The General Tire & Rubber Company

Btr Antivibration Systems, Inc.

Gregory M Nicoles

Michael D Burk

Gary L Hipsher

A slipper bushing comprises radially inner, intermediate and outer generally cylindrical members. The intermediate member includes an axial bearing surface at an end thereof. Elastomeric material is disposed between the intermediate and outer members. A generally cylindrical polymeric radial bearing sleeve is disposed between the inner and intermediate members and has a radially inner surface nonrotatably fixed relative to a radially outer surface of the inner member and a radially outer slip surface adapted to rotatably slip relative to a radially inner surface of the intermediate member. An elastomeric seal has an annular portion with opposed first and second axial bearing surfaces. The seal first axial bearing surface sealingly engages the intermediate member axial bearing surface and is nonrotatably fixed relative thereto. An annular polymeric slip ring has opposed first and second axial bearing surfaces. The slip ring first axial bearing surface is adapted to rotatably slip relative to the seal second axial bearing surface. An end cap is nonrotatably fixed relative to the inner member and the slip ring.

Slipper bushing incorporating sealing and torque-reducing characteristics

A vehicle suspension bushing that is constructed of an inner metal member, an outer metal member, and an elastomeric member inserted between the metal members has an improved construction that increases the bushing's axial rate, or resistance to axial deflection, and decreases its radial rate, or resistance to radial deflection. The main features of the improvement are circumferentially extending slots in the outer surface of the elastomeric member, located adjacent each end of the member, and inwardly extending flanges on the ends of the outer member that fit into the slots in the elastomeric member.

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Logansport, IN, United States of America

Gregory M Nicoles