Abstract: A subframe assembly adapted to receive and secure an engine or motor in a vehicle, the subframe assembly including: a crossmember; an arm member coupled to each end of the crossmember; and a corner member coupled to each arm member adjacent to a corresponding intersection with the crossmember, wherein each corner member includes an upwardly protruding shelf structure defining a plurality of threaded holes adapted to receive a plurality of attachment bolts for securing a corresponding engine mount or motor mount to the subframe assembly. Each corner member includes a horizontal arm disposed along an upper surface of the corresponding arm member and a vertical arm disposed along an outboard surface of the corresponding arm member, wherein the horizontal arm includes the upwardly protruding shelf structure.

Abstract: A suspension assembly for a vehicle axle. The assembly comprises a support structure, a housing element rotatably connected, about a transverse axis, to a support element in which the support structure is configured in a such a manner that it can rotate in relation to the support element about the longitudinal axis of the vehicle and is secured to the main chassis of the vehicle by a pair of hydraulic cylinders. The support structure comprises a pair of main guides, which can be fixed to the main chassis and a rolling element which slides between the pair of main guides and a contact element with a pair of further guides, the contact element operatively associated with the pair of further guides so as to come into contact with one of the further guides following a rotation about the rolling element.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving vehicle rear suspension and operation and to reduce the 3D trajectory motion of the suspension components into separate linear and rotational movements, and allow for a more stable and steady vehicle ride.

Abstract: The support stiffness of a suspension supporting portion can be improved to reduce floor vibration. Arm front-end supporting portions, each supporting a front end portion of a trailing of a rear suspension, are formed on lower portions of rear frames extending in a vehicle longitudinal direction, and each include a squared U-shape portion including outer, inner and front wall portions, with a rear side being open when viewed from the bottom, and an extending outer wall portion extending from the outer wall portion to in front of the front wall portion. The outer wall portion and extending outer wall portion are formed by a side sill inner portion joined to each rear side frame. Also, each arm front-end supporting portion includes an extending inner wall portion extending from the inner wall portion to in front of the front wall portion and joined to each of the rear side frames.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension is provided, including an axle having an axle body with an exterior surface, a main trailing arm shell portion having a first axle engagement surface configured for engaging a first portion of the exterior surface, and a second trailing arm shell portion having a second axle engagement surface configured for engaging a second portion of the exterior surface. Upon assembly to the axle, the main trailing arm shell portion and the second trailing arm shell portion engage more than 180° of a curvature of the exterior surface.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a structural support member, the method includes providing a donor casting, separating the donor casting into at least a first segment and a second segment, providing a mold, disposing the first and second segments into the mold, pouring a liquid metal alloy into the mold. recovering and cleaning a solidified structural support member from the mold, and performing an operation for achieving a mechanical lock feature between the first and second segments and the solidified metal alloy.

Abstract: A cycle includes a fork and a first wheel is mounted to the fork. A steerer tube is connected to the fork. The steerer tube has a longitudinal axis. The cycle includes a pair of second wheels. A pair of downtubes is rotationally mounted to the steerer tube about the longitudinal axis. The pair of downtubes have a fixed inclination with respect to the longitudinal axis. Each one of the down tubes respectively connects one wheel of the pair of second wheels to the steerer tube for pivoting the pair of second wheels together and apart.

Abstract: A foot-deck-based vehicle having an adjustable steering characteristic is provided. The foot-deck-based vehicle has a foot-deck with a front end, a rear end, and at least one rear wheel proximal to the rear end. A front wheel assembly is coupled to the foot-deck proximal to the front end to pivot relative to the foot-deck about a front wheel assembly pivot axis that is at an acute angle to a vertical axis when the foot-deck-based vehicle is upright. The front wheel assembly includes at least one front wheel rotatably coupled to a front wheel support. A steering characteristic adjustment structure adjustably controls a steering characteristic of the foot-deck-based vehicle.

Abstract: A wheel suspension unit for a motor vehicle having a longitudinal link, having a first end for pivotable vehicle-side connection, a second end for connection to a wheel carrier, and a blade-like link portion resilient in the direction of the transverse axis (Y) and rigid transversely relative thereto. The wheel suspension reduces the number of components by providing a longitudinal link having a resilient portion resilient toward the longitudinal axis (X), wherein the longitudinal link is at least partially produced from a fiber-reinforced plastics material.

Abstract: Relates to a link element, in particular for use in utility vehicles, comprising a first wall region, a second wall region and a third wall region, wherein the link element has a pivot region for pivotable support about a pivot axis, wherein the first wall region and the second wall region extend substantially parallel with a transverse plane, wherein the transverse plane is orthogonal to the pivot axis, wherein the third wall region protrudes along a lateral plane from the first wall region and/or from the second wall region, wherein the lateral plane is orientated perpendicularly to the transverse plane, wherein the third wall region is arranged parallel with the transverse plane eccentrically with respect to the extent of the first wall region and/or the second wall region.

Abstract: An axle unit comprising a first suspension arm element and a second suspension arm element, wherein the first suspension arm element and the second suspension arm element can be mounted on a vehicle frame so as to be pivotable about a common pivot axis, wherein the first suspension arm element has a first joining region configured as a recess, and the second suspension arm element has a second joining region configured as a recess, wherein the first joining region and the second joining region are arranged on two opposing sides of an axle tube extending substantially along a tube axis, and wherein the axle tube can be secured by substance bonding in the first and second joining regions to the first and second suspension arm elements.

Abstract: An axle tie rod adapted to be secured to an axle tube of a utility vehicle includes a connecting element and at least one link element, wherein the connecting element has a first connecting section in which a welded connection with the link element can be produced, wherein the connecting element has a second connecting section in which a welded connection with an axle tube can be produced, and wherein the second connecting section is configured to engage around the axle tube.

Abstract: A suspension assembly includes an axle member, a first trailing beam assembly and a second trailing beam assembly. The first trailing beam assembly and the second trailing beam assembly each include a first end operably coupled to a vehicle frame and a second end that includes a downwardly opening recess, wherein the recess includes an outer periphery, the axle member is positioned within the recess, and wherein a weld extends about a periphery of the recess, thereby securing the trailing beams to the axle member.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to methods for obtaining a suspension arm for automotive vehicles, wherein certain embodiments comprise obtaining two identical parts to form a body, where each part is obtained by means of: a) cutting a metal or composite sheet forming a base plane, such that a central segment and two ends are defined, b) drawing at least one hole in each end, c) stamping each part forming in its central segment two flanges consisting of a first flange and a second flange located on opposite sides of the central segment and oriented perpendicular to the base plane, where said flanges have an asymmetrical arrangement with respect to a midplane passing through the geometric centers of the holes of the two ends and is perpendicular to the base plane, the second flange being separated from the midplane a distance equal to the separation of the first flange from the midplane plus a distance at least equal to the value of the thickness of the sheet or plate.

Abstract: A clamp assembly for a vehicle shift mechanism includes a steering column having a stationary portion and a moveable portion. The clamp assembly also includes a shifter operatively coupled to the moveable portion of the steering column and slidably engaged with the stationary portion of the steering column. The clamp assembly further includes a primary rake lever configured to translationally adjust the moveable portion of the steering column. The clamp assembly yet further includes a secondary rake lever operatively coupled to the primary rake lever and operative to exert a clamping force on a portion of the shifter during translational adjustment of the moveable portion.

Abstract: A clamp assembly for a vehicle shift mechanism includes a steering column having a stationary portion and a moveable portion. The clamp assembly also includes a shifter operatively coupled to the moveable portion of the steering column and slidably engaged with the stationary portion of the steering column. The clamp assembly further includes a primary rake lever configured to translationally adjust the moveable portion of the steering column. The clamp assembly yet further includes a secondary rake lever operatively coupled to the primary rake lever and operative to exert a clamping force on a portion of the shifter during translational adjustment of the moveable portion.

Abstract: Energy storing suspension components for use in suspension systems for wheeled vehicles and trailers, and suspension systems incorporating such energy storing suspension components are disclosed. The energy storing suspension components include an axle seat portion, a first end, and a first limb extending between the axle seat portion and the first end. The axle seat portion includes first and second surfaces with at least one of the first and second surfaces having at least two spaced apart recesses that are spaced from a center of the axle seat portion, the recesses being configured to receive respective protrusions extending from at least one suspension component that is connected to the energy storing suspension component when coupled within an axle coupling assembly.

Abstract: A traction assist system for a vehicle having a tandem-axle system includes a drive axle and a non-drive axle attached to a suspension beam on opposite sides of a pivot about which the suspension beam is rotatable. A device selectively applies a force to the suspension beam on the side of the pivot at which the drive axle is attached, such that the suspension beam tends to rotate to provide a downward force on the drive axle. The device can also apply the downward force directly to the drive axle.

Abstract: A suspension assembly includes a pair of frame brackets adapted to couple to a vehicle frame, an axle assembly, a torsional member having reliefs located proximate each end thereof, and a pair of trailing arms each operably coupled to the axle assembly, and pivotably coupled to one of the frame brackets by an associated bushing assembly, wherein each bushing assembly includes a pin member and a flexibly resilient bushing member extending about at least a portion of the pin member, and wherein the pin member of each bushing assembly extends into one of the reliefs of the torsional member, and wherein each pin member is secured to one of the frame brackets.

Abstract: An automotive component including a composite casting is provided. The composite casting includes a steel member and an end cap fastened to an end portion of the steel member. A cast coupling member is cast about the end portion of the steel member including the end cap, thereby positively and rigidly securing the cast coupling member to the steel member. The automotive component can comprise an engine cradle, a control arm, an instrument panel support structure, a bumper assembly, or a twist axle. The cast coupling member is typically formed by casting-in-place aluminum about the end cap and the end portion of the steel member. The steel member is typically a tubular member, and the end cap typically includes a flange designed to provide a mechanical interlock surface with the cast coupling member. For example, the flange can have a polygonal shape, an outwardly extending member, or notches.

Abstract: A suspension arrangement for interconnecting a frame and an axle in a vehicle includes a control arm having an upper beam and a lower beam, each beam having a first end and a second end, the first end of each beam being pivotally connectable to a vehicle frame at a common pivot point, and the second end of each beam being connected to a bushing arrangement mountable to the vehicle axle, the bushing arrangement having an upper portion connected to the upper beam and a lower portion connected to the lower beam.

Abstract: A passenger service vehicle includes one or more suspension mounts. Each suspension mount attaches a front axle to a chassis. In some cases, the axle is a drop beam axle. The or each suspension mount is further mounted with one or more suspension components of the following: suspension arm links, suspension air springs, suspension dampeners, anti-roll bars and Panhard rods.

Abstract: An air bladder suspension. The air bladder suspension of the present invention may be used with a vehicle wheel and a tricycle add-on wheel. The air bladder suspension may include a cantilever or seesaw type configuration and absorb shock when the tire of the wheel hits a ripple or bump on a road.

Abstract: A vehicle has a chassis (11) with front and rear axles (12, 13) suspended from the chassis for vertical and roll movement relative to the chassis. The axles are each mounted on the chassis via an upper pivotal mounting means in the form of an upper pair of arms (12a, 13a) which is pivoted on the chassis for vertical pivoting movement relative thereto and which carry an axle support (15, 16) on which the axle (12, 13) is free to pivot in the roll mode. A second lower pair of pivoting arms (12b, 13b) also connect each axle (12, 13) to the chassis to control fore and aft movement of the axle relative to the chassis. The line of action of the forces (F1-F4) applied to the chassis (11) by the upper arms (12a, 13a) at one end of the chassis are be substantially aligned with the line of action of the forces applied to the chassis by the lower arms (12b, 13b) at the other end of the chassis to reduce and tendency for the chassis to be twisted by these forces.

Abstract: A ground engaged vehicle includes a front portion and a rear portion joined by an articulation. The articulation rotates around a longitudinal axis. An engine drives a hydrostatic pump which drives four hydrostatic motors, each of the hydrostatic motors in operative engagement with one of four wheels. The wheels are on wheel mounts, each of the wheel mounts having a vertical axis around which one of the four wheels with one of the hydrostatic motors is turnable. A steering system turns the two wheels of the front portion in a first direction and the two wheels of the rear portion in an opposite direction. The steering system is powered by the hydrostatic pump. A pedal control system has a first pedal controlling driving the vehicle in a forward direction and a second pedal controlling driving the vehicle in a rearward direction.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an adjustable suspension mount system that includes a first mount link pivotally attached to a mount feature and extending to a device used to support a load on a first wheel, the first mount link pivotally attached to the device. The mount feature is attached to or integrated into the frame of the vehicle. The system further includes a second mount link pivotally attached to at least one of the mount feature and a second mount feature, the second mount link extending to the first mount link, the second mount link pivotally attached to the first mount link. Further disclosed is a vehicle including the system, and a kit including the components to provide the system for a vehicle.

Abstract: A hanger arrangement for heavy-duty vehicle axle/suspension systems includes a pair of front hangers transversely spaced from one another and attached to the vehicle. A pair of transversely spaced rear hangers are spaced longitudinally rearwardly from the front hangers and are attached to the vehicle. A first axle/suspension system is mounted on the front pair of hangers and a second axle/suspension system is mounted on the rear pair of hangers. The pair of front hangers include a rear edge that extends generally downwardly frontwardly toward the front end of the vehicle. The pair of rear hangers include a front edge extending generally downwardly rearwardly toward the rear end of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle has a chassis (11) and at least one axle (12, 13) suspended from the chassis for vertical and roll movement relative to the chassis. The axle is mounted on the chassis via a first pivotal mounting means in the form of an upper pair of arms (12a, 13a) which is pivoted on the chassis for vertical pivoting movement relative thereto and which carry an axle support (15, 16) on which the axle (12, 13) is free to pivot in the roll mode. A first damping means (19) acts between the chassis (11) and the first pivotal mounting means (12a, 13a) to control vertical movement of the axle relative to the chassis, and a second damping means acts between the first pivotal mounting means (12a, 13a) and the axle (12, 13) to provide independent control of the roll movement of the axle relative to the chassis. A second lower pair of pivoting arms (12b, 13b) also connect the axle (12, 13) to the chassis to control fore and aft movement of the axle relative to the chassis.

Abstract: A kit and method of motorcycle to trike conversion using a mono-coupe style overlay plate on both sides of the rear swing arm and a non-straddle differential design incorporating hollow metal tube axles and high thrust load maximum surface area bearings, the having a differential assembly comprising a non-straddle differential, a frame, and an axle assembly comprising an axle, wherein the non-straddle differential is supported by the axle.

Abstract: With a motor vehicle having a front axle and rear axle, underbody and shock absorbers, each of which extend between an upper point of action on the underbody and a control arm on the rear axle extending adjacent to a rear wheel, and at least one back seat the upper point of action of one of the shock absorbers is located vertically below the back seat.

Abstract: A wheel axle suspension having on both sides of a vehicle a trailing arm which extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, a thin walled tubular axle body, which has attachment regions where the axle body is attached to the trailing arms. Each trailing arm is hingedly connected at the front, viewed in the direction of travel of the vehicle, to a bearing bracket which is arranged on the vehicle chassis. The suspension also comprises a pneumatic spring operational between each of the trailing arms and the chassis, and clamp bodies for clamping the axle body at the attachment regions thereof so as to attach the axle body to the trailing arms, as well as tensioning elements for providing the clamp force for the clamp bodies.

Abstract: A suspension unit 1 comprising a resilient arrangement 37 is provided. The damping arrangement 37 comprises a chamber having a primary volume arranged to contain a primary fluid and jounce and rebound variable volumes 58, 60 arranged to contain jounce and rebound fluids respectively. A piston 38 is slidably disposed in the chamber so as to act on the primary fluid and jounce and rebound moveable members 54, 56 separate the primary fluid from jounce and rebound volumes 58, 60 respectively. A jounce abutment member 55 is provided to limit the movement of the jounce moveable member 54 and a rebound abutment member 57 is provided to limit the movement of the rebound moveable member 56. When in use and the piston 38 is in a static position, the jounce moveable member 54 abuts the jounce abutment member 55 and the rebound moveable member 56 abuts the rebound abutment 57 member over a range of temperatures.

Abstract: A traction assist system for a vehicle having a tandem-axle system includes a drive axle and a non-drive axle attached to a suspension beam on opposite sides of a pivot about which the suspension beam is rotatable. A device selectively applies a force to the suspension beam on the side of the pivot at which the drive axle is attached, such that the suspension beam tends to rotate to provide a downward force on the drive axle. The device can also apply the downward force directly to the drive axle.

Abstract: An axle coupling assembly and method for coupling a vehicle axle to an energy storing suspension component are disclosed. The assembly includes first and second U-shaped fastener assemblies, first and second flanges configured for connection to the vehicle axle, a mounting pad and a suspension component such as a leaf spring or a leading or trailing arm disposed between the first and second flanges and mounting pad.

Abstract: A torque rod assembly includes a pair of end joint assemblies with a thin wall connecting tube disposed between them. The end joint assemblies each include an eye which is friction welded to the thin wall connecting tube. The use of the thin wall connecting tube and the friction welding process allow the friction weld to be located immediately adjacent a bore extending through the eye. The eyes and the thin wall connecting tube can be cast, extruded or formed from steel, aluminum or cast iron.

Abstract: The invention relates to circumferential movement field, including all circumferential movement devices such as transport vehicle, toy vehicle, space vehicle, blender etc, especially for energy-saving vehicles utilizing force of gravity. The energy-saving vehicle utilizes force of gravity as driving force, the vehicle body connects with the wheel by swing structure method or eccentric swing structure to utilize force of gravity more efficiently. The invention also provides solutions about two-wheel gravitational vehicle and multi-wheel vehicle and train connected by integrated vehicles or two-wheel vehicles.

Abstract: A mechanical spring axle/suspension system includes a front axle/suspension system and a rear axle/suspension system. The front system includes a pair of front leaf spring stacks, and a front axle extending between and being connected to the front leaf spring stacks. A front end of a leaf spring of each front spring stack includes a spring eye that is pivotally connected to a front hanger, and a rear end disposed on a cam mounted in an equalizer. The rear system includes a pair of rear leaf spring stacks, and a rear axle extending between and being connected to the rear leaf spring stacks. A front end of a leaf spring of each rear spring stack includes a spring eye that is pivotally connected to an equalizer, in which the spring eye position reduces inter-axle load transfer, and a rear end disposed on a cam mounted in a rear hanger.

Abstract: A joint arrangement (1) comprising a journal-like retaining body (5) and a joint head (4) is provided, at the axial head end thereof, for engaging with one of a one-piece or multi-piece supporting device. The base region (5a, 5b) of the retaining body (5) is connected to an axle body (10), particularly of a utility vehicle, and designed such that, in addition to the retaining body (5) extending in a journal-like manner, the joint arrangement (1) also comprises a separate flange body (8) which can be used to apply force to the retaining body (5) in the direction of the base region (5a, 5b) thereof for the purpose of connecting the retaining body (5) to the axle body (10).

Abstract: A suspension apparatus for a vehicle has a frame with a first portion and a second portion substantially perpendicular to the first portion. A swing arm is pivotably connected to the frame allowing movement of the swing arm. A striker contacts the first portion of the frame. A travel stop connects to the frame to limit the movement of the swing arm. A spindle and a hub connect to the spindle for connecting a wheel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a trailing beam for supporting a trailer axle. The trailing beam has a generally rectangular cross section, the top, bottom and sides of which are fabricated from steel plate or channels, with the individual components being welded together at their junctures. The trailing beam incorporates a novel axle wrap which provides a curved sided window enabling weld securement of the axle wrap to the axle without the weld extending parallel to a longitudinal axis of the axle.

Abstract: A suspension structure includes lower front and rear links arranged to connect a wheel support member to support a wheel and a vehicle body member swingably, and an upper link located above the lower front link and arranged to connect the wheel support member and the vehicle body swingably. There is further provided a connect bush arranged to connect the lower front link and the lower rear link with each other. The connect bush is located below a connection point between the lower front link and the wheel support member.

Abstract: A rear axle support assembly includes a swing arm assembly, a second axle tube, and a rear final gear assembly. The swing arm assembly includes a first support arm, a second support arm laterally spaced from the first support arm, a first axle tube attached to the first support arm, and an axle support bracket attached to the second support arm. Each of the first and second axle tubes is configured to receive an axle therewithin. The second axle tube includes an axle tube mount flange. The first axle tube is releasably attached to the rear final gear assembly. The axle tube mount flange is positioned laterally between, and is releasably attached to each one of, the axle support bracket of the swing arm assembly and the rear final gear assembly, and in direct, contacting engagement with the rear final gear assembly.

Abstract: An axle beam and a method of manufacture. The axle beam may have a unitary construction that includes a beam portion and a boss portion. The boss portion may have first and second pins that are spaced apart from each other and spaced apart from the beam portion. The first and second pins may be coaxially disposed.

Abstract: An axle assembly for a motorcycle having a plurality of drive wheels. The axle assembly is configured to permit a user to replace an endless power-transmitting element without substantially disassembling the axle housing assembly.

Abstract: An axle assembly having two hubs, each for connection to a wheel, a housing for differential gears and a mounting arrangement for a braking system for braking a connected wheel. The housing has a depression formed therein. The depression is configured so as to accommodate: (a) when the mounting arrangement has a drum brake mounted thereon, movement of a slack adjuster of the drum brake in a direction away from one of the hubs nearest the drum brake so as to allow detachment of the slack adjuster; and/or (b) when the mounting arrangement has a disc brake mounted thereon, an air chamber of the braking system, wherein the air chamber is capable of being partially accommodated within the depression.

Abstract: Energy storing suspension components for use in suspension systems for wheeled vehicles and trailers, and suspension systems incorporating such energy storing suspension components are disclosed. The energy storing suspension components include an axle seat portion, a first end, and a first limb extending between the axle seat portion and the first end. The axle seat portion includes first and second surfaces with at least one of the first and second surfaces having at least two spaced apart recesses that are spaced from a center of the axle seat portion, the recesses being configured to receive respective protrusions extending from at least one suspension component that is connected to the energy storing suspension component when coupled within an axle coupling assembly.

Abstract: A suspension system with inclination stabilization, in particular for use on heavy work vehicles, such as a dumper, where the front pair of wheels is mounted on a transverse rigid axle, has an axle (5) firmly connected with a Y-shaped frame (1) extending in the longitudinal direction along the central line (M) of the vehicle. The frame is suspended from the chassis of the vehicle, partly from a spherical bearing (4) disposed in the central line of the vehicle, partly via two spring units (2, 3) arranged symmetrically around the central line and a rod connection (7). The frame is additionally equipped with one or more laterally directed stabilization arms (6) which are confined by the chassis. This provides a suspension system which contains a very small number of components, which is stable, sturdy and resistant to wear, and which contains both springing, level adjustment and inclination stabilization.

Abstract: A steerable wheelbarrow is described which includes two handles coupled to a tray and two legs coupled to the handles. A mount is also coupled to the handles. A pivot is coupled to the mount at an angle between vertical and horizontal. An axle, having at least one wheel, is coupled to the pivot. A pivot support is coupled to the pivot and to the mount. An axle assembly is described, which may be attached to a regular wheelbarrow. The axle assembly includes a mount and a pivot. The pivot has a first and a second end. The first end is coupled to the mount at an angle between vertical and horizontal. An axle is rotatably coupled to the pivot at a location between the first and the second end of the pivot. A pivot support is coupled to the second end of the pivot and to the mount.

Abstract: A vehicular swing arm assembly includes a swing member, an axle support assembly, and an axle. The swing member is configured for pivotal attachment to a frame of a vehicle. The axle support assembly includes a driven member and a cross member assembly. The driven member is rotatably coupled with the swing member and is rotatable about a drive axis. The cross member assembly includes a first pivot member and a second pivot member. The first pivot member is pivotally coupled with the driven member and is pivotable with respect to the driven member. The second pivot member is pivotally coupled with the first pivot member and is pivotable with respect to the first pivot member. The axle is coupled with one of the first and second pivot members and is rotatable. Rotation of the driven member about the drive axis facilitates rotation of the axle.

Abstract: A commercial vehicle has its axle housings supported on the chassis frame by way of spring elements. Each spring element is connected to a clamping yoke having two legs, of which in each case one leg rests against the front of the axle housing and the other leg rests against the rear of the axle housing, as seen in the driving direction. The legs are connected to one another by a web. Each leg is fixed and secured on a fixing projection on a longitudinal side of the axle housing, and the web is spaced apart from the upper side of the axle housing.