Abstract: A vehicle suspension system couples an axle to a vehicle frame so that the axle pivots about a first location with respect to the frame when the axle has a first range of articulation. The axle pivots about a second location with respect to the frame extending laterally out from the first location when the axle has a second range of articulation greater than the first range of articulation. When the axle exceeds the second range of articulation, the suspension system retains the axle in a substantially rigid contact with the vehicle frame.

Abstract: A utility vehicle is provided with a middle axle that is mounted at the end of a bogey beam for both flotational and oscillatory movement relative to the frame of the vehicle. The middle axle is restrained longitudinally by support links that are pivotally connected to the frame at a location that is forward of the rear drive axle. The middle axle is formed by a pair of stub axles interconnected by a support beam that is pivotally connected to the rearward end of the bogey beam. Vertical movement of the middle axle support wheels results in a corresponding vertical movement of the rearward end of the bogey beam and a rotation of the support beam about its pivotal connection on the bogey beam. The oscillatory movement is accomplished by a pivotal connection via a ball joint between a central support bracket mounting the transverse support beam to the longitudinally extending bogey beam.

Abstract: A split-frame vehicle in which the front and rear sub-frames may rotate relative to one another along a longitudinal axis that runs generally parallel to the ground. In one embodiment, the vehicle includes a locking mechanism operatively coupled between the front and rear sub-frames. The locking mechanism is operative between a locked position in which the sub-frames are rigidly coupled and an unlocked position in which the sub-frames are free to rotate relative to one another. In a second embodiment, the vehicle includes an axial rotator joint connected between the sub-frames. The joint includes a first bearing plate connected to the front sub-frame and a second bearing plate connected to the second sub-frame. The faces of each bearing plate bear on one another and define the rotational interface between the sub-frames. A drive shaft extends through an opening in the center of each bearing plate.

Abstract: A vehicle axle crosspiece includes inner and outer tubes extending crosswise of the vehicle, with the axially outer end of the outer tube being connected to a wheel arm on one side of the vehicle and the axially outer end of the inner tube being connected to a wheel arm on the other side of the vehicle. The inner and outer tubes are joined together by at least two axially-spaced antiroll articulations of elastomeric material housed between the inner and outer tubes. Each of the two antiroll articulations has its own radial stiffness and is assigned a coefficient proportional to its radial stiffness. The center of inertia of the antiroll articulations is closer to the wheel arm connected to the outer tube than to the wheel arm connected to the inner tube.

Abstract: A suspension system for mounting a pair of wheels to a wheelchair is disclosed. The system includes a crossbar pivotally mounted to the wheelchair so as to pivot about a longitudinal axis. At least one spring assembly is located between the crossbar and the wheelchair frame for controlling the pivoting of the crossbar. A hinge assembly is mounted on each lateral end of the crossbar. The hinge assembly includes a first hinge component attached to the crossbar so as to be rotatable about a vertical axis, and a second hinge component resiliently connected to the first hinge component. The resilient connection biases the second hinge connection against rotation with respect to the first hinge component. A wheel and yoke assembly are mounted to the second hinge component.

Abstract: A utility vehicle is provided with a bogey beam on which are mounted the steering axle at the forward end of the bogey beam and the middle axle on the rearward end of the bogey beam. A rear drive axle is supported by the frame of the utility vehicle. The bogey beam is connected to the frame by a pivot assembly defining a transverse pivot axis about which the bogey beam can oscillate. The weight transferred to the bogey beam is proportionately distributed between the front steering axle and middle axle. As a result, the steering characteristics of the steering axle are not impaired by the imposition of a load in the load bed of the utility vehicle, as the middle axle cannot be loaded sufficiently to overpower the front steering axle. The middle axle is rotatably driven by a chain drive transferring rotational power from the rear drive axle.

Abstract: A wagon for agricultural use having an all-wheel steering mechanism. The wheels are hingedly attached to their respective axles. Steering alignment of the front wheels is provided by the wagon tongue, which is pivotally connected to the wagon frame and at least one of the front wheels. The front wheels are connected to each other by a steering linkage, consisting of two equal length members pinned to each other at a connection point. A front shaft crank is pivotally attached at the same connection point and rigidly attached to a rotatable shaft mounted with bearings to the underside of the wagon frame. Changes to the steering alignment of the front wheels causes lateral movement of the connection point, leading to rotation of the shaft and a corresponding direct change in alignment of the rear wheels, which are equipped with a similar system of linkages and cranks. This causes the front and rear wheels to follow the same path.

Abstract: A system for sensing the spatial position of suspended axles in industrial vehicles includes two angular sensors (32) fitted on opposite pins (26), each of which is provided with a relative spherical coupling (27) for a panhard bar (16) interposed between an axle (11) and the chassis (15) of the industrial vehicle. Each of the sensors (32) interposed between the axle (11) and the chassis (15) of the industrial vehicle is operated by elastic laminas (35, 36) and each sensor has a drive pin rotated by a corresponding rotating hub (34), the angular sensors (32) detecting the spatial oscillations of the panhard bar (16) in relation to the axle (11) and the chassis (15) of the industrial vehicle. There are two elastic laminas (35, 36) for each angular sensor (32) and these are fitted parallel to a lateral surface of the panhard bar (16), partially overlapping one another and fixed at one end to one of the angular sensors (32) and at the other end to the surface of the panhard bar (16).

Abstract: A utility vehicle is provided with a bogey beam on which are mounted the steering axle at the forward end of the bogey beam and the middle axle on the rearward end of the bogey beam. A rear drive axle is supported by the frame of the utility vehicle. The bogey beam is connected to the frame by a pivot assembly defining a transverse pivot axis about which the bogey beam can oscillate. The weight transferred to the bogey beam is proportionately distributed between the front steering axle and middle axle. As a result, the steering characteristics of the steering axle are not impaired by the imposition of a load in the load bed of the utility vehicle, as the middle axle cannot be loaded sufficiently to overpower the front steering axle. The middle axle is rotatably driven by the rear drive axle.

Abstract: A frame for an electric scooter has a body, a pivotal bar, two wheel mounts, two resilient members and two tabs. The pivotal bar is pivotally attached to the front end of the body. Each wheel mount is pivotally attached to one end of the pivotal bar in a longitudinal direction. A front wheel is rotatably attached to each of the wheel mounts. The resilient members are attached to the top of the pivotal bar. The tabs are secured to the body and respectively abut one of the resilient members. Consequently, one of the resilient members will be compressed when one of the front wheels is bumped. This can keep the force applied to the front wheel from being transmitted to the body and the steering bar of the scooter. To steer and to drive the electric scooter become is easier.

Abstract: A utility vehicle is provided with a middle axle that is mounted at the end of a bogey beam for flotational movement relative to the frame of the vehicle. The middle axle is restrained longitudinally by support links that are pivotally connected at a location forward of the rear drive axle. The middle axle is formed by a pair of stub axles interconnected by a support beam that is pivotally connected to the rearward end of the bogey beam. Vertical movement of the middle axle support wheels results in a corresponding vertical movement of the rearward end of the bogey beam and a rotation of the support beam about its pivotal connection on the bogey beam. The configuration of the support links provides sufficient slack in the drive mechanism to the middle axle during flotational movement thereof so as to allow a slight twisting of the drive mechanism during oscillation of the middle axle.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension assembly includes a device for securing an axle to a selected suspension component. A seat member that is received between the axle and the suspension component includes an axle adaptor as part of the seat member. A first portion of the seat member is received between the axle and the suspension component. A second portion of the seat member extends away from the first portion and includes at least one support surface for supporting a brake component relative to the axle. In one example embodiment, the seat member includes an integrated brake carrier.

Abstract: A suspended axle (31) of the articulated-connection type for industrial vehicles comprises a central casing (32) from which two arms (34) extend, each of which carries, at one of its ends, a support (36) for a wheel, the axle (31) being connected to the chassis (52) of the industrial vehicle by means of first bars set transversely and second bars set longitudinally with respect to the vehicle, where the transverse bars comprise a Panhard rod (54). In addition, interposed between the axle (31) and the chassis (52) are hydraulic elements (84). The longitudinal bars each consist of a single strut (64) having one end connected to the central casing (32) and one, opposite, end connected to the chassis (52) with interposition of a ball-and-socket joint (68).

Abstract: A suspension linkage for an axle has hard mechanical oscillation stops that move relative to the vehicle frame as the axle travels vertically. The linkage uses thrust bearings to eliminate sideways movement of the axle that causes bounce steer. The linkage is a scissors linkage, having an upper link and a lower link joined together at a center pivot. The hard mechanical oscillation stops are carried by the linkage, as opposed to the vehicle frame, and thus move vertically with the axle.

Abstract: A cambering vehicle includes a single steerable front wheel and a pair of rear wheels at the rearward ends of trailing arms extending from the front structure. The two arms are articulated to the front structure, and move arcuately in planes parallel to the steering column. In one embodiment the arms are linked by a yoke, and traverse equal arcuate distances in opposite directions relative to one another. In another embodiment the yoke is replaced by a transverse link, with elastomer bushings connecting the link ends to their respective arms. The vehicle operates using the principle of conservation of angular momentum, with the vehicle traveling a sinusoidal path and the operator leaning to the inside of the turn. This moves the center of gravity of the vehicle and operator to the inside of the turn, thus accelerating vehicle and operator along the turning path to increase velocity of the device.

Abstract: A sand buggy has a main frame. A pair of connection rods are disposed on the main frame. A positioning seat which is connected to the connection rods has two lower rotating shafts. A movable mount has two pairs of lug panels to receive the lower rotating shafts. Two front shock absorbers are connected to a-suspension arm and a positioning plate. A first and a second positioning mounts are disposed on the main frame. A first movable seat is inserted in the first positioning mount. A pair of first lug plates are disposed on the first suspension link. A second movable seat is inserted in the second positioning mount. A pair of second lug plates are disposed on the second suspension link. A first rear shock absorber is positioned by the first lug plates. A second rear shock absorber is positioned by the second lug plates. A main shaft is connected to the first and the second rear shock absorbers.

Abstract: A motor vehicle fitted with a system for controlling the camber (&thgr;) of the wheels of the vehicle on a bend, including, for each wheel of at least one front axle and/or rear axle of the vehicle, a suspension having a pair of suspension upper and lower arms, articulated at their outboard ends to a hub carrier and attached at their inboard ends to the body of the vehicle. The lower and upper arms of each pair are articulated at their respective inboard ends to a pivot transfer lever which is, in turn, mounted on the body by an articulation, the axis of rotation of which is contained in a longitudinal and vertical plane of the vehicle, the pivot transfer lever being capable of pivoting in such a way as to incline the wheels on the appropriate side.

Abstract: A traveling device such as, for example, a wheelchair or a resource carrier enabling comfortable travel on uneven ground, with its wheels moving in conformity with the ground, having a simple construction which can be manufactured at low price. The device includes a truck member with a loop frame and a body member which is supported on the truck member by a pair of links at its front and by a pair of fixed arms at its rear. The loop frame has a pair of side frame parts each of which is bendable at its lengthwise center and supported by a driven wheel at the same, and a pair of front and rear frame parts each of which is supported by a caster at the lengthwise center. Each fixed arm has an upper end fixed immovably to the body member and a lower end which is connected turnably and movably generally parallel to the traveling direction.

Abstract: A suspended axle (31) of the articulated-connection type for industrial vehicles comprises a central casing (32) from which two arms (34) extend, each of which carries, at one of its ends, a support (36) for a wheel, the axle (31) being connected to the chassis (52) of the industrial vehicle by means of first bars set transversely and second bars set longitudinally with respect to the vehicle, where the transverse bars comprise a Panhard rod (54). In addition, interposed between the axle (31) and the chassis (52) are hydraulic elements (84). The longitudinal bars each consist of a single strut (64) having one end connected to the central casing (32) and one, opposite, end connected to the chassis (52) with interposition of a ball-and-socket joint (68).

Abstract: In a drawbar-type rear wheel suspension for a motor vehicle comprising a drawbar axle body connected to the vehicle body by a universal drawbar body joint and having wheel support arms on which vehicle wheels are supported, and struts extending laterally between the free ends of the wheel support arms and the vehicle body and being connected thereto by elastic pivot joints, the elastic pivot joints of the struts at the vehicle body are disposed at a higher level than the universal drawbar joint and also the elastic pivot joints of the struts at the wheel support arms, and further, the drawbar axle body has a uniform cross-section rover its full length and provides for an elasticity such that the deformation of the drawbar axle caused by side forces is in the same range as the sum of the deformations of the elastic pivot joints of at least one strut.

Abstract: A control device of the spatial position in a suspended axle for industrial vehicles essentially comprising two angular sensors (32) fitted on opposite pins (26), each of which is provided with a relative spherical coupling (27) for a panhard bar (16) interposed between an axle (11) and the chassis (15) of the industrial vehicle, each of the sensors (32) interposed between the axle (11) and the chassis (15) of the industrial vehicle being operated by elastic laminas (35, 36) and each sensor receiving motion from the corresponding rotating hub (34), the angular sensors (32) detecting the spatial oscillations of the panhard bar (16) in relation to the axle (11) and the chassis (15) of the industrial vehicle. There are two elastic laminas (35, 36) for each angular sensor (32) and these are fitted parallel to each lateral surface of the panhard bar (16), partially overlapping one another and fixed on one side to one of the angular sensors (32) and on the other to the surface of the panhard bar (16).

Abstract: A forklift has a frame and a rear axle, which is pivotally joined to the frame about a center pivot axis. Front and rear supporting members support the frame on the axle. A damper is located between the frame and the axle. The damper has an upper end connected to the frame and a lower end connected to the axle. A bracket for joining the upper end of the damper to the frame is located no further forward than the front end of the front support member and no further rearward than the rear support member. This structure suppresses torsion and bending force applied to the damper.

Abstract: A riding mower or other like four-wheel vehicle has the two front wheels mounted off the cantilever end of a subframe which is pivotably attached to the underside of the main frame of the vehicle by two spaced part pivots lying along the vehicle length axis. A cutter deck is suspended from the main frame beneath the subframe. The subframe construction resists bending forces, due to front-to-back and vertical forces on the dropped-down front wheels, when they encounter obstacles or depressions. The main frame is made of steel tubing, and provides a generally rectangular space just forward of the driver's seat, suitable for placement of the driver's feet. Preferably, the subframe also has a generally rectangular opening, nominally aligned with the main frame opening, to also accommodate the driver's feet. The elevation of the driver's seat can thus be desirably lowered, to maintain a low center of gravity.

Abstract: An articulating vehicle (10) includes a front axle (21) operatively connected to a front frame (40) and a rear axle (21) is operatively connected to the rear frame (30). A torsional joint (50) has an inner shaft member (51) operatively connected one of the frames and an outer hollow member (52) operatively connected to the other of the frames. An elastomeric material (53) is positioned between the inner member (51) and outer member (52). The elastic material (53) connects the inner and outer members, whereby the frames may rotate relative to each other along the longitudinal axis as the elastomeric member (53) is compressed and resiliently resists rotation between the frames (30 and 40). A torsional energy absorption suspension is provided for one of the wheels. The suspension includes a torsional joint (50), a single A-frame member (94). A lever arm (95) may also be utilized to vary the preload on the torsional joint (50).

Abstract: A lawn mower includes a front wheel suspension system as well as a rear wheel suspension system. The front wheel suspension system includes upper and lower suspension struts that are pivotably connected between a main frame of the lawn mower and a longitudinal suspension strut that is connected to a front wheel. A spring is connected between an extension of the upper suspension strut and a front transverse member of the main frame. The rear wheel suspension system includes upper and lower links that are pivotably connected between vertical struts that are connected between upper and lower frame members of the main frame and a motor mount. A spring is connected between a spring bracket extending from the upper frame member and either the motor mount or a motor mounted in the motor mount. In order to prevent scalping while turning, a floating cutter deck is suspended from the front and rear wheel suspension systems rather than from the main frame or chassis of the mower.

Abstract: A rear suspension apparatus for a motor vehicle having a differential gear case (2) disposed between rear right- and left-wheels (1R, 1L), which is of a torsion beam type. In the rear suspension apparatus, a central portion (12a) of a torsion beam (12) for rotatably supporting the rear right- and left-hand wheels (1R, 1L) is curved to run along the configuration of the differential gear case (2), and is disposed at the rear of the differential gear case (2). A suspension damper (16) stretched between the torsion beam (12) and the vehicle body is disposed to be inclined upwardly and forwardly.

Abstract: An articulating vehicle (10) includes a front axle (21) operatively connected to a front frame (40) and a rear axle (21) is operatively connected to the rear frame (30). A torsional joint (50) has an inner shaft member (51) operatively connected one of the frames and an outer hollow member (52) operatively connected to the other of the frames. An elastomeric material (53) is positioned between the inner member (51) and outer member (52). The elastic material (53) connects the inner and outer members, whereby the frames may rotate relative to each other along the longitudinal axis as the elastomeric member (53) is compressed and resiliently resists rotation between the frames (30 and 40).

Abstract: A steering rear axle (5) of a fork lift truck is swingable about a longitudinal swing shaft (9). Even with an ignition key (89) on, if an operation switch (88) is off, an electromagnetic switch valve (83) is de-energized, holding a port-connecting valve position (C) allowing hydraulic oil to be supplied from a hydraulic line (79) via the electromagnetic switch valve (83) and a hydraulic line (49) to a driving hydraulic cylinder (31), so that a slider (23) abuts on a stopper member (19), restricting a swing action of the steering axle (5). With the operation switch (88) turned on, the electromagnetic switch valve (83) is energized, having a port-connecting valve position (D) interrupting a hydraulic oil supply to the driving hydraulic cylinder (31), causing the slider (23) to depart from the stopper member (19), enabling the swing action of the steering axle (5).

Abstract: An agricultural vehicle is described having a front axle mounted on a suspension in a manner that permits the front axle to move up and down in relation to the vehicle body and to pivot about the vehicle longitudinal axis so as to allow the wheels on the ends of the axle to move up and down independently. In the invention, a stop plate is provided on the housing of the axle that projects vertically upwards towards the vehicle body. Abutment surfaces are provided on the vehicle body that straddle the stop plate. The surfaces abut the side edges of the stop plate at the limit of the permitted range of rotation of the front axle about the vehicle longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An all-terrain vehicle including centrally pivoted bogies on opposite sides of the vehicle body, a primary yoke mounted on the vehicle body and extending crosswise to the vehicle body for coupling the bogies to each other, a secondary yoke mounted on the vehicle body and connected to the vehicle body by hydraulic cylinders at opposite ends thereof, and a selectively actuatable clutch for coupling the secondary yoke to the primary yoke so as to cause the hydraulic cylinders to drive both yokes a desired amount to positively move the bogies to a desired position, and hydraulic circuitry coupled to the hydraulic cylinders for applying a pulsating action to the bogies which is transmitted to the vehicle wheels mounted on opposite ends of the bogies for increasing traction of the wheels on surfaces such as snow, ice, mud and sand.

Abstract: A base structure for a mobile access platform includes a chassis (10) having at least two pairs of wheels (12, 16a, 16b), at least a first one of the pairs of wheels (16a, 16b) including a suspension mechanism including, for each wheel, a swing arm member (18) on which the wheel is mounted, the swing arm member (18) being arranged to pivot about a substantially horizontal pivot axis, a stop member (21) arranged to engage the swing arm member (18) so as to limit upwards movement thereof, and a biassing mechanism (24) arranged to exert a biassing force on the swing arm member (18) to urge the swing arm member upwards towards the stop member (21). The biassing force is less than the force needed to maintain the swing arm member (18) in engagement with the stop member (21) when the wheel is unsupported. The arrangement is such that the swing arm members (18) normally engage the stop members (21) when the mobile access platform is standing on flat, level ground.

Abstract: A high clearance converter is used for converting a road vehicle, e.g. a pickup truck, to a high clearance vehicle, for example for agricultural use. The converter has front and rear frame components, each with two upright and ground wheels mounted on each of the legs. The front wheel hubs are mounted on the front frame component and the rear axle is mounted on the rear frame component. The front and rear frame components are coupled for relative rolling movement with respect to one another, allowing the frame to flex when travelling over uneven ground.

Abstract: A spit-frame, heavy truck, suspension system for trucks that haul trailers made of three moveably interlocked rigid frames referred to as the front frame, rear frame, and interconnecting frame. The front frame supports the cab, engine, and transmission. The rear primary frame supports the drive axle and fifth wheel. The rear end of the interconnecting frame is pivotally mounted to the rear frame whereby the rear frame may rotate about a transverse axis. The front end of the interconnecting frame is mounted to the front frame in a manner that permits the interconnecting frame to rotate and pivot along its longitudinal axis relative to the front frame. Hydraulic cylinders are used to dampen vibrations and oscillations within this spit-frame structure.

Abstract: An articulated self-propelled agricultural machine, in particular, a forage harvester, whose group of rear axles comprise two frame parts having regions thereof arranged one above the other and the frame parts being coupled to one another by a bearing which limits the angle of rotation. One of these two frame parts is coupled to the front axle of the forage harvester by an articulated joint, while one frame part is coupled to the optionally driveable rear axle of the forage harvester via an elastic joint.

Abstract: A split-frame vehicle in which the front and rear sub-frames may rotate relative to one another along a longitudinal axis that runs generally parallel to the ground. In one embodiment, the vehicle includes a locking mechanism operatively coupled between the front and rear sub-frames. The locking mechanism is operative between a locked position in which the sub-frames are rigidly coupled and an unlocked position in which the sub-frames are free to rotate relative to one another. In a second embodiment, the vehicle includes an axial rotator joint connected between the sub-frames. The joint includes a first bearing plate connected to the front sub-frame and a second bearing plate connected to the second sub-frame. The faces of each bearing plate bear on one another and define the rotational interface between the sub-frames. A drive shaft extends through an opening in the center of each bearing plate.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling pivoting the rear axle of a forklift. The forklift includes forks, which are lifted and lowered relative to a body frame. A locking mechanism, which includes a hydraulic damper and an electromagnetic valve, locks the rear axle to stabilize the body frame. A controller controls the locking mechanism to lock the rear axle when the fork height is at least as great as a predetermined height threshold value and the weight of a load on the fork is at least as great as a predetermined weight threshold value. The controller also controls the locking mechanism to lock the rear axle when the lateral acceleration is at least as great as a predetermined threshold value. Further, the controller changes the threshold value of the lateral acceleration in accordance with the fork height.