Patent ID: 7681919
Filing Date: 2010-03-23
Classification: B60R,B62D,E02F

Abstract:
1. A machine having a ground engaging element, comprising: a first rigid metallic structure positioned at a first vertical location relative to the ground engaging element; a second metallic structure that is flexible with respect to the first rigid metallic structure and positioned at a second vertical location relative to the ground engaging element; a diffuser plate having a first end and a second end and coupling the first rigid metallic structure with the second metallic structure, the diffuser plate having a generally vertical orientation and including a stress carrying region extending from the first end to the second end, wherein the first end has a rigid attachment to the first metallic structure, the second end has a rigid attachment to the second metallic structure, and the stress carrying region is flexible with respect to the attachments; and wherein a stress produced from a flexing of the second metallic structure relative to the first metallic structure is concentrated within the stress carrying region, and wherein the first rigid metallic structure is movable in a horizontal direction, via flexing of the diffuser plate, responsive to deflecting or bending of the second metallic structure.