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:
May. 29, 2001
Filed:
Mar. 12, 1999
Stanley Jay Novak, Dearborn, MI (US);
Daniel F. Kmiec, Birmingham, MI (US);
Ford Global Technologies, Inc., Dearborn, MI (US);
Abstract
A bushing apparatus for interconnecting two members and allowing relative motion therebetween allows decoupled spring rates in the axial and radial directions. The bushing apparatus includes an inner cylindrical member (,) having a first outer surface (,) and first and second ends (,). First and second stops (,) which project radially outward from the first outer surface of the inner cylindrical member are positioned at the first and second ends, respectively. An outer cylindrical member (,) having a first inner surface (,) is arranged coaxially with the inner cylindrical member. A bearing member (,) having second inner and outer surfaces (,) is interposed coaxially between the inner and outer cylindrical members. The second inner surface of the bearing member is cylindrical and slidable relative to the first outer surface of the inner cylindrical member. A first elastomeric member (,) having third and fourth ends (,) and a third inner surface (,) is disposed coaxially with the inner cylindrical member. The third end of the first elastomeric member is adjacent to the first stop and the fourth end is adjacent to the bearing member. A second elastomeric member (,) having fifth and sixth ends (,) and a fourth inner surface (,) is disposed coaxially with the inner cylindrical member. The fifth end of the second elastomeric member is adjacent to the second stop and the sixth end is adjacent to the bearing member. At least one of the first and second elastomeric members is unsecured to the bearing member.