US4463993A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Center bearing assembly
Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology LLC
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Filing: 1983-05-09
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Granted: 1984-08-07
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Expires: 2003-05-09
Abstract
Abstract A unitary center bearing assembly for rotatably mounting a vehicle drive shaft which includes a resilient support having an aperture therethrough, an anti-friction bearing seated in the aperture and a generally U-shaped mounting bracket having a plurality of tabs and at least one detent extending inward and securing the resilient support against movement relative to the bracket.
Inventors
- 👤 Ronald N. Brissette
- 👤 Richard L. Kumbier
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 02:42
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16C; F16C27/00; F16C27/06; F16C27/066
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
135 words
A rotary bearing for a vehicle drive shaft comprising a bracket extending partly around said shaft and having a pair of spaced legs with each said leg terminating in means for securing said bracket to a fixed support, said bracket having an inner surface of substantial axial width; a resilient support having an aperture extending axially therethrough and an outer peripheral surface substantially complimentary to and in abutment with the periphery of said inner surface; an anti-friction bearing seated in said resilient support aperture; a plurality of tabs folded inwardly from said bracket adjacent each side of said resilient support to prevent axial movement of said support relative to said bracket; and means securing said support against withdrawal from between said bracket legs in a direction substantially normal to the axis of said support opening.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
135 words
A rotary bearing for a vehicle drive shaft comprising a bracket extending partly around said shaft and having a pair of spaced legs with each said leg terminating in means for securing said bracket to a fixed support, said bracket having an inner surface of substantial axial width; a resilient support having an aperture extending axially therethrough and an outer peripheral surface substantially complimentary to and in abutment with the periphery of said inner surface; an anti-friction bearing seated in said resilient support aperture; a plurality of tabs folded inwardly from said bracket adjacent each side of said resilient support to prevent axial movement of said support relative to said bracket; and means securing said support against withdrawal from between said bracket legs in a direction substantially normal to the axis of said support opening.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
50 words
The rotary bearing defined by claim 1 wherein said means securing said support against withdrawal from between said bracket legs in a direction substantially normal to the axis of said support opening is an element extending inward from at least one leg of said bracket and engaging said resilient support.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
The rotary bearing defined by claim 2 wherein said element comprises a detent extending inward from said inner surface of said bracket.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
35 words
The rotary bearing defined by claim 2 including a notch in the outer peripheral surface of said resilient support and said notch is positioned to receive a portion of said element to secure said support.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
25 words
The rotary bearing defined by claim 3 wherein said detent is comprised of a portion of said bracket projecting inward to engage said resilient support.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
159 words
A center bearing for a vehicle drive shaft comprising a u-shaped bracket having a portion extending partly around said shaft and terminating in a pair of spaced legs with each leg terminating in means for securing said bracket to a fixed support, said bracket having an inner surface of substantial axial width; a resilient support having an aperture extending axially therethrough and an outer peripheral surface substantially complimentary to and in abutment with the periphery of said inner surface; an anti-friction bearing having an outer race seated in said resilient support aperture; a plurality of tabs folded inwardly from said bracket adjacent each side of said resilient support to prevent axial movement of said support relative to said bracket; and means extending inward from at least one leg of said bracket and engaging said resilient support to secure said support against withdrawal from between said bracket legs in a direction substantially normal to the axis of said support aperture.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
159 words
A center bearing for a vehicle drive shaft comprising a u-shaped bracket having a portion extending partly around said shaft and terminating in a pair of spaced legs with each leg terminating in means for securing said bracket to a fixed support, said bracket having an inner surface of substantial axial width; a resilient support having an aperture extending axially therethrough and an outer peripheral surface substantially complimentary to and in abutment with the periphery of said inner surface; an anti-friction bearing having an outer race seated in said resilient support aperture; a plurality of tabs folded inwardly from said bracket adjacent each side of said resilient support to prevent axial movement of said support relative to said bracket; and means extending inward from at least one leg of said bracket and engaging said resilient support to secure said support against withdrawal from between said bracket legs in a direction substantially normal to the axis of said support aperture.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
24 words
The center bearing defined by claim 6 wherein said means extending inward is a detent die cut and bent radially inward from said bracket.
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) | 1987-08-07 | 1988-02-06 | 1988-08-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1991-08-07 | 1992-02-06 | 1992-08-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1995-08-07 | 1996-02-06 | 1996-08-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |