Abstract: A steerable lift axle/suspension system for a heavy-duty vehicle such as a semi-trailer or a straight truck, includes a pair of steering dampers and a backup lock. The steering dampers minimize shimmy of the steerable wheels during over-the-road operation of the vehicle, and straighten the wheels on such steerable axle/suspension systems having a lift feature when the system is raised. The backup lock secures the wheels in a straightened position when such liftable systems are raised and the vehicle is backing up, to minimize vehicle handling problems. The steering dampers and backup lock are mounted at a location off the axle tube of the axle and on the axle/suspension system beams, to eliminate stress on the axle that would otherwise be caused by welded attachment of such components to the axle tube, thereby enabling use of a less robust, more lightweight axle tube.

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

Abstract: A spindle bracket for rear suspensions includes a bracket body welded to a trailing arm and having a mounting hole into which a spindle is inserted, and a lateral strength reinforcing piece secured between the trailing arm and the bracket body.

Abstract: A suspension arm made of an aluminum alloy extruded profile having a portion forming a bottom portion, portions forming at least two vertical walls, and a horizontal rib which connects the two vertical walls, wherein a suspension part lower end support portion is formed between the two vertical walls or at the bottom portion by removing a part of the horizontal rib. It is preferable to gradually change the interval between the two vertical walls in the portion in which the horizontal rib is removed.

Abstract: A rotary force when applied to an axle causes the wheel (10) to turn but the vehicle itself reacts to this rotation with an equal and opposite force and rotates the vehicle in the opposite direction lifting the front of the vehicle when accelerating forward. A reactive arm (13) is fitted to the driving axle in a manner where it can use this reaction to the rotary force and redirect this force to a point on the chassis (18) where this force can be used to counteract the effects of this rotary force and of weight transfer caused by acceleration of the chassis.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to devices for an air ride suspension system for one or two axle light duty trailers. More specifically, this invention relates a novel air ride suspension system for light duty trailers that eliminates the need for leaf springs, dissipates normal road vibrations, dramatically reduces the stress on trailers and their fixtures and can be sold and installed in kit form for either above or below axle mounting.

Abstract: A rear suspension system of an automotive vehicle is disclosed. A trailing arm is disposed in a lengthwise direction of a vehicle body, and a mounting bush secures a leading end portion of the trailing arm to the vehicle body. A protrusion member protrudes from an outside circumference of the mounting bush. A coupling is provided on the leading end portion of the trailing arm, for making the length of the protrusion member varied in accordance with an external force imposed on the trailing arm. Thus, the wheel alignment is maintained at the tow-in during a braking or turning, and therefore, the vehicle posture is stabilized during the braking or turning.

Abstract: A horizontally mounted vehicle suspension system is provided. The suspension system contains at least one horizontally mounted shock, which provides for a more comfortable ride within the vehicle. The configuration increases the space to accommodate for the shock or shock strut, as well as allows for the use of full travel shocks in small spaces. The full shock length, with all associated benefits can be used within a smaller space. The suspension system may be used with traditional shock absorbers or shock struts.

Abstract: The invention provides a multi-link suspension assembly for a vehicle wheel, comprising a wheel carrier, an upper lateral link, a lower lateral link, a toe link, and a longitudinal link. The wheel carrier is oriented along a longitudinal axis of a vehicle body. The upper lateral link is oriented along a lateral axis of the vehicle body near the wheel center and is pivotally connected to the wheel carrier. The lower lateral link is oriented along a lateral axis of the vehicle body near the wheel center and is pivotally connected to the wheel carrier. The toe link is oriented along a lateral axis of the vehicle body behind the wheel center and is pivotally connected to the wheel carrier. The longitudinal link is oriented along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle body and is pivotally connected to the wheel carrier forward of the wheel center and pivotally connected to the lower lateral link near the wheel center.

Abstract: A parallelogram lift axle suspension system includes an in-line lift bellows located between and vertically aligned with a pair of upper and lower control arms so as to provide bi-directional expansion and contraction of the lift bellows for raising and lowering the suspension while increasing the space available between the longitudinal frame rails enabling use of the suspension in certain vehicles by avoiding interference with other vehicle components of the vehicle located in this space.

Abstract: A tank for containing compressed air for supplying the air to one or more pneumatically-operated components, devices, or systems of a heavy-duty vehicle such as a tractor-trailer or straight truck, also serves as part of the structure of the frame or subframe of the vehicle. The frame or subframe includes a pair of spaced-apart, parallel, elongated and longitudinally extending main members. One or more of the tanks serve as interconnecting cross members of the frame or subframe structure. Each tank/cross member generally extends between and is perpendicular to the main members and is secured to the main members and/or suspension hangers to form a rigid, integrated frame or subframe structure having reduced weight, yet which is capable of reacting the loads placed on the structure during operation of the vehicle.

Abstract: A trailing arm suspension unit for use on a vehicle including a ring bearing, a trailing arm, a spring and damper for providing large vertical wheel travel in a jounce and rebound suspension condition. The ring bearing may include external threads for rotationally connecting the trailing arm to a mounting plate or a hull of the vehicle. Further, supply lines for electrical and fluids may be passed through the opening in the ring bearings without the use of a slip ring and passed through a passage in the trailing arm to a wheel on the vehicle. The spring and damper may be located on top of the trailing arm and separately connected to the mounting plate to generate significant mechanical advantage. The geometry of the spring, damper, and trailing arm allow the spring in the suspension unit to be gas cylinder employing air.

Abstract: A lift axle suspension system to be mounted under a vehicle for selectively raising a tire wheel assembly out of engagement with a road surface which vehicle includes a lift axle mounted to a hanger bracket via a pivot connector. The hanger bracket is rigidly attached to a vehicle frame and has articulating arms pivotally connected thereto. These arms connect at their opposite ends to the axle. A pair of diaphragm chambers such as brake chambers each include upper and lower chambers separated by a flexible bladder that moves under pressurization causing a push rod affixed thereto to translate. The diaphragm chambers and push rods extending therefrom are connected in different embodiments to the hanger bracket or other rigid structures as well as the articulating arm such that movement of the push rods causes movement of the articulating arms and thus movement such as lifting of the axle.

Abstract: A suspension system for suspending a vehicle frame above a plurality of ground-engaging wheels includes a wheel-carrying axle comprising a first end a second end, and a pair of frame bracket assemblies each comprising a resiliently-bushed pivotable connection defining a pivot axis, wherein the frame bracket assemblies are operably coupled to opposite sides of the frame bracket, and wherein the resiliently-bushed pivotable connection comprises a substantially cylindrically-shaped bushing. The suspension system also includes a pair of trailing arms each comprising a first end operably coupled to the first end and the second end of the axle, respectively, and a second end comprising an aperture that receives the bushing of one of the frame bracket assemblies therein, wherein the aperture of the second end of each trailing arm is nonsymmetrical, thereby causing a nonsymmetrical compression of the bushing about the pivot axis.

Abstract: A wheel suspension system for a vehicle includes a vehicle wheel having a wheel rim and a tire secured to the wheel rim. The wheel is secured to a frame portion of the vehicle by a spindle assembly. The spindle assembly includes a wheel carrier arm pivotally secured thereto at a pivot point, such that the wheel and the wheel carrier arm rotate together about an axis of rotation defined by pivot point. The wheel carrier arm is in communication with a shock absorption device. The shock absorption device is located within a space defined by the wheel, such that the shock absorption spring device is hidden when the vehicle wheel is viewed from a side direction. The shock absorption spring device compresses upon an impact force contacting the vehicle wheel. In the most compact form, the wheel carrier arm and the shock absorbing spring device is packaged within the wheel rim volume such that both are hidden when the vehicle wheel is viewed from a front direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for attachment to the body (240) of a vehicle (12) which has a front, rear and opposite sides and which has steerable wheels. The apparatus comprises a lower part (22) having structure (40, 48) for fixed attachment at each of the opposite sides of the vehicle. A first steering control arm (150) is pivotally connected to the lower part (22) at one side of the vehicle. A second steering control arm (160) is pivotally connected to the lower part (22) at an opposite side of the vehicle. An upper part (24) is connected with the lower part (22). A rack and pinion steering mechanism (10) includes a rack bar (180) movable axially in opposite directions to effect steering movement of the steerable wheels of the vehicle. The steering mechanism (10) includes a chamber (80) through which the rack bar (180) extends. The chamber is defined by surfaces of the upper and lower parts (22, 24).

Abstract: A suspension system for a vehicle includes a support structure of a wheel having a forward rolling axis. The suspension system includes a first link rotatably secured at an inner end to the vehicle and in communication with the support structure of wheel at an outer end. The suspension system includes a second link rotatably secured at an inner end to the vehicle and in communication with the support structure of the wheel at an outer end. The system also includes a shock absorber having a first end in communication with one of the first link or the second link and a second end rotatably secured to the vehicle. The shock absorber is compressible to allow the support structure of the wheel to absorb impact forces imparted thereto during travel. The shock absorber is located along a longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

Abstract: An independent suspension module includes a plurality of control members that are positioned to allow the suspension module to be used on low profile vehicles such as low floor buses. The suspension module includes a plurality of control members that couple a support member to the vehicle structure so that the suspension module is appropriately supported relative to the vehicle. The control members include a first end supported near a vertical portion of the lower surface of the vehicle. A second end of at least some of the control members are supported on the support member of the suspension module such that the second ends are positioned between the inboard and outboard sides of the wheels.

Abstract: A heavy-duty vehicle suspension assembly is provided that includes an axle assembly having opposing suspension arm mounting faces. A pair of modular suspension arm assemblies are secured to the axle assembly with the suspension arm assemblies extending outwardly from the axle assembly in opposite directions from one another. Each suspension arm assembly includes a first arm portion having a first end secured to the mounting face and extending to a second end. A second arm portion is secured to the second end and has a spring seat with a spring supported on each of the spring seats of the suspension arm assemblies for damping forces transmitted through the axle assembly. The first and second arm portions include mounting surfaces that overlap one another in a plurality of positions to permit the arm portions to be secured to one another in a plurality of configurations that accommodate numerous spring heights and pinion angles. The first and second arm portions may be constructed as separate castings.

Abstract: A truck axle assembly has a pair of transversely spaced longitudinally extending swing arms each attachable adjacent one end to a truck chassis for pivotal movement relative thereto about a transverse axis. Each swing arm has an axle mounting bracket detachably secured thereto adjacent an opposite end thereof, and each axle mounting bracket has a transverse portion extending across the swing arm and a pair of transversely spaced attachment portions extending from the transverse portion on opposite sides of the swing arm and detachable secured thereto. An axle extends transversely across the swing arms adjacent the opposite ends thereof and detachably secured to the mounting brackets. Each axle mounting bracket also supports a brake actuating member for a brake mechanism mounted on an adjacent end of the axle.

Abstract: A mechanism is disclosed for controlling the vertical position of the transport trailer floor of a heavy trailer bearing vehicle having a pivoting air spring suspension system such that the transport trailer floor maintains a fixed position level to an adjacent dock platform when parked for loading or unloading. The mechanism comprises various embodiments of a locking system that disables the pivotal movement of selected pivoting suspension elements in any one of a plurality of possible fixed positions such that the transport trailer floor, when parked, resists downwardly imposed forces and maintains a fixed elevation equal to the elevation of an adjacent loading dock platform.

Abstract: A wishbone of a wheel-suspension system for a motor-vehicle wheel, comprising a one-piece casting with a first fixing zone for fixing to a bearing arrangement of the wheel, a pair of second fixing zones for fixing to a chassis of the motor vehicle, and a flat zone with at least one aperture, the aperture being of dumbbell-shaped and/or kidney-shaped design.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension and a control arm therefor are provided. The control arm includes first and second members each defining a recess corresponding to a portion of the outer surface of a vehicle axle. The members are welded or otherwise coupled together to surround at least a majority of the axle thereby enabling installation of the control arm without sliding the arm onto the axle. Each of the members includes a pair of sidewalls and a lateral wall joining, and integral with, the sidewalls. The sidewalls are angled relative to an axis of the axle to provide sufficient clearance for a spring assembly mounted to the control arm and centering of spring loads. The two sidewalls of one member may further include aligned apertures configured to receive a tube on which a shock absorber may be mounted. The tube enables strong and accurate mounting of the shock absorber.

Abstract: The subject of the present invention is an axle system for the articulated arrangement of vehicle axles in motor vehicles, comprising an axle strut body (1) and at least one joint body (2), with said axle strut body (1) having recesses (7, 8) that are formed in the end regions (5, 6) to receive the joint body (2). To create an axle system that can be produced cost-effectively and without additional work steps and that has a low rate of wear even under high dynamic and static loads, the present invention proposes that the axle strut body (1) and the joint bodies (2) each be made as a one-piece closed hollow section, with the joint bodies (2) being pivot type and set into the recesses of the axle strut body (1) in a form-fit and/or friction-locked manner.

Abstract: A tilting trailer suspension which has forwardly disposed, independent swingarms pivotally attached to a trailer main platform and a second u-shaped perimeter frame attached to the rear portion of the swingarms and extending over the swingarms converging at a latching point on the trailer tongue. Each swingarm has a stub axle mounted at its forward end for wheel attachment. A spring is mounted between the forward end of each swingarm and the perimeter frame to provide suspension. Tilting is accomplished by unlatching the u-shaped perimeter frame from the tongue portion of the main frame and raising it so that the swingarms pivot about the connection to the main frame. The rearward end of the trailer platform drops to the ground at a low angle, while the u-shaped perimeter frame assumes an upwardly extending attitude.

Abstract: A suspension system connects a wheel axle to a vehicle frame and includes a trailing arm connected at one end to the wheel axle. A pair of extension members are connected to the other end of the trailing arm and extend laterally in opposite directions along a pivot axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the arm. A pair of supports extend along the pivot axis and are connected to the frame and rotatably connected to the extension member to permit pivotal movement of the trailing arm with respect to the frame about the pivot axis. The supports and extension members are dimensioned to provide a gap between the supports and extension members. A pair of resiliently deformable bearing members are interposed between the extension members and the supports in the gap. The gap and the bearing members are of sufficient width to permit limited rotational movement of the axle with respect to the frame about a vertical axis.

Abstract: A bushing block for use with a trunnion assembly of an independent suspension integrates a bearing cap and a bushing into a single component. A face seal is installed on a trunnion pin of the trunnion assembly. The bushing block is next assembled on the trunnion pin, the bushing block contacting the face seal. The trunnion assembly is installed on a lower control arm assembly, a pair of cap screw apertures on the bushing block aligning with a pair of cap screw apertures on the lower control arm assembly. Cap screws are installed therein. Grease grooves are formed on the interior surface of the bushing block to allow grease to flow down the exterior surface of the trunnion pin, eliminating additional machining on the trunnion pin.

Abstract: A front axle suspension having on each side of a vehicle a spring beam pivotally attached at its fore or front end to a bracket depending from a chassis frame side beam with its aft or trailing end mounted on the vehicle front axle. An assembly of integrated parts serves to resiliently support each chassis frame side beam on the spring beam and axle below. A key part of each assembly is a multi-functional component having a central body portion mounted on the trailing end of the spring beam which has: (1) fore-and-aft spring support formations projecting in cantilever relationship from its fore and aft sides; (2) seats for the bight portions of U-bolts located inwardly of the spring support formations; (3) a laterally projecting shock absorber mount on its front wheel facing side; and (4) a track rod attachment bracket projecting laterally from its vehicle center facing.

Abstract: A lift assembly for an axle of the trailer of a semi-trailer or of another vehicle such as a straight truck, is mounted generally adjacent to and beneath each suspension beam of the axle/suspension systems of the trailer or other vehicle. The manner of mounting the lift assembly generally adjacent to and beneath the beam provides sufficient clearance for concurrent disposition of a dual service/parking brake chamber adjacent to and beneath the beam. The location and orientation of the axle lift assembly, relative to radial lines emanating from the pivot point of the suspension beam, facilitates the application of efficient lift forces to the beam by the lift assembly, which in turn results in less wear to an air chamber of the lift assembly. The air chamber of the lift assembly can be quickly and easily removed and reinstalled to allow for replacement of the dual brake chamber.

Abstract: A method of marrying a rear axle assembly to a vehicle body is provided. The axle assembly includes parallel-spaced trailing control arms connected together by a transverse twist beam. The trailing control arms have a sleeve at a forward end and a spindle plate adjacent a rear end. The spindle plate along its lower end having V-shaped notches which are vertically and fore and aft aligned with one another. The axle assembly is connected with a tool tray, having two fore and aft aligned and vertically aligned elevated first and second pins projecting toward one another and third and fourth pins for contacting said trailing control arm sleeves to set the vertical height of the forward end of the trailing control arms. The axle assembly is set on the tray by placing the spindle plate V-shaped notches on the first and second pins to set the axle assembly fore and aft position and rear end vertical position with respect to the tray.

Abstract: A suspension assembly for supporting an axle on a vehicle frame includes a pair of transversely spaced hangers mounted on and depending from the frame. Each one of a pair of longitudinally extending control arms is pivotally attached at one end of its ends to a respective one of the hangers, and at the other of its ends to a respective one of a pair of axle seats. The axle seats rigidly capture the transversely extending axle. A support member is attached to and extends longitudinally rearwardly from each of the axle seats for mounting an air spring and a shock absorber. Each of the air springs and shock absorbers extend upwardly from its respective support member and is attached to the frame. A generally rigid torque box is immovably attached at one of its ends to the frame, and at the other of its ends to the axle. The torque box is a hollow fabrication closed at each of its attachment ends by a mounting tube. A shaft having at least one bushing molded about the shaft is press fit into each of the tubes.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system assembly for attachment to a vehicle frame having a torsion axle and at least two ground engaging wheels operatively rotatably attached to each respective end of the torsion axle has an attachment member which is adapted to be attached to the frame. An arm is operably pivotally attached to the attachment member along an axis. A torsion axle is received in a torsion axle receiving portion of the assembly at a first distance spaced from the aforementioned axis for selectively receiving the torsion axle. An air bag is operatively disposed between the frame and the arm, the air bag being spaced at a second distance from the axis. A linkage element of variable length, which can be a shock absorber, is operably attached to the frame and to the arm whereby the arm will be held at a predetermined position with respect to the frame and yet allow the arm to pivot about the axis.

Abstract: A three-dimensional laminate beam is formed by inserting a preformed foam core insert within a hydra-formed metal section having curved three-dimensional geometry. A reinforcing polymer is pumped in and around the foam core insert so as to be adjacent the inside wall of the shell. The polymer bonds to the inside wall of the shell upon the polymer being cured.

Abstract: An independent suspension is provided for a vehicle having a floor located between the vehicle's wheels. The independent suspension includes a light weight trailing arm pivotally attached at one end to the vehicle. An air brake actuator is affixed to the trailing arm below the floor of the vehicle. An axle supporting a wheel is cantilevered from the outboard edge of the trailing arm and an air spring is interposed between the trailing arm and the vehicle's body to oppose the force exerted by the axle. The trailing arm has a substantially planar body with a wall extending substantially around the periphery of the body. A thickened section of the body extends over an area of the lower surface of the planar body under the inner portion of the air spring bearing area. The construction of the trailing arm and the widely spaced frame attachment points make possible a suspension system having low unsprung mass but not requiring additional links to the frame for stability.

Abstract: An improved self-powered or non-powered vehicle having a bed which is moveable between a transport position and a ground engaging loading position and in particular to a wheel assembly for such a vehicle. In one broad form the wheel assembly is connected to a u-shaped chassis, having two arms extending to the rear of the vehicle forming an opening therebetween. A trailing arm is pivotally suspended from a first end to one arm of the u-shaped chassis such that its other end extends towards the rear of the chassis. A wheel stub axle mounting is located at or adjacent to the other end of the trailing arm. A connection member is pivotally connected at one end to the trailing arm adjacent to the wheel stub axle mounting. A first bracket is pivotally connected to the other end of the connection member. A leaf spring is connected at or adjacent its middle to the first bracket.