Abstract: A universal assembly platform for lightweight vehicles, wherein the platform comprises a main vehicle chassis structure, a front suspension system connected to the main vehicle chassis structure and to which one or more front wheel assembly is mountable, and a rear suspension system connected to the main vehicle chassis structure and to which one or more rear wheel assembly is mountable. The rear suspension system is connected to the main vehicle chassis structure such that when the one or more rear wheel assembly is mounted to the rear suspension system a rear wheel of the one or more rear wheel assembly defines the distal end of an overall length of the vehicle.

Abstract: A suspension for a vehicle is configured such that, even in a situation of departing from a range in which a spring may be tensioned as a rebound state is added in a full rebound state, a lower end of the spring is continuously supported by a spring seat support arm, so as to prevent separation of the spring connecting a suspension arm to a body member.

Abstract: A lower-side spring-receiving member of a suspension device, receiving a suspension spring structured to have a rising section at a lower side of the suspension spring, having a partially annular shape and including: a base end portion arranged at one end of the lower-side spring-receiving member wherein an end of the suspension spring is inserted into the base end portion; a slope portion arranged at the other end of the lower-side spring-receiving member and having a thickness in a cross-sectional view varying so as to follow a shape of the rising section of the suspension spring; and a holding portion that is arranged between the base end portion and the slope portion and holds the suspension spring, wherein the slope portion has a recess portion (Nk) formed on its bottom-surface; the recess portion includes a ridge portion is formed in a substantially mountain shape in a cross-sectional view taken along a radial direction of the partially annular shape and may be or may not be in contact with a mounting s

Abstract: A toe link support is disclosed. In a first aspect, the toe link aperture of a hub has been bored out to receive inner and outer spacers. The spacers have bolt holes through which a toe link bolt is inserted to secure a toe link to the hub. The bolt is secured by a nut. The spacers protect the hub from damage by the bolt, and vice versa, resulting from motion of the toe link. In a second aspect, the outer spacer is further configured to be inserted into the bolt hole of the toe link, further protecting the bolt from damage. A method of supporting a toe link is also disclosed.

Abstract: An electric vehicle includes a modular support structure having a central frame module and front and rear frame modules in the form of a lattice framework, having two upper longitudinal beams and two lower longitudinal beams connected to each other by uprights and cross-members. The front frame module carries a front suspension with wheel supports carried by upper and lower oscillating arms, and a front electric motor unit including two electric motors, having respective motor axes coincident with each other and arranged along a transverse direction with respect to a vehicle longitudinal direction. The motors are positioned spaced apart from each other, and are symmetrical with respect to a vehicle median line. Two gear reducing units are arranged centrally between the two electric motors, with housings having lateral walls from which output shafts project, which are connected by drive shafts to wheel hubs rotatably mounted on the wheel supports.

Abstract: A rubber sheet includes: a main body fitted to a mounting portion formed so as to be depressed at the spring guide, the main body supporting a coil spring; and lips formed to project from respective side surfaces of an inner periphery and an outer periphery of the main body in a radial direction, the lips being configured to abut on the spring guide to prevent a foreign matter from invading between the main body and the mounting portion.

Abstract: A structural component 1 is provided for a vehicle designed for driving off-road on rough terrain. The component 1, such as the lower control arm of a suspension system, is formed from aluminum, aluminum-alloy or other light-weight material and provided on its underside with a parallel arrangement of chamfered ribs 5 which extend in the direction of travel of the vehicle. The spacing between adjacent ribs 5 is less than or equal to 10 mm so as to prevent underlying rocks and stones 7 from impacting, and thereby abrading the inner surface 3 of the component 1. The ribs 5 are provided as sacrificial elements and will become eroded in use until they no longer provide the desired protection of the inner surface 3. The extent of abrasion of the ribs 5 can be ascertained by a visual inspection of the underlying surface of the vehicle, and, if necessary, the component 1 can be replaced.

Abstract: A coil spring according to one embodiment includes a lower end turn portion which is in contact with a lower spring seat, an upper end turn portion which is in contact with an upper spring seat, and an effective portion between the lower end turn portion and the upper end turn portion. The coil spring is cylindrical about an axis of the effective portion in its free shape which is not compressed. Further, with respect to a coordinate system in which a force line is assumed as a Z-axis, the coil spring is cylindrical with a constant pitch in a direction along the Z-axis in its compressed shape which is compressed to a specified height.

Abstract: A steering system of a saddle-ride type vehicle includes a front fork that includes a steering shaft at the upper end and supports a front wheel at the lower end, a steering arm that is attached to the steering shaft, a steering force transmit member that is turnably supported by a steering stem that is disposed in a body frame, and a steering system link that joins the steering arm and the steering force transmit member. The steering system link joins the steering arm and the steering force transmit member that is disposed rearward of the steering arm. A steering force detection sensor that detects a steering force transmitted to the steering shaft is disposed in the steering system link.

Abstract: A system for supporting a trailer mover in a fixed spatial relationship to the wheels of a trailer is provided. The system has embodiments handling both independent and non-independent suspension; movers mounted either before or aft the wheels; and, movers mounted on either left hand or right hand wheels. The system attaches to the sprung portion of the trailer suspension to provide the fixed spatial relationship. Adjustable components provide longitudinal and lateral adjustment of the position of the trailer mover to cater for different proximal wheel and suspension geometries.

Abstract: In a suspension assembling structure, a suspension link has an engagement hole formed in a mounting face for a spring seat. The spring seat has a protrusion formed on the lower face of a seat body and configured to be brought into engagement with the suspension link by insertion into the engagement hole. Also, the spring seat has a flange formed on the outer peripheral surface of a cylindrical portion in a manner so as to radially protrude through a clearance space defined between adjacent wires of a coil spring, and configured to hold the wire of a first turn at the lower end of the coil spring, while being kept in abutted-engagement with the upper face of the first turn.

Abstract: On a jackscrew used to adjust spring tension on the suspension of some vehicles, a bearing is provided to allow one or both spring cups (and hence one or both ends of the spring) to rotate freely relative to each other about the axis of the spring. This relieves undesirable forces between the vehicle body and its undercarriage.

Abstract: A suspension coil spring, when assembled to a suspension device, in which a spring reaction axis is positioned coincident with or sufficiently close to a load input axis, and the design and manufacture of coil springs are facilitated. Namely, A suspension coil spring (19) in a free state is formed so that a coil axis (AC) is bent in V-shape at bend point (PB) and the distance from the end turn center (CU) of the upper seating surface (38) to an imaginary coil axis (AI) is an upper inclination amount (VU), and the distance from the end turn center (CL) to the imaginary coil axis (AI) is a lower inclination amount (VL). When the suspension coil spring (10) is interposed between spring seats (22, 24) in the suspension device and compress along a strut axis, the spring reaction axis of the suspension coil spring (10) is inclined and offset with respect to the imaginary coil axis (AI) according to the inclination amounts (VU, VL).

Abstract: An apparatus for isolating and leveling a machine foundation with respect to a substructure of a building or the ground. The apparatus of the present invention provides an enclosure connectable to the machine foundation. A load bearing member is disposed within and adjustably connected to the enclosure. A primary support member and a secondary support member are positioned between the bearing member and the substructure for isolating the machine foundation from the substructure. The magnitude of force carried by the secondary support member may be adjusted to consequently adjust the natural frequency of the machine foundation.

Abstract: A beam (16) such as a spray bar of an agricultural sprayer (10) is pivotable about an axis (22) into an operating position. In the operating position, the bar is in contact with a stop (28) located on a two-legged lever (30), one leg (42) of which is acted upon by the beam (16) and the other leg (44) of which is acted upon by a energy storing mechanism (34).

Abstract: A vehicle height adjustment device has an adjustment bolt (30) rotatably supported by or fixed to a wheel-side member or a vehicle-body member, and a spring seat member (10) threadedly engaging with the adjustment bolt. Rotation of the spring seat member is limited by a bump rubber pedestal (41) (or a coil spring bracket (9)). Displacement of the spring seat member occurs in an axial direction of rotation of the bolt, in accordance with rotation of the bolt. According to the present invention, rotation of the spring seat involved in rotation of the bolt for adjusting the vehicle height can be restricted, and a construction of a vehicle height adjustment mechanism can be simplified so that the number of parts or members of the device is reduced.

Abstract: A flexible utility body mount assembly is provided for connecting a utility body to the frame of a utility truck. The mount comprises a frame bracket rigidly attached to the truck frame and a body bracket rigidly attached to the utility body. The frame bracket includes a block and a spacer. A compression element travels through a bore within the block and connects the body and frame brackets. The block limits the lateral movement of the mount. The spacer fits between the utility body and the truck frame and allows for proper alignment between the body and frame brackets. The compression element comprises a bolt, a compression spring and a rebound element such that the compression spring is secured about the bottom side of the block while the rebound element is secured about the top.

Abstract: A draw spring linkage includes a hollow rod formed with a shoulder structure at the first end of the rod and with a slot that extends longitudinally of the rod and is located between the shoulder structure and the second end of the hollow rod. A tongue member includes an attachment portion and a stem that projects from the attachment portion. The stem fits slidingly in the interior space of the hollow rod and is formed with a slot that is aligned with the slot in the hollow rod. A key extends through the slot in the tongue member and the slot in the hollow rod and projects laterally from the hollow rod. A hollow cylindrical spring is threaded by the hollow rod. The first end of the spring engages the shoulder structure, the second end of the spring engages the key, and the spring is held under compression between the shoulder structure and the key.

Abstract: In a valve gear mechanism of an internal combustion engine, there is provided a valve opening and closing a combustion chamber, a spring device which generates a force pressing the valve toward a valve seat, a drive mechanism driving the valve in an opening direction via an operating section capable of being in contact with and separated from the valve, and a separation inhibiting device which inhibits a separation between the operating section and the valve.

Abstract: The invention comprises a vehicle strut assembly. A strut has a first seat mounted to the strut and a second seat mounted to a vehicle body. A spring is mounted between the first seat and the second seat and is disposed around the strut. The spring has a compressed state and an uncompressed state. In the compressed state, the spring has a middle portion that defines a spring centerline. In the uncompressed state, the spring has ends portions extending towards opposite sides of the spring centerline.

Abstract: A suspension assembly comprises four springs spaced at four distinct locations. A first plate extends to support each of the springs at each location. An axle is connected to the first plate.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a helical compression spring which is mounted on a vehicle body to be compressed between an upper seat and a lower seat. The spring is formed to provide an end coil center line connecting the centers of an upper end coil and a lower end coil to be offset to a coil axis of a body portion of the spring. A pitch of the lower end coil is set to tilt a lower end plane of the spring at a first angle to the lower seat in a direction for shortening the longitudinal length of one side of the spring closer to the end coil center line than the coil axis, in an unloaded state of the spring, and/or a pitch of the upper end coil is set to tilt an upper end plane of the spring at a second angle in a direction for shortening the longitudinal length of the other side of the spring closer to the coil axis than the end coil center line, in the unloaded state.

Abstract: This invention is related to coated springs. More particularly, this invention is a coated spring having a coating that is a dual heat shrinkable material. Further, a method for producing a coated spring with sealed ends or sealed capped ends using the same dual heat shrinkable material.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a helical compression spring which is mounted on a vehicle body to be compressed between an upper seat and a lower seat. The spring is formed to provide an end coil center line connecting the centers of an upper end coil and a lower end coil to be offset to a coil axis of a body portion of the spring. A pitch of the lower end coil is set to tilt a lower end plane of the spring at a first angle to the lower seat in a direction for shortening the longitudinal length of one side of the spring closer to the end coil center line than the coil axis, in an unloaded state of the spring, and/or a pitch of the upper end coil is set to tilt an upper end plane of the spring at a second angle in a direction for shortening the longitudinal length of the other side of the spring closer to the coil axis than the end coil center line, in the unloaded state.

Abstract: A non-linear non-circular coiled spring comprises a first coil portion of rectangular cross-section having a lateral length “a” and a longitudinal length “b”, a second coil portion of rectangular in cross-section having a lateral length “b” and a longitudinal length “a”, and a transition coil portion connecting the first coil portion and the second coil portion by gradually twisting one of first and second coil portions toward the other of first and second portions. The non-linear non-circular coiled spring is adapted to be used as a car suspension or a machine spring.

Abstract: A wheel suspension for motor vehicles, particularly passenger cars, has a wheel control link extending in the transverse direction of the vehicle. On its end away from the wheel, the transverse control link is coupled to each of a spring element and an intermediate link spaced at a distance from each other. The ends of the spring element and the intermediate link away from the transverse link are connected with one another and are jointly supported with respect to the vehicle body via an upright strut.

Abstract: A suspension system with a contained force system which concentrates loads in the suspension geometry control elements. The suspension system permits elimination of large, heavy load bearing structures in remote areas of the vehicle, use of a compact, modular structure, and combination of suspension geometry control and spring/damping in one unit. The modular suspension system for a wheeled vehicle includes a wheel and hub assembly, a relatively heavier vehicle body, an interposed energy storage medium, and a mechanism to releasably store energy in the medium upon relative movement between the wheel and hub assembly and the vehicle body.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel suspension for steerable drive wheels has a wheel carrier with a tie rod to steer a wheel. A strut assembly is present which is coupled with a mounting member. A lower arm, which has two legs, each leg having an end to be coupled with the chassis, includes one of the legs coupled to the mounting member. Another end of the lower arm is coupled with the wheel carrier. An upper arm, which has two legs, each leg having an end coupled with the mounting member, includes one of its ends coupled with the wheel carrier. The wheel suspension improves tire wear and handling of the vehicle.

Abstract: A double-acting distributed pressure vibration proof structure is comprised of three or more than three relatively iter-linked bodies, whereof each inter-linked body is coupled with the respective end joint hinges and the middle joint hinge to the V-shaped two-arm structure, thereof the vibration spring is installed respectively on each end joint hinge of the V-shaped two-arm structure, as well as between the middle joint hinge of the V-shaped two arm structure and the inter-linked body coupled with one end of one arm of the V-shape two-arm structure. An interacting three-joint hinges structure is embodied through each end joint hinge of the V-shaped two-arm structure and the hinge structure between the middle joint hinge and the joint hinge of each linked carrier to constitute a multi-vibration absorptive double-acting distributed pressure vibration proof structure.

Abstract: A steering and suspension mechanism for use with a vehicle (1) and including a steering gear (14) interconnected to a steering wheel (8) through a series of universal joints (10, 11, 12, 13, 87). An output of the steering gear (14) is connected to a Pitman arm (21) which extends from a point (31) relatively near the axle (34) to a point (22) relatively far from the axle, where the Pitman (21) is pivotably interconnected to a pair of tie rods (25, 26). Extending upwardly from the wheels (6, 7) are a pair of A-frame members (40, 81) which pivotably support end caps (42, 47). A pair of coil springs (45, 46) are retained between the end caps, the faces (50, 51) of the end caps being preserved in a parallel relationship by linkages (56, 61), thus preventing buckling of the coil springs (45, 46).

Abstract: The invention has for its object a suspension with dynamically variable flexibility or stiffness. The suspension process uses one or several elastic elements mounted opposite each other, so as to impress on the vehicle suspension a variation of stiffness or of flexibility having two slopes on the curve (shock-relaxation and compression effort) and the use of different stiffnesses or flexibilities is localized during operation of the suspension in the vicinity of the position of the loaded vehicle on its wheels and that the least stiffness is located on the second portion of the course of collapse of the wheel suspension. The invention is applicable to suspensions particularly for automotive vehicles.

Abstract: A device for connecting a helical compression spring to the trailing arm in the wheel suspension of a motor vehicle. Bending stresses on the spring are prevented by supporting it on the trailing arm through a support that is mounted in a bushing rigidly attached to the trailing arm in such a way that the support moves freely around predetermined angle to the normal to the plane of support on the trailing arm. In one embodiment that is especially simple in design the wire at the end of the spring that faces the trailing arm spirals in as far as the center line of the spring, the end of the spring wire is bent at a right angle and extended axially out of the spring, and the end of the spring wire functions in itself as a support, the face of the end of the wire resting on a ball positioned in a bushing.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for suspension of a distributor bar for spreading plant-protective liquids, wherein it comprises two symmetrical elements each composed of--a connecting rod pivoting with respect to the frame;--a bent rocking lever of which the apex is mounted to pivot with respect to the distributor bar, while the end of its arm oriented towards the center is articulated on the second end of the connecting rod of which the first is articulated on a fork joint of the crosspiece of the carriage mounted on the frame;--and a draw spring whose ends are hooked respectively to a lug of the connecting rod and to the free end of the arm of the rocking lever.

Abstract: A trailing arm type rear-suspension system having a trailing arm which is connected to a wheel hub for supporting a rear wheel for rotation at one end and to the vehicle body for vertical pivotal movement at the other end by way of a resilient bushing is provided with a camber control link mechanism. The camber control link mechanism comprises first and second control links. The first control link is fixed to the trailing arm at its first end. The second control link is connected to a second end of the first control link for pivotal movement at one end, and to the vehicle body for pivotal movement at the other end.

Abstract: A vehicle rear-suspension system comprises a trailing arm one end of which is connected to the vehicle body by way of a resilient bushing for up-and-down pivotal movement, a wheel hub for supporting a rear wheel for rotation, a ball joint connecting the wheel hub to the trailing arm so as to permit pivotal movement of the wheel hub about a point relative to the trailing arm, and first and second resilient bushings which resiliently connect the wheel hub to the trailing arm, the ball joint and the first and second resilient bushings being arranged to cause the rear wheel to toe in against a force acting thereon. A first control link is fixed to said trailing arm at one end, and a second control link is connected for pivotal movement to the other end of the first control link at one end. The second control link is connected for pivotal movement to the vehicle body at the other end. The body side pivotal center of the second control link is offset from the pivotal axis of the trailing arm by a preset amount.