Sliding Connection (e.g., Pillar And Sleeve) Patents (Class 280/124.127)
  • Patent number: 11267303
    Abstract: A suspension device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure which is equipped with an upper arm, a lower arm, and a leaf spring positioned so as to extend in the vehicle widthwise direction in a manner such that an end section thereof is provided in the lower arm, wherein: the lower arm has an opening which opens to the inside in the vehicle widthwise direction; the leaf spring extends into the lower arm through the opening; the end section of the leaf spring is supported by a support part of the lower arm; and a cover section of the lower arm covers the end section of the leaf spring at a distance therefrom, and has a prescribed reinforcing shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: ISUZU MOTORS LIMITED
    Inventors: Daisuke Senoo, Atsushi Itou
  • Patent number: 11225117
    Abstract: A suspension device according to the present disclosure which is equipped with an upper arm, a lower arm, and a leaf spring, wherein: the intermediate section of the leaf spring is housed inside a main cross member among the suspension cross members; the main cross member among the suspension cross members is connected to the side member via a hollow bracket; the hollow bracket has a bracket shock absorber positioned so as to face the lower arm; and the hollow bracket has a reinforcing part which faces the bracket shock absorber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: ISUZU MOTORS LIMITED
    Inventors: Daisuke Senoo, Atsushi Itou
  • Patent number: 11097582
    Abstract: Some embodiments may provide a suspension unit that may include a rail having a longitudinal axis, a sliding member slidably connected to the rail, and shock absorption and springing means adapted to damp motions and support forces along the longitudinal axis of the rail, wherein, the rail and the sliding member are shaped to have transverse cross-sectional profiles that prevent a rotational movement of the sliding member with respect to the rail about the longitudinal axis of the rail. In some embodiments, the suspension unit may be part of an in-wheel system further including at least a steering unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: REE AUTOMOTIVE LTD
    Inventors: Ahishay Sardes, Ran Dekel, Amit Aknin, Tomer Segev, Eran Starik, Dan Hermann, Eylon Avigur
  • Patent number: 10875371
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a suspension system, and a chassis with the same. The system includes: a fixing frame having an opening; a suspension frame disposed at the opening; and a driving wheel rotationally coupled to the suspension frame. In which, two ends of the suspension frame are respectively disposed on two ends of the fixing frame at the two sides of the opening to be selectively moved up and down along a height direction of the fixing frame, and two elastic members are respectively disposed between each of the two ends of the suspension frame and the corresponding end of the fixing frame at the two sides of the opening. In the present disclosure, the fixing frame and the suspension frame can move with respect to each other in a vertical direction, and the resetting adjustment is realized through the elastic member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: UBTECH ROBOTICS CORP
    Inventors: Youjun Xiong, Kunlei Zhao, Wenhua Yu, Libing Zhou, Hailang Zhou
  • Patent number: 10471789
    Abstract: Provided is a semi-trailing suspension device including: a trailing arm that is coupled to a vehicle body in a turnable manner; a trailing bush that is provided between the vehicle body and the trailing arm and pivotally supports the trailing arm in a turnable manner; a lower arm that is coupled to the vehicle body in a turnable manner; a lower arm bush that is provided between the vehicle body and the lower arm and pivotally supports the lower arm in a turnable manner; and a hinge mechanism that couples the trailing arm and the lower arm to each other in a relatively displaceable manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kosuke Matsushita
  • Patent number: 10471791
    Abstract: Provided is a semi-trailing suspension device including: a trailing arm that is coupled to a vehicle body in a turnable manner; a trailing bush that is provided between the vehicle body and the trailing arm and pivotally supports the trailing arm in a turnable manner; a lower arm that is coupled to the vehicle body in a turnable manner; a lower arm bush that is provided between the vehicle body and the lower arm and pivotally supports the lower arm in a turnable manner; and a hinge mechanism that couples the trailing arm and the lower arm to each other in a relatively displaceable manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takuya Yanagida
  • Patent number: 10144444
    Abstract: This specification relates to a snowmobile. Each of the right suspension and the left suspension includes a damper capable of expanding and contracting according to the vertical movement of the lower arm and a spring that exerts spring force in the expansion/contraction direction of the damper. The cylinder of the right damper and the cylinder of the left damper are connected to each other through a hydraulic fluid channel so that the hydraulic fluid flows between the cylinder of the right damper and the cylinder of the left damper. This snowmobile can reduce the difference in contact pressure on snow surface between the left ski and the right ski, when the vehicle turns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Seiji Sawai, Takashi Imamura, Atsushi Yasuda
  • Patent number: 9592861
    Abstract: An axle mounted spare tire assembly is disclosed for use in replacing a damaged vehicle tire or tire support structure to permit a vehicle to then travel to a vehicle repair shop. The apparatus is comprised of a saddle which surrounds and bolts onto a vehicle's axle. A support tire is mounted below the saddle on a self-locking axle and will rotate as the vehicle is driven. The saddle is provided with a plurality of bolts to facilitate attachment to round, U-shaped, and square vehicle axles. The saddle is also equipped with a detachable handle to allow for ease of attachment and transfer of the assembly to and from the damage site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Inventor: Gary Fontenot
  • Patent number: 9142941
    Abstract: A piston rod (15) and a first piston (13) are arranged in the interior of an external cylinder (11) and internal cylinder (12); a second piston for absorbing the change of volume of operating fluid (24) is also arranged therein. Also, a first return spring (18) for returning the piston rod (15) to the interruption position is provided and a second return spring (20) for returning the operating fluid 24 into the high-pressure chamber (25) by pressurizing the second piston (14) is provided. In addition, the air in the interior of the buffering device (10) is withdrawn by a vacuum pump (38), and operating fluid (24) is thus introduced in a degassed condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Ohda, Yoshikata Kobayashi, Masaharu Shimizu, Satoshi Marushima, Hirokazu Takagi, Tooru Inoue
  • Patent number: 9136675
    Abstract: A piston rod (15) and a first piston (13) are arranged in the interior of an external cylinder (11) and internal cylinder (12); a second piston for absorbing the change of volume of operating fluid (24) is also arranged therein. Also, a first return spring (18) for returning the piston rod (15) to the interruption position is provided and a second return spring (20) for returning the operating fluid 24 into the high-pressure chamber (25) by pressurizing the second piston (14) is provided. In addition, the air in the interior of the buffering device (10) is withdrawn by a vacuum pump (38), and operating fluid (24) is thus introduced in a degassed condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Ohda, Yoshikata Kobayashi, Masaharu Shimizu, Satoshi Marushima, Hirokazu Takagi, Tooru Inoue
  • Publication number: 20150069731
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are aspects and embodiments of a suspension system for a stroller. In one example, a stroller includes a frame member and a suspension block coupled to the frame member. The suspension block includes a body and a suspension mechanism coupled to the body and disposed at an acute angle from a vertical axis of the body. The stroller further includes a wheel mounted on an axle coupled to the suspension block.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: MONAHAN PRODUCTS, LLC
    Inventor: Richard M. Bastien
  • Patent number: 8967647
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are aspects and embodiments of a suspension system for a stroller. In one example, a stroller includes a frame member and a suspension block coupled to the frame member. The suspension block includes a body and a suspension mechanism coupled to the body and disposed at an acute angle from a vertical axis of the body. The stroller further includes a wheel mounted on an axle coupled to the suspension block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Monahan Products, LLC
    Inventor: Richard M. Bastien
  • Patent number: 8720920
    Abstract: A sleeve for assembling into a sub-assembly including a control arm of a vehicular suspension assembly prepared by a process is disclosed. The process includes the steps of: providing a tubular segment; firstly shaping a first portion of the tubular segment to include a proximal flange; secondly shaping a second portion of the tubular segment to include a distal flange. A third portion of the tubular segment forms an intermediate body extending between the proximal flange and the distal flange. The length of the tubular segment includes a substantially constant and uniform thickness after the firstly shaping step and the secondly step. A sleeve is also disclosed. A sub-assembly. A portion of a vehicular suspension assembly is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Williams-Bayer Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Wilbert W. Williams, Richard Bayer, Brian Bayer, Adam Bayer, Christopher Bayer, Craig Williams
  • Publication number: 20130106074
    Abstract: This invention relates to a suspension particularly for every type of land vehicles and additionally for robotic applications, which can be used in bilateral operations, such as fully automated unmanned vehicles that can be driven on both sides (up and down) or in robots which can be capable of executing multi functional movements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2010
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Inventors: Ahmet Bugra Koku, Erhan Ilhan Konukseven, Mustafa Cihangir Kul
  • Patent number: 8256781
    Abstract: A vehicle suspension, steering, damping and anti-roll system for a wheeled vehicle. Unlike most previous vehicle suspension and steering systems, this invention uses a rod-in-sleeve design for the front and rear suspension assemblies to allow vertical linear wheel knuckle movement of the wheels. This invention is unusual by using a cable-operated steering system and also by using cables to transfer cable tension from upward wheel movement to remote spring/shock absorber assemblies. Also unique is the use of a spring/shock absorber assembly arrangement that provides both suspension and anti-roll effects for a pair of right and left wheels in the same unit. The rear suspension proposed shares some similarities to the front suspension and consists of a dual rod-in-sleeve design with cables that transfer forces from road bumps to a remote spring assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Inventor: William James Beaujon
  • Patent number: 8240689
    Abstract: A vehicle suspension system (55) is configured so as to contain all of the suspension motion control elements completely within the volume of the road wheel (100) while remotely locating the energy storage device (45) and damping device (42). An upright (60) comprises the spindle (61), brake caliper (105), and structure to hold a main strut shaft (70) parallel to a secondary strut shaft (67). The suspension's motion is controlled by the shafts which slide relative to the sprung part of the vehicle (1). The main strut shaft (70) includes a pumping piston (73). The fluid (91) displaced by the pumping piston (73) flows through a hydraulic connection (47) to a remote suspension module (40) mounted to the sprung part of the vehicle. The remote suspension module (40) hydraulically transmits the wheel motion to the remote energy storage device (45) and damping device (42).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Multimatic, Inc.
    Inventors: Laurence J Holt, Thomas Alexander Sparrow
  • Patent number: 8235404
    Abstract: The present invention discloses methods and apparatus for controlling dampening in a vehicle with no attributes of wheel scrub or camber change. The present invention further discloses steering systems, whereas the steering may function without the unwanted attributes of bump steer and roll steer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Found Animals Foundation, Inc.
    Inventor: Winthrop Dada
  • Patent number: 8113526
    Abstract: Suspension systems and methods of assembling suspension systems for weight-bearing structures are presented. The suspension system can have linearly translating load-bearing or load support members that confine displacement of a weight-bearing body or member to a longitudinal axis or displacement axis rather than a lateral axis or not coincident with the longitudinal axis, comprising a rail and bridge assembly. The linear bearing assembly can comprise a rail and a bridge slidably movable along the longitudinal axis of the rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Jonathan T. Longley, Brian R. Boule
  • Publication number: 20110198137
    Abstract: An electric vehicle includes a chassis and a compartment defined by the chassis. A power container houses at least one energy storage/generating device for powering the electric vehicle. The power container is insertable into and removable from the compartment through the left side and the right side of the chassis. A suspension apparatus includes a shaft, a control arm pivotably connected to the shaft, at least one helical torsion spring mounted on the shaft, and a linear actuator. Movement of the linear actuator increases bending stress on the at least one helical torsion spring and urges the control arm downwardly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2010
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Inventor: Roberto De Paschoal
  • Publication number: 20110148066
    Abstract: A vehicle suspension, steering, damping and anti-roll system for a wheeled vehicle. Unlike most previous vehicle suspension and steering systems, this invention uses a rod-in-sleeve design for the front and rear suspension assemblies to allow vertical linear wheel knuckle movement of the wheels. This invention is unusual by using a cable-operated steering system and also by using cables to transfer cable tension from upward wheel movement to remote spring/shock absorber assemblies. Also unique is the use of a spring/shock absorber assembly arrangement that provides both suspension and anti-roll effects for a pair of right and left wheels in the same unit. The rear suspension proposed shares some similarities to the front suspension and consists of a dual rod-in-sleeve design with cables that transfer forces from road bumps to a remote spring assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventor: William James Beaujon
  • Publication number: 20110095502
    Abstract: The present invention discloses methods and apparatus for controlling dampening in a vehicle with no attributes of wheel scrub and with productive camber change to dial out body roll. The present invention further discloses steering systems, whereas the steering may function without the unwanted attributes of bump steer and roll steer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2011
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Inventor: Winthrop Dada
  • Publication number: 20100259025
    Abstract: A vehicle suspension system (55) is configured so as to contain all of the suspension motion control elements completely within the volume of the road wheel (100) while remotely locating the energy storage device (45) and damping device (42). An upright (60) comprises the spindle (61), brake caliper (105), and structure to hold a main strut shaft (70) parallel to a secondary strut shaft (67). The suspension's motion is controlled by the shafts which slide relative to the sprung part of the vehicle (1). The main strut shaft (70) includes a pumping piston (73). The fluid (91) displaced by the pumping piston (73) flows through a hydraulic connection (47) to a remote suspension module (40) mounted to the sprung part of the vehicle. The remote suspension module (40) hydraulically transmits the wheel motion to the remote energy storage device (45) and damping device (42).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Applicant: Multimatic Inc.
    Inventors: Laurence J. Holt, Thomas Alexander Sparrow
  • Publication number: 20100253031
    Abstract: Suspension systems and methods of assembling suspension systems for weight-bearing structures are presented. The suspension system can have linearly translating load-bearing or load support members that confine displacement of a weight-bearing body or member to a longitudinal axis or displacement axis rather than a lateral axis or not coincident with the longitudinal axis, comprising a rail and bridge assembly. The linear bearing assembly can comprise a rail and a bridge slidably movable along the longitudinal axis of the rail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2009
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Applicant: RAYTHEON COMPANY
    Inventors: Jonathan T. Longley, Brian R. Boule
  • Publication number: 20100219600
    Abstract: The present invention discloses methods and apparatus for controlling dampening in a vehicle with no attributes of wheel scrub or camber change. The present invention further discloses steering systems, whereas the steering may function without the unwanted attributes of bump steer and roll steer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Inventor: Winthrop Dada
  • Patent number: 7708352
    Abstract: A vehicle axle includes an axle housing defining a cavity. The axle includes a pair of outer drive shafts, each being coaxially received in a respective housing cavity and slidable therein, each outer drive shaft defining a splined cavity. The axle includes a pair of inner drive shafts, each having a splined end coaxially coupled to a respective outer drive shaft splined cavity such that a respective outer drive shaft is slidably movable therein. A piston is attached to the inner end of each outer drive shaft and separates an inner fluid chamber from an outer fluid chamber. A fluid channel includes opposed ends in communication with respective fluid chambers. A force absorption container is in fluid communication with each fluid channel and includes a compression spring, wherein the spring is compressed when movement of the piston pushes fluid through the channel into the force absorption container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Inventor: Mark Brooks
  • Patent number: 7644938
    Abstract: An in-wheel suspension including a tire/wheel assembly-side member that includes a tire/wheel assembly support member fixed to a tire/wheel assembly, a vehicle body-side member that supports the tire/wheel assembly support member such that the tire/wheel assembly support member can slide along a sliding axis X extending in the substantially vertical direction and rotate on the sliding axis X, and at least one of a spring element and an attenuation element that acts in accordance with sliding of the tire/wheel assembly support member. The in-wheel suspension further includes a coupling member that couples the tire/wheel assembly-side member with the vehicle body-side member, and that rotates the tire/wheel assembly support member in accordance with the sliding of the tire/wheel assembly support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masahiko Yamada
  • Publication number: 20080203693
    Abstract: An in-wheel suspension including a vehicle body-side member (90). The vehicle body-side member (90) is coupled with a vehicle body at least two coupling portions (92a, 92b, 92c), one of which is positioned above a wheel center and the other of which is positioned below the wheel center, via respective elastic members (96a, 96b, 96c). The elastic member (96b) arranged at the upper coupling portion (92b) has portions with high rigidity, and portions with low rigidity formed in an oblique direction that extends upward and toward an inside of a vehicle from a position outside of the vehicle. The elastic member (96a, 96c) arranged at the lower coupling portion (92a, 92c) has portions with high rigidity, and portions with low rigidity formed in an oblique direction that extends downward and toward the inside of the vehicle from a position outside of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2006
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masahiko Yamada
  • Patent number: 7416201
    Abstract: A single wheel unit adapted to be mounted on a vehicle body (11) comprising: a wheel frame supporting a suspension mechanism (15) and a wheel assembly mounted on the suspension mechanism (15), and steering means mounted between the wheel frame and vehicle body (11) for pivoting the wheel frame relative to the vehicle body (11) so as to steer a vehicle, wherein the steering means includes two steering components (30) pivotally attached (32, 33) one at each of the leading and trailing portions of the wheel frame and capable of being actuated to independently displace the leading and trailing portions laterally of the vehicle body (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Steerable Wheel Systems Pty. Ltd.
    Inventor: Garth Barrington Davey
  • Patent number: 7389999
    Abstract: A suspension element is disposed inside of a rim. The upper end of the suspension element is connected to a first support member mounted to a vehicle body. The lower end of the suspension element is connected to a second support member rotatably connected to the disk on the wheel. The shock and vibration from the wheel in the vertical direction are damped and absorbed by the suspension element. Also, a spring mechanism and a flat bearing are disposed in the wheel. The spring mechanism is disposed between a rotating member rotatably supported on the vehicle body and the rim of the wheel. If the rotating member is fixed to a brake drum, braking torque is transmitted to the wheel through the spring mechanism. The flat bearing is disposed between the rim and the rotating member and prohibits the axial movement of the wheel relative to the vehicle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Topy Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Kimura, Tadashi Imamura
  • Publication number: 20080100020
    Abstract: A ground contact system for a vehicle. The ground contact system comprises a wheel, a hub carrier, means for driving the wheel using at least one rotary motor secured to the hub carrier, reduction means comprising at least one gearwheel connected to the wheel and at least one pinion connected to the rotary motor, a sliding-bar suspension suspending the wheel from a support connected to the vehicle, and braking means. The braking means comprises a brake disc connected by its periphery to the wheel, and a brake calliper positioned inside the brake disc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2005
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Applicant: Conception et Developpement Michelin S.A.
    Inventors: Rexhep Gashi, Daniel Laurent
  • Publication number: 20080100021
    Abstract: An in-wheel suspension including a tire/wheel assembly-side member that includes a tire/wheel assembly support member fixed to a tire/wheel assembly, a vehicle body-side member that supports the tire/wheel assembly support member such that the tire/wheel assembly support member can slide along a sliding axis X extending in the substantially vertical direction and rotate on the sliding axis X, and at least one of a spring element and an attenuation element that acts in accordance with sliding of the tire/wheel assembly support member. The in-wheel suspension further includes a coupling member that couples the tire/wheel assembly-side member with the vehicle body-side member, and that rotates the tire/wheel assembly support member in accordance with the sliding of the tire/wheel assembly support member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2006
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Applicant: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masahiko Yamada
  • Patent number: 7354051
    Abstract: An independent suspension system for a wheeled vehicle includes a modified shock absorber, a leaf spring, and a wheel carrier. The shock absorber includes a cylinder, and a rod passing through the cylinder. The shock absorber is vertically mounted in a condition where the ends of the rod are coupled to the vehicle body. The cylinder of the shock absorber is coupled to the wheel carrier. The leaf spring supports the wheel carrier against rotation on a vertical axis of the vehicle. The leaf spring is elastically twisted to cancel a moment that causes a friction within the shock absorber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Ohki, Michihito Hirahara
  • Patent number: 7347436
    Abstract: A suspension system for a wheel has an elongate post member, a wheel mount adapted for mounting the wheel, an axle for rotatably mounting the wheel mount on the elongate post member, a frame adapted to slidably receive the post member such that the post member slides between a first position and a second position, and a resilient member adapted to bias the post member toward the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Inventor: Edward C. Fawcett
  • Patent number: 7284764
    Abstract: A chassis suspension for agricultural equipment, the chassis suspension comprising: an axle having a substantially upright journal adapted for upright axial constraint of an inner journal therein; an inner journal extending into the upright journal, the inner journal having a lower end, wherein the inner journal is adapted to constrain axial movement of a strut rod therein; a strut rod extending into the inner journal and having a lower strut rod portion adapted for mounting a ground-engaging drive mechanism and wheel, wherein the lower strut rod portion has an upper end; and, a spring constrained between the lower end of the inner journal and the upper end of the lower strut rod portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Miller-St. Nazianz, Inc.
    Inventor: James B. Prohaska
  • Patent number: 7281723
    Abstract: A chassis suspension for agricultural equipment, the chassis suspension comprising: an axle having a substantially upright journal adapted for upright axial constraint of an inner journal therein; an inner journal extending into the upright journal, the inner journal having a lower end, wherein the inner journal is adapted to constrain axial movement of a strut rod therein; a strut rod extending into the inner journal and having a lower strut rod portion adapted for mounting a ground-engaging drive mechanism and wheel, wherein the lower strut rod portion has an upper end; and, a spring constrained between the lower end of the inner journal and the upper end of the lower strut rod portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Miller-St. Nazianz, Inc.
    Inventor: James B. Prohaska
  • Patent number: 7278648
    Abstract: An adjustable control arm is for a suspension of a vehicle having a frame and at least one wheel. The control arm includes a first arm section connected with the frame and a second arm section connected with the wheel and coupled with the first arm section such that the second section is releasably fixable to the first section and alternatively slidably displaceable with respect to the first section so as to adjust camber of the wheel, the first and second arm sections remaining generally coupled together during displacement of the second section. Preferably, the first arm section has a cavity and the second arm section has an engagement portion disposed within the cavity, the engagement portion being fixedly connectable to the first arm section to releasably connect the two arm sections and alternatively displaceable within the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Club Car, Inc.
    Inventors: John Thomas Bobbitt, III, David N. Schult, Joseph Mark Butler
  • Patent number: 7168717
    Abstract: An independent strut suspension utilizes upright twin spindles and a spindle cap linked to the spindles that translates vertically along the spindles as the suspension moves over uneven terrain. An upright strut shaft is mounted in a strut journal for axial and rotational movement with respect to the journal. A steering arm is connected for rotation about the strut shaft axis, and the strut shaft moves axially with respect to the steering arm as the frame moves over the uneven terrain. The upright spindles connect the steering arm and the upper mount, and a spring is supported between the upper end of the strut shaft and the upper mount and provides cushioning for the wheel support as the strut shaft moves axially in the journal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Thomas Mark Wubben, Marvin Anthony Maiwald, Brandon Cy Carlson, Jack Conan Anderson, William Allen Brett
  • Publication number: 20060170176
    Abstract: An independent strut suspension utilizes upright twin spindles and a spindle cap linked to the spindles that translates vertically along the spindles as the suspension moves over uneven terrain. An upright strut shaft is mounted in a strut journal for axial and rotational movement with respect to the journal. A steering arm is connected for rotation about the strut shaft axis, and the strut shaft moves axially with respect to the steering arm as the frame moves over the uneven terrain. The upright spindles connect the steering arm and the upper mount, and a spring is supported between the upper end of the strut shaft and the upper mount and provides cushioning for the wheel support as the strut shaft moves axially in the journal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Publication date: August 3, 2006
    Inventors: Thomas Wubben, Marvin Maiwald, Brandon Carlson, Jack Anderson, William Brett
  • Patent number: 6974138
    Abstract: Independent wheel suspension for motor vehicles comprising: a wheel support (12) with a suspension movement and a steering movement, suspension movement guide devices including a steering element (16), elastic device (34) and shock absorbing devices (16, 26), and a control device (42, 44, 46, 40) of the wheel support steering movement. The wheel support (12) slides along steering element (16), which is slanted with respect to a vertical axis, and the steering movement control device comprises an electric actuator (42) controlled by an electronic control unit (50) arranged to correct the steering movements induced by the suspension movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: C.R.F. Societá Consortile per Azioni
    Inventors: Gian Luigi Perello, Silvano Sandri
  • Publication number: 20050098975
    Abstract: An actuator assembly for a suspension is provided, in which a hinge unit is formed on an actuator and the actuator can be rotated according to a forward or backward movement of a rod, and thereby it is possible to prevent sliding at the joint of the lever and the actuator, thus to secure durability of the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2003
    Publication date: May 12, 2005
    Applicant: HYUNDAI MOBIS Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Seok-Chan Yun
  • Patent number: 6854917
    Abstract: A pivot has a low friction rotational property by allowing the elastomeric bushing to rotate with respect to the inner metal. A low friction material can be incorporated between these two components to facilitate the rotation, if desired. The elastomeric bushing helps to isolate the pivot joint and prevent the transmission of vibrations. In one embodiment, the elastomeric bushing is also allowed to pivot about an axis generally perpendicular to its axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: The Pullman Company
    Inventors: Edward M. Kraine, Jr., Joseph F. Cerri, III, Kurt Stoll
  • Patent number: 6547260
    Abstract: The vehicle includes a suspended running chassis (1) making it possible to define a longitudinal and vertical plane forming a reference on the chassis (1), the preferred running direction being parallel to the longitudinal plane, and at least two wheel connecting systems, the wheels (2) of which are not aligned relative to the longitudinal plane, the wheel connecting systems being mounted on the chassis (1) on either side of the latter in the transverse direction, each of the wheel connecting systems including a wheel (2) mounted on a support (5) by means of a suspension device allowing vertical deflection of the wheel (2) relative to the support (5), the suspensions being independent of one another. Each support (5) is mounted on the chassis (1) by means of a camber mechanism which includes a camber lever (4) and an actuating lever (40) making it possible to vary the camber angle of the corresponding wheel (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Conception et Developpement Michelin S.A.
    Inventors: Daniel Laurent, Marc Sebe
  • Patent number: 6511078
    Abstract: A ground contact system for a vehicle having a wheel mounted on a wheel carrier, the wheel carrier being mounted on a support by a vertical suspension device, the support being mounted on a chassis by a load transfer arm on one side of which the support is articulated along an essentially horizontal geometrical camber axis, the load transfer arm being connected at its other side to the chassis along an essentially vertical geometrical axis, a camber control rod being pivotally mounted to the support some distance from the geometrical camber axis, the camber control rod being able to move transversely relative to the chassis, a triangulation-forming element connecting the load transfer arm to the chassis around the essentially vertical geometrical axis, such that it controls the moment about the essentially vertical geometrical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Conception et Developpement Michelin S.A.
    Inventor: Marc Sebe
  • Patent number: 6406036
    Abstract: The vehicle includes a suspended running chassis (1) making it possible to define a longitudinal and vertical plane forming a reference on the chassis (1), the preferred running direction being parallel to the longitudinal plane, and at least two wheel connecting systems, the wheels (2) of which are not aligned relative to the longitudinal plane, the wheel connecting systems being mounted on the chassis (1) on either side of the latter in the transverse direction, each of the wheel connecting systems including a wheel (2) mounted on a support (5) by means of a suspension device allowing vertical deflection of the wheel (2) relative to the support (5), the suspensions being independent of one another. Each support (5) is mounted on the chassis (1) by means of a camber mechanism which includes a camber lever (4) and an activating lever (40) making it possible to vary the camber angle of the corresponding wheel (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Conception et Developpement - Michelin S.A.
    Inventors: Daniel Laurent, Marc Sebe
  • Patent number: 6357770
    Abstract: The wheel suspension of the invention is a thin-profile wheel suspension system including spring and dampening mechanisms and an optional brake and drive motor, mounted to a suspension frame in a compact arrangement which permits all or most of the sprung components to be mounted within the volume enclosed by the rim of a wheel, and thus the wheel suspension of the invention may be referred to as an “in-wheel suspension”. The wheel suspension comprises a hub plate assembly including hub bearings and axle. The hub plate is mounted to a suspension frame by a motion-controlling sliding mount assembly, which connects the hub plate to the suspension frame while it permits the hub plate to slidably move in response to wheel loads. In the preferred embodiment, the suspension frame includes two forks, each fork mounting a sliding rail mount assembly comprising a slide-and-rail mechanism aligned vertically on the suspension frame and mounted to the hub plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Inventors: André Carpiaux, William D. T. Davis, Ivan Junju Huang, Andreas Kaiser, Alexander S. Ko, Martin Koebler, Timothy James Loew
  • Patent number: 6257604
    Abstract: A suspension assembly of a motor vehicle which assemble includes a wheel carrier and a guide member to guide the wheel carrier in relative translation. The wheel carrier is mounted on the guide member by means of a bar sliding in the guide member guided by rollers turning on roller ways arranged on the bar. The assembly includes a spiral spring acting between the bar of the wheel carrier and a guide member of an electromechanical machine that is operated to control the suspension deflection movements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Conception et Developpement Michelin S.A.
    Inventors: Daniel Laurent, Daniel Walser
  • Patent number: 6170838
    Abstract: The vehicle includes a suspended running chassis (1) making it possible to define a longitudinal and vertical plane forming a reference on the chassis (1), the preferred running direction being parallel to the longitudinal plane, and at least two wheel connecting systems, the wheels (2) of which are not aligned relative to the longitudinal plane, the wheel connecting systems being mounted on the chassis (1) on either side of the latter in the transverse direction, each of the wheel connecting systems including a wheel (2) mounted on a support (5) by means of a suspension device allowing vertical deflection of the wheel (2) relative to the support (5), the suspensions being independent of one another. Each support (5) is mounted on the chassis (1) by means of a camber mechanism which includes a camber lever (4) and an actuating lever (40) making it possible to vary the camber angle of the corresponding wheel (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Conception et Developpement Michelin S.A.
    Inventors: Daniel Laurent, Marc Sebe