Longitudinally Extending Swinging Support Arm (i.e., Leading Or Trailing Swing Arm) Patents (Class 280/124.128)
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Patent number: 7887073Abstract: The invention relates to as suspension unit for a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, having a rigid axle, comprising a longitudinal member or axle member having a suspension section, a support section and an axle receptacle section, wherein the suspension section is designed to be rotatably or pivotably articulatedly mounted on a frame element of the vehicle, the longitudinal member can be supported on the frame element by means of the support section, and the vehicle axle can be coupled to the axle receptacle section and to a hollow cylindrical element. The longitudinal member is formed from a cast or composite material and the hollow cylindrical element is formed from a weldable material. The hollow cylindrical element is arranged in the axle receptacle section and is connected to the longitudinal member in a form-fitting or force-fitting manner.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2007Date of Patent: February 15, 2011Assignee: SAF-Holland GmbHInventor: Olaf Drewes
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Patent number: 7883098Abstract: A spindle bracket for a torsion beam axle includes a main body and first and second flanges. The main body defines an assembly hole for a spindle to be disposed therein. Two first flanges extend from either side of the main body, and are configured to be seated on and attached to a trailer arm. At least one second flange extends from the center of the main body, and is also configured to be attached to the trailing arm. The first and second flanges are parallel to one another, and perpendicular to the main body.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2008Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Wonjae Lee
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Patent number: 7878290Abstract: A saddle riding type vehicle capable of making turns by leaning a vehicle body includes a pair of rear wheels provided at opposite sides of the vehicle body, a pair of support mechanisms arranged to support the pair of rear wheels to be movable, independently of each other, up and down about a pivot axis relative to the vehicle body, an engine disposed forward of the pivot axis to produce a drive force, a differential mechanism arranged to distribute the drive force of the engine to the pair of rear wheels and to absorb a rotating speed difference between the pair of rear wheels at a time of making a turn, the differential mechanism including drive shafts arranged between the engine and the pivot axis, a pair of shaft drive mechanisms provided for the pair of rear wheels, respectively, and arranged to transmit the drive force of the differential mechanism to the pair of rear wheels, and a pair of constant velocity universal joints provided for the pair of shaft drive mechanisms, respectively, each including aType: GrantFiled: December 7, 2009Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Eiichirou Tsujii, Masayuki Hirano, Takeshi Toyota, Sachiyo Hasegawa, Isao Fujii
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Patent number: 7871093Abstract: A torsion beam suspension includes a pair of lateral trailing members, each of which has a front end portion pivotally supported by a vehicle body and also has a rear end portion adapted to suspend wheels. The suspension also includes a torsion beam adapted to have an open face, in which a vehicle front side or a vehicle rear side thereof is opened, and arranged to extend in a lateral direction of a vehicle. Intermediate portions of the pair of trailing members are respectively bonded to corresponding end portions of the torsion beam. On an inner side wall of each of the trailing members, a patch member connecting a corresponding one of the trailing members to the torsion beam is disposed.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2006Date of Patent: January 18, 2011Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tetsu Ogawa, Shunsuke Kataoka
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Patent number: 7862059Abstract: A torsion beam axle includes a torsion beam, a plurality of trailing arms made of a material different from that of the torsion beam, and connecting tubes made of a material better than that of the trailing arms with respect to weldability with the torsion beam, and integrally coupled to the trailing arms at one end part thereof, and welded to the torsion beam at the other end part thereof. Thereby, the coupling force between the trailing arms and the torsion beam made of different materials can be improved.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2006Date of Patent: January 4, 2011Assignee: Austem Co., Ltd.Inventor: Jung-Min Ko
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Patent number: 7854437Abstract: A conversion assembly for enabling or improving wheelchair accessibility to a front-wheel-drive vehicle, wherein said assembly comprises rear suspension mountings for fixing to the structure of the vehicle in place of an existing rear suspension such that a portion of a floorpan of the vehicle of sufficient width to accommodate the width of a wheelchair can be lowered between said rear suspension mountings. A method of converting a front-wheel-drive vehicle to enable or improve wheelchair accessibility to the vehicle, the method including the steps of removing an existing rear suspension from the vehicle, installing rear suspension mountings to the vehicle, one at each side of the structure of the vehicle, and lowering a portion of the floorpan of the vehicle between said rear suspension mountings.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2008Date of Patent: December 21, 2010Inventor: Jeffrey Duncan Watters
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Patent number: 7854439Abstract: A suspension system of a coupled torsion beam axle type may include a torsion beam that is disposed in the width direction of a vehicle body, left/right trailing arms that are mounted on respective ends of the torsion beam to be extended in the rearward direction of the vehicle body, and a spindle block that is mounted on one end of each of the respective trailing arms and in which a spindle is integrally formed in the front end surface thereof for a wheel to be mounted.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2009Date of Patent: December 21, 2010Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Hoo Gwang Lee
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Patent number: 7854436Abstract: Axle lifting device for a vehicle, in particular for vehicle axles with pneumatic suspension, comprising a supporting element, a lifting element, and a lever element, the supporting element and the lever element being connectable to one another via the lifting element such that when the lifting element is actuated, the supporting element is supported on a frame element of the vehicle and the lever element exerts a preferably vertical force on an axle control arm of the vehicle in order to lift the axle control arm, and the lever element is mounted essentially in a stationary manner so as to be rotatable or pivotable with respect to a distal end of the axle control arm and/or the frame element, and the supporting element is rotatably or pivotably supported on the lever element.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2007Date of Patent: December 21, 2010Assignee: SAF-Holland, GmbHInventors: Helmut Hock, Harald Panke
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Patent number: 7854438Abstract: A trailing arm suspension system and method of manufacture wherein a tubular axle is formed with a central area and trailing arm attachment areas outboard of the central area. The axle central area and attachment areas have a substantially uniform outer surface diameter, and the wall thickness of the attachment areas is thicker/greater than the wall thickness of the central area. Inboard and outboard arm brackets are secured by welding to the axle arm attachment areas and trailing arms are secured, at one end thereof, between an inboard and an outboard arm bracket. At their other ends, the trailing arms are adapted to be pivotally secured to the vehicle. The arm brackets are secured to the axle by inserting the axle through an axle receiving hole in the brackets and providing a 360° weld bead at the interface between the axle and arm brackets.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2009Date of Patent: December 21, 2010Assignee: Tuthill CorporationInventor: Gregory A. Richardson
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Patent number: 7841607Abstract: A spring beam suspension system includes a hanger; a flexible spring beam extending between the hanger and an axle; and a generally U-shaped pivot bracket secured to the spring beam, the pivot bracket including opposing legs which are pivotably attached to the hanger. Another spring beam suspension system includes a lift actuator which lifts the axle by applying a biasing force to a portion of the spring beam which extends forward from the hanger. Yet another suspension system has a bushing secured in the hanger, whereby the beam pivots relative to the bushing.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2008Date of Patent: November 30, 2010Assignee: Watson & Chalin Manufacturing, Inc.Inventor: Cully B. Dodd
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Patent number: 7832745Abstract: A trailer wheel assembly for mounting on the rear of a trailer has a structure that reduces or prevents oscillations about a vertical axis arising during high speed towing. The structure includes dual wheels mounted on an axle, a resilient support, and a suspension arm extending rearwardly and downwardly from the resilient support to the axle for the wheels.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2008Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Inventor: Joseph J. Rauch, Jr.
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Patent number: 7832747Abstract: A pressure chamber of a gas spring damping unit is arranged within the cross section of a longitudinal beam in a motor vehicle body. For this purpose, a tubular connecting piece that is closed by a cover is welded into the longitudinal beam. A piston of the gas spring damping unit is arranged in longitudinally displaceable manner in the connecting piece. The space occupied by the gas spring damping unit is thereby kept particularly small.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2006Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventor: Jürgen Siebeneick
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Publication number: 20100264614Abstract: The cross-member (12) comprises first and second beam elements (20, 22) having an open cross-section and firmly secured to each other so as to enclose a closed cross-section chamber (32) having such shape and sizes as to provide the cross-member (12) with the desired torsional stiffness. A free edge (20a) of the first beam element (20) is firmly secured to the outer surface of an intermediate portion (22c) of the second beam element (22) and a free edge (22a) of the second beam element (22) is firmly secured to the inner surface of an intermediate portion (20b) of the first beam element (20). The two beam elements (20, 22) are advantageously made as stamped sheet metal pieces.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2008Publication date: October 21, 2010Applicant: SISTEMI SOSPENSIONI S.P.AInventors: Guido Borgna, Armando D'Aponte, Piero Monchiero, Andrea Santini
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Patent number: 7810603Abstract: A swing arm structure, in a shaft-driven vehicle, is configured and arranged compactly to minimize the size and weight thereof. A drive shaft of the vehicle is housed in a right arm portion of a swing arm. A front end of the drive shaft is connected to a powertrain output shaft via a universal joint. A pivot sleeve is disposed such that a central axis thereof is disposed downwardly and rearwardly of a central portion of the universal joint, and a front-end opening protrudes forwardly of the pivot sleeve. The central portion of the universal joint, having the largest diameter, is disposed forwardly of the center of a pivot shaft. This helps to keep the opening diameter small at the front of the right arm portion.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2007Date of Patent: October 12, 2010Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kenji Kofuji, Koichi Nozoe
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Publication number: 20100237579Abstract: A suspension unit comprises a hub about which a suspension arm is pivotable. The hub is secured to a vehicle chassis or hull by means of a connecting element. The connecting element has a flange provided with holes positioned to coincide with pre-existing holes on the vehicle hole or chassis. The suspension unit can thus be retro-fitted to a vehicle in place of an existing suspension unit of a different kind.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2009Publication date: September 23, 2010Applicant: Horstman Defence Systems LimitedInventor: Brian Stockford
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Publication number: 20100230923Abstract: A vehicle suspension system includes a pair of suspension assemblies mounted on a pair of spaced vehicle frame members for supporting a vehicle body on the vehicle wheels. A torsion axle extends between the pair of suspension assemblies and terminates in a pair of stub shafts. The axle is mounted on a pair of spaced frame brackets attached to the vehicle frame. An air spring extends between the vehicle frame and an outer end of a support arm pivotally mounted on each end of the torsion axle. The stub shafts are supported within an outer tube of the torsion axle by a plurality of elastomeric members. One end of each stub shaft is connected to a spindle arm which has a spindle extending from an opposite end of the arm.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 28, 2010Publication date: September 16, 2010Applicant: AIR SUSPENSIONS, INC.Inventors: ERVIN K. VANDENBERG, DAVID H. CROSTON
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Patent number: 7784805Abstract: A Progressive Compression Suspension is disclosed. The suspension operates to provide floating opposed mounting points for each end of the suspension's shock absorber. The bottom end of the shock absorber pivotally attaches to the lower suspension arm, and the upper end of the shock absorber pivotally attaches to a compression linkage. The compression linkage is pivotally attached to the vehicle frame or chassis, such that it rocks back forth when the suspension engages rough terrain and the top of the shock absorber works in opposition to the bottom of the shock absorber. The rocking of the compression linkage is created by an actuating linkage interconnecting the compression linkage and an eccentric arm extending inwardly towards the frame from the pivot point of the lower suspension arm.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2005Date of Patent: August 31, 2010Inventor: Dan Morgan
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Publication number: 20100207346Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2010Publication date: August 19, 2010Applicant: AIR SUSPENSIONS, INC.Inventors: Ervin K. VanDenberg, David H. Croston
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Patent number: 7775535Abstract: A suspension subassembly for securement to a heavy vehicle trailer includes a hanger bracket for a trailing arm, an air spring mounting bracket, a damper mounting bracket, and a connection member extending longitudinally between the hanger bracket and the damper mounting bracket. The damper mounting bracket is positioned intermediate the hanger bracket and the air spring mounting bracket.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2007Date of Patent: August 17, 2010Assignee: Meritor Heavy Vehicle Braking Systems (UK) LimitedInventors: Christopher Bluff, David Chen, Paul Bell, Shajimon Kaithan, Shaun Gillespie, Andrew Mathie, Martin Peaker
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Patent number: 7758056Abstract: A vehicle suspension system includes a pair of suspension assemblies mounted on a pair of spaced vehicle frame members for supporting a vehicle body on the vehicle wheels. A torsion axle extends between the pair of suspension assemblies and terminates in a pair of stub shafts. The axle is mounted on a pair of spaced frame bars attached to the vehicle frame. An air spring extends between the vehicle frame and an outer end of a support arm mounted on the torsion axle. The stub shafts are supported within an outer tube of the torsion axle by a plurality of elastomeric members. One end of each stub shaft is connected to a spindle arm which has a spindle extending from an opposite end of the arm. The outer tube of the torsion axle pivotally supports the air spring support arm and the axis of the torsion axle is coaxial with the pivot axis of the air spring support arm to provide a more compact and sturdy suspension assembly.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2008Date of Patent: July 20, 2010Assignee: Air Suspensions, Inc.Inventors: Ervin K. VanDenberg, David H. Croston
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Patent number: 7740255Abstract: A suspension beam with a captured axle is described, including a top and bottom plate, a pivot mount, and a spring mount, and side plates. Optional embodiments include an axle sleeve, multiple top and bottom plates, a u-shaped member in place of the side plates. The pivot mount includes a bush housing and a bush housing clamp. The side walls may be recessed, flush or outboard with respect to the top and bottom plates. The top and bottom plates are directly attached to the axle or axle sleeve, and to the pivot mount.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2007Date of Patent: June 22, 2010Assignee: Ridewell CorporationInventor: Mark Holt
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Patent number: 7726673Abstract: A trailing arm assembly for a suspension includes first and second axle wraps. The first and second axle wraps are welded to each other to substantially surround an outer perimeter of an axle member. The first axle wrap is then welded to one side of the axle member at a first weld area and the second axle wrap is welded to an opposite side of the axle member at a second weld area. The first axle wrap includes a spring seat and the second axle wrap includes an arm body with a bushing receiver portion at one arm end. A bushing tube attached to the bushing receiver portion. The first weld area comprises a single window weld and the second weld area comprises first and second window welds that are positioned on opposing sides of the arm body.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2007Date of Patent: June 1, 2010Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology, LLCInventors: Steven George Saieg, Craig Allen Holt
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Patent number: 7726674Abstract: A vehicle suspension system includes a pair of suspension assemblies mounted on a pair of spaced vehicle frame members for supporting a vehicle body on the vehicle wheels. A torsion axle extends between the pair of suspension assemblies and terminates in a pair of stub shafts. The axle is mounted on a pair of spaced frame brackets attached to the vehicle frame. An air spring extends between the vehicle frame and an outer end of a support arm pivotally mounted on each end of the torsion axle. The stub shafts are supported within an outer tube of the torsion axle by a plurality of elastomeric members. One end of each stub shaft is connected to a spindle arm which has a spindle extending from an opposite end of the arm.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2008Date of Patent: June 1, 2010Assignee: Air Suspensions, Inc.Inventors: Ervin K. VanDenberg, David H. Croston
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Patent number: 7722064Abstract: A non-torque reactive air suspension exhibiting excellent roll stability characteristics is shown to include frame hangers mounted to frame rails extending longitudinally on opposite sides of a vehicle. Longitudinally extending beams are connected to the frame hangers at one end and extend parallel to the frame rails. At their other ends, the beams are joined by a crossbrace extending laterally across the vehicle centerline. In a central portion thereof, the beams have an axle pivot bore to which an axle clamp assembly is connected, the axle clamp assembly clamping a drive axle housing for the vehicle. The axle pivot bore is generally aligned with the drive axle. A control rod assembly is connected to suspension or frame components. Together with the beams, the control rod assembly forms a parallelogram configuration wherein the beams form the lower linkages of that configuration and the control rods included within the control rod assembly form the upper linkages of that configuration.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2008Date of Patent: May 25, 2010Assignee: Hendrickson USA, L.L.C.Inventors: John Wayne Stuart, Pedro Ramses Banda Marquez
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Patent number: 7722062Abstract: A suspension system for a motor vehicle that controls torque reaction comprising a chassis, a rigid drive axle, an opposite axle, a road wheel attached to each end of each axle, at least one torque reaction control link positioned longitudinally of the motor vehicle between the road wheels, at least two longitudinal control arms attached proximate the road wheels, for longitudinal control of the drive axle, so that the at least one torque reaction control link has a longitudinal plane that extends longitudinally of the motor vehicle and whereby the effective projection lines of the at least two longitudinal control arms and the longitudinal plane of the at least one torque reaction control link intersect each other in the direction of the opposite axle, forming a convergent angle and that when a force moves the rigid drive axle vertically up the convergent angle does not increase.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2007Date of Patent: May 25, 2010Inventor: Gordon A. Dreher, Jr.
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Patent number: 7717526Abstract: A suspension system having an axle, at least a portion of which is made of a composite material. In a described embodiment, a suspension system includes an axle assembly which has a composite axle portion. Metal spindles are attached at each end of the axle for mounting wheels thereto. Two beams may be attached directly to the composite axle portion, to a sleeve overlying the composite axle portion, or to an axle seat attached to the sleeve or directly to the composite axle portion.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2003Date of Patent: May 18, 2010Assignee: Watson & Chalin Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Thomas N. Chalin, Cully B. Dodd, Herbert D. Hudson
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Publication number: 20100109264Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing different vehicle models in which in a comfort-oriented version a vehicle wheel is pivoted in a wheel guiding element of a wheel suspension. According to the invention, in a model with enhanced dynamics of vehicle motion, between the wheel guiding element and the vehicle wheel in the axial direction, an actuator is interposed for adjusting the camber and/or track of the vehicle wheel.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2009Publication date: May 6, 2010Applicant: Audi AGInventors: Christoph Kossira, Hugo Mueller, Wilfried Michel, Karl-Heinz Meitinger, Wolfgang Schmid
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Publication number: 20100102529Abstract: Each wheel (10, 14/20, 24) of the wheelchair (1) is fixed to a suspension arm (11,15/21, 25). A force transmitting device, for example a spring and damper of the wheelchair unit, directly connects two suspension arms situated on the same side of the wheeled conveyance, so that forces exerted on one of the wheels are transmitted to the other wheel. In this way, obstacles can more conveniently be overcome. A further advantage of the wheelchair is that it can be easily upscaled and driving properties can be adjusted according to a user's preferences.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 14, 2008Publication date: April 29, 2010Applicant: Invacare International SarlInventors: Horst Lindenkamp, Jens Farwer
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Patent number: 7703781Abstract: A low profile chassis and suspension system for a road vehicle. The chassis supports a payload section or cargo compartment, such as for a delivery truck, ambulance, or shuttle bus. The chassis includes a largely planar frame having a top surface which is located beneath the rotational axes of the rear wheels. The wheel suspension system is particularly compact and close to the road surface. In some embodiments each wheel is suspended from the vehicle by a pair of pivotal support arms. Preferably, one arm is located above the other arm, and both arms pivot along pivot axes that are generally perpendicular to the rotational axis of the supported wheel. A spring urges one of the arms apart from the frame. In other embodiments, the spring is placed beneath the rotational axis of the wheel. In some embodiments both of the pivoting support arms are located beneath the rotational axis of the wheel.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2008Date of Patent: April 27, 2010Assignee: Aloha, LLCInventors: Earl Dallas Smith, Judson Smith
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Patent number: 7686315Abstract: A wheel drive assembly and suspension for a vehicle wheel includes a spindle, a wheel drive shaft that rotates relative to the spindle about an axis of rotation, and an electric motor that has a motor output shaft for driving the wheel drive shaft. A motor housing encloses a speed reducing planetary gear set that is driven by the motor output shaft. The motor output shaft and the wheel drive shaft are co-axial. A suspension arm extends in a direction transverse to the axis of rotation. The suspension arm includes a pivot end attached to a vehicle structure and an attachment end that is rigidly attached to the motor housing such that the electric motor is a structural part of the suspension.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2006Date of Patent: March 30, 2010Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology, LLCInventor: Dennis A. Kramer
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Publication number: 20100066050Abstract: A suspension arm includes a shaft having a free end extending from an end of the suspension arm and a base end embedded within the said end of the suspension arm, and this shaft is configured to be press fitted into a tubular member of a compliance bush assembly. An opening is formed in the said end of the suspension arm that allows an anvil to be inserted therein to engage the base end of the shaft so that the force of a press fitting process is prevented from affecting the remaining part of the suspension arm. Thus, the press fitting process can be facilitated because very little effort is required to place the suspension arm ready for a press fitting process, and the fixture for holding the suspension arm during a press fitting process can be simplified.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2008Publication date: March 18, 2010Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Naoya Miyawaki
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Patent number: 7669866Abstract: A suspension trailing arm suspends a vehicle chassis from a beam type axle. The trailing arm includes a chassis mounting feature, an axle mounting feature, and an arm portion intermediate the chassis mounting feature and the axle mounting feature. The arm portion has a generally X-section profile with four limbs.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2006Date of Patent: March 2, 2010Assignee: Meritor Heavy Vehicles Systems LimitedInventors: Martin Peaker, David Chan
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Patent number: 7665750Abstract: A trunnion air ride suspension system. In one example, a trunnion suspension system includes a trunnion beam pivotably mounted to a hanger bracket, and an axle pivotably mounted to the trunnion beam. A brake actuator is secured to the axle and pivotably mounted to the trunnion beam, so that the brake actuator pivots with the axle relative to the trunnion beam. In another example, a trunnion suspension system includes a trunnion beam pivotably mounted to a hanger bracket, the trunnion beam having a longitudinally extending cylindrical portion positioned between two generally vertical plate portions. An axle is pivotably mounted to the cylindrical portion by a bushed connection, the bushed connection being retained longitudinally between the plate portions.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2005Date of Patent: February 23, 2010Assignee: Watson & Chalin Maufacturing, Inc.Inventor: Gregory Jordan
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Patent number: 7641209Abstract: A conversion assembly for enabling or improving wheelchair accessibility to a front-wheel-drive vehicle, wherein said assembly comprises rear suspension mountings for fixing to the structure of the vehicle in place of an existing rear suspension such that a portion of a floorpan of the vehicle of sufficient width to accommodate the width of a wheelchair can be lowered between said rear suspension mountings. A method of converting a front-wheel-drive vehicle to enable or improve wheelchair accessibility to the vehicle, the method including the steps of removing an existing rear suspension from the vehicle, installing rear suspension mountings to the vehicle, one at each side of the structure of the vehicle, and lowering a portion of the floorpan of the vehicle between said rear suspension mountings.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2004Date of Patent: January 5, 2010Inventor: Jeffrey Duncan Watters
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Publication number: 20090315291Abstract: The trailing arm (10) comprises a beam-like mounting structure (32) and a plurality of components separate from each other and securely connected, directly or indirectly, to the mounting structure (32) to perform each a specific function, namely a first component (38, 40) for the mounting of a first bush (20) for articulated connection of the trailing arm (10) to the vehicle structure, a second component (42) for support of a wheel-carrying spindle; a third component (50, 56) for the mounting of a second bush (22) for articulated connection of the trailing arm (10) to a first rod (12), a fourth component (58) for the mounting of a third bush (24) for articulated connection of the trailing arm (10) to a second rod (12), a fifth component (28) for support of a spring, a sixth component (64) for connection of the trailing arm (10) to a shock absorber (16), and a seventh component (66) for connection of the trailing arm (10) to a torsion bar (18).Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2007Publication date: December 24, 2009Applicant: SISTEMI SOSPENSIONI S.p.AInventors: Armando D'Aponte, Michele Spina
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Patent number: 7635138Abstract: An integrated rear suspension assembly is fixedly secured to a transmission case, rear wheel carriers and frame rails of a motor vehicle. The integrated rear suspension assembly includes a plurality of trailing arms having first and second ends. Each of the first ends is secured to one of the frame rails and each of the second ends is secured to each of the rear wheel carriers. A plurality of control arms is pivotally secured to each of the plurality of trailing arms for controlling the plurality of trailing arms. A compound link member having opposing ends is attached to each of the plurality of trailing arms. The integrated rear suspension assembly also includes a transmission cross member that is fixedly secured to each of the frame rails.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2004Date of Patent: December 22, 2009Assignee: Magna International, Inc.Inventors: Christian Imre, James P. O'Connor, Gianfranco Gabbianelli
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Publication number: 20090302567Abstract: A duplex trailing arm chassis support system has two longitudinal trailing arm members disposed on respective sides of the vehicle chassis and a structurally connecting cross member joining the two trailing arms to couple the movement of the two respective arms. Resilient cushioning members extend between each of the trailing arms and the underside of the vehicle chassis or between the connecting member and the vehicle chassis to provide resilient support to the vehicle chassis. Each trailing arm carries a wheel axle having wheels on both ends of the axle, each of the wheel axles being pivotally mounted to its respective trailing arm for rotational movement about the longitudinal axis of the trailing arm, allowing the axles to rock from side to side.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2009Publication date: December 10, 2009Inventor: JOHN STUART GREGG
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Patent number: 7618049Abstract: A vehicle suspension includes trailing arm assemblies that have one end pivotally mounted to a first suspension rail, an opposite end with an air spring support formed with the trailing arm, and an axle mount portion that is mounted to an axle beam. A Panhard arm provides lateral stiffness and includes a first pivotal connection to the trailing arm and a second pivotal connection to a second suspension rail laterally spaced from the first suspension rail.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2006Date of Patent: November 17, 2009Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology, LLCInventors: Tomaz Dopico Varela, Xinyu Wen, Kou Yang, Ragnar H. Ledesma
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Patent number: 7607670Abstract: Provided are wedging and clamping mechanisms for securing an axle to a suspension member. The suspension member has a integral axle shell for seating the axle to be attached. An axle wedging shell is provided which mates to the axle shell via aligning angled grooves and flanges which, as the flanges are forced into the grooves, creates a significant clamping force trapping the axle in place. The orientation and placement of angled grooves and flanges varies through several embodiments. Some embodiments alternately use a retention plate. Adhesive may be applied to the axle and the inner surfaces of the axle shell and wedge member to limit axle twist or rotation.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2006Date of Patent: October 27, 2009Assignee: Ridewell CorporationInventors: John Raidel, II, Bruce Barton, Mark Holt
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Patent number: 7597335Abstract: A control arm for the wheel suspension of a motor vehicle with an arm body 1 made of at least one sheet metal part and at least one pivotal point for connection to a fixing point on the vehicle body side is introduced, whereby the pivotal point is designed as a circular mounting bushing 2 for an elastic bearing element 3. According to the present invention, the wall of the mounting bushing 2 is molded in one piece with the arm body 1 and consists of a bearing area 4 having a ring-shaped design as well as a mounting strap 5 fixed on the arm body 1.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2005Date of Patent: October 6, 2009Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventor: Frank Nachbar
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Patent number: 7588260Abstract: A control arm assembly for a suspension system of a vehicle includes a control arm having a triangular shape for connection to vehicle structure and a beam axle of the vehicle. The control arm assembly also includes a plurality of bushings connected to the control arm and for connection to the vehicle structure and the beam axle of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2005Date of Patent: September 15, 2009Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Jose M. Lopez, Wallace T. Hall
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Patent number: 7588261Abstract: An axle that rotatably supports a wheel is elastically coupled to trailing arms of a motor vehicle via an upper connecting point and first and second lower connecting points, where the trailing arms are elastically coupled to a body of the vehicle. The first and second lower connecting points are positioned lower than the upper connecting point and are mutually arranged to open a gap in a front-to-rear direction of the vehicle. The first and second lower connecting points have elastic members and are arranged so that principal elastic axes of their respective elastic members intersect at a location that is outside, in the lateral direction of the vehicle, of a grounding point of the wheel. In this manner, the running stability can be increased without relying on the rigidity of the elastic members, resulting in increased freedom in design of the elastic members.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2006Date of Patent: September 15, 2009Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoshinori Kawanobe, Masahiko Nishida
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Patent number: 7578512Abstract: The present invention relates to a suspension device for the load-bearing and resilient support of a wheel in a motor vehicle. The device comprises at least one spring cylinder with a piston which is guided in a manner moveable relative to it in a pressure cylinder. A driving device converts pivoting movement of a wheel oscillating-crank supporting arm, which movement oscillates about an oscillating-crank axis into the relative movements between the pressure cylinder and the piston. The piston acts counter to an elastically compressible spring medium in order to produce a load-bearing supporting spring force. The driving device is designed as a gearwheel mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2008Date of Patent: August 25, 2009Assignee: Hemscheidt Fahrwerktechnik GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Walter Runkel
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Patent number: 7575243Abstract: A vehicle suspension structure includes a frame member having a first side portion and a bottom portion. The bottom portion extends in a first direction relative to the first side portion. The structure also includes a suspension mounting member attached to the first side portion of the frame member. The suspension mounting member extends in a second direction that is opposite of the first direction. The structure also includes a support bracket attached to the bottom portion of the frame member and the suspension mounting member. The structure further includes a suspension member rotatably coupled to the suspension mounting member and supporting a vehicle wheel.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2006Date of Patent: August 18, 2009Assignee: Nissan Technical Center North America, Inc.Inventor: Nobuyuki Takahashi
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Patent number: 7571917Abstract: A suspension arm for a vehicle wheel suspension having an intended breakpoint is described. The suspension arm is provided on a first end with a stub axle for receiving a vehicle wheel, and on at least one second end with the hole for receiving a fastener for fastening a bearing to connect the suspension arm to a subframe of a vehicle body. The suspension arm has an intended breakpoint designed to fail because of strain overload due to deformation during an accident, and the intended breakpoint is designed in such a way that the fastener breaks out of the hole.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2007Date of Patent: August 11, 2009Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftInventors: Ulrich Ruehe, Stefan Reich
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Patent number: 7566063Abstract: A wheel suspension system for suspending wheels rotatably supported by axle members for a vehicle is comprised of a pair of trailing arms which extends in a vehicle longitudinal direction and are connected to the axle members, respective; a pair of torsion bar cases which extend in a vehicle lateral direction and whose lateral outside portion is connected to the trailing arm; a pair of torsion bars which are connected to lateral inside portions of the torsion bar cases and whose lateral outside portions are connected to a vehicle body; and a connecting beam which extends in the vehicle lateral direction and connects the pair of torsion bar cases.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2005Date of Patent: July 28, 2009Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Toshiyuki Oki, Takuya Murakami, Michihito Hirahara, Akira Yamaguchi
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Patent number: 7559400Abstract: A low profile chassis and suspension system for a road vehicle. The chassis supports a payload section or cargo compartment, such as for a delivery truck, ambulance, or shuttle bus. The chassis includes a largely planar frame having a top surface which is located beneath the rotational axes of the rear wheels. The wheel suspension system is particularly compact and close to the road surface. A trailing arm-type wheel support supports a stub axle in a cantilevered fashion. A spring urges the wheel support apart from the frame. A planar portion of the wheel support, the wheel support pivot joints, and the spring are located beneath the rotational axis of the wheel. In another embodiment, the frame includes a recessed pocket which facilitates use of ramp for wheel chair access.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2005Date of Patent: July 14, 2009Assignee: Aloha, LLCInventor: Earl Dallas Smith
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Patent number: 7556111Abstract: An in-wheel drive unit suspension device suspends an in-wheel drive unit disposed inside a wheel on a vehicle body. The in-wheel drive unit suspension device has a longitudinally extending first arm member and a vertically extending vertical member. The first arm member has a in-wheel drive unit attachment portion pivotally attached to an outer circumferential portion of an in-wheel drive unit at a position radially spaced apart from a rotational center of the in-wheel drive unit, and a vehicle body attachment portion pivotally attached to the vehicle body so that the in-wheel drive unit is movable in a vehicle vertical direction with respect to a vehicle body. The vertical member has a first part of the vertical member attached to the outer circumferential portion of the in-wheel drive unit and a second part of the vertical member attached to the vehicle body to guide the in-wheel drive unit in the vehicle vertical direction.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2006Date of Patent: July 7, 2009Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Toshikazu Oshidari
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Patent number: 7556272Abstract: A twist axle suspension for an automotive vehicle comprises first and second trailing arms, each having a front end and a rear end joined by an intermediate portion providing a weld site. The front ends of the trailing arms have pivots pivoted to the body of the automotive vehicle and the rear ends of the trailing arms support spring and damped rear wheels of the automotive vehicle. A perforated twist axle having first and second end sections abuts and is welded to the trailing arms at the weld sites. An arcuate apex portion joins the perforated walls to provide the twist axle with a V-shaped cross section having a shear center line disposed above the arcuate portion, the shear center being spaced a selected distance H above the axes about which the trailing arms pivot.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2005Date of Patent: July 7, 2009Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventor: Jacek Marchel
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Publication number: 20090160152Abstract: An independently suspended, driven axle shaft set in which the axle shafts are driven by a differential which is rigidly connected to the body of the motor vehicle by a rearward torque arm, whereby powerhop is mitigated thereby. Where the axle shafts are torsionally asymmetric with respect to each other, the differential is a limited slip differential and the relative torsional stiffness therebetween is different by a ratio substantially between about 1.4 to 1 and about 2.0 to 1, wherein powerhop is mitigated synergistically by both the rearward torque arm and the asymmetric axle shafts.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2008Publication date: June 25, 2009Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: David W. Mikels, David M. Caldwell, Young-Jin Seo