Longitudinally Extending Swinging Support Arm (i.e., Leading Or Trailing Swing Arm) Patents (Class 280/124.128)
  • Patent number: 8888113
    Abstract: An air bladder suspension. The air bladder suspension of the present invention may be used with a vehicle wheel and a tricycle add-on wheel. The air bladder suspension may include a cantilever or seesaw type configuration and absorb shock when the tire of the wheel hits a ripple or bump on a road.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Inventor: Royce Merrill Dyar
  • Patent number: 8887842
    Abstract: Provided is an arm-wheel type vehicle including: a main body; an arm that is rotatably installed to the main body; a wheel connected to the arm; a first buffer device that is installed on the main body; and a second buffer device that is installed on the arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Techwin Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jong-Yoon Peck
  • Publication number: 20140327221
    Abstract: A pivoting axle system for an aerial lift vehicle with a chassis includes a left axle supporting a left wheel and a right axle supporting a right wheel. The left and right axles are pivotable between a transport position and a working position. A first hydraulic cylinder is connected at one end to the chassis on a right side of a vehicle center line and at an opposite end to the left axle, and a second hydraulic cylinder is connected at one end to the chassis on a left side of the vehicle center line and at an opposite end to the right axle. In the working position, the first and second hydraulic cylinders are prevented from deflection beyond a yield point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Inventors: Dave Berry, Andrew J. Bean, Justin R. Dean
  • Patent number: 8870204
    Abstract: The invention relates to an axle module for a motor vehicle. The axle module is made up of two control arms which can be attached to the vehicle chassis, carry the wheels of the axle, and are connected with one another by way of an axle body. The connection between axle body and the respective control arm is an adhesive connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: KSM Castings Group GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Buschjohann, Heik Lachmund, Enrico Schaller, Benjamin Hoelig, Andreas Kiesel
  • Patent number: 8857060
    Abstract: A center section for a crossmember of a vehicle chassis comprises a driveshaft hoop, crossmember attachment areas extending generally from opposing sides thereof, and trailing arm mounts on either side of the driveshaft hoop for attachment of one or more trailing arms to the center section. The crossmember attachment areas have heights that allow attachment of crossmember portions to the center section at offset heights. A method of constructing a crossmember of a vehicle chassis comprises providing a center section having crossmember attachment areas of predetermined heights extending generally from opposite sides of a driveshaft hoop, and attaching crossmember portions within the crossmember attachment areas at heights that are offset from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Niranjan Singh, Patrick DiMarco
  • Patent number: 8857837
    Abstract: A suspension assembly for securing a wheel to opposed sides of a container carrying frame. A pivoted wheel support arm is secured at a forward pivot end to a pivot pin retained in the frame. A wheel axle assembly is secured at the rear free end of the pivot arm and adapted to connect a wheel thereto and has a shock absorber connecting bracket. A shock absorber connecting member extends above the pivot pin and is pivotally displaceable in facial alignment with a stationary shock absorber connector secured to the frame. A shock absorber is retained captive between the shock absorber connecting member and the stationary shock absorber connector to absorb vertical displacement loads transmitted to the pivotal wheel support arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Max-Atlas
    Inventors: Jo{hacek over (e)}l Gaudet, Steve Asztalos, Eric Lapalme, Christopher Marris, Tibor Varga
  • Patent number: 8840126
    Abstract: A structurally efficient vehicle suspension system capable of being isolated from the main vehicle structure by being housed within a vehicle's wheel thereby reducing risks of injury during a crash and permitting advantageous redesign of suspension geometry. In the primary embodiment of this invention, the essentially longitudinal links providing wheel travel are outboard of the steering. The upper and/or lower suspension links may be arranged so as to form either a solid triangular-like structure or a “wishbone” form having two separate arms. In addition, the spring/damper unit of the suspension can be configured in a number of different embodiments variously using telescopic dampers, coil springs, rotary dampers, rubber springs, air springs, torsion bars, bell cranks linked to pushrods or pullrods and leaf springs. The spring/damper unit may also be housed in an appropriately enlarged kingpin axis carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Edison2 LLC
    Inventors: Ronald Christopher Mathis, Bradley W Jaeger
  • Patent number: 8833779
    Abstract: A torsion axle assembly for a rear suspension of a vehicle is provided. The torsion axle assembly includes a torsion axle cross beam, a first trailing arm, a second trailing arm, and a connection node component. The torsion axle cross beam has a first end and a second end. Each of the first trailing arm and the second trailing arm has a first end coupled with the vehicle frame and a second end configured to support a rear wheel of the vehicle. The connection node component is formed as a single unitary piece and is configured to couple the torsion axle cross beam, one of the first and second trailing arms, and a rear wheel hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: David S. Vestrand
  • Publication number: 20140252740
    Abstract: A chassis system for commercial vehicles includes an axle stub element and a linkage element, wherein the linkage element has a recess and the axle stub element has a first mounting section, wherein the first mounting section is arranged in the recess of the linkage element and is force-locked at the recess due to a shaping process, and wherein an adhesive layer, via which a material band is formed between the first mounting section of the axle stub element and the recess of the linkage element, is provided between the first mounting section and the recess.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Inventor: Olaf Drewes
  • Publication number: 20140232086
    Abstract: An air bladder suspension. The air bladder suspension of the present invention may be used with a vehicle wheel and a tricycle add-on wheel. The air bladder suspension may include a cantilever or seesaw type configuration and absorb shock when the tire of the wheel hits a ripple or bump on a road.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Inventor: Royce Merrill Dyar
  • Patent number: 8801014
    Abstract: A rear wheel suspension and a motor vehicle with such a rear wheel suspension are provided. The rear wheel suspension includes a wheel carrier configured for the rotatable bearing of a rear wheel, wherein the wheel carrier has at an end on a body side, a bearing for connection to a body with an axle, a bushing, and a base frame. The axle rests in the bushing. The axle is arranged on a bearing region of the wheel carrier, and the bushing rests in an aperture of the base frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Juergen Siebeneick
  • Patent number: 8783700
    Abstract: A stroller wheel device includes a wheel, a frame-connecting member, a wheel-connecting arm, and a resilient member. The frame-connecting member includes at least one first pressing portion. The wheel-connecting arm includes upper and lower ends connected respectively and pivotally to the frame-connecting member and the wheel, and at least one second pressing portion spaced apart from the first pressing portion. The resilient member is disposed between and abuts against the first and second pressing portions. When the wheel-connecting arm rotates relative to the frame-connecting member, the first and second pressing portions move toward each other to compress the resilient member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Wonderland Nurserygoods Company Limited
    Inventor: Dao-Chang Li
  • Patent number: 8783701
    Abstract: A lowerable suspension for trailers and other vehicles allows a trailer to be lowered to a deployed position in order to allow easier access to the trailer. A suspension axle is attached to the vehicle frame. A lower swing arm and an upper stop arm are rotatably connected to the suspension axle. A rubber damper pad is connected between the lower swing arm and the upper stop arm to act as a shock absorber during transit. A wheel is rotatably connected to the lower swing arm opposite the suspension axle. The wheel is affixed into a raised or lowered position by inserting a suspension transition pin through the upper stop arm into either a transit pin hole or a deployed pin hole of a suspension transition plate that is affixed to the vehicle frame adjacent. A plurality of jacks assists with raising and lowering the vehicle frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Inventor: Timothy D. Blevins
  • Publication number: 20140191486
    Abstract: Energy storing suspension components for use in suspension systems for wheeled vehicles and trailers are disclosed. The energy storing suspension components include an axle seat portion, an end, and a limb extending between the axle seat portion and the end. The limb includes a first taper wherein the limb decreases in width as the limb extends toward the end, a second taper wherein the limb decreases in thickness as the limb extends toward the end, wherein along the limb there is at least a portion where both the first taper and second taper are present, and a third taper that is further from the axle seat portion than the first taper and wherein the limb increases in width as the limb extends toward the end. Also disclosed are combinations of bushings and energy storing suspension components having an end configured to include an eye.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: Hendrickson USA, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Andrew X. Rarey, Randy Zimmerman, Carmen D. Cardillo
  • Patent number: 8770604
    Abstract: A cast or forged suspension trailing arm for suspending a heavy vehicle chassis from a beam-type axle includes an integral axle locating feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Meritor Heavy Vehicle Systems Limited
    Inventors: Garry Brereton, David Chan
  • Patent number: 8764123
    Abstract: The invention relates to an axle assembly for a commercial vehicle, having an axle produced from a first metal material and at least one trailing link produced from a second metal material which has a connecting portion with a seat which the axle sits with a hollow coupling portion such that the axle and the trailing link are in torque-proof engagement with one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Schmitz Cargobull AG
    Inventors: Peter Schmitz, Jorg Ebert
  • Patent number: 8764038
    Abstract: An axle seat bracket-to-beam connection for a heavy-duty axle/suspension system includes at least a pair of spaced apart weld stops that are attached to a beam of a suspension assembly of the axle/suspension system. A weld is laid along an interface between the axle seat bracket and the beam between the pair of weld stops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Hendrickson USA, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Daniel J. Piehl, Kevin J. Erdmann
  • Patent number: 8764037
    Abstract: A wheel axle suspension having on both sides of a vehicle a trailing arm which extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, a thin walled tubular axle body, which has attachment regions where the axle body is attached to the trailing arms. Each trailing arm is hingedly connected at the front, viewed in the direction of travel of the vehicle, to a bearing bracket which is arranged on the vehicle chassis. The suspension also comprises a pneumatic spring operational between each of the trailing arms and the chassis, and clamp bodies for clamping the axle body at the attachment regions thereof so as to attach the axle body to the trailing arms, as well as tensioning elements for providing the clamp force for the clamp bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: VDL Weweler B.V.
    Inventor: Derk Geert Aalderink
  • Patent number: 8764039
    Abstract: A suspension system for a vehicle includes two trailing arms and three lateral links to maintain a wheel in or nearly in a vertical position throughout a relatively large travel distance. The trailing arms can be an upper and a lower trailing arm that form a linkage to limit the caster movement of the wheel throughout the travel distance. The three lateral links form two linkages that maintain proper orientation of the wheel: a first linkage to limit the camber movement of the wheel, and a second linkage to limit the tracking, or toe, movement of the wheel. The trailing arms and lateral links provide a relatively large travel distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Artic Cat Inc.
    Inventors: Dustin Keller, John Seal
  • Patent number: 8757649
    Abstract: A connecting strut for a chassis of a vehicle comprises an elongated carrier which has at least two carrier elements spaced apart from each other. The carrier elements are connected with each other at their ends by means of a respective connecting element. The carrier has a low torsional stiffness and a high bending stiffness with respect to its longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: TRW Automotive GmbH
    Inventor: Cengiz Erdogan
  • Publication number: 20140151973
    Abstract: A twist beam axle for a wheel suspension of a motor vehicle. The twist beam axle has two trailing arms and a torsional profile having prismatic-shaped end sections with a noncircular cross-section. One trailing arm is connected to one torsional profile end section in each case. The trailing arms have a receiving recess having a shape corresponding to that of the outer surface of the torsional profile end section. An inwardly pressed plug is disposed in the interior of each torsional profile end section. The twist beam axle ensures permanent transfers high bending moments and torques between the trailing arms and the torsional profile without a welded joint. Different classes of materials can be used for the torsional profile and trailing arms, or can be connected to one another. The twist beam axle generally makes it possible to use large-volume, thin-walled and, therefore, weight-saving torsional profiles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Benjamin Bäumer, Christoph Elbers, Jens Eismann, Dirk Adamczyk
  • Patent number: 8733768
    Abstract: A race car four link bar to chassis remotely adjustable brackets for providing quick, efficient, and precise adjustment for trailing arms on a race car chassis. The race car four link bar to chassis remotely adjustable brackets generally includes adjustable brackets that include a pivoting load block (10), slotted bracket plates (20), a hemi joint carrier (30) and a lead screw (40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Inventor: James R. Shoulders
  • Publication number: 20140138930
    Abstract: A carrying axle (1) for trailers and a method for the production thereof are provided. The axle (1) includes an axle body (4) having an outer supporting axle tube (10) in which a rocker arm assembly (6), which is bent once or several times, is introduced. The rocker arm assembly (6) is produced as a metal, tubular stamped and bent single piece. The rocker arm assembly is stamped from a platine (21) or a sheet metal strip (23) and is bent in order to form an angled tube (22).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2012
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Inventors: Gerhard Beck, Wolfgang Hildensperger, Robert Köhler, Georg Schuster, Stefan Uhl, Peter Wegscheider
  • Patent number: 8727057
    Abstract: A rear suspension of a three-wheeled car with two front wheels and one rear wheel in the car frame may include a wheel center connected to the rotation of axis of the rear wheel, an upper link with one side connected to the car body and the other to a wheel center, and a lower link with one side connected to the car body below the upper link and the other side to a wheel center below the upper link, wherein, the upper link and the lower link may be installed so that their connection point with the car body may be located in a higher altitude than their connection point with the wheel center, and wherein, the angle of inclination from the ground may be greater for the lower link than for the upper link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Jin-Yeon Park, Jae-Kil Lee, Sang-Hoon Lee
  • Publication number: 20140131971
    Abstract: An independent suspension system with self-compensated floating swing arm is provided. The independent suspension system with self-compensated floating swing arm includes at least one of an independent suspension apparatus with self-compensated floating swing arm for controlling wheels of a vehicle to perform linear motion constantly along vertical direction of car body of the vehicle, and a scissors-type anti-skew bar apparatus controlled by centrifugal force for balancing skew force when the vehicle is cornering. The two mechanisms can be used together or independently. Also, they may be applicable for front wheels or rear wheels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Inventor: He HOU
  • Publication number: 20140125029
    Abstract: A suspension assembly for a vehicle including an elongated central torsion axle shaft of a rubber torsion axle assembly, a torsion axle shaft pivot point about which the torsion axle shaft pivots, a spring and an elongated spindle swing arm. The spring has a first end and a second end and the first end of the spring is connected to a fixed point relative to a vehicle frame. The spindle swing arm has a second end with the first end connected to the torsion axle shaft with the second end of the spindle swing arm connected to the second end of the spring. The spring can set the torsion axle shaft to a predetermined position, such as at or near a no-load position, when only static forces are present. This provides for a torsion axle with a greater range of movement and significantly improves its lifespan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2012
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: AIR SUSPENSIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Ervin K. VanDenberg, David H. Croston
  • Patent number: 8714297
    Abstract: A single-wheel suspension of a non-steerable driven wheel of a two-track vehicle is provided. The suspension includes two longitudinal control arms that pivot in a vertical plane. The first control arm is supported by a vertical pendulum support and supports a wheel bearing. The second control arm is supported with one rotational degree of freedom on the vehicle and is connected to the first control arm with one rotation degree of freedom by a connecting member between the wheel bearing and the pendulum support. At least a section of the first control arm between the wheel bearing and the connecting member is located inside the wheel rim space. A gear mechanism at least partially inside the wheel rim includes two transmission stages laterally offset from one another. The rotational axes of a connection shaft connecting first and second transmission stages and the connection element between the two control arms coincide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Elsa Davy, Bernhard Paulus, Alfred Pruckner, Dirk Schlichte, Jakob Mueller
  • Patent number: 8708359
    Abstract: A vehicle suspension comprises an assembly of a hub carrier and a support arm, the support arm being attached to the hub carrier at two points spaced from each other in the direction of travel and extending inwardly therefrom to a support arm attachment point for fixing to a chassis, and a trailing link extending from the assembly in a direction transverse to that of the support arm, toward a trailing link attachment point for fixing to the chassis. The trailing link preferably extends from the assembly in a forward direction, and is preferably connected directly to the hub carrier. A strut can extend upwardly toward an attachment point for fixing to a chassis, to provide a spring and damper. The support arm can comprise a pair of arms extending divergently from the attachment point to each of the two points. The hub carrier can include a pivot pin extending in a fore/aft alignment, passing through two pivot points on the support arm thereby to define the two points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Gordon Murray Design Limited
    Inventor: Ian Gordon Murray
  • Patent number: 8696002
    Abstract: A roll center variator is described, generally including a first transverse locating device, a second transverse locating device, an adjustable spacing mechanism, and first and second simple links attached to the spacing mechanism and a vehicle axle. Each of the transverse locating devices has two ends attached to opposing sides of a vehicle frame. The spacing mechanism is attached at a first point to the first locating device and at a second point to the second locating device. The first and second locating devices are comprised of a Watt's linkage, Panhard rod, or other transverse locating device. The variator includes a screw-threaded rod engaged with the spacing mechanism, wherein rotation of the rod in one direction increases a distance between a first point and a second point of the spacing mechanism and rotation in the opposite direction decreases the distance between the same two points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventor: Jonathan Dale Batdorff
  • Publication number: 20140097589
    Abstract: A method is provided, including providing a hub for mounting a wheel to a frame; providing a first mounting pivotally connected at one end to a first position on the frame; providing a second mounting pivotally connected at one end to a second position on the frame; providing a first arm which is coupled at a first position to the top of the hub and pivotally connected at a second position to the other end of the first mounting; providing a second arm which is coupled at a first position to the bottom of the hub and pivotally connected at a second position to the other end of the second mounting; and providing a shock absorber coupled at one end to a third position on the second arm between the first and second positions on the second arm and at the other end to a third position on the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Inventor: Jason Swist
  • Patent number: 8684380
    Abstract: The invention concerns a wheel suspension system for the non-steered wheels (16) of a motor vehicle, with a twist beam axle (2) which comprises two wheel-supporting trailing arms (3, 13) pivotably mounted on a motor vehicle body (15) and a cross member (6) connecting the trailing arms (3, 13) together, and a Watt linkage (8) also connecting the trailing arms (3, 13) together, at least one articulated holder (10) being integrated in each trailing arm (3, 13) itself for articulated coupling of the Watt linkage (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Paul Zandbergen, Andreas Carlitz, Theo Kueppers
  • Patent number: 8678407
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Inventor: Nicholas Eveley
  • Patent number: 8641062
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Hendrickson USA, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Michael J. Gottschalk
  • Patent number: 8641067
    Abstract: A suspension unit is disclosed comprising: a hub 6; a bearing sleeve 24 eccentrically mounted within the hub 6; a crank pin 22 rotatably received within the bearing sleeve 24; and a connecting rod 20, a first end 28 of which is connected for rotation with the crank pin 22 over a connecting area 26 that comprises less than a complete circumference of the crank pin 22; the bearing sleeve 24 comprising a slot 52 through which the connecting rod 20 extends from the first 28 end to a second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Horstman Defence Systems Limited
    Inventors: Tim Holman, Robert D'Aubyn
  • Patent number: 8632085
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: IMT Partnership
    Inventors: Dean Davenport, Philip David Schnurr, Neil Kenneth Haslam
  • Publication number: 20140015214
    Abstract: A suspension assembly includes an axle member, a first trailing beam assembly and a second trailing beam assembly. The first trailing beam assembly and the second trailing beam assembly each include a first end operably coupled to a vehicle frame and a second end that includes a downwardly opening recess, wherein the recess includes an outer periphery, the axle member is positioned within the recess, and wherein a weld extends about the entire periphery of the recess, thereby securing the trailing beams to the axle member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: SAF-HOLLAND, INC.
    Inventors: Greg Galazin, Ed Hammer, Bill Broene, Greg Thorwall, Roger L. Jansen, III
  • Patent number: 8622406
    Abstract: The present invention provides an eccentric pivot member for effecting fore and aft movement of a leading end of a trailing beam member of a trailing beam suspension in response to rotation of the pivot member. Ratchet collars are provided which act between the eccentric pivot member and a suspension hanger to mechanically secure the assembly against rotation and any associated inadvertent misalignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Inventor: Nicholas Eveley
  • Patent number: 8622405
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Weweler Nederland B.V.
    Inventors: Derk Geert Aalderink, Geert Everts, Harm Damkot, Hans Bramer
  • Publication number: 20130341882
    Abstract: A rear axle is provided for a motor vehicle, in particular a passenger car, with two independent wheel suspensions, each of which include, but is not limited to a wheel carrier and a three-link arrangement connected therewith in an articulated manner with a longitudinal link and two transverse links. The two transverse links are each arranged in vehicle longitudinal direction next to each other, and with a transverse leaf spring arrangement, which is connected to the two independent wheel suspensions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventors: Dirk EHRLICH, Michael HARDER
  • Publication number: 20130320648
    Abstract: A scooter includes a frame having a leading portion and a trailing portion. A front wheel is attached to the leading portion of the frame. The leading portion of a swing arm is pivotally attached to the trailing portion of the frame. A rear wheel is attached to the trailing portion of the swing arm. A rear fender is also attached to the swing arm. A shock absorber is positioned between the swing arm and the frame so that the shock absorber is compressed when the swing arm pivots in a first direction. A downward swing arm stop limits pivoting of the swing arm in a second direction opposite of the first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventors: CAMERON ECKERT, Ian Grout, Ross Bartels, Tyler Cross
  • Patent number: 8590910
    Abstract: A trailing arm mounting structure is capable of size reduction as well as weight saving of a trailing arm bracket while ensuring mounting rigidity. In the trailing arm mounting structure, a clearance is formed between an outer sidewall of a side member and an inner sidewall of an extended portion of a side sill. In addition, an inner sidewall of a mounting bracket for a trailing arm is attached to an outer sidewall of the side member while the mounting bracket for the trailing arm is disposed in the clearance. An outer sidewall of the mounting bracket for the trailing arm is attached to the inner sidewall of the extended portion of the side sill, and a base end portion of the trailing arm is supported between the inner sidewall and the outer sidewall of the mounting bracket for the trailing arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Suzuki Motor Corporation
    Inventor: Takayuki Suzuki
  • Patent number: 8590911
    Abstract: A suspension is provided for a vehicle axle, with a twist-beam axle having two trailing arms interconnected via a cross brace, of which each trailing arm comprises a mounting device for the rotatable fastening of the twist-beam axle to a vehicle body, which includes, but is not limited to a bushing and a connecting element, which is formed on the trailing arm and in which the bushing is received such that the twist-beam axle can be pivoted about the longitudinal axis of the bushing. The bushing is fastened to a holder, which can be connected to the vehicle body, and the bushing with its longitudinal axis is arranged in a horizontal vehicle plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Inventors: Dirk Ehrlich, Oleg Mazur, Juergen Siebeneick
  • Patent number: 8585067
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Magna International Inc.
    Inventors: Ying Zhang, James R. Byrne, II, Alexander Zak, Seetarama S. Kotagiri, Nikhil Madan Yardi
  • Patent number: 8573620
    Abstract: A suspension system suspends an axle from a vehicle undercarriage. A mounting mounts a trailing arm for pivotal motion about a horizontal axis passing through a proximal end of the trailing arm perpendicular to the direction of vehicle travel while the vehicle is being steered in a straight line. An air spring is disposed between the undercarriage and a distal end of the trailing arm. A fastening holds fast together the middle of a resiliently flexible locating strap, the middle of the trailing arm, and the axle. A front locating bracket and a rear locating bracket fastened to the undercarriage respectively locate the front end of the locating strap horizontally in a direction parallel to the horizontal axis about which the trailing arm pivots and the rear end of the locating strap horizontally in a direction parallel to the horizontal axis about which the trailing arm pivots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventor: Jonathan D. Batdorff
  • Publication number: 20130277937
    Abstract: A suspension system for a vehicle includes two trailing arms and three lateral links to maintain a wheel in or nearly in a vertical position throughout a relatively large travel distance. The trailing arms can be an upper and a lower trailing arm that form a linkage to limit the caster movement of the wheel throughout the travel distance. The three lateral links form two linkages that maintain proper orientation of the wheel: a first linkage to limit the camber movement of the wheel, and a second linkage to limit the tracking, or toe, movement of the wheel. The trailing arms and lateral links provide a relatively large travel distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2012
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Applicant: Arctic Cat Inc.
    Inventors: Dustin Keller, John Seal
  • Patent number: 8556282
    Abstract: An axle for a motor vehicle comprises at least a transverse leaf spring (1) attached directly, or via an auxiliary support frame, to a body (9) of the motor vehicle by two first mountings (4), two control arms (2) and two wheel carriers (3). In each case, an end of the transverse leaf spring (1) facing toward a respective wheel (10) of the motor vehicle is rigidly connected to one of the two control arms (2), and both of the two control arms (2) are each orientated substantially in the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle. Each of the control arms (2) is connected by a second mounting (7) directly, or via an auxiliary support frame, to the body (9) and also connected, by at least one third mounting (5, 6), to one of the wheel carriers (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Stephan Pollmeyer, Volker Wagner, Gabriele Fruhmann
  • Patent number: 8528920
    Abstract: An adjustment assembly includes first and second connection points associated with a component. The second connection point is selectively adjustable to adjust a position of the component. A shield has one end coupled to the first connection point and an opposite end proximate to the second connection point to selectively prevent access to the second connection point. The shield is selectively movable when the first connection point is loosened to allow access to the second connection point. To achieve proper adjustment of the component, the first connection point must be loosened prior to adjusting a position of the second connection point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Arvinmeritor Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Gustavo Vieira Borges, Robert J. Brazeau, Christopher J. Wittry, Michael D. Lynch, Michael A. Power, Gregory Todd Smith, Kenneth G. Lang, Anthony E. Nicol, Gregory D. Pavuk, Edward J. Gebal, Thomas S. Mijal, Esequiel Berra de Mello, Christopher S. Keeney, David G. Gonska
  • Publication number: 20130228994
    Abstract: A single-wheel suspension of a non-steerable driven wheel of a two-track vehicle is provided. The suspension includes two longitudinal control arms that pivot in a vertical plane. The first control arm is supported by a vertical pendulum support and supports a wheel bearing. The second control arm is supported with one rotational degree of freedom on the vehicle and is connected to the first control arm with one rotation degree of freedom by a connecting member between the wheel bearing and the pendulum support. At least a section of the first control arm between the wheel bearing and the connecting member is located inside the wheel rim space. A gear mechanism at least partially inside the wheel rim includes two transmission stages laterally offset from one another. The rotational axes of a connection shaft connecting first and second transmission stages and the connection element between the two control arms coincide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
  • Patent number: 8523209
    Abstract: A semi-trailing arm axle for a motor vehicle which comprises a semi-trailing arm (1) for each wheel (4) of the axle. Each semi-trailing arm (1) is flexible about the vertical axis and is mounted to the body or on a support frame by at least one mounting (2, 3). Each wheel (4) of the axle is connected to its respective flexible semi-trailing arm (1) by way of at least one wheel bearing (5), and the flexible semi-trailing arm (1) is the sole wheel-guiding element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Stephan Pollmeyer, Volker Wagner, Gabriele Fruhmann
  • Patent number: 8523208
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Timbren Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Parto Rezania, Arnold Heron