US4312430A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Shock absorber
Assignee: IZUMI MOTOR CO Ltd
•
Filing: 1979-12-12
•
Granted: 1982-01-26
•
Expires: 1999-12-12
Abstract
Abstract A shock absorber disposed between a steering wheel and a steering post, which comprises upper and lower holding rings to be coupled to hold the steering wheel and the steering post, respectively, and a plurality of supporting elements connected between the upper and lower holding rings. The upper and lower holding rings and the supporting elements form one substantially cylindrical unit, and the supporting elements are bent radially inwardly and outwardly to absorb an impact which may be caused during operating the vehicle.
Inventors
- 👤 Kuniji Ohtani
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 17:30
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16F; F16F7/00; F16F7/12; F16F7/123
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
216 words
A shock absorber comprising: a lower holding ring integral with a boss to be fixedly mounted on a steering post; an upper holding ring adapted for connection to a steering wheel hub; and a multiplicity of supporting elements connected to and extending axially between said upper and lower holding rings, said supporting elements being equally spaced about the circumference of said upper and lower rings, said elements each including a first portion connected to said upper ring and extending outwardly from a line between said upper and lower holding rings at a first angle, a second portion connected to said lower ring and extending outwardly from said line at an angle equal to said first angle, third and fourth intermediate portions connected at one of their ends to said first and second portions, respectively, and extending inwardly towards said line, said third and fourth portions being joined together at their other ends opposite said first and second portions, the joined ends of said third and fourth portions lying radially outwardly of said line, said third and fourth portions extending at a second angle to said line, said second angle being less than said first angle whereby said first and second portions bend radially outwardly on axial loading before said third and fourth portions bend radially inwardly.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
216 words
A shock absorber comprising: a lower holding ring integral with a boss to be fixedly mounted on a steering post; an upper holding ring adapted for connection to a steering wheel hub; and a multiplicity of supporting elements connected to and extending axially between said upper and lower holding rings, said supporting elements being equally spaced about the circumference of said upper and lower rings, said elements each including a first portion connected to said upper ring and extending outwardly from a line between said upper and lower holding rings at a first angle, a second portion connected to said lower ring and extending outwardly from said line at an angle equal to said first angle, third and fourth intermediate portions connected at one of their ends to said first and second portions, respectively, and extending inwardly towards said line, said third and fourth portions being joined together at their other ends opposite said first and second portions, the joined ends of said third and fourth portions lying radially outwardly of said line, said third and fourth portions extending at a second angle to said line, said second angle being less than said first angle whereby said first and second portions bend radially outwardly on axial loading before said third and fourth portions bend radially inwardly.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
14 words
The shock absorber of claim 1 wherein said rings and supporting elements are metal.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
The shock absorber of claim 1 wherein opposite ends of said supporting elements have rounded fillets where said supporting elements join said rings.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
The shock absorber of claim 1 wherein said rings and supporting elements are soft steel having a thickness of about 1.6 mm to 2.6 mm.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
14 words
The shock absorber of claim 1 wherein said supporting elements are of equal width.
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) | 1985-01-25 | 1985-07-27 | 1986-01-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1989-01-25 | 1989-07-27 | 1990-01-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1993-01-25 | 1993-07-27 | 1994-01-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |