Abstract: A track wheel suspension for a construction machine is introduced. The track wheel suspension includes a track wheel engageable to a track and a swing device including a first coupling portion. The first coupling portion is arranged for rotatably supporting the track wheel. Furthermore, the track 5 wheel suspension including a swing bar with a first bar end which is arranged for being mounted to a second coupling portion of the swing device. The swing bar provides a swing axis which is offset from a rotation axis of the track wheel such that a swing movement of the swing device enables a movement of the track wheel in a direction which is substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis.

Abstract: In a riding mower having a frame, a mower deck supported beneath the frame, a chair on said frame and a source of motive power also supported on said frame and including two hydraulic transaxles depending beneath the frame to each selectively rotate a drive wheel. The frame is supported on forward and rear wheel assemblies with a supporting wheel. The transaxles are supported beneath the frame and pivotally secured thereto by a flange captivating vibration pillows and proximate the driven wheel and an inner pivot rod secured to the frame by apertures in downwardly depending tabs.

Abstract: A suspension system supports a chassis relative to a crawler mechanism that includes a continuous track. A link is rotatable about an axis extending transversely through a first portion. The first portion includes a projections extending radially inwardly, and peripheral openings defined by spaces between the projections. An axle member secured to the crawler mechanism includes peripheral shafts extending radially outward from the axis and positioned in an associated peripheral opening. Each resilient member is positioned within an associated peripheral opening and engages an associated peripheral shaft, damping movement of the peripheral shaft relative to the link. The suspension system further includes an auxiliary roller assembly including a yoke and a plurality of auxiliary rollers coupled to the yoke. The yoke is rotatable relative to the crawler frame about a yoke axis.

Abstract: In a riding mower having a frame, a mower deck supported beneath the frame, a chair on said frame and a source of motive power also supported on said frame and including two hydraulic transaxles depending beneath the frame to each selectively rotate a drive wheel. The frame is supported on forward and rear wheel assemblies with a supporting wheel. The transaxles are supported beneath the frame and pivotally secured thereto by a flange captivating vibration pillows and proximate the driven wheel and an inner pivot rod secured to the frame by apertures in downwardly depending tabs.

Abstract: In a riding mower having a frame, a mower deck supported beneath the frame, a chair on said frame and a source of motive power also supported on said frame and including two hydraulic transaxles depending beneath the frame to each selectively rotate a drive wheel. The frame is supported on forward and rear wheel assemblies with a supporting wheel. The transaxles are supported beneath the frame and pivotally secured thereto by a flange captivating vibration pillows and proximate the driven wheel and an inner pivot rod secured to the frame by apertures in downwardly depending tabs.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a wheelchair conversion vehicle and a modified rear suspension K-frame that provides an increase in the overall wheelchair accessible area in the conversion vehicle without compromising ride quality or vehicle control. The invention also provides a method of manufacturing such a wheelchair conversion vehicle.

Abstract: A utility vehicle includes a plurality of ground-engaging members, a frame, a powertrain assembly, a front suspension assembly, and a rear suspension assembly. A cargo bed may be supported by the frame at the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle also includes an operator seat and at least one passenger seat positioned within an operator area. In one embodiment, the vehicle includes doors to enclose the operator area.

Abstract: A wheel suspension for a vehicle axle, in particular a front axle, of a two-track vehicle includes a wheel carrier configured to support a vehicle wheel, and a link assembly configured to articulate the wheel carrier to a vehicle body. The link assembly includes at least one two-point link articulated on a side of the wheel carrier to the wheel carrier at a first mounting point and on a side of the vehicle body to the vehicle body at a second mounting point. The two-point link executes a pivotal movement in the event of a head-on collision to enable a collision-proximal vehicle wheel to move backwards. The two-point link includes a stop member to limit the pivotal movement in the event of the head-on collision, by impacting a body-side counterpiece, thereby forming a body-side third mounting point to block and counteract the pivotal movement of the two-point link.

Abstract: A semi-independent suspension system adapted for a rear or front drive and optionally steerable axle system of a low-floor heavy vehicle, comprising a twist beam axle assembly (1), a Panhard rod (8), and a pair of spring and shock absorber systems (9). The twist beam axle assembly (1) comprises a pair of rigid longitudinal trailing arms (3), a pair of wheel mounting members to lower the cross-beam relative to the wheel axis (2) and a straight cross-beam (7). The cross-beam is set in the right and left trailing arms and the wheel mounting members by an interference fit technique. The cross-beam (7) has an open-section and is rigid in bending but flexible in torsion. The shape of the cross-section is specifically tailored to increase and control each of the vertical and horizontal bending stiffness (7). The cross-section is characterized by having horizontal and vertical lines of symmetry, but with asymmetric horizontal and vertical geometries.

Abstract: A tilting trailer is proposed that includes a chassis mounted on an axle that pivots with respect to wheels of the trailer. The trailer includes an articulated drawbar mounted on the axle, the articulated drawbar being mounted so that it is free and sliding with respect to the chassis; and an actuator sliding the articulated drawbar. The articulated drawbar is V-shaped, a first end is fixed to a hitch tongue, a second end is fixed to the axle near a first wheel, and a third end is fixed to the axle near a second wheel.

Abstract: A vehicle may include a CVT unit or a power source which requires ambient air. An air inlet for an air intake system coupled to the CVT unit or the power source which requires ambient air may be provided in a side of a cargo carrying portion of the vehicle. The vehicle may include a rear radius arm suspension.

Abstract: A vehicle may include a CVT unit or a power source which requires ambient air. An air inlet for an air intake system coupled to the CVT unit or the power source which requires ambient air may be provided in a side of a cargo carrying portion of the vehicle. The vehicle may include a rear radius arm suspension.

Abstract: A mold bonded chassis bushing has an outer housing and an inner member separated by a tubular gap. A body of elastomeric material is mold bonded into a first portion of the bushing such that it bridges and at least partially fills the gap. The elastomeric material does not fill or bridge the annular gap in a central area or a second portion of the bushing, such that a void is defined between the inner surface of the outer housing and the outer surface of the inner housing in the central area and second portion. A protrusion extends from the inner surface of the outer housing or the outer surface of the inner member, in the central area such that the void extends between the protrusion and the respective opposed surface. The protrusion functions as a travel limiter for the bushing without compressing the elastomeric material in the first portion.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention may include an axle support structure. The axle support structure has front and rear axle supports, an axle, and a bearing. The axle supports are provided on a vehicle body member of an industrial vehicle and have respectively a support hole. The axle is arranged between the front and rear axle supports, and has a pair of center pins. Each of the center pins is rotatably supported by the support hole. The bearing is inserted from an entrance of the support hole to be fit-engaged with the support hole. The bearing is provided between at least one of the center pins and a hole surface of the support hole corresponding to that center pin. At an end portion of the support hole opposite to the entrance, there is formed a stopper portion for preventing the bearing from passing through the support hole.

Abstract: A handheld power tool with a shiftable mechanism, which is adjustable between two operating positions, has a coupling spring that is coupled with an adjustable shifting member of the mechanism. The coupling spring is embodied as a metastable spring.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus may permit the mounting of bicycle components (16) such as seats, handlebars, and the like, to bicycles. A bicycle component mount (3) may be isolated from the structure of a bicycle. Forces generated at various points on the bicycle's structure may be substantially impeded or eliminated from transmission through an isolated bicycle component mount (3). Multidimensional motion of a bicycle component mount (3) may include rotational, translational, and rototranslational motion with progressive elastomeric resistance in multiple directions. A bicycle component mount (3) may exhibit movement about its own center of mass (12). Motions of a rider on a bicycle may be biomechanically compensated for by a bicycle component mount (3) to facilitate rider comfort, promote efficient transfer of rider motion to the operation of a bicycle, and decrease wear on bicycle components (16).

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system includes a pair of suspension assemblies mounted on a pair of spaced vehicle frame members for supporting a vehicle body on the vehicle wheels. A torsion axle extends between the pair of suspension assemblies and terminates in a pair of stub shafts. The axle is mounted on a pair of spaced frame brackets attached to the vehicle frame. An air spring extends between the vehicle frame and an outer end of a support arm pivotally mounted on each end of the torsion axle. The stub shafts are supported within an outer tube of the torsion axle by a plurality of elastomeric members. One end of each stub shaft is connected to a spindle arm which has a spindle extending from an opposite end of the arm.

Abstract: A vibration isolator including at least one bearing element or assembly providing a contact interface along which structural elements connected together by the vibration isolator are allowed to substantially freely move within a limited range one relative to the other, with the effect of isolating the respective structural elements from vibrations or vibratory movements of the other structurally element, particular those vibratory movements directed or oriented at least generally along or parallel to the contact interface, with particular effect for isolating low frequency vibratory movements.

Abstract: A vibration absorber is provided between a wiper frame and a vehicle body frame. The vibration absorber includes a cylinder and a pair of flanges arranged near opposite axial ends of the cylinder. The cylinder is fitted in an opening formed in the wiper frame. The cylinder has a through hole through which a bolt is inserted. One flange is located between the wiper frame and a washer secured to the bolt. The other flange is located between the wiper frame and the body frame. Each flange has an arched axial cross-sectional shape. The flanges reliably absorb axial vibration of the wiper frame.

Abstract: A torsion spring for connecting a first member and a second member that are aligned along a longitudinal axis and that rotate about that axis together. The torsion spring includes a first molded plastic end that mates with the first member, a second molded plastic end that mate with the second member, and an elastic member that connects the first and second molded plastic ends together. The elastic member is for providing a force that biases the second member relative to the first member. The elastic member can be made of molded plastic arms or an elastic compound such as rubber.

Abstract: A shock absorber includes an outer tube, an inner tube having a proximal end sleeved slidably into the outer tube and a distal end extending away from the outer tube, a shaft disposed inside the inner tube, a plurality of shock absorbing elastic blocks which are mounted on the outer tube for positioning resiliently the distal end away from the outer tube and which are sleeved around the shaft inside the inner tube without contacting the inner tube, each block having an inner tubular part sleeved around the shaft, and an outer tubular part wrapped around the inner tubular part. The inner and outer tubular parts are made of rubber materials having different degrees of stiffness. The inner tubular part has a stiffness higher than that of the inner tubular part to resist and limit impact pressure acting on the outer tubular part, thereby reducing deformation of the outer tubular part along radial directions and preventing the blocks from contacting the inner tube upon shock.

Abstract: A suspension adjuster apparatus (46) suitable for use in a motor vehicle having a tension strut 42 interposed and connecting a chassis 10 to a wheel support member 26 is described. The apparatus (46) ensures proper orientation of the suspension member (42) during the assembly process. Additionally, the apparatus provides vibration isolation (68) while limiting rotation of the suspension member (42) relative to the chassis (10) within a predetermined range.

Abstract: A motion dampener to dampen the movement of an attached object such dampener having a flexible container holding electro-viscous fluid with at least two electrodes therein such that when electric current passes between the electrodes within the electro-viscous fluid, the fluid becomes more viscous to limit the range of movement of the container and the attached object.

Abstract: A shock-absorbing apparatus for use in the body frames of light-weight pedal-powered or motor-powered land or water surface vehicles and sports and exercising equipment including bicycles, mountain bikes, dirt bikes, off-road bikes, all terrain bikes, exercise bikes, motor-bikes, motorcycles, mopeds, scooters, snow-scooters, snow-mobiles, jet-skis and the like. The shock-absorbing apparatus comprises a telescoping assembly including a tube and a compression rod slidably engaged coaxially, and a compression elastomer assembly including an elongated resilient and deformable compression elastomer and rigid multi-function bands. The elastomer is placed coaxially between the tube and the compression rod. Each multi-function band has a cylindrical sidewall defining a hollow chamber for fitting onto the elongated elastomer through press-fit engagement and regulating the elastomer to prevent it from twisting or snaking when it is compressed.

Abstract: A fixation element and a method for producing such fixation elements for a vibration-insulating assembly of a first component 20 upon a second component 19 is disclosed. The fixation element comprises bearing plates 10, 11 which are positioned at a distance axially spaced from each other and which have projecting snap-in members 13, 18 which are intended to engage corresponding openings defined within each component 19, 20, so that the two components are made to bear in a stable manner against the bearing plates 10, 11. In this respect the snap-in members 13, 18 form an integral part of each bearing plate 10, 11. Moreover, the plates are mutually connected by means of a bridging part 12 of elastomeric plastic material. According to the method, the bearing plates are cast as a single piece 21 within a first casting mold, such that they are connected by at least one breakable bridge 22. The single piece 21 is placed within a second casting mold consisting of two halves 23, 24.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system includes an arm member whose outer end is connected to a wheel and whose inner end is connected to the vehicle body by way of front and rear rubber bushings at positions spaced from each other in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body so that the arm member can vertically rotate relative to the vehicle body. Each of the front and rear rubber bushings has an outer tubular member which is substantially cylindrical and extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body, an inner tubular member which is received in the outer tubular member substantially coaxially therewith, and a rubber member interposed between the inner and outer tubular member. One of the inner and outer tubular members is connected to the vehicle body and the other is connected to the suspension arm.

Abstract: A molecular joint for axle struts, connecting rods, and similar parts of motor vehicles comprising a substantially cylindrical housing having a joint pivot lying approximately in the middle axis of the housing, and a sleeve-like joint body of an elastomer material, which is arranged between the housing and the joint pivot and adheres to both, with a prestressing. On the inner surface of the housing, there is provided a material recess in a central or middle zone, which reduces the prestress of the sleeve-like joint body in this zone an thereby produces a progressive characteristic of the molecular joint in the direction of loading.

Abstract: An improved automotive suspension strut isolator and jounce bumper upper mount providing a compact resilient assembly adaptable for a vehicle having a reduced hood line. The assembly comprises a collar member formed with an upstanding collar portion having a radially outwardly extending contact flange. An inverted cylindrical cup member is positioned in spaced relation with the collar separated by an elastomeric isolator. The cup member includes a return bend flange underlying the contact flange in an axially spaced manner. The cup member is sized to telescopically accommodate the upper end of the strut outer support casing at full jounce travel thereby lowering the overall strut height for a given vehicle attachment span. In one form of the invention the strut utilizes a convoluted dust shield as a jounce bumper.