Abstract: A method of attaching an axle of a golf car to a leaf spring of the golf car, comprising the steps of aligning the leaf spring adjacent the axle and a bottom plate, inserting an end of a fastener initially through a first aperture associated with the axle and subsequently through a second aperture of the bottom plate and securing the leaf spring between the axle and the bottom plate by securing the fastener at the bottom plate, enabling improved access for assembly and service.

Abstract: A suspension system includes a composite leaf spring having an arcuate segment that is located between a retaining pin and a bumper. The retaining pin includes a shank surrounded by a resilient tube. The bumper is located adjacent a rear wall of the bracket opposite the retaining pin. The bumper includes an arcuate face to engage the outer arc of the arcuate segment while the pin is at least partially surrounded by the arcuate segment. The end of the composite leaf spring is thereby securely yet resiliently retained within the front leaf spring attachment system without penetrating fasteners.

Abstract: A suspension system includes a primary structural support such as an axle beam. To dampen movement of the beam, a leaf spring is attached to longitudinal mainframes which extend parallel to a vehicle centerline. A bracket assembly attaches the beam to the leaf springs by sandwiching the leaf spring therebetween. The bracket assembly also provides a support and mount for an air bag and a shock.

Abstract: A tubular axle housing is provided with pairs of tabs that protrude or extend from the axle to a height or length sufficient to prevent the intermediate section of a U-bolt from sliding over the tab. The tabs also help locate and guide the U-bolt between the tabs during the assembly of a leaf spring to the axle housing. The tabs provide a positive locking feature for the U-bolts during service of a vehicle, to prevent the U-bolts from moving laterally along the axis of the axle tube. As a result, the joint between the leaf spring and axle housing is more secure.

Abstract: A spring assembly includes a spring seat clamped to a leaf spring at a center portion. The spring seat includes a cutout for distributing clamping stresses in a substantially uniform manner across the leaf spring. The cutout provides a relief for a central portion of the leaf spring to uniformly distribute clamping pressures across the leaf spring. Uniformly distributing stresses across the width of the spring increases leaf spring fatigue life.

Abstract: A suspension spring arrangement for a vehicle having an upper elongated spring leaf (12) and a lower elongated spring leaf (14) with an upper elongated spring leaf (12) is provided with a slot (22) and a lower elongated spring leaf (14) is provided with a protuberance (24). When the upper and lower spring leafs (12, 14) are joined to one another, the protuberance (24) is accommodated within the slot (22) so as to prevent lateral displacement of the upper and lower spring leafs (12, 14) with respect to each other. Pounding and squeaking noises are prevented by the installation of a polymeric insert between the slot and the protuberance. The slot (22) and the protuberance (24) are configured in accordance with square, rectangular, and/or circular shapes, depending upon the particular application. A protuberance (24) and a slot (22) can be provided at each end of the suspension spring arrangement.

Abstract: A vibration isolator including a bearing support and an elastic member that communicates with a vibration source. The elastic member is capable of bending from an original position to assume a more or less bowed position in response to changes in a load applied to the midportion of the elastic member intermediate its ends and returning essentially to its original position when the original load is restored. The elastic member engages a friction-resistant bearing surface on the bearing support at a distance spaced from each of its ends and moves relative to the bearing surface in response to a bending of the elastic member. The apparatus may be tuned to effectively isolate a particular vibration frequency, for example, by altering the properties of the elastic member or by changing the distance between the points on the bearing support that engage the elastic member.

Abstract: A rear wheel suspension system replaces the lower control arms, coil springs, and anti-roll bar assembly in the prior art with a simple composite beam. By carefully designing the shape of the beam, the material system and the pivot locations, the ride and roll rates and camber and toe characteristics of the original prior art suspension system can be preserved.

Abstract: An anchoring system for a leaf spring on an axle of a vehicle. Two spaced apart flanges are rigidly affixed to the axle and are oriented generally perpendicular to the axle. The leaf spring is oriented generally perpendicular to the axle and is positioned between the two flanges. Holes in the side of the leaf spring are oriented parallel to the axle. Bolts extend through the two flanges and through the holes in the leaf spring to attach the leaf spring to the two flanges.

Abstract: A split-leaf spring assembly for motor vehicle is disclosed having first and second leaf springs having second ends thereof overlapping. The overlapping portions of the leaf springs are connected. A bracket is fixed to the first leaf spring and extends around a portion of the second leaf spring. Similarly, a bracket is fixed to the second leaf spring and extends around a portion of the first leaf spring. The overlapping portions of the first and second leaf springs are configured to reinforce a high-stress area of the assembly. The leaf springs may be of different thicknesses, and are interchangeable.

Abstract: The invention relates to suspensions for trucks and trailers and to systems for clamping an axle housing to a combination suspension support member and spring in such a way that the axle housing is clamped and compressed uniformly on all four sides whereby there is no appreciable tendency for the axle housing to collapse or become deformed so as to require frequent retorquing of the clamping bolts. The system uses interfitting bottom and top axle housing wraps. The bottom axle wrap has upwardly extending sides engaging opposite sides of the axle housing either directly or against interfitting downward extensions on the top axle housing wrap. Vertical clamping bolts cause the upwardly extending sides on the bottom wrap to press inwardly against the sides of the axle housing.

Abstract: A suspension system for the steering axle of a vehicle chassis includes a right side air spring and a left side air spring. In the preferred embodiment leading rigid arms link each end of the steering axle to a pivoting mount on the chassis and transmits brake reaction torque as a lifting force to the chassis. Spring half leaf trailing links connect each end of the steering axle to the chassis, rigid leading arms provide anti-roll capacity as well as help in locating and stabilizing axle position.

Abstract: An articulating connector installed between a solid axle and a leaf spring suspension in a vehicle, which provides for lateral angular articulation of the axle about an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle without twisting the leaf spring laterally. The result is greater articulation of the axle and elimination of spring binding, thereby providing more freedom of spring travel and a great reduction in interleaf friction in the spring. Shear stresses on the bolts securing the spring eyes to the vehicle chassis or frame are also greatly reduced, thereby greatly increasing the life of these components. The present connector is directed to use in vehicles having either rear or front solid axle systems, or both, suspended by generally longitudinally oriented leaf springs. The present connector may be applied to either overslung or underslung axles, and provides greater freedom of suspension articulation than was achievable in the past with such solid axle and leaf spring suspension systems.

Abstract: The invention provides a single member insert positionable between a front axle and each front leaf spring as a spacer. The member allows attachment of one end of a shock absorber for bracing against the axle. The member also serves as a caster wedge for maintaining proper steering response.

Abstract: A spring movement limiting device that limits lateral shift of a spring in a vehicle suspension along a vehicle axle direction includes a first element and a second element. The first element is coupled to the axle and to the spring. The second element is separate from and engageable with the first element. The second element is fixed at a predetermined position relative to the vehicle axle. Engagement between the first element and the second element limits the first element and spring from movement in the vehicle axle direction.

Abstract: A load assistance device for increasing a vehicle's ability to carry loads by stabilizing a multi-leaf vehicle spring connected to the axle of the vehicle including a unitary length of metallic spring material adapted to be connected directly to the multiple-leaf type vehicle spring at opposite ends thereof forwardly and rearwardly of the axle connection. The length of spring material has a raised area at generally the midpoint thereof spaced from the uppermost leaf of the vehicle spring when mounted thereto and a plurality of springs of varying lengths mounted between the unitary length of spring material and the vehicle spring configured similarly thereto. The plurality of springs also have a raised area conforming to the raised area of the length of spring material forming space between the uppermost leaf of the vehicle spring and the lowermost one of the plurality of springs when coupled to the vehicle spring.

Abstract: A vehicle spring stabilizer has a leaf spring with a connector pivotally secured to each end eye thereof, the connector in the form of a rigid yoke to embrace a vehicle spring assembly and having anti-friction structure in the form of a sleeve on a spacer mounted on a bolt connecting the arms of the yoke.

Abstract: A system for mounting a vehicle axle housing to a vehicle suspension member, such as a main support member, Z-spring or a gooseneck spring, is disclosed. The invention utilizes a bracket welded onto the axle housing so as to eliminate excessive compressive stresses on the axle housing. The suspension member is sandwiched between a top pad and an axle seat. A pair of downwardly extending U-bolts have their bight portions seated on the top pad with their distal ends extending through holes in the axle bracket. Nuts are attached to the U-bolt distal ends to secure the entire assembly together. The system can accommodate a variety of axle seat sizes which in turn allows for a variety of pinion angles to be effected without necessitating the use of a different axle bracket design for each pinion angle.

Abstract: Rubber shock absorber systems for use between the frame and equalizer bar of a construction vehicle usually fail to withstand high temperature environments. A metallic spring assembly is provided which is capable of high flexibility and durability. The spring assembly includes a first arcuate spring member and a second arcuate spring member adjacent to and inverted from the first spring member. First and second arcuate plate members are positioned against the first and second spring members respectively, and have a larger bend radius so that a clearance is created therebetween. A bolt with a plate nut threaded thereon is provided to connect the spring assembly and to provide a preload. During compressive loading, opposing end portions of the first and second spring portions are deformed to provide an energy absorbing system. The flexibility and durability of the spring assembly is controlled by the bend radius, thickness, and length of the plate members.

Abstract: The transverse leaf spring of the wheel suspension is held in bearings on both sides of a longitudinal center plane of the vehicle. These bearings consist of semicylindrical tension elements which are held in elastic receiving devices and which are surrounded by bearing bushes. In order to securely clamp the leaf springs toothed profiles are provided in the tension elements and in the leaf spring. The tension elements can also be connected with pins which can be fastened in the leaf spring.

Abstract: An assembly for aligning an axle in relation to a leaf spring assembly. The traditional integral axle perch has been replaced by a stationary support plate, positioned on top of the leaf spring assembly in the usual manner, and a separate axle cradle, pivotally mounted on top of the support plate to permit adjustment of the alignment of the axle.

Abstract: A bracket for fastening an axle housing to a suspension beam of a vehicle comprises a base with a pair of upwardly extending opposing walls. The base is configured to be secured to the lower portion of the axle housing and is provided with apertures for receiving fasteners attached to the suspension beam. Each of the opposing walls is configured such that they frictionally engage the lower channel portion of the lateral walls of the axle housing. Each opposing wall also has a upper surface suitable for welding to the lateral wall of the axle housing near the channel seam weld and an aperture through the wall for welding the wall to the fractionally engaged lateral wall. The top surface of each opposing wall is rounded off at each end to facilitate placement of a weld that extends down onto the lower portion of the axle housing. The welding aperture on each wall is preferably an elongate slot, especially one where the elongate dimension of the slot is parallel to the top surface and has rounded ends.

Abstract: A first plate is removably secured to the leaf spring of an automobile. The first plate defines an aperture that receives a centering pin on the leaf spring. The first plate also includes a pair of rails that are connected to and extend from a top surface of the first plate, thereby defining a recessed region. A second plate is removably secured to a differential housing bracket of the automobile and is sized to be received in the recessed region of the first plate. The second plate includes a pin that extends from a top surface of the plate and is received in an aperture of at least one of an automobile's differential housing brackets. To correct a misalignment, the leaf spring is separated from the differential housing of the automobile. The first plate is removably secured to the leaf spring of the automobile, and the second plate is removably secured to the differential housing bracket of the automobile.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension of simple design which provides selectable axle heights with reference to the vehicle chassis with minimal component change. The simple but rugged design provides maximum transverse stability by spring form and bushing design and by reducing shock absorber stroke length extends shock absorber life.

Abstract: Air-ride suspensions for vehicles include composite leaf springs having fibers embedded in a resin matrix. Air springs are interposed between the leaf springs and the vehicle adjacent free ends of the leaf springs.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for securing an axle housing to the suspension system of a vehicle frame includes an upper bracket and a lower bracket which partially enclose an axle housing. The upper bracket and the lower bracket are clamped together and have engageable contacting surfaces to provide vertical and torque support for the axle housing walls. Rubber couplings are disposed between the axle housing and the brackets to prevent wearing of the metal surfaces.

Abstract: A structure of a vehicle includes a cross member which constitutes a part of a vehicle body. A rear suspension unit mounted on the cross member has two front and two rear suspension-supporting insulators and a transverse leaf spring. A spring support member for supporting the transverse leaf spring is secured to the vehicle body and positioned below the cross member. Two rear suspension-supporting bolts have upper end portions secured to the cross member, lower end portions secured to the spring support member, and middle portions secured to the rear suspension-supporting insulators of the rear suspension unit.

Abstract: A wheel axle adjustment assembly is provided to allow a wheel axle to be adjusted at a plurality of positions. The assembly includes a pair of bearing plates which are advantageously provided with corrugations. The corrugations allow the bearing plate to be adjusted relative to each other along a number of positions while interlocking the bearing plates relative to each other upon bearing engagement. In an alternative embodiment, a threaded rod can be positioned between the bearing plates to allow the required adjustment. The assembly allows relatively quick and inexpensive alignment of axles or vehicles and particularly for vehicles having multiple axles.

Abstract: Running gear (1) of a railway vehicle, which is suspended on the undercarriage (2) of the railway vehicel by blade support springs (3) and suspension attachment (8), with the additional arrangement of an additional blade spring as absorption spring (12); the absorption spring (12) is essentially more flexible than the rigid blade support spring (3), and the absorption spring (12), is tensed into the spring band (7) of the blade support spring (3). Blade support spring (3) and absorption spring (12) are kinematically connected in parallel.

Abstract: A suspension for a vehicle having tandem axles includes a composite leaf spring connected between the axles. The leaf spring is constrained to bend about a transverse axis by a fixed elastic support having a concave, arcuate bottom surface whose center coincides with the transverse axis. The elastic support engages the top surface of the leaf spring at two points on opposite sides of the transverse axis, and is opposed by a central elastic element. The ends of the leaf spring are connected to the tandem axles by ball joints having elastic pads.

Abstract: An upwardly bowed single transverse leaf spring is provided and includes longitudinally spaced central mounting areas between which a longitudinal mid-portion of the spring extends. The spring includes opposite end portions on remote sides of said mounting areas for anchoring relative to vehicle wheel supporting spindle structures and the mounting areas of the spring have mounts stationarily mounted relative thereto but adjustably positionable longitudinally of the spring and the mounts are pivotally mounted from the stationary mounting structures for oscillation about horizontal parallel axes extending transversely of the leaf spring with the pivotal mounting of the mounts from the stationary mounting structures being such that each axis of oscillation of a mount relative to the corresponding stationary mounting structure may be adjusted transversely of the corresponding vehicle.

Abstract: When attaching components to composite members, for example leaf springs of composite fibre reinforced resin material, it is necessary to avoid stress concentrations and also the access of foreign matter between the spring and the component since this can cause abrasion and break down of the spring. A composite leaf spring having upper and lower planar surfaces has a two element component clamped to it as indicated by the arrows. Liners of elastomeric material are interposed between one element and the upper planar surface and between the other element and the lower planar surface. Towards their ends the surfaces of the elements adjacent the spring diverge from the spring and the liners are shaped to fill the divergencies. The liners extend beyond the ends of the elements to form sealing lips at the spring surfaces. In an eye end attachment at an end of a composite spring in a one piece component may be used.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system includes an elongate dual leaf spring assembly mounted at each end thereof to a vehicle frame member and which is adapted to be engaged over an axle of the vehicle at an approximate midpoint along the length thereof. A brake torque reaction beam comprising a thick, planar half leaf spring member has one end thereof engaged between the leaf spring assembly and the axle. The other end of the reaction beam member extends rearwardly away from the midpoint of the leaf spring assembly a predetermined distance which is slightly less than to greater than the distance the leaf spring assembly extends rearwardly. In a preferred embodiment, an air bag is suspended from the vehicle frame member and interposed between the frame member and the leaf spring assembly at the approximate midpoint thereof and is engaged to the leaf spring assembly.

Abstract: An axle mount construction for a fiber reinforced resin leaf spring which includes a clamping plate and a generally U-shaped clamping member. The clamping member has a web and side walls that define a longitudinal channel and flanges extend laterally from the side walls and are disposed flatwise against the side edges of the clamping plate. A pair of resilient rubber-like inserts are disposed within the channel and define a longitudinal passage to receive the leaf spring. Each insert includes a web and a pair of side walls. At least one side wall of the clamping member has an undulation and the corresponding side wall of the insert has a mating undulation. The web of the clamping member and the clamping plate have elongated openings and the outer surfaces of the webs of the resilient inserts have projections that are received in the openings. The ends of the inserts project longitudinally beyond the clamping members and are tapered inwardly toward the leaf spring.

Abstract: Replacement shackles for holding the front ends of leaf springs used at the front ends of vehicles such as so-called "off road" vehicles can be constructed so as to each include a stop member which is adapted to hit against the frame of such a vehicle to preclude the shackle being rotated to such an extent that the distance between the ends of the spring is shortened to such an extent that the spring carried by the shackle is damaged.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an improved device for connecting an elastic suspension leaf arranged between a load and a carrier, particularly of a vehicle, to the walls or the like and to the chassis. The suspension leaf comprises a composite material having in its vertical plane of symmetry a thickness increasing from the chassis to the end support of the wheel, its cross-section remaining approximately constant. At least one device for connecting to the chassis includes a lower part which retains the leaf and which has a trapezoidal shape in projection in a horizontal plane and a U-shaped cross-section in a vertical plane, and a semi-cylindrical upper part possessing an axial bore which receives a shock-absorbing device for fastening the device to the assembly. The dimensions of the lower part ensure that the part fits onto the gradually varying shape portion of the leaf at the fastening points of the leaf.

Abstract: A leaf spring of fibre reinforced composite material comprises a longitudinal cross-section having a thickened central zone, adjacent tapered zones and end zones. The tapered zones have curved surfaces comprising convex and concave portions, the convex portions being adjacent to the central zones and the concave portions being adjacent to the end zones. Each convex and concave portion is a segment of a curve defined by the equation(X/A).sup.c +(Y/B).sup.D =1.

Abstract: An improved leaf spring clamp is provided, particularly for use with composite material leaf springs, to securely fix the position of the leaf spring relative to a wheel axle or other suspension system member, such as in the suspension system of a motor vehicle. The leaf spring clamp comprises a rigid clamp plate. The clamp base forms a channel adapted to receive the wedge insert. The inner surface of at least one side wall of the clamp base fairs from both ends into a channel-widening concavity, preferably at the longitudinal midpoint of the channel. The wedge insert forms an inner channel adapted to laterally jacket the leaf spring. The outer surface of the wedge insert substantially fills the clamp base channel, providing a convexity adapted to register with the channel-widening concavity of the clamp base. The clamp plate attaches to the clamp base to clamp the leaf spring between them under a pre-load.

Abstract: A motor vehicle suspension comprising a leaf spring (24) of composite material extending transversely of the vehicle, pivotally supported at two spaced positions (25, 26) between its ends and connected at its ends to wheel carriers, wherein the spring is resiliently supported, at a central region thereof between its pivotal supports, by resilient support means (31, 32, 33, 34) and the bending stiffness of the spring decreases from its pivotal support positions to the central region. The spring is enclosed in a housing (29) between the support positions (25, 26).

Abstract: An FRP plate spring member having spring characteristics of the invention has a protective layer of a resin formed on the entirety or part of the outer surface of an FRP base comprising a number of reinforcing fibers which are impregnated with and held in a cured matrix resin. A process for manufacturing such an FRP plate includes a step of applying a resin for forming the protective layer on the entirety or part of the inner surface of a mold for molding the FRP plate.

Abstract: An elastic engine mount with a dynamic stiffness decreasing in dependence on frequency for damping sound transmitted through solids includes a leaf spring having a central region and ends, an elastomer support disposed on the central region of the leaf spring for transmitting force to the leaf spring in a given direction and loading the leaf spring by bending, and at least two support points supporting the leaf spring, the ends of the leaf spring extending freely beyond the support points forming auxiliary masses coupled to the elastomer support vibrating in a direction opposite to the given force transmission direction.

Abstract: An axle mount construction for a fiber reinforced resin leaf spring. The central section of the molded fiber reinforced resin spring that is adapted to be secured to an axle of a vehicle is molded with alternate longitudinally extending ridges and grooves with the ridges on one surface of the central section being vertically aligned with grooves on the opposite surface. The outer extremities of the ridges define flat lands, and a clamping mechanism secured the central section of the spring to the axle and includes clamping plates which are engaged with the lands on the ridges. The ridge and groove construction provides added section stiffness to the mounting area of the spring to reduce stress concentrations in the spring under load.

Abstract: A leaf spring to be clamped between a saddle of the vehicle axle and a clamping plate by means of two connecting elements spaced from one another in a longitudinal direction has an elongated spring member extending in the longitudinal direction, and is composed of a fiber-reinforced duro-plastic synthetic material. At least two supporting plates each have a length exceeding the length of the saddle or of the clamping plate, and each have an inner region located inside the connecting elements, and an outer region located outside the connecting elements. One of the supporting plates is located at one side of the spring member, so as to be arranged between the spring member and the saddle, the other of the supporting plates is located at the other side of the spring member so as to be located between the spring member and the clamping plate.

Abstract: A transparent window member for a tape cassette, which together with a reel pressure spring, forms a subassembly of the cassette. The reel pressure spring has a U-shaped central portion, the bight of the U being parallel to the plane of the spring arms, and the reel pressure spring having a longitudinal edge with two transverse slits spaced the same as the legs of the U of the central portion of the pressure spring. The central portion may thus be transversely inserted in the longitudinal edge of the window member and it thus forms a locating element for the pressure spring.

Abstract: An improved leaf spring clamp is provided, particularly for use with composite material leaf springs, to securely fix the position of the leaf spring relative to a wheel axle or other suspension system member, such as in the suspension system of a motor vehicle. The leaf spring clamp comprises a rigid clamp base, a resilient wedge insert, and a rigid clamp plate. The clamp base provides a bottom wall and substantially parallel side walls extending from the bottom wall to form a channel adapted to receive the wedge insert. The inner surface of at leaf one side wall of the clamp base fairs from both ends into a channel-widening concavity, preferably at the longitudinal midpoint of the channel. The wedge insert has a bottom wall and substantially parallel side walls extending from the bottom wall to a top wall and forms an inner channel adapted to laterally jacket the leaf spring.

Abstract: Fastening of a leaf spring of composite material to a heavy vehicle is accomplished by the clamping of clamps acting on metal shoes located on both sides of the leaf spring, on the surface of which are inserted two U-shaped rubber pieces. On the inner face of said rubber pieces steel sheets are adhered, whose free face is glued to the leaf of the spring.

Abstract: A leaf spring assembly comprises a longitudinal leaf spring of fiber reinforced plastics having a first surface to be applied with a tension force and a second surface to be applied with a compression force, a pair of retainer plates attached to the first and second surfaces of the leaf spring, and a pair of U-bolts and nuts for clamping the retainer plates to the leaf spring and mounting the same on an axle housing. The leaf spring is provided at the second surface thereof with a recess which is located substantially at the central portion of the leaf spring.

Abstract: An improved axle clamp is provided, particularly for use with composite material leaf springs, to securely fix the position of the leaf spring relative to a wheel axle or other suspension system member. The axle clamp comprises a rigid clamp base, a resilient wedge insert, a rigid clamp plate, and a resilient cover pad. The clamp base provides a bottom wall and substantially parallel side walls extending from the bottom wall to form a channel adapted to receive the wedge insert. The inner surface of at least one side wall of the clamp base fairs from both ends into a channel-widening concavity, preferably at the longitudinal mid-point of the channel. The wedge insert has a bottom wall and substantially parallel side walls extending from the bottom wall and forming therewith an inner channel adapted to laterally jacket a leaf spring.

Abstract: A wheel suspension, especially a front wheel suspension for motor vehicles, in which the wheel carriers of mutually oppositely disposed wheels are connected each with a guide member, especially with a cross guide member which is pivotally connected at the body displaceable in the vertical direction by the interposition of a shock absorber. The cross guide member of each wheel is connected with the free end of a leaf spring, especially of a leaf spring of a fibrous material, which extends transversely to the vehicle longitudinal axis and is supported at the vehicle body. The free ends of the leaf spring are connected with the cross guide members at a distance with respect to the latter by way of interposed guide arms. The guide arms are retained in elastic bearings relatively movably and pivotally to the cross guide members and include at their ends opposite these bearings, clamping devices for clampingly fastening the leaf spring.

Abstract: A leaf spring assembly comprises a longitudinal leaf spring made of fiber reinforced plastics, a pair of retainer plates attached to opposite faces of the leaf spring, and a pair of fastening U-bolts and nuts for clamping the retainer plates to the leaf spring and mounting the same on an axle housing. The leaf spring is provided only at its compression surface with a protrusion which is located substantially at the central portion of the leaf spring, and one of the retainer plates is formed with an indented portion which is coupled to the protrusion of the leaf spring to clamp the leaf spring at its central portion.