Terminal Attachment Detail (e.g., Ball Joint) Patents (Class 280/93.511)
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Patent number: 7708488Abstract: A joint unit of a control arm of a wheel suspension in a motor vehicle, with a housing (1) and a pivot (2), which is mounted slidingly in the housing by a spheroidal bearing surface (3). The joint unit has a catching device (4) to avoid complete separation of the housing (1) from the pivot (2). The catching device spans over part of the housing (1) in a contactless manner during normal operation. The catching device (4) has at least one flexible catching band or at least one securing strap (4.1, 4.2) with a recess (4.1.1, 4.2.1), into which protrudes a catching pin (1.1, 1.2) of the housing in a contactless manner during normal operation, or at least two securing straps (4.1 and 4.2).Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2005Date of Patent: May 4, 2010Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Ralf Kunze, Soeren Knopp, Manfred Buhl, Heinfried Helms
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Patent number: 7703782Abstract: An assembly including a control arm and a steering knuckle, one of the control arm and the steering knuckle having a first end with a ball, the other of the control arm and the steering knuckle having a socket that includes a bearing structure formed so as to surround a portion of the ball to securely fasten the ball to the socket. The control arm has a bayonette configuration to receive a first node and a second node is cast directly onto the control arm.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2006Date of Patent: April 27, 2010Assignee: Magna International Inc.Inventors: Gregory P. Kiselis, Dalip K. Matharoo, Timothy W. Skszek
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Publication number: 20100025950Abstract: A ball and socket joint is provided preferably for use in vehicles and especially in the area of the chassis of motor vehicles. The joint has a ball and socket joint housing having a joint opening, with a ball pivot, which is arranged in the ball and socket joint housing, extends through the joint opening and has a shaft. A support ring is arranged on the shaft of the ball pivot and has a radially extending flange. A sealing element is arranged between the support ring as well as an adjoining component formed by a profiled body (15), which is connected to the support ring (5) in substance, is provided with at least one sealing segment (16) and is in contact with the shaft (10) of the ball pivot (1) and/or with a connection component (11) in at least one profiled section via a sealing segment (16).Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2005Publication date: February 4, 2010Inventors: Frank Budde, Markus Thoelking, Olaf Abels, Werner Duesing
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Publication number: 20100013181Abstract: A joint unit such as for mounting the vehicle control arm of a motor vehicle, is provided with a control arm-side housing (1), in which a pivot pin (2) is mounted pivotably by means of a spheroidal bearing surface (3), wherein the joint unit has a securing unit against the separation of the housing (1) from the pivot pin (2). The securing unit includes a securing bolt (9), arranged within the pivot pin (2) essentially in parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the pivot pin (2) and with a blocking element (12) at a free end. A securing mount (13) is located within the housing (1) or the pivot pin (2) and in this the blocking element (12) is mounted in a contactless manner in the mounted state of the joint unit. The securing mount (13) is part of the securing unit, and the securing bolt (9) is fixed to the component of the joint unit (housing (1) or pivot pin (2)) that is not provided with the securing mount (13).Type: ApplicationFiled: August 9, 2007Publication date: January 21, 2010Inventors: Sören Knopp, Manfred BUHL, Ralf Runze
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Patent number: 7631882Abstract: A vehicle height adjustment device has an adjustment bolt (30) rotatably supported by or fixed to a wheel-side member or a vehicle-body member, and a spring seat member (10) threadedly engaging with the adjustment bolt. Rotation of the spring seat member is limited by a bump rubber pedestal (41) (or a coil spring bracket (9)). Displacement of the spring seat member occurs in an axial direction of rotation of the bolt, in accordance with rotation of the bolt. According to the present invention, rotation of the spring seat involved in rotation of the bolt for adjusting the vehicle height can be restricted, and a construction of a vehicle height adjustment mechanism can be simplified so that the number of parts or members of the device is reduced.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2005Date of Patent: December 15, 2009Assignee: Isuzu Motors LimitedInventors: Satoshi Hirao, Susumu Kawahata
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Patent number: 7621545Abstract: A steering mechanism for a model vehicle is provided, having one or more steering actuators, a steering control arm pivotally mounted for rotation relative to a model vehicle chassis, the steering control arm being coupled directly to at least two tie rods, each tie rod controlling the steering of at least one wheel of a vehicle, and each of the one or more steering actuators coupled to the steering control arm to rotate the control arm relative to the vehicle chassis.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2006Date of Patent: November 24, 2009Assignee: Traxxas LPInventors: Brent Whitfield Byers, Seralaathan Hariharesan
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Patent number: 7618047Abstract: Automobile steering linkage systems and methods are provided in the various embodiments of the present invention. Some embodiments of the present invention can be used in heavy-duty automobiles for steering linkage toe-adjustment systems, and other embodiments can be utilized in other automobiles. An automobile steering linkage system can comprise a first rod and a unitary second rod. The first rod can be coupled between a first point and a first wheel, and the length of the first rod can be altered. The second rod can be coupled to the first wheel and a second wheel, and an eccentric ball stud can couple the second rod to the second wheel to alter the distance between the first wheel and the second wheel thus providing an automobile toe-adjustment system. Other embodiments are also claimed and described.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2005Date of Patent: November 17, 2009Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Daniel Kirby
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Patent number: 7549656Abstract: The present invention is a modified ball joint assembly for attachment to a steering knuckle made up of a body and a spacer. The body includes a ball joint at one end, a set of attachment openings at the other end, and a variably spaced segment between the ends. The spacer inserts into a void in the lower control arm of the vehicle, and includes a plurality of complementary attachment openings for use in attaching the body and the spacer to the lower control arm. The modified ball joint assembly lowers the position of the lower control arm of the vehicle relative to the steering knuckle thereby lowering the ride height of a vehicle a desired amount without requiring the removal of or modification of the steering knuckle. The present invention allows the factory-supplied steering knuckle and tires to be used, providing a considerable cost savings to the end user.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2005Date of Patent: June 23, 2009Assignee: KW Automotive, North AmericaInventor: Matthew Bier
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Patent number: 7513514Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 31, 2005Date of Patent: April 7, 2009Assignee: Niwot CorporationInventors: Richard D. Schlosser, James A. Bloemen
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Patent number: 7506883Abstract: A wheel suspension assembly for a vehicle is operable to travel across a ground surface. The wheel suspension assembly includes a first suspension member, a second suspension member, a wheel rotatably coupled to the first suspension member and a ball stud interconnecting the first and second suspension members. The ball stud includes a ball and a tapered shaft. The tapered shaft extends along a longitudinal axis. One of the first and second suspension members includes a ball socket in receipt of the ball. The other of the first and second suspension members includes a tapered bore in the receipt of the tapered shaft. The longitudinal axis of the tapered shaft is oriented substantially parallel to the ground surface.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2006Date of Patent: March 24, 2009Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: James Downs, Herb Adams
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Patent number: 7481595Abstract: An improved ball joint for use in a motor vehicle steering or suspension system comprises a ball joint having a shank portion and a ball portion disposed in a socket shell. A ball joint retention member is provided having a first end operatively secured to the socket shell and a second end operatively secured to the shank portion.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2006Date of Patent: January 27, 2009Assignee: TRW Automotive U.S. LLCInventor: Brian A. Urbach
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Patent number: 7478968Abstract: A rocker pendulum for a motor vehicle has an oblong basic body via at least one fastening element, wherein the basic body is a hollow extruded section.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2004Date of Patent: January 20, 2009Assignee: ZF Lemförder Metallwaren AGInventors: Georg Wolf, Frank Budde
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Patent number: 7475891Abstract: A device provides additional support for the pivot stud of a pitman arm and/or idler arm in center link steering systems by capturing the pivot stud and inhibiting lateral motion of the pivot stud. The device may comprise a separate bracket member attached as a separate unit from the pitman arm or idler arm. Alternatively, the device may comprise an integrated member of the pitman arm or idler arm.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2005Date of Patent: January 13, 2009Inventor: Justin Lambert
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Publication number: 20090001681Abstract: The invention relates to a joining and stress transmitting element for suspension and steering mechanisms in automotive vehicles comprising: a central portion (1) in the form of a bar having a first end and a second end; a first end portion (2) at the first end such that the central portion (1) and the first end portion (2) form a single-piece joining element from a light material providing mechanical strength. The first end portion (2) forms a perform (1A) of a casing (1C) of a connecting device, said perform (1A) being configured so that a definite shape of the casing (1C) is defined by means of a forming operation on said preform (1A).Type: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2007Publication date: January 1, 2009Applicant: INDUSTRIA AUXILIAR ALAVESA, S.A. (INAUXA)Inventor: Agustin Morales Arnaez
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Publication number: 20080303234Abstract: The present invention concerns a steering and suspension system of a vehicle and a translational ball joint for use in a steering and suspension system. The system may include a lower joint assembly that employs the translational ball joint to couple a steering knuckle to a strut extension member. The translational ball joint may include a socket having a ball stud mounted therein, with the ball stud including a ball, mounted in the cavity, and a shank, including a cylindrical portion adjacent to the second end that is slidably received in a central bore of the ball and has a retention flange extending radially outward that has a diameter that is larger than a diameter of the central bore to thereby prevent the retention flange from sliding through the central bore.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2007Publication date: December 11, 2008Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventor: Michael J. Mc Cann
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Publication number: 20080284122Abstract: A ball joint integrated knuckle and an assembling method thereof is provided. The ball joint integrated knuckle includes: a knuckle integrating a housing formed with a first screw thread on its one side surface; and a ball joint having a thread seat formed with a second screw thread, wherein the ball joint is integrated into the knuckle by combining the first screw thread of the housing of the knuckle with the second screw thread of the thread seat of the ball joint. Thus, it is possible to easily attach/detach the ball joint with respect to the knuckle by combining/removing the ball joint using the first screw thread, formed in an inner circumferential surface of the housing integrally formed with the knuckle, and the second screw thread formed in an external circumferential surface of the thread seat. Also, according to the present invention, the ball joint is not manufactured as a finished product, but provided as kit.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2006Publication date: November 20, 2008Inventor: Tae Sung Kwon
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Patent number: 7419172Abstract: A knuckle arm includes a body having a bearing hole. A first connection plate extends from a rear end of one of two sides thereof so as to be connected with a brake pump. Two protrusions extend from a front end of the body, and two second connection plates are connected to the two protrusions such that a pull rod is removably connected to either of the two second connection plates. Two connection boards extend from two ends of the front end of the body, with each connection board having a hole for receiving joints of the upper and lower control arms. The knuckle arm can be used for right and left wheels, and the length of the pull rod can be optionally connected thereto.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2005Date of Patent: September 2, 2008Assignee: Shine Far Metal Industry Co., Ltd.Inventor: Shih-Hua Hsieh
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Patent number: 7416198Abstract: The invention contemplates steering damper to drag link attachment clamp and method. A vehicle steering linkage has a steering damper including a drag link attachment joint, and a mounting bolt operatively engaging the drag link attachment joint. A drag link assembly has a main drag link socket assembly including a main rod portion; a clamp includes a main body and a pair of legs extending therefrom, with the main body defining a rod receiving bore within which is mounted the main rod portion of the drag link socket assembly, and the legs each include a bolt hole through which the mounting bolt extends; and a weld securing the main body of the clamp to the main rod portion. A nut engages the bolt such that the legs are pulled closer together, causing the main body to apply a clamping load to the main rod portion.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2005Date of Patent: August 26, 2008Assignee: TRW Automotive U.S. LLCInventor: Brian Blaszynski
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Patent number: 7398982Abstract: A knuckle is formed by a knuckle body and a lower arm support bracket fastened to front and rear fastening portions provided in a lower portion of the knuckle body with front and rear bolts. When the knuckle bumps from a normal position, an angle of a line connecting fastening surfaces of the front and rear fastening portions moves closer to the horizontal.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2005Date of Patent: July 15, 2008Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yutaka Hozumi
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Patent number: 7331733Abstract: A rocker pendulum for a motor vehicle, has an elongated, especially hollow basic body (1). The basic body (1, 11, 21, 31) has at least one section (1a, 11a, 21a, 31a), which forms or has a bearing shell of a ball and socket joint.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2004Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: ZF Lemforder Metallwaren AGInventors: Georg Wolf, Frank Budde
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Patent number: 7234715Abstract: A wheel suspension assembly for a vehicle is operable to travel across a ground surface. The wheel suspension assembly includes a first suspension member, a second suspension member, a wheel rotatably coupled to the first suspension member and a ball stud interconnecting the first and second suspension members. The ball stud includes a ball and a tapered shaft. The tapered shaft extends along a longitudinal axis. One of the first and second suspension members includes a ball socket in receipt of the ball. The other of the first and second suspension members includes a tapered bore in the receipt of the tapered shaft. The longitudinal axis of the tapered shaft is oriented substantially parallel to the ground surface.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2005Date of Patent: June 26, 2007Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: James Downs, Herb Adams
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Patent number: 7216878Abstract: A children's ride-on vehicle and a method of connecting a steering column to the vehicle. The vehicle includes a body and a plurality of wheels. The vehicle also includes a steering assembly configured to steer at least one steerable wheel. The steering assembly includes at least a steering mechanism, a steering column, and a linkage mechanism. The steering mechanism receives steering inputs from a child steering the vehicle. The steering column is coupled to the steering mechanism and includes a proximal portion and a shoulder extending transversely from the proximal portion. The linkage mechanism couples the steering column to the steerable wheel. The linkage mechanism includes a receiver structure configured to receive the steering column. The retainer mechanism may be configured to engage the shoulder so that movement of the steering column generally opposing the direction is restricted. Methods of connecting the steering column to the vehicle also are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2003Date of Patent: May 15, 2007Assignee: Mattel, Inc.Inventor: Daniel J. Damon
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Publication number: 20070096419Abstract: A joint arrangement is provided for a wheel guide, especially for a driven, steerable axle of a motor vehicle. The joint arrangement includes a joint fork (1), which can be arranged at a vehicle axle or at a wheel carrier, and a steering knuckle (2), which carries the wheel bearing (3), wherein the joint fork (1) and the steering knuckle (2) are pivotably connected to one another via two mounting points (4), (5). At least one of the two mounting points (4), (5) of the joint arrangement has a toroidal roller bearing. Especially the wheel guiding and the axle geometry of driven, steered axles is improved with the present invention. While the mounting properties are improved, both the design effort for the wheel suspension and the space needed for the installation of the joint arrangement can thus be reduced.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2005Publication date: May 3, 2007Inventors: Matthias Gercke, Michael Muhl
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Patent number: 7204497Abstract: A steering post for use with a recreational vehicle, particularly a snowmobile or ATV, is described. The steering post includes a steering shaft having upper and lower ends; at least two steering arms, the two steering arms being positioned at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the steering shaft; a ball joint assembly positioned at the lower end of the steering shaft; and a stop. An upper bearing for supporting a steering post on a recreational vehicle may have a radiused inner surface that can accept some misalignment of the shaft. A steering system also can include a double ball joint linkage that permits an easier and simpler adjustment of the steering system. A recreational vehicle such as snowmobile or ATV making use of these features also is described.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2002Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Assignee: Arctic Cat, Inc.Inventor: Ron Bergman
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Patent number: 7178815Abstract: A stabilizer bar for an automotive vehicle is provided having an end link mounted to at least one end thereof. One end of the end link includes a bore in which is received a spherical bearing, such that forces transferred directly from the stabilizer bar to the end link are transferred through the spherical bearing. The second end of the end link is adapted to connect to a component of the vehicle's suspension system.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2003Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: Automotive Components Holdings, LLCInventors: Haimian Cai, Xi Lin
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Patent number: 7163217Abstract: Arrangement for providing a steerable suspension to a vehicle wheel that includes a first bearing (1) and a second bearing (2) arranged at a supporting unit (3) in order to form a geometrical pivot axis (4) around which the vehicle wheel is journalled in bearings steerable in relation to the supporting unit. The supporting unit exhibits at least one supporting surface (8) and the first bearing exhibits an inner ring with an external. Radially directed surface (22) is arranged for abutting and resting against the supporting surface (8) in order to take up forces directed radially in relation to the geometrical pivot axis (4).Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2004Date of Patent: January 16, 2007Assignee: Volvo Lastvagnar ABInventor: Jan-Olof Bodin
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Publication number: 20070007740Abstract: A wheel suspension assembly for a vehicle is operable to travel across a ground surface. The wheel suspension assembly includes a first suspension member, a second suspension member, a wheel rotatably coupled to the first suspension member and a ball stud interconnecting the first and second suspension members. The ball stud includes a ball and a tapered shaft. The tapered shaft extends along a longitudinal axis. One of the first and second suspension members includes a ball socket in receipt of the ball. The other of the first and second suspension members includes a tapered bore in the receipt of the tapered shaft. The longitudinal axis of the tapered shaft is oriented substantially parallel to the ground surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2006Publication date: January 11, 2007Inventors: James Downs, Herb Adams
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Patent number: 7150462Abstract: In a wheel guide arrangement of a steered motor vehicle wheel which has control arms and a steering knuckle, and wherein the steering knuckle includes a reception structure for a wheel mount and also connecting areas for the mounting of stubs of ball joints connected to the wheel control arms, the connecting areas are disposed at different distances from the wheel axis and the ball joints are arranged between the connecting areas and the wheel axis of rotation, that is, above the connecting areas.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2004Date of Patent: December 19, 2006Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AGInventors: Joachim Bortz, Andreas Gaupp, Wolfgang Mödinger
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Publication number: 20060145445Abstract: A wheel suspension assembly for a vehicle is operable to travel across a ground surface. The wheel suspension assembly includes a first suspension member, a second suspension member, a wheel rotatably coupled to the first suspension member and a ball stud interconnecting the first and second suspension members. The ball stud includes a ball and a tapered shaft. The tapered shaft extends along a longitudinal axis. One of the first and second suspension members includes a ball socket in receipt of the ball. The other of the first and second suspension members includes a tapered bore in the receipt of the tapered shaft. The longitudinal axis of the tapered shaft is oriented substantially parallel to the ground surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 5, 2005Publication date: July 6, 2006Inventors: James Downs, Herb Adams
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Patent number: 7052024Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 25, 2003Date of Patent: May 30, 2006Assignee: Hyundai Mobis, Co., Ltd.Inventor: Dall-Hee Jung
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Patent number: 7000931Abstract: Methods and apparatus related to the suspension and steering of all terrain vehicles (ATVs) are disclosed. An ATV having a frame and a wheel carrier for rotatably supporting a wheel is provided. A tie rod is coupled to the wheel carrier at an outer joint. An inner joint of the tie rod is preferably located in a desirable location. A method for identifying the desirable location may include the steps of defining a first reference plane associated with a full compression position of the suspension, defining a second reference plane associated with a full extension position of the suspension, identifying a reference line formed by an intersection of the first reference plane and the second reference plane, and selecting a location proximate the reference line as the desirable location for the inner joint.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2004Date of Patent: February 21, 2006Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.Inventor: Mark Chevalier
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Publication number: 20050242539Abstract: The present invention is a modified ball joint assembly for attachment to a steering knuckle made up of a body and a spacer. The body includes a ball joint at one end, a set of attachment openings at the other end, and a variably spaced segment between the ends. The spacer inserts into a void in the lower control arm of the vehicle, and includes a plurality of complementary attachment openings for use in attaching the body and the spacer to the lower control arm. The modified ball joint assembly lowers the position of the lower control arm of the vehicle relative to the steering knuckle thereby lowering the ride height of a vehicle a desired amount without requiring the removal of or modification of the steering knuckle. The present invention allows the factory-supplied steering knuckle and tires to be used, providing a considerable cost savings to the end user.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2005Publication date: November 3, 2005Inventor: Bier Matthew
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Patent number: 6857810Abstract: A ceramic ball-and-socket joint for a motor vehicle, especially for the chassis of the motor vehicle, is provided, in which the ball-and-socket joint has a ball-and-socket joint housing (5) provided with a joint opening (7) and a ball pivot provided with a joint ball (1) and with a pivot (13), which said ball pivot is mounted rotatably and pivotably with its joint ball (1) in a bearing shell (2) arranged in the ball-and-socket joint housing (5), wherein the ball pivot protrudes with its pivot (13) from the ball-and-socket joint housing (5) through the joint opening (7). The bearing shell (2) is divided into at least two separate bearing shell parts (3, 4), wherein the joint ball (1) and the bearing shell (13) are made of a ceramic material.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2002Date of Patent: February 22, 2005Assignee: ZF Lemförder Metallwaren AGInventors: Metin Ersoy, Martin Rechtien
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Publication number: 20050035566Abstract: A stabilizer bar for an automotive vehicle is provided having an end link mounted to at least one end thereof. One end of the end link includes a bore in which is received a spherical bearing, such that forces transferred directly from the stabilizer bar to the end link are transferred through the spherical bearing. The second end of the end link is adapted to connect to a component of the vehicle's suspension system.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 14, 2003Publication date: February 17, 2005Inventors: Haimian Cai, Xi Lin
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Patent number: 6851688Abstract: A steering linkage assembly for a motor vehicle has a tie rod and a drag link connected to a steering knuckle in an over/under arrangement, with first and second ball joints for the drag link and the tie rod respectively on opposite sides of the steering knuckle and having a common axis that is located within an interior volume of a wheel supported by the steering knuckle. The coaxial, over/under configuration results in a ball joint assembly having a minimum axial dimension so that both ball joints can be located inside the inner rim of the wheel and as far outboard and as far forward as possible. The extreme outboard placement of the drag link ball joint maximizes the length of the drag link to reduce bump and roll steer sensitivity, and the forward placement maximizes the effective steering arm radius to reduce steering linkage loads while also improving packaging.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2002Date of Patent: February 8, 2005Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Jackson E. Barry
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Patent number: 6783136Abstract: An independent suspension system has a pair of control arms having inner ends which are attached to a vehicle body and outer ends which support a wheel hub therebetween. A ball joint interconnects each control arm with the wheel hub. Each ball joint has a ball pin rotatably mounted in an associated housing. A first threaded shank on the ball pin is bolted to one of the control arm and the wheel hub. A second threaded shank on the housing is bolted to the other of the control arm and the wheel hub. Thus each ball joint is a separate unit which is demountable from the control arm and wheel hub and can be installed without dismantling the ball joint. Conveniently also a threaded shank of the ball joint may screw into a complementary threaded socket in a control arm to allow adjustment of the effective length of the control arm.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2002Date of Patent: August 31, 2004Assignee: Technology Investments LimitedInventors: Eanna Pronsias Timoney, Seamus Brennan
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Patent number: 6739788Abstract: A ball pivot (1) of a ball-and-socket joint for motor vehicles with a joint ball (2) and with a pivot (3) connected to the joint ball (2) is presented, in which a substantial part (3.1) of the pivot (3) is made nonround for preventing the ball pivot from rotating. A wheel suspension is also disclosed in which a nonround ball pivot is used.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2000Date of Patent: May 25, 2004Assignee: ZF Lemförder Metallwaren AGInventors: Jörg Hagemes, Martina Beyer
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Patent number: 6733019Abstract: A two-joint arrangement is presented for the articulated connection of guide elements, preferably of a motor vehicle linkage with a common articulated part. Each of the two joints has a joint housing that is connected to a guide element each and a bearing shell that is accommodated within the joint housing, in which a pivot part which is rigidly connected to the common articulated part is accommodated in a rotatable and pivotable manner. In a first embodiment variant, a pivot part (26) of a joint (4) has an opening (24) running in the pivot part longitudinal axis, which the pivot part (17) of the other joint (5) having a screw bolt area (23) located thereon penetrates whereby a clamping nut is arranged on the free end of the screw bolt area (23) facing away from the pivot part (17) of the other joint (5).Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2002Date of Patent: May 11, 2004Assignee: ZF Lemförder Metallwaren AGInventors: André Diener, Reinhard Buhl
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Publication number: 20040080131Abstract: The invention concerns the securing of the wheel carrier of a driven wheel of a motor vehicle, especially a racing or sports vehicle, on the chassis, wherein the force transfer of the drive runs from a chassis-side part of an inside universal joint (6), then through the shaft-side part of the universal joint, a drive shaft (7), a shaft-side part of an outside universal joint (5), and a wheel carrier-side part of this universal joint, to the wheel carrier (3).Type: ApplicationFiled: May 8, 2002Publication date: April 29, 2004Inventors: Gerold Pankl, Jochen Domschitz
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Patent number: 6719312Abstract: An apparatus for use in a vehicle comprises a first steering link (30) having a first socket (54), a second steering link (34) having a second socket (70), and a steering knuckle (20) having a through hole (44). A stud (90) comprises first and second stud parts (92, 94). The first stud part (92) comprises a first ball portion (100) received in the first socket (54) to connect the first stud part for pivotal movement relative to the first link, and a shank portion (108) projecting from the first ball portion. The second stud part (94) has a second ball portion (132) received in the second socket (70) to connect the second stud part for pivotal movement relative to the second link. The second stud part (94) has an axially extending through opening (130). The shank portion (108) of the first stud part (92) extends through the through hole (44) in the steering knuckle (20) and through the through opening (130) in the second stud part (94).Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2002Date of Patent: April 13, 2004Assignee: TRW Inc.Inventors: John Thompson, Steven P. Levesque, Adham El-Haw
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Patent number: 6719476Abstract: An assembly for a reaction rod for shafts of automotive vehicles, more specifically, to be applied in heavy vehicles provided with pneumatic or mixed suspension, basically composed of a box provided in the end of a bar, being that this box has an internal housing in the cylindrical or spherical form where is introduced a pin with a segment also cylindrical or spherical, where is a vulcanized rubber confectioned by injection and the pin is fixed in the interior of the box by retaining rings. The reaction rod thus composed has in the injected rubber that is vulcanized in the cylindrical or ball type segment of the pin, a recess or channel that in a version is provided in the entire circumference of the injected rubber that is vulcanized on the pin, with the objective of providing a relief in small radial and angular movements, in all senses of direction, which relief is progressively reduced in the proportion that the radial and angular movement increases.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2001Date of Patent: April 13, 2004Assignee: Dana Industrial S/AInventor: Roberto Hitoshi Hisi
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Patent number: 6655704Abstract: The rack and pinion vehicle steering assembly has a steering rack slidably supported in a rack and pinion housing. An inner tie rod housing has a shank that screws into a threaded rack bore. A housing chamber receives an inner end ball and an open end of the housing chamber is crimped to retain the inner end ball. An inner support nut screws onto the steering rack and into contact with the tie rod housing. An inner support clamp has a central passage that receives an inner rod that is fixed to the inner end ball. Internal clamp threads on the clamp rim of the inner support clamp engage male threads on the inner support nut to retain the clamp and encase the tie rod housing and the inner end ball.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2001Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Brian Jack McNalley, Lynn Charles Krom
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Patent number: 6648350Abstract: A suspension system includes a stabilizer bar having an integral ball link directly formed as each end of the stabilizer bar. Because the ball link is integral to the stabilizer bar, there are no bolts, nuts or other fasteners that limit the articulation of the end link relative to the stabilizer bar. The present invention thereby provides greater end link articulation and improved suspension system performance.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2000Date of Patent: November 18, 2003Assignee: Meritor Light Vehicle Systems, Inc.Inventors: Mark Clements, Joe Fader, Chris Keeney, Steve Yollick, Jim Hawkins
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Patent number: 6612594Abstract: A vehicle steering assembly comprising a vehicle steering system, a wheel assembly including a pivotal wheel hub for supporting a wheel, a knuckle mounted to the hub, and a pivot arm extending outward from the knuckle. The vehicle steering assembly further including a connector rod interconnecting the vehicle steering system and the pivot arm for transmitting linear motion from the vehicle steering system through the connector rod to rotate the wheel assembly. The connector rod including a first end connected to the vehicle steering system, a second end pivotally connected to the pivot arm, and a shaft portion interconnecting the first and second ends. The connector rod further including a first mechanism to allow the connector rod to pivot in a first plane in relation to the vehicle, and a second mechanism to allow the connector rod to pivot in a second plane, approximately orthogonal to the first plane.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2001Date of Patent: September 2, 2003Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Frank P. Engels, Peter J. Stroetgen
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Publication number: 20030137120Abstract: An apparatus for use in a vehicle comprises a first steering link (30) having a first socket (54), a second steering link (34) having a second socket (70), and a steering knuckle (20) having a through hole (44). A stud (90) comprises first and second stud parts (92, 94). The first stud part (92) comprises a first ball portion (100) received in the first socket (54) to connect the first stud part for pivotal movement relative to the first link, and a shank portion (108) projecting from the first ball portion. The second stud part (94) has a second ball portion (132) received in the second socket (70) to connect the second stud part for pivotal movement relative to the second link. The second stud part (94) has an axially extending through opening (130). The shank portion (108) of the first stud part (92) extends through the through hole (44) in the steering knuckle (20) and through the through opening (130) in the second stud part (94).Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2002Publication date: July 24, 2003Applicant: TRW Inc.Inventors: John Thompson, Steven P. Levesque, Adham El-Haw
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Patent number: 6579026Abstract: A steer axle assembly is provided. The assembly includes an axle beam that defines a boss at one end. The boss defines one bore configured to receive a kingpin. The boss further defines two additional bores that intersect the kingpin bore and that are configured to receive draw keys used to secure the kingpin within the kingpin bore. The draw keys are both disposed on an inboard side of the kingpin. The assembly further includes nuts disposed about one end of the draw keys on the same side of the axle beam. The inboard location of the draw keys and the same-side location of the nuts reduces assembly time for the steer axle assembly and securely locks the kingpin within the bore.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2001Date of Patent: June 17, 2003Assignee: Dana CorporationInventors: David G. Moses, Dick D. Ryan, Mark A. Davis
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Patent number: 6579025Abstract: A steering tie rod for motor vehicles with a pipe, which is provided with an internal thread in a first direction of rotation on at least one side and is slotted at least in some areas, is presented, into which an adjusting sleeve is screwed at its end, where a ball-and-socket joint housing shaft of a ball-and-socket joint present at the end of the steering tie rod is screwed into the internal thread of the adjusting sleeve, which latter internal thread has a second direction of rotation opposite the first direction of rotation. An axial adjusting movement of the pipe relative to the ball-and-socket joint is made possible by a wrench contact surface made in one piece with the adjusting sleeve. The adjusting sleeve (1) has at least one recessed slot (2) and a collar band (4), which is fixed on the outer jacket surface of the pipe (3) and fixes the components in their position in relation to one another.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2000Date of Patent: June 17, 2003Assignee: ZF Lemförder Metallwaren AgInventors: Dirk Sokolihs, Norbert Schmudde, Herbert Holle
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Publication number: 20030107201Abstract: Volumetric efficiency and steering accuracy are increased and manufacturing tolerance is reduced in a multi-link suspension of a vehicle having a wheel carrier for rotatably supporting a wheel and a plurality of control arms for connecting a vehicle body and one of upper and lower portions of the wheel carrier, by connecting the wheel carrier and the plurality of control arms by a unified ball joint unit interposed therebetween.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2002Publication date: June 12, 2003Inventor: Dong-Kee Chun
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Patent number: 6561715Abstract: A connection system to interconnect members of a vehicular steering linkage system has a first steering module and a second steering member adapted to receive the first steering module. A clearance exists between the first steering module and the second steering member. The first steering module includes a first steering member and a fastener. The fastener is adapted to secure the first and second steering members together.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2001Date of Patent: May 13, 2003Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Neil A. Wasylewski, Joseph S. Balenda, II, Thomas E. Gansenhuber, Jeffrey L. Kincaid
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Patent number: 6554525Abstract: A radial ball-and-socket joint is provided with a housing. A bearing shell (2) in the housing rotatably and tiltably accommodates a joint ball (4). The joint ball is part of a ball pivot (3). The ball pivot also has a shaft (5), which projects through a outlet opening (6) of the housing (1). The housing is closed with a cover (7) on the side opposite the outlet opening (6). The bearing shell (2), accommodated in the housing in a positioned manner, has an axially extending continuous slot (8). The cover (7), arranged between the cover and the bearing shell, has a geometry (9) impressed into a damping element (11) on its inner side facing the bearing shell. As a result of the construction the damping element (11) and the bearing shell are fixed in the housing (1).Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2001Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: ZF Lemförder Metallwaren AGInventors: Manfred Heidemann, Guido Schulte, Martin Rechtien, Olaf Abels, Frank Berstermann, Rainer Ungruh