US4067558A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Vehicle suspension strut
Assignee: Tenneco Automotive Europe BVBA
•
Filing: 1975-12-22
•
Granted: 1978-01-10
•
Expires: 1995-12-22
Abstract
Abstract A vehicle suspension strut for use in a vehicle suspension system for vehicles having sprung and unsprung portions, the strut including a telescopic shock absorbing device having a cylinder and a reciprocal piston rod, means for securing one end of the clyinder to one of the vehicle portions and for securing one end of the piston rod to the other of the vehicle portions, a conversion assembly for selectively converting the strut such that it is adjustable in response to the supply of a pressurized fluid, the assembly comprising an elongated generally tubular flexible diaphragm member and first and second attachment means adapted to be removably connected to the shock absorber so as to define therewith a variable volume gas chamber, and means for selectively communicating a pressurized gas, such as compressed air, to and from the chamber to effect selectively expansion and contraction thereof.
Inventors
- 👤 Johan H. Keijzer
- 👤 Louis J. Jossa
- 👤 Henri C. J. Vanhove
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 16:42
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16F; F16F9/00; F16F9/06; F16F9/08; F16F9/084; B; B60; B60G; B60G15/00; B60G15/08; B60G15/12; B60G2202/00; B60G2202/30; B60G2202/31; B60G2202/312; B60G2202/314; B60G2202/40; B60G2202/41; B60G2202/412
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 48
Claim 1
Independent Claim
214 words
In combination in a suspension system for vehicles having sprung and unsprung portions comprising, at least one suspension strut including a telescopic shock absorbing device having a cylinder with a reciprocal piston rod projecting from one end thereof, means for securing one end of said cylinder to one of the vehicle portions and for securing one end of said piston rod to the other of said vehicle portions, a conversion assembly for selectively converting said strut such that it is adjustable in response to pressurized fluid, said assembly comprising an elongated generally tubular flexible diaphragm member in part defining a variable volume gas chamber and including first and second attachment means, said first attachment means comprising a portion adapted to be detachably connected adjacent said one end of said cylinder of said shock absorbing device and said second attachment means being of a generally cup-shaped configuration and adapted to at least partially nestingly receive said first attachment means, said second attachment means comprising a portion adapted to be detachably connected adjacent said piston rod, whereby said diaphragm member may be removed and replaced without having to subject the strut to any significant disassembly or reconstruction operations, and means for selectively communicating pressurized gas to and from said chamber to effect expansion and contraction thereof.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
214 words
In combination in a suspension system for vehicles having sprung and unsprung portions comprising, at least one suspension strut including a telescopic shock absorbing device having a cylinder with a reciprocal piston rod projecting from one end thereof, means for securing one end of said cylinder to one of the vehicle portions and for securing one end of said piston rod to the other of said vehicle portions, a conversion assembly for selectively converting said strut such that it is adjustable in response to pressurized fluid, said assembly comprising an elongated generally tubular flexible diaphragm member in part defining a variable volume gas chamber and including first and second attachment means, said first attachment means comprising a portion adapted to be detachably connected adjacent said one end of said cylinder of said shock absorbing device and said second attachment means being of a generally cup-shaped configuration and adapted to at least partially nestingly receive said first attachment means, said second attachment means comprising a portion adapted to be detachably connected adjacent said piston rod, whereby said diaphragm member may be removed and replaced without having to subject the strut to any significant disassembly or reconstruction operations, and means for selectively communicating pressurized gas to and from said chamber to effect expansion and contraction thereof.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
The invention as set forth in claim 1 wherein said suspension strut is an independent wheel suspension strut.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
The invention as set forth in claim 1 which includes an elongated tubular housing adapted to telescopically receive said cylinder of said shock absorbing device.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
51 words
The invention as set forth in claim 1 which includes a helical suspension spring extending generally coaxially of said shock absorbing device, and which includes first and second spring seats secured one to said shock absorbing device and the other adjacent said projecting piston rod for engaging and supporting said spring.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
16 words
The invention as set forth in claim 1 wherein said suspension strut is a MacPherson-type strut.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
22 words
The invention as set forth in claim 1 wherein said portion of said second attachment means is connectable to said piston rod.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
17 words
The invention as set forth in claim 1 wherein said diaphragm is of a generally cylindrical configuration.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
28 words
The invention as set forth in claim 1 wherein the vehicle for which said suspension strut is adapted for comprises an automotive vehicle having four rod engaging wheels.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
33 words
The invention as set forth in claim 1 where upon assembly of said diaphragm onto said shock absorber, said lower end of said diaphram is inversely folded into the interior of said diaphragm.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
29 words
The invention as set forth in claim 1 wherein said shock absorber is disposed within a tubular enclosure and one end of said diaphragm is attached to said enclosure.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
171 words
A conversion assembly for use with a suspension strut having first and second attachment areas and including a telescopic shock absorber having a cylinder and a reciprocal piston rod, said assembly comprising an elongated generally tubular flexible diaphragm member and first and second attachment fittings adapted to be mounted adjacent the opposite ends thereof for fixedly securing one end of said diaphragm member to said first attachment area and the second opposite end of said member to said second attachment area, said attachment fittings being detachably connectable to said areas of said strut whereby said diaphragm defines a variable volume gas chamber with said shock absorber and may be removed and replaced without having to subject the shock absorber to any significant disassembly or reconstruction operations, one of said attachment fittings including first and second threaded members adapted to be threadably engaged for securing the associated end of said diaphragm to said strut, and means for selectively communicating pressurized gas to and from said chamber to effect expansion and contraction thereof.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
171 words
A conversion assembly for use with a suspension strut having first and second attachment areas and including a telescopic shock absorber having a cylinder and a reciprocal piston rod, said assembly comprising an elongated generally tubular flexible diaphragm member and first and second attachment fittings adapted to be mounted adjacent the opposite ends thereof for fixedly securing one end of said diaphragm member to said first attachment area and the second opposite end of said member to said second attachment area, said attachment fittings being detachably connectable to said areas of said strut whereby said diaphragm defines a variable volume gas chamber with said shock absorber and may be removed and replaced without having to subject the shock absorber to any significant disassembly or reconstruction operations, one of said attachment fittings including first and second threaded members adapted to be threadably engaged for securing the associated end of said diaphragm to said strut, and means for selectively communicating pressurized gas to and from said chamber to effect expansion and contraction thereof.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
18 words
The invention as set forth in claim 11 wherein said suspension strut is an independent wheel suspension strut.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
24 words
The invention as set forth in claim 11 which includes an elongated tubular housing adapted to nestingly receive said cylinder of said shock absorber.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
35 words
The invention as set forth in claim 11 which includes a helical suspension spring extending generally coaxially of said shock absorber, and which includes first and second spring seats for engaging and supporting said spring.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
16 words
The invention as set forth in claim 11 wherein said suspension strut is a MacPherson-type strut.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
19 words
The invention as set forth in claim 11 wherein said second attachment fitting is connectable to said piston rod.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
17 words
The invention as set forth in claim 11 wherein said diaphragm is of a generally cylindrical configuration.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
28 words
The invention as set forth in claim 11 wherein the vehicle for which said suspension strut is adapted for comprises an automotive vehicle having four rod engaging wheels.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
33 words
The invention as set forth in claim 11 where upon assembly of said diaphragm onto said shock absorber, said lower end of said diaphragm is inversely folded into the interior of said diaphragm.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
26 words
The invention as set forth in claim 11 wherein said one attachment fitting is operable to secure one end of said diaphragm to said shock absorber.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
29 words
The invention as set forth in claim 11 wherein said shock absorber is disposed with a tubular enclosure and one end of said diaphragm is attached to said enclosure.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
196 words
In combination in a suspension device for vehicles having sprung and unspring portions comprising, at least one suspension assembly including a telescopic shock absorbing device having a cylinder and a reciprocal piston rod, means for securing one end of said cylinder to one of the vehicle portions and for securing one end of said piston rod to the other of said vehicle portions, a conversion assembly which may be installed at will on said suspension assembly without requiring disassembly of said shock absorber other than temporarily disconnecting said last mentioned means, whereby to selectively convert said suspension assembly such that it is adjustable in response to pressurized fluid, said conversion assembly comprising an elongated generally tubular flexible diaphragm member in part defining a variable volume gas chamber and including first and second attachment means, said first attachment means comprising a portion adapted to be detachably connected adjacent said cylinder of said shock absorbing device and said second attachment means comprising a generally cup-shaped attachment fitting adapted to be detachably connected adjacent the outer end of said piston rod, and means for selectively communicating pressurized gas to and from said chamber to effect expansion and contraction thereof.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
196 words
In combination in a suspension device for vehicles having sprung and unspring portions comprising, at least one suspension assembly including a telescopic shock absorbing device having a cylinder and a reciprocal piston rod, means for securing one end of said cylinder to one of the vehicle portions and for securing one end of said piston rod to the other of said vehicle portions, a conversion assembly which may be installed at will on said suspension assembly without requiring disassembly of said shock absorber other than temporarily disconnecting said last mentioned means, whereby to selectively convert said suspension assembly such that it is adjustable in response to pressurized fluid, said conversion assembly comprising an elongated generally tubular flexible diaphragm member in part defining a variable volume gas chamber and including first and second attachment means, said first attachment means comprising a portion adapted to be detachably connected adjacent said cylinder of said shock absorbing device and said second attachment means comprising a generally cup-shaped attachment fitting adapted to be detachably connected adjacent the outer end of said piston rod, and means for selectively communicating pressurized gas to and from said chamber to effect expansion and contraction thereof.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
17 words
The invention as set forth in claim 22 wherein said diaphragm is of a generally cylindrical configuration.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
28 words
The invention as set forth in claim 22 wherein the vehicle for which said suspension strut is adapted for comprises an automotive vehicle having four rod engaging wheels.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
33 words
The invention as set forth in claim 22 where upon assembly of said diaphragm onto said shock absorber, said lower end of said diaphragm is inversely folded into the interior of said diaphragm.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
36 words
The invention as set forth in claim 22 wherein the upper end of said diaphragm extends around an axially downwardly extending side wall portion of an upper cup-shaped member and is sealingly engaged with said member.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
29 words
The invention as set forth in claim 22 wherein said shock absorber is disposed within a tubular enclosure and one end of said diaphragm is attached to said enclosure.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
183 words
A suspension system for vehicles having sprung and unsprung portions comprising, at least one suspension assembly including a telescopic shock absorbing device having a cylinder and a reciprocal piston rod, an elongated tubular housing adapted to nestingly receive said shock absorbing device, with one end of said housing having a threaded end portion, means for securing one end of said cylinder to one of the vehicle portions and for securing one end of said piston rod to the other of said vehicle portions, a conversion assembly for selectively converting said suspension assembly such that it is adjustable in response to pressurized fluid, said suspension assembly comprising an elongated generally tubular flexible diaphragm member in part defining a variable volume gas chamber and including first and second attachment means, said first attachment means comprising a threaded portion adapted to be threadably connected to said threaded portion of said housing and said second attachment means comprising a portion adapted to be detachably connected adjacent said piston rod, and means for selectively communicating pressurized gas to and from said chamber to effect expansion and contraction thereof.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
183 words
A suspension system for vehicles having sprung and unsprung portions comprising, at least one suspension assembly including a telescopic shock absorbing device having a cylinder and a reciprocal piston rod, an elongated tubular housing adapted to nestingly receive said shock absorbing device, with one end of said housing having a threaded end portion, means for securing one end of said cylinder to one of the vehicle portions and for securing one end of said piston rod to the other of said vehicle portions, a conversion assembly for selectively converting said suspension assembly such that it is adjustable in response to pressurized fluid, said suspension assembly comprising an elongated generally tubular flexible diaphragm member in part defining a variable volume gas chamber and including first and second attachment means, said first attachment means comprising a threaded portion adapted to be threadably connected to said threaded portion of said housing and said second attachment means comprising a portion adapted to be detachably connected adjacent said piston rod, and means for selectively communicating pressurized gas to and from said chamber to effect expansion and contraction thereof.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
38 words
The invention as set forth in claim 28 which includes a fluid fitting on one of said attachment means for selectively communicating pressurized fluid to and from a variable volume chamber defined in part by said conversion assembly.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
18 words
The invention as set forth in claim 29 wherein said fluid fitting is on said second attachment means.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
40 words
The invention as set forth in claim 28 wherein said piston rod is formed with an axially extending bore adapted to communicate pressurized fluid from a source thereof to a variable volume chamber defined in part by said conversion assembly.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
134 words
A conversion assembly for use with a suspension strut including a telescopic shock absorber having a cylinder and a reciprocal piston rod, said assembly comrising an elongated generally tubular flexible diaphragm member and first and second attachment fittings adapted to be mounted adjacent the opposite ends thereof for fixedly securing one end of said diaphragm member to said cylinder and the opposite end of said member to said piston rod, said second attachment fitting comprising a generally cup-shaped fitting adapted to be secured adjacent the outer end of said piston rod, said attachment fittings being detachable connectable to said suspension strut whereby said diaphragm in part defines a variable volume gas chamber with said shock absorber, and means for selectively communicating pressurized gas to and from said chamber to effect expansion and contraction thereof.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
134 words
A conversion assembly for use with a suspension strut including a telescopic shock absorber having a cylinder and a reciprocal piston rod, said assembly comrising an elongated generally tubular flexible diaphragm member and first and second attachment fittings adapted to be mounted adjacent the opposite ends thereof for fixedly securing one end of said diaphragm member to said cylinder and the opposite end of said member to said piston rod, said second attachment fitting comprising a generally cup-shaped fitting adapted to be secured adjacent the outer end of said piston rod, said attachment fittings being detachable connectable to said suspension strut whereby said diaphragm in part defines a variable volume gas chamber with said shock absorber, and means for selectively communicating pressurized gas to and from said chamber to effect expansion and contraction thereof.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
17 words
The invention as set forth in claim 32 wherein said diaphragm is of a generally cylindrical configuration.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
28 words
The invention as set forth in claim 32 wherein the vehicle for which said suspension strut is adapted for comprises an automotive vehicle having four rod engaging wheels.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
33 words
The invention as set forth in claim 32 where upon assembly of said diaphragm onto said shock absorber, said lower end of said diaphragm is inversely folded into the interior of said diaphragm.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
29 words
The invention as set forth in claim 32 wherein said shock absorber is disposed within a tubular enclosure and one end of said diaphragm is attached to said enclosure.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
38 words
The invention as set forth in claim 32 which includes a fluid fitting on one of said attachment fittings for selectively communicating pressurized fluid to and from a variable volume chamber defined in part by said conversion assembly.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
200 words
A suspension system for vehicles having sprung and unsprung portions comprising, at least one suspension strut including a telescopic shock absorbing device having a cylinder and a reciprocal piston rod, an elongated tubular housing adapted to telescopically receive said cylinder of said device, said housing having a threaded end portion, means threadably engageable with said end portion for retaining said device within said housing, means for securing one end of said cylinder to one of the vehicle portions and for securing one end of said piston rod to the other of said vehicle portions, a conversion assembly for selectively converting said strut such that it is adjustable in response to pressurized fluid, said assembly comprising an elongated generally tubular flexible diaphragm member in part defining a variable volume gas chamber and including first and second attachment means, said first attachment means being cooperable with said means for retaining said device within said housing and adapted to be connected adjacent said threaded portion of said housing, and said second attachment means comprising a portion adapted to be detachably connected adjacent said piston rod, and means for selectively communicating pressurized gas to and from said chamber to effect expansion and contraction thereof.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
200 words
A suspension system for vehicles having sprung and unsprung portions comprising, at least one suspension strut including a telescopic shock absorbing device having a cylinder and a reciprocal piston rod, an elongated tubular housing adapted to telescopically receive said cylinder of said device, said housing having a threaded end portion, means threadably engageable with said end portion for retaining said device within said housing, means for securing one end of said cylinder to one of the vehicle portions and for securing one end of said piston rod to the other of said vehicle portions, a conversion assembly for selectively converting said strut such that it is adjustable in response to pressurized fluid, said assembly comprising an elongated generally tubular flexible diaphragm member in part defining a variable volume gas chamber and including first and second attachment means, said first attachment means being cooperable with said means for retaining said device within said housing and adapted to be connected adjacent said threaded portion of said housing, and said second attachment means comprising a portion adapted to be detachably connected adjacent said piston rod, and means for selectively communicating pressurized gas to and from said chamber to effect expansion and contraction thereof.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
132 words
A conversion assembly for use with a suspension strut including an elongated tubular housing nestingly receiving a telescopic shock absorber having a cylinder and a reciprocal piston rod, said assembly comprising an elongated generally tubular flexible diaphragm member and first and second attachment fittings mounted on the opposite ends thereof for fixedly securing one end of said diaphragm member to said cylinder and the opposite end of said member to said piston rod, said attachment fittings being detachably connectable to said suspension strut whereby said diaphragm defines a variable volume gas chamber with said shock absorber, means for retaining said shock absorber within said housing and comprising a threaded end portion on said housing, and means for selectively communicating pressurized gas to and from said chamber to effect expansion and contraction thereof.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
132 words
A conversion assembly for use with a suspension strut including an elongated tubular housing nestingly receiving a telescopic shock absorber having a cylinder and a reciprocal piston rod, said assembly comprising an elongated generally tubular flexible diaphragm member and first and second attachment fittings mounted on the opposite ends thereof for fixedly securing one end of said diaphragm member to said cylinder and the opposite end of said member to said piston rod, said attachment fittings being detachably connectable to said suspension strut whereby said diaphragm defines a variable volume gas chamber with said shock absorber, means for retaining said shock absorber within said housing and comprising a threaded end portion on said housing, and means for selectively communicating pressurized gas to and from said chamber to effect expansion and contraction thereof.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
144 words
A conversion assembly for use with a suspension strut including a telescopic shock absorber having a cylinder and a reciprocal piston rod and mounted within an elongated tubular housing adapted to nestingly receive the shock absorber and having a threaded end portions, said assembly comprising an elongated generally tubular flexible diaphragm member and first and second attachment fittings mounted on the opposite ends thereof, said first attachment fitting adapted to be threadably connected to the housing end portion for fixedly securing one end of said diaphragm member to said housing and the opposite end of said member to said piston rod, said attachment fittings being detachably connectable to said suspension strut whereby said diaphragm in part defines a variable volume gas chamber with said shock absorber, and means for selectively communicating pressurized gas to and from said chamber to effect expansion and contraction thereof.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
144 words
A conversion assembly for use with a suspension strut including a telescopic shock absorber having a cylinder and a reciprocal piston rod and mounted within an elongated tubular housing adapted to nestingly receive the shock absorber and having a threaded end portions, said assembly comprising an elongated generally tubular flexible diaphragm member and first and second attachment fittings mounted on the opposite ends thereof, said first attachment fitting adapted to be threadably connected to the housing end portion for fixedly securing one end of said diaphragm member to said housing and the opposite end of said member to said piston rod, said attachment fittings being detachably connectable to said suspension strut whereby said diaphragm in part defines a variable volume gas chamber with said shock absorber, and means for selectively communicating pressurized gas to and from said chamber to effect expansion and contraction thereof.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1981-01-09 | 1981-07-11 | 1982-01-10 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1985-01-09 | 1985-07-11 | 1986-01-10 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1989-01-09 | 1989-07-11 | 1990-01-10 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |