IP Library Granted Patent US 7,390,126
Granted Patent B2
US 7,390,126 · App. 11/006,269 · Granted Jun 24, 2008

Zero radial play idler arm bracket bearing

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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 7,390,126
App. No.
11/006,269
Granted
Jun 24, 2008
Kind
B2
Abstract

An idler arm bracket bearing includes a plurality of inwardly extending fingers to contact the bracket. The fingers deflect toward the bearing body as the fingers contact the bracket, thereby ensuring a full contact fit that provides a tighter joint assembly. Rib members are located between the fingers to center the bracket and limit the resilient deflection of the fingers.

Claims (47)

1. A bearing for a non-oscillating joint extending along a central longitudinal axis of rotation, comprising:

a first portion defined by a first diameter and a first surface;

a second portion defined by a second diameter and a second surface;

a plurality of radially displaceable finger members extending radially inward toward said axis from said second surface of said second portion; and

a plurality of rib members extending radially inward toward said axis from said second surface;

wherein the first diameter is different from the second diameter; wherein the first portion is axially offset from the second portion.

2. The bearing of claim 1 further including a plurality of ribs extending radially inward toward said axis from said first surface.

3. The bearing of claim 1 wherein said rib members are interposed between at least a portion of said finger members.

4. The bearing of claim 1 wherein said finger members extend circumferentially with respect to said axis.

5. The bearing of claim 4 wherein the cross section of said circumferential extension of said first portion and said finger members normal to said axis is defined by a generally consistent outline relative said axis.

6. The bearing of claim 1 wherein said finger members are selectively adapted to be resiliently biased away from said axis.

7. The bearing of claim 1 wherein each of said finger members are defined, at least in part, by:

proximal end,

a distal end,

a contacting surface,

a body surface, and

a leeward surface, wherein said distal end is defined by the contacting surface and the leeward surface, wherein the contacting surface is radially closer to said axis than said leeward surface, wherein the proximal end is defined by the contacting surface.

8. The bearing of claim 1 , wherein said first and second portions are defined by a body, wherein the body is hollow, wherein the hollow body is defined by the first surface and the second surface, wherein the first surface and the second surface define, respectfully, the first diameter and the second diameter.

9. The bearing of claim 8 , wherein said first diameter is larger than said second diameter.

10. A bearing for a non-oscillating joint extending along a central longitudinal axis of rotation, comprising:

a first portion defined by a first inner surface;

a second portion defined by a second inner surface; and

a plurality of finger members extending radially inward toward said axis from said second inner surface of said second portion, wherein said fingers are defined, at least in part, by

a proximal end, and

a distal end; and

a plurality of rib members extending radially inward toward said axis from said second inner surface;

wherein the first inner surface is axially offset from the second inner surface.

11. The bearing of claim 10 , which each of said finger members is further defined to include:

a body surface,

a contacting surface, and

a leeward surface.

12. The bearing of claim 11 , wherein the proximal end is defined by the contacting surface, wherein said distal end is defined by the contacting surface and the leeward surface, wherein the contacting surface is radially closer to said axis than said leeward surface.

13. The bearing of claim 10 further including a plurality of ribs extending radially inward toward said axis from said first inner surface.

14. The bearing of claim 10 , wherein said rib members are interposed between at least a portion of said finger members.

15. The bearing of claim 10 , wherein said finger members extend circumferentially with respect to said axis.

16. The bearing of claim 15 , wherein the cross section of said circumferential extension of said first portion and said finger members normal to said axis is defined by a generally consistent outline relative said axis.

17. The bearing of claim 10 , wherein said finger members are selectively adapted to be resiliently biased away from said axis.

18. The bearing of claim 10 , wherein said first and second portions are defined by a body, wherein the body is hollow, wherein the hollow body is defined by the first inner surface and the second inner surface, wherein the first inner surface and the second inner surface define, respectfully, a first diameter and a second diameter.

19. The bearing of claim 18 , wherein said first diameter is larger than said second diameter.

20. A bearing for a non-oscillating joint extending along a central longitudinal axis of rotation that retains a mating component, comprising:

means for resiliently biasing a plurality of fingers of said bearing upon inserting said mating component into said bearing; and

means for radially displacing the plurality of fingers of said bearing upon inserting said mating component into said bearing, wherein said bearing includes an inner surface having a first inner surface defined by a first diameter and a second inner surface defined by a second diameter, wherein the first diameter is greater than the second diameter,

wherein the first inner surface is axially offset from the second inner surface; and wherein at least one of the inner surfaces of the bearing having ribs or protrusions.

21. The bearing of claim 20 , wherein the means for resiliently biasing the plurality of fingers includes a contacting surface of said plurality of fingers.

22. The bearing of claim 21 , wherein the means for radially displacing the plurality of fingers includes a distal end, wherein the distal end is defined by said contact surface and a leeward surface.

23. The bearing of claim 20 , wherein said plurality of fingers are circumferentially disposed on and extend from said inner surface of said bearing, wherein said plurality of fingers extend radially inwardly toward said axis, wherein said inner surface defines a passage formed in said bearing for permitting insertion of said mating component.

24. The bearing of claim 20 , wherein the plurality of fingers are formed on said second inner surface.

Assignments (30)
PATENT SECURITY AGREEMENT (ABL) Recorded Apr 7, 2023
From: TENNECO INC.; DRIV AUTOMOTIVE INC.; FEDERAL-MOGUL CHASSIS LLC; FEDERAL-MOGUL IGNITION LLC; FEDERAL-MOGUL MOTORPARTS LLC; FEDERAL-MOGUL POWERTRAIN LLC; FEDERAL-MOGUL WORLD WIDE LLC; TENNECO AUTOMOTIVE OPERATING COMPANY INC.; THE PULLMAN COMPANY
To: CITIBANK, N.A., AS COLLATERAL AGENT
Reel/Frame 063268/0506 →
NOTICE OF GRANT OF SECURITY INTEREST IN PATENTS (FIRST LIEN) Recorded Nov 22, 2022
From: DRIV AUTOMOTIVE INC.; FEDERAL-MOGUL CHASSIS LLC; FEDERAL-MOGUL IGNITION LLC; FEDERAL-MOGUL MOTORPARTS LLC; FEDERAL-MOGUL POWERTRAIN LLC; FEDERAL-MOGUL WORLD WIDE LLC; TENNECO AUTOMOTIVE OPERATING COMPANY INC.; TENNECO INC.; THE PULLMAN COMPANY
To: CITIBANK, N.A., AS COLLATERAL AGENT
Reel/Frame 061989/0689 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Nov 19, 2022
From: WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
To: TENNECO INC.; TENNECO AUTOMOTIVE OPERATING COMPANY INC.; TENNECO INTERNATIONAL HOLDING CORP.; THE PULLMAN COMPANY; TENNECO GLOBAL HOLDINGS INC.; CLEVITE INDUSTRIES INC.; TMC TEXAS INC.; CARTER AUTOMOTIVE COMPANY LLC; FEDERAL-MOGUL WORLD WIDE LLC; FELT PRODUCTS MFG. CO. LLC; MUZZY-LYON AUTO PARTS LLC; FEDERAL-MOGUL POWERTRAIN LLC; FEDERAL-MOGUL POWERTRAIN IP LLC; FEDERAL-MOGUL PISTON RINGS, LLC; FEDERAL-MOGUL IGNITION LLC; FEDERAL-MOGUL MOTORPARTS LLC; FEDERAL-MOGUL CHASSIS LLC; F-M MOTORPARTS TSC LLC; F-M TSC REAL ESTATE HOLDINGS LLC; FEDERAL-MOGUL VALVE TRAIN INTERNATIONAL LLC; FEDERAL-MOGUL SEVIERVILLE, LLC; BECK ARNLEY HOLDINGS LLC; FEDERAL-MOGUL FILTRATION LLC; FEDERAL-MOGUL FINANCING CORPORATION; FEDERAL-MOGUL PRODUCTS US LLC
Reel/Frame 061975/0218 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Nov 19, 2022
From: WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
To: TENNECO INC.; TENNECO AUTOMOTIVE OPERATING COMPANY INC.; THE PULLMAN COMPANY; FEDERAL-MOGUL IGNITION LLC; FEDERAL-MOGUL POWERTRAIN LLC; FEDERAL-MOGUL PRODUCTS US LLC; FEDERAL-MOGUL MOTORPARTS LLC; FEDERAL-MOGUL WORLD WIDE LLC; FEDERAL-MOGUL CHASSIS LLC; DRIV AUTOMOTIVE INC.
Reel/Frame 061971/0156 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Nov 19, 2022
From: WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
To: TENNECO INC.; TENNECO AUTOMOTIVE OPERATING COMPANY INC.; THE PULLMAN COMPANY; FEDERAL-MOGUL IGNITION LLC; FEDERAL-MOGUL POWERTRAIN LLC; FEDERAL-MOGUL PRODUCTS US LLC; FEDERAL-MOGUL WORLD WIDE LLC; FEDERAL-MOGUL CHASSIS LLC; DRIV AUTOMOTIVE INC.
Reel/Frame 061975/0031 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Mar 18, 2021
From: WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
To: FEDERAL-MOGUL PRODUCTS US, LLC, AS SUCCESSOR TO FEDERAL-MOGUL PRODUCTS, INC.; FEDERAL-MOGUL WORLD WIDE, INC., AS SUCCESSOR TO FEDERAL-MOGUL WORLD WIDE LLC; FEDERAL-MOGUL MOTORPARTS LLC, AS SUCCESSOR TO FEDERAL-MOGUL MOTORPARTS CORPORATION; FEDERAL-MOGUL IGNITION, LLC, AS SUCCESSOR TO FEDERAL-MOGUL IGNITION COMPANY; TENNECO INC., AS SUCCESSOR TO FEDERAL-MOGUL LLC; FEDERAL-MOGUL CHASSIS LLC; FEDERAL-MOGUL POWERTRAIN LLC; DRIV AUTOMOTIVE INC.
Reel/Frame 056886/0455 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Mar 18, 2021
From: WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
To: FEDERAL-MOGUL PRODUCTS US, LLC, AS SUCCESSOR TO FEDERAL-MOGUL PRODUCTS, INC.; FEDERAL-MOGUL WORLD WIDE, INC., AS SUCCESSOR TO FEDERAL-MOGUL WORLD WIDE LLC; FEDERAL-MOGUL MOTORPARTS LLC, AS SUCCESSOR TO FEDERAL-MOGUL MOTORPARTS CORPORATION; FEDERAL-MOGUL IGNITION, LLC, AS SUCCESSOR TO FEDERAL-MOGUL IGNITION COMPANY; TENNECO INC., AS SUCCESSOR TO FEDERAL-MOGUL LLC; FEDERAL-MOGUL CHASSIS LLC; FEDERAL-MOGUL POWERTRAIN LLC; DRIV AUTOMOTIVE INC.
Reel/Frame 058392/0274 →
SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Mar 17, 2021
From: TENNECO INC.; TENNECO AUTOMOTIVE OPERATING COMPANY INC.; THE PULLMAN COMPANY; FEDERAL-MOGUL IGNITION LLC; FEDERAL-MOGUL POWERTRAIN LLC; FEDERAL-MOGUL PRODUCTS US LLC; FEDERAL-MOGUL WORLD WIDE LLC; FEDERAL-MOGUL CHASSIS LLC; DRIV AUTOMOTIVE INC.
To: WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
Reel/Frame 055626/0065 →
SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Dec 1, 2020
From: TENNECO INC.; THE PULLMAN COMPANY; FEDERAL-MOGUL IGNITION LLC; FEDERAL-MOGUL POWERTRAIN LLC; FEDERAL-MOGUL PRODUCTS US LLC; FEDERAL-MOGUL MOTORPARTS LLC; FEDERAL-MOGUL WORLD WIDE LLC; FEDERAL-MOGUL CHASSIS LLC; DRIV AUTOMOTIVE INC.; TENNECO AUTOMOTIVE OPERATING COMPANY INC.
To: WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
Reel/Frame 054555/0592 →
COLLATERAL TRUSTEE RESIGNATION AND APPOINTMENT, JOINDER, ASSUMPTION AND DESIGNATION AGREEMENT Recorded Oct 26, 2018
From: BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., AS CO-COLLATERAL TRUSTEE AND RESIGNING COLLATERAL TRUSTEE
To: WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS CO-COLLATERAL TRUSTEE, SUCCESSOR COLLATERAL TRUSTEE
Reel/Frame 047630/0661 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Oct 22, 2018
From: BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., AS COLLATERAL TRUSTEE
To: FEDERAL-MOGUL LLC; FEDERAL-MOGUL WORLD WIDE LLC; FEDERAL-MOGUL MOTORPARTS LLC; FEDERAL-MOGUL IGNITION COMPANY; FEDERAL-MOGUL CHASSIS LLC; FEDERAL MOGUL POWERTRAIN LLC; FEDERAL-MOGUL PRODUCTS, INC.
Reel/Frame 047276/0554 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Oct 22, 2018
From: BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., AS COLLATERAL TRUSTEE
To: FEDERAL-MOGUL LLC; FEDERAL-MOGUL WORLD WIDE LLC; FEDERAL-MOGUL MOTORPARTS LLC; FEDERAL-MOGUL IGNITION COMPANY; FEDERAL-MOGUL CHASSIS LLC; FEDERAL MOGUL POWERTRAIN LLC; FEDERAL-MOGUL PRODUCTS, INC.
Reel/Frame 047276/0771 →
CONFIRMATORY GRANT OF SECURITY INTERESTS IN UNITED STATES PATENTS Recorded Oct 9, 2018
From: TENNECO INC.; TENNECO AUTOMOTIVE OPERATING COMPANY INC.; TENNECO INTERNATIONAL HOLDING CORP.; THE PULLMAN COMPANY; TENNECO GLOBAL HOLDINGS INC.; CLEVITE INDUSTRIES INC.; TMC TEXAS INC.; CARTER AUTOMOTIVE COMPANY LLC; FEDERAL-MOGUL WORLD WIDE LLC; FELT PRODUCTS MFG. CO. LLC; MUZZY-LYON AUTO PARTS LLC; FEDERAL-MOGUL POWERTRAIN LLC; FEDERAL-MOGUL POWERTRAIN IP LLC; FEDERAL-MOGUL PISTON RINGS, LLC; FEDERAL-MOGUL IGNITION LLC; FEDERAL-MOGUL MOTORPARTS LLC; FEDERAL-MOGUL CHASSIS LLC; F-M MOTORPARTS TSC LLC; F-M TSC REAL ESTATE HOLDINGS LLC; FEDERAL-MOGUL VALVETRAIN INTERNATIONAL LLC; FEDERAL-MOGUL SEVIERVILLE, LLC; BECK ARNLEY HOLDINGS LLC; FEDERAL-MOGUL FILTRATION LLC; FEDERAL-MOGUL FINANCING CORPORATION; FEDERAL-MOGUL PRODUCTS US LLC
To: WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS COLLATERAL TRUSTEE
Reel/Frame 047223/0001 →
COLLATERAL TRUSTEE RESIGNATION AND APPOINTMENT AGREEMENT Recorded Apr 3, 2018
From: CITIBANK, N.A., AS COLLATERAL TRUSTEE
To: BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., AS COLLATERAL TRUSTEE
Reel/Frame 045822/0765 →
GRANT OF SECURITY INTEREST IN UNITED STATES PATENTS Recorded Sep 26, 2017
From: FEDERAL-MOGUL LLC; FEDERAL-MOGUL PRODUCTS, INC.; FEDERAL-MOGUL MOTORPARTS LLC; FEDERAL-MOGUL CHASSIS LLC; FEDERAL-MOGUL POWERTRAIN LLC; FEDERAL-MOGUL IGNITION COMPANY; FEDERAL-MOGUL WORLD WIDE, LLC
To: CITIBANK, N.A., AS COLLATERAL TRUSTEE
Reel/Frame 044013/0419 →
GRANT OF SECURITY INTEREST IN UNITED STATES PATENTS Recorded Jun 23, 2017
From: FEDERAL-MOGUL LLC; FEDERAL-MOGUL PRODUCTS, INC.; FEDERAL-MOGUL MOTORPARTS CORPORATION; FEDERAL-MOGUL CHASSIS LLC; FEDERAL-MOGUL POWERTRAIN LLC; FEDERAL-MOGUL IGNITION COMPANY; FEDERAL-MOGUL WORLD WIDE, INC.
To: CITIBANK, N.A., AS COLLATERAL TRUSTEE
Reel/Frame 042963/0662 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded May 12, 2016
From: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.
To: AFFINIA GROUP INC.
Reel/Frame 038557/0372 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded May 10, 2016
From: BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.
To: AFFINIA GROUP INC.
Reel/Frame 038662/0928 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Oct 8, 2014
From: AFFINIA GROUP INC.
To: FEDERAL-MOGUL CHASSIS LLC
Reel/Frame 033910/0336 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Jun 20, 2014
From: FEDERAL-MOGUL CORPORATION, A DELAWARE CORPORATION; FEDERAL-MOGUL WORLD WIDE, INC., A MICHIGAN CORPORATION; FEDERAL-MOGUL IGNITION COMPANY, A DELAWARE CORPORATION; FEDERAL-MOGUL POWERTRAIN, INC., A MICHIGAN CORPORATION; FEDERAL-MOGUL PRODUCTS, INC. , A MISSORI CORPORATION; FEDERAL-MOGUL CHASSIS LLC, A DELAWARE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY
To: CITIBANK, N.A., AS COLLATERAL TRUSTEE
Reel/Frame 033204/0707 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded May 20, 2014
From: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.
To: AFFINIA GROUP, INC.
Reel/Frame 032961/0330 →
TERMINATION AND RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST IN PATENTS Recorded May 19, 2014
From: BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.
To: AFFINIA GROUP, INC.
Reel/Frame 032929/0858 →
SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded May 22, 2013
From: AFFINIA GROUP INC.
To: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
Reel/Frame 030471/0076 →
TERMINATION AND RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST IN PATENT RIGHTS Recorded May 14, 2013
From: WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION (AS SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO WILMINGTON TRUST FSB); BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.
To: AFFINIA GROUP INC.
Reel/Frame 030416/0543 →
SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Apr 26, 2013
From: AFFINIA GROUP INC.
To: BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
Reel/Frame 030295/0779 →
PATENT RELEASE Recorded Aug 25, 2009
From: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.
To: AFFINIA GROUP INC.; BRAKE PARTS INC.; WIX FILTRATION CORP. LLC
Reel/Frame 023134/0704 →
SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Aug 25, 2009
From: AFFINIA GROUP INC.
To: WILMINGTON TRUST FSB, AS NOTEHOLDER COLLATERAL AGENT; BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., AS ABL COLLATERAL AGENT
Reel/Frame 023134/0929 →
SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Jan 22, 2009
From: AFFINIA GROUP INC.; WIX FILTRATION CORP LLC
To: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.
Reel/Frame 022127/0938 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Nov 15, 2005
From: DANA CORPORATION
To: AFFINIA GROUP INC.
Reel/Frame 016779/0956 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Dec 7, 2004
From: MARTIN, ERNEST E.
To: DANA CORPORATION
Reel/Frame 016074/0133 →