Longitudinally Extending Swinging Support Arm (i.e., Leading Or Trailing Swing Arm) Patents (Class 280/124.128)
  • Patent number: 8517140
    Abstract: An independent rear suspension kit includes first and second mounting brackets configured to be fastened to a chassis of a vehicle, a cross-member interconnecting the first and second brackets, a differential housing supported by the cross-member, first and second upper control arms pivotably coupled to the cross-member, first and second lower control arms pivotably coupled to the differential housing, a first upright pivotably coupled to the first upper control arm and the first lower control arm, and a second upright pivotably coupled to the second upper control arm and the second lower control arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Heidts Acquisition, LLC
    Inventors: Vaughn E. D. West, Thomas E. Brown
  • Publication number: 20130211674
    Abstract: A wheel suspension system for a three-wheeled motorcycle or “trike” includes parallel wheels mounted on vertically pivoting suspension arms governed by hydraulic pistons. The pistons have upper liquid reservoirs that are interconnected through a valve system, which interconnects the upper reservoirs when the trike is in motion, allowing opposing vertical wheel movements when banking through turns, and prevents liquid exchange when the trike is stopped, thereby holding the motorcycle upright, Embodiments include a manual and/or automatic valve control. A threshold switching speed for an automatic controller can be factory set and/or user adjustable. The pistons can include directly interconnected lower fluid reservoirs. A shock-absorbing reservoir can allow transient vertical movement of both wheels to absorb shocks. A cover system can emulate the appearance of saddle bags and can appear to be covering only a single wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Inventor: Steven P. Young
  • Patent number: 8505939
    Abstract: A coupled torsion beam axle (CTBA) has improved compliance characteristics that can control a toe value of a rear wheel to be towed in during steering when the steering is performed in a simple structure. The CTBA includes trailing arms and carriers on which rear wheels are mounted via carrier brackets at both ends of a torsion beam, respectively, a center pipe penetrating in a longitudinal direction of a vehicle at the center of the torsion beam, and a steering rod of which one end is linked to the carrier and the other end is linked to the center pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Byongcheol Kim, Seongho An, Sungjin Kim
  • Publication number: 20130193663
    Abstract: A suspension assembly for an automotive vehicle includes a fixed bracket, a suspension arm mounted between two mounting flanges of the bracket, a spacer mounted in a bore of a flange of the bracket, and an articulation shaft mounted through the flanges, the suspension arm. and the spacer. The spacer includes an inner ring in which the articulation shaft is mounted An end face of the inner ring is adapted to be pressed, along a longitudinal axis of the shaft, against a lateral face of the suspension arm. The spacer includes, between its inner ring and the bore in which the spacer is mounted, a deformable sleeve, deformable along die longitudinal axis under a shear effort and adapted to slide with respect to the inner ring or to the bracket, along the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2010
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: RENAULT TRUCKS
    Inventors: Stephane Brun, Julien Guerra
  • Patent number: 8496258
    Abstract: A hybrid torsion beam axle assembly is provided, which includes a steel torsion beam. An end cap is fastened to an end portion of the steel torsion beam, and a cast trailing arm is cast about the end portion of the steel torsion beam including the end cap. In this way, the cast trailing arm is positively and rigidly secured to the steel torsion beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Magna International Inc.
    Inventors: Mark F. Werner, Timothy W. Skszek, Frank A. Horton, Warren Young, Seetarama S. Kotagiri, Gregory P. Kiselis, DeWayne Dale Egle, Gianfranco Gabbianelli, Jeffrey Jay Mellis, Erryn Leigh Langlois, Daniel Sulisz, Pascal P. Charest, Eric deNijs, Ying Zhang, Ryan R. Warpup, Dalip K. Matharoo
  • Patent number: 8490989
    Abstract: An axle-to-beam connection for axle/suspension systems includes a connector having a U-shaped cross section and includes two pairs of legs. Each of the legs is formed with an opening. The connector extends longitudinally along the axle and is also formed with a pair of window weld openings adjacent to the axle. The connector provides a conforming fit of the connector to the axle when the connector is pulled over the axle using the leg openings and is attached to the axle and beam of the axle/suspension system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Hendrickson USA, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Daniel J. Piehl, Kevin J. Erdmann
  • Patent number: 8490990
    Abstract: The invention relates to a twist-axle that includes a cross-beam member and two trailing arms, each trailing arm rigidly secured to the cross-beam member in one of two connection regions of the cross-beam member or formed integrally with and extending from one of the two connection regions. The cross-beam member is formed from a tubular blank and has a torsionally elastic central portion and two torsionally stiff connection regions. The cross-beam member has a wall thickness that varies longitudinally along the length of the cross-beam member from the torsionally elastic central portion to each of the torsionally stiff connection regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Arcelormittal Tubular Products Canada Inc.
    Inventor: Stefano Lepre
  • Patent number: 8485540
    Abstract: A coupled torsion beam axle (CTBA) apparatus may include a torsion beam, a trailing arm provided at both ends of the torsion beam, and a wheel mount bracket provided at an end of the trailing arm and being adapted to mount a rear wheel thereon, wherein a front end of the wheel mount bracket in a traveling direction of a vehicle may be hinge-connected to a front portion of the trailing arm with a rubber bush interposed therebetween, and a swing joint may be further provided between a rear end of the wheel mount bracket and a rear portion of the trailing arm and pivotally connects the rear end of the wheel mount bracket to a rear end of the trailing arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Hwashin Co.
    Inventors: Hakyung Moon, Sungil Kim, Hyoseok Kim, Heekweon Jang, Byungrim Lee, Ywanje Jo, Jaeho Kim
  • Patent number: 8480107
    Abstract: A wheel suspension for a motor vehicle includes a suspension arm having a base body and support elements formed on the base body. Pivotally mounted on the suspension arm for rotation about a rotation axis is a wheel carrier which defines a wheel axis. An adjustment screw is arranged in substantial orthogonal relationship to the wheel axis and received at least one installation opening of the wheel carrier for securing the wheel carrier to the suspension arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Benteler Automobiltechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Henksmeier, Erik Hochapfel, Waldemar Bera
  • Patent number: 8474843
    Abstract: A suspension assembly for a wheeled conveyance comprises suspension arms (1, 3) pivotally mounted on a chassis and extending in forward and rearward directions in the region of opposite sides of the chassis, each suspension arm (1, 3) having wheel receiving means (33) at the free end thereof. Spring means (7) is disposed in the region of each side of the chassis and acts between the forwardly and rearwardly extending suspension arms (1, 3) in such a way that the free ends thereof tend to pivot towards each other. Means (5) is provided for limiting movement of the suspension arms (1, 3) relative to each other. The limiting means (5) comprises a pair of limiter plates (17, 19) mounted on the chassis in opposite side regions thereof. The upper and lower suspension arms (1, 3) are pivotably mounted to the limiter plates in a region thereof remote from the spring means (7), the limiter plates (17, 19) restricting lateral movement of the suspension arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Inventor: Christopher James Mills
  • Publication number: 20130161920
    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: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Hyundai Motor Company
  • Publication number: 20130147147
    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 said 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. A support part opposes said 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: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: WEWELER NEDERLAND B.V.
    Inventor: Weweler Nederland B.V.
  • Patent number: 8448964
    Abstract: A hinging arrangement for a wheel axle suspension of a vehicle, comprises an attachment eye fixed to a component to be hingedly attached to the vehicle, and a hinge pin, e.g. a hinge bolt, attached to a fixed vehicle component. The hinge pin is extending through the attachment eye, wherein the attachment eye has a bore for the hinge pin which comprises at least one tapering bore portion. The arrangement further comprises at least one resilient ring and a clamping member each provided with a central bore for the hinge pin, wherein, in the mounted state, the resilient ring is received at least partially within said tapering bore portion. The resilient ring is bearing with one side against the tapering surface of said tapering bore portion and said clamping member is forced against the other side of the resilient ring whereby the resilient ring is compressed between the clamping member and the tapering surface of the tapering bore portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: VDL Weweler B.V.
    Inventors: Hans Bramer, Derk Geert Aalderink
  • Patent number: 8439378
    Abstract: Vehicle suspension assemblies including air spring assemblies and components of the vehicle suspension assemblies are described. A vehicle suspension assembly that is attachable to a pair of vehicle frame rails includes a pair of support beams and a cross member, such as a cross tube, extending between and connected to the pair of support beams. Each support beam includes a locator-tab and each air spring assembly includes a locator-tab-slot for receiving a locator-tab of a support beam. The cross tube is fastened to the air spring assembly via a retention strap that wraps around portions of the cross tube. The locator-tabs and locator-tab-slots may be operable, alone or in combination with the retention strap, as a lateral restraint. In this regard, the lateral restraint may restrain the air spring from moving in a lateral direction between two frame rails to which the vehicle suspension assembly attaches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Hendrickson USA, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Michael Lynch Phillips, Anthony Joseph Bills
  • Publication number: 20130093156
    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: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: KSM CASTINGS GROUP GMBH
    Inventors: Thomas Buschjohann, Heik Lachmund, Enrico Schaller, Benjamin Hoelig, Andreas Kiesel
  • Patent number: 8419030
    Abstract: The invention relates to a rear wheel suspension system for motor vehicles having a composite link axle that has two wheel-carrying longitudinal links that are each articulated pivotably on a vehicle body by one body-side pivoting bearing and a flexurally rigid, torsionally soft transverse strut that connects the longitudinal links to one another. The pivoting bearings are set at a predefined yaw angle in relation to an initial position with the pivoting bearing axes aligned with a connecting line between the centers of the pivoting bearings. The pivoting bearings are also set at a predefined roll angle relative to a horizontal plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Olav Lange, Michel Vencken
  • Patent number: 8419029
    Abstract: An air-ride beam-type axle/suspension system for a heavy-duty vehicle with a gross axle weight rating of greater than 23,000 lbs./axle includes a pair of transversely spaced beams. Each one of the beams includes inboard and outboard sidewalls. A large diameter axle extends between and is rigidly connected to the beams via a pair of axle-to-beam connections. Each one of the axle-to-beam connections includes a sleeve having an increased thickness rigidly connected to the axle and the beam. Each sleeve is formed with at least a front and a rear window located between the beam sidewalls. The inboard and/or outboard edges of the sleeve windows are spaced relatively far from the beam sidewalls. The sleeve windows are asymmetrically angled with respect to the horizontal centerline of the axle at design ride height. The axle/suspension system reduces weight while maintaining desired stiffness and durability of the axle/suspension system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Hendrickson USA, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Brett L. Muckelrath, Donald R. Hester, Sri Satya Teja Kakarla, James J. Patterson, Brian R. Anderson, R. Scott Fulton, Keith D. McComsey, Brian R. Morris
  • Patent number: 8414001
    Abstract: A suspension of a vehicle axle is provided having a twist-beam axle that includes, but is not limited to two trailing arms, each of which have a wheel suspension and are interconnected via a cross brace with a torsion profile, which is designed stiff to bending and torsionally soft. The twist-beam axle connects to a Watt linkage of arrowed design, which articulates on the trailing arms laterally offset to an axis through a wheel center of the wheel suspension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Dirk Ehrlich, Werner Brinker
  • Patent number: 8408568
    Abstract: A suspension apparatus includes a first suspension arm having a front end section pivotally supported on a vehicle body. The first suspension arm extends toward a rear of a vehicle from the front end section. A second suspension arm has an outer end section and an inner end section. The outer end section is attached to the first suspension. The inner end section is disposed at an inner side of the outer end section in a vehicle width direction and is pivotally supported on the vehicle body. An elastic joining section is provided on the second suspension arm and connects the second suspension arm to the first suspension arm with a plurality of elastic bodies disposed substantially in parallel in the vehicle width direction. A knuckle is supported by the first suspension arm and the wheel and is supported between the plurality of elastic bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takuya Yanagida
  • Publication number: 20130069334
    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: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: WONDERLAND NURSERYGOODS COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventor: Dao-Chang Li
  • Publication number: 20130069335
    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: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: TRW AUTOMOTIVE GMBH
    Inventor: Cengiz Erdogan
  • Patent number: 8393627
    Abstract: The invention relates to an auxiliary frame (1) for multi-link rear axles of motor vehicles, comprising two lateral auxiliary frame parts (B) which are embodied at least approximately in a V-shaped manner in such an arrangement that the vertexes (6, 7) thereof face each other and are joined to each other via a central auxiliary frame part (C) that extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The lateral auxiliary frame parts and the central auxiliary frame part are configured as hollow profiled members while the lateral auxiliary frame parts are provided with at least three of the following receptacles or recesses: the top transverse link; the bottom transverse link; the stabilizer; the longitudinal links; the fixture of the auxiliary frame to the vehicle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: KSM Castings Group GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Buschjohann, Heiko Kauert
  • Publication number: 20130056947
    Abstract: A coupled torsion beam axle (CTBA) apparatus may include a torsion beam, a trailing arm provided at both ends of the torsion beam, and a wheel mount bracket provided at an end of the trailing arm and being adapted to mount a rear wheel thereon, wherein a front end of the wheel mount bracket in a traveling direction of a vehicle may be hinge-connected to a front portion of the trailing arm with a rubber bush interposed therebetween, and a swing joint may be further provided between a rear end of the wheel mount bracket and a rear portion of the trailing arm and pivotally connects the rear end of the wheel mount bracket to a rear end of the trailing arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicants: Hwashin Co., Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Hakyung Moon, Sungil Kim, Hyoseok Kim, Heekweon Jang, Byungrim Lee, Ywanje Jo, Jaeho Kim
  • Patent number: 8382131
    Abstract: A single wheel suspension of a non-steerable wheel of a two track vehicle includes two links pivotable relative to each other in respective planes, each being inclined less than 10° relative to the longitudinal and vertical directions of the vehicle. A first link, extending approximately in the longitudinal direction, functions as a wheel carrier. The first link is supported with an end section on the vehicle body via a pendulum support, which extends essentially in the vertical direction. The second link, extending approximately in the longitudinal direction, is supported in an articulated manner, on one side, on the body with only one kinematic rotational degree of freedom and on the other side to the first link between the wheel bearing and a pendulum support fastening point with only one kinematic rotational degree of freedom. No other wheel guiding link is provided, except for a connecting element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Elsa Davy, Dirk Schlichte, Jakob Mueller, Bernhard Paulus, Alfred Pruckner, Roland Koenig
  • Publication number: 20130033019
    Abstract: A suspension includes first and second arms that connect a rigid axle to a frame structure. The first arm has one end configured for connection to a rigid axle structure and an opposite end adapted for connection to one lateral side of the frame structure. The second arm has one end configured for connection to the rigid axle structure and an opposite end adapted for connection to an opposite lateral side of the frame structure. The suspension includes a first air spring associated with the first arm and a second air spring associated with the second arm. The first and second air springs are configured to be positioned laterally outboard of the frame structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Inventors: Michael A. Power, Gregory D. Pavuk
  • Patent number: 8356839
    Abstract: A trailer having a forward frame section, a rearward frame section, and two trailing arm suspension links forming an independent suspension system without a unitary cross axle. The trailing arm suspension links further include (i) a pivot joint connected to the forward frame section, (ii) a wheel hub assembly including a spindle; and (iii) a shock mount including a bracket position rearward of the spindle. The shock absorbing mechanism has a first end pivotally connected to the shock mount and a second end pivotally connected to the rear frame section rearward of the shock mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Inventor: Jeffrey L. Vey
  • Publication number: 20130009390
    Abstract: In one aspect, the invention is directed to a half-cradle for use in a vehicle frame, comprising a cast end member formed from a first material and first and second tubular cross-member stubs extending from the cast end member. The first and second tubular cross-member stubs are made from a second material. Each of the stubs has an end buried in the cast end member, wherein the buried end is uncapped. Each of the tubular cross-member stubs has an interior that is configured to sealingly receive a core for use in preventing the filling of the stub with molten first material during casting of the cast end member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Inventors: Pascal P. Charest, Eric deNijs
  • Publication number: 20130001912
    Abstract: The disclosed subject matter relates to a suspension system for use on a vehicle that includes a knuckle, a first trailing arm structure, a second trailing arm structure, an upper arm structure, and a lower arm structure. The first trailing arm structure and second trailing arm structure can be configured to extend in a frontward direction from the knuckle to a connection at a forward portion of a vehicle frame. The upper and lower arm structures can be configured to extend substantially transversely with respect to the vehicle longitudinal axis and connect to a rearward portion of the vehicle frame. The second trailing arm structure can cross underneath the lower arm structure as viewed from a direction normal to a plane defined by the central axis and horizontal axis of the knuckle, such that the second trailing arm structure is located closer to the travel surface of the vehicle than the lower arm structure at a location where the second trailing arm structure crosses underneath the lower arm structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Inventor: Christopher Brian DUNDON
  • Patent number: 8342547
    Abstract: A component or assembly for vehicle suspension comprising inter alia, a hub carrier supporting a wheel carrier, a bracket and one or more of support bodies interposed between the hub carrier and the bracket. The support bodies are supported with respect to or by the base suspension. The one or more support bodies each has a predetermined first rigidity in a first direction and a second rigidity in directions normal to the first direction, wherein the first direction is oriented such that it intersects a longitudinal and vertical plane of the vehicle and wherein the second rigidity is lower than the first rigidity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: M. B. Gerrard V/Miles B. Gerrard
    Inventor: Miles Barnaby Gerrard
  • Patent number: 8333396
    Abstract: A trailing arm suspension includes a trailing arm body having an axle mount portion that is attached to an axle wrap. The axle wrap includes at least one internal weld window to secure the axle wrap to an axle. In one example, the internal weld window is positioned within an internal cavity defined by the trailing arm body and axle wrap includes an external weld window located external of the trailing arm body. In one example, the trailing arm suspension includes a reinforcement bracket that is attached to both the trailing arm body and the axle wrap. In one example, a spring pedestal includes a support plate at one end of trailing arm body and a side wall portion that extends downwardly from the support plate to be attached to the axle wrap. In one example, the axle wrap includes a weld window having a V-shaped lower edge surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Steven G. Saieg, Craig Holt
  • Publication number: 20120313341
    Abstract: A suspension assembly for a wheeled conveyance comprises suspension arms (1, 3) pivotally mounted on a chassis and extending in forward and rearward directions in the region of opposite sides of the chassis, each suspension arm (1, 3) having wheel receiving means (33) at the free end thereof. Spring means (7) is disposed in the region of each side of the chassis and acts between the forwardly and rearwardly extending suspension arms (1, 3) in such a way that the free ends thereof tend to pivot towards each other. Means (5) is provided for limiting movement of the suspension arms (1, 3) relative to each other. The limiting means (5) comprises a pair of limiter plates (17, 19) mounted on the chassis in opposite side regions thereof. The upper and lower suspension arms (1, 3) are pivotably mounted to the limiter plates in a region thereof remote from the spring means (7), the limiter plates (17, 19) restricting lateral movement of the suspension arms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2011
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Inventor: Christopher James Mills
  • Patent number: 8328211
    Abstract: A suspension system for use with a vehicle comprising a control arm having an upper rear arm and a spring mounting plate integrally formed as a single member, a spindle extending outwardly from the upper rear arm, an air spring adapted to be mounted intermediate the spring plate and the vehicle, and a pivot assembly for pivotally mounting the control arm to the vehicle whereby the pivot assembly has a fist axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Air Suspensions, Inc.
    Inventors: Ervin K. VanDenberg, David H. Croston
  • Patent number: 8328212
    Abstract: The disclosed subject matter relates to a suspension system for use on a vehicle that includes a knuckle, a first trailing arm structure, a second trailing arm structure, an upper arm structure, and a lower arm structure. The first trailing arm structure and second trailing arm structure can be configured to extend in a frontward direction from the knuckle to a connection at a forward portion of a vehicle frame. The upper and lower arm structures can be configured to extend substantially transversely with respect to the vehicle longitudinal axis and connect to a rearward portion of the vehicle frame. The second trailing arm structure can cross underneath the lower arm structure as viewed from a direction normal to a plane defined by the central axis and horizontal axis of the knuckle, such that the second trailing arm structure is located closer to the travel surface of the vehicle than the lower arm structure at a location where the second trailing arm structure crosses underneath the lower arm structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Christopher Brian Dundon
  • Patent number: 8322738
    Abstract: A stabilizing strut for a chassis of a vehicle has an elongated strut body made of sheet metal which has at least one first eye at a first longitudinal end and at least one second eye at a second longitudinal end. The strut body has a curvature at least such that the strut body lies completely outside an imaginary connecting straight line between the at least one first and the at least one second eye at least in a partial region. The strut body is built up from two individual sheet metal parts which are arranged one on each side of a longitudinal center plane. The two sheet metal parts are joined to one another between the at least one first eye and the at least one second eye at their peripheral edges on a longitudinal side of the sheet metal parts oriented towards the imaginary connecting straight line, at least over a partial length of this longitudinal side of the strut body which amounts to at least 50% of the total length of this longitudinal side of the strut body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: PROGRESS-WERK Oberkirch AG
    Inventors: Herbert Haas, Daniel Obert, Johannes Obrecht
  • Patent number: 8322737
    Abstract: A method of constructing a vehicle suspension system includes forming a suspension arm having a pivot connection at an end thereof, and a brake mounting integrally formed with the suspension arm; and then securing the suspension arm to an axle. A suspension system includes an axle and a suspension arm having a pivot connection which pivotably connects the axle to a vehicle frame, whereby the axle is vertically displaceable relative to the frame. At least one brake shoe is pivotably mounted to the suspension arm. Another suspension system includes a suspension arm having a pivot connection at an end thereof, and a brake spider integrally formed with the suspension arm. The brake spider includes at least one opening which receives a brake shoe pivot therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Watson & Chalin Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Cully B. Dodd, Todd Greaves
  • Patent number: 8322736
    Abstract: A swing arm assembly is configured for pivotal coupling with a frame of a vehicle. The swing arm assembly includes first and second support arms. A first axle support bracket is attached to the first support arm and a second axle support bracket is attached to the second support arm. A first reinforcement member includes upper, lower, forward and rearward edges, and is welded to the first axle support bracket along at least a portion of the upper edge and at least a portion of the lower edge of the first reinforcement member. The rearward edge of the first reinforcement member is devoid of weld material. The first support arm is attached to the first reinforcement member. Vehicles including a swing arm assembly are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Lee N. Bowers
  • Patent number: 8317208
    Abstract: Vehicle suspension having arms (6) and (7) for each wheel (14) and (15) respectively, each arm (6) having more than one sprung strut (18) and (19) of which two such struts each operates exclusively between two different arms. Each arm's rotational axis (28) and (38) respectively intersects a vertical longitudinal plane through the center of road contact with the wheel at a point (45) and (46) respectively on a straight lines (47) and (48) respectively between the center of contact with the road and a point at or near the anticipated center of gravity (49) of the suspended mass projected onto the plane. Preferably, the vehicle transmission avoids applying a moment about the arm's rotation axis, braking is attached to the arm and steering linkage is passed through or near the arm's axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Inventor: Alan Bryn Bird
  • Patent number: 8317209
    Abstract: A wheel axle suspension for suspending a round hollow axle (10) from a vehicle comprises on both sides of the vehicle a trailing arm (1,41,51) to which the axle (10) is attached. The trailing arm is hingedly connected at the front to a bearing bracket (42) which is arranged on the vehicle chassis (43). A pneumatic spring (44) is operational between the trailing arm and the chassis. The axle body bears directly against a contact region (5,45,55) of the trailing arm. The contact region is essentially complementary to the outer contour of the axle body, wherein, on that side of the axle body opposite the contact region, a support part (20,46,56) is provided with a recess (21) for accommodating the axle. The support part is clamped against the axle by means of clamping means (23,24,47,48). At the location of the contact region, the trailing arm is wider than in the region (2,41a, 52) which is situated immediately in front thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Weweler Nederland B.V.
    Inventors: Derk Geert Aalderink, Geert Everts, Harm Damkot, Hans Bramer
  • Patent number: 8286980
    Abstract: A trailing arm type suspension improves the handling (driving stability) and the response (driving response) of an automobile by increasing the installation rigidity of a suspension member to a vehicle body frame. In the trailing arm type suspension including a pair of right and left trailing arms which extend in the vehicle longitudinal direction, a reinforcing bar for connecting a suspension member in the vehicle rear side of the trailing arm to a connecting part of a vehicle body frame in the vehicle front side of the suspension member, is disposed between a fuel tank and the trailing arm, and the reinforcing bar and the trailing arm overlap each other as viewed from the side of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Suzuki Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Kenichi Onda, Kensuke Ohkubo
  • Patent number: 8282116
    Abstract: The suspension comprises, for each rear wheel, a trailing arm (16), a wheel-carrying structure (18) fixed to a length (24) of the trailing arm (16) and an axle (44) fixed to the wheel-carrying structure (18). The wheel-carrying structure (18) is made as a single piece forming an upper support portion (38) having a seat (42) into which the wheel axle (44) is inserted and fixed, and a lower attachment portion (40) including a pair of vertical flat walls (34) which are parallel to each other, are arranged astride of said arm length (24) and have a plurality of through holes (46) aligned in pairs. The arm length (24) forms a pair of vertical walls (26) to which three spacers, each having a through hole (30), are fixed, and a pair of end flat surfaces (32). The spacers (28) project beyond the vertical walls (26) of the arm length (24) in such a manner that their end flat surfaces (32) form two abutment flat surfaces for the vertical flat walls (34) of the wheel-carrying structure (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Sistemi Sospensioni S.p.A.
    Inventor: Guido Borgi
  • Patent number: 8282115
    Abstract: A suspension system for use on off-road trailers may be an independent air suspension system that may provide ample wheel travel and stability to keep the wheels on the ground through rough and uneven terrain. Conventional suspension systems may lack adequate wheel travel, may bounce too much, or may not be soft enough. The suspension system of the present invention may use an air bag to normalize the suspension for varying weights of the trailer load, allowing proper suspension for both heavy and light loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Terrasport, Inc
    Inventor: Scott P. Stephani
  • Patent number: 8276928
    Abstract: A console is provided for attachment to a vehicle chassis. The console includes a bracket body for a truck. The bracket body is formed by a casting which at least partly encloses a cavity for storing a fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Volvo Lastvagnar AB
    Inventors: Jan Hendriks, Roland Svensson
  • Patent number: 8272652
    Abstract: A suspension for a rear or a front portion of a chassis for vehicles in which a pair of longitudinal stabilizer assemblies and an anti-sway stabilizer each use a same type of a stabilizer bar, with the longitudinal stabilizer assemblies pivotably connected on opposing sides of the chassis and the anti-sway stabilizer pivotably connected in transverse relation proximate an end of the chassis. The longitudinal stabilizer assemblies and the anti-sway stabilizer each include a portion of a saddle that extends around the axle and rigidly connects to the axle. A shock absorber connects between the saddle and the chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Inventor: Frank Majerik
  • Patent number: 8256782
    Abstract: A vehicle suspension system includes a frame mounting bracket. A torsion axle is pivotally attached to the frame mounting bracket. The torsion axle pivots about a suspension assembly pivot axis. An air spring support arm is rigidly attached to the torsion axle. An air spring is attached at one end to the frame mounting bracket and at an end of the support arm opposite the suspension assembly pivot axis. A spindle arm with a spindle is adapted for mounting a wheel assembly is attached to the torsion axle. The vehicle suspension system is adapted to include an optional cross-member brace adapted to attach to the frame mounting bracket allowing the cross-member brace to extend across a width of a vehicle to an adjacent vehicle suspension assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Air Suspensions, Inc.
    Inventors: Ervin K. VanDenberg, David H. Croston
  • Publication number: 20120217716
    Abstract: A suspension of a vehicle axle is provided having a twist-beam axle that includes, but is not limited to two trailing arms, each of which have a wheel suspension and are interconnected via a cross brace with a torsion profile, which is designed stiff to bending and torsionally soft. The twist-beam axle connects to a Watt linkage of arrowed design, which articulates on the trailing arms laterally offset to an axis through a wheel center of the wheel suspension.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2012
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Dirk EHRLICH, Werner BRINKER
  • Publication number: 20120217715
    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: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Dirk EHRLICH, Oleg MAZUR, Juergen SIEBENEICK
  • Publication number: 20120211962
    Abstract: The invention relates to a bodywork of a motor vehicle comprising side members and a rear axle construction which is connected to the bodywork, the rear axle construction having means for attaching the rear axle construction to the bodywork and having a suspension, and the rear axle construction being configured as a torsion-beam axle or as a multi-link axle. The object to provide a generic bodywork of a motor vehicle with a rear axle construction which allows, in a financially favourable manner, a modular rear axle concept, i.e. the selective use of a torsion-beam axle or of a multi-link axle is achieved in that the bodywork has means for receiving the attachment means of a torsion-beam axle and of a multi-link axle and has means for receiving the attachment means and the suspension of a torsion-beam axle and of a multi-link axle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicants: ThyssenKrupp Automotive Systems GmbH, ThyssenKrupp Steel Europe AG
    Inventors: Kai Schmitz, Axel Grüneklee, Burkhard Schulze-Bergkamen, Michael Brenneis
  • Patent number: 8235405
    Abstract: A linkage for connecting a frame of a vehicle to an unsprung mass component of the vehicle, includes: a first portion connectable to the frame, the first portion includes a first toothed surface and a fourth rotatable connection; a second portion connectable to the unsprung mass component, the second portion includes a second toothed surface and a fifth rotatable connection; a third portion connectable to the first portion and the second portion, the third portion includes a sixth rotatable connection and a seventh rotatable connection, and where the first portion is rotatably connected to the second portion and configured to be rotatable between the first toothed surface and the second toothed surface, where the first toothed surface and the second toothed surface are configured to engage, where the fourth rotatable connection is connected to the seventh rotatable connection, where the fifth rotatable connection is connected to the sixth rotatable connection, and where the third portion is configured to con
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Inventor: Douglas Pokupec
  • Patent number: 8235403
    Abstract: A suspension system includes a frame mount assembly, a swing arm assembly and an air spring. The trailer includes a rail with top and bottom rail surfaces. The swing arm assembly is pivotally mounted to a pivot about a swing arm pivot axis located above the bottom rail surface when the suspension assembly is mounted to the trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Air Suspensions, Inc.
    Inventors: Ervin K. VanDenberg, David H. Croston
  • Patent number: 8226098
    Abstract: The suspension system of the present invention broadly comprises a method of retrofitting an existing torsion axle suspension carried by a frame with an air spring comprising the steps of removing an original torsion axle that was fixed to a frame from the frame and mounting the torsion axle to at least one rotatable arm such that rotation of the arm causes vertical translation of the original torsion axle. The suspension system also comprises a retrofit kit for use with a torsion axle suspension system having a torsion axle and a spindle comprising a hanger bracket adapted to be attachable to the frame, a pivot arm for mounting to the hanger bracket and adapted for rotatably supporting the existing torsion axle, an air spring, a support assembly secured to the pivot arm for supporting the air spring, and an attachment for securing the pivot arm to the support assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Air Suspensions, Inc.
    Inventors: Ervin K. VanDenberg, David H. Croston