Abstract: A wheel suspension system including a wheel support pivotally attached to a vehicle frame at two, laterally-spaced locations, the wheel support being pivotal between an uppermost and a lowermost position. The wheel support is biased to a position intermediate of the uppermost and lowermost positions by a spring. The spring urges apart a spring support of the wheel support from the vehicle frame, the spring support being below the rotational axis of the wheel. The pivotal axes of the pivotal attachments are located below the rotational axis of the wheel.

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

Abstract: In order to limit rolling movements of the vehicle, spring arms are formed on those ends of the leaf spring, arranged transversely to the vehicle, on which the wheel carriers are articulated, said spring arms being connected in a force-transmitting manner to the transverse leaf spring. The spring arms point toward the longitudinal mid-plane of the vehicle and run at an acute angle to the transverse leaf spring. Since the spring designed in this way is a universally available structural part (the spring arms running at an angle may also be produced separately and then be connected non-positively to the transverse leaf spring), the two wheels are connected to one another directly and the triangular shape formed by the spring arms running at an angle gives rise to a function similar to that of a transverse link.

Abstract: A suspension system for a vehicle frame from a steering axle has first and second controllable rate springs mounted above the steering axle and below the frame to support a portion of vehicle weight. A trailing V-link member is mounted to pivot on its vertex on a cross-member of the frame forward of the steering axle. The opposite ends of the V-link member are pivotally connected to opposing ends of the steering axle allowing the V-link member to constrain fore to aft movement of the steering axle, lateral displacement of the steering axle and frame roll. A pitman and trailing draglink from a steering gear on the frame to the steering axle controls steering. First and second shackle assemblies depend from the frame aft of the steering axle. First and second leading arms are suspended from the shackle assemblies to permit longitudinal translation of the first and second leading arms relative to the frame.

Abstract: A trailing arm mounting structure is provided, in which rear wheels follow a path approximating a straight line, which forms a predetermined acute angle with the road surface to the rear of the vehicle, during bump and rebound of the vehicle body such that shock in forward and rear directions transmitted from the road is reduced and space provided for the backseat and fuel tank is increased. In the trailing arm mounting structure, a first end of a trailing arm is connected to a rear wheel and a second end of the trailing arm is connected to a vehicle body with a concoid curve-forming assembly interposed therebetween.

Abstract: A multi-axis suspension system for a vehicle includes a wishbone assembly rotatably connected to the frame about a longitudinal axis. An axle housing is connected to the wishbone assembly via a pair of four bar linkages. A pair of extendable hydraulic cylinders forms a supplemental connection between the rigid axle housing and the wishbone assembly. A hydraulic control circuit controls the length of the hydraulic cylinders to selectively control the relative distance between the axle housing and the wishbone assembly.

Abstract: A resilient anti-tip wheel suspension includes a wheel coupled to a first mounting bracket. A second mounting bracket is adapted to be rigidly mounted to a wheelchair. Upper and lower bars each have front and rear ends that are pivotally connected to the second mounting bracket and the first mounting bracket, respectively, so as to form a parallelogram configuration.

Abstract: A hydraulic and pneumatic cylinder (10) for use on a vehicle (100) to improve the handling of the vehicle in a turn or curve. The cylinder repositions the rear wheel (108) of the vehicle in response to a change in the speed of the vehicle. When the vehicle enters a turn and decelerates, the piston of the cylinder moves to the extended position. When the vehicle exits the turn and accelerates, the piston of the cylinder moves to the compressed position.

Abstract: A suspension for a motor vehicle includes at least one suspension link extending substantially in a longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle on a side of a longitudinal center plane of the motor vehicle. The link has a front end articulated on a bearing point stationary on the chassis of the motor vehicle. Spaced from such front end, the link is connected with an axle beam. The link includes a cutout, in which parts of a clamping device of a disk brake, particularly a brake cylinder, are disposed so as to be protected.

Abstract: Two-axle vehicle suspension arrangement with a support member (6), which supports the wheel axle (16) and is resiliently joined to a vehicle frame by an air spring (8, 9) at each end of the support member. The air springs are at different distances (a1, a2) to the axle. The spring force (F1) of the air spring (8) closest (a1) to the axle (16) has a greater spring force (F2) than the other air spring.

Abstract: A zero roll suspension system for a vehicle that includes a vehicle frame and a wheel assembly has an axis of rotation. The present system preferably includes first and second crossing members, each of which has a first end and a second end. One of the first and second ends of each of the first and second crossing members is adapted to be mated to a portion of the wheel assembly. The other of the first and second ends of each of the first and second crossing members is adapted to be mated to the vehicle frame. The first and second crossing members are oriented so as to cross one another in superposition along a crossing axis. The other of the first and second ends of each of the first and second crossing members is mated to the vehicle frame at a location which a vehicle centerline.

Abstract: A log hauler having a wheeled tractor and one or more wheeled log trailers with support wheels which are individually steerable to permit the log hauler to travel in a serpentine manner through a tree harvesting area. The support wheels are vertically adjustable to provide stability as the log hauler traverses uneven ground.

Abstract: A trailing arm axle/suspension system includes rigid or spring beams for mounting the axle directly to the beam without any or minimal, respectively, additional mounting hardware or structure. An axle mounting plate is formed as part of the preassembled rigid beam or attached to the spring beam, and is formed with a recess that can range from significantly smaller than to generally the same size as the smallest axle which will be seated therein. The axle is extruded into the recess to eliminate clearance and create intimate contact between the axle and the axle mounting plate. The force typically deforms the axle from its normal cross-sectional shape, such as round, into a generally oval or elliptical cross-sectional shape. Such clearance-free intimate contact also creates a constant preload or compression between the axle and the axle mounting plate in the recess area.

Abstract: A trunnion suspension arrangement for a vehicle featuring a pair of generally parallel frame rails, such as a transport trailer, includes, for each frame rail, a trailing beam with a leading portion and a trailing portion. A hanger is attached to the frame rail and the leading portion of the trailing beam is pivotally connected to the hanger by a spherical bearing. An air spring and a shock absorber are connected between the trailing portion of the trailing beam and the frame rail. An axle is connected to the trailing beam between the hanger and the air spring. A bumper featuring arcuate side members is attached to the trailing portion of the trailing beam so that it partially surrounds the air spring. A cage, which is connected to the frame rail, surrounds the bumper and features slide pads that are engaged by the arcuate side members of the bumper to limit transverse horizontal travel of the trailing portion of the trailing beam.

Abstract: A suspension system for a vehicle tandem axle has air springs positioned adjacent the ends of the trailing and lead axles of the tandem axle. Pairs of air springs on each side of the vehicle are pneumatically connected to form a common reservoir. Displacement of the ends of the lead and trailing axles of the tandem axle are averaged to provide a controlling input to air spring pressurization controllers provided for each pair of air springs.

Abstract: In a torsion beam type rear suspension, a joint seat (12c) with a torsion beam (4) is formed on each lower spring seat (12) to define an upward slope from the outer side to the inner side in the widthwise direction of the vehicle body to suppress separation of the spring seats and cracking of the beam.

Abstract: An independent wheel suspension in a semi-trailing or compound arm construction having a wheel suspending semi-trailing or compound arm which is disposed at at least two points on the vehicle body and which has a wheel carrier which can be swivelled approximately about a vertical axis. The swivelling axis of the wheel carrier is situated behind the wheel axle with respect to the driving direction, whereas the wheel carrier in front of the wheel axle is elastically supported in the transverse direction of the vehicle on the semi-trailing or compound arm. Between the wheel carrier and the semi-trailing arm or a compound arm, a swing arm with approximately vertical swivelling axes is arranged in the area behind the wheel axle.

Abstract: An independent suspension is provided for a vehicle having a floor located between the vehicle's wheels. The independent suspension includes a light weight trailing arm pivotally attached at one end to the vehicle. An air brake actuator is affixed to the trailing arm below the floor of the vehicle. An axle supporting a wheel is cantilevered from the outboard edge of the trailing arm and an air spring is interposed between the trailing arm and the vehicle's body to oppose the force exerted by the axle. The trailing arm has a substantially planar body with a wall extending substantially around the periphery of the body. A thickened section of the body extends over an area of the lower surface of the planar body under the inner portion of the air spring bearing area. The construction of the trailing arm and the widely spaced frame attachment points make possible a suspension system having low unsprung mass but not requiring additional links to the frame for stability.

Abstract: An improved self-powered or non-powered vehicle having a bed which is moveable between a transport position and a ground engaging loading position and in particular to a wheel assembly for such a vehicle. In one broad form the wheel assembly is connected to a u-shaped chassis, having two arms extending to the rear of the vehicle forming an opening therebetween. A trailing arm is pivotally suspended from a first end to one arm of the u-shaped chassis such that its other end extends towards the rear of the chassis. A wheel stub axle mounting is located at or adjacent to the other end of the trailing arm. A connection member is pivotally connected at one end to the trailing arm adjacent to the wheel stub axle mounting. A first bracket is pivotally connected to the other end of the connection member. A leaf spring is connected at or adjacent its middle to the first bracket.

Abstract: An axle suspension system for a wheeled vehicle. This suspension system includes a trailing arm beam extending longitudinally along each side of the vehicle with each trailing arm beam connected to a resilient pivotal bushing at the forward end thereof. Each resilient pivotal bushing is mounted on a hanger attached to the vehicle frame. An air spring is attached to the rearward end of each trailing arm beam and connects its trailing arm beam to the wheeled vehicle. Each trailing arm beam has a U-shaped transverse cross-section wherein a horizontally extending wall is oppositely located relative to vertically extending walls to define a vertical facing opening in the trailing arm beam. A vehicle axle is connected to the trailing arm beams. The vehicle axle is attached to an axle thrust mounting located on the trailing arm beams and spanning the vertical facing openings thereof near the rearwardly located ends of the trailing arm beams.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system is provided including a trailing arm which is adapted to be pivotally connected to a frame of the vehicle. A wheel assembly is mounted to a first end of the trailing arm and a torsion element is integrally mounted within the trailing arm. A crank arm is provided having a first end mounted to the torsion element and a second end which is substantially fixed against movement in a vertical direction. As the trailing arm moves in a vertical direction, the crank arm provides torsion to the torsion element which acts as a spring for the vehicle suspension. By substantially mounting the entire suspension system directly below the vehicle frame rails, increased space is available between the wheels for luggage, fuel and spare tire storage. The rear suspension package is substantially reduced in both size and weight.

Abstract: A camber angle control suspension system includes left and right swing arms having ends connected to left and right axle shafts, and a trailing arm having opposite ends with downwardly bent elbows which are pivotally connected to the swing arms. The trailing arm is rotatably connected to a vehicle body by rotatable bushings mounted on the trailing arm. Shock absorbers are interposed between the swing arms and the vehicle body so as to make a connection therebetween, and springs are coiled around the shock absorbers. A stabilizer bar is fixed at opposite ends to the swing arms and connected to the vehicle body by rotatable bushings at a center portion thereof.

Abstract: A torsion axle for a vehicle, said axle having two arms and a cross member having a transverse axis parallel to the transverse direction, the cross member having a free edge at each of its lateral ends, the arms being connected to each of the ends of the cross member, each of said arms being designed to be attached to the body by a joint on the body, so as to define for each arm an axis coupling the arm on the body, the joint allowing a disalignment of the axes of coupling in relation to each other, each of the arms being designed to support a wheel, the cross member providing a torsion axis on which the arms swing in relation to each other, and the cross member being connected to each of the arms at each of its lateral ends by at least three ball joints, allowing a free twisting of the free edges of the cross member relative to the arms.

Abstract: A zero roll suspension system for a vehicle is proposed which includes a vehicle frame and a wheel assembly having an axis of rotation about which a wheel of the wheel assembly rotates. The suspension system substantially eliminates rolling of the vehicle frame and includes a first weight bearing member and a second weight bearing member, each having a first end and a second end. One of the first and second ends of each of the first and second weight bearing members are rotatably connected to a portion of the wheel assembly and the other of the first and second ends of each of the first and second weight bearing members are rotatably connected to the vehicle frame. The first and second weight bearing members are oriented in substantially parallel planes between the wheel assembly and the vehicle frame and cross one another in superposition along a crossing axis, substantially prohibiting the vehicle frame from rolling during a cornering operation of the vehicle.