Patent ID: 6419214
Filing Date: 2002-07-16
Classification: B60G,F16F

Abstract:
A non-linear spring rate sway bar bushing comprising:a unitary bushing member formed from resilient elastomeric material and having an axially elongated tubular inner portion defining a bore extending axially through said tubular inner portion for receiving and fixedly engaging a portion of a sway bar therein; an axially elongated tubular outer portion coaxially surrounding said tubular inner portion; and at least four equiangularly spaced apart radially extending spokes integrally connected to and extending between said tubular outer portion and maintaining said tubular inner portion in radially inwardly spaced relation to said tubular outer portion, the tubular inner portion, the tubular outer portion and the spokes being generally the same thickness relative to each other, to thereby facilitate a change in the angular relationship between the spokes when subject to an impact force and cause a non-linear spring rate to develop in the sway bar bushing.