Joints and connections – Articulated members – Pivoted
Reexamination Certificate
1999-10-29
2001-09-25
Browne, Lynne H. (Department: 3629)
Joints and connections
Articulated members
Pivoted
C280S086751, C280S086756, C403SDIG008, C403S161000, C403S076000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06293724
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to an improved ball joint adaptor for vehicle suspensions, and more particularly to an improved upper ball joint/adaptor plate which facilitates camber and caster adjustment in vehicles with altered suspensions, particularly those with a lowered chassis. The ball joint adaptor device of the present invention is readily and accurately attached to the factory supplied control arm, and facilitates ease of installation along with adjustability of both camber and caster in ranges of up to two degrees.
The present invention is particularly adapted for installation on vehicles with steerable front wheels, and wherein the wheels are suspended from the chassis in part by guide members typically characterized as control arms. A ball joint is normally employed as part of the suspension system, with the ball joint being coupled between the control arm and the wheel assembly. Adjustment of the linkage between the control arm and the wheel assembly will, in turn, be reflected in achieving appropriate alignment parameters, including camber and caster.
Various types of eccentric adjusting devices have been known and utilized in the past, however these prior art devices are typically designed for use in conventionally configured vehicles, and are not compatible with vehicles having altered suspension heights. Vehicle suspension heights are frequently altered either through long-term use under heavy load conditions, or more commonly, through intentionally altered lowered suspensions. When these height modifications and alterations occur, it has been found difficult to provide for adjustment of the wheel alignment parameters, particularly camber and caster, with these difficulties arising due to the adoption of configurations not contemplated by the original factory equipment. When wheel alignment parameters fall out of the specified range, the drivability and control of the vehicle deteriorates and excessive tire wear may occur. The present invention provides a convenient means for accommodating and maintaining proper and correct adjustment of alignment parameters of altered or modified vehicles, with the adjustment being rugged, reliable, and readily facilitated by technicians.
In addition to these features, the configuration of the components utilized in the present invention is such that the suspension may be adapted for use even in drastically lowered suspensions. The adjustable ball joint means of the present invention includes a tapered upper clamping plate or washer which significantly reduces the height of the overall adjustment assembly relative to other fixed-in-place components so as to eliminate or reduce undesired contact between the adjustment device and other fixed components of the vehicle.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The embodiment of the present invention, particularly as set forth herein, discloses the use of the invention in the upper wishbone type control arm member of a motor vehicle suspension system. It will be recognized and realized by those of skill in the art that the system is designed for use in connection with control arm members of other configurations. For example, the features of the present invention may be utilized in combination with control arm members which may be configured in a generally “U”-shaped form with substantially parallel arms extending from pivotal attachment point to the chassis.
In accordance with the present invention, an adjustable ball joint system is provided and arranged to be coupled between the wheel assembly and the apex of the upper control arm member, with the device being particularly well adapted for use on those vehicles in which the chassis height has been significantly lowered from the original factory specification. The ball joint system or means of the present invention enables the re-establishment of proper wheel camber, since chassis lowering has the effect of modifying the camber setting significantly beyond the capability of readjustment from the typical factory-installed system. This is due to the fact that the suspensions in most motor vehicles do not provide for any significant adjustment or repositioning of the points about which the operating components may pivot. Accordingly, proper wheel alignment in these modified vehicles is not readily subject to correction and/or adjustment.
A feature of the present invention is to provide an adjustable ball joint support system wherein the angle at which the ball joint support mates with or attaches to the vehicle control arm is changed so as to accommodate the lowered chassis. In this connection, a tapered or canted boss is provided which corrects the angular relationship established between the transverse axis of the control arm and the repositioning of the ball joint assembly including the ball joint stem.
An improved and adjustable locking means is also provided between the ball joint socket or retainer and the components secured to the control arm. Specifically, the apparatus of the present invention provides a pair of locking screws which advance toward and into contact with an annular recess formed in a stub shaft which is fast on a locking plate which forms a portion of the ball joint retainer. Indeed, the contact between the locking screws and the annular recess in the shaft is such that the screws cut threaded grooves into the recess so as to both establish and retain the angular relationship between the ball joint retainer and the stub shaft. In other words, the ball joint retainer body includes a locking plate with a stub shaft extending axially upwardly. An arcuately configured annular groove is formed around the periphery of the stub shaft, and the locking screws are positioned so as to engage and cut threaded grooves into the base of the annular recess in order to lock the ball joint retainer securely into its properly adjusted position on the control arm. The combination of the tapered boss and the locking screws contribute to the capability of the device to modify, alter, and correct the angle at which the ball joint and its stem couple the wheel assembly to the vehicle control arm.
Therefore, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide an improved adjustable ball joint mounting means which is adapted for use in connection with vehicles having lowered chassis, with the adjustable ball joint means facilitating proper adjustment of wheel alignment parameters including, in particular, camber and caster.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved adjustable ball joint means to be secured between the wheel assembly and the apex of an upper control arm of a motor vehicle suspension system, wherein the adjustable ball joint means is designed to provide for firm, fast, and reliable retention on the control arm, along with the capability of reliably retaining and preserving alignment parameters.
Other and further objects of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon a study of the following specification, appended claims, and accompanying drawings.
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Ryshavy James R.
Spears Thomas G.
Browne Lynne H.
Garcia Ernesto
Haugen Law Firm PLLP
Northstar Manufacturing Co., Inc.
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