Abstract: A suspension apparatus 100 includes a leaf spring 110 in which a front end and a rear end are rotatably supported by a frame 2 of a car and an intermediate portion thereof in a longitudinal direction is attached to an axle 3; and a stay 160 having an engaging portion 161 for blocking rotation of a portion to a rear of a breaking point of the leaf spring 110 when the leaf spring 110 is broken at a portion to a rear of the intermediate portion thereof.

Abstract: A suspension apparatus 100 includes a leaf spring 110 in which a front end and a rear end are rotatably supported by a frame 2 of a car and an intermediate portion thereof in a longitudinal direction is attached to an axle 3; and a stay 160 having an engaging portion 161 for blocking rotation of a portion to a rear of a breaking point of the leaf spring 110 when the leaf spring 110 is broken at a portion to a rear of the intermediate portion thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatic lifting of a trailer frame upon failure of the leaf spring support comprising a housing including a first housing element and a second housing element, wherein the second housing element is positioned within and slidably coupled to the first housing element forming the housing; an air bag lifting device positioned within the housing, wherein upon actuation the lifting device exerts force to maintain a distance between the first housing element and the second housing element; and a trigger device coupled to the lifting device wherein the lifting device is actuated by the trigger device.

Abstract: A leaf spring assembly features a stack of leaf springs having mounting couplings attached at opposite ends. The mounting couplings each have first and second mounting elements clamped together about at least a main spring and a safety spring. The safety spring has retaining elements at opposite ends each having an extension portion and a blocking portion. The extension portion extends past the end of the main spring. Here the blocking portion extends generally perpendicularly from the extension portion to block motion of the mounting coupling should failure cause it to be detached from the stack of springs. This ensures that failure does not cause complete separation of the spring stack and mounting couplings.

Abstract: A leaf spring assembly includes a safety strap extending along the bottom of a plurality of stacked leaf springs that are held in a stacked relationship by a leaf fastener. The strap is attached to each leaf spring in the stack by fasteners at opposite ends of the spring such that adjacent leaf springs are connected on each side of the fastener. In the event that any one of the springs fails between the leaf fastener and one of the ends at which the strap is attached, the broken pieces of the spring remain connected to the other springs in the stack. This prevents pieces from breaking free of the assembly and creating road hazards in the event of spring failure.

Abstract: Rubber shock absorber systems for use between the frame and equalizer bar of a construction vehicle usually fail to withstand high temperature environments. A metallic spring assembly is provided which is capable of high flexibility and durability. The spring assembly includes a first arcuate spring member and a second arcuate spring member adjacent to and inverted from the first spring member. First and second arcuate plate members are positioned against the first and second spring members respectively, and have a larger bend radius so that a clearance is created therebetween. A bolt with a plate nut threaded thereon is provided to connect the spring assembly and to provide a preload. During compressive loading, opposing end portions of the first and second spring portions are deformed to provide an energy absorbing system. The flexibility and durability of the spring assembly is controlled by the bend radius, thickness, and length of the plate members.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension member such as leaf spring (50) is provided having at least one plate (3) having an irradiation exposed region (R) therein that is generally parallel to a longitudinal axis ("L/A") extending between opposite ends of plate (3) and operative to provide a metallurgical discontinuity extending therealong between opposite ends thereof that is effective to divert crack propagation in a direction generally parallel to axis ("L/A").

Abstract: A vehicle suspension member such as a leaf spring (50) is provided comprising at least one composite leaf or plate (2) having a second layer (12) sandwiched within a first layer (10) in such a manner as to provide at least one discontinuity therein effective to divert crack propagation in a direction generally parallel to a longitudinal axis ("L/A") extending between opposite ends of plate (2).

Abstract: A vehicle suspension member such as a spring leaf or plate (50) is provided with at least one discontinuity therein that extends generally parallel to a longitudinal axis ("L/A") extending therealong between opposite ends thereof and is effective to divert crack propagation in a direction generally parallel thereto. The the discontinuity(s) are provided by methods that include compressing an elongate member (10,12) having enclosed voids (12,16) extending along its central region in one embodiment or by compressing an elongate member (26) having a plurality of enclosed voids (28) extending along its length in another embodiment or by compressing an elongate member (41) having opposite sides (43,43') that, in cross-section, have a concave shape, in yet another embodiments.

Abstract: A bracket is attached to the frame of a heavy load bearing vehicle over the axle housings to prevent the tires, wheels and axles from being translated or skewed with respect to the frame in the case of a suspension failure. By preventing unwanted translation, disasters caused by overturned vehicles or loss of control are prevented. The bracket has a portion for attaching to the vehicle frame, a portion for supporting the frame, a portion for stopping the frame from falling too far vertically and for resting upon an axle housing upon suspension failure, a portion for preventing forward translation of the frame, and a portion for preventing rearward translation of the frame.

Abstract: An elastomeric hanger structure is designed to provide both force stabilization and vibration isolation while connecting a part such as a vehicle exhaust system with a supporting structure such as a vehicle chassis. The elastomeric hanger of the invention is also capable of being selectively tailored to control numerous static and dynamic conditions which may be encountered when the part is suspended.

Abstract: The present invention provides an auxiliary suspension system for a motor vehicle, in particular for a trailer truck, which serves to both supplement and protect the trailer springs and also to prevent the trailer from dropping directly onto the tires of the vehicle in the event that a spring breaks. A thick rubber mat is mounted to a plate on the bottom of the subframe of the trailer. The spring is positioned above U-bolts on the subframe which hold the vehicle springs. When the trailer is unloaded, the rubber mat extending from the bottom of the trailer subframe will normally be spaced several inches above the top of the U-bolt. When the vehicle is carrying a full load, the rubber mat will normally be supported on top of the U-bolt. In the event that the trailer springs break during operation of the vehicle, the rubber mat will support the trailer subframe on top of the U-bolt and prevent the subframe from dropping directly onto the tires.

Abstract: A leaf spring bent at its midsection to form operating legs spaced about 120.degree. apart. The legs can be compressed together with finger pressure and the spring then inserted over a defective coil spring of Corvette door latch/handle assembly. When fully inserted the spring functions in the same way as the original spring before same became damaged.

Abstract: A multipurpose splint means for at least temporary repair of a broken leaf element of a spring leaf assembly, the splint means comprising an elongated arcuate spring steel member having a convex surface intermediate ends thereof adapted to be juxtaposed to a fracture in a broken leaf element, spaced bolt positioning means formed in the member at opposite ends of the convex surface for receiving and positioning securement members to attach the splint member to the assembly, the central portion of the convex surface lying exteriorly of a plane tangent to surface portions of the positioning means whereby the convex surface is adapted to realign and retain the broken ends of the broken leaf element. The elongated arcuate splint member is also provided with an end portion extending beyond one of the bolt positioning means, the end portion being upturned at a selected radius to cradle the eye formed at the end of a main spring leaf element in the event fracture occurs adjacent to the eye.