Abstract: A support device includes a base member, a caster assembly coupled to the base member including a caster pivotally coupled to the base member, at least two planar members positioned above the caster and pivotally coupled to one another by at least two opposing hinges, and a shaft positioned between the at least two opposing hinges and extending through the at least two planar members.

Abstract: An axle/suspension assembly for a heavy-duty vehicle supported by a frame and a hanger includes a beam, an axle, and a bumper. The axle is supported by a first portion of the beam for pivotal movement of the beam relative to the hanger at a pivot joint. The first portion of the beam is located on a first side of the pivot joint. The bumper is fixed to at least one of the frame, the hanger, and a second portion of the beam. The second portion of the beam is located on an opposite second side of the pivot joint. The bumper includes a portion for contacting structure of at least another of the frame, the hanger, and the beam to limit pivotal movement of the axle in one direction.

Abstract: A rod-end front suspension is provided for an off-road vehicle. The rod-end front suspension comprises a spindle assembly that is pivotally coupled with an upper suspension arm by way of a first rod-end joint and pivotally coupled with a lower suspension arm by way of a second rod-end joint. A steering rod-end joint coupled with the spindle assembly pivotally receives a steering rod. An axle assembly coupled with the spindle assembly conducts torque from a transaxle to a wheel coupled with the spindle assembly. Each of the first and second rod-end joints comprises a ball rotatably retained within a casing. The ball is fastened within a recess between parallel prongs extending from the spindle assembly. A threaded shank extending from the casing is threadably fixated with the suspension arm, such that the spindle assembly may be moved with respect to the casing and the suspension arm.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a frame, a suspension arm, and a fastener. The fastener includes a flange and a shaft extending from the flange. The shaft engages the frame and the extension arm. A washer is on the shaft. The washer has a first surface facing the frame and a second surface facing the flange. The washer has a thickness from the first surface to the second surface, and the thickness tapers.

Abstract: A wheel suspension bearing is disclosed as being arranged on a member of a motor vehicle, with a bearing bushing and a bearing bushing carrier. The bearing bushing carrier incorporates the bearing bushing and is designed to be situated in the member of the motor vehicle. A wheel suspension bearing assembly, as well as a correspondingly equipped motor vehicle is also disclosed.

Abstract: A link device for linking a motor vehicle cradle and a structural element of a body of the vehicle, the link device including a unitary ear including a base for connection to the cradle and an upper portion for connection to a structural element of the body. The ear includes a lateral portion including a bent U-shape for accommodating a bearing for guiding an anti-roll bar.

Abstract: A mechanically adjustable elastomer bearing based on a correspondingly arranged spring element whose spring stiffness can be adjusted or pretensioned individually by deformable elastomer bodies or elastomer layers. The deformation of the elastomer layers, and thus of the spring elements, is achieved by a pressure-generated device which is fully integrated into the spring element. The elastomer bearing are particularly suitable for use as bearings in rotor and gearbox for large wind turbines, but can also advantageously be employed in machine and vehicle construction, and in particular package clutches.

Abstract: An independent suspension with no axle is disclosed which includes a hanger and a control arm having opposite first and second ends pivotally mounted to the hanger between the first and second ends. The suspension unit further includes a spindle arm mounted to the first end of the control arm. The suspension unit also includes a jounce spring on the control arm and a rebound spring mounted between the control arm and the hanger. The control arm and hanger are configured such that when the first end of the control arm pivots towards the frame of the vehicle the jounce spring is compressed and the rebound spring is relaxed and when the first end of the control arm moves away from the frame the jounce spring is relaxed and the rebound spring is compressed.

Abstract: To provide a toe correct bush having excellent durability and a novel structure, the toe correct bush effectively achieving improvement in running stability during steering with a toe correction function and improvement in straight line performance with an intermediate restraining plate. A first intermediate restraining member is provided between opposing surfaces of an inner inclined portion and an outer inclined portion and is fixed to a compression rubber, the first intermediate restraining member spreading and being isolated from the opposing surfaces of the inner inclined portion and the outer inclined portion. A second intermediate restraining member is provided independent from the first intermediate restraining member between opposing surfaces of an inner flange and an outer flange and is fixed to a connecting rubber, the second intermediate restraining member spreading and being isolated from the opposing surfaces of the inner flange and the outer flange.

Abstract: Construction and advantages of improved wavy composite structures made from wavy composite, unidirectional composites, and damping materials is revealed. By combining wavy composite laminae in various waveforms, offsets, angular orientations and material combinations, it is possible to provide axial, torsion, or shear properties equivalent to unidirectional materials but without the limitations related to fiber discontinuity, labor costs for fabrication, and weakness at seams where laminates overlap. By combining wavy composite layers with unidirectional crossplies, or by using woven mats with various fill fiber levels where the warp fibers are sinuously arranged, improved strength and damping is possible. Several examples of both wavy crossply laminates and unidirectional crossply laminates are analyzed and compared.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system includes a pair of suspension assemblies mounted on a pair of spaced vehicle frame members for supporting a vehicle body on the vehicle wheels. A torsion axle extends between the pair of suspension assemblies and terminates in a pair of stub shafts. The axle is mounted on a pair of spaced frame brackets attached to the vehicle frame. An air spring extends between the vehicle frame and an outer end of a support arm pivotally mounted on each end of the torsion axle. The stub shafts are supported within an outer tube of the torsion axle by a plurality of elastomeric members. One end of each stub shaft is connected to a spindle arm which has a spindle extending from an opposite end of the arm.

Abstract: A suspension arrangement for spring suspending a mass body (3) in relation to a substructure (1), for example, a driver's cabin (3) of a heavy goods vehicle in relation to the vehicle chassis (1) thereof. The suspension arrangement comprises a spring/damper arrangement (2) which is arranged between the mass body (3) and the substructure (1) and which is used to dampen thrusts and/or oscillations. The suspension arrangement in characterized in that it comprises at least one pantograph (6) which is used to reduce the freedom of movement of the mass body (3). The inventive suspension arrangement is constructively robust and can determine the provided freedom of movement of the mass body in a reliable manner and can dampen and/or prevent undesired movements in other spatial directions. The invention enables an economical and a reliable spring suspension, in particular, for a driver's cabin of heavy good vehicles, to be produced.

Abstract: A bushing member includes a hinge portion enabling improved assembly and, in some embodiments, an optional flange and a seal design that limits moisture entry also ensures an improved fit when secured with a matching bracket compressing the bushing in a beneficial manner.

Abstract: A torsion beam type suspension device comprises a pair of trailing arms (1) spaced from each other axially of an axle and connected at front ends thereof to a car body and at rear ends thereof rotatably supporting wheels through brackets, and a torsion beam (2) extending axially of the axle and interconnecting the pair of trailing arms (1) by connecting portions (6) at both ends, the rear ends of the pair of trailing arms (1) being connected to the brackets (8) through rubber cushions, whereby the steering stability can be improved without raising problems about cost, weight and space or without impairing NVH performance associated with road noise, trembling feeling and harshness.

Abstract: An improved flexural pivot design simplifies the structure, fabrication, assembly, and integration into a device. A set of flexures 200 is affixed to two surfaces of a stationary member 100 and a single surface of a rotational member 300. The set of flexures follow opposing centers of curvature 411 and 412 to provide a stable center of rotation 400 and allow repeatable limited-angle rotational motion.

Abstract: An elastomeric sway bar bushing provides an improved and secure fit between a retention bracket and a motor vehicle sway bar under extreme temperature and mechanical conditions. Tab sections, ring sections, and a convex stability ridge extend from the bushing and firmly lock the bushing to both the retention bracket and the sway bar while maintaining ease of assembly, minimizing debris buildup, resisting thermal degradation. The ring sections serve an additional sacrificial function and maintain surface contact with the sway bar beyond the limits of the retention bracket.

Abstract: A PU foam shock absorber in accordance with the present invention is composed of a tube (10), a resilient core (11) mounted inside the tube (10) and a cap. The resilient core (11) is made of PU foam to absorb and to buffer shock. Additionally, the resilient core (11) may be selectively divided into multiple sections of different density and hardness to adjust the damping coefficient of the shock absorber.

Abstract: A caster which is mounted in a trolley or the like having a bracket 2 connected to a body of a vehicle; a link 3 connected to rotate on the bracket 2; vehicle wheels 4 connected to rotate on the link 3; and a compressible rubber block 20 which deforms as the link 3 rotates. The compressible rubber block forms an initial compressible part 23 which partially eliminates a surface area of the compressible rubber block. In this manner it is possible to restrain input forces on the vehicle body by smoothing out the rotation of the link 3.

Abstract: To provide a compression spring formed of an elastic body made from a resin or rubber which is capable of maintaining its shape upon deformation without the use of any supporting member, thereby always ensuring a specific load-deformation characteristic. A compression spring of the present invention includes a cylindrical spring main body, wherein compression energy generated when the compression spring is pressed in the radial direction is absorbed by elastic deformation of the cylindrical spring main body. In this compression spring, a base having a flat bottom surface swelled along a plane perpendicular to the pressing direction is formed on the pressing force receiving side of the spring main body. Furthermore, a reinforcing wall for connecting the swelled portion of the base to a side portion of the cylindrical spring main body is formed integrally with the spring main body.

Abstract: A suspension unit for each rear wheel of a motor powered off-road four wheeled vehicle comprising a suspension arrangement with the inner members constructed for mounting on a fixed shaft secured to the vehicle and the outer casing carrying a swing arm terminating in a swivel joint to be secured to a single rear wheel axle and a pair of such a units in combination with a drive chain and sprocket device for the single axle and a braking system having at least one disc brake for fixed mounting on the rear axle with caliper carried on an operating arm supported from a bearing to be mounted on the same axle.

Abstract: A modular wheel suspension includes a frame mounting plate having a central support member affixed thereto. The central support member mounts a pivot shaft bracket support. A pivot shaft bracket is adjustably mounted on the pivot shaft bracket support. The pivot shaft bracket pivotally mounts a shaft which is connected to one end of a beam arm, the other end of which mounts a wheel axle on which a wheel is mounted. A rubber shear spring is mounted between the beam arm and a portion of the frame mounting plate. The adjustable mounting of the pivot shaft bracket provides for toe and camber adjustment of the wheel.

Abstract: A floor scrubber is disclosed including a frame including a drive wheel, rear wheels, brushes, vacuum squeegee system, batteries, solution tanks, and an operator seat. The rear wheels are rotatably mounted on the opposite ends of a steel rod. Arms are attached rigidly to the axle and each include a cylindrical pivot in which an elastomer bushing is press fit. Pivot pins extend through first and second pairs of first and second plates and the elastomer bushing for pivotably mounting the arms to the frame while isolating any transmitted vibrations. Elastomeric isolator mounts are provided each including a frusto-conical shaped body and each having a nut embedded in the lower end for threadable receipt of a bolt passing through an attachment plate attached to the axle. The upper ends of the elastomeric isolator mounts each include a plate secured thereto and secured to the frame.

Abstract: A tag axle assembly including spaced front hanger assemblies for attachment to spaced frame portions of a vehicle, spaced rearwardly extending beam assemblies pivotally mounted on the spaced hanger assemblies, spaced rear hanger assemblies attached to the spaced frame portions of the vehicle, spaced rubber springs attached between the spaced rear hanger assemblies and the rear of the spaced beam assemblies, an axle mounted between the spaced beam assemblies, first and second cross members extending between spaced portions of the vehicle frame, a third cross member extending between portions of the spaced rear hanger assemblies on opposite sides of the vehicle, and spaced plates secured to the spaced frame portions for preventing excess upward movement of the beam assemblies in the event of malfunction of the rubber springs.

Abstract: A trailing arm construction for the rear wheels of an automotive vehicle including a trailing arm, a pivotal mounting for the fore portion of the trailing arm, a shear rubber spring mounted directly between the vehicle frame and a central portion of the trailing arm, a bracket for attaching the driven vehicle axle to the central portion of the trailing arm, and a coil spring mounted directly between the aft portion of the trailing arm and the vehicle frame. A construction as described including a tag arm construction for mounting a wheel behind the rear wheels including a tag arm having a fore portion pivotally mounted directly on the vehicle frame, a bracket on the central portion of the tag arm for mounting an axle, and a shear rubber spring mounted directly between the vehicle frame and the aft portion of the tag arm.

Abstract: A strut assembly for connecting and damping motion between relatively movable objects. The strut assembly includes a casing containing a pair of movable connecting members which cooperate with ribbed slide elements and elastomeric layers in the casing to damp motion by inducing hysteresis in the elastomeric layers and creating friction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a spring device capable of softly dissipating the energy of an accelerated mass which is relatively great with respect to the inert mass of a reference system coupled to said spring device. The force deflection curve of said spring device exhibits an abrupt steep rise within the linear working range of the force deflection curve so that the required deflection is reduced. The spring device can include a soft suspension spring coupled to a control spring.

Abstract: A motor vehicle engine mount has two inner bodies which are directed toward each other and form a gap therebetween. Each of these bodies is connected to the interior of a frame via rubber webs and a connecting piece rigidly attached to one of the inner bodies is held in a sliding manner on the other inner body via a slot and a locking screw in the position which becomes established in the loaded resting state. And a release member is added between the screw and such other inner body that is able to freely move at small vibration amplitudes.

Abstract: An elastic mounting molded from an elastomer compound bonded to two fastening frames, in particular for antivibration isolation of vehicle suspension elements, where the deformation rigidity is blocked in one direction by the tension of a metal cable embedded in the elastomer.

Abstract: A power unit mounting structure through which a power unit of an automotive vehicle is supported to a vehicle body. The power unit mounting structure consists of a vehicle body side mount bracket bolted at its one end section to the vehicle body, and a power unit side mount bracket securely connected at its one end section to a transmission case of the power unit. The other end sections of the vehicle body side and power unit side mount brackets are elastically connected through an insulator member with each other. The insulator member is securely disposed inside a rigid support member secured to the other end section of the vehicle body side mount bracket. The insulator member is located lower in level than a joint portion of the vehicle body side mount bracket with the vehicle body. Additionally, a support member is disposed between the insulator support member and a center frame member securely connected to the vehicle body at the joint portion, thereby reinforcing the vehicle body side mount bracket.

Abstract: A structure for swingably supporting a lower suspension arm of a vehicle suspension on the chassis of the vehicle through a bracket. The bracket has a main part swingably supporting the lower suspension arm and connected to the chassis, and an extension extending from the main part in the longitudinal direction of the chassis and connected at a position which is vertically spaced from the position at which said main part is connected to the chassis and on the opposite side of the axis of swinging of the lower suspension arm to the position where the main part is connected to the chassis. With this arrangement, displacement of the bracket by any force transmitted through the lower suspension arm and acting in the longitudinal direction is minimized.

Abstract: An improved automotive suspension strut isolator and jounce bumper upper mount providing a compact resilient assembly adaptable for a vehicle having a reduced hood line. The assembly comprises a collar member formed with an upstanding collar portion having a radially outwardly extending contact flange. An inverted cylindrical cup member is positioned in spaced relation with the collar separated by an elastomeric isolator. The cup member includes a return bend flange underlying the contact flange in an axially spaced manner. The cup member is sized to telescopically accommodate the upper end of the strut outer support casing at full jounce travel thereby lowering the overall strut height for a given vehicle attachment span. In one form of the invention the strut utilizes a convoluted dust shield as a jounce bumper.

Abstract: This invention relates to spring block elements of the type comprising layers of rubber affixed to end and intermediate plates, and according to this invention the layers of rubber are uniformly tapered in one direction to reduce buckling effect. Two such spring block elements may be horizontally positioned in a compression spring unit between a stationary beam and corresponding pivot arms which are vertically spaced from the stationary beam.

Abstract: A suspension of a vehicle includes a set of suspension arms each supporting a wheel, a subframe pivotably connected on its left and right sides with the respective suspension arms, the subframe having on its each side portions forward and rearward of a rotary axis of the wheel and six elastic mounts. The subframe is coupled on each side thereof with a car body through two of the elastic mounts disposed at lateral interval in one of the portion and one elastic mount disposed in the other of the portions.