Bearings – Linear bearing – Ball bearing
Reexamination Certificate
1999-10-20
2001-06-05
Hannon, Thomas R. (Department: 3682)
Bearings
Linear bearing
Ball bearing
C188S322160, C280S276000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06241391
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Technical Field
The present invention relates generally to a suspension for a two-wheeled vehicle and the two-wheeled vehicle with such a suspension. More particularly, the present invention relates to a two-wheeled vehicle suspension having two shock absorbing systems independently operable between a two-wheeled vehicle's frame and wheel.
Furthermore, the invention relates to a vehicle suspension and a bearing therefor.
2. Related Art
Heretofore, the related art has provided two wheeled vehicle suspensions, e.g., motorcycle or bicycle suspensions, containing only one shock absorbing member between the steering column and wheel. While these suspensions have been generally satisfactory, when rough terrain is encountered, the suspensions are limited to the stroke of the single shock absorber. Accordingly, once the single shock absorber has “bottomed out,” the rider is subjected to direct transmittal of the ground undulations.
Another disadvantage of single shock absorber systems is their inability to adequately prevent torque transmission to the suspensions and still operate correctly. Inoperativeness is created by twisting of the telescopic suspension members to an extent that they do not slide smoothly relative to one another.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an advantage of the present invention to overcome the above mentioned deficiencies in the related art. In order to achieve this, the present invention provides a wheel suspension including: at least one elongate member having a first end and second end, a first shock absorber connected to the first end of the elongate member and a second shock absorber connected to the second end of the elongate member such that the first and second shock absorber act independently. As a result, the suspension can operate to cushion the ride with two shock absorbers that may be set to the same pressure or different pressures according to the operator's liking.
A further feature of the present invention is found in how the teachings of the present invention can be advantageously applied to a forked suspension of any wheeled vehicle and, in particular, any two-wheeled vehicle, e.g., a motorcycle or bicycle. When used on a two wheeled vehicle, the suspension members may be used to form a front fork such that the first shock absorber is attached to the steering column via a steering column frame and to the forks of the suspension. Through the shock absorber and fork connection, the structure adds further rigidity to the suspension, hence, preventing twisting of the forks when used to steer the vehicle.
Another advantage of the present invention is the selectability of the shock absorber members. For instance, a hydraulic piston/cylinder system, a pneumatic piston/cylinder system, or a spring-based system, are all equally applicable within the scope of the present invention.
A further feature of the present invention is its capability to be retrofitted to older vehicles.
The present invention also includes a bearing comprising: a first member having at least one bearing track, each bearing track adapted to rotatably guide a rolling element received therein; a second member telescopically arranged with the first member and having a first rolling element opening in registration with each bearing track of the first member, each first rolling element opening rotatably receiving a rolling element therein; and a first collar positioned within the second member and having a rolling element seat for each rolling element, each seat rotatably receiving a rolling element therein. The invention also includes a vehicle suspension incorporating the above bearing wherein one of the first and second members is coupled to a wheel and the other member is coupled to a frame of a vehicle. This embodiment provides a bearing and suspension capable of resisting torque while also assuring slidability of its members. Another advantage provided by this bearing is that telescoping members, e.g., in a suspension, can mate without the need for a protective rubber boot to prevent debris from penetrating the system. In contrast, all of the bearing components are sealingly protected within the members.
Another aspect of the invention provides a bearing including: a stationary outer member having three bearing tracks on an interior of the stationary outer member; a bearing track race received in each bearing track to prevent wear of the bearing track and rotatably guide a rolling element received therein; a moving inner member having a rolling element opening in registration with each bearing track, each opening rotatably receiving a rolling element therein; and a first collar coupled to the moving inner member and having a rolling element seat for each rolling element, each seat rotatably receiving a rolling element therein. This embodiment provides similar features as the above described bearing and suspension.
Another aspect of the invention includes a bearing comprising: a first collar; a second collar; at least one rolling element seat positioned in each collar for receiving a rolling element therein; and a rotational counteracting mechanism to force the first collar and the second collar in opposing rotational directions. A preferred rotational counteracting mechansim includes: a first angled sliding surface on an end of the first collar; a second angled sliding surface on an end of the second collar that is slidingly matable with the first angled sliding surface; a compression mechanism to apply a longitudinal force to the first and second collars to force them longitudinally together; and wherein the first sliding surface and second sliding surface slidingly mate to transform the longitudinal force into a counteracting rotational force. This embodiment provides a bearing capable of resisting torque while also assuring slidability of its members and even wear by its rolling elements against mating members. It also removes the need for a protective rubber on telescoping members, e.g., in a suspension.
The foregoing and other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following more particular description of preferred embodiments of the invention.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3112625 (1963-12-01), Leto
patent: 3631765 (1972-01-01), Neumeister
patent: 4306638 (1981-12-01), Malott
patent: 4660683 (1987-04-01), Hayashi et al.
patent: 5044648 (1991-09-01), Knapp
patent: 5380026 (1995-01-01), Robinson
patent: 5725226 (1998-03-01), Cabrerizo-Pariente
Hannon Thomas R.
Hoffman, Warnick & D'Alessandro LLC
Warnick Spencer K.
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