Abstract: A leaf spring device for a suspension system for a vehicle a including a leaf spring unit, an impact absorbing unit connected to the leaf spring unit and configured to absorb an impact generated by a motion of the leaf spring unit, and a lower arm support unit configured to accommodate the impact absorbing unit, the lower arm support unit being mounted on a lower arm.

Abstract: A wheel suspension for a motor vehicle wheel for damping NVH effects, wherein the NVH effects are transmitted from an automatic transmission to the driven wheel via the drive train at idle. The NVH effects can potentially be transmitted from the wheel to the vehicle structure via the wheel suspension. The wheel suspension having at least one elastic element, the stiffness of which in a vertical direction of deflection has a softer stiffness characteristic in a deflection range close to the zero point than in deflection ranges more remote from the zero point.

Abstract: A clamping system for mating an I-Beam frame to an undercarriage is disclosed. The clamping system utilizes clamping brackets to secure the undercarriage to the trailer frame. The undercarriage has adapter sides oriented perpendicular to the undercarriage adapter bottom. The clamping brackets have two portions oriented perpendicular to each other. Holes are located in the clamping brackets to receive bolts or screws. The trailer frame is aligned onto the undercarriage and positioned such that proper tongue weight is applied. The clamping brackets are rigidly installed on the clamping bracket sides. Clamping screws are installed into the clamping brackets and torqued to a value such that a compressive force is applied between the bottom of the I-Beam and the undercarriage adapter bottom. The compressive force applied prevents unwanted relative motion between the I-Beam frame and the undercarriage during use.

Abstract: A fastening shackle for fastening a leaf spring to a vehicle body of a vehicle includes: a first bearing end which can be fastened to the vehicle body, a second bearing end, and a shackle body connecting the first bearing end and the second bearing end. The first bearing end has an outer sleeve, an inner sleeve and a sleeve-shaped plastic plain bearing, the sleeve-shaped plastic plain bearing being arranged in the outer sleeve and being slidably mounted in the outer sleeve, and the inner sleeve being affixed to the sleeve-shaped plastic plain bearing. The leaf spring is mountable at the second bearing end.

Abstract: A multilink rear axle comprises a wheel carrier, a leaf spring, a first lower control arm, an upper control arm, and at least one member. The wheel carrier can rotatably support a wheel of the vehicle. The leaf spring can extend in a width direction of the vehicle that is transverse to a longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The first lower control arm can extend in the width direction and is pivotably coupled to the wheel carrier at a rear half thereof. The upper control arm can extend in the width direction and can be pivotably coupled to the wheel carrier at an attachment point that is offset from the rotation axis of the supported wheel in the longitudinal direction by less than or equal to 100 mm. The at least one member can pivotably couple the leaf spring to the upper control arm.

Abstract: A suspension device for suspension of an axle by an intermediate portion of a single leaf spring has first restriction device which restricts, upon breakage of the leaf spring at a position behind the intermediate portion of the spring, the rear portion of the leaf spring from tilting downwardly relative to a shackle, and a second restriction device for restriction of the shackle from pivotally moving backward beyond a predetermined angle. The first restriction device is constituted by a stopper plate on the shackle for support of the rear portion of the leaf spring from below upon breakage.

Abstract: A vehicle drive arrangement for a vehicle of the type having differential power transmission arrangement that converts the rotatory motion of the rotatory power shaft to rotatory motion of first and second drive shafts disposed substantially orthogonal the rotatory power shaft. Primary leaf springs are each coupled at their respective centers to respective drive shafts by pivotal arrangements. The first and second primary springs may include helical springs that are used in place of, or in combination with, the primary leaf springs. Secondary leaf springs may be splayed and therefore need not be arranged parallel to the primary leaf springs. Control over vehicle kinematics is enhanced by configuring the resilience of a fulcrum bumper using resilient, rheological, or active systems. An active system will control vehicle height while stationary to facilitate loading and unloading of the vehicle.

Abstract: Interplate rubber members 15 are interposed between abutting front and rear ends of spring leaves 2A and 2B. The spring leaves 2A and 2B have paired curved portions 14A and 14B, respectively, which are symmetrically S-shaped with respect to a connected position of an axle 3 in side view. A curvature radius of continuous and mutually reverse curves of each of the curved portions 14A of the upper spring leaf 2A is greater than a curvature radius of continuous and mutually reverse curves of each of the curved portions 14B of the lower spring leaf 2B. The upper curved portions 14A have longitudinally outward bend starts longitudinally outward of longitudinally outward bend starts of the lower curved portions 14B and have longitudinally inward bend ends longitudinally inward of longitudinally inward bend ends of the lower curved portions 14B.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension includes a vehicle body, a supporting member, wherein a proximal end is attached to the vehicle body at a central axis. The supporting member is configured to secure an end of a vehicle suspension component to the vehicle body. A distal end of the support member includes a hanger configured to receive and to allow a tie-down hook to move in an arcuate path defined by a circle centered at the central axis.

Abstract: An equalizer for a suspension system for a trailer is configured to absorb or dampen the harsh shocks or vibrations coming off of the leaf springs proximate to a center frame hangar, thus allowing for a “softer” ride. The equalizer utilizes one or two independent equalizer arm assemblies or castings which are each rotatably secured within the equalizer. Each equalizer arm assembly or casting is operatively associated with one of the leaf springs such that upon upward movement of the leaf spring, the associated equalizer arm assembly or casting is forced to rotate within the equalizer and to deform a shock absorber provided within the equalizer. The shock absorber, upon the deformation thereof, absorbs the harsh shocks or vibrations which would otherwise normally be transferred from the leaf springs, to the equalizer, and thus to the frame of the trailer.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension includes a vehicle body, a supporting member, wherein a proximal end is attached to the vehicle body at a central axis. The supporting member is configured to secure an end of a vehicle suspension component to the vehicle body. A distal end of the support member includes a hanger configured to receive and to allow a tie-down hook to move in an arcuate path defined by a circle centered at the central axis.

Abstract: A pair of left and right shackles operative to support the vehicle-rear-side end portions of a pair of left and right suspension leaf springs. The left and right shackles have structures whereby the rigidity center positions of the leaf-spring-side bushings are offset to further outside areas of the vehicle than the rigidity center positions of the vehicle-body-side bushings, respectively.

Abstract: A light truck support lift which is positioned between the existing leaf spring eyelet and the truck body which incorporates fastener adjustable members for varying the height of the lift.

Abstract: The invention concerns a brinelling bushing joint assembly having a brinelling bushing sleeve with a brinelling feature that mates with a bracket. This joint assembly may be particularly advantageous when employed to connect a vehicle frame to a vehicle suspension.

Abstract: A pair of left and right shackles, operative to support vehicle-rear-side end portions of a pair of left and right suspension leaf springs, which take structures whereby rigidity center positions of leaf-spring-side bushes are offset to further outside areas of a vehicle than rigidity center positions of vehicle-body-side bushes, respectively.

Abstract: In a leaf spring suspension for a rear vehicle axle including a rigid axle body, wherein the suspension comprises leaf springs extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle at opposite sides of the vehicle and the leaf springs have front and rear end supports by way of which they are mounted to the vehicle body, the rear supports for supporting the springs on the vehicle body in a longitudinally displaceable manner are stiff in a transverse direction and the front supports are resilient in a transverse direction such that, when the vehicle is subjected to side forces, a pivot pole is established for the rear axle, which is disposed behind the center of the rear axle.

Abstract: A suspension system component for use in association with a leaf spring eye wrap of a leaf spring is shown to include a generally rigid planar base portion and a generally rigid scarf gap cover portion extending from the base portion in a direction generally normal to the base portion. The scarf gap cover portion includes first and second cover portion portions extending in different planes and adjoined at a seam. The component further includes a generally rigid first stop portion formed as a peg-like structure extending from the base portion in the same direction as the scarf gap cover portion. The component also includes a generally rigid second stop portion formed as a curved engagement surface extending from the base portion in that same direction.

Abstract: A suspension system for the steering axle of a vehicle chassis includes a right side air spring and a left side air spring. In the preferred embodiment leading rigid arms link each end of the steering axle to a pivoting mount on the chassis and transmits brake reaction torque as a lifting force to the chassis. Spring half leaf trailing links connect each end of the steering axle to the chassis, rigid leading arms provide anti-roll capacity as well as help in locating and stabilizing axle position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for mounting a leaf spring suspension system to a vehicle is provided comprising three spring pins, two shackles, four wear washers, and four fastening bolts, wherein one spring pin and two fastening bolts mount and secure a first end of the leaf spring suspension system to the vehicle and two spring pins, two shackles, and two fastening bolts mount and secure a second end of the leaf spring suspension system to the vehicle. Washers are located between the shackles and the leaf spring, as well as between the shackles and the suspension bracket, the washers being made of a material having a hardness less than that of an adjacent component.

Abstract: An assembly for mounting a leaf spring suspension system to a vehicle. The assembly includes an arrangement of a plurality of shackles that movably secure at least a rear portion of a leaf spring, which carries an axle of the vehicle, to a frame of the vehicle.

Abstract: A rubber shear spring add-on assembly for the leaf spring of an automotive vehicle, the rubber shear spring add-on assembly being connected between the rear end of the leaf spring and the frame, the rubber shear spring add-on assembly including a spring carrier assembly mounting the rear end of the leaf spring, a hanger assembly mounted on the frame member and a rubber shear spring mounted between the hanger assembly and the spring carrier assembly which is mounted on the rear end of the leaf spring.

Abstract: A sealed spring suspension for a vehicle includes a threaded bearing made of a spring shackle bolt and a spring bushing; into a recess in either end of the bushing, a sealing ring is pressed, which has a resilient sealing portion with a ring or lip in radial contact with the flat sealing portions of the bolt. By virtue of the bolt thread located between these portions having flattened thread tops and thread bottoms, the ring lip is able to slide without being damaged along said bottoms when the bolt during mounting is threaded into the bushing.

Abstract: A stabilizer system is designed for an automotive vehicle having a rear suspension including left and right shackles, each having a first end coupled at a first pivot point to a respective one of the left and right frame members and a second end spaced from the first end and pivotally coupled to one end of a leaf spring. The stabilizer system comprises first and second elongated arms, each of the arms being rigidly coupled to one of the shackles and extending transversely thereof. First and second elongate flexible members tensionably link the arms, the first elongate flexible member being operatively connected to and extending between a first end of the first arm and a second end of the second arm, and the second elongate flexible member being operatively connected to and extending between a first end of the second arm and a second end of the first arm. Each of the elongate flexible members passes over both of the frame members between its operative connections to the respective first and second arms.

Abstract: A slipper bushing assembly including a series of concentric members for permitting controlled sliding movement between a support element and a movable element. The concentric members of the slipper bushing assembly include a rigid one piece inner metal member joined to the support element, a hollow cylindrical elastomeric member, a rigid, one piece hollow outer metal member, a solid slip surface and structure for preventing the inner metal member from disengaging from the outer metal member. The inner metal member has a pair of opposing ends and an outer cylindrical-like surface. The elastomeric member encircles the outer surface of the inner metal member and has a pair of opposing ends, an outer surface and an inner surface. The outer metal member is joined to the movable element and has a pair of opposing ends and an outer cylindrical surface. The slip surface is contiguous to the inner or outer surface of the elastomeric member and coextensive therewith.

Abstract: A wheel spring support frame for attaching a leaf spring to the underside of the frame of a vehicle. The support frame has a substantially U-shaped cross-section with parallel sidewalls connected by an upper member attached to the vehicle's frame. The sidewalls have spaced, downwardly projecting flanges which oppose the flanges of the other sidewall. Reinforcing spacers extend between the sidewalls, adjacent to the flanges. Each flange has an aperture aligned with the aperture of the opposing flange for accepting a fastener. The ends of the leaf spring are supported by the fasteners.

Abstract: A suspension device for a commercial vehicle includes a leaf spring member, a shackle pivotally connected to the leaf spring and a frame, a first piston cylinder member fixed to the center of the leaf cylinder, and a second piston cylinder member pivotally connected to the shackle and in communication with the first piston cylinder member through an oil conduit whereby upon being fully loaded with goods, the suspension device prevents the vehicle from rolling when the vehicle turns, and improves a comfortable feeling of entering the vehicle and handling of the vehicle.

Abstract: A traction device for a motor vehicle, includes a rear support assembly bolted adjacent to a leaf spring opposite to a rear axle, a front support assembly which is pivotally attached to a front end of the leaf spring, and a rigid link which extends between and is attached to both the front and rear support assemblies at locations spaced from the leaf spring. The front support assembly includes a pair of generally triangular plates wherein a bolt at each apex connecting the plates performs a defined function. Specifically, a first upper bolt extends through a front spring eye of the leaf spring to provide a pivot axis for the front support assembly. A second upper bolt is positioned to extend across an upper surface of the leaf spring at a location spaced rearwardly from the front spring eye, to limit pivotal movement of the front support assembly relative to the leaf spring. A third bolt extends between the plates at a lower end thereof to secure a front end of the rigid link.

Abstract: A leaf spring suspension for a motor vehicle wherein the leaf spring has one end pivotally connected to the frame and the other end also connected to the frame via a torsion spring member. The torsion spring member has a shaft member which is pivotally connected to the other end of the leaf spring. The torsion spring member has an elastomeric sleeve whose inner bore surface is bonded to the shaft member. The torsion spring member also has an outer shell secured to the sleeve and also connected to the frame. A stop member is mounted on the outer shell for engagement by an abutment member on the bracket member to cut out the torsion spring and place the leaf spring in sole control as the suspension.

Abstract: An improved air spring suspension system which includes an air spring on each front spring of a vehicle. The air spring is secured juxtaposed the rear end suspension of each front leaf spring and includes slide pads on each surface of the rear support links. The slide pads and rear end of the springs are secured by a bolt having a self-locking nut and the support links have edges within which the slide pads slide in order to prevent side-to-side movement.

Abstract: Replacement shackles for holding the front ends of leaf springs used at the front ends of vehicles such as so-called "off road" vehicles can be constructed so as to each include a stop member which is adapted to hit against the frame of such a vehicle to preclude the shackle being rotated to such an extent that the distance between the ends of the spring is shortened to such an extent that the spring carried by the shackle is damaged.