Abstract: A wheel axle suspension adapted to suspend an axle body of a wheel axle from a vehicle chassis comprises on both sides of the vehicle a bearing bracket arranged on the vehicle chassis. A rigid or flexible trailing arm extends in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The trailing arm has a resilient bush at a front end by means of which the trailing arm is hingedly connected to the bearing bracket. The trailing arm furthermore has a contact region essentially complementary to a portion of the outer contour of the axle body, where the axle body, in a fitted position, bears directly against the trailing arm. A support part opposes the contact region of the axle body. The support part is provided with a recess for accommodating the axle body, and is provided with a securing arm extending further towards the rear which is adapted to be secured to a pneumatic spring. Tensioning elements are provided tensioning the support part and the contact region of the trailing arm towards each other against the axle body.

Abstract: A non-torque reactive trailing arm air suspension system for vehicle driven axle uses a spherical joint between trailing arm and axle as one of four nodes of four bar mechanism which is disposed on both sides of vehicle that maintains substantially constant pinion shaft angle during vehicle operation. The trailing arm is a rolled and formed beam of spring steel and utilizes a vertically resilient length between hanger bracket joint and axle joint to absorb road shocks.

Abstract: A shear spring having a base plate having a flat upper surface, and an upper plate having a V-shaped upper surface opposite the base plate adapted to mate with a corresponding V-shaped surface positioned on a side wall of a spring mount, the upper plate having a flat lower surface parallel to the flat upper surface of the base, and an elastomeric material positioned between the flat upper surface of the base plate and the flat lower surface of the upper plate.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention is directed to a twist beam axle for a vehicle. The twist beam axle includes a twist beam and a reinforcement member. The twist beam has a longitudinal axis and has a generally concave cross-sectional shape. The reinforcement member extends longitudinally and is connected to the twist beam to form a longitudinally extending tubular form therewith. The twist beam has first and second side walls. At least one of the side walls extends outside of the tubular form. The tubular form has cross-sectional dimensions that are selected based on the vehicle on which the twist beam axle is to be used.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide an independent suspension system coupled to a main-frame of ride-on equipment including a subframe coupled to the main frame with a pivot including a pivot axis. Some embodiments include a transaxle assembly supported on the subframe coupled to a drive wheel, and a power source supported on the main frame coupled to the transaxle assembly. A rider can control the transaxle assembly with a compensated control linkage assembly that can compensate for movement of the subframe. Some embodiments include driven pulleys, idler pulleys and backside idler pulleys supported by the subframe coupled to the power source not supported by the subframe. In some embodiments, the pivot axis resides between the power source and the transaxle assembly. In some embodiments, the drive wheel can be driven by an electric motor supported by the subframe and the power source can be a battery.

Abstract: A hybrid torsion beam axle assembly is provided, which includes a steel torsion beam. An end cap is fastened to an end portion of the steel torsion beam, and a cast trailing arm is cast about the end portion of the steel torsion beam including the end cap. In this way, the cast trailing arm is positively and rigidly secured to the steel torsion beam.

Abstract: An axle-to-beam or crossbrace-to-beam connection for a vehicle axle/suspension system includes an axle or crossbrace having at least one depression formed therein. A sleeve is formed with at least one depression and disposed about the axle or crossbrace so that the axle or crossbrace depression and the sleeve depression matingly engage one another to form a mated pair of depressions. A method of forming the axle-to-beam or crossbrace-to-beam connection includes providing an axle or crossbrace and disposing a sleeve about the axle or crossbrace. At least one mated pair of depressions is simultaneously formed in the axle or crossbrace and the sleeve. The sleeve is immovably mounted to a vehicle axle/suspension system.

Abstract: A suspension arrangement for interconnecting a frame and an axle in a vehicle includes a control arm having an upper beam and a lower beam, each beam having a first end and a second end, the first end of each beam being pivotally connectable to a vehicle frame at a common pivot point, and the second end of each beam being connected to a bushing arrangement mountable to the vehicle axle, the bushing arrangement having an upper portion connected to the upper beam and a lower portion connected to the lower beam.

Abstract: A unitized hydraulic suspension system for a tandem front and back two-axle group comprises two pivoting arms, each for supporting one of the two axles, arranged on opposite sides of a common rigid hanger. Each arm is attached to one end of a respective cylinder the other end of which cylinder is attached to the common hanger. The unitized hydraulic suspension simplifies the use of hydraulic suspension in dual laning heavy haul applications by the provision of a slide assembly in which unitized hydraulic suspensions are slidably mounted so as to be extendible or retractable in relation to one another.

Abstract: The invention relates to a twist-axle that includes a cross-beam member and two trailing arms, each trailing arm rigidly secured to the cross-beam member in one of two connection regions of the cross-beam member or formed integrally with and extending from one of the two connection regions. The cross-beam member is formed from a tubular blank and has a torsionally elastic central portion and two torsionally stiff connection regions. The cross-beam member has a wall thickness that varies longitudinally along the length of the cross-beam member from the torsionally elastic central portion to each of the torsionally stiff connection regions.

Abstract: A suspension assembly includes a pair of frame brackets adapted to couple to a vehicle frame, an axle assembly, a torsional member having reliefs located proximate each end thereof, and a pair of trailing arms each operably coupled to the axle assembly, and pivotably coupled to one of the frame brackets by an associated bushing assembly, wherein each bushing assembly includes a pin member and a flexibly resilient bushing member extending about at least a portion of the pin member, and wherein the pin member of each bushing assembly extends into one of the reliefs of the torsional member, and wherein each pin member is secured to one of the frame brackets.

Abstract: An axle suspension system for a vehicle. The axle suspension system may include an axle having an exterior surface and an axle wrap. The axle wrap may include a wrap portion, a cam bracket, and an actuator bracket. The wrap portion may engage the exterior surface. The cam bracket and actuator bracket may be spaced apart and may extend from the wrap portion.

Abstract: An axle bearing suspension system and method has a pair of elongated beams having an upper section and lower section with T-shaped cross sections. The T-shaped cross sections are welded together to form beams having an I-beam cross section. The beams have attachment portions which are preferably arc shaped cylindrical portions for fixing the beams to the axle with the upper section being welded to an upper part of the axle and the lower section being welded to a lower part of the axle.

Abstract: An independent suspension with no axle is disclosed which includes a hanger and a control arm having opposite first and second ends pivotally mounted to the hanger between the first and second ends. The suspension unit further includes a spindle arm mounted to the first end of the control arm. The suspension unit also includes a jounce spring on the control arm and a rebound spring mounted between the control arm and the hanger. The control arm and hanger are configured such that when the first end of the control arm pivots towards the frame of the vehicle the jounce spring is compressed and the rebound spring is relaxed and when the first end of the control arm moves away from the frame the jounce spring is relaxed and the rebound spring is compressed.

Abstract: A method for securing a suspension may include attaching a frame interface device to a vehicle frame and aligning a first connector set. Two first connectors may straddle a second connector, or a first connector may be straddled by two second connectors, when the connector set is aligned. These aligned connectors may be secured by a fastener, thereby securing the suspension to the frame. A suspension attachment system may include a hanger bracket of a suspension, a frame interface device, and a connector set. Two first connectors may straddle a second connector when the connector set is aligned. The suspension may be secured to the frame as a result of the aligned and secured connector set.

Abstract: A coupled torsion beam axle (CTBA) has improved compliance characteristics that can control a toe value of a rear wheel to be towed in during steering when the steering is performed in a simple structure. The CTBA includes trailing arms and carriers on which rear wheels are mounted via carrier brackets at both ends of a torsion beam, respectively, a center pipe penetrating in a longitudinal direction of a vehicle at the center of the torsion beam, and a steering rod of which one end is linked to the carrier and the other end is linked to the center pipe.

Abstract: The present invention provides a trailing beam for supporting a trailer axle. The trailing beam has a generally rectangular cross section, the top, bottom and sides of which are fabricated from steel plate or channels, with the individual components being welded together at their junctures. The trailing beam incorporates a novel axle wrap which provides a curved sided window enabling weld securement of the axle wrap to the axle without the weld extending parallel to a longitudinal axis of the axle.

Abstract: A hybrid torsion beam axle assembly is provided, which includes a steel torsion beam. An end cap is fastened to an end portion of the steel torsion beam, and a cast trailing arm is cast about the end portion of the steel torsion beam including the end cap. In this way, the cast trailing arm is positively and rigidly secured to the steel torsion beam.

Abstract: The invention relates to a twist-axle that includes a cross-beam member and two trailing arms, each trailing arm rigidly secured to the cross-beam member in one of two connection regions of the cross-beam member or formed integrally with and extending from one of the two connection regions. The cross-beam member is formed from a tubular blank and has a torsionally elastic central portion and two torsionally stiff connection regions. The cross-beam member has a wall thickness that varies longitudinally along the length of the cross-beam member from the torsionally elastic central portion to each of the torsionally stiff connection regions.

Abstract: An axle-to-beam connection for axle/suspension systems includes a connector having a U-shaped cross section and includes two pairs of legs. Each of the legs is formed with an opening. The connector extends longitudinally along the axle and is also formed with a pair of window weld openings adjacent to the axle. The connector provides a conforming fit of the connector to the axle when the connector is pulled over the axle using the leg openings and is attached to the axle and beam of the axle/suspension system.

Abstract: A receiver for towing is coupled to a vehicle that includes a frame, a rear axle, and a suspension system that couples the rear axle to the frame. The receiver including a body that defines a cavity sized to receive a towing attachment, and a suspension mount rigidly coupled to the body. At least a portion of the suspension system mounted to and supported by the suspension mount.

Abstract: A suspension arrangement for interconnecting a frame and an axle in a vehicle includes a control arm having a first beam and a second beam in parallel, spaced relation, each beam having a first end with a single arm and a second end with an upper arm and a lower arm to define a Y-shape, the first end being pivotally connectable to a vehicle frame, and the second end being connectable to a vehicle axle disposed between the upper and lower arms, and a bushing arrangement mountable to the vehicle axle, the bushing arrangement having an upper portion connecting between the upper arms of the first beam and second beam and a lower portion connecting between the lower arms of the first beam and second beam.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing of a flexible trailing arm for a wheel axle suspension of a vehicle such as a lorry or a trailer. In the method a steel blank is heated. Next, the blank is formed into the desired shape of the trailing arm by means of a suitable forming process. Following that the trailing arm is austempered by cooling it in a warm fluid medium.

Abstract: A wheel axle suspension comprises an axle body, a flexible trailing arm extending crosswise to the axle body, an axle pad arranged between the axle body and the trailing arm, and a clamping assembly for tightening the axle body, the axle pad and the trailing arm together. The axle body is provided with an elongated indent in the region where it is clamped, which indent extends in a longitudinal direction of the axle body. The axle pad has an elongate protrusion that fits in the indent in the axle body. The axle pad furthermore has a rigid rear portion, which comprises a rear engagement zone engaging on the rear half of the axle body, and a front portion which comprises a front engagement zone engaging on the front half of the axle body. The axle pad comprises a flexible intermediate portion interconnecting the front and the rear portion.

Abstract: A damper mounting structure is provided with a top buffer member and a bottom buffer member. The bottom buffer member has a protruding section that protrudes with an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the bottom buffer member. The damper mounting structure mates with the protruding section and is anchored to a vehicle body panel, and is provided with a collar formed at substantially the same height as the height of the protruding section. The corner of an opening formed on the vehicle body panel, which comes into contact with the top buffer member, is chamfered.

Abstract: A wheel axle suspension for suspending an axle body of a wheel axle from a vehicle, comprises on both sides of the vehicle a trailing arm which extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The axle body is attached to the trailing arms. The trailing arms are each hingedly connected at the front in the direction of travel of the vehicle to a bearing bracket which is arranged on the vehicle chassis. The wheel axle suspension furthermore comprises a pneumatic spring which is operational between the trailing arm and the chassis. A pneumatic spring support arm is provided, which is coupled to the axle body for supporting an underside of the pneumatic spring. The pneumatic spring support arm is coupled to the axle body so that the pneumatic spring support arm is mountable in a plurality of orientations with respect to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

Abstract: An axle suspension system for a vehicle. The axle suspension system may include an axle having an exterior surface and an axle wrap. The axle wrap may include a wrap portion, a cam bracket, and an actuator bracket. The wrap portion may engage the exterior surface. The cam bracket and actuator bracket may be spaced apart and may extend from the wrap portion.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system includes a mounting bracket adapted to be secured to a vehicle frame, a trailing arm member pivotably coupled to the first mounting bracket, an axle member adjustable between a first pinion angle and a second pinion angle, an axle mounting assembly securing the axle member to the trailing arm member and including an upwardly disposed, curved abutment surface, and a stop member adapted to be operably coupled to a vehicle frame, the stop member including a downwardly disposed, curved abutment surface adapted to abut the abutment surface of the axle mounting assembly, thereby limiting travel of the trailing arm with respect to the vehicle frame to a constant value when the axle member is at both the first pinion angle and the second pinion angle.

Abstract: A suspension includes first and second arms that connect a rigid axle to a frame structure. The first arm has one end configured for connection to a rigid axle structure and an opposite end adapted for connection to one lateral side of the frame structure. The second arm has one end configured for connection to the rigid axle structure and an opposite end adapted for connection to an opposite lateral side of the frame structure. The suspension includes a first air spring associated with the first arm and a second air spring associated with the second arm. The first and second air springs are configured to be positioned laterally outboard of the frame structure.

Abstract: A multi-axle vehicle suspension system comprising a first torsion axle mounted to a first suspension pivot member, the first suspension pivot member pivotally coupled to a vehicle frame, a second torsion axle mounted to a second suspension pivot member, the second suspension pivot member pivotally coupled to the vehicle frame, a pivot member pivotally coupled to the vehicle frame, the first suspension pivot member pivotally coupled to the pivot member, and the second suspension pivot member pivotally coupled to the pivot member.

Abstract: A lift assembly for a suspension assembly of an axle/suspension system is located generally adjacent to and beside the suspension assembly. The lift assembly includes an air chamber, a support member assembly, a pivot arm assembly and a beam support assembly. The support member assembly attaches to the hanger of the suspension assembly, to the air chamber, and pivotally attaches to the pivot arm assembly. The air chamber also attaches to the pivot arm assembly. The pivot arm assembly pivotally attaches to the beam support assembly which in turn attaches to the beam of the suspension assembly, for raising and/or lowering the suspension assembly during operation of the heavy-duty vehicle.

Abstract: An axle-to-beam connection for a vehicle axle/suspension system includes an axle having at least one depression formed therein. A sleeve is formed with at least one depression and disposed about the axle so that the axle depression and the sleeve depression matingly engage one another to form a mated pair of depressions. A method of forming the axle-to-beam connection includes providing an axle and disposing a sleeve about the axle. At least one mated pair of depressions is simultaneously formed in the axle and the sleeve. The sleeve is immovably mounted to a vehicle axle/suspension system.

Abstract: A hinging arrangement for a wheel axle suspension of a vehicle, comprises an attachment eye fixed to a component to be hingedly attached to the vehicle, and a hinge pin, e.g. a hinge bolt, attached to a fixed vehicle component. The hinge pin is extending through the attachment eye, wherein the attachment eye has a bore for the hinge pin which comprises at least one tapering bore portion. The arrangement further comprises at least one resilient ring and a clamping member each provided with a central bore for the hinge pin, wherein, in the mounted state, the resilient ring is received at least partially within said tapering bore portion. The resilient ring is bearing with one side against the tapering surface of said tapering bore portion and said clamping member is forced against the other side of the resilient ring whereby the resilient ring is compressed between the clamping member and the tapering surface of the tapering bore portion.

Abstract: Vehicle suspension assemblies including air spring assemblies and components of the vehicle suspension assemblies are described. A vehicle suspension assembly that is attachable to a pair of vehicle frame rails includes a pair of support beams and a cross member, such as a cross tube, extending between and connected to the pair of support beams. Each support beam includes a locator-tab and each air spring assembly includes a locator-tab-slot for receiving a locator-tab of a support beam. The cross tube is fastened to the air spring assembly via a retention strap that wraps around portions of the cross tube. The locator-tabs and locator-tab-slots may be operable, alone or in combination with the retention strap, as a lateral restraint. In this regard, the lateral restraint may restrain the air spring from moving in a lateral direction between two frame rails to which the vehicle suspension assembly attaches.

Abstract: A wheel suspension device for a motor vehicle is provided. The wheel suspension device includes a wheel guiding device which is provided for connection to the motor vehicle and to a wheel. The wheel suspension device has a spring device, in one example, a leaf spring device, which at a first coupling point is connected to a coupling device in an articulated manner. The coupling device is connected to the wheel guiding device at a second coupling point in an articulated manner, and a coupling device axis is defined by a straight line through the first and through the second coupling point.

Abstract: An air-ride beam-type axle/suspension system for a heavy-duty vehicle with a gross axle weight rating of greater than 23,000 lbs./axle includes a pair of transversely spaced beams. Each one of the beams includes inboard and outboard sidewalls. A large diameter axle extends between and is rigidly connected to the beams via a pair of axle-to-beam connections. Each one of the axle-to-beam connections includes a sleeve having an increased thickness rigidly connected to the axle and the beam. Each sleeve is formed with at least a front and a rear window located between the beam sidewalls. The inboard and/or outboard edges of the sleeve windows are spaced relatively far from the beam sidewalls. The sleeve windows are asymmetrically angled with respect to the horizontal centerline of the axle at design ride height. The axle/suspension system reduces weight while maintaining desired stiffness and durability of the axle/suspension system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rear wheel suspension system for motor vehicles having a composite link axle that has two wheel-carrying longitudinal links that are each articulated pivotably on a vehicle body by one body-side pivoting bearing and a flexurally rigid, torsionally soft transverse strut that connects the longitudinal links to one another. The pivoting bearings are set at a predefined yaw angle in relation to an initial position with the pivoting bearing axes aligned with a connecting line between the centers of the pivoting bearings. The pivoting bearings are also set at a predefined roll angle relative to a horizontal plane.

Abstract: A lift axle suspension system is provided with a frame bracket member connectable to a vehicle frame, an upper control arm, and a lower control arm. Each control arm has a first end and a second end, with the first end of each control arm being pivotally connected to the frame bracket member. The suspension system also includes an axle connecting member connectable to an axle, with the second end of each control arm being pivotally connected to the axle connecting member. A compression coil spring having a first end connected to the lower control arm and a second end connected to the upper control arm serves as a lift mechanism for lifting and lowering the axle connected to the axle connecting member. The compression coil spring may encircle at least a portion of and be substantially coaxial with the lower control arm.

Abstract: A suspension of a vehicle axle is provided having a twist-beam axle that includes, but is not limited to two trailing arms, each of which have a wheel suspension and are interconnected via a cross brace with a torsion profile, which is designed stiff to bending and torsionally soft. The twist-beam axle connects to a Watt linkage of arrowed design, which articulates on the trailing arms laterally offset to an axis through a wheel center of the wheel suspension.

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.

Abstract: The present patent of invention refers to a rear bogie-type suspension used preferably in trucks, having a pivoting bearing (1) disposed on upper part of the spring pack (2), positioned between the two axles and laterally on each side of the chassis (5), said pivoting bearing (1) comprised of an anchor pin (3) fastened to a hanger (4) and to the chassis (5), in a robust manner to withstand the extreme strains to which this kind of suspension is normally submitted, also favoring assembly conditions, weight reduction, reduced consumption of materials and labor, also having an axle rebound stop (6) in combination with spring pack (2) in order to provide greater safety and durability to its components.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a frame, a swing member, an axle tube, a cushion bracket, a protrusion, an axle, and a cushion member. The swing member is pivotable about a first axis. The axle tube is coupled with the swing member, the cushion bracket, and the protrusion. The axle is rotatable about a second axis. The cushion member includes lower and upper ends. The lower end is pivotally coupled with the cushion bracket and is pivotable about a third axis. The second and third axes reside in a first plane. The protrusion is located above the first plane and is spaced from the cushion member by a first distance having a minimum value. The lower end of the cushion member is spaced from the axle tube by a second distance having a minimum value. The minimum value of the first distance is less than the minimum value of the second distance.

Abstract: A suspension axle has beams that are bolted onto the axle. There are plates that are rigidly affixed to the front and rear of the axle with indentations on the inner end of the main portions and secondary portions of the beams that are sized to fit tightly over the plates. Bolts extend through openings in the axle end of the main portion and secondary portion and also through the plates and through the axle. The bolts have nuts thereon to securely hold the main portion and secondary portion in contact with the axle.

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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle and a method for improving the roll characteristics of a vehicle. The vehicle includes an axle, a sprung mass, a first control arm, a second control arm, a third control arm, a first pivotable joint, a second pivotable joint, a third pivotable joint, and a fourth pivotable joint. The torsional stiffness of the first control arm, the second control arm, the first pivotable joint, the second pivotable joint, the third pivotable joint, and the fourth pivotable joint are substantially equal to or greater than the torsional stiffness of the axle, whereby the axle bends and twists during a sprung mass roll event in order to limit an amount of roll.

Abstract: A receiver for towing is coupled to a vehicle that includes a frame, a rear axle, and a suspension system that couples the rear axle to the frame. The receiver including a body that defines a cavity sized to receive a towing attachment, and a suspension mount rigidly coupled to the body. At least a portion of the suspension system mounted to and supported by the suspension mount.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention is directed to a half-cradle for use in a vehicle frame, comprising a cast end member formed from a first material and first and second tubular cross-member stubs extending from the cast end member. The first and second tubular cross-member stubs are made from a second material. Each of the stubs has an end buried in the cast end member, wherein the buried end is uncapped. Each of the tubular cross-member stubs has an interior that is configured to sealingly receive a core for use in preventing the filling of the stub with molten first material during casting of the cast end member.

Abstract: A shear spring comprising a base and a V-shaped surface opposite the base adapted to mate with a corresponding V-shaped surface positioned on a side wall of a spring mount, and an elastomeric material positioned between the base and the V-shaped surface, wherein the base includes a first flange extending away from the V-shaped surface and adapted to be positioned outwardly from a first edge of a side wall of a spring module, and wherein the base includes a second flange extending away from the V-shaped surface and adapted to be positioned outwardly from a second edge of the side wall of the spring module, where the first flange and the second flange are positioned in parallel planes.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for the rear end of a motor vehicle with a fuel filler line and a compound crank which exhibits two trailing arms and a cross member connecting the trailing arms with each other, with the trailing arms being pivotably supportable in the direction of their longitudinal axis on their one end area by means of a connection element on the body shell of the vehicle, and having on their other end area a holder for a wheel bearing unit. Provision is made that the filler line crosses at least one of the trailing arms in the area between a connection site for the cross member and the connection element. The invention further relates to a compound crank for the rear end of a motor vehicle, and a rear end of a vehicle.

Abstract: A trailing arm suspension includes a trailing arm body having an axle mount portion that is attached to an axle wrap. The axle wrap includes at least one internal weld window to secure the axle wrap to an axle. In one example, the internal weld window is positioned within an internal cavity defined by the trailing arm body and axle wrap includes an external weld window located external of the trailing arm body. In one example, the trailing arm suspension includes a reinforcement bracket that is attached to both the trailing arm body and the axle wrap. In one example, a spring pedestal includes a support plate at one end of trailing arm body and a side wall portion that extends downwardly from the support plate to be attached to the axle wrap. In one example, the axle wrap includes a weld window having a V-shaped lower edge surface.