Bushing and a kit for assembling a bushing

[0001] The present invention relates generally to a bushing for securing a stabilizer or sway bar to a motor vehicle frame. Most specifically, the invention relates a bushing kit that provides a plurality of bushing sleeves that enable the installer to select the appropriate sleeve for a specific sway bar. Most specifically, the invention relates to a split bushing housing and a split bushing sleeve that have mating features that secure the bushing sleeve against rotation in the bushing housing.

[0002] It is known in the motor vehicle art to employ a stabilizer mechanism, often referred to as a sway bar, to control a vehicle's sway during turns and improve handling. During vehicle sway, the sway bar is subjected to a rotational movement that counters the downward movement of the vehicle's outer wheel. During this operation, the sway bar bushing must permit sway bar movement while securing the sway bar to the vehicle. In the present state of the art, each sway bar bushing is sized to a specific sway bar. As a consequence, the automotive supply house or repair shop must maintain in inventory a number of different bushings at the expense of inventory space and to avoid down time in waiting for the appropriate bushing if it is not in inventory.

[0003] In view of the foregoing, the applicant has recognized that there is a need for a bushing kit with multiple bushing sleeves can be assembled with and common housing to provide savings in inventory space and down time. The applicant's solution provides a slotted housing that has an inner diameter that complements the outer diameter of a plurality of slotted bushings. Each of the slotted bushings has a predetermined inner diameter that is dimension to receive a predetermined stabilizer bar. The slotted housing and the slotted bushing also have complementary recesses and projections that prevent the selected bushing from rotating within the housing.

[0015] Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown an exploded view of the clamp 10, housing 20, and sleeve 30 that comprise the components of a bushing assembly. The clamp 10 has an arched or “U” shaped center portion 12 that is dimensioned to fit over the housing 20. The clamp 10 has two generally horizontal arms 14 that form the bae of the arched center 12. Each of the arms 14 has a slot 16 that is dimensioned to receive a fastener that will secure the clamp 10 to a vehicle.

[0016] Still with reference to FIG. 1, The body 20 has a curved upper portion 21 with recesses 25 that are dimensioned to receive the arched center portion 12. The lower portion 22 of housing 20 is generally rectangular with a flat or planar bottom surface 23. The middle portion of housing 20 has a through opening or bore 26 that extends across the body 20. Within the through bore 26 there is at least one recess 27 that is dimensioned to mate a projection 38 on sleeve 30 in male-female connection. If desired, the projection may be in the through bore 26 and the recess may be in the sleeve 30. The choice will depend on the thickness of the sleeve 30.

[0017] Still with reference to FIG. 1, the upper portion 21 and lower portion 22 are split by the slot 28 that extends across the housing 20 so that the upper portion 21 and lower portion 22 are separated and can be spread apart. The upper portion 21 and lower portion 22 have opposed flat faces 24. If desired, the relief 29 may be provided to assist in slipping the bushing assembly 20 over a stabilizer bar.

[0018] Still with reference to FIG. 1, the representative sleeve 30 has a central opening 32 that has a diameter selected to fit around a selected stabilizing bar and form the bushing surface. A slot 34 splits the sleeve 30 so it can be spread apart. The outer diameter 36 of sleeve 30 is selected to fit within the bore 26. There is at least one projection 38 that is dimensioned to fit within a recess 25 and prevent rotation of the sleeve 30 within the body 20. Multiple sleeves 30 are provided in a kit with each of the sleeves having a different predetermined through bore that is selected to complement a selected stabilizing bar. The stabilizer bar bushing assembly for a predetermined stabilizer bar is configured by selecting from among multiple bushing sleeves a sleeve 30 that complements the predetermined stabilizer bar and positioning the sleeve 30 within the inner bore of the housing 20, see FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0019] With reference to FIG. 2, there is shown an exploded view of the clamp 12, housing 20, and sleeve 30 that comprise the components of the bushing assembly from the opposite side of FIG. 1. In this FIG. 2 view, it can be seen that the recess 27 in the housing 20 extends through the one side so the projection 38 on sleeve 30 can be inserted in the housing 20.

[0020] With reference to FIG. 3, a bushing assembly is shown mounted on a stabilizing bar prior to the clamp 12 being fastened to a vehicle. As can be seen in FIGS. 3, 4, and 5, the section of bar B is within the sleeve but there remains a gap “G” between the inner diameter 32 of sleeve 30 and the bar. When the arms 14 of clamp 12 are secured to a vehicle frame, such as threaded bolts and nuts, the flat faces 24 are drawn to each other and the gap G is eliminated. This final configuration is shown in FIGS. 6 and 7.

[0021] With reference to FIG. 8, there is illustrated and alternative embodiment where the housing 20 has a plurality of recesses 127 and sleeve 130 has a plurality of projections that are dimensioned to fit within the recesses 127. In all other respects, this embodiment is the same as the prior embodiment in FIG. 1.

[0022] With reference to FIG. 11, there is illustrated and alternative embodiment where the housing 220 has a plurality of projections 228 within an enlarged bore 226 that is sized to receive the sleeve 230. The sleeve 230 has an increased thickness that is selected to provide the body mass for forming a plurality of recesses 234 that are dimensioned to mate with the plurality of projections 228 within the bore 226.

[0023] It can be seen from the figures that the mating between the respective projections and recesses will position a sleeve within the housing and prevent the sleeve from rotating within the housing.

[0024] Natural rubber or latex is suitable for both the housing and the sleeves and is a common material for bushing of this type.