U.S. patent number RE36,058 [Application Number 08/786,863] was granted by the patent office on 1999-01-26 for multi-element wheel alignment shim assembly, and method of use.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Ingalls Engineering Company, Inc.. Invention is credited to Gary L. Sokol.
United States Patent |
RE36,058 |
Sokol |
January 26, 1999 |
Multi-element wheel alignment shim assembly, and method of use
Abstract
Shim assembly configured to be positioned in a wheel assembly to
correct alignment and formed of a plurality of flat, tapered
elements securable together and positionally adjustable one
relative to the other with selectable orientation of the tapers,
preferably rotatably secured for mutual angular movement of the
elements around an axis, indicia to display the angular
relationship of the elements and of the shim assembly orientation,
such that the taper of the elements add or subtract to establish
the overall composite taper of the shim assembly with the indicia
displaying such composite taper and/or providing orientation points
for positioning of the shim assembly in a wheel assembly to correct
alignment.
Inventors: |
Sokol; Gary L. (Longmont,
CO) |
Assignee: |
Ingalls Engineering Company,
Inc. (Longmont, CO)
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Family
ID: |
22332234 |
Appl.
No.: |
08/786,863 |
Filed: |
January 22, 1997 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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Reissue of: |
110291 |
Aug 20, 1993 |
05383678 |
Jan 24, 1995 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
280/86.753 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B62D
17/00 (20130101); B60G 2200/46 (20130101); B60G
2206/50 (20130101); B60G 2200/4622 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
B62D
17/00 (20060101); B62D 017/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;280/661 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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685961 |
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May 1964 |
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CA |
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383551 |
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Nov 1932 |
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GB |
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1604014 |
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Dec 1981 |
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GB |
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Other References
Judgement of the United States Patent Office Board of Patent
Appeals and Interferences in Interference No. 103,634 (Sokol v.
Schlosser et al), Mailed Aug. 13, 1996 (Paper No. 39). .
U.S. application No. 08/054,411; A Device and Method for Adjusting
Camber and/or Toe; By Schlosser et al.; Filed Apr. 28, 1993. .
U.S. application No. 07/911,464; Apparatus and Method for Adjusting
Camber and Toe; By Schlosser et al.; Filed Jul. 10, 1992. .
No. 808 Cam Plates Installation Instructions; 1984; By Ingalls
Engineering Company, Inc., Longmont, Colorado..
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Primary Examiner: Rice; Kenneth R.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Burdick; Harold A.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A shim assembly for correcting misalignment of toe and/or camber
of a vehicle wheel spindle extending from a mounting plate attached
to a vehicle.Iadd., .Iaddend.the shim assembly comprising:
a first tapered shim element having opposed, nonparallel tapered
surfaces;
a second tapered shim element having opposed, nonparallel tapered
surfaces, at least a portion of one of the tapered surfaces of the
first tapered shim element and at least a portion of one of the
tapered surfaces of the second tapered shim element being adjacent
to and in contact with each other.Iadd., and in which a plurality
of spaced apart openings is defined through only one of the first
and second tapered shim elements and the other of the first and
second tapered shim elements is positioned inward of the
openings.Iaddend.; and
connecting means rotatably securing the first tapered shim element
to the second tapered shim element for mutual rotation around a
common axis,
whereby the composite taper of the shim assembly may be varied by
orienting the taper of the first tapered shim element relative to
the taper of second tapered shim element. .[.
2. A shim assembly as set forth in claim 1 in which:
at least one of the-first and second tapered shim elements have
defined therethrough a plurality of spaced apart openings..]..[.3.
A shim assembly as set forth in claim 2 in which:
only one of the first and second shim elements have the spaced
opening defined therethrough, and
the other of the first and second shim elements is positioned
inward of the
openings..].4. A shim assembly as set forth in claim .[.2.].
.Iadd.1 .Iaddend.in which:
the openings in at least one shim element are closed. 5. A shim
assembly as set forth in claim .[.2.]. .Iadd.1 .Iaddend.in
which:
the openings in at least one shim element extend to the edge of the
tapered
shim element .[.and.].. 6. A shim assembly as set forth in claim
.[.2.]. .Iadd.1 .Iaddend.in which:
the openings are arranged in a circular pattern concentric with the
common
axis. 7. A shim assembly as set forth in claim 1 in which:
taper display means are defined on the shim assembly to display the
angular position of the taper of the first tapered shim element
relative to the taper of the second tapered shim element,
whereby the composite taper of the shim assembly can be determined.
8. A shim assembly as set forth in claim 7 in which: the taper
display means include indicia means defined on one of the tapered
shims and indicator means defined on the other to indicate the
relative taper positions of the two shim elements and the resulting
composite taper of the shim assembly.
. A shim assembly as set for the in claim 8 in which:
the taper indicia means are markings arranged in a circular pattern
and the indicator means are a window opening defined in the shim
element through
which a marking is displayed. 10. A shim assembly as set forth in
claim 1 in which:
a dog projects from the adjacent surface of one of the shim
elements; and
a plurality of ramp-sided detents are defined in a circular pattern
concentric with the common axis in the adjacent surface of the
other of the shim elements and positioned to releasably receive the
dog in one of the detents,
whereby one shim element can be releasably secured in a selected
engagement
position relative to the other shim element. 11. A shim assembly as
set forth in claim 10 in which:
taper indicia means are defined on one of the shim elements;
and
indicator means are defined on the other shim element with the
indicia means and indicator means positioning corresponding to dog
and detents
engagement positions. 12. A shim assembly as set forth in claim 1
in which:
taper orientation indicia means are defined on the shim assembly to
indicate the relative position of the composite taper of the
shim
assembly. .[.13. A shim assembly as set forth in claim 1 in which
the connecting means comprise:
an arcuate groove defined in one of the shim elements;
an arcuate lip defined in the other of the shim elements;
at least two opposed connectors positioned on one of the shim
elements, one of the groove and lip being defined in the connectors
on the shim element and the other of the groove and lip extending
to engage the corresponding groove or lip at at least two opposed
connectors at all rotational positions to secure the first and
second shim elements together as a rotationally adjustable shim
assembly..]..[.14. A shim assembly as set forth in claim 13 in
which:
the groove is defined in sections in the connectors and the lip
extends as a full circle and is journalled in the groove
sections..]..[.15. A shim assembly as set forth in claim 13 in
which:
at least one of the groove and lip have defined adjacent thereto a
ramp
portion..].16. An adjustable shim assembly for correcting wheel
alignment, the shim assembly comprising:
a first tapered shim element having opposed, at least partially
flat, nonparallel surfaces;
a second tapered shim element having opposed, at least partially
flat, nonparallel surfaces with at least one of the flat surfaces
of the first tapered shim element being in contact with at least
one of the flat surface of the second tapered shim element;
connecting means rotatably attaching the first tapered shim element
to the second shim element for rotation around an axis
perpendicular to the contacting surfaces of the first and second
tapered shim elements; .[.and.].
taper indicia means defined on the shim assembly to display the
rotational position of the first tapered shim element relative to
the second tapered shim element and thus the composite taper of the
shim assembly.Iadd.; and
releasable locking means for indexing and securing the first and
second shim elements at positions corresponding to the taper
indicia
means.Iaddend.. .[.17. An adjustable shim assembly as set forth in
claim 16 in which:
taper display means are defined on the shim assembly to display the
amount
of composite taper of the shim assembly..].18. An adjustable shim
assembly as set forth in .[.claims.]. .Iadd.claim .Iaddend.16 .[.or
17.]. in which:
orientation indicia means are defined on the shim assembly to
identify the relative direction of the composite taper of the shim
assembly. .[.19. An adjustable shim assembly as set forth in claim
16 in which:
releasable locking means for indexing and securing the first and
second shim elements at positions corresponding to the taper
display
means..]. A method for compensating for wheel misalignment of
camber and/or toe in a wheel carried on a spindle assembly
releasably secured to .[.an.]. .Iadd.a .Iaddend.suspension plate
.[.at.]. .Iadd.by fasteners connecting .Iaddend.abutting surfaces
thereof, comprising:
measuring the misalignment of the wheel;
adjusting a shim assembly comprising two tapered shim elements
rotatably attached one tapered shim element to the other tapered
shim element around an axis of rotation.Iadd., one tapered shim
element having spaced openings defined therethrough and the other
tapered shim element being positioned inside of the openings,
.Iaddend.by rotating .[.at least.]. one of the shim elements
relative to the other to establish the desired corrective composite
taper of the shim assembly;
positioning the adjusted shim assembly in a predetermined
orientation between the suspension plate and the spindle assembly;
and
securing the spindle assembly to the suspension plate with the shim
assembly therebetween .Iadd.with the securing fasteners extending
through the openings in one shim element .Iaddend.to reposition the
wheel and spindle assembly relative to the suspension plate with
the spindle in
proper alignment. 21. A method for compensating for wheel
misalignment as set forth in claim 20 in which:
the shim assembly includes taper indicia means defined on one shim
element, and
indicator means defined on the other shim element and the composite
taper is determined by aligning selected of the taper indicia means
with the
indicator means. 22. A method for compensating for wheel
misalignment as set forth in claim 21 in which:
the taper indicia means comprise a plurality of marking arranged in
a circle and the indicator means comprise an opening defined in the
shim element and the composite taper is determined by positioning a
selected one of the markings in the .[.window.].
.Iadd.opening.Iaddend..
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates broadly the wheel alignment for
vehicles, and more particularly to tapered shim elements configured
to be secured together into a shim assembly which can be positioned
as a single, unitary component to alter and correct the relative
position of an axle or spindle and, ultimately, of a wheel carried
on such axle or spindle.
2. Related Art
The concept of utilizing one or more thin, identical tapered shim
elements interposed substantially perpendicular to the axis of an
axle or spindle is old and well developed. Much effort has been
expended with limited success to minimize the differing embodiments
of such shim elements required to fit numerous vehicle models and
to provide fine and accurate correction of a wide range of
misalignment conditions. Also, emphasis has been placed at
simplifying both selection of the appropriate corrective taper and
actual installation of the tapered shim element under confined and
difficult circumstances.
Such tapered shim elements are employed in two fundamentally
differing but related vehicle structures, i.e. at a steerable front
wheel, and at a fixed rear wheel. When used at a steerable wheel,
the tapered shim element can be rotated around the wheel axis when
adjusting camber such that the taper is orthogonally resolved into
camber and toe components. When the appropriate camber correction
is realized, the toe component can be easily accommodated by the
toe correction mechanism provided at steerable wheels, i.e. tie rod
length adjustment. However, at fixed rear wheels the toe and camber
must both be set by selecting a tapered shim element of just the
proper taper, and resolving the camber and toe components to
precisely correct both of the alignment settings. In practice this
means the shim element must have a single proper taper, and that
such taper must be properly oriented relative to toe and camber.
Otherwise, two independent shim elements may be needed and stacked
with the taper of one shim element oriented to correct toe and with
the taper of the other oriented to correct camber.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,037,680 and 4,195,862 describe tapered shim
elements adapted to correct the camber of driven, steerable wheels.
Each describes a selection of tapered shim elements from which a
choice can be made to correct wheel camber. The latter patent
discusses color coded, filled polymer shim elements which seal when
stacked with the taper axis (that which extends from the thin to
the thick end of the shim element) in a vertical alignment.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,684,150 describes a set of twelve shim elements,
each of a different taper, which have a series of notches at the
periphery thereof. By selecting a shim element of an appropriate
taper, and by positioning the shim element with the appropriate
vertical orientation, both camber and toe can be corrected. The
open notches allow the shim element to be repositioned without
complete removal of the wheel mount. For greater correction, the
shim elements can be stacked.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,872,699 discloses a set of shim elements of
differing tapers having a series of frangible tabs around the
periphery thereof. By breaking out selected tabs the shim elements
can be configured to fit bolt patterns with differing vertical
orientations of the shim elements. A comprehensive template system
for determining breakout patterns is presented.
Ingalls Alignment Products has marketed a set of "808 Shims"
consisting of two identical one and one-half degree tapered shim
elements for use with fixed rear wheels. For corrections requiring
other than a single one and one-half degree shim element, two
individual shim elements are installed stacked in accord with a
chart utilizing numerical markings imprinted in each shim
element.
U.S. Pat. No. 774,042 discusses an early attempt to use two
independent tapered members to correct alignment. However, no means
for correlating measured misalignment and tapered member setting
are suggested. Thus the concept, which appears to rely on eyeball
corrections, would not be appropriate for modern vehicles.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention involves an adjustable tapered shim assembly,
as opposed to one or more individual shim elements, in which a
plurality -preferably two- tapered shim elements are or can be
secured together to form a preselected composite taper as a shim
assembly. A much preferred embodiment includes a securing the shim
elements together while providing for relative rotary movement.
Each shim element is functionally defined by two planar surfaces,
comprising at least a portion of a shim element side, which define
an angle between the planes of greater than zero. The elements,
which are preferably circular, are joined with planes abutting and
preferably rotatable around an axis at or near the centers of the
planes, preferably concentrically. Each surface may be divided into
offset subsurfaces complementary to corresponding subsurfaces on
the other shim element. Thus the shim assembly may be variably
adjusted through a range of tapers by rotating the elements, either
while connected or prior to securing the elements together, such
that the respective tapers add or subtract one to or from the
other. Optionally, releasable stops can be provided to position the
elements with a predetermined composite taper of the shim assembly.
To assist in releasing the stops, textured areas may be provided to
indicate the proper hand position for adjusting the shim assembly.
Indicia means may be included to display the amount of composite
shim assembly taper as well as orientation of the taper. Thus, in
use, a vehicle wheel can be measured to determine the degree of toe
and camber correction required. Then, using an expansive manual
lookup chart, or more conveniently a computer algorithm, the
assembly taper and orientation necessary for the correction can be
determined (preferable in terms of the indicia on the shim
assembly). In view of the power of the subject invention to cover a
wide array of vehicle models, it may be desirable to employ an
algorithm which calculates composite tapers and positions using
trigonometric functions rather than using a computer version of the
manual lookup chart. Once the two variables are established, it is
a simple matter to install the preset assembly in the vehicle in
the appropriate predetermined orientation. A single shim assembly
can correct a full range of misalignments for a large range of
vehicles in a simple, convenient process.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The accompanying drawings illustrate complete embodiments of the
invention according to the best mode so far devised for the
practical application of the principles thereof, and in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred shim assembly in accord
with the instant invention;
FIG. 2 is a front view of the preferred shim assembly of the
embodiment of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a front view of a first tapered shim element of the shim
assembly shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a section view along section line .[.A--A.]. .Iadd.4--4
.Iaddend.of the first tapered shim element shown in FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is a front view of a second tapered shim element of the shim
assembly shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2;
FIG. 6 is a section view along section line .[.B--B.]. .Iadd.6--6
.Iaddend.of the second tapered shim element shown in FIG. 5;
FIG. 7 is a detailed sectioned view of the rotatable snap
connection between the first and second elements shown in FIGS. 2
through 6;
FIG. 8 is an alternative second tapered shim element similar to
that shown in FIG. 5;
FIG. 9 is a front view of a shim element of yet another embodiment
of the invention;
FIG. 10 is a front view of a shim element configured for use with
the element of FIG. 9;
FIG. 11 is a partial view of a composite shim assembly of the
sectioned shim elements of FIG. 9 and FIG. 10; and
FIG. 12 is a view of a typical axle assembly into which the shim
assembly of the present invention can be inserted to correct
alignment.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Turning now to the drawings, wherein like components are designated
by like reference numerals throughout the various figures and
embodiments, a shim assembly according to a particularly preferred
embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 7 and
FIG. 12, and is generally designated by the reference numeral 10.
Shim assembly 10 is formed in part of a first tapered shim element
12 illustrated in more detail in FIGS. 3 and 4. As shown therein,
first tapered shim element 12 is circular in shape around an axis
13 with a number of openings 14 defined therethrough in a
circumferential pattern. Openings 14 are elongated in the
circumferential direction to fit vehicle bolt arrangements having
differing horizontal spacing at different pairs of connectors. Also
defined on first tapered shim element 12 are taper indicia means 15
and shim assembly orientation indicia means 16. Orientation indicia
means 16 are preferably positioned to indicate the top of tapered
shim assembly 10, but alternatively can be positioned adjacent an
opening 14 which is thus identified as that which receives a
vehicle bolt 56 shown in FIG. 12. Shim assembly 10 is designed to
accommodate many vehicle models and thus may not always receive
bolt 56 in the same opening 14. However, the top or uppermost,
position of shim assembly 10 is a constant that does not change
with vehicle design as bolt patterns may. Ramp-sided detents 18 are
formed in a concentric, circumferential pattern in first tapered
shim element 12. And, as shown in FIG. 4, first tapered shim
element 12 is formed with a planar front surface 20, which is
concentric to axis 13, and a planar rear surface 22 which are
nonparallel and define the taper of first tapered shim element 12.
Sunken surface 24 is centrally defined in a circular shape and
concentric to axis 13 in front surface 20 of first tapered shim
element 12. Lip 25 and associated ramp portion 26 define central
opening 27, inside of openings 14, which extends through first
tapered shim element 12.
Shim assembly 10 also includes second tapered shim element 30
which, as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, is circular in shape and of
a diameter as to nest within sunken surface 24 inside of openings
14 of first tapered shim element 12 and concentric with axis 13.
Textured engaging areas 31 are defined in the front surface 34 of
second shim element 30 to indicate the proper position at which to
hold shim assembly 10 while adjusting it. Indicator 32 is defined
through second tapered shim element 30 and spaced to display taper
indicia means 15 as shown in FIG. .[.1.]. .Iadd.7.Iaddend.. Dog 33,
in the form of a V-shaped projection, extends from the rear surface
35 of shim element 30, and is radially spaced on second tapered
shim element 30 to engage detents 18 of first tapered shim element
12 when assembled as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 7. Textured engaging
areas 31 are spaced from the position of dog 33 such that pressure
applied at textured areas 31 will not force dog 33 into detents 18,
thus allowing relative rotation of tapered shim elements 12 and 30.
Upon application of a mutual torque between first tapered shim
element 12 and second tapered shim element, dog 33 moves up the
ramp-sided walls of detent 18 and is repositioned in an adjacent
detent 18. Thus mutual rotation of first tapered shim element 12
and second tapered shim element 30 may be continued until a
reaching a desired setting whereupon dog 33 is allowed to engage a
detent 18 thus preserving the setting.
Nonparallel front surface 34 and rear surface 35 are shown in FIG.
6 as are opposed connectors 36, each of which has defined thereon
ramp 37 and groove 38. As depicted in FIG. 7, first tapered shim
element 12 and second tapered shim element 30 are attached together
by connecting means rotatably securing first shim element 12 to
second shim element 30, preferably by inserting connectors 36 of
second tapered shim element 30 into central opening 27 of first
tapered shim element 12 such that lip 25 of the latter is
positioned in groove 38 of the former. Ramp 37 bearing against ramp
portion 26 of lip 25 serves to displace connectors 36 to facilitate
such insertion. Thus shim element 12 bears at sunken surface 24
against complementary, parallel surface 35 of second shim element
30, both surfaces 24 and 35 being in extended planes (not shown)
concentric to and preferably perpendicular to axis 13. If such
planes were not perpendicular, radial forces could be produced
which would unnecessarily stress shim assemble 10. As shown, dog 33
fits into detents 18 to form releasable locking means 41 which
releasably position first tapered shim element 12 relative to
second tapered shim element 30 in predetermined positions which are
identified by shim assembly taper display means 39, such as taper
indicia means 15 at indicator window 32. Central opening 27 is
preferably through first tapered shim element 12 to ease tooling
requirements, but central opening 27 could operable be a blind
opening.
While the embodiment of FIG. 1 is to be preferred in most respects,
a portion of the industry desires a "full coverage" design in which
the entire shim extends over a maximum amount of the area of the
surfaces between which it is inserted. This is viewed as a cosmetic
concern in that the area of shim assembly 10 has been shown by
finite element analysis to be more than adequate to support the
pressures developed in use. However, by substituting a modified
second tapered shim element 30' as shown in FIG. 8, a "full
coverage" shim assembly can be provided. Second tapered shim
element 30' is essentially identical to second tapered shim element
30 with regard to many features including dog 33 and connectors 36,
but differs primarily with regard to extended annular surface 42 in
which openings 14' are defined. Indicator 32' is functionally
identical to indicator 32 but enclosed rather than open at the top.
Extended surfaces 42 each start at step 44, adapted to fit sunken
surface 24 of first tapered shim element 12, and continue the taper
of .[.taper as.]. second tapered shim element 30. Spokes 46
partially defining openings 14' are frangible at sections 48
thereof. Thus second tapered shim element 30' functions much like
second tapered shim element 30 of shim assembly .[.12.]. .Iadd.10
.Iaddend.except that, upon relative rotation, may be positioned
with one or more of spokes 46 blocking an opening 14 of first
tapered shim element 12 thereby preventing placement of shim
assembly .[.12.]. .Iadd.10 .Iaddend.on vehicle bolts. This is
simply remedied by removing the blocking spokes 46 at frangible
sections 48 thereof. Since removal of spokes 46 is a functionally
superfluous step, the embodiment of FIG. 1 is preferred.
Still another embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 9
through 11. Again, shim elements 12' and 30" differ only in detail
from the corresponding elements of the preferred embodiment. As
shown in FIG. 9, shim Element 12' in that sunken surface 24' is
bounded by central opening 27' which, in part, is defined by radial
indents 29. Shim element 30", shown in FIG. 10, includes connectors
36' configured to engage radial indents 29. Thus when shim elements
12' and 30" are joined to form shim assembly 10" as shown in FIG.
11, ramp 37' of connector 36' distends connector 36' sufficiently
to allow lip 25' to fit into groove 38' thereby securing shim
element 12' to shim element 30". If desired, shim assembly 10" can
be disassembled by reversing the procedure such that second ramp 40
will similarly distend connector 36' and release lip 25' from
groove 38'. In practice, shim elements 12' and 30" are severally
aligned with the appropriate taper indicia means 15 at indicator
window 32. They are then snapped together to form shim assembly 10"
with radial indents 29 cooperating with connectors 36' to preserve
the relative angular relationship thereof and lip 25' in groove 38'
serving to secure shim elements 12' and 30" axially. Once secured
together, shim assembly .[.12'.]. .Iadd.10" .Iaddend.is
functionally identical with the preferred shim assembly .[.12.].
.Iadd.10.Iaddend..
A typical single item of shim assembly 10 of FIG. 1, when scaled to
an outer diameter of 3.16 inches (8 cm) provides bolt coverage for
39 differing vehicle model applications through the typical one and
one-half degree adjustment range. While specific vehicle
application design is an iterative process in which mutually
compatible applications, particularly bolt patterns, are determined
essentially by trial and error, but four different configurations
of the embodiment of shim assembly 10 have been found to cover 86
different models of vehicles in an initial study.
First tapered shim element 12 and second tapered shim element 30
can each be formed with the same taper. However, since a zero
degree correction is seldom needed, it is preferable that the
tapers of shim elements 12 and 30 differ. For the usual one and
one-half degree total, a one-quarter degree difference in the
tapers of shim elements 12 and 30 is desirable. Toe correction
should be precise to at least one-sixteenth degree to minimize tire
wear, but tire compliance is tolerant of camber misalignments of
one eight-degree. Thus a composite shim assembly 10 taper of
one-quarter degree can readily be position with one-eighth degree
in the toe -or horizontal- orientation to correct toe misalignment
greater than one-sixteenth degree, and the remainder of the taper
resolved into camber change.
In use a vehicle rear wheel assembly 50 is examined on an alignment
rack to determine toe and camber misalignment of a wheel (not
shown) carried on spindle 52. The appropriate correction values are
.[.the.]. .Iadd.then .Iaddend.determined by a manual reference
noting the side of the vehicle on which spindle 52 is mounted, or
calculated by computer using an appropriate algorithm, and settings
for taper indicia means 15 and shim assembly orientation indicia
means 16 determined. Shim assembly 10 is then adjusted such that
appropriate taper indicia 15 means appears in indicator window 32
and shim assembly 10 is .[.the.]. .Iadd.then .Iaddend.installed in
the vehicle between suspension plate 54 and spindle 55 mounted with
selected orientation indicia means 16 facing outward and upward.
Bolts 56 (one shown) are then properly torqued. Thus spindle 52 is
adjusted by shim assembly 10 relative to suspension plate 54 such
that toe and/or camber are correct. A single shim assembly 10 can
be configured to cover the entire adjustment range and is easily
and conveniently adjusted and installed. While suspension plate 54
is often mounted to an axle, it could of course be mounted to -or
be- then hub carrier of a Chapman strut (not shown), or other
suspension configuration.
Shim assembly 10 can be made of metal and/or polymeric materials.
Glass-filled poly-caprolactam (nylon) is a particularly desirable
one of the latter materials. Die casting or injection molding are
useful forming processes which can accommodate connectors 36
without sectioning the dies or molds. Many other materials and
forming processes will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
The above-described preferred variations on the subject shim
assembly can be modified to numerous other embodiments if desired.
The described and illustrated integral means of rotatably
connecting the tapered shim elements is advantageous in that only
the two elements are necessary. But the shim elements could be
oriented as desired and then secured together, preferably in a
releasable manner, in a fixed, nonrotatable relationship. The
connecting means can alternatively be formed at the outer periphery
of the shim assembly, or the elements can be formed without a
central opening and rotatably or nonrotatably joined by a
independent component such as a rivet or a bolt. In the simplest
embodiment, two shim elements each defined at least in part by
opposed flat tapered surfaces can be journalled together. The
indicia means can appear on a separate template, or the taper
indicia means can be calibrated to indicate actual taper in
degrees. More than two shim elements can be used. The indicator
cooperating with the taper indicia means could be any marking
rather than the preferred window opening. By way of example, a
spacer having a limited bolt hole pattern with but one opening per
bolt and parallel sides can be joined with a rotatable tapered shim
element rotatably secured to each side thereof. The amount and
orientation of the shim assembly taper thus can be changed without
the need to rotate the bolt hole pattern. These and other
modifications can be readily accomplished as circumstances
suggest.
Thus, although only a limited preferred embodiment and modification
thereof has been described and illustrated in detail, it is
anticipated that various other change and modifications will be
apparent to those skilled in the art, and that such changes and
modifications may be made without departing from the scope of
invention as defined by the following claims.
* * * * *