Expanded – threaded – driven – headed – tool-deformed – or locked-thr – Washer structure – Including means for retaining washer to fastener
Reexamination Certificate
2001-02-07
2002-08-20
Wilson, Neill (Department: 3679)
Expanded, threaded, driven, headed, tool-deformed, or locked-thr
Washer structure
Including means for retaining washer to fastener
C411S369000, C411S371200, C411S542000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06435793
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention pertains to a modular body bolt absorber assembly, for assembling an isolator to the frame of an automotive vehicle.
2. Description of the Prior Art
In the prior art, it is known to use assemblies including a bolt to assemble a shock absorber to the frame of an automotive vehicle.
An example of such a prior art assembly is shown in FIG.
1
. Prior art assembly
100
includes bolt
102
with head
104
and shaft
106
. Shaft
106
, which includes threaded portion
107
, extends through aperture
110
of washer
108
. Shaft
106
further passes through aperture
116
of metallic base
114
of lower body absorber
112
. Lower body absorber
112
further includes rubber bumper portion
118
which is rotationally symmetric with a hollow interior
120
and a forward tip
122
in the shape of a truncated cone. Rubber bumper portion
118
is typically secured to metallic base
114
by the use of adhesive.
In the assembled position, head
104
of bolt
102
urges washer
108
against metallic base
114
. Shaft
106
of bolt
102
typically further passes through an aperture in the automotive frame (not shown) and threaded portion
107
of shaft
106
of bolt
102
engages a threaded aperture in the absorber (not shown) or a nut in the body of the vehicle. In this assembled position, rubber bumper portion
118
engages an end of the absorber (not shown). This configuration assembles the absorber to the automotive frame while providing cushioning between the frame and the body of the vehicle.
While this prior art absorber assembly has been satisfactory in many respects, improvement is desired in some aspects. In particular, the assembly includes three components which increases assembly time and secondary processing thereby decreasing cost effectiveness. Moreover, this can lead to inconsistencies in the attachment of successive assemblies.
Similarly, improvements are sought with respect to modularity of design, ease of design changes and serviceability.
Additionally, chemical or adhesive bonding is required in the manufacture of the lower body absorber in this prior art design.
OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a body bolt absorber assembly which can be provided as a single modular unit.
It is therefore a further object of the present invention to provide a body bolt absorber assembly which decreases assembly time and secondary processing.
It is therefore a still further object of the present invention to provide a body bolt absorber assembly with increased cost effectiveness.
It is therefore a still further object of the present invention to provide a body bolt absorber assembly with a modular design which allows for ease of design changes and serviceability.
It is therefore a final object of the present invention to provide a body bolt absorber assembly which eliminates or reduces the use of chemical or adhesive bonding.
These and other objects are attained by providing a body bolt absorber with a lower body absorber made from rubber which is arranged and constructed to capture a bolt and a washer thereby forming a modular one-piece assembly. More particularly, the central aperture of the lower body absorber is undersized with respect to the diameter of the shaft of the bolt. The elasticity of the rubber allows the bolt to pass through this aperture but be slideably captured therewithin. Alternatively, the bolt may be pushed so as to pierce the wall to form such an aperture wherein the walls of the resulting aperture allow the bolt to pass through but be slideably captured therewithin. Similarly, the lower body absorber may include a circumferential lip to capture the washer through which the shaft of the bolt passes.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3131742 (1964-05-01), Munse
patent: 4092896 (1978-06-01), Puchy
patent: 4780039 (1988-10-01), Hartman
patent: 5255647 (1993-10-01), Kiczek
patent: 5755545 (1998-05-01), Banks
Illinois Tool Works Inc.
Pitney Hardin Kipp & Szuch LLP
Wilson Neill
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