DESC:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a front fork, more particularly it relates to a modified DU bush for the front fork.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Front suspension consists of three major structural parts: an outer tube, an inner tube with DU bush, and a piston rod. The combined action of these parts provides function of sliding and holding together. The inner tube undergoes an internal part assembly process and gets spun to hold the assembled parts. The DU bush is mounted on the spun inner tube for better sliding effect. This process involves multiple and time consuming operations to obtain the required function.

Hence, there exists a need to eliminate the above concern and simplify the design of the inner tube and DU bush to achieve the same function with reduced material content and reduced process time.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to simplify an inner tube closure procedure with modification in the design of a DU bush.
Another object of the present invention is to eliminate spinning process on the inner tube.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention provides a DU bush for a front fork. The front fork comprises an outer tube, an inner tube slidable in the outer tube, and a piston rod slidably mounted within the inner tube.

The DU bush comprises a projection and splits configured thereon. The projection is configured on an inner diameter of the DU bush for locking onto a groove configured on the inner tube.

The split is configured on each side of the DU bush for locking the projection onto the groove. When the DU bush is pressed/pushed inside the inner tube for mounting between the inner tube and the outer tube, the splits open up locking the projection onto the groove and thereafter the splits close to fit onto the inner tube thereby eliminating a spacer oil lock as well as eliminating spinning and assembly processes of the inner tube while ensuring sliding and closure functions thereof.

The DU bush is integrated/ locked with the inner tube to move/slide inside the outer tube. The inner tube is preassembled with the DU bush and thereafter taken for front fork limb assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The objectives and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description read in accordance with the accompanying drawings wherein,
Figure 1 shows a cross sectional view of a front fork with a modified DU bush, in accordance with the present invention; and

Figure 2 shows a DU bush, an inner tube and DU bush fitment with spinning elimination, in accordance with the present invention.

DETAIL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The foregoing objects of the present invention are accomplished and the problems and shortcomings associated with the prior art, techniques and approaches are overcome by the present invention as described below in the preferred embodiment.

The present invention provides a DU bush for a front fork. The DU bush is modified to provide twin function of sliding and closure of the inner tube. The modified DU bush reduces the machining process on the inner tube by eliminating the spin closure process.
The present invention is illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein numbers indicated in the bracket represent the components of the invention throughout the description.

Referring now to figures 1 and 2, a DU bush (80) for a front fork (100) in accordance with the present invention is shown. The front fork (100) comprises an outer tube (10), an inner tube (30) and a piston assembly. The inner tube (30) is slidable in the outer tube (10). The piston assembly comprises a piston (40) and a piston rod (50) configured therein. The piston rod (50) is slidably mounted within the inner tube (30).

The DU bush (80) comprises a projection (65) and splits (62) configured thereon. Specifically, the projection (65) is configured on an inner diameter of the DU bush (80). The projection (65) is adapted to lock into the groove (25) on the inner tube (30). The groove (25) on the inner tube (30) holds the projection (65). The split (62) is configured on each side of the DU bush (80). Specifically, the split (62) is configured on opposite sides of the DU bush (80) for locking the projection (65) onto the groove (25).

The splits (62) open up when the DU bush (80) is pressed/ pushed inside the inner tube (30) for locking the projection (65) onto the groove (25) and thereafter the splits (62) close to fit onto the inner tube (30) thereby mounting the DU bush (80) between the inner tube (30) and the outer tube (10). The inner tube (30) preassembled with the DU bush (80) is taken for front fork limb assembly.

The DU bush (80) integrated/ locked with the inner tube (30) moves/slides inside the outer tube (10) thus eliminating a spacer oil lock as well as eliminating spinning and assembly processes of the inner tube (30) while ensuring sliding and closure functions of the inner tube (30). Specifically, the DU bush (80) through an external diameter thereof takes care of the function of the spacer oil lock.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

1. The DU bush (80) is integrated with the spacer oil lock to eliminate the spinning process of the inner tube (30) and to reduce machining on the inner tube (30). The modified inner tube groove (25) together with the special DU bush (80) design eliminates spinning and assembly processes of the inner tube (30).
2. The inner tube (30) closure is simplified and is done before the limb assembly.
3. Overall cost of the product is reduced.

The foregoing objects of the invention are accomplished and the problems and shortcomings associated with prior art techniques and approaches are overcome by the present invention described in the present embodiment. Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiment are provided herein; however, it is to be understood that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure, or matter. The embodiments of the invention as described above and the methods disclosed herein will suggest further modification and alterations to those skilled in the art. Such further modifications and alterations may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. ,CLAIMS:WE CLAIM:

1. A DU bush (80) for a front fork (100), the front fork (100) having an outer tube (10), an inner tube (30) slidable in the outer tube (10), and a piston rod (50) slidably mounted within the inner tube (30), the DU bush (80) comprising:
• a projection (65) configured on an inner diameter thereof for locking onto a groove (25) configured on the inner tube (30); and
• a split (62) configured on each side of the DU bush (80) for locking the projection (65) onto the groove (25),
wherein, when the DU bush (80) is pressed/pushed inside the inner tube (30) for mounting between the inner tube (30) and the outer tube (10), the splits (62) open up locking the projection (65) onto the groove (25) and thereafter the splits close to fit onto the inner tube (30) thereby eliminating a spacer oil lock as well as eliminating spinning and assembly processes of the inner tube (30) while ensuring sliding and closure functions thereof.

2. The DU bush (80) as claimed in claim 1 is integrated/ locked with the inner tube (30) to move/slide inside the outer tube (10).

3. The DU bush (80) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the inner tube (30) is preassembled with the DU bush (80) and thereafter taken for front fork limb assembly.

Dated this 31st day of August 2017

Priya Pandey
(Agent for applicant)
IN/PA-2018