Abstract: A suspension system for a vehicle includes a support structure of a wheel having a forward rolling axis. The suspension system includes a first link rotatably secured at an inner end to the vehicle and in communication with the support structure of wheel at an outer end. The suspension system includes a second link rotatably secured at an inner end to the vehicle and in communication with the support structure of the wheel at an outer end. The system also includes a shock absorber having a first end in communication with one of the first link or the second link and a second end rotatably secured to the vehicle. The shock absorber is compressible to allow the support structure of the wheel to absorb impact forces imparted thereto during travel. The shock absorber is located along a longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to devices for an air ride suspension system for one or two axle light duty trailers. More specifically, this invention relates a novel air ride suspension system for light duty trailers that eliminates the need for leaf springs, dissipates normal road vibrations, dramatically reduces the stress on trailers and their fixtures and can be sold and installed in kit form for either above or below axle mounting.

Abstract: An arrangement for mounting a flexible-bladder air spring to a mounting plate. A first end-plate of a flexible-bladder air spring has a retention projection fixedly attached to it and the retention projection defines a retention recess into itself in directions parallel to the first end-plate of the flexible-bladder air spring. A mounting plate is abutted against the first end-plate and the retention projection mounted to the first end-plate is disposed within a projection recess defined in the mounting plate. A retention pin extends through a pin recess defined through the mounting plate and the retention pin extends into the retention recess defined by the retention projection attached to the first end-plate of the flexible-bladder air spring.

Abstract: A suspension apparatus of a multi-axle vehicle capable of realizing high traveling stability is provided. For this purpose, the suspension apparatus forms a quadric link structure (31) by a vehicle body (9), a front link (21) with an upper end portion being connected to the vehicle body with a pin and a lower end portion being in a vicinity of a front axle, a rear link (22) with an upper end portion being connected to the vehicle body with a pin and a lower end portion located in a vicinity of a rear axle, and a connecting link (1) for connecting portions in vicinities of respective lower end portions of the front and rear links, and a side length at a side of the connecting link is made shorter than a side length at a vehicle body side.

Abstract: A steerable lift axle/suspension system for a heavy-duty vehicle such as a semi-trailer or a straight truck, includes a pair of steering dampers and a backup lock. The steering dampers minimize shimmy of the steerable wheels during over-the-road operation of the vehicle, and straighten the wheels on such steerable axle/suspension systems having a lift feature when the system is raised. The backup lock secures the wheels in a straightened position when such liftable systems are raised and the vehicle is backing up, to minimize vehicle handling problems. The steering dampers and backup lock are mounted at a location off the axle tube of the axle and on the axle/suspension system beams, to eliminate stress on the axle that would otherwise be caused by welded attachment of such components to the axle tube, thereby enabling use of a less robust, more lightweight axle tube.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An improved wheeled support assembly for a trailer spraying device including a tank for liquid to be sprayed mounted on a main frame of the device, and a spray assembly adapted to spray liquid from the tank in a predetermined pattern through a spray boom projecting from both sides of the frame. Two large wheels are mounted on each side of the main frame by a rigid wheel adapting frame fixed to the main frame that comprises two elongate support members each spaced from a different one of the sides of the main frame to provide wheel clearance spaces between those elongate support members and the sides of the main frame.

Abstract: A rear suspension system of an automotive vehicle is disclosed. A trailing arm is disposed in a lengthwise direction of a vehicle body, and a mounting bush secures a leading end portion of the trailing arm to the vehicle body. A protrusion member protrudes from an outside circumference of the mounting bush. A coupling means is provided on the leading end portion of the trailing arm, for making the length of the protrusion member varied in accordance with an external force imposed on the trailing arm. Thus, the wheel alignment is maintained at the tow-in during a braking or turning, and therefore, the vehicle posture is stabilized during the braking or turning.

Abstract: A suspension system for the main frame of a large dump truck having laterally spaced frame members (10) each associated with a wheel mounting hub (12) the system comprising, for each hub (12), a hollow forward attachment arm (20) supported by a bearing block (21) having a longitudinal journal (23) and a transverse journal (22), the longitudinal journal (23) receiving the attachment arm (20) and the transverse journal (22) receiving the ends of a shaft rigidly secured to the frame members (10) and extending therebetween to define a cross member and a vertically compliant suspension strut comprising a cylinder (41) rigidly attached to a support (28) secured to the frame member (10) and receiving a piston (40) attached to a rear extension (42) from the hub (12) via a bearing which allows each hub (12) to rotate about longitudinal and transverse axes relative to the respective frame member (10).

Abstract: A suspension assembly has a pair of suspension arms, namely a forward suspension arm and a rear suspension arm. Each suspension arm is pivotally mounted on a housing containing spring means associated with each of the suspension arms. A wheel hub assembly is mounted at an outer end of each suspension arm. An inner end of each suspension arm is connected by a pivot shaft with a lower end of an associated lever arm mounted within the housing. An upper end of the lever arm is connected to the spring means. The spring means opposes pivotal movement of the suspension arm away from a neutral position. Mounting flanges on the housing allow the assembly to be bolted to a floor of a vehicle and adjusted for correct alignment on the vehicle.

Abstract: A heavy-duty vehicle suspension assembly is provided that includes an axle assembly having opposing suspension arm mounting faces. A pair of modular suspension arm assemblies are secured to the axle assembly with the suspension arm assemblies extending outwardly from the axle assembly in opposite directions from one another. Each suspension arm assembly includes a first arm portion having a first end secured to the mounting face and extending to a second end. A second arm portion is secured to the second end and has a spring seat with a spring supported on each of the spring seats of the suspension arm assemblies for damping forces transmitted through the axle assembly. The first and second arm portions include mounting surfaces that overlap one another in a plurality of positions to permit the arm portions to be secured to one another in a plurality of configurations that accommodate numerous spring heights and pinion angles. The first and second arm portions may be constructed as separate castings.

Abstract: An integrated semi-independent suspension and drivetrain system including a swing arm with a swing mount, an axle assembly rotatable along a transverse axle rotation axis, an axle carrier for mounting the axle assembly, the axle carrier being rotatably mounted to the swing arm, a driven sprocket, a drive sprocket, a flexible coupling mechanically linking the driven sprocket to the drive sprocket, a roll movement device for allowing the flexible coupling to maintain the mechanical link between the driven and drive sprockets as the driven sprocket rolls about the suspension roll axis, and at least two shock mounts for mounting a shock absorber or a spring, the two shock mounts being positioned along sides of the axle carrier flanking the suspension roll axis at a distance away from the suspension roll axis. In another embodiment, the transverse axle rotation axis of the axle assembly is elevated above the suspension roll axis.

Abstract: A truck axle assembly has a pair of transversely spaced longitudinally extending swing arms each attachable adjacent one end to a truck chassis for pivotal movement relative thereto about a transverse axis. Each swing arm has an axle mounting bracket detachably secured thereto adjacent an opposite end thereof, and each axle mounting bracket has a transverse portion extending across the swing arm and a pair of transversely spaced attachment portions extending from the transverse portion on opposite sides of the swing arm and detachable secured thereto. An axle extends transversely across the swing arms adjacent the opposite ends thereof and detachably secured to the mounting brackets. Each axle mounting bracket also supports a brake actuating member for a brake mechanism mounted on an adjacent end of the axle.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system having first and second trailing arms (10), each trailing arm (10) being mounted to the vehicle adjacent its forward end (14) for pivotal movement about a transverse axis of the vehicle, one trailing arm (10) being located adjacent one side of the vehicle and adapted adjacent its trailing end (22) to support a first wheel of a vehicle and the other trailing arm (10) being located adjacent the other side of the vehicle and adapted adjacent its trailing end (22) to support a second wheel of the vehicle, the first and second wheels being located on a transverse axis of the vehicle, a torsion beam (24) being provided to control lateral separation of the trailing arms (10), and a pair of dynamic beams (30) being secured at their forward and rearward ends longitudinally of the vehicle, one dynamic beam (30) being located in juxtaposed relationship with each of the trailing arms (10), each trailing arm (10) being connected adjacent its trailing end (22) to the adjacent dynamic beam (10),

Abstract: An improved suspension system is disclosed for a personal mobility vehicle comprising an arm assembly pivotably mounted to a fame section. A wheel assembly is connected to the arm assembly. A spring is interposed between the arm assembly and the second frame section for resiliently suspending the wheel assembly relative to the frame section. In one example of the invention, the frame section comprises a rigid frame section of the personal mobility vehicle. In another example of the invention, the frame section comprises a resilient leaf spring resiliently suspending the assembly of the personal mobility vehicle. In another example of the invention, a resilient coil spring interposed between the arm assembly the resilient leaf spring for providing a multiple resilient suspension for the wheel assembly.

Abstract: A suspension for a vehicle includes an upper A-arm and a lower A-arm. A leg with an axis is rotatably connected to both the upper A-arm and the lower A-arm. A mechanical link is rotatably connected to the leg so that movement of the mechanical link applies rotational force to the leg to cause the leg to rotate about the axis.

Abstract: A skid steer loader has a chassis with spring-loaded suspensions that are pivotally coupled to the chassis closer to the center of gravity than the wheels. The suspensions include fore-and-aft extending swing arms that pivot about a lateral axis with respect to the chassis. A torsion spring such as a torsion bar is coupled to the control arm to provide torsional support for the suspension. The torsion spring is anchored to the chassis nearer the center of gravity than the point where the swing arm is coupled to the chassis.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system comprising a frame and a pair of levers carried by the frame. Each lever is pivotally mounted for swinging movement on an axis extending transverse to the frame. A pair of forward-extending beams and rearward-extending beams have pivot connections with a respective lever and support a forward and rearward axle. Two forward springs and two rearward springs are each interposed between the beams and the frame. A pair of torque arms is carried by the frame forward of the forward-extending beams. Each torque arm has a first pivot connection with a respective beam and a second pivot connection with the frame forward of the first pivot connection with the beam. The torque arms function to restrict pivotal movement of the beams about their respective pivot connections with the levers thereby to reduce torsional forces applied to the forward axle.

Abstract: A self-propelled harvesting machine, especially a pick-up chopper, for picking up and chopping harvested material, such as corn, green crops, etc., including a machine frame, a horizontally situated floating axle arranged parallel to a direction of travel of the machine, and a rear axle constructed as a steerable, rigid axle and supported on the machine frame so that it can be swivelled about the floating axle. The rear axle includes an axle body supported with shock absorption on the machine frame so that it can move up and down relative to the machine frame. The machine also includes a swiveling axle arranged parallel to the floating axle, a transverse swinging fork overlapping the axle body and hinged to the machine frame about the swiveling axle with the axle body being mounted on the transverse swinging fork, a spring element and a damping element. The transverse swinging fork is supported at a free end on the machine frame by the spring element and the damping element.

Abstract: An independent steerable air suspension system includes a torsional member to interconnect independent longitudinally extending suspension arms. The torsional member ties together the suspension arms to minimize side loads upon an air spring to increase vehicle roll stiffness. Bending moment due to the wheel load offset, braking, and other side-skid loads are transmitted through the suspension arms and the torsional member. In another embodiment, the suspension system includes an additional lateral support member which provides a rigid square-shaped suspension system which further increases rigidity.

Abstract: The offset axle for buses has a housing in which a differential is located, said differential being connected to two axle shafts; and a suspension for connecting the housing to the vehicle. Said suspension has single or multiple part spring carriers which consist of corelessly, completely cast metal. Humps can be provided in the area of the curvature between the spring element and the housing in order to increase strength.

Abstract: An axle assembly for a vehicle or a trailer includes an outer housing, an axle shaft and a plurality of bushings. The axle shaft is a single piece unitary construction which includes an activator shaft portion, a trailing arm portion and a spindle portion. The outer housing is adapted to be secured to the frame of the vehicle or trailer while the spindle portion is adapted to support a wheel assembly of the vehicle or trailer. Another embodiment has a single piece unitary axle which includes an activator shaft portion and a trailing arm portion. A spindle is secured to the trailing arm portion to complete the axle assembly.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension assembly having a compact design and low center of gravity application. The suspension assembly includes a first link arm including a plurality of spaced pivot interfaces. A second link arm is coupled to a second pivot interface of the first link arm spaced from a first pivot interface adapted to coupled to a swing arm assembly. A shock absorber is coupled to the first link arm at a third pivot interface which is spaced from the first and second pivot interfaces with the second pivot interface positioned between the first and third pivot interfaces and the second link arm and shock absorber are coupled to a vehicle frame in stacked relation to provide a suspension assembly with a low center of gravity and small moment of inertia for moving linkages.

Abstract: A shock absorbing suspension system for a lightweight, bicycle pulled trailer, fitted to the frame of a light weight trailer. The trailer suspension system includes a pair of shock absorbers each mounted to cushion the trailer and its contents, which can be a passenger. The suspension system mounts to a trailer frame that has a shock base and an arm base. The shock base includes a shock base pivot and the arm base includes an arm base pivot. A wheel arm attaches to the arm base of the trailer frame. The wheel arm includes a hub end and a pivot end, and the pivot end hingably connects to the arm base pivot. A wheel hub is received into the wheel arm proximate the hub end of the wheel arm. An arm shock bearing is positioned on the wheel arm. A shock, for dampening the hinging of the wheel arm about the arm base pivot, is mounted between the trailer frame and the wheel arm. The shock includes a base bearing and an arm bearing.

Abstract: A suspension for a heavy duty vehicle is provided that includes a frame. A lower linkage is supported by the frame at a first pivotal connection. A drive axle assembly is supported by a lower linkage at a second pivotal connection. The drive axle assembly includes an input shaft defining a pinion angle. An upper linkage interconnects the drive axle assembly and the frame at third and fourth pivotal connections, respectively. The upper linkage includes an adjustment member, such as a turnbuckle, for modifying the length of the upper linkage to obtain a predetermined pinion angle. In this manner, the pinion angle may be adjusted upon assembly of the suspension system. Furthermore, by permitting the drive axle assembly to pivotally move relative to the linkages, the pinion angle may be maintained during suspension movement.

Abstract: A trailing arm is provided that comprises: a first coupling member connectable with a vehicle body; a second coupling member connectable with a wheel assembly; and a plurality of connecting beams for connecting the first and second coupling members together. Each of the connecting arms are angled with respect to a longitudinal direction of the trailing arm such that the connecting arms cross paths, or cooperatively form an X-shape, as they diagonally connect the first and second coupling members together.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension and a control arm therefor are provided. The control arm includes first and second members each defining a recess corresponding to a portion of the outer surface of a vehicle axle. The members are welded or otherwise coupled together to surround at least a majority of the axle thereby enabling installation of the control arm without sliding the arm onto the axle. Each of the members includes a pair of sidewalls and a lateral wall joining, and integral with, the sidewalls. The sidewalls are angled relative to an axis of the axle to provide sufficient clearance for a spring assembly mounted to the control arm and centering of spring loads. The two sidewalls of one member may further include aligned apertures configured to receive a tube on which a shock absorber may be mounted. The tube enables strong and accurate mounting of the shock absorber.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension and alignment device therefor is provided. The suspension includes a suspension control arm connected to an axle of the vehicle and having one end pivotally connected to a bracket extending from a frame of the vehicle. The end of the control arm is capable of rotation about a first axis extending transverse to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The suspension further includes a thrust washer disposed between one wall of the bracket and the end of the suspension control arm and a fastener that extends through the bracket, the washer, and the end of the suspension control arm. The washer is configured for engagement by a tool used to rotate the washer and cause movement of the suspension control arm relative to the bracket to thereby align the suspension and a vehicle axle.

Abstract: The subject of the present invention is an axle system for the articulated arrangement of vehicle axles in motor vehicles, comprising an axle strut body (1) and at least one joint body (2), with said axle strut body (1) having recesses (7, 8) that are formed in the end regions (5, 6) to receive the joint body (2). To create an axle system that can be produced cost-effectively and without additional work steps and that has a low rate of wear even under high dynamic and static loads, the present invention proposes that the axle strut body (1) and the joint bodies (2) each be made as a one-piece closed hollow section, with the joint bodies (2) being pivot type and set into the recesses of the axle strut body (1) in a form-fit and/or friction-locked manner.

Abstract: A stabilizing strut, in particular for a chassis of a vehicle, in particular a Watt strut, is described, said strut having an elongate strut body which is designed as a profile. The strut body is formed as a profile which is open on one side at least in some sections along its longitudinal direction and the two longitudinal edges of which are connected integrally to each other at least in some sections axially to give a closed profile. Furthermore, a method for producing a stabilizing strut of this type is described.

Abstract: A tilting trailer suspension which has forwardly disposed, independent swingarms pivotally attached to a trailer main platform and a second u-shaped perimeter frame attached to the rear portion of the swingarms and extending over the swingarms converging at a latching point on the trailer tongue. Each swingarm has a stub axle mounted at its forward end for wheel attachment. A spring is mounted between the forward end of each swingarm and the perimeter frame to provide suspension. Tilting is accomplished by unlatching the u-shaped perimeter frame from the tongue portion of the main frame and raising it so that the swingarms pivot about the connection to the main frame. The rearward end of the trailer platform drops to the ground at a low angle, while the u-shaped perimeter frame assumes an upwardly extending attitude.

Abstract: A suspension system connects a wheel axle to a vehicle frame and includes a trailing arm connected at one end to the wheel axle. A pair of extension members are connected to the other end of the trailing arm and extend laterally in opposite directions along a pivot axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the arm. A pair of supports extend along the pivot axis and are connected to the frame and rotatably connected to the extension member to permit pivotal movement of the trailing arm with respect to the frame about the pivot axis. The supports and extension members are dimensioned to provide a gap between the supports and extension members. A pair of resiliently deformable bearing members are interposed between the extension members and the supports in the gap. The gap and the bearing members are of sufficient width to permit limited rotational movement of the axle with respect to the frame about a vertical axis.

Abstract: A wheel suspension system for a vehicle includes a vehicle wheel having a wheel rim and a tire secured to the wheel rim. The wheel is secured to a frame portion of the vehicle by a spindle assembly. The spindle assembly includes a wheel carrier arm pivotally secured thereto at a pivot point, such that said wheel and said wheel carrier arm rotate together about an axis of rotation defined by said pivot point. The wheel carrier arm is in communication with a shock absorption device. The shock absorption device is located within a space defined by the wheel, such that the shock absorption spring device is hidden when the vehicle wheel is viewed from a side direction. The shock absorption spring device compresses upon an impact force contacting said vehicle wheel. In the most compact form, the wheel carrier arm and the shock absorbing spring device is packaged within the wheel rim volume such that both are hidden when the vehicle wheel is viewed from a front direction.

Abstract: A suspension system for a vehicle includes a support structure of a wheel having a forward rolling axis. The suspension system includes a first link rotatably secured at an inner end to the vehicle and in communication with the support structure of wheel at an outer end. The suspension system includes a second link rotatably secured at an inner end to the vehicle and in communication with the support structure of the wheel at an outer end. The system also includes a shock absorber having a first end in communication with one of the first link or the second link and a second end rotatably secured to the vehicle. The shock absorber is compressible to allow the support structure of the wheel to absorb impact forces imparted thereto during travel. The shock absorber is located along a longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

Abstract: A shock controlled ladder bar system illustratively includes a ladder bar connected to a vehicle frame through a shackle, for improving the traction capabilities of the vehicle. A shock absorber may also be connected to the shackle at one end and the vehicle frame at the opposing end. The shackle may be pivotally connected to the frame to allow the shackle to rotate and transfer loads from the ladder bar to the shock absorber, to thereby soften the ride of the vehicle. A locking pin may be used to lock the shackle in place with respect to the ladder bar and vehicle frame to more completely transfer forces from the ladder bar to the frame for obtaining improved traction during racing competitions. The locking pin may simply be removed from the shackle to allow forces from the ladder bar to be transmitted to the shock absorber once again for softer rides in traditional non-racing use.

Abstract: The invention concerns a vehicle (1) wheel suspension (8), of the trailer type with a steering axle (2, 3), including an axle support arm (9), mounted pivoting, at one (10) of its ends, on a fork (11) directly mounted on a support structure (1, 2) of the member controlling (5) the axle (2, 3) and cooperating at its opposite end (14) with a damper (13) urged to be inserted between the arm (9) the support and structure (12). The suspension is characterized in that the damper (13) consist of a helical spring (15) designed to act, exclusively, in compression by the action of a guider (16) maintaining and guiding it in the form of two parts (17, 18) capable of being nested while being capable of sliding one inside the other in the axial direction relative to the spring (15), countering the action thereof, the parts (17, 18) being mounted parallel to the axle (2, 3), one (17) on the axle supporting arm (9) and the other (18) on the support structure (12), respectively.

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

Abstract: A lift axle suspension adapted to be mounted to a vehicle frame for selectively supporting a vehicle frame on an axle with ground engaging wheels includes a pair of trailing arm assemblies each of which includes a hanger bracket adapted to be mounted to the vehicle frame, a trailing arm pivotally mounted to the hanger bracket for pivotal movement relative to the frame about a pivot axis, a spring operably connecting the trailing arm to the vehicle frame for resisting the pivotal movement of the trailing arm about the pivotal axis toward the frame, an inflatable lift bag operably connecting the trailing arm to the hanger bracket and for selectively raising the trailing arm relative to the frame when the lift bag is inflated and an axle rigidly mounted to the trailing arm. The iift bag is positioned inboard of the hanger bracket and the trailing arm. The hanger bracket is adapted to be mounted to the outboard side of the frame rail.

Abstract: A sand buggy has a main frame. A pair of connection rods are disposed on the main frame. A positioning seat which is connected to the connection rods has two lower rotating shafts. A movable mount has two pairs of lug panels to receive the lower rotating shafts. Two front shock absorbers are connected to a-suspension arm and a positioning plate. A first and a second positioning mounts are disposed on the main frame. A first movable seat is inserted in the first positioning mount. A pair of first lug plates are disposed on the first suspension link. A second movable seat is inserted in the second positioning mount. A pair of second lug plates are disposed on the second suspension link. A first rear shock absorber is positioned by the first lug plates. A second rear shock absorber is positioned by the second lug plates. A main shaft is connected to the first and the second rear shock absorbers.

Abstract: A deformable transverse member for a motor vehicle rear axle assembly with trailing arms is formed of a metal section piece having a continuous longitudinal opening that extends along at least 80% of the length of the metal section piece and is fitted with a block of elastomeric material fastened to the section piece at a position selected to close off a central part of the continuous longitudinal opening.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension and a control arm therefor are provided. The control arm includes first and second members each defining a recess corresponding to a portion of the outer surface of a vehicle axle. The members are welded or otherwise coupled together to surround at least a majority of the axle thereby enabling installation of the control arm without sliding the arm onto the axle. Each of the members includes a pair of sidewalls and a lateral wall joining, and integral with, the sidewalls. The sidewalls are angled relative to an axis of the axle to provide sufficient clearance for a spring assembly mounted to the control arm and centering of spring loads. The two sidewalls of one member may further include aligned apertures configured to receive a tube on which a shock absorber may be mounted. The tube enables strong and accurate mounting of the shock absorber.

Abstract: A stop assembly for predetermining the maximum downward travel distance or rebound of a vehicle axle/suspension system includes an adjustment cam. A chain for heavy-duty applications, or a woven nylon strap for lighter-duty applications, is immovably attached at its lowermost end to each suspension assembly beam of the axle/suspension system. An uppermost end of the chain is immovably attached to the cam, which in turn is pivotally captured in a bracket assembly immovably attached to the vehicle frame. An easily accessible adjustment bolt passes through the bracket assembly and bears on the cam, so that upon rotation of the bolt using a wrench or similar tool, the chain, and in turn the suspension assembly beam and the axle captured in the beam, can be selectively vertically repositioned by the pivoting cam to predetermine the maximum system rebound during vehicle operation.

Abstract: A tri-link suspension system for a motor vehicle wherein an upper control arm is pivotably coupled to a vehicle axle and further pivotably coupled to the vehicle frame. Further a right and left side lower control arm are connected to the axle and pivotably coupled to the vehicle frame. The tri-link suspension system of the present invention allows the vehicle's axle to maintain a centered position in the vehicle as the axle moves up or down or articulates. Further with the high-misalignment ball joint rod ends minimize binding and the axle is free to move. The tri-link suspension system is designed to be bolted into a vehicle to replace a standard four or five link suspension systems. The tri link suspension system is applicable to both front and rear axles.

Abstract: Vibration dampening assembly alone and in vehicle trailing arm suspension has a link member, a shock absorber and a lever member. The link member has a first end pivotally interconnected with either of the trailing arm or the vehicle frame at a first support pivot. A lever member is pivotally interconnected with the link member second end at a link pivot intermediate the first and second ends of the lever member. A shock absorber has a first end of pivotally interconnected with the lever member second end at a shock pivot and has a second end pivotally interconnected with the other of the trailing arm or the vehicle frame at a second support pivot spaced from said first support pivot. The lever member is pivotally interconnected with either the trailing arm or the vehicle frame at a main pivot connection located at the first end of the lever member.

Abstract: A wheel suspension system for a vehicle such as a truck trailer. Wheels of the suspension system are attached to stub axles supported by pivoting trailing arm wheel supports. The wheel supports are arranged on a sub-frame which can be slidingly coupled to the underneath of the trailer. Each wheel support is urged apart from the sub-frame by a spring such as an air spring. In one embodiment the air springs are pressurized under the control of an electronic controller. The rotational axes of the wheels are staggered or spaced apart, such that the rotational axes of the wheels on one side of the sub-frame are not coincident with the rotational axes of the wheels on the other side of the sub-frame.

Abstract: A lift assembly for an axle of the trailer of a semi-trailer or of another vehicle such as a straight truck, is mounted generally adjacent to and beneath each suspension beam of the axle/suspension systems of the trailer or other vehicle. The manner of mounting the lift assembly generally adjacent to and beneath the beam provides sufficient clearance for concurrent disposition of a dual service/parking brake chamber adjacent to and beneath the beam. The location and orientation of the axle lift assembly, relative to radial lines emanating from the pivot point of the suspension beam, facilitates the application of efficient lift forces to the beam by the lift assembly, which in turn results in less wear to an air chamber of the lift assembly. The air chamber of the lift assembly can be quickly and easily removed and reinstalled to allow for replacement of the dual brake chamber.

Abstract: In a drawbar-type rear wheel suspension for a motor vehicle comprising a drawbar axle body connected to the vehicle body by a universal drawbar body joint and having wheel support arms on which vehicle wheels are supported, and struts extending laterally between the free ends of the wheel support arms and the vehicle body and being connected thereto by elastic pivot joints, the elastic pivot joints of the struts at the vehicle body are disposed at a higher level than the universal drawbar joint and also the elastic pivot joints of the struts at the wheel support arms, and further, the drawbar axle body has a uniform cross-section rover its full length and provides for an elasticity such that the deformation of the drawbar axle caused by side forces is in the same range as the sum of the deformations of the elastic pivot joints of at least one strut.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system having first and second trailing arms (10), each trailing arm (10) being mounted to the vehicle adjacent its forward end (14) for pivotal movement about a transverse axis of the vehicle, one trailing arm (10) being located adjacent one side of the vehicle and adapted adjacent its trailing end (22) to support a first wheel of a vehicle and the other trailing arm (10) being located adjacent the other side of the vehicle and adapted adjacent its trailing end (22) to support a second wheel of the vehicle, the first and second wheels being located on a transverse axis of the vehicle, a torsion beam (24) being provided to control lateral separation of the trailing arms (10), and a pair of dynamic beams (30) being secured at their forward and rearward ends longitudinally of the vehicle, one dynamic beam (30) being located in juxtaposed relationship with each of the trailing arms (10), each trailing arm (10) being connected adjacent its trailing end (22) to the adjacent dynamic beam (10),

Abstract: A swing arm of a suspension system for supporting the body of a motor vehicle comprises a main swing arm body on which a support portion for supporting a suspension damper is provided, a support member fixed to a rear portion of the main swing arm body and having supporting parts for supporting first to third suspension arms, and a support reinforcing member for reinforcing at least the supporting parts of the support member for supporting the second and third suspension arms. The main swing arm body, the support member and the support reinforcing member are produced by individually press-forming single steel plates and the swing arm is formed by joining the main swing arm body, the support member and the support reinforcing member.

Abstract: A suspension assembly for supporting an axle on a vehicle frame includes a pair of transversely spaced hangers mounted on and depending from the frame. Each one of a pair of longitudinally extending control arms is pivotally attached at one end of its ends to a respective one of the hangers, and at the other of its ends to a respective one of a pair of axle seats. The axle seats rigidly capture the transversely extending axle. A support member is attached to and extends longitudinally rearwardly from each of the axle seats for mounting an air spring and a shock absorber. Each of the air springs and shock absorbers extend upwardly from its respective support member and is attached to the frame. A generally rigid torque box is immovably attached at one of its ends to the frame, and at the other of its ends to the axle. The torque box is a hollow fabrication closed at each of its attachment ends by a mounting tube. A shaft having at least one bushing molded about the shaft is press fit into each of the tubes.