axis of the vehicle, a torsion beam (24) being provided to control lateral separation of the trailing arms (10), and a pair of dynamic beams (30) being secured at their forward and rearward ends longitudinally of the vehicle, one dynamic beam (30) being located in juxtaposed relationship with each of the trailing arms (10), each trailing arm (10) being connected adjacent its trailing end (22) to the adjacent dynamic beam (10),
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: MG Rover Group Limited
    Inventor: Michael Neil Basnett
  • Patent number: 6588776
    Abstract: An adjustable mounting assembly for a steerable wheel assembly. A pin member is horizontally movably disposed within a slot formed in the lower arm of a yoke assembly. A ball joint forging is adjustably secured to the lower arm. The pin member extends between the lower arm and a ball joint forging to facilitate selective adjustment therebetween. A pair of set screws are secured to the lower arm to engage opposite sides of the pin member to selectively move the pin member within the slot. By simply rotating the set screws, the pin member is horizontally adjusted to selectively move the ball joint forging in a horizontal direction to adjust the caster of the wheel assembly. Horizontal slots are formed in the lower arm to align with boltholes formed in the ball joint forging to allow the forging to be bolted to the lower arm over a range of horizontal positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Torque-Traction Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Earl James Irwin
  • Publication number: 20030052467
    Abstract: A replacement ball joint apparatus and method for conveniently modifying motor vehicle suspension camber, caster or camber/caster combination angle by means of repositioning a wheel spindle top or bottom relative to a control arm. The apparatus includes a mount assembly secured at one end of a ball joint which is connectable at its other end to the spindle, the mount assembly having a slide with a stud extending therefrom. A guide assembly is securable at the control arm and receives and guides the slide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventors: Robert M. Allman, James H. Garrard
  • Patent number: 6514002
    Abstract: A grease hold extends in an axial direction from one end of a rotary pin to an eccentric portion, and a pair of grease injection holes communicating to the grease hole is open on the outer circumferential surface of the eccentric portion. These grease injection holes are arranged so as to be axially separated on both sides from a central portion C of the eccentric portion by L/4 when L is an length of the eccentric portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyoda Jidoshokki Seisakusho
    Inventors: Kenichi Katae, Kenji Chino, Yoshihisa Iwanaga
  • Patent number: 6431565
    Abstract: Castor of a motor vehicle suspension, typically having a wishbone (1), is adjusted by mounting the suspension upright ball joint (4) in a housing (6) having an offset spigot (10) rotatable by an Allen key engaged in the spigot to move the ball joint backward and forward while the spigot is restrained by a slot (16) in a location bracket (14) engaged with the wishbone. Camber is adjusted by a threaded adjuster (24) operable between the location bracket (14) and the housing (6) while allowing rotation of the housing relative to the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Inventor: Kevin Joseph McIntyre
  • Patent number: 6371500
    Abstract: An adjustable mounting assembly for a steerable wheel assembly. A cam member is rotatably disposed within a recess formed in the lower arm of a yoke assembly. An eccentric cylinder of the cam member extends within a vertically oriented slot formed in a ball joint forging which is in turn adjustable secured to the lower arm of the yoke. By simply rotating the cam member, the eccentric cylinder engages the slot and moves the ball joint forging in a horizontal direction to adjust the caster of the wheel assembly. The vertical slot in the ball joint forging prevents vertical movement to facilitate adjustment of the caster without affecting a camber setting, the distance between the upper and lower ball joints, or ball joint pre-loading. Horizontal slots are formed in the lower arm to align with boltholes formed in the ball joint forging to allow the forging to be bolted to the lower arm over a range of horizontal positions. A method of adjusting the camber of the wheel assembly is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Spicer Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven Gray Goddard
  • Patent number: 6328321
    Abstract: An adjustable mount for the upper end of a vehicle suspension strut allowing the strut to be relocated relative to a vehicle chassis member. The mount comprises a bush adapted to receive and secure the upper end of the strut, a flange extending radially outwardly from the bush, and a clamping plate adapted to abut the lower face of the flange. The flange has upper and lower faces, and the clamping plate has an opening therethrough larger than the perimeter of the bush such that the clamping plate can relatively slide over the lower face of the flange over a limited area. A plurality of studs extend upwardly from the clamping plate. The studs are located outside the periphery of the flange and restrict the sliding movement of the flange relative to the clamping plate by engagement with the periphery of the flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Noltec Distribution
    Inventor: Gregory James Nolan
  • Patent number: 6308970
    Abstract: An apparatus for coupling a ball to a frame of a motor vehicle. The apparatus includes a main body portion and a ball joint housing. The main body portion is adapted to be pivotally mounted to the frame and has at least one support surface. The ball joint housing is coupled to the ball joint and has at least one contact surface. At least one fastener couples the main body portion and the ball joint housing in a coupled relationship such that the at least one support surface of the main body portion is in contact with the at least one contact surface of the ball joint housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventor: Luke J Stuart
  • Patent number: 6293724
    Abstract: An adjustable ball joint assembly to be secured between the wheel and the apex of an upper control arm member of a motor vehicle suspension system to provide for camber/caster adjustment of motor vehicles with altered suspensions, typically lowered suspensions. The adjustable ball joint includes a ball joint retainer body including a locking plate and with an eccentrically positioned ball socket (opening) formed in the bottom surface of the plate. A stub shaft, fast on the top surface of the locking plate, extends upwardly, with an arcuately configured annular groove formed around its periphery. A tapered boss is positioned adjacent the top surface of the locking plate and configured to be received within the ball joint port of the control arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: Northstar Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas G. Spears, James R. Ryshavy
  • Publication number: 20010015536
    Abstract: Castor of a motor vehicle suspension, typically having a wishbone (1), is adjusted by mounting the suspension upright ball joint (4) in a housing (6) having an offset spigot (10) rotatable by an Allen key engaged in the spigot to move the ball joint backward and forward while the spigot is restrained by a slot (16) in a location bracket (14) engaged with the wishbone. Camber is adjusted by a threaded adjuster (24) operable between the location bracket (14) and the housing (6) while allowing rotation of the housing relative to the bracket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2001
    Publication date: August 23, 2001
    Inventor: Kevin Joseph McIntyre
  • Patent number: 6224075
    Abstract: Castor of a motor vehicle suspension, typically having a wishbone (1), is adjusted by mounting the suspension upright ball joint (4) in a housing (6) having an offset spigot (10) rotatable by an Allen key engaged in the spigot to move the ball joint backward and forward while the spigot is restrained by a slot (16) in a location bracket (14) engaged with the wishbone. Camber is adjusted by a threaded adjuster (24) operable between the location bracket (14) and the housing (6) while allowing rotation of the housing relative to the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Inventor: Kevin Joseph McIntyre
  • Patent number: 6176501
    Abstract: An alignment device for adjusting the camber and caster angles of a wheel in an independent front suspension. The wheel is supported on a knuckle assembly which is pivotally connected to upper and lower control arms which are pivotally connected to the vehicle frame. The control arms include bushings received in control arm mounting cylinders which are located between mounting brackets extending from the vehicle frame. Mounting bracket holes at each end of the bushing bore are aligned and, after locating an alignment device eccentric boss at the bracket holes, a mounting bolt is placed through holes in the eccentric boss and through the bushing bore thereby pivotally securing the control arm mounting cylinder. The eccentric boss hole extends through and is axially offset from a circular portion which is received within the mounting bracket hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: Fluidrive, Inc.
    Inventor: Dean F. Bartolone