SHOCK ABSORBER WARNING SYSTEM

• US 3,833,094 A
• Filed: 02/05/1973
• Issued: 09/03/1974
• Est. Priority Date: 02/05/1973
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Sidney Grossman
• Original Assignee: Sidney Grossman
• Inventors: Grossman, Sidney
• Primary Examiner(s): Halvosa, George E. A.
• Application Number:
  US05/329,402
• Time in Patent Office: 575 Days
• Field of Search: 188/322,266,1A 280/6H,124F 200/52R,61.24 340/52R
• US Class Current: 188/1.11R
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 13/00 Resilient suspensions characterised by arrangement, location or type of vibration dampers adjusting damping effect B60G17/06; vibration dampers per se F16F
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 17/0185 for failure detection
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 2204/112 on dampers, e.g. fluid dampers
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 2400/25 Stroke; Height; Displacement
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 2600/044 Alarm means
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 2600/08 Failure or malfunction detecting means
• CPC Class Codes: F16F 9/3264 Arrangements for indicating, e.g. fluid level; Arrangements for checking dampers F16F9/3292 takes precedence; testing of vehicle damping G01M17/04
• CPC Class Codes: G01M 17/04 Suspension or damping

Abstract

An alarm system is provided for use on motor vehicles to monitor the condition of the vehicle'"'"''"'"'s shock absorbers. The system includes a spring-loaded switching device mounted to each shock absorber and connected through a circuit to an alarm such as a light or buzzer which may be installed on the vehicle'"'"''"'"'s dashboard. The switching device closes if the shock absorber telescopes beyond its normal operating range.

Claims

1. A system for monitoring the condition of a shock absorber having a pair of telescopically connected sections, comprising a. switch means mounted to said shock absorber and adapted to be closed by an excessive telescopic action of said sections, b. alarm means operatively connected to said switch means and adapted to be actuated upon closing of said switch means, c. first spring means connected to said switch means for urging said switch means into a closed position and second spring means connected to said switch means and to said sections for urging said switch means into an open position, said first and second spring means maintaining said switch means open during normal movement of said sections and closed during abnormal movement thereof, d. said switch means including a pair of movable contacts and said second spring means including electrically conductive leads connected betwen said contacts and opposite ends of said sections.

2. A system according to claim 1 including time delay means between said switch means and said alarm means.

3. A system according to claim 1 including a relay operatively connected to said switch means and operatively connected to said alarm means and time delay means connected to said alarm means for delaying actuation of said alarm means for a predetermined period.

4. A system according to claim 1 including an eye mounted within said sections at opposite ends thereof and the ends of said leads are formed with bent legs having a detent formed therein for engagement with each of said eyes.

5. A system according to claim 4 including a telescopic housing supporting said contacts and said first spring means.