Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 16
Claim 1
Independent Claim
212 words
A method for installing a diaghragm on a combination shock absorber-leveling unit of the type including a shock absorber having a piston and piston rod supported for reciprocal movement in a body member and with a dirt shield connected to the piston rod comprising the steps of: locating the diaphragm on the body member; connecting a first end of the diaphragm to the body member; moving the diaphragm longitudinally to a position wherein the opposite end thereof extends around a plurality of radially movable deforming fingers arranged concentrically of the shock absorber, thereafter moving said fingers radially outwardly and thereby radially expanding a portion of said opposite end of said diaphragm so as to define a generally radially extending portion of said diaphragm, moving said dirt shield and said diaphragm axially of one another so that the adjacent end of said dirt shield engages said radially extending expanded portion of said diaphragm and continuing to move said dirt shield and diaphragm axially of one another such that said end of said dirt shield moves axially interiorly of said fingers and thereby transpositions said opposite end of said diaphragm off from said fingers and onto the end of said dirt shield, and connecting said opposite end of said diaphragm to the dirt shield.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
212 words
A method for installing a diaghragm on a combination shock absorber-leveling unit of the type including a shock absorber having a piston and piston rod supported for reciprocal movement in a body member and with a dirt shield connected to the piston rod comprising the steps of: locating the diaphragm on the body member; connecting a first end of the diaphragm to the body member; moving the diaphragm longitudinally to a position wherein the opposite end thereof extends around a plurality of radially movable deforming fingers arranged concentrically of the shock absorber, thereafter moving said fingers radially outwardly and thereby radially expanding a portion of said opposite end of said diaphragm so as to define a generally radially extending portion of said diaphragm, moving said dirt shield and said diaphragm axially of one another so that the adjacent end of said dirt shield engages said radially extending expanded portion of said diaphragm and continuing to move said dirt shield and diaphragm axially of one another such that said end of said dirt shield moves axially interiorly of said fingers and thereby transpositions said opposite end of said diaphragm off from said fingers and onto the end of said dirt shield, and connecting said opposite end of said diaphragm to the dirt shield.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method as recited in claim 1 wherein said locating step includes gauging the axial location of said diaphragm relative to said unit.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method as recited in claim 1 which includes the step of locating an attachment ring on said diaphragm.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method as recited in claim 3 wherein said first mentioned connecting step includes crimping said attachment ring.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method as recited in claim 1 wherein said inverting step includes forming a return bend in said diaphragm.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method as recited in claim 5 which includes the step of inflating said diaphragm to selectively axially locate said return bend relative to said unit.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method as recited in claim 6 which includes the step of limiting axial movement of said unit prior to said inflating step.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method as recited in claim 1 which includes the step of premounting an attachment ring on said diaphragm.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method as recited in claim 1 which includes the step of radially expanding said opposite end of the diaphragm prior to said inverting step.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method as recited in claim 9 which includes the step of driving one end of said dirt shield into said radially expanded portion of said diaphragm.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method as recited in claim 9 which includes the step of locating one end of said unit in an axially movable apparatus while locating one end of said diaphragm in a radially movable mechanism.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method as recited in claim 1 wherein said second mentioned connecting step includes locating a second attachment ring on said diaphragm.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method as recited in claim 12 wherein said second connecting step includes crimping said attachment ring to secure said one end of said diaphragm to said dirt shield.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method as recited in claim 1 which includes the step of leak testing said diaphragm.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method as recited in claim 1 which includes the step of injecting a lubricating fluid into said diaphragm.