Motor vehicles – Transmission mechanism – Final drive axle movable
Reexamination Certificate
2003-08-07
2004-11-09
Morris, Lesley D. (Department: 3611)
Motor vehicles
Transmission mechanism
Final drive axle movable
Reexamination Certificate
active
06814175
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to torque rods, and more particularly to a bent torque rod.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Torque rods are utilized in vehicle suspension systems to absorb the high stresses generated during vehicle acceleration and deceleration. Most conventional torque rods are straight and are utilized in pairs, one pair of torque rods connecting an axle to the vehicle frame. The utilization of such straight paired torque rods is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,549,320. Each torque rod is typically attached at a first end to the axle and at a second end to a cross-member extending between the rails of the vehicle's frame. The first ends of the torque rods which are mounted to the axle are positioned proximate to each other, the torque rods extending outwardly therefrom and away from each other, the second ends of the torque rods mounted to the vehicle frame being spaced apart from each other. The position of the torque rods is key to the proper alignment of the vehicle's wheels. As the suspension system is subjected to use, repeated adjustment of the torque rods is required.
Although there are a wide variety of torque rods available for use in a vehicle, such torque rods are intended for use in pairs. These conventional torque rods must be installed and adjusted individually, requiring a significant amount of labor. Thus there remains a need for a torque rod which minimizes the costs associated with installation and maintenance.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a torque rod assembly for use in a vehicle suspension system, the torque rod assembly comprising a torque rod having two ends, and a bend portion disposed between ends. The torque rod has a first and second arm portion which are preferably disposed at an angle with respect to each other. The bend portion of the torque rod may be pivotably mounted to a vehicle axle by a variety of means. In the preferred embodiment, a bracket assembly is positioned about the bend portion of the torque rod. The bracket assembly is operative to mechanically couple the torque rod to the axle and permit the torque rod to pivot with respect to the axle about the bend portion. The bracket assembly preferably comprises a bearing ring which is mechanically connected to the bend portion of the torque rod. An outer bracket, mounted about the bearing ring, pivotably engages the bearing ring to permit the bearing ring and the torque rod to pivot within the outer bracket. The outer bracket is mechanically coupled to the axle by bolts, screws, welding or the like. Alternately, a ball joint may be formed about the torque rod at the bend portion. In such an embodiment, the ball joint is pivotably mounted to the axle by any of a variety of available bearings. The ends of the torque rod are pivotably connected to the vehicle frame. In the preferred embodiment, the torque rod ends are pivotably mounted to a cross-member which extends between the parallel frame rails of the vehicle.
In the preferred embodiment, the torque rod is V-shaped or U-shaped. Although the angle between the two arm portions may vary widely, the angle preferably ranges between forty degrees and sixty degrees, although angles of more than sixty or less than forty degrees may be utilized. In the most preferred embodiment, the angle between the first arm portion and the second arm portion is 55 degrees.
Other objects, advantages and applications of the present invention will be made clear by the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the invention. The description makes reference to drawings in which:
REFERENCES:
patent: 2300844 (1942-11-01), Olley
patent: 2746766 (1956-05-01), Nallinger
patent: 3084952 (1963-04-01), Freitas et al.
patent: 3194336 (1965-07-01), McHenry
patent: 3306639 (1967-02-01), Lyon
patent: 3313369 (1967-04-01), Whitehead
patent: 3406983 (1968-10-01), Masser
patent: 3410575 (1968-11-01), Turnbull et al.
patent: 3572745 (1971-03-01), Willetts
patent: 3704897 (1972-12-01), Bagge et al.
patent: 3792871 (1974-02-01), Chalmers
patent: 3871677 (1975-03-01), Blank et al.
patent: 3895819 (1975-07-01), Willetts
patent: 4033606 (1977-07-01), Ward et al.
patent: 4108470 (1978-08-01), Vinton
patent: 4120515 (1978-10-01), Vinton
patent: 4132433 (1979-01-01), Willetts
patent: 4146340 (1979-03-01), Smith, Jr.
patent: 4189249 (1980-02-01), Gaines et al.
patent: 4245852 (1981-01-01), Lie et al.
patent: 4309045 (1982-01-01), Raidel
patent: RE31013 (1982-08-01), Smith, Jr.
patent: 4344642 (1982-08-01), Goth
patent: 4359122 (1982-11-01), Albee
patent: 4371189 (1983-02-01), Raidel
patent: 4383703 (1983-05-01), Honda et al.
patent: 4400009 (1983-08-01), Raidel
patent: 4406479 (1983-09-01), Chalmers
patent: 4486029 (1984-12-01), Raidel
patent: 4502707 (1985-03-01), Jable et al.
patent: 4575058 (1986-03-01), Daraz
patent: 4616387 (1986-10-01), Smith, Jr.
patent: 4714269 (1987-12-01), Raidel
patent: 4718779 (1988-01-01), Trudeau
patent: 4718780 (1988-01-01), Trudeau
patent: 4750757 (1988-06-01), Long
patent: 4756550 (1988-07-01), Raidel
patent: 4761083 (1988-08-01), Smith et al.
patent: 4802690 (1989-02-01), Raidel
patent: 4858948 (1989-08-01), Raidel
patent: 4888236 (1989-12-01), Trudeau
patent: 4900057 (1990-02-01), Raidel
patent: 4902035 (1990-02-01), Raidel
patent: 5037125 (1991-08-01), Zamitter et al.
patent: 5255754 (1993-10-01), Lauronen
patent: 5281033 (1994-01-01), Ide
patent: 5366035 (1994-11-01), Hayashida et al.
patent: 5458359 (1995-10-01), Brandt
patent: 5492351 (1996-02-01), Salo
patent: 5505481 (1996-04-01), VanDenberg et al.
patent: 5549320 (1996-08-01), Ellingsen
patent: 5564521 (1996-10-01), McLaughlin et al.
patent: 5711544 (1998-01-01), Buhl
patent: 6267526 (2001-07-01), McLaughlin
patent: 6270282 (2001-08-01), McLaughlin
patent: 6439588 (2002-08-01), Svensson
patent: 0 407 075 (1991-01-01), None
patent: 407075 (1991-01-01), None
patent: 512358 (1992-11-01), None
patent: WO 90/15727 (1990-12-01), None
patent: WO 9015727 (1990-12-01), None
Gifford, Krass, Groh Sprinkle, Anderson & Citkowski, P.C.
Morris Lesley D.
Royal, Jr. Paul
LandOfFree
Bent torque rod does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Bent torque rod, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Bent torque rod will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-3332623