Patent ID: 7494142
Filing Date: 2009-02-24
Classification: B60G,B62K

Abstract:
1. A swing arm with impact dampener, comprising: a swing arm having a pivoting coupling end and a non-pivoting coupling end; an impact dampening assembly connecting the non-pivoting coupling end to an axle, the impact dampening assembly comprising: a tubular bushing housing positioned transversely across the non-pivoting coupling end of the swing arm, the housing defining a bushing receiving cavity with two open opposed ends; a bushing offset from the axle, the impact dampening assembly allowing torsional movement of the axle relative to the non-pivoting coupling end upon application of a force to the axle, the bushing being a compliant bushing disposed in the bushing receiving cavity and protruding past each of the opposed ends; attachment plates covering each the opposed ends of the housing, the attachment plates being adapted to facilitate attachment of the non-pivoting coupling end of the swing arm to the axle; and the attachment plates exerting a clamping force upon the bushing, such that the bushing deforms in response to force exerted via the attachment plates prior to transferring impact forces via the housing to the swing arm.