UNIVERSAL MODULARIZED COIL SPRING BUFFER

Abstract

A universal modular coil spring buffer having a plurality of modules arranged in a specific configuration adaptable to be inserted in the gap of a coil spring of a vehicle to prevent shocks. The plurality of modules includes a primary module and a plurality of secondary modules. The top surface and the bottom surface of the primary module includes an elongated groove configured to fix and hold the adjacent coils of the coil spring of the vehicle. The secondary module having a first module, a second module and a third module. The different configurations of the primary module and the plurality of secondary modules can be employed for different vehicles with different coil spring dimensions and based on the distance between the adjacent coils. The buffer lessens the compression to the coil spring thereby minimizing oil to leak caused from the shocks.

Claims

1. A universal modular coil spring buffer comprising: a plurality of modules arranged in a specific configuration adaptable to be inserted in the gap of a coil spring of a vehicle to prevent shocks, the plurality of modules includes a primary module and a plurality of secondary modules; whereby different configurations of the primary module and the plurality of secondary modules can be employed for different vehicles with different coil spring dimensions and based on the distance between the adjacent coils.

2. The universal modular coil spring buffer of claim 1 wherein the primary module is substantially semicircular in shape having an inner surface, an outer surface, a top surface and a bottom surface.

3. The universal modular coil spring buffer of claim 2 wherein the top surface and the bottom surface of the primary module includes an elongated groove configured to fix and hold the adjacent coils of the coil spring of the vehicle.

4. The universal modular coil spring buffer of claim 2 wherein the primary module can be positioned between the adjacent coils of the coil spring such that elongated grooves snugly hold there between and minimizes the shock in the coil spring when the vehicle hits a bump on the road.

5. The universal modular coil spring buffer of claim 1 wherein the plurality of secondary modules includes a first module, a second module and a third module.

6. The universal modular coil spring buffer of claim 1 wherein each of the plurality of secondary modules is substantially semicircular shape having a secondary inner surface, a secondary outer surface, a secondary top surface and a secondary bottom surface.

7. The universal modular coil spring buffer of claim 1 wherein each of the plurality of secondary modules include an elongated slot on the secondary bottom surface and an elongated projection on the secondary top surface.

8. The universal modular coil spring buffer of claim 1 wherein the length and breadth of the primary module and the plurality of secondary modules are the same, whereas the height of the primary module and each of the plurality of secondary modules are different.

9. The universal modular coil spring buffer of claim 1 wherein the elongated projection on the secondary top surface of each of the plurality of secondary modules is adaptable to fix with the elongated groove on the bottom surface of the primary module thereby allowing customization of the universal modular coil spring buffer in different vehicles having different coil spring space.

10. The universal modular coil spring buffer of claim 1 wherein the elongated projection on the secondary top surface of one of the plurality of secondary modules fix with the elongated groove on the bottom surface of the primary module.

11. The universal modular coil spring buffer of claim 1 wherein the elongated groove on the top surface of the primary module and the elongated slot on the secondary bottom surface of the secondary module holds the adjacent coils of the coil spring of the vehicle.

12. The universal modular coil spring buffer of claim 1 wherein the different configurations of primary module and plurality of secondary modules can be employed for different vehicles with different coil spring dimensions and based on the distance between the adjacent coils.

13. The universal modular coil spring buffer of claim 1 wherein the structure of the primary module and the plurality of secondary modules are designed to allow the modules to be connected by sliding the matching pieces which lock into place and thereby preventing the modules from moving while the vehicle is in motion.

14. The universal modular coil spring buffer of claim 1 wherein the buffer lessens the compression to the coil spring thereby minimizing oil to leak caused from the shocks.

15. A universal modular coil spring buffer comprising: a primary module having an inner surface, an outer surface, a top surface and a bottom surface, the top surface and the bottom surface of the primary module includes an elongated groove configured to fix and hold the adjacent coils of the coil spring of the vehicle; a secondary module having a first module, a second module and a third module, each of the plurality of secondary modules is substantially semicircular in shape and having a secondary inner surface, a secondary outer surface, a secondary top surface and a secondary bottom surface; whereby the different configurations of primary module and plurality of secondary modules can be employed for different vehicles with different coil spring dimensions and based on the distance between the adjacent coils.

16. The universal modular coil spring buffer of claim 15 wherein the primary module can be positioned between the adjacent coils of the coil spring such that the elongated grooves snugly hold there between and minimizes the shock in the coil spring when the vehicle hits a bump on the road.

17. The universal modular coil spring buffer of claim 15 wherein each of the plurality of secondary modules include an elongated projection on the secondary top surface and an elongated projection on the secondary top surface.

18. The universal modular coil spring buffer of claim 15 wherein the length and breadth of the primary module and the plurality of secondary modules are the same, but the height of the primary module and each of the plurality of secondary modules are different.

19. The universal modular coil spring buffer of claim 15 wherein the elongated projection on the secondary top surface of each of the plurality of secondary modules is adaptable to fix with the elongated groove on the bottom surface of the primary module thereby allowing customization of the universal modular coil spring buffer in different vehicles having different coil spring space.

20. The universal modular coil spring buffer of claim 15 wherein the elongated projection on the secondary top surface of one of the plurality of secondary modules fix with the elongated groove on the bottom surface of the primary module.

21. The universal modular coil spring buffer of claim 15 wherein the elongated groove on the top surface of the primary module and the elongated slot on the secondary bottom surface of the secondary module holds the adjacent coils of the coil spring of the vehicle.

22. The universal modular coil spring buffer of claim 15 wherein the structure of the primary module and the plurality of secondary modules are designed to allow the modules to be connected by sliding the matching pieces which lock into place and thereby preventing the modules from moving while the vehicle is in motion.

23. The universal modular coil spring buffer of claim 15 the buffer lessens the compression to the coil spring which thereby minimizing oil to leak caused from the shocks.

24. A method for installing the universal modular coil spring buffer between the adjacent coils of the coil spring of a vehicle comprises the steps of: a. providing a universal modular coil spring buffer having a primary module and a plurality of secondary modules; b. measuring the spring spacing between adjacent coils of the coil spring of the vehicle; c. determining an appropriate configuration of the primary module and the plurality of secondary modules based on the measured spring space; d. installing the primary module to the top coil between which the universal modular coil spring buffer is to be inserted; and e. joining at least one of the plurality of secondary modules based on the appropriate configuration under the bottom surface of the primary module and to the adjacent coil of the coil spring such that the configuration of the primary module and the plurality of secondary modules are held tightly between the adjacent coils of the spring coil.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Elements in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale in order to enhance their clarity and improve understanding of these various elements and embodiments of the invention. Furthermore, elements that are known to be common and well understood to those in the industry are not depicted in order to provide a clear view of the various embodiments of the invention. Thus, the drawings are generalized in form in the interest of clarity and conciseness.

[0020] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a universal modular coil spring buffer having a plurality of modules including a primary module and a plurality of secondary modules arranged in a specific configuration adaptable to be inserted in the gap of the coil spring of a vehicle to prevent shocks in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the primary module configured to fix and hold the plurality of secondary modules in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a first module of the plurality of secondary modules in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a second module of the plurality of secondary modules in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a third module of the plurality of secondary modules in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the universal modular coil spring buffer having the primary module and combination of the first and the second module of the plurality of secondary modules in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the universal modular coil spring buffer having the primary module and combination of the first and the third modules of the plurality of secondary modules in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of the universal modular coil spring buffer having the primary module and combination of the second and the third modules of the plurality of secondary modules in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] FIG. 9A illustrates the primary module on top of the coil in the process of installing the universal modular coil spring buffer between the adjacent coils of the coil spring of the vehicle in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] FIG. 9B illustrates the other plurality of secondary modules on the bottom side of the coil spring in the process of installing the universal modular coil spring buffer between the adjacent coils of the coil spring of the vehicle in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] FIG. 9C illustrates sliding at least one of the plurality of secondary modules under the bottom surface of the primary module and below the adjacent coil of the coil spring in the process of installing the universal modular coil spring buffer between the adjacent coils of the coil spring of the vehicle in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] FIG. 9D illustrates the configuration of the primary module and the plurality of secondary modules held tightly between the adjacent coils of the spring coil in the process of installing the universal modular coil spring buffer between the adjacent coils of the coil spring of the vehicle in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

[0032] FIG. 10 illustrates a flowchart of a method for installing the universal modular coil spring buffer between the adjacent coils of the coil spring of the vehicle in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] In the following discussion that addresses a number of embodiments and applications of the present invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized, and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0034] Various inventive features are described below that can each be used independently of one another or in combination with other features. However, any single inventive feature may not address any of the problems discussed above or only address one of the problems discussed above. Further, one or more of the problems discussed above may not be fully addressed by any of the features described below.

[0035] As used herein, the singular forms a, an and the include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. And as used herein is interchangeably used with or unless expressly stated otherwise. As used herein, the term about means+/5% of the recited parameter. All embodiments of any aspect of the invention can be used in combination, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0036] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words comprise, comprising, and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of including, but not limited to. Words using the singular or plural number also include the plural and singular number, respectively. Additionally, the words herein, wherein, whereas, above, and below and words of similar import, when used in this application, shall refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of the application.

[0037] The description of embodiments of the disclosure is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise form disclosed. While the specific embodiments of, and examples for, the disclosure are described herein for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the disclosure, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize.

[0038] Referring to FIG. 1, a universal modular coil spring buffer having a plurality of modules of the preferred embodiment is illustrated. The universal modular coil spring buffer includes a primary module 100 and a plurality of secondary modules 108 arranged in a specific configuration adaptable to be inserted in the gap of a coil spring of a vehicle to prevent shocks in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention. The plurality of secondary modules 108 includes a first module 102, a second module 104 and a third module 106. In the preferred embodiment, different configurations of primary module 100 and plurality of secondary modules 108 can be employed for different vehicles with different coil spring dimensions and based on the distance between the adjacent coils. The different configurations provide different height dimensions. In the preferred embodiment, the structure of the primary module 100 and the plurality of secondary modules 108 are designed to lock into place thereby preventing the modules from moving while the vehicle is in motion. In the preferred embodiment, the modules are connected by sliding the matching pieces into place. However, other embodiments may use a different design for connecting the modules. The primary module 100 and the plurality of secondary modules 108 in this preferred embodiment being a quarter circle size for easy installation. However, the module size can also be a half circle or full circle, or any shape, size or thickness compatible with a coil spring. In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, four quarter circle modules of the same height are inserted in the coil spring gap to have a full circle installation thereby increasing the height of the vehicle to prevent the suspension from hitting down when the vehicle hits a bump on the road.

[0039] Referring to FIG. 2, the primary module 100 of the universal modular coil spring buffer of the preferred embodiment is illustrated. In this preferred embodiment, the primary module 100 is substantially semicircular in shape having an inner surface 132, an outer surface 130, a top surface 126 and a bottom surface 128. The top surface 126 of the primary module 100 includes a top elongated groove 110 configured to fix and hold the adjacent coils of the coil spring of the vehicle. The bottom surface 128 of the primary module 100 includes a bottom elongated groove 112 configured to fix and hold the plurality of secondary modules 108 depending on the height dimensions of the vehicle. In the preferred embodiment, the primary module 100 can be positioned between the adjacent coils of the coil spring such that the elongated grooves 110 snugly hold therebetween and minimizes the shock in the coil spring when the vehicle hits a bump on the road.

[0040] Turning to FIGS. 3-5, the first module 102 of the plurality of secondary modules 108 of the universal modular coil spring buffer of the preferred embodiment is illustrated. In the preferred embodiment, each of the plurality of secondary modules is substantially semicircular in shape having a secondary inner surface 140, a secondary outer surface 138, a secondary top surface 134 and a secondary bottom surface 136 as shown in FIG. 3. In the preferred embodiment, in FIG. 3, the first module 102 of the plurality of secondary modules 108 includes an elongated slot 116 on the secondary bottom surface 136 and an elongated projection 114 on the secondary top surface 134. As shown in FIG. 4, the second module 104 of the plurality of secondary modules 108 includes an elongated slot 120 on the secondary bottom surface 136 and an elongated projection 118 on the secondary top surface 134 is illustrated. Referring to FIG. 5, the third module 106 of the plurality of secondary modules 108 of the universal modular coil spring buffer of the preferred embodiment is illustrated. In the preferred embodiment, the second module 106 of the plurality of secondary modules 108 includes an elongated slot 124 on the secondary bottom surface 136 and an elongated projection 122 on the secondary top surface 134 is illustrated.

[0041] In the preferred embodiment, the length and breadth of the primary module 100 and the plurality of secondary modules 108 are the same, whereas the height of the primary module 100 and each of the plurality of secondary modules 108 are different. The height of the primary module 100 is 0.2 and the height of the first module 102, the second module 104 and the third module 106 are 1.1, 0.63 and 0.31 respectively. Other height variations may be used for the modules. Also, in the preferred embodiment, the user initially determines the measurement of the spring spacing between the coils of their vehicle. Using this measurement, combination of modules needed to fit their vehicle is determined and installed, thereby minimizing the shock in the coil spring when the vehicle hits the bump on the road. Also, the buffer lessens the compression to the coil spring thereby minimizing oil to leak caused from the shocks.

[0042] Referring to FIGS. 6-8, the primary module 100 and combination of the first module 102 and the second module 104 of the plurality of secondary module 108 of the preferred embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 6. As shown in FIG. 7, the primary module 100 and combination of first module 102 and third module 106 of the plurality of secondary modules 108 of the preferred embodiment is illustrated. Turning now to FIG. 8, the primary module 100 and combination of second module 104 and third module 106 of the plurality of secondary modules 108 in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. In this preferred embodiment, one of the elongated projections 114 (FIG. 3), 118 (FIG. 4) and 122 (FIG. 5) on the secondary top surface 134 of each of the plurality of secondary modules 108 is adaptable to fix with the elongated groove 110 on the bottom surface 128 of the primary module 100 thereby allowing customization of the universal modular coil spring buffer in different vehicles having different coil spring space. Also, the elongated groove 110 on the top surface 126 of the primary module 100 and the elongated slot (116 (FIG. 3), 120 (FIG. 4) and 124 (FIG. 5) on the secondary bottom surface 136 of the secondary module 108 holds the adjacent coils of the coil spring of the vehicle.

[0043] Referring to FIGS. 9A-9D, a process for installing the universal modular coil spring buffer between the adjacent coils of a coil spring of a vehicle of the preferred embodiment is illustrated. Initially measure the spring spacing between adjacent coils of the coil spring of the vehicle. After measuring, determine an appropriate configuration of the primary module and the plurality of secondary modules based on the measured spring space. Next step is to install the primary module on top of the coil on which the universal modular coil spring buffer is to be inserted as shown in FIG. 9A. Thereafter, placing the other plurality of secondary modules on the bottom side of the spring as shown in FIG. 9B. Next, slide at least one of the plurality of secondary modules based on the appropriate configuration as shown in FIG. 9C under the bottom surface of the primary module and below the adjacent coil of the coil spring such that the configuration of the primary module and the plurality of secondary modules are held tightly between the adjacent coils of the spring coil as shown in FIG. 9D. Also, sliding is done in different directions among the modules to connect them together and line up on the edges in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention. The primary module and the plurality of secondary modules of the universal coil spring buffer prevent sagging and provide more stable suspension that will absorb and dissipate the shock from potholes and bad roads while reducing stress on the suspension and 3 tires. This increases the vehicle's operational life span.

[0044] FIG. 10 shows a flowchart of a method for installing the universal modular coil spring buffer between the adjacent coils of a coil spring of a vehicle. The method commences by providing a universal modular coil spring buffer having a primary module and a plurality of secondary modules as shown in block 202. Next, measuring the spring spacing between adjacent coils of the coil spring of the vehicle as indicated at block 204. Thereafter, determining an appropriate configuration of the primary module and the plurality of secondary modules based on the measured spring space as shown in block 206. Next, installing the primary module on top of the coil on which the universal modular coil spring buffer is to be inserted as shown in block 208 and finally, sliding at least one of the plurality of secondary modules based on the appropriate configuration over the bottom surface of the primary module and below the adjacent coil of the coil spring such that the configuration of the primary module and the plurality of secondary modules are held tightly between the adjacent coils of the spring coil as indicated at block 210.

[0045] In the preferred embodiment, the different configurations of primary module 100 and plurality of secondary modules 108 can be employed for different vehicles with different coil spring dimensions and based on the distance between the adjacent coils. Also, the structure of the primary module 100 and the plurality of secondary modules 108 are designed to allow the modules to be connected by sliding the matching pieces which lock into place and thereby preventing the modules from moving while the vehicle is in motion. Fasteners like zip ties may be used to connect the primary module 100 and the plurality of secondary modules 108 firmly together on top of the coil spring to prevent the shocks, prolong vehicle suspension, increase driving stability, and improve longevity of vehicle shocks.

[0046] The foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been presented for the purpose of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. It is intended that the scope of the present invention to not be limited by this detailed description, but by the claims and the equivalents to the claims appended hereto.