Link Member Details (e.g., Configuration, Construction) Patents (Class 280/93.51)
  • Patent number: 6913273
    Abstract: A control arm includes a connection tube and two mounting eyes respectively attached to opposite ends of the tube. Each mounting eye has a sleeve and a rubber-metal element vulcanized into the sleeve. In a method of making such a control arm, an elongate tubular member is sized to a sleeve blank of a length commensurate with the tube. Parallel thereto, an extruded profile is made with a cross sectional configuration of the sleeve and subsequently sized to the axial height of the sleeve. Rubber-metal elements are vulcanized into the sleeve blanks which together with the tube are then clamped, axially shiftable, in a friction welding machine for subsequently fabricating protruding collars on the sleeves through material removal and joining the end surfaces of the protruding collars with the end surfaces of the tube. While still clamped, the tube and the mounting eyes are calibrated through cold upsetting and the joints are smoothed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Benteler Automobiltechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Rodscha Drabon, Leonhard Rose, Hendrik Korinth, Hans-Jürgen Neumann
  • Patent number: 6860498
    Abstract: The present invention is particularly useful for lowering the front end of an automobile. The devices, methods, and systems of the present invention can find use in any variety of automobiles, such as trucks, sport utility vehicles (SUVs), passenger cars, and the like. The invention can be employed regardless of the type of suspension system in the automobile, and allows the vehicle to be lowered while retaining a maximum amount of travel. This is accomplished with a drop spindle having certain features such as a tap opening and a countersunk opening on the underside of the lower ball joint boss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Inventor: Mike McGaughy
  • Patent number: 6851886
    Abstract: A knee joint assembly for an agricultural implement or a vehicle includes a relatively short knee casting with an apertured end of rectangular cross section which is inserted in a mating steel knee tube. The apertures in the casting end align with beveled apertures in the side walls of the knee tube. Steel pins of length approximately equal to the spacing of the side walls are pressed into the casting through the beveled apertures. Groove welds then secure the steel pins to the knee tube. The casting is relatively small and does not require any welding. Inexpensive ductile iron and common steel tubes can be used for most or all of the assemblies on a machine. The apertured end of the casting includes concave walls to accommodate knee tube concavity and weld flash on the inside of the knee tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Jack Conan Anderson
  • Patent number: 6851688
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Jackson E. Barry
  • Publication number: 20040262873
    Abstract: A rocker pendulum for a motor vehicle has an oblong basic body (1, 101, 201, 301, 401, 501, 601, 701). The basic body (1, 101, 201, 301, 401, 501, 601, 701), which can be connected to a motor vehicle component (B) via at least one said fastening element (2, 102, 202, 302, 402, 502, 602, 702). The basic body (1, 101, 201, 301, 401, 501, 601, 701) is a hollow extruded section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Applicant: ZF Lemforder Metallwaren AG.
    Inventors: Georg Wolf, Frank Budde
  • Patent number: 6814363
    Abstract: A vehicle suspension system wherein the main attachment to the chassis of the steering and suspension components is by the king pin mounting. The suspension system includes a first member attached directly to a shaft rotating with the chassis attachment; a second member attached to the first member by a swivel joint or a bush, allowing vertical movement of a stub axle attached solidly to the second member; and a third member attached to the first member which acts as the steering arm connection and load transference support for the forth member, a telescopic shock absorber and spring unit. The stub axle being at right angles to the king pin. Use of the suspension system allows a lessening or elimination of the toeing in or out of the wheels which commonly occurs with the vertical movement of the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: T.M.E. Limited
    Inventor: Ian James Fitzgerald
  • Publication number: 20040145143
    Abstract: A vehicle includes front and rear suspension systems. The vehicle includes front left and right strut assemblies respectively including front left and right knuckles. Rear left and right strut assemblies respectively include rear left and right knuckles. The knuckles are common with one another with each knuckle having a common lower attachment boss. The front left and right knuckles respectively receive front left and right connection members at the lower attachment boss. The lower attachment boss is respectively interconnected to the front left and right suspension components. The rear left and right knuckles respectively receive rear left and right connection members at the lower attachment boss respectively interconnected to rear left and right suspension components. The overall suspension for the vehicle is designed by determining the left knuckle position parameters such as suspension member, brake, and wheel assembly attachment points. Similarly, the right knuckle position parameters are determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2003
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventor: Simon Dean
  • Patent number: 6767022
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Chevalier
  • Publication number: 20040094926
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Applicant: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank P. Engels, Peter J. Stroetgen
  • Patent number: 6736418
    Abstract: The present invention involves a bearing assembly of a wheel end for a motor vehicle. The bearing assembly includes a steering knuckle which includes an integrated outer race with inboard and outboard raceways formed thereon. The steering knuckle includes a body having an inner wall formed therethrough to define a center bore of the body. The inner wall includes an inboard outer raceway and an outboard outer raceway formed thereon, thereby eliminating the use of a separate outer race. In one embodiment, the bearing assembly includes a hub including a flange and a hub shaft having inboard and outboard ends. The flange extends from the hub shaft at the outboard end. The hub shaft is disposed in the center bore of the knuckle at the inboard end. The hub shaft has a first raceway formed thereon adjacent the outboard end of the hub shaft. The first raceway is configured to cooperate with the outboard outer raceway of the steering knuckle to house bearings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Hui Wang
  • Publication number: 20040090031
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2002
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Applicant: Arctic Cat, Inc.
    Inventor: Ron Bergman
  • Patent number: 6733019
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: ZF Lemförder Metallwaren AG
    Inventors: André Diener, Reinhard Buhl
  • Patent number: 6698969
    Abstract: An adjustable steering tie rod assembly having a steering terminal with a threaded rod connected to a tube having an annular cavity and an intermediate tubular member. The intermediate member has an internal helical thread and an external thread. The threaded steering terminal, the intermediate member and the tube are connected in a concentric arrangement. The internal and external threads of the intermediate member allow adjusting the length of the assembly without axial movement of the intermediate member. The bracketing mechanism is designed to assure that the three components are adequately fixed and form a solid assembly. The helical threads of the intermediate member are thrust on the external thread of the rod of the steering terminal and internal thread of the tubular extremity of the steering tie rod to provide security.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Dana Industrial S/A
    Inventors: Enzo Paduano, Joao Garcia
  • Publication number: 20040026884
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2002
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Jackson E. Barry
  • Patent number: 6675925
    Abstract: A steering apparatus for a working vehicle is provided which is capable of steering dirigible wheels by increased steering angles while checking sideways sliding of the wheels on the ground. For this purpose, a pair of right and left intermediate cases are supported by right and left wheel supports of a vehicle body, each to be pivotable about a first steering axis extending substantially vertically. Each intermediate case supports an axle case in a position thereof opposed to the associated dirigible wheel, to be pivotable about a second steering axis extending substantially vertically. The axle case supports the associated dirigible wheel to be rotatable on an axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Seiichi Takahashi, Ryohei Sumiyoshi, Isamu Kawai, Takashi Yasumi
  • Patent number: 6666467
    Abstract: A joint rod adapted for motor vehicles consists of a joint section having a connecting surface and a rod section having an inner surface. The joint section and the rod section being joined by positive engagement between the connecting surface and the inner surface. The rod section is made from a first material and the joint section is made from a second material, the first material and the second material being different from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: TRW Fahrwerksysteme GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Peter Bernhardt
  • Publication number: 20030214110
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2002
    Publication date: November 20, 2003
    Inventors: Andre Diener, Reinhard Buhl
  • Patent number: 6623019
    Abstract: A steer axle assembly in accordance with the present invention includes an axle beam defining a first boss with a first bore. The assembly further includes a knuckle body that defines a second boss. The second boss is in the form of a unitary sleeve from which a tie rod arm and steering arm extend. The second boss includes a second bore. The assembly further includes a set of bearings disposed in one of the first and second bores. In one embodiment of the invention, the bearings are disposed in the axle beam bore. In another embodiment of the invention, the bearings are disposed in the bore defined by the knuckle body. The assembly finally includes a kingpin. The kingpin is rotatably received within the bore having the bearings and is rigidly coupled within the bore that does not include the bearings. The kingpin may be tightened to its required specification via the use of a washer and nut on one end of the kingpin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventor: Mark Alan Davis
  • Publication number: 20030168826
    Abstract: A vehicle steering linkage member (40) comprises a socket (42), and a stud (10) having a ball end portion (48) received in the socket and supported for pivotal movement relative to the socket. The stud (10) has a longitudinal axis (52), with a shank portion (50) projecting from the socket (42) and centered on the axis. The shank portion (50) of the ball stud (10) includes a predetermined weakened portion (70). The predetermined weakened portion (70) buckles under a predetermined amount of force. The predetermined weakened portion (70) may have a cross-sectional configuration not centered on the axis (52).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2002
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Applicant: TRW Inc.
    Inventors: Steven P. Spagnuolo, Glenn G. Nief
  • Patent number: 6612594
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank P. Engels, Peter J. Stroetgen
  • Publication number: 20030160414
    Abstract: A tie rod for motor vehicles comprises a rod constructed of polymeric materials or composites, formed through irreversible chemical reactions whereby the connection is crossed between molecular chains of the base polymer constituent of this composite, reinforced with charges in the form of fibers such as fiber glass, carbon fiber, aramide fiber, among others. These rods are coupled to metallic terminals positioned in their extremities, and this coupling can be made through chemical bonding, such as gluing, for example, and/or mechanical bonding, such as pressing or clipping. Threads may be used for the union of the pieces to obtain adjustability of the length of the tie bar according to its application.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Inventors: Neoclair Franco Pincerato, Ricardo Dos Santos
  • Publication number: 20030155735
    Abstract: A steering apparatus for a working vehicle is provided which is capable of steering dirigible wheels by increased steering angles while checking sideways sliding of the wheels on the ground. For this purpose, a pair of right and left intermediate cases are supported by right and left wheel supports of a vehicle body, each to be pivotable about a first steering axis extending substantially vertically. Each intermediate case supports an axle case in a position thereof opposed to the associated dirigible wheel, to be pivotable about a second steering axis extending substantially vertically. The axle case supports the associated dirigible wheel to be rotatable on an axle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Applicant: KUBOTA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Seiichi Takahashi, Ryohei Sumiyoshi, Isamu Kawai, Takashi Yasumi
  • Patent number: 6604757
    Abstract: A steering control device of the front wheels of a beach motorized vehicle includes a swing arm pivoted on a horizontal rack of the beach motorized vehicle. The swing arm has two ends each pivotally connected with a linking lever which is pivotally connected with each of the two steering levers. Each of the two drive bars has a first end pivotally connected to each of the two ends of the swing arm, and a second end pivotally connected with an L-shaped control plate. When each of the two steering levers is moved, the swing arm may be pivoted to move each of the two drive bars to simultaneously move and pivot the L-shaped control plate so as to drive and turn each of the two front wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Taiwan ATV Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shu-Fang Huang
  • Publication number: 20030127817
    Abstract: A method and structure for installing an automotive suspension member is herein disclosed. A fastener used to couple a link member includes a head, a shaft extending from the head and a self-holding mechanism that prevents rotation of the fastener when it is engaged with an aperture formed through a mating member. The self-holding mechanism obviates the need for more than one tool for installing the link member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2002
    Publication date: July 10, 2003
    Inventors: Kenneth S. Dobson, Jason K. Trotter
  • Patent number: 6561304
    Abstract: A rotary actuator for a vehicle having an electric/hydraulic motor that is used to rotate a strut tube. The motor is mounted inside the suspension spring and around the tubular portion of the strut tube. A first shaft receives the output of the motor and transfers it to a gearbox that reduces the speed. A second shaft receives the output of the gearbox. A torque rod is attached to the opposite end of the second shaft and transfers the rotation of the second shaft through a semi-circular slot in the spring seat to a annular member. The annular member is further attached back to the strut tube, thus when the motor is energized, the rotation is transferred through the assembly to the strut tube causing it to rotate and steer the road wheel to which it is attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Rassem Ragheb Henry
  • Patent number: 6554087
    Abstract: A steering assembly for a children's ride-on vehicle having a pair of wheels. The assembly includes a pair of pivotal control arms that are coupled to the pair of wheels. The pair of pivotal control arms is also coupled to a pair of moveable handles that operate in tandem and move reciprocally to steer the pair of wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt J. Huntsberger, Daniel J. Damon, Steven Robert Drosendahl
  • Patent number: 6540243
    Abstract: To reduce the cost of a front wheel steering system for automotive three- and four-wheeled vehicles by utilizing a steering angle ratio varying means having a simple construction. In a front wheel steering system for automotive four-wheeled vehicles, a steering shaft rotatably mounted to a head pipe steers the right and left front wheels. The steering stem is disposed below the steering shaft offset from the steering shaft. The steering stem is connected to the steering shaft via a link mechanism. The right and left front wheels are connected to the steering stem via a tie rod. The link mechanism includes an upper link, a lower link, and a universal coupling connecting the upper link and the lower link. The steering shaft is disposed at the midsection between the steering stem and the universal coupling when the link mechanism is viewed in the direction of the axis of the steering shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shinji Takayanagi, Takashi Ozeki, Shinji Furuta, Hiroyoshi Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 6508481
    Abstract: An outer tie rod assembly connector body includes a first end and a second end, the first end comprising at least one hole for mounting to a steering knuckle and the second end comprising an aperture for receiving and containing a socket plug of an outer tie rod assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Tracy A Seyuin, Lynn Charles Krom
  • Patent number: 6481731
    Abstract: The vehicle steering linkage connects a rack of a steering system to a knuckle. The steering linkage includes a tie rod, an inner ball joint and an outer connector assembly for transmitting steering forces between a rack and a knuckle. The outer connector assembly includes a primary connector and a secondary connector. The primary connector includes a socket in a socket member, a ball retained in the socket and a shank that is integral with the ball and secured to an arm of the knuckle. The secondary connector includes a slot in the socket member and a bolt. A bolt shank passes through the slot and screws into the arm. Upon failure of the primary connector, the secondary connector transmits steering forces to the arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Joseph McHale
  • Publication number: 20020153683
    Abstract: A steering control mechanism for folding collapsible kick scooter includes a footplate having a fixed front mount, a steering control column mounted on the front mount and turned relative to the footplate between a vertical operative position and a horizontal non-operative position, and a locking mechanism adapted to lock the steering control mechanism between the vertical operation position and the horizontal non-operative position, the steering control column having a bottom yoke, the bottom yoke having two arms respectively pivoted to a transverse pivot in the front mount; the locking mechanism comprises a locking lever pivoted to the front mount above the transverse pivot and turned to lock/unlock the bottom yoke of the steering control column, the locking lever being extended over the bottom yoke and having spring means pressed on the bottom yoke after the steering control column has been turned to the operative position, and brake means provided at the bottom yoke and adapted to engage a stop face of th
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2001
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Inventor: Guang-Gwo Lee
  • Patent number: 6467784
    Abstract: An anti-roll system for vehicles includes first and second hinge shafts mounted in connectors, which connect left and right lower control arms to a vehicle body. The first and second hinge shafts rotates as the left and right lower control arms respectively undergo movement, and when one of the hinge shafts is rotated in one direction, and the other is rotated in the opposite direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Keun-Bae Kim
  • Publication number: 20020149158
    Abstract: A sealing boot for a rack and pinion steering system includes a tubular body structure of flexible seal material formed with a plurality of convolutes and terminating at each open end in a neck. An inner sealing surface of at lease one of the necks is formed with a plurality of annular, alternating grooves and ribs, which reduces the contact area of the sealing surface and provides annular pockets for retaining lubricant at the sealing surface to provide low frictional resistance to the rotation of the component about which the neck is sealed relative to the boot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2001
    Publication date: October 17, 2002
    Inventors: David Westcott Havercamp, David Michael Kubiak
  • Publication number: 20020140198
    Abstract: A rear wheel steering apparatus for steering the rear wheels of a vehicle supported on a multi-link suspension includes a live axle and a track bar pivotally connecting the axle to a vehicle frame. Steering knuckles at opposite ends of the axle support road wheels for rotation and for steering. Steering arms extend from the steering knuckles and a drag link extends between and interconnects the steering arms. An actuator is connected between the frame and the drag link and steers the rear road wheels by alternately pushing and pulling on the drag link.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2001
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Inventor: Michael James Cole
  • Publication number: 20020135149
    Abstract: The vehicle steering linkage connects a rack of a steering system to a knuckle. The steering linkage includes a tie rod, an inner ball joint and an outer connector assembly for transmitting steering forces between a rack and a knuckle. The outer connector assembly includes a primary connector and a secondary connector. The primary connector includes a socket in a socket member, a ball retained in the socket and a shank that is integral with the ball and secured to an arm of the knuckle. The secondary connector includes a slot in the socket member and a bolt. A bolt shank passes through the slot and screws into the arm. Upon failure of the primary connector, the secondary connector transmits steering forces to the arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2001
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Inventor: Michael Joseph McHale
  • Patent number: 6431569
    Abstract: To enlarge the up and down stroke of a front wheel without changing the layout of a steering shaft and a tie rod. An upper arm and a lower arm are arranged in an upward and downward manner, respectively. The upper and lower arms are pivotably attached to a vehicle body and respective outer end portions thereof are connected by a knuckle. The upper arm constitutes substantially a triangular shape and is provided with a front pipe, a rear pipe and a vehicle body attaching portion. Furthermore, a joint pipe is provided with a ring-like portion and a ball joint is attached thereto. A rear end portion of the vehicle body attaching portion, an escape portion in the vicinity thereof and an attaching center of a cushion attaching portion provided on the joint pipe, are respectively arranged forward from a joint center line passing through center of the ball joint and orthogonal to a vehicle body center line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Akio Handa
  • Publication number: 20020096851
    Abstract: An outer tie rod assembly connector body includes a first end and a second end, the first end comprising at least one hole for mounting to a steering knuckle and the second end comprising an aperture for receiving and containing a socket plug of an outer tie rod assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2001
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Inventors: Tracy A. Seyuin, Lynn Charles Krom
  • Publication number: 20020074761
    Abstract: An end link adapted to interconnect a stabilizer bar and a suspension member within a vehicular suspension system includes a housing having a first socket, a second socket and a body interconnecting the first and second sockets. The end link also includes a first joint assembly pivotally interconnecting the first socket and the stabilizer bar and a second joint assembly pivotally interconnecting the second socket and the suspension member The first socket includes a net-shaped cavity to receive the first joint assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2000
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventors: Jeffrey Lee Kincaid, Manoj V. Bhandiwad, Kurt K. Hauser
  • Publication number: 20020074757
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Applicant: DANA INDUSTRIAL S/A
    Inventor: Roberto Hitoshi Hisi
  • Patent number: 6402170
    Abstract: A utility vehicle is provided with a steering mechanism that increases the turning angle of the steered wheels without requiring a lengthening of the wheel base of the vehicle. The steering mechanism includes a pair of bell cranks pivotally mounted to the steering axle of the vehicle. A tie rod extends between the two bell cranks to effect coordinated pivotal movement therebetween. A rack and pinion mechanism transfers manipulation of the operator's steering wheel to move the rack connected to the first bell crank and cause pivotal movement thereof. Each bell crank is associated with a steering link connected thereto at a connection point which moves on an arc centered on the respective pivot of the bell crank. The connection point moves forwardly with respect to the inner steered wheel to permit the steering arm of the inner steered wheel to rotate to an orientation that is substantially transverse to provide an enhanced turning angle for the inner steered wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: New Holland North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph C. Hurlburt
  • Patent number: 6386313
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a gear ratio variable type steering device which includes a variable gear mechanism between a steering wheel and a gear box for varying a gear ratio based on the speed of a vehicle. The variable gear mechanism includes an input shaft for receiving a rotational force of the steering wheel, an output shaft for transferring a rotational force to the gear box, a variable pulley installed in the outer portions of the input shaft and the output shaft and moved in the axial direction, a belt for connecting the variable pulley, and a motor for varying a gear ratio by moving the variable pulley in the axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Mando Corporation
    Inventor: Byung-Yun Choi
  • Patent number: 6386564
    Abstract: An adjustable tie rod assembly having a rod member and a knuckle assembly. The knuckle assembly includes a housing and an annular connector. The housing has a stem member and a bore with a longitudinal axis that is skewed to a longitudinal axis of the stem member. The annular connector is disposed in the bore in the housing. The annular connector pivotably couples the first end of the rod member to the housing. The first stem member has an engagement portion that is adapted to be secured to a relay rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Lee Kincad, Manoj Venkatesh Bhandiwad
  • Publication number: 20010050469
    Abstract: A joint rod adapted for motor vehicles consists of a joint section having a connecting surface and a rod section having an inner surface. The joint section and the rod section being joined by positive engagement between the connecting surface and the inner surface. The rod section is made from a first material and the joint section is made from a second material, the first material and the second material being different from each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2001
    Publication date: December 13, 2001
    Applicant: TRW Fahrwerksysteme GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Peter Bernhardt
  • Patent number: 6328125
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle (1) provided with a frame (2) having a front frame part (3) and a rear frame part (4) which can tilt with respect to one another. The vehicle (1) comprises three or more wheels (7, 7′, 13), it being possible to rotate the front wheel (13) with respect to the steering column (18). In this case, a sensor (24) determines the angle of rotation between the front wheel (13) and the steering column (18) and, as a function of this angle of rotation, actuates the tilting means (9, 9′) of the vehicle. As a result of the consequent tilting of the front frame part (3) and as a consequence of the speed at which the vehicle (1) is travelling, the front wheel (13) and the tilting angle will automatically adopt the correct level for allowing the vehicle (1) to travel through the bend in a stable manner at the given speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Brinks Westmaas B.V.
    Inventors: Christopher Ralph Van Den Brink, Hendrik Marinus Kroonen
  • Patent number: 6296264
    Abstract: The invention relates to a suspension for a single wheel of a motor vehicle. A steering knuckle with wheel hub (1) is attached to a steering knuckle carrier (2) by a steering knuckle pin which is connected by a ball and socket joint (3) on its underside to a suspension arm (4) which is secured to the vehicle frame (6) by a pivot bearing (5). A second suspension arm (7) placed above the first suspension arm (4) connects, by means of a pair of tapered roller bearings, the upper part of the steering knuckle carrier (2) to the vehicle frame (6) through a pivot bearing (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Hans Wimmer
  • Patent number: 6283483
    Abstract: A system is provided for use on a vehicle (10) which allows the relative angle of turn between a first steerable wheel (20) and a second steerable wheel (22) to be established by use of a tie rod assembly (32) which is variable in length. The tie rod assembly (32) includes a hydraulic cylinder assembly to vary the length by introducing or removing pressurized hydraulic fluid. A spring (120) is provided to establish a predetermined length to the tie rod assembly should the hydraulic system fail. The length of the tie rod assembly is controlled by an electronic control (166) which is provided with data from angle sensors (160,162) at each of these steerable wheels. The electronic control can be provided with an electronic table of relative angles for the wheel members and can adjust the length of the tie rod appropriately. The device allows for establishing the desired relationship between the wheel members at any turn angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Paccar INC
    Inventors: Stephen D. Johnson, Edward P. Legler
  • Patent number: 6276476
    Abstract: A right-hand drive vehicle steering system (10) that may be factory built or converted from a left-hand drive steering system or vice versa. The method of conversion begins with the removal of the left-hand drive steering components. A left-hand drive designed steering gear is engaged to an adapter bracket (50). The adapter bracket allows the orientation of the left-hand drive designed steering gear to remain the same in a right-hand drive installation as when installed in the left-hand drive. As a result, the pitman arm (18) that directs the wheel direction of steering and is outboard of the steering gear for left-hand drive applications, is inboard of the steering gear for right-hand drive applications. The adapter bracket allows displacement of the steering column and associated steering equipment to further outboard in the right-hand drive system relative to the outboard position in left-hand drive applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: International Truck and Engine Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph J. Farwell, Robert J. Haverstick, Lee A. Williams, Derek R. Scheetz, Bruce C. Noah, John A. Budzik, Robert W. Hammond
  • Patent number: 6263990
    Abstract: An auto-carriage has a first frame and a second frame pivotally connected to the first frame so that both the front wheels and the rear wheels of the carriage are able to maintain engagement to the ground at all times. Furthermore, a pair of unidirectional bearings are provided to distal ends of an axle, such that the carriage is able to change the moving direction easily. A first linkage connected to a secondary linkage through a universal joint enables the steering force of a user to convert to the driving force to the front wheel bracket so as to change the moving direction of the carriage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Inventor: Chieh-I Liu
  • Patent number: 6260868
    Abstract: A steering assembly for use with a vehicle having a frame, with the frame being supported by at least one directional support (such as a rotatable wheel, ski, endless flexible track, etc.) that is pivotable about a first axis to steer the vehicle. The steering assembly comprises a first mounting member to which the directional support is secured, the mounting member being secured to the frame of the vehicle for pivotal motion about the first axis. A steering lever is mounted to the frame adjacent to the first mounting member, with the steering lever being pivotable about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. The steering lever also has a drive pin associated therewith. A pivotable bearing block operatively connects the drive pin to the first mounting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Inventor: Craig J. Scholin
  • Patent number: 6234262
    Abstract: A steering and suspension system for snowmobiles including a steering linkage connecting a steering handle with a steering spindle on each ski for causing an outside ski during a turn to move outwardly from the snowmobile and the inside ski to move inwardly toward the snowmobile and further including a pair of shock absorbers each connected between the steering linkage and a ski.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Inventor: John W. Moore
  • Patent number: 6170354
    Abstract: A steering mechanism and associated gearbox is disclosed for a toy car or other small motorized vehicle. The steering mechanism comprises a steering arm, collar, return spring and an alignment adjustor. These components are externally mounted on a gear box and motor that allow remote control of the steering mechanism, and the wheels controlled by the steering mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: New Bright Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Keung Lee