The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Feb. 01, 2000
Filed:
Jan. 28, 1998
Scott M Kociba, Clarkston, MI (US);
Jeffrey L Kincaid, Clarkston, MI (US);
American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc., Detroit, MI (US);
Abstract
The present invention provides a suspension link assembly for use in interconnecting a suspension member to frame structure in a motor vehicle, and which finds particular application in rear independent suspension systems. The suspension link assembly includes an elongated extension rail and a tie rod assembly. The extension rail is a stamped component defining a generally U-shaped cross-section. The extension rail has a first end adapted to be pivotably connected to the frame structure and a second end defining an open-ended socket. The tie rod assembly includes a housing defining an annular cavity and a shank, and ball joint retained in the housing cavity and adapted for pivotable connection to the suspension member. The shank of the tie rod housing is slidably inserted into the socket of the extension rail. Once the desired length of the suspension link assembly is determined, the shank is rigidly secured in the socket, such as by a welding operation.