And Differential Support Feature Patents (Class 180/360)
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Patent number: 11624435Abstract: A Powersports vehicle is disclosed which includes a frame, ground engaging members supporting the frame, comprising at least two front wheel, and a power source for driving the front wheels. A front drive is coupled to the power source and to the front wheels, the front drive being coupled to the frame through isolation mounts to reduce vibration of the front drive through the frame.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2022Date of Patent: April 11, 2023Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.Inventors: Keith A. Hollman, Michael J. Whiting, Daniel S. Weber, Evan R. Wozniak, Anthony J. Ripley, Jason Carl Plugge, Na Her
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Patent number: 10538135Abstract: The invention relates to an axle suspension on a vehicle frame, comprising: an axle bracket which in its longitudinal direction is arranged transversely to the vehicle frame and at its longitudinal ends each is provided with a wheel carrier, a pendulum support which is connected with the axle bracket via a swivel bearing and is accommodated in a self-aligning bearing attached to the vehicle frame, wherein the swivel bearing has a swivel axis which extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle frame.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2017Date of Patent: January 21, 2020Assignee: Liebherr-Werk Ehingen GmbHInventor: Gerhard Hemmler
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Patent number: 10502308Abstract: A Powersports vehicle is disclosed which includes a frame, ground engaging members supporting the frame, comprising at least two front wheel, and a power source for driving the front wheels. A front drive is coupled to the power source and to the front wheels, the front drive being coupled to the frame through isolation mounts to reduce vibration of the front drive through the frame.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2016Date of Patent: December 10, 2019Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.Inventors: Keith A. Hollman, Michael J. Whiting, Daniel S. Weber, Evan R. Wozniak, Anthony J. Ripley, Jason Carl Plugge, Na Her
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Patent number: 10207554Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to a suspension assembly of a vehicle having a frame and an engine. The suspension assembly can include a trailing arm having first and second ends and configured to extend from the frame at the first end. The suspension assembly can further include a knuckle connected to the second end of the trailing arm. The suspension assembly can include an arm assembly configured to extend from the frame to support the knuckle and facilitate translational movement of the knuckle relative to the frame in at least one predetermined direction. The suspension assembly can include a damper and a connecting link configured to extend from the frame and connected to the trailing arm. The suspension assembly can include a stabilizer bar connected to the connecting link and extending rearward around the engine.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2017Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Dustin M. Schroeder, L. Tyler Farrar, Henry D. Wolf
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Patent number: 8925941Abstract: A method of producing a modular independent suspension having portal wheel ends is disclosed herein. The method includes, but is not limited to, assembling a first flank component and a second flank component to opposite sides of a sub-frame configured to receive a carrier. The method further includes assembling a first upper control arm and a first lower control arm to the first flank component. The method further includes assembling a second upper control arm and a second lower control arm to the second flank component. The method further includes assembling a first portal wheel end to the first upper control arm and the first lower control arm. The method still further includes assembling a second portal wheel end to the second upper control arm and the second lower control arm.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2012Date of Patent: January 6, 2015Assignee: AxleTech International IP Holdings, LLCInventors: Gerard Cordier, Lillian Cantuern, Philippe Mella, Alexandre Courvoisier
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Patent number: 8668214Abstract: A mounting arrangement for a V-rod in a vehicle suspension includes an axle housing having a mounting cavity formed thereon and a joint member installed in the mounting cavity so that a joint coupling extends outward from the axle housing. The joint member may include a ball joint mounted on a post mountable in the mounting cavity. The mounting cavity may be formed in a boss provided on the axle housing.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2008Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Assignee: Mack Trucks, Inc.Inventors: Matt T. Elliott, Mark Winders
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Patent number: 8657316Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2013Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Lee N. Bowers, Jason A. Sovern
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Patent number: 8616568Abstract: A structure of a vehicle subframe mounted to a vehicle, in which a wheel hub may be connected to a vehicle body through a lower arm and an upper arm disposed below and above one another, and in which the lower arm may be coupled in a traverse direction of the vehicle may include a plate-shaped body mounted to a lower portion of the vehicle body, and having the lower arm mounted thereon in the traverse direction of the vehicle, and a mounting bracket protruding from the body upwards wherein the upper arm may be pivotally coupled to an upper portion of the mounting bracket.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2012Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Hwashin Co. Ltd.Inventors: Bo-Min Kim, Dae-Sik Ko, Eui-Keun Jeong
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Patent number: 8517140Abstract: An independent rear suspension kit includes first and second mounting brackets configured to be fastened to a chassis of a vehicle, a cross-member interconnecting the first and second brackets, a differential housing supported by the cross-member, first and second upper control arms pivotably coupled to the cross-member, first and second lower control arms pivotably coupled to the differential housing, a first upright pivotably coupled to the first upper control arm and the first lower control arm, and a second upright pivotably coupled to the second upper control arm and the second lower control arm.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2012Date of Patent: August 27, 2013Assignee: Heidts Acquisition, LLCInventors: Vaughn E. D. West, Thomas E. Brown
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Patent number: 8240421Abstract: An adaptor for an older Corvette drive train provides a structure for coupling the drive shaft extending from a front-mounted transmission to the differential of a C5 or C6 Corvette rear suspension in which the rear mounted transmission has been removed. A housing holds a stub shaft for rotation on front (outside) and rear (inside) bearings. The shaft has a coupling yoke mounted to its front end and engages the differential gearing at its other (rear) end. The housing mounts to the differential at the five mounting points of the removed transmission. A bracket which attaches to frame mounts can be mounted to either the top or bottom front (outside) face of the housing, depending upon the suspension-to-frame geometry. A circular flange on the shaft positions and holds the inside bearing and a rearward extending boss on the yoke positions and holds the outside bearing.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2010Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Chassis Concept, Inc.Inventor: Raymond Lewis Leicht, Sr.
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Publication number: 20120067663Abstract: An adaptor for an older Corvette drive train provides a structure for coupling the drive shaft extending from a front-mounted transmission to the differential of a C5 or C6 Corvette rear suspension in which the rear mounted transmission has been removed. A housing holds a stub shaft for rotation on front (outside) and rear (inside) bearings. The shaft has a coupling yoke mounted to its front end and engages the differential gearing at its other (rear) end. The housing mounts to the differential at the five mounting points of the removed transmission. A bracket which attaches to frame mounts can be mounted to either the top or bottom front (outside) face of the housing, depending upon the suspension-to-frame geometry. A circular flange on the shaft positions and holds the inside bearing and a rearward extending boss on the yoke positions and holds the outside bearing.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2010Publication date: March 22, 2012Applicant: CHASSIS CONCEPT, INC.Inventor: Raymond Lewis Leicht, SR.
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Patent number: 7980350Abstract: A chassis frame (10) has a cross member (22) that bridges right and left side rails (18, 20). Right and left wheel units (14, 16) comprising respective right and left steered road wheels (24, 26) are suspended from the frame by respective multi-link suspensions (33). A steering system (28) steers the wheels. An electric motor (34) and gear box (36) mounted on the cross member is coupled to the right and left wheels by respective drive shafts (38, 40). The weight of a brake system (42, 44) for the wheels is supported by the frame.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2009Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignee: Navistar Canada, Inc.Inventors: Leo P. Oriet, Andre Bocancea
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Patent number: 7631721Abstract: A tilting chassis vehicle has a differential gear driving opposed half shafts (16,18). Each half shaft is connected to a respective wheel hub. Pivoting tie rods (24,26) are provided between the chassis (12) and these wheel hubs, and a control arm (48) is provided between the chassis and the differential carrier to constrain movement thereof. The arrangement gives a novel tilting vehicle with shaft drive and low centre of gravity.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2004Date of Patent: December 15, 2009Inventor: Michael Hobbs
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Patent number: 7264079Abstract: A steerable rear suspension for a tractor includes a chassis comprising a front end, a rear end, a left side and a right side; an engine mounted on the chassis; a pair of steerable front wheels coupled to the front end, left and right side of the chassis; a left rear suspension including a left rear suspension arm pivotally coupled to the chassis at a leading end of the suspension arm, and a first steerable planetary gear system mounted on a trailing end of the suspension arm; a right rear suspension including a right rear suspension arm pivotally coupled to the chassis at a leading end of the suspension arm, and a second steerable planetary gear system mounted on a trailing end at the right suspension arm; and left and right rear wheels driven by the first and second planetary gear systems.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2005Date of Patent: September 4, 2007Assignee: CNH America LLCInventor: Giorgio Bordini
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Patent number: 6752235Abstract: A driveline assembly module includes a drivetrain assembly that is a rigid, substantially box-like member, that is the main support structure for all the driveline components. An independent suspension system having an associated wheel hub is also attached to the drivetrain assembly. By mounting the driveline components and independent suspension as an integral module, the components are replaced or serviced by replacement of the entire module. Thus, the individual mounting, replacement and servicing of the individual components, each having multiple independent attachment points, is avoided.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2000Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Assignee: Meritor Heavy Vehicle Systems LLCInventors: Dale K. Bell, Jay Sandler
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Patent number: 6516914Abstract: An integrated assembly for large vehicles including independent suspension components, supporting side plates and axle and frame components. Each of the side plates is a weldment in which the main part is a series of metal plates formed by bending a single sheet. Pockets are formed on the outside surfaces of the side plates. The pockets support the upper ends of suspension components, i.e., a coil spring, a shock absorber and a jounce bumper, while the lower ends of the suspension components are carried by a lower control arm. The half-shafts of each axle, extend through the side plates which are carried by two C-shaped main frame members.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2000Date of Patent: February 11, 2003Assignee: Oshkosh Truck CorporationInventors: Gordon K. Andersen, Brian K. Anderson, Christopher K. Yakes, Jon J. Morrow
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Patent number: 6439588Abstract: Attachment bracket with attachment plate for fixing a V-shaped torque rod. The bracket (21) has a support plate (22) intended to be fixed on a frame member, and a bearing surface (23) which forms an angle of less than 90° with the support plate and against which an attachment plate (19) fixed to the torque rod is intended to be screwed securely. The bracket and the plate have slots (27, 28, 31) which are open to the sides and which receive screws (29, 30), that slot (27) of the bracket nearest the support plate being designed so that the screw can be pivoted between a mounting position parallel to the support plate and a position at right angles to the bearing surface.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2000Date of Patent: August 27, 2002Assignee: Volvo Lastvagnar ABInventor: Roland Svensson
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Patent number: 6357769Abstract: A vehicle suspension system for mounting to a vehicle chassis includes a subframe which includes two tubular members. Each tubular member has a rear chassis mount and front chassis mount. The tubular member mounts are constructed and arranged to mount to a leaf spring mounting perch on the vehicle chassis. The tubular members are connected by a plurality of cross braces which in turn are connected to a plurality of intermediate tubes. A differential mount connects to a cross brace which is connected to a tubular member. An upper control arm mount and a lower control arm mount connect to intermediate tubes which are connected to a cross brace which in turn is connected to another cross brace. This all connects to at least one tubular member. A self-contained suspension assembly mounts to the subframe at various places. For example, a differential mounts to the subframe at the differential mount and a pair of half-axle shafts connect to the differential.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2000Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Assignee: Mosler Auto Care Center, Inc.Inventors: John P. Omundson, Mark E. Gerisch
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Patent number: 6209676Abstract: A differential mounting assembly 10 which allows a differential 12 to be selectively and securely mounted within a vehicle and which substantially reduces and/or eliminates undesirable roll and pitch of the operatively mounted differential 12.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 1999Date of Patent: April 3, 2001Inventors: Robert Allen Jones, Paul Owen Davis
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Patent number: 6085859Abstract: The present invention relates to a race car having a driveline assembled from a transmission and a rear end coupled to one another, wherein the rear end is coupled to the car's frame only through at least one driveline stiffening plate mounted to the frame adjacent to a location at which the transmission is mounted to the frame, whereby flexing between the transmission and the rear end is substantially reduced.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 1999Date of Patent: July 11, 2000Inventor: Mark L. Alderson
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Patent number: 5971413Abstract: A unique trunnion mount for an axle assembly allows the axle to pivot about a longitudinal axis of a vehicle. The trunnion mount is comprised of two separate mounts, each of which is supported by an axle housing. The first mount is supported by the bearing cage on the input side of the axle housing. The second mount is attached to the opposite side of the axle housing and is comprised of a V-shaped bushing which presents angular exterior bearing surfaces which rotatably support the vehicle frame.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 1997Date of Patent: October 26, 1999Assignee: Meritor Heavy Vehicle Systems, LLCInventor: Raji Said El-Kassouf
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Patent number: 5884723Abstract: A bearing arrangement of a rear axle transmission case of a motor vehicle has a member frame having one respective linking at both ends of the transmission case situated in the driving direction which acts elastically in at least one direction. I order to have a softer construction with respect to its elasticity in the driving direction than in all other directions. The bearing takes place at least on one of the two ends of the transmission case exclusively by way of at least one lever which can be swivelled in a plane in parallel with respect to the vertical and longitudinal axis of the vehicle and which is linked in the direction of the vertical vehicle axis in mutually spaced positions to the transmission case and in the member frame. In this case at least the bearing arrangement of the lever in the member frame is implemented by means of at least one elastic bearing.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 1997Date of Patent: March 23, 1999Assignee: Mercedes-Benz AGInventors: Einhard Kleinschmit, Harald Reimold, Peter Tattermusch
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Patent number: 5833026Abstract: Wheel suspension for a pair of driven motor vehicle wheels, comprising a member (1), which consists of two cast aluminum member elements (2, 3) which are joined to each other. The member is intended to be fixed to a vehicle undercarriage. A wheel carrier (15) for each wheel is carried by the member via an upper and a lower link arm (12, 13), a slotted rod (14) and a longitudinal bar (18). A final drive unit (4) is fixed to the member together with a transverse leaf spring (30), which forms the wheel spring system, without the use of any special through-fasteners.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 1997Date of Patent: November 10, 1998Assignee: AB VolvoInventors: Sigvard Zetterstrom, Kjell Sjosten
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Patent number: 5402859Abstract: A partially sprung differential gear system for a driving axle independent or deDion suspension system which embodies the mounting of the differential gear system to the suspension system such that the differential gear unit thereof travels in a ratio proportional to the wheel travel. The arrangement provides increased ground clearance and wheel travel for the driving axle independent suspension system.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 1993Date of Patent: April 4, 1995Assignee: Chrysler CorporationInventors: Evan S. Boberg, Gerald P. Hentschel
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Patent number: 5161638Abstract: To reduce vibrations and noise, a final drive assembly of a vehicle is supported at four separate support points. The first and fourth support points are on the front side of the axis of a ring gear of a final reduction gear pair, and a second and third support points are on the opposite rear side. The third and fourth support points are on the same side of the axis of a drive pinion of the final reduction gear pair, as the ring gear. The first and second support points are on the opposite side of the axis to the ring gear. The support stiffness is greatest at one of the first and third support points. The support positions and support stiffness are preferably determined according to theoretically obtained mathematical relationships.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 1992Date of Patent: November 10, 1992Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yoshinori Hirano
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Patent number: 5161637Abstract: A suspension system for suspending a final drive unit installed on an automotive vehicle. The final drive unit including a drive shaft drivingly coupled to a cardan shaft, and output shaft drivingly coupled to road wheels for transmitting a drive from the cardan shaft to the road wheels. The drive shaft has an axis extending longitudinally of the vehicle. The output shafts have an axis extending transversely of the vehicle. The final drive unit is subject to reaction torques causing the final drive unit to make a rolling angular displacement around the drive shaft axis and reaction torques causing the final drive unit to make a pitching angular displacement around the output shaft axis during vehicle driving. The suspension system includes elastic suspension elements for elastically flexibly suspending the final drive unit, with respect to the vehicle, at suspension points located at different positions to reduce the pitching angular displacement substantially to zero.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 1990Date of Patent: November 10, 1992Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoshinori Hirano, Yasushi Fujita, Hiroshi Okuzumi
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Patent number: 5099946Abstract: A final drive suspension system for a motor vehicle. The final drive has a drive shaft integral with a bevel pinion meshing with a bevel wheel for turning the drive from a cardan shaft around through 90.degree. and transmitting the drive to an axle shaft having driving wheels secured thereon. The drive shaft has an axis extending longitudinally of the vehicle and the axle shaft has an axis extending transversely of the vehicle. The final drive is subject to a rolling action due to reaction torques around the drive shaft axis and to a pitching action due to reaction torques around the axle shaft axis during vehicle running. The final drive suspension system elastically flexibly suspends the final drive at least three suspension points with respect to the vehicle. The rigidities at the respective suspension points are determined in relation to the positions of the respective suspension points to cancel the rolling and pitching actions on the drive shaft axis.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 1990Date of Patent: March 31, 1992Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yoshinori Hirano
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Patent number: 5064018Abstract: A rear-axle transmission arrangement supports the transmission of at all fastening points and forms at least its output-side fastening points and forms by support bearings fixed to the body independently of the rear-axle support to improve driving comfort and handling performance. This arrangement permits vibrations resulting from the drive torque and a rising-up of rear-axle transmission and rear-axle support to be controlled better or be avoided. In addition, forces induced by the drive torque cannot bring about any shifts in the rear-axle support causing steering movements.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 1990Date of Patent: November 12, 1991Assignee: Daimler-Benz AGInventor: Ernst-Ekkehard Encke
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Patent number: 5042837Abstract: Two side pieces, each assigned to one longitudinal side of the vehicle, of rear axle supports for passenger vehicles are customarily connected to one another by two transverse tie bars arranged at a distance from one another, In a known type of vehicle, the rearward transverse tie bar, which is designed to be flexible, as seen in the direction of travel, is provided in front of a body cross-member which is directly adjacent to a spare wheel pan, near the rear crumple zone of the body at the floor. In the case of a crash, the spare wheel strikes the rearward transverse tie bar via the spare wheel pan. To increase this crumple zone in the body floor region, the rearward transverse tie bar is provided with lateral clearance between the body cross-member and the spare wheel pan. The body cross-member can thus be arranged at a correspondingly large distance from the spare wheel pan, and a corresponding free path for the spare wheel can be achieved.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 1990Date of Patent: August 27, 1991Assignee: Daimler-Benz AktiengesellschaftInventors: Einhard Kleinschmit, Peter Tattermusch, Werner Konig
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Patent number: 4867260Abstract: A drive line assembly and mounting arrangement for converting a front engine front wheel drive vehicle to an on-demand four wheel drive system. The vehicle rear axle is adapted to be selectively driven by means of a viscous fluid coupling positioned intermediate a forward angled universal-joint drive line assembly and a rear torque tube enclosed longitudinal propeller shaft assembly. An overrunning clutch is rigidly connected intermediate a forwardly extending neck portion of the rear axle drive housing and the torque tube defines a composite torque tube structure. The overrunning clutch is adapted to be locked for a transmission of torque during normal driving. The rear axle drive housing is sprung from the frame by a pair of transversely aligned isolation mounts while the composite torque tube is resiliently secured by a bracket support adjacent its forward end.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 1988Date of Patent: September 19, 1989Assignee: Chrysler Motors CorporationInventors: Dugald Cameron, Karl Friedrich, Rudolf Zmugg, Peter Resele