Abstract:
A roll stabilizer for a vehicle includes a resilient member operatively connected between a movable end and a fixed end, and structure for activating and deactivating operation of the stabilizer by affecting compression of the resilient member.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     The present regular United States patent application claims the benefits of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/713,101 filed Aug. 31, 2005. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present invention relates generally to suspension systems on motor vehicles, and, more particularly to stabilizer systems provided to inhibit roll of the vehicle.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     A driver may cause a vehicle to undergo a hard turn, a quick turn, or a series of hard and quick turns when encountering various driving conditions and situations. Such conditions can be experienced during high speed maneuvers, which may occur on freeway entrance ramps, merging lanes and the like. Quick maneuvers also can occur to avoid accidents or objects in the roadway. When experiencing a hard, quick turn the vehicle body tends to elevate on one side and lower on the opposite side very suddenly. This condition is referred to as vehicle body roll. High profile vehicles such as trucks, sports utility vehicles, vans, all-terrain vehicles (ATV&#39;s) and the like experience roll conditions more readily than lower profile vehicles, such as passenger cars.  
         [0004]     A variety of suspension and stabilizer systems have been used on vehicles of all types to improve passenger comfort and driving stability. Primary suspension system components can include springs and/or dampers providing spring force to suspend the vehicle body, controlling a single wheel assembly and movement relative to the vehicle frame. Primary suspension systems provide only minimal resistance to vehicle body roll.  
         [0005]     Roll stabilizer systems provide spring force to return the vehicle body to a neutral position or condition when forces from sudden vehicle movements have caused the body to lean one direction or another. Accordingly, stabilizer systems operate to return the vehicle body from a roll condition to a neutral condition. Several types of stabilizer systems are known.  
         [0006]     Torsion bar stabilizer systems have a stabilizer bar as a tension spring and links in series attached to the primary suspension system and vehicle frame. Single compensating stabilizer systems have one anti-roll compensator attached to the primary suspension via a bell crank or the like on each control arm. A dual compensating linear stabilizer system has two anti-roll compensators attached to the primary suspension with two bell cranks on each control arm, with each compensator attached to an upper bell crank on one control arm and to a lower bell crank on the other control arm.  
         [0007]     Stabilizer systems as described have achieved acceptance and operate effectively to return the vehicle to a neutral condition when vehicle body roll has been experienced.  
         [0008]     For typical street and highway driving conditions it is desirable that a stabilizer system be always operating. However, off-road vehicles, including trucks, ATV&#39;s and the like, can be operated in severe terrain wherein one or more wheel may be severely displaced with respect to the other wheels at slow speeds. Commonly, operation in the most severe terrain conditions is performed at low speeds. It is desirable in some situations to operate without a stabilizer system. Without the stabilizer, the wheels and body can move naturally without interference or resistance from spring members in the stabilizer system. However, these same vehicles also may be operated on highways or in other high speed conditions. The high profiles of such vehicles can result in the vehicle being more prone to roll than other vehicles. Accordingly, it is desirable that such vehicles have stabilizer systems for such high speed operation; however, operation of the stabilizer system during off-road maneuvers may be undesirable. Disconnecting or removing stabilizer systems when vehicles are taken off road has been difficult and time consuming.  
         [0009]     Accordingly, what is needed is a stabilizer system that can be decoupled or re-coupled quickly and easily, to be active or inactive as the operator desires.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0010]     The present invention provides a variety of structures whereby stabilizer systems can be placed in active, operating conditions and inactive, non-operating conditions as desired.  
         [0011]     In one aspect thereof, the present invention provides a vehicle stabilizer with a housing having first and second end caps on opposite ends thereof; a fixed end secured relative to the first end cap; a movable end connected to an axially movable rod. The rod extends through the second end cap and into the housing. A resilient member is disposed on the rod in the housing. End stops are provided at opposite ends of the housing. First and second abutment members are provided at opposite ends of the resilient member, between the end stops and opposite ends of the resilient member. An adjustment means is provided for selectively establishing engagement and disengagement between the end stops and the abutment members upon axial movement of the rod.  
         [0012]     In another aspect thereof, the present invention provides a vehicle stabilizer with a fixed end and a movable end. A spring means is operatively connected between the fixed end and the movable end and has an associated relationship with the movable end to effect compression of the spring means upon the movable end being placed in compression and in tension. A selective deactivating means selectively disconnects and connects the associated relationship between the movable end and the spring means.  
         [0013]     In a still further aspect thereof, the present invention provides a vehicle stabilizer with a housing having first and second end caps on opposite ends thereof, the housing being rotatable relative to the end caps. A fixed end is secured relative to the first end cap, and a movable end is connected to an axially movable rod extending through the second end cap and into the housing. A resilient member is disposed on the rod in the housing, and end stops are provided at opposite ends in the housing. First and second washers are provided on the rod at opposite ends of the resilient member. The end stops are connected to the housing and have openings axially there in. The openings in the end stops each include a central portion and spaced channels outwardly from the central portion. The first and second washers have peripheral shapes including lobes. The peripheral shapes are of size and configuration to slide into the openings in the end stops with the housing and the end stops in one rotated position, and the peripheral shapes are of size and configuration to abut the end stops with the housing and the end stops in an other rotated position.  
         [0014]     An advantage of the present invention is providing a stabilizer system for vehicles that can be rendered operative or inoperative selectively, in a convenient and rapid manner.  
         [0015]     Another advantage of the present invention is providing a decoupling stabilizer system useful for off-road vehicles to render stabilizer systems operative and inoperative selectively.  
         [0016]     Another advantage of the present invention is providing decoupling stabilizer systems for vehicle stabilizers that can be operated manually or automatically and on stabilizer systems of different types.  
         [0017]     Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following detailed description, claims and drawings in which like numerals are used to designate like features. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0018]      FIG. 1  is a cross-sectional view of a decoupling stabilizer in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0019]      FIG. 2  is an exploded view of the decoupling stabilizer shown in  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0020]      FIG. 3  is a plan view of one of the fixed end members used in the decoupling stabilizer of  FIGS. 1 and 2 ;  
         [0021]      FIG. 4  is a plan view of an internal washer from the decoupling stabilizer shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ;  
         [0022]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view, partially broken away, of the decoupling stabilizer shown in the previous drawings;  
         [0023]      FIG. 6  is an elevational view illustrating a decoupling stabilizer system of the present invention, including a decoupling stabilizer and a control and operating system therefore;  
         [0024]      FIG. 7  is a schematic illustration of yet another control and operating system in a decoupling stabilizer system of the present invention;  
         [0025]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a modified form of the decoupling stabilizer shown in  FIGS. 1-5 ;  
         [0026]      FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a decoupling stabilizer in an engaged condition;  
         [0027]      FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view similar to that of  FIG. 9 , but illustrating the decoupling stabilizer in a disengaged condition;  
         [0028]      FIG. 11  is an elevational view of part of the decoupling stabilizer shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 ;  
         [0029]      FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view of still another decoupling stabilizer of the present invention, illustrated in an engaged condition;  
         [0030]      FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional view similar to that of  FIG. 12 , but illustrating the decoupling stabilizer in a disengaged condition;  
         [0031]      FIG. 14  is a cross-sectional view of a still further decoupling stabilizer system of the present invention;  
         [0032]      FIG. 15  is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of a still further decoupling stabilizer of the present invention, illustrated in an engaged condition;  
         [0033]      FIG. 16  is a cross-sectional view of the decoupling stabilizer shown in  FIG. 15 , but illustrating the decoupling stabilizer in a disengaged condition;  
         [0034]      FIG. 17  is an end view of the decoupling stabilizer shown in  FIGS. 15 and 16 ;  
         [0035]      FIG. 18  is a fragmentary elevational view of a decoupling stabilizer in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention, shown in an engaged condition;  
         [0036]      FIG. 19  is a fragmentary view similar to that of  FIG. 18 , but illustrating the decoupling stabilizer in a disengaged condition;  
         [0037]      FIG. 20  is a cross-sectional view of yet another decoupling stabilizer of the present invention, shown in an engaged condition;  
         [0038]      FIG. 21  is a cross-sectional view of the decoupling stabilizer shown in  FIG. 20 , but illustrating the decoupling stabilizer in a disengaged condition;  
         [0039]      FIG. 22  is a cross-sectional view of a still further embodiment for a decoupling stabilizer of the present invention, illustrating the decoupling stabilizer in an engaged condition; and  
         [0040]      FIG. 23  is a view of decoupling stabilizer shown in  FIG. 22 , but illustrating the decoupling stabilizer in a disengaged condition. 
     
    
       [0041]     Before the embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various ways. Also, it is understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use herein of “including”, “comprising” and variations thereof is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof, as well as additional items and equivalents thereof.  
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0042]     Referring now more specifically to the drawings and to  FIG. 1  in particular, a decoupling stabilizer  30  is shown. Stabilizer  30  includes a fixed end  32  and a movable end  34  configured for attachment in a vehicle, in a manner and by structure that those skilled in the art will readily understand. For example, each fixed end  32  and a movable end  34  can include a clevis or other structure for attachment within a vehicle. Stabilizer  30  can be provided of different size and general shape for use in vehicles of different types, including for example, ATVs and other off-road vehicles.  
         [0043]     Stabilizer  30  includes first and second end caps  36  and  38 , respectively and a rotatable outer housing  40 . Housing  40  is rotatable relative to fixed end  30  and movable end  32 , which is axially movable relative to fixed end  32  and housing  40 . A rod  42  is connected to movable end  34  and extends into housing  40  through end cap  38 . Within housing  40 , first and second spaced abutment bodies such as washers  44 ,  46  are disposed on rod  42 . A spring member  48  is disposed on rod  42 , between washers  44 ,  46 . While illustrated in the exemplary embodiment as a helical spring  48 , those skilled in the art should readily understand that spring  48  can be a resilient, rubber-like member of natural or synthetic rubbers, or a resilient, spring-member of structures other than the helical spring shown.  
         [0044]     End stops  50 ,  52  are disposed in housing  40 , outwardly of washers  44 ,  46  respectively. Accordingly, end stop  50  is disposed between end cap  36  and washer  44  and end stop  52  is disposed between end cap  38  and washer  46 . End stops  50 ,  52  are connected to housing  40  and are rotatable together with housing  40  relative to end caps  36  and  38 , respectively.  
         [0045]     With reference now to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , end stops  50 ,  52  will be described more fully. Each end stop  50 ,  52  is a substantially cylindrical body having a central opening  54 . Opening  54  has a center portion and defines three axial channels  56 ,  58  and  60  of greatest radial distance from an axial center of opening  54 . Channels  56 ,  58  and  60  are spaced one from another, and are separated by curved axial lands  62 ,  64 ,  66 .  
         [0046]     With respect now to  FIGS. 2 and 4 , washers  44  and  46  will be described in greater detail. Essentially, each washer  44  and washer  46  has a shape that is complementary to the shapes of openings  54  in end stops  50 ,  52 . Accordingly, washers  44  and  46  have a relatively small central hole  70  through which rod  42  extends. Hole  70  is shaped together with an exterior surface of rod  42  so that washers  44 ,  46  are not rotatable on rod  42 . In the exemplary embodiment, hole  70  and rod  42  are six-sided, but other non-round shapes also can be used. Outwardly of hole  70 , washers  44 ,  46  otherwise are substantially solid bodies, having three radially outwardly extending lobes  72 ,  74 ,  76  of a size and shape to fit within channels  56 ,  58  and  60  respectively. Thus, depending on the relative rotational positions of end stops  50 ,  52  relative to washers  44 ,  46 ; lobes  72 ,  74  and  76  are aligned with either lands  62 ,  64 ,  66  or channels  56 ,  58  and  60 .  
         [0047]     Rod  42  is connected to and moves axially with movable end  34 , as movable end  34  is placed in compression or tension within a vehicle suspension system in which stabilizer  30  is installed. To this end, rod  42  in the exemplary embodiment is provided with a threaded end  78  ( FIG. 2 ) engaged with a tube  80  connected to movable end  34 . Tube  80  defines an abutment  82  at an end thereof, which is of greater diameter than hole  70  in washer  46 . Accordingly, washer  46  cannot slide onto or along tube  80 . At an end opposite threaded end  78 , rod  42  is provided with a head  84  larger than hole  70  of a washer  44 . Accordingly, washer  44  can slide along rod  42 , but not past head  84 .  
         [0048]     To activate and deactivate stabilizer  30 , housing  40  is rotated relative to end caps  36 ,  38 , which are rotatably restrained by the connection thereof to ends  32  and  34  that are connected within a vehicle suspension system. Washers  44 ,  46  are not rotatable relative to rod  42 , and thus also stay in fixed rotational positions as housing  40  is rotated. As mentioned previously, end stops  50 ,  52  are connected to and rotate with housing  40 . Accordingly, in a first rotational position of housing  40 , lobes  72 ,  74 ,  76  of washers  44 ,  46  are aligned with lands  62 ,  64  and  66  of end stops  50 ,  52 . If movable end  34  is compressed toward fixed end  32 , washer  44  is held against end stop  50 , washer  46  abuts abutment  82  and further axial movement compresses spring  48  as washer  46  is pushed against it. As compressive force on movable end  34  is released, spring  48  urges washer  46  outwardly, thus moving rod  42  and movable end  34  back to the neutral position as shown in  FIG. 1 . Conversely, if movable end  34  is placed in tension, washer  46  abuts against end stop  52  and washer  44  is drawn against spring  48  by head  84 . Spring  48  again is compressed between washers  44 ,  46 . Again, when tension forces are released, spring  48  urges washer  44  outwardly, and stabilizer  30  returns to the neutral condition shown in  FIG. 1 . In the orientations just described, with end stops  50 ,  52  rotated into positions in which lands  62 ,  64 ,  66  and lobes  72 ,  74 ,  76  are aligned, stabilizer  30  is in an activated state and functions both in compression and tension from movement of movable end  34 .  
         [0049]     To deactivate stabilizer  30 , housing  40  is rotated, thereby rotating end stops  50 ,  52  that are connected to housing  40 . In a second rotational position of housing  40 , lobes  72 ,  74  and  76  align with channels  56 ,  58  and  60 . If movable end  34  is placed in compression, washer  46  is again urged against spring  48  by advancing tube  80 . However, as axial force is applied against washer  44  via spring  48 , washer  44  slides into end stop  50 , with lobes  72 ,  74  and  76  sliding axially along channels  56 ,  58  and  60 . Spring  48  is not compressed and instead a portion thereof slides into end stop  50 . Similarly, if movable end  34  is placed in tension, washer  46  and an opposite end portion of spring  48  slide into end stop  52 , and again spring  48  is not compressed. Accordingly, stabilizer  30  is effectively decoupled from the suspension system in which it is installed, and does not perform.  
         [0050]     It should be understood that adjustment of stabilizer  30  can be manual or automatic. For example, as shown in  FIGS. 1, 2  and  5 , housing  40  can simply be grasped by hand and rotated to move the relative positions of end stops  50  and  52  relative to washers  44  and  46 .  FIG. 8  illustrates an embodiment in which a handle  86  is provided on housing  40  to facilitate grasping and rotating between the coupled and decoupled positions.  
         [0051]     Automatic controls also can be used to activate and deactivate stabilizers of the present invention.  FIG. 6  illustrates a decoupling stabilizer system  88  having a control and operating system  90 . A stabilizer  30 , as described previously herein, is provided with gear teeth in the form of a gear rack  92  on housing  40 . A drive motor  94  has a drive gear  96  engaged with rack  92 . A controller  98  is coupled to motor  94 . Signal inputs to controller  98  can be provided from a push-button or other selector  100  available to the operator of the vehicle. Alternatively or additionally, a speed sensor  102  coupled with the transmission (not shown) or other system in the vehicle can be used to generate signal inputs to controller  98 , to initiate control signals to operate motor  94 . Motor  94  is a reversing motor so that drive gear  96  can be rotated in opposite directions upon the receipt of control signals from controller  98 . As drive gear  96  is rotated while engaged with rack  92 , housing  40  is rotated one direction or the other, depending on the direction of operation for motor  94 .  
         [0052]     Various types of distance measuring and/or position determining processes and devices can be used to ensure accurate positioning of housing  40  for both coupled and decoupled positions. Mechanical stops  104 ,  106  can be provided on one or the other end cap, and a gauge bar  108  connected to housing  40  traverses between stops  104  and  106  as housing  40  is rotated. Stops  104  and  106  establish physical restrictions and prevent over rotation of housing  40  in either rotational direction and provide a visual queue when housing  40  is properly rotated and gauge bar  108  is engaged against one or the other stop  104 ,  106 .  
         [0053]      FIG. 7  illustrates yet another mechanical variation in which the stabilizer can be coupled and decoupled quickly during operation. Decoupling stabilizer system  110  is suitable for use on an ATV or the like having a handlebar  112 . A stabilizer  114  includes stops  104 ,  106  and gauge bar  108  as described previously. Operation is via a cable  116  and a lever  118 . An anchor block  120  on an end cap  122  secures an end of a sheath  124  through which cable  116 , in the nature of a stiff wire, is slidably disposed. One end, cable  116  is secured to lever  118 , and an opposite end cable  116  is secured to a fastener  126  on housing  128 . Housing  128  is biased toward one or the other position, in the direction to provide tension on cable  116 . In this embodiment, coupling and decoupling of stabilizer system  110  is accomplished similarly to the clutch and brake controls commonly found on ATV&#39;s, bicycles and the like. Squeezing lever  118  against handlebar  112  pulls cable  116  and rotates housing  128 . When lever  118  is released, spring biasing of housing  128  returns it to an opposite rotational position. The operation of decoupling stabilizer system  110  is both intuitive and easy. Operation can be performed while moving and riding the vehicle. As a result, a rider of an ATV can coordinate the operation of stabilizer system  110  to the riding conditions experienced. Stabilizer system  110  can be deactivated when needed and can be activated when conditions are such that performance of stabilizer system  110  is advantageous.  
         [0054]     Other structures can be used for physically decoupling a stabilizer in accordance with the present invention.  FIGS. 9-23  illustrate further embodiments for decoupling stabilizers in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0055]      FIGS. 9-11  illustrate a decoupling stabilizer  230  which includes a fixed end  232  and a movable end  234 . End caps  236 ,  238  are provided on opposite ends of a rotatable housing  240 . A rod  242  is provided in the interior of housing  240  and has first and second washers  244 ,  246  mounted thereon with a resilient, compressible member  248  therebetween. Resilient compressible member  248  acts as a spring to retain its original shape and size when compressed. End stops  250  and  252  are provided outwardly of first and second washers  244 ,  246  respectively. Accordingly, end stop  250  is provided between first washer  244  and end cap  236  and second end stop  252  is provided between second washer  246  and end cap  238 .  
         [0056]     As thus far described, decoupling stabilizer  230  is substantially similar to decoupling stabilizer  30  described previously herein. As shown in  FIG. 9 , stabilizer  230  is engaged, with end stops  250 ,  252  held against first washer  244  and second washer  246 , respectively. A plurality of pins  254  extend from housing  240  inwardly and are received in grooves  256  of end stops  250 ,  252 .  FIG. 11  illustrates one such groove  256  in end stop  250 ; however, it should be understood that one such groove  256  is provided for each pin  254 . The shape of groove  256  is such that as housing  240  is rotated, causing pins  254  to rotate and traverse along groove  256 , end stops  250 ,  252  are moved axially within housing  240 . Accordingly, in a first rotationally adjusted position of housing  240 , end stops  250 ,  252  are held against washers  244 ,  246 , respectively, as illustrated in  FIG. 9 . In this position, decoupling stabilizer  230  is in an activated state and will operate to provide a damping effect. In a second rotationally adjustable position of housing  240 , end stops  250 ,  252  are moved axially outwardly in housing  240 , and are held against end caps  236 ,  238  respectively. Accordingly, as movable end  234  is moved one direction or the other, the inner assembly of washers  244 ,  246  and resilient member  248  move freely within housing  240 , between end stops  250 ,  252 . Since no compression is applied on resilient member  248 , stabilizer  230  is effectively decoupled. The decoupled condition of stabilizer  230  is illustrated in  FIG. 10 . To guide the axial movement of end stops  250  and  252 , and to prevent the rotation of end stops  250 ,  252 ; a plurality of axial guide pins  258  are slidingly received in each of end stops  250 ,  252 .  
         [0057]     Yet another decoupling stabilizer  330  is shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13 . Stabilizer  330  includes a fixed end  332  and a movable end  334  and a movable end  334 . End caps  336 ,  338  are provided on opposite ends of a rotatable housing  340 . A rod  342  is provided in the interior of housing  340  and has first and second washers  344 ,  346  mounted thereon, with a resilient compressible member  348  therebetween. Resilient compressible member  348  acts as a spring to retain its original shape and size when compressed. End stops  350  and  352  are provided outwardly of first and second washers  344 ,  346  respectively. Accordingly, end stop  350  is provided between first washer  344  and end cap  336 , and second end stop  352  is provided between second washer  346  and end cap  338 .  
         [0058]     Stabilizer  330  differs in the manner of advancing end stops  350 ,  352  within housing  340 . one or more hydraulic fluid source  354  is connected to hydraulic actuators  356 ,  358  associated with end stops  350 ,  352 , respectively. Thus, in known manner, hydraulic actuators  356 ,  358  either advance end stops  350 ,  352  toward washers  344 ,  346 , respectively, or away from washers  344 ,  346  and against end caps  336 ,  338  respectively. Thus, with end stops  350 ,  352  advanced against washers  344 ,  346 , respectively, stabilizer  330  is in an activated condition as illustrated in  FIG. 12 . With end stops  350 ,  352  moved away from washers  344 ,  346  stabilizer  330  is in a deactivated condition, as illustrated in  FIG. 13 .  
         [0059]     Yet another decoupling stabilizer  430  is illustrated in  FIG. 14 . Stabilizer  430  includes a fixed end  432  and a movable end  434 . End caps  436  and  438  are provided at opposite ends of a housing  440 , which can be fixed relative to end caps  436 ,  438 . A rod  442  in housing  440  has first and second washers  444 ,  446  disposed thereon. A resilient member  448  is disposed on rod  442 , between washers  444  and  446 . Resilient compressible member  448  acts as a spring to retain its original shape and size when compressed. End stops  450  and  452  are provided outwardly of first and second washers  444 ,  446  respectively. Accordingly, end stop  450  is provided between first washer  444  and end cap  436 , and second end stop  452  is provided between second washer  446  and end cap  438 . In stabilizer  430 , end stops  450  and  452  can remain operationally engaged with and against washers  444  and  446  at all times in that operational disconnect is effected by means other than the positional relationships of end stops  450 ,  452  and washers  444 ,  446 .  
         [0060]     Movable end  434  includes a female portion  454  and a male portion  456  disposed in female portion  454 . A pin  458  is provided to fixedly connect female portion  454  and male portion  456 , to secure the axial positions of each with respect to the other. Thus, with pin  458  in place, stabilizer  430  is in an active condition, and axial movement of male portion  456  is transferred to female portion  454 , initiating the stabilizing performance of resilient member  448  as described with previous embodiments. When  458  is removed, stabilizer  430  is in a de-active condition, and male portion  456  slides freely within female portion  454  without transfer movement to female portion  454 , as stabilizer  430  is placed either in compression or tension.  
         [0061]      FIGS. 15, 16  and  17  illustrate yet another embodiment of a movable end  460  that can be used in decoupling stabilizers of the present invention. A female portion  464  receives a male portion  466  therein. Female portion  464  and male portion  466  have interengaging surfaces  468  and  470 , respectively. As best seen in  FIG. 17 , female portion  464  is provided with two such surfaces  468  and male portion  466  is provided with two complementary and aligned portions  470 . A hydraulic or other actuator  472  is provided to extend or retract surfaces  470  of male portion  466 . Accordingly, as illustrated in  FIG. 15 , with surfaces  470  of male portion  466  extended and engaged with surfaces  468  of female portion  464 , axial translation of male portion  466  is transferred to female portion  464  through the inter-engagement of surfaces  468  and  470 . A stabilizer incorporating movable end  460  in this condition is activated and will function. With surfaces  470  of male portion  466  retracted, male portion  466  is not connected to or engaged with female portion  464  and slides freely therein when placed in either compression or tension. Accordingly, as illustrated in  FIGS. 16 and 17  stabilizer  460  is de-active.  
         [0062]      FIGS. 18 and 19  illustrate yet another fragmentary portion of a movable end  480  including a female portion  484  and a male portion  486  received therein. Male portion  486  is rotatable relative to an attaching fixture  488  of movable end  480  trough a rotatable connection  490 . Male portion  486  is provided with an outwardly projecting pin  492 , and female portion  484  is provided with an intersecting slot arrangement  494  including an axial slot portion  496  and a circumferential slot segment  498 . By rotating male portion  486  relative to female portion  484 , pin  492  is received either in axial slot portion  496  or circumferential slot portion  498 . As illustrated in  FIG. 18 , with pin  490  constrained within circumferential slot portion  496 , axial movement of male portion  486  and pin  492  connected thereto causes movement of female portion  484  through the engagement of pin  492  against sides of circumferential slot  498 . Thus, as illustrated in  FIG. 18 , stabilizer  480  is in an active condition. Conversely, as depicted in  FIG. 19 , stabilizer  480  is deactivated, with pin  492  disposed in axial slot  496 . As male portion  486  is placed in either compression or tension pin  492  simply traverses along axial slot  496 , without causing engagement between male portion  486  and female portion  484 . Accordingly, male portion  486  moves freely within female portion  484 , and stabilizer  480  is de-active.  
         [0063]      FIGS. 20 and 21  illustrate still another embodiment that can be used at either a fixed end or a movable end of a decoupling stabilizer of the present invention. A pin  500  is connected to the vehicle. A retainer box  502  is attached to a stabilizer fixed or moveable end  504 . A slider block  506  is depressed to capture pin  500  within a confined slot area  508 . When slider block  506  is moved in an opposite direction, upwardly as depicted in  FIGS. 20 and 21 , pin  500  is received in a large, substantially unconstrained area  510  of slider block  506 . Accordingly, as illustrated in  FIG. 20 , with pin  500  constrained within confined area  508 , forces of compression and tension are conveyed between components, rendering the stabilizer active. In the disengaged position illustrated in  FIG. 21  forces of compression or tension are not conveyed through pin  50 , which slides freely in space  510 . Accordingly a stabilizer connected to end  504  is effectively decoupled and de-active. The embodiment shown in  FIGS. 20 and 21  may be of advantage for both manual and mechanical operation, and can be provided with a locking mechanism to secure the position of slider block  506  in either the engaged or disengaged conditions.  
         [0064]     Yet another decoupling stabilizer  530  is shown in  FIGS. 22 and 23 . Decoupling stabilizer  530  includes a fixed end  532  and a movable end  534 . End caps  536  and  538  are provided at opposite ends of a housing  540 . A rod  542 , having first and second washers  544 ,  546  disposed thereon, is provided in housing  540 . Resilient spring material  548  is provided between first and second washers  544 ,  546 . End stops  550 ,  552  are provided outwardly of first and second washers  544 ,  546 , respectively. Threaded studs  554 ,  556  project inwardly from end caps  536 ,  538 , respectively, and are engaged with end stops  550 ,  552  in a threaded manner. Levers  558 ,  560  are connected to end stops  550 ,  552 , respectively and extend outwardly through slots  562 ,  564  in housing  540 . The threaded engagement of end stops  550 ,  552  on studs  554 ,  556  can be relatively course such that rotation of end stops  550 ,  552  via movement of levers  558 ,  560  in slots  562 ,  564  causes substantial axial movement of end stops  550 ,  552  within housing  540 . Accordingly, in a first adjusted position, end stops  550 ,  552  are held against washers  544 ,  546  as illustrated in  FIG. 22 , and stabilizer  530  is in an activate condition. With levers  558 ,  560  in the opposite extreme adjusted positions, end stops  550 ,  552  are moved away from washers  554 ,  556  and against end caps  536 ,  538 , respectively. Accordingly, as illustrated in  FIG. 23 , stabilizer  530  is in a de-active condition.  
         [0065]     The present invention as shown and described herein, including equivalents thereof, provides adjustment means for vehicle stabilizers through rotation of stabilizer housings, positional adjustment of the stabilizer end stops and/or interruption of the axial connections between actually movable parts whereby a resilient spring means in the stabilizer is selectively rendered operable or in operable within the vehicle suspension system. Each of the embodiments described herein, and the equivalents thereof, provides a deactivating means whereby the associated relationship between a movable end of the stabilizer and a resilient spring means in the stabilizer is selectively disconnected and connected. As a result, each of the stabilizers disclosed herein, and the equivalents thereof, provides a readily and selectively de-couplable structure whereby the stabilizer can be rendered active or inactive, as desired. Accordingly, stabilizers of the present invention provide advantages for use on vehicles such as four-wheel-drive vehicles, ATVs and the like which at times may be operated on conventional roads at highway speeds, and which at other times may be operated off-road at slow speeds in rugged terrains.  
         [0066]     Variations and modifications of the foregoing are within the scope of the present invention. It is understood that the invention disclosed and defined herein extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text and/or drawings. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the present invention. The embodiments described herein explain the best modes known for practicing the invention and will enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention. The claims are to be construed to include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art.  
         [0067]     Various features of the invention are set forth in the following claims.