Longitudinal Pivot Axis (i.e., Rocking Axle) Patents (Class 280/124.111)
  • Patent number: 11851064
    Abstract: A vehicle drive system for an electric vehicle having in-hub motors configured to be independently controlled from the main traction motors. The configuration allows for robust control of the vehicle dynamics and behavior by allowing an improved powertrain control. The system also allows the vehicle to achieve better efficiencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: Karma Automotive LLC
    Inventors: Lance Liang Zhou, Kevin Y. Zhang, Geng Niu
  • Patent number: 11220167
    Abstract: An electric mining dump truck includes a frame, an axle, an electric wheel assembly, a power battery assembly, an electric control system, a hydraulic system, a cooling system, a bed and a cab assembly. The cab assembly is disposed on a front end of the frame, and the bed is mounted on a rear end of the frame; the axle includes a front axle and a rear axle, the front axle and the rear axle is mounted on the front end and the rear end of the frame, respectively, the electric wheel assembly is mounted on the rear axle; and the power battery assembly includes a battery cabinet configured to supply electric energy for various electric components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: BYD Company Limited
    Inventors: Long Li, Yingjie Wang, Hongming Pan
  • Patent number: 11148494
    Abstract: The invention relates to a suspension system of a vehicle axle, comprising: —a leaf spring (11); —a rear attachment device (24) which is configured to be secured to a vehicle frame (2) and which receives a rear end portion (14) of the leaf spring (11) so as to allow said leaf spring rear end portion to slide longitudinally relative to the rear attachment device; wherein: —the leaf spring rear end portion (14) forms at least part of a loop curved around a transverse axis, the loop being longitudinally elongated and having an opening (29) located at least at the front of said loop; —the rear attachment device (24) comprises a fastener (26) extending substantially transversally and received in said loop; —and the suspension system further comprises retaining means (30) configured to prevent the fastener (26) from getting out of the loop through the opening (29).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: Volvo Truck Corporation
    Inventors: Michel Herve, Stéphane Brun
  • Patent number: 9994105
    Abstract: A working machine having a body supported on a ground engaging structure and a working arm mounted to the body so as capable of performing working operations. The working machine having a drive arrangement to propel the working machine including a prime mover and a hydrostatic transmission including at least one hydraulic pump driven by the prime mover, and at least one motor driven by hydraulic fluid. The working machine also having a hand throttle for selectively setting the power output of the prime mover, a foot throttle for dynamically adjusting the power output of the prime mover in a first mode of operation, wherein the transmission is configured to operate in a second mode of operation when a predetermined criterion is met, and in the second mode the foot throttle directly controls the speed of movement of the ground engaging structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: J. C. Bamford Excavators Limited
    Inventor: Nicholas Roberts
  • Patent number: 9186946
    Abstract: A vehicle suspension includes an X-linkage with a central body, a first set of legs extending outwardly from the central body in one direction, and a second set of legs extending outwardly from the central body in an opposite direction to form an X-shape. The first set of legs is rigidly attached to an axle and the second set of legs is pivotally connected to a frame with frame hangers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology, LLC
    Inventor: Gonzalo Luna
  • Patent number: 9079468
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention may include an axle support structure. The axle support structure has first and second axle supports, an axle and a bolt mechanism. 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 first and second axle supports, and has a pair of center pins. Each of the center pins is rotatably supported by the support hole. The bolt mechanism configured to detachably attach each of the axle supports to the vehicle body member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOYOTA JIDOSHOKKI
    Inventors: Kenichi Wada, Akira Mochizuki
  • Patent number: 8967645
    Abstract: A vehicle suspension includes a pair of leaf springs arranged to extend longitudinally on opposed sides of a vehicle frame. Each leaf spring has a first end pivotally connected to the vehicle with a first bracket attached rigidly to the frame at a first position. A second end is connected to the vehicle frame with a spring shackle pivotably connected to a second bracket attached rigidly to the frame at a second position, in order to compensate for length changes of the leaf spring under load conditions. The suspension further includes an axle extending transversely of the vehicle frame which axle is mounted to each leaf spring at a position intermediate its first and second ends. At least an upper leaf of the leaf spring is a parabolic spring having a convex portion extending towards the frame, and the convex portion is located between the first end and the intermediate position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Volvo Lastvagnar AB
    Inventors: Stefan Preijert, Andreas Gustavsson
  • Publication number: 20150054245
    Abstract: The invention relates to an axle assembly for commercial vehicles includes a linkage element, a first axle element and a second axle element, wherein the first axle element substantially extends along a tube axis and can be fastened on a first side of the linkage element, wherein the second axle element is shaped at least in regions rotationally symmetrically around the stub axis and can be fastened on a second side of the linkage element, wherein the tube axis and the stub axis are separated from one another in the region of the linkage element, and wherein a receiving section is provided which can be fastened to at least one of the elements in order to provide a bearing for a spring element such that a first plane of the spring element is cut at least in regions by one of the axes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2012
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Inventors: Olaf Drewes, Thomas Naber
  • Publication number: 20140367939
    Abstract: A vehicle suspension includes a pair of leaf springs arranged to extend longitudinally on opposed sides of a vehicle frame. Each leaf spring has a first end pivotally connected to the vehicle with a first bracket attached rigidly to the frame at a first position. A second end is connected to the vehicle frame with a spring shackle pivotably connected to a second bracket attached rigidly to the frame at a second position, in order to compensate for length changes of the leaf spring under load conditions. The suspension further includes an axle extending transversely of the vehicle frame which axle is mounted to each leaf spring at a position intermediate its first and second ends. At least an upper leaf of the leaf spring is a parabolic spring having a convex portion extending towards the frame, and the convex portion is located between the first end and the intermediate position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Applicant: VOLVO LASTVAGNAR AB
    Inventors: Stefan Preijert, Andreas Gustavsson
  • Patent number: 8864156
    Abstract: A vehicle has a chassis (11) with front and rear axles (12, 13) suspended from the chassis for vertical and roll movement relative to the chassis. The axles are each mounted on the chassis via an upper pivotal mounting means in the form of an upper pair of arms (12a, 13a) which is pivoted on the chassis for vertical pivoting movement relative thereto and which carry an axle support (15, 16) on which the axle (12, 13) is free to pivot in the roll mode. A second lower pair of pivoting arms (12b, 13b) also connect each axle (12, 13) to the chassis to control fore and aft movement of the axle relative to the chassis. The line of action of the forces (F1-F4) applied to the chassis (11) by the upper arms (12a, 13a) at one end of the chassis are be substantially aligned with the line of action of the forces applied to the chassis by the lower arms (12b, 13b) at the other end of the chassis to reduce and tendency for the chassis to be twisted by these forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: AGCO Corporation
    Inventors: Geoffroy Husson, Frederic Ducroquet
  • Patent number: 8827289
    Abstract: An axle mounting assembly for coupling a vehicle axle to an energy storing suspension component. The assembly includes a mounting pad, and a longitudinally extending energy storing suspension component such as a leaf spring is vertically aligned with respect to the mounting pad. An axle seat bracket is vertically aligned with and spaced from the mounting pad. The axle is transversely mounted to the axle seat bracket which includes at least one horizontally aligned open passage that is aligned parallel to the axle and which receives a U-shaped fastener assembly for coupling the axle and axle seat bracket to the mounting pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Hendrickson USA, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Damon Elwood Dilworth, Michael Paul Bloink, Ashley Thomas Dudding, Sammy C. Lumetta
  • Patent number: 8801011
    Abstract: An articulatable suspension system for a vehicle includes a front axle assembly, a front pivot assembly, a rear axle assembly, a rear pivot assembly, a frame and at least one equalizer bar. The front axle is pivotally coupled to the front pivot assembly such that the front axle assembly is rotatable about at least one of a longitudinal axis or a lateral axis passing through the front pivot assembly. The rear axle is pivotally coupled to the rear pivot assembly such that the rear axle assembly is rotatable about at least one a longitudinal axis or a lateral axis passing through the rear pivot assembly. Front and rear dampeners extend between the front and rear axle assemblies and the frame. An equalizer bar is coupled to the front and rear pivoting assemblies by front and rear vertical linkages. The equalizer bar is pivotally secured to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Preffered Chassis Fabrication, Inc.
    Inventor: William Dwaine Jungen
  • Publication number: 20140210176
    Abstract: A linkage mechanism for double-wheel combination of vehicle mainly includes a main frame, connecting rod, and two sway rods. With the simple assembly, the two sway rods are pivoted to the main frame and the connecting rod respectively so as to sway identically and simultaneously for better vehicle stability and mobility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Inventor: BO-SHENG CHENG
  • Patent number: 8777242
    Abstract: A linkage mechanism for double-wheel combination of vehicle mainly includes a main frame, connecting rod, and two sway rods. With the simple assembly, the two sway rods are pivoted to the main frame and the connecting rod respectively so as to sway identically and simultaneously for better vehicle stability and mobility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Bentech Marketing & Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Bo-Sheng Cheng
  • Publication number: 20140145410
    Abstract: A bearing assembly for an oscillation joint on a machine having a tandem wheel drive. The bearing assembly rotatably supports an oscillating hub rotatably connected to a shaft. The bearing assembly includes a spacer having a stop face and an axial contact face. The spacer is sized and arranged to face a shoulder of the oscillation joint and to also support an inboard thrust bearing having a surface area greater than a surface area of the shoulder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley Guy Kaufman, Bryan D. Van Dyke
  • Publication number: 20140062048
    Abstract: A utility vehicle comprises a plurality of ground engaging members and a frame supported by the plurality of ground engaging members. The frame includes a front frame portion, a mid-frame portion, and a rear frame portion. The utility vehicle further comprises an attachment supported at the front frame portion. Additionally, the utility vehicle includes an operator area supported by the frame and including an operator seat and an adjacent passenger seat spaced apart from the operator seat. The operator seat and the passenger seat are in a side-by-side arrangement. The utility vehicle also comprises an auxiliary power assembly having an attachment shaft configured to be operably coupled to the attachment. The attachment shaft extends in a generally longitudinal direction of the utility vehicle and projects outwardly from the front frame portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: POLARIS INDUSTRIES INC.
    Inventors: ADAM J. SCHLANGEN, LOUIS J. BRADY, VINCENT ARONSON
  • Publication number: 20140035250
    Abstract: An axle mounting assembly for coupling a vehicle axle to an energy storing suspension component. The assembly includes a mounting pad, and a longitudinally extending energy storing suspension component such as a leaf spring is vertically aligned with respect to the mounting pad. An axle seat bracket is vertically aligned with and spaced from the mounting pad. The axle is transversely mounted to the axle seat bracket which includes at least one horizontally aligned open passage that is aligned parallel to the axle and which receives a U-shaped fastener assembly for coupling the axle and axle seat bracket to the mounting pad.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Inventor: Hendrickson USA, L.L.C.
  • Publication number: 20140015212
    Abstract: A pendulum suspension device of a spray ramp, including: a fixed frame intended to be borne by an agricultural machine; a mobile frame intended to bear one or several spray ramps, at least one pendulum suspension connecting rod of the mobile frame on the fixed frame, and at least one actuation cylinder for varying the tilt of the mobile frame relatively to the fixed frame, remarkable in that the actuation cylinder is interposed between the fixed frame, and the connecting rod, and in that means are provided for displacing, relatively to the mobile frame, the attachment point of the connecting rod under the action of the actuation cylinder, so as to re-center the mobile frame relatively to the fixed frame when the attachment point is displaced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Inventor: Patrick Jean Marie BALLU
  • Patent number: 8585064
    Abstract: A crop sprayer includes a pivoting axle suspension assembly that includes a bolster assembly secured between the frame rails of the main frame of the crop sprayer. The bolster assembly includes formed tube members that support a bearing structure for pivotably coupling a pivot pin of a pivot axle to the main frame. The tube members are curved downwardly from the main frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: ET Works, LLC
    Inventors: Chad A Ringer, Justin Honegger, Ryan Larsh, Jarrett Waters
  • Patent number: 8540260
    Abstract: A vehicular swing arm assembly includes a swing member, an axle support assembly, and an axle. The swing member is configured for pivotal attachment to a frame of a vehicle. The axle support assembly includes a driven member and a cross member assembly. The driven member is rotatably coupled with the swing member and is rotatable about a drive axis. The cross member assembly includes a first pivot member and a second pivot member. The first pivot member is pivotally coupled with the driven member and is pivotable with respect to the driven member. The second pivot member is pivotally coupled with the first pivot member and is pivotable with respect to the first pivot member. The axle is coupled with one of the first and second pivot members and is rotatable. Rotation of the driven member about the drive axis facilitates rotation of the axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Scott Daniel Batdorf, Daniel Thomas Sellars
  • Patent number: 8505935
    Abstract: Disclosed is a tricycle kick board that includes a pillar shaft rotatably mounting a front wheel to a lower portion thereof, a steering unit mounted to a upper portion of the pillar shaft, a joint unit mounted to the pillar shaft, and left and right moving frames connected at one portion thereof to the joint unit and at another portion thereof to left and right foot rest assemblies, respectively, each of the left and right foot rest assemblies having a wheel disposed thereunder. The joint unit is provided with a main body fitted to the pillar shaft so as to be pivotable about the pillar shaft, a main shaft fastened to a side of the main body; and a supplementary body pivotally mounted to the main body so as to be pivotable about the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: MSKI Corp.
    Inventors: Jung-Tae Kim, Seok-Jun Jung
  • Patent number: 8459673
    Abstract: A track rod for laterally locating an axle assembly with respect to a vehicle frame. The disclosed track rod is especially useful for large off highway vehicles. The track rod includes a first end piece pivotally connected to a vehicle structure such as a frame and a second end piece pivotally connected to a vehicle axle, one of the end pieces includes a housing having a fixed, force-receiving member The housing is adapted to receive a first elastomenc member located in a juxtaposed position with respect to one side of the fixed member A floating plate slidably received in the housing is located in a juxtaposed position with respect to the first elastomenc member The other end piece includes a portion receivable by the housing. A second elastomenc member is positioned between the end piece portion and the fixed member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Herrebertus E. J. Tempelman, Ihab Ragai, Paul R. Bigoney
  • Patent number: 8408567
    Abstract: A swather tractor has a frame defined by a main tractor frame carrying the cab, engine and drive system, rear axle with castor wheels and a transverse front frame assembly mounted at a front of the main frame. The front rigid frame assembly carries the header and comprises a cross member and a pair of upstanding legs each carrying a front ground wheel hydraulically driven so that steering is controlled by the rate of forward movement of the front wheels. In order to provide improved suspension, the main frame is connected to the front frame assembly by a coupling which allows up and down suspension movement of the main frame relative to the front frame assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: MacDon Industries Ltd
    Inventors: Leonard Bergman, James Thomas Dunn
  • Patent number: 8398179
    Abstract: An extendible axle member (146, 148) is provided for an agricultural harvester (100), the axle (142, 144) having an elongate telescopic portion (400) with bearing surfaces (254, 256, 334, 336) for being slidably received in an outer axle member (142, 144).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Ryan Patrick Mackin, Daniel James Burke, Bruce Alan Coers, Eric Allan Risius, Glenn E Pope, David Rix
  • Publication number: 20120292874
    Abstract: A single wheel suspension of a non-steerable wheel of a two track vehicle includes two links pivotable relative to each other in respective planes, each being inclined less than 10° relative to the longitudinal and vertical directions of the vehicle. A first link, extending approximately in the longitudinal direction, functions as a wheel carrier. The first link is supported with an end section on the vehicle body via a pendulum support, which extends essentially in the vertical direction. The second link, extending approximately in the longitudinal direction, is supported in an articulated manner, on one side, on the body with only one kinematic rotational degree of freedom and on the other side to the first link between the wheel bearing and a pendulum support fastening point with only one kinematic rotational degree of freedom. No other wheel guiding link is provided, except for a connecting element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Elsa Davy, Dirk Schlichte, Jakob Mueller, Bernhard Paulus, Alfred Pruckner, Roland Koenig
  • Publication number: 20120211960
    Abstract: A swing arm assembly is configured for pivotal coupling with a frame of a vehicle. The swing arm assembly includes first and second support arms. A first axle support bracket is attached to the first support arm and a second axle support bracket is attached to the second support arm. A first reinforcement member includes upper, lower, forward and rearward edges, and is welded to the first axle support bracket along at least a portion of the upper edge and at least a portion of the lower edge of the first reinforcement member. The rearward edge of the first reinforcement member is devoid of weld material. The first support arm is attached to the first reinforcement member. Vehicles including a swing arm assembly are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2011
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventor: Lee N. Bowers
  • Patent number: 8240409
    Abstract: A self-propelled high-clearance vehicle includes a front half-chassis and a rear half-chassis placed one behind the other and assembled together by a pivot connection, the front and rear half-chassis respectively including firstly a front wheel set and a rear wheel set disposed in line one behind the other along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, and secondly a first stabilizer wheel set on the left and a second stabilizer wheel set on the right located on either side of the longitudinal axis of the high-clearance vehicle; a driver's cab mounted on one and/or the other of the half-chassis; and an engine unit for driving the vehicle, mounted on one and/or the other of the half-chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: SARL Grosjean Rene Viticole
    Inventor: Rene Grosjean
  • Publication number: 20120193886
    Abstract: An automatic wheel adjustment mechanism mounted between two front wheels and a front wheel stem of a foldable motorized vehicle, comprising: (a) a front wheel supporting shaft having a bearing housing positioned on the top center portion of the front wheel supporting shaft, a first connecting portion, and a second connecting portion positioned on the front wheel supporting shaft, (b) a connecting member having a ring on one end and a connecting shaft on other end, wherein the connecting shaft extends upwards to form a connecting portion, and (c) a plurality of bearings, wherein outer races of the bearings is fixed at the center portion of the front wheel supporting shaft, the ring of the connecting member is connected to the lower end of the front wheel stem, the connecting shaft of the connecting member passes through and fixedly connected to the inner races of the plurality of the bearings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventors: CHICHUN WU, ZHAO ZHANG
  • Patent number: 8205899
    Abstract: An extendible axle member (146 or 148) is provided for a pivoting axle of an agricultural harvester (100), the extendible axle member (146 or 148) having an elongate telescopic portion (400) with bearing surfaces for being slidably received in an outer axle member (142 or 144), wherein the elongate telescopic portion (400) is formed integral with and abuts a C-frame for supporting a steering knuckle (158 or 160).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Ryan Patrick Mackin, Daniel James Burke, Bruce Alan Coers, Eric Allen Risius
  • Patent number: 8186449
    Abstract: An implement wheel assembly includes two individual wheel arms tied together by a linkage that pivots about a fore-and-aft extending axis at a location above the wheels and generally above the plane of the implement frame. The linkage constrains the wheel arms to pivot in opposite vertical directions as the implement moves over irregular ground surfaces to improve weight distribution on the wheels. Spring structure may be interposed between the ends of a pivoting linkage and the individual wheel arms to lower frame impact forces. The structure allows two wheels to be placed side-by-side with their axes generally aligned and reduces under-frame hardware to improve crop and soil and trash flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Ryan A. Hackert, Jarrod R. Ruckle, Shawn J. Becker, Roderick A. Healy, Garrett L. Goins
  • Patent number: 8167324
    Abstract: A zero-turn mower comprising a zero-turn mower frame, a front axle coupled to the zero-turn mower frame, first and second caster wheel assemblies, and first and second front shock assemblies. The front shock assemblies rotatably and telescopically couple the caster wheel assemblies to the front axle, thereby providing vertical shock absorption. The front axle may be a floating axle that is pivotably coupled to the mower frame and/or the shock assemblies may define an internal spring-receiving chamber that is substantially isolated from the external environment. Such a zero-turn mower may provide a smoother ride and may require less maintenance and repair than conventional zero-turn mowers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Great Plains Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan F. Piontek
  • Patent number: 8075007
    Abstract: An all-terrain vehicle including a frame having longitudinally-spaced ends defining a first longitudinal axis, and an engine supported by the frame. The engine includes a crankshaft defining a second longitudinal axis substantially parallel to the first longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Louis James Brady, Jeffrey David Bennett, Benjamin J. Dieter, Sean E. Sherrod, Ryan K. Lovold, Harry Pongo
  • Publication number: 20110266764
    Abstract: A suspension system includes a frame mount assembly, a swing arm assembly and an air spring. The trailer includes a rail with top and bottom rail surfaces. The swing arm assembly is pivotally mounted to a pivot about a swing arm pivot axis located above the bottom rail surface when the suspension assembly is mounted to the trailer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicant: AIR SUSPENSIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Ervin K. VanDenberg, David H. Croston
  • Patent number: 8038162
    Abstract: A joint unit such as for mounting the vehicle control arm of a motor vehicle, is provided with a control arm-side housing (1), in which a pivot pin (2) is mounted pivotably by means of a spheroidal bearing surface (3), wherein the joint unit has a securing unit against the separation of the housing (1) from the pivot pin (2). The securing unit includes a securing bolt (9), arranged within the pivot pin (2) essentially in parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the pivot pin (2) and with a blocking element (12) at a free end. A securing mount (13) is located within the housing (1) or the pivot pin (2) and in this the blocking element (12) is mounted in a contactless manner in the mounted state of the joint unit. The securing mount (13) is part of the securing unit, and the securing bolt (9) is fixed to the component of the joint unit (housing (1) or pivot pin (2)) that is not provided with the securing mount (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Sören Knopp, Manfred Buhl, Ralf Kunze
  • Patent number: 7959168
    Abstract: A suspension for a motor vehicle having a hollow suspension member including first and second spaced apart sidewalls and a pivot pin. In the preferred embodiment, the pivot pin is a locking assembly that includes a first retainer partially insertable through a first window formed in the first sidewall and a second retainer partially insertable through a second window formed in the second side wall. The first retainer engages the second retainer to present a pivot that receives a pivot arm between the sidewalls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Magna International Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory P. Kiselis, Jeffrey W. Nichols
  • Publication number: 20110115184
    Abstract: A vehicle suspension system includes a first trailing arm assembly and a second trailing assembly each including a mounting bracket adapted to be secured to a vehicle frame and a trailing arm member pivotably coupled to the associated mounting bracket and adapted to be operably coupled to an axle member, wherein the trailing arm members each include an aperture extending therein, wherein the aperture has a relatively constant cross-sectional configuration along a depth thereof. The vehicle suspension system further includes a torsional member extending between the first and second trailing arm members and frictionally secured within the apertures thereof, wherein the torsional member has a relatively constant cross-sectional configuration along a length thereof that is received within the apertures of the trailing arms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2010
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Inventors: Marc Johnson, Mark Molitor, Jeffrey Michael Galla, Jason Klein, David Roe, Daniel R. Dykstra
  • Patent number: 7900942
    Abstract: A wheel suspension arm comprises a link opening (12) for pivotably securing the wheel suspension arm to a vehicle frame and an axle opening (11) for securing an axle element (2) to the wheel suspension arm. A peripheral edge (11a) of the axle opening includes at least one discontinuation, such as a slot (13). A screw (17) can be tightened to clamp the axle element (2) in the axle opening (11). The invention also relates to a method for producing the inventive wheel suspension arm and to a wheel suspension comprising said wheel suspension arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: SAF-Holland GmbH
    Inventor: Hubert B. Koschinat
  • Patent number: 7878516
    Abstract: Axles and spindle assemblies for wheeled vehicles. More particularly, in at least one embodiment, this invention relates to a substantially curvilinear axle for wheeled vehicles, alone or in combination with a spindle assembly, having a substantially continuous radius of curvature extending from one end of the axle to the other. In at least one additional embodiment, this invention relates to fabricated spindle assemblies having gusset arms for mechanical attachment to axle ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Inventors: Michael John Gottschalk, Robert Steven Shea
  • Publication number: 20110001299
    Abstract: A vehicle, has a chassis, at least one front axle assigned to the chassis and carrying land wheels, a rear axle located downstream of the front axle, relative to a direction of forward travel and carrying at least two steerable wheels, wherein the rear axle is hingedly connected to the chassis such that it is movable to and fro transversely to the direction of travel, and includes at least one axle body, wherein regions of the chassis are assigned to the wheels of the rear axle in an at partially adjacent manner, a pendulum device coupling the rear axle of the chassis and enabling a displacement of the rear axle that is oriented transversely to the direction of travel, and a swivel device coupling each wheel of the rear axle to the axle body of the rear axle and enabling a displacement of each wheel that is oriented transversely to the direction of travel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Inventors: Sebastian Wagemann, Manfred Gersmann
  • Patent number: 7857333
    Abstract: A stabilizing arrangement (100) characterized by a mounting member (32), at least one forward truck (34) supporting a forward pair of surface engaging members (36), and at least one rear truck (38) supporting a rear pair of surface engaging members (40), each truck (34, 38) allowing biased rotation about a central axis thereof, the forward truck (34) being mounted on the mounting member (32) such that it projects forwardly thereof and the rear truck (38) being mounted on the mounting member (32) such that it projects rearwardly thereof, and whereby the mounting member (32) is supported substantially between the trucks (34, 38) and pairs of surface engaging members (36, 40). A suspension and steering arrangement is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: AV International Corporation
    Inventor: Aldo Contarino
  • Patent number: 7850180
    Abstract: A suspension system for a vehicle is provided that allows for the vehicle body to be tilted wherein the tilt is controlled by the operator's legs in a manner that greatly enhances the stability of the vehicle while producing a fun vehicle to operate. Generally a hub is provided for use ad the vertical members in a four-bar suspension linkage that includes an inboard side and an outboard side such that the tilting pivots are positioned inboard and the steering pivots are positioned outboard. This arrangement allows for the optimum placement of the pivot axis for steering as close to the wheel as possible, even directly within the rim of the wheel, while the pivot point of the suspension linkage is optimally positioned a few inches inboard relative to the wheels thereby increasing the lever arm used to control the relative tilt of the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Inventor: Joseph Wilcox
  • Publication number: 20100276903
    Abstract: A rear axle for a motor vehicle has two longitudinal links, each pivotally connected to a vehicle body, a cross member that connects the links to each other in the transverse vehicle direction and is coupled to each of the links in a rigid manner, and a Panhard rod extending substantially in the transverse direction that is joined on one end to a link or to the cross member, and on the other end to a joining point on the body side. The rear axle further has a longitudinal strut substantially extending in the longitudinal vehicle direction that is connected to the body at a forward end section in a rigid manner and forms the joining point for the Panhard rod on a free rear end section. The rear axle has an installation space requirement corresponding to a four-link rear axle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2008
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Inventor: Ingo Winter
  • Publication number: 20100244396
    Abstract: A trailing arm type suspension improves the handling (driving stability) and the response (driving response) of an automobile by increasing the installation rigidity of a suspension member to a vehicle body frame. In the trailing arm type suspension including a pair of right and left trailing arms which extend in the vehicle longitudinal direction, a reinforcing bar for connecting a suspension member in the vehicle rear side of the trailing arm to a connecting part of a vehicle body frame in the vehicle front side of the suspension member, is disposed between a fuel tank and the trailing arm, and the reinforcing bar and the trailing arm overlap each other as viewed from the side of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: Suzuki Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Kenichi Onda, Kensuke Ohkubo
  • Publication number: 20100230922
    Abstract: In some embodiments, the present systems include, consist of, or consist essentially of a roadarm having a first end, a second end, and an opening near the first end; where the second end is configured for attachment to a passive spring (e.g., an air spring, a coil spring, a compressible fluid spring, or a leaf spring), and the opening is configured for interchangeable use with any of: (a) a passive suspension system damping element, (b) a semi-active suspension system damping element, and (c) an active suspension system actuator. Other systems are included, such as those with common control systems for the active and semi-active suspension systems. Methods relating to such systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2006
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Inventor: Joseph Beno
  • Publication number: 20100230182
    Abstract: A tractor has front wheels mounted on the frame at fixed angles and a pair of rear wheels each mounted on a respective castor assembly. Each of the castor assemblies has a vertical pivot axis mounted in a swivel support of an axle of the frame and a bottom transverse tubular member connected to a pair of parallel forks carrying at a lower ends the transverse axle of the wheel. The mounting link includes a torsion spring defined by a rod attached to the forks which passes though a sleeve containing a resilient elastomeric spring of the tubular member allowing spring suspension pivotal movement of the upper ends of the forks relative to the bottom transverse member about an axis parallel to the wheel axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Inventor: Philip J. Otto
  • Patent number: 7793742
    Abstract: A ground engaged vehicle includes a front portion and a rear portion joined by an articulation. The articulation rotates around a longitudinal axis. An engine drives a hydrostatic pump which drives four hydrostatic motors, each of the hydrostatic motors in operative engagement with one of four wheels. The wheels are on wheel mounts, each of the wheel mounts having a vertical axis around which one of the four wheels with one of the hydrostatic motors is turnable. A steering system turns the two wheels of the front portion in a first direction and the two wheels of the rear portion in an opposite direction. The steering system is powered by the hydrostatic pump. A pedal control system has a first pedal controlling driving the vehicle in a forward direction and a second pedal controlling driving the vehicle in a rearward direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Cool2, Inc.
    Inventors: David Donaldson, John LaReau
  • Patent number: 7740254
    Abstract: A wheeled work machine in which the center of gravity of a machine body is positioned low and the stability of the machine in a working position is secured without regard to the movement of the center of gravity caused by the rotation of a rotation table during work. An operation body (111) integrally rocking with a front axle case (96) is provided at the center in the left-right direction of the front axle case (96), and a rocking lock mechanism (112) for limiting the rocking of the operation body (111) is provided at a machine body frame (6). The rocking lock mechanism (112) has a lock cylinder (115) in which a piston rod (120) is horizontally fixed to the machine frame (6) and a switchover valve (118) for switching two oil chambers (124A, 124B) of the lock cylinder (115) between a communicated state and a closed state. A cylinder tube (116) of the lock cylinder (115) is operably connected to the operation body (111).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Toshihiko Takemura, Ryohei Sumiyoshi, Kunihiro Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20100140892
    Abstract: A spring beam suspension system includes a hanger; a flexible spring beam extending between the hanger and an axle; and a generally U-shaped pivot bracket secured to the spring beam, the pivot bracket including opposing legs which are pivotably attached to the hanger. Another spring beam suspension system includes a lift actuator which lifts the axle by applying a biasing force to a portion of the spring beam which extends forward from the hanger. Yet another suspension system has a bushing secured in the hanger, whereby the beam pivots relative to the bushing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: WATSON & CHALIN MANUFACTURING, INC.
    Inventor: Cully DODD
  • Patent number: 7726749
    Abstract: A tread assembly has front and rear main idler wheels supported by a frame. An assembly is provided to permit the front idler wheels to pivot laterally as the cart encounters uneven ground, in order to improve weight distribution across the tread and the idler wheels. The rear idler wheel also has an assembly to permit the rear idler wheel to pivot laterally. An alignment feature is incorporated into the front idler wheel assembly to permit adjustment of the alignment of the front idler wheel relative to the rear idler wheel. A tensioning mechanism is provided at the rear idler wheel to maintain the tread in tension. A bogie wheel structure is pivotally connected to the frame and positioned between the front and rear idler wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Inventor: Lyn Rosenboom
  • Publication number: 20100127469
    Abstract: The invention relates to a four-point link for suspending a vehicle axle (36) on a vehicle frame (35) of a vehicle (11), having four link arms (2, 3, 4, 5) which are fixedly connected to one another in a central region (6) and which extend away from the central region (6) so as to form a cross, of which link arms (2, 3, 4, 5) two first link arms (2, 3) can be articulatedly connected to the vehicle frame (35) and two second link arms (4, 5) can be articulatedly connected to the vehicle axle (36), wherein the link arms (2, 3, 4, 5) each have an H-shaped profile (13) which is open transversely or vertically with respect to the cross plane (20).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2008
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventor: Matthias Quaing