Abstract: A vehicle suspension system for use with a vehicle includes a first hydraulic cylinder, a second hydraulic cylinder, and a fluid circuit. The first hydraulic cylinder and the second hydraulic cylinder each include an upper chamber and a lower chamber. The fluid circuit is hydraulically coupled to the first hydraulic cylinder and the second hydraulic cylinder and includes a valve that is movable between a first position and a second position. When the valve is in the first position, the upper and lower chambers of each hydraulic cylinder are hydraulically coupled to the opposite chamber of the other cylinder. When the valve is in the second position, the upper chamber of each hydraulic cylinder is coupled to the lower chamber of the same cylinder. The valve is configured to move between the first position and the second position in response to manual input.

Abstract: An improved air suspension system for the rear axle of a vehicle such as a light to medium duty truck. The system includes a torque arm extending forward of the axle with its forward end mounted on the frame and an intermediate point mounted on the axle. The rear end of the torque arm extends rearwardly of the rear axle and has a hanger bracket attached thereto. The forward end of a lever arm is supported on a shackle assembly that in turn is mounted on the hanger bracket, and the rear end of the lever arm is mounted on a bushing affixed to the chassis. An air spring is mounted on the lever arm and the air spring and lever arm support major portion of the vehicle weight.

Abstract: A damping and stiffness system for a vehicle suspension system including at least two forward and two rearward wheel assemblies each associated with vehicle resilient support means (27-30) between a vehicle body and the wheel assemblies. The damping and stiffness system including: a wheel ram (11-14) with at least a compression chamber (45-48) between each wheel assembly and the vehicle body and a load distribution unit (76). The load distribution unit (76) includes two pairs of chambers (77-80), each chamber (77-80) being divided into front (89, 90) and back (91, 92) system chambers (which vary in volume proportionally and in opposite senses therein with piston motion) and the remaining pitch chambers (93-96) by interconnected pistons (81-84) supported therein. The compression chamber (45-48) of each wheel ram (11-14) is in fluid communication with a respective system chamber (89-92) wherein the vehicle is primarily supported by the vehicle resilient support means (27-30).

Abstract: A suspension system for a vehicle includes a plurality of spring assemblies, each spring assembly including, in combination, a coil spring and an air spring arranged around a common central axis, and being mounted above the rear axle of the vehicle. A method for improving a vehicle's ride, handling, and load-carrying capability includes providing the foregoing suspension system for which respective coil springs are positioned within respective housings; partially inflating respective air springs thereby causing respective coil springs to partially collapse into their housings when improvement to the ride is desired in combination with improvement in load-carrying ability; and completely inflating respective air springs thereby causing respective coil springs of the plurality of spring assemblies to substantially completely collapse into their housings when maximum load-carrying ability is desired.

Abstract: A skid steer vehicle has a suspension that includes a control arm pivotally coupled to the vehicle chassis that is supported by a hydraulic cylinder connected to an accumulator to provide springing. A hydraulic circuit coupled to the cylinder and accumulator permit the operator to raise and lower the chassis, to lock the suspension while the vehicle is loaded, and to automatically charge or discharge the accumulator to match the cylinder pressure during loading and unloading. In this manner, when the suspension is unlocked after loading, the vehicle chassis neither rises nor falls.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a spring system for bicycles having a first load-applying segment and a second load-applying segment as well as at least one positive spring and at least one negative spring arranged to be effectively operable between the first and the second load applying segments.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved vehicle suspension system. More particularly, the present invention relates to an independent suspension system for light and medium duty trailers which utilizes a flexible bladder mounted between the vehicle frame and the axle. The flexible bladder is housed within a casing to control the flow of air into the bladder and to provide for flexible movement of the axle relative to the vehicle frame. In the preferred embodiment, the flexible bladder is a traditional break-chamber housing and multiple break-chamber housings may be utilized to increase the load-carrying capacity of the trailer.

Abstract: A suspension system for a vehicle includes a frequency dependent damper (FDD) or shock absorber defining a first pressurized working chamber and an air spring assembly defining a second pressurized working chamber. A booster enables pressure communication between the first pressurized working chamber and the second pressurized working chamber. The booster includes a resilient member that effects booster performance.

Abstract: In a suspension of a vehicle wheel on a vehicle body, including a spring element for accommodating the compressive forces acting between the vehicle wheel and vehicle body and with a linear actuator for adjusting the kinematics and the distance between the vehicle wheel and the vehicle body, the spring element and the linear actuator include at least one tubular contraction element with at least one hydraulic or pneumatic or hydropneumatic pressure chamber enclosed in a casing, which is designed in such a way that a pressure rise in the pressure chamber widens the casing radially and shortens it axially.

Abstract: A suspension (10) adapted to mount on a vehicle frame having a pair of spaced frame rails (14). The suspension (10) comprises a pair of trailing arm assemblies (12) that carry an axle (16). Each trailing arm assembly comprises a frame bracket (24) adapted to be mounted to one of the frame rails (14) and a spring beam (20) pivotally mounted at one end to the frame bracket (24) for pivotal movement about a pivot axis (23) and adapted to carry an axle (16) at another end. A spring (26) is disposed between the spring beam other end and the corresponding frame rail to resist the rotational movement of the trailing arm toward the frame. An axle seat (62) is integrally formed in the spring beam (20) for mounting the axle (16) thereto. The spring beam (20) has a pivot axis center line and the axle seat has a center line, which is located outboard of the pivot axis center line.

Abstract: A suspension system includes a primary structural support such as an axle beam. To dampen movement of the beam, a leaf spring is attached to longitudinal mainframes which extend parallel to a vehicle centerline. A bracket assembly attaches the beam to the leaf springs by sandwiching the leaf spring therebetween. The bracket assembly also provides a support and mount for an air bag and a shock.

Abstract: A pair of bushing including an outer member having an outer main body and an outer flange; an inner member having an inner main body inserted into the outer member, an inner flange, and a through hole; and an elastic member disposed between the outer member and the inner member. The bushings are press-fit into a top aperture and a bottom aperture of a bushing-attaching hole in a suspension cross-member, respectively. When each bushing is press-fit into the apertures there exists a predetermined clearance between the inner members. For fixing the suspension cross-member to vehicle body, a stud is inserted through the respective through holes and a nut is fitted onto a stud and screwed until the inner members abut each other.

Abstract: An air-free, relatively lightweight lift assembly for an axle/suspension system of a highway/rail convertible semi-trailer, utilizes a transversely-oriented coil torsion spring having a relatively low spring rate. The torsion spring is captured between a stationary plate and a rotatable plate. A flexible link is pivotally attached at its upper end to the rotatable plate and at its lower end to the axle. This assembly results in a variable rate moment arm and continuously increasing leverage when the suspension air spring is overinflated to lower the system for transfer of the trailer from a highway tractor to a rail bogie, thus enabling use of a less robust air spring. The assembly conversely creates a decrease in leverage at the lifted rail transport position, to securely maintain the axle/suspension system in the rail position. For highway use, the lift assembly provides suspension damping without shock absorbers.

Abstract: An adjustable suspension strut for a motor vehicle includes a damping element enveloped by a spring, a first ring cylinder axially slidable relative to the damping cylinder, a second ring cylinder disposed between the damping cylinder and the first ring cylinder, a working chamber defined by at least the first and second ring cylinders, and an adjusting element configured to adjust the relative position between the damping element and one of the first and the second ring cylinders. The second ring cylinder is axially slidable relative to the damping cylinder. The second end of the spring is disposed on one of the ring cylinders. The two ring cylinders are axially displaced relative to each other.

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 novel suspension-system for a vehicle has two or more leaf-spring groups that vertically support a portion of the weight of a suspended structure of the vehicle. The novel suspension-system further includes pneumatic springs that are engaged to spring-support components of the novel suspension-system and also the suspended structure supported by the novel suspension-system in such a manner that the pneumatic springs assist the leaf-spring groups of the novel suspension system in vertically supporting the weight of the suspended structure.

Abstract: A towed implement is provided with ground support wheels mounted to its chassis by trailing wheel support arms and respective suspensions including lift cylinders with which are associated damping devices that operate in such a way as to prevent damage to a respective cylinder from rebounding forces resulting when the suspension is being returned to its operating position by the release of energy stored in spring arrangements of the suspension after being loaded by an obstacle engaging the associated wheel. In one embodiment, the spring arrangement includes a damping spring located between an end of the associated cylinder and piston, and in another embodiment, the spring arrangement includes a gas pressure reservoir which, by virtue the operation of a reversing link in the suspension, is loaded both when the wheel is caused to move in a first direction by engaging an obstacle, and when the wheel is moved in the opposite direction by the airborne wheel once past the obstacle.

Abstract: A suspension assembly is provided for a vehicle including a frame. A lower control arm having first and second opposing portions is pivotally connected to the frame at the first portion. A knuckle is supported on the second portion of the lower control arm with a wheel supported on the knuckle. A strut having a lower end is connected to the knuckle and an upper end of the strut is connected to the frame at an upper connection. The upper connection generally constrains the upper end of the strut against vertical movement while permitting limited lateral movement of the upper end relative to the frame. In one embodiment, a linkage assembly including a first linkage portion is interconnected between the lower control arm and the frame. A second linkage portion interconnects the upper end of the strut and the first linkage portion for moving the upper end laterally in the upper connection in response to vertical movement of the lower control arm.

Abstract: In a suspension of a vehicle wheel on a vehicle body, including a spring element for accommodating the compressive forces acting between the vehicle wheel and vehicle body and with a linear actuator for adjusting the kinematics and the distance between the vehicle wheel and the vehicle body, the spring element and the linear actuator include at least one tubular contraction element with at least one hydraulic or pneumatic or hydropneumatic pressure chamber enclosed in a casing, which is designed in such a way that a pressure rise in the pressure chamber widens the casing radially and shortens it axially.

Abstract: An anti-roll suspension system for a motor vehicle includes a plurality of double-acting cylinders coupling the unsprung and sprung portions of the vehicle. The upper fluid chamber of each cylinder is exclusively connected to the lower fluid chamber of the laterally opposite cylinder to create a fluid circuit having first and second portions which hydraulically link the cylinders. When the vehicle is subjected to a centrifugal force, the position of the sprung portion rotates relative to the position of the unsprung portion of the vehicle. This relative rotation is resisted by the tendency to substantially equalize the forces acting on pistons of the first and second cylinders, thereby reducing the tendency of the sprung portion of the vehicle to roll. An alternate embodiment includes a valve which is operable in either of a recirculating mode and cross-flow mode.

Abstract: An independent wheel suspension for the non-steered wheels of a motor vehicle. The independent wheel suspension includes a spring having a passage opening the size and shape of which is the result of space requirements of the spring shock absorber during the rebounding and the compression of the spring shock absorber. In a preferred embodiment, the passage opening of the spring is in the shape of an oval or an ellipse to allow the swivelling movement of a shock absorber housing within the passage opening in a direction extending along substantially a major axis of the oval or the ellipse. In addition, the exterior size and shape of the spring is arranged to be located at a distance t from the components of the independent wheel suspension including the control arms thereof. The design of the independent wheel suspension of the present. invention provides a larger load-through width for the trunk of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A dock height hold device is provided for a vehicle including a frame supporting a cargo area. A suspension is pivotally connected to the frame and supports an axle. Air springs, which are typically a part of an active ride suspension system, are arranged between the frame and suspension to maintain a ride height between the frame and suspension between vehicle travel. According to the present invention, a pedestal preferably is supported on the suspension. The pedestal is rotatably movable between a hold position in which the pedestal extends from the suspension to a location proximate to the frame and a retracted position in which the pedestal is further from the frame than when in the hold position. An actuator, which is presently mounted between a portion of the suspension and the pedestal, moves the pedestal between the hold and retracted positions for maintaining a desired space in between the suspension and the frame in the hold position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a suspension system for a light duty trailer which includes a pair of modules. Each module is provided on an end of the axle and includes a spring member, a tower for connecting a front end of the spring member to an underside of the light duty trailer, an air spring connected between the underside of the light duty trailer and the spring member, and a limiting assembly for connecting a rear end of the spring member to the underside of the light duty trailer. In operation, if no bumps or ruts are encountered, the spring member remains generally horizontal relative to the underside of the light duty trailer. If a bump is encountered, the rear end of the spring member moves upwardly relative to the underside of the light duty trailer and the air spring compresses. If a rut is encountered, the rear end of the spring member moves downwardly relative to the underside of the light duty trailer and the air spring expands.

Abstract: The invention provides a suspension system (10) for installation between a chassis having side rail members (14,16) and cross frame members (22,24,26) and an axle (18,20) of a vehicle. A step spring (36) is included having a forward generally horizontal section (38), a rearward generally horizontal section (42), and a generally vertical section (40) between and contiguous with the forward and rearward sections (38,42) and displacing the rearward section (42) below the forward section (38). The leading end of step spring (36) is pivotally attached to the chassis with a spring (68) extending between the chassis and the trailing end of step spring (36). Axle (18,20) is pivotally secured to a mounting (58,60) on forward generally horizontal section (38) with the pivot (56) above axle (18,20).

Abstract: The present invention provides a suspension system for a light duty trailer which includes a pair of modules. Each module is provided on an end of the axle and includes a spring member, a tower for connecting a front end of the spring member to an underside of the light duty trailer, an air spring connected between the underside of the light duty trailer and the spring member, and a limiting assembly for connecting a rear end of the spring member to the underside of the light duty trailer. In operation, if no bumps or ruts are encountered, the spring member remains generally horizontal relative to the underside of the light duty trailer. If a bump is encountered, the rear end of the spring member moves upwardly relative to the underside of the light duty trailer and the air spring compresses. If a rut is encountered, the rear end of the spring member moves downwardly relative to the underside of the light duty trailer and the air spring expands.

Abstract: A suspension system 10 has one or more protrusive seating portions 21L;22L, on which a coil spring 13 is situated, and is formed in a partly circumferential portion of a spring seat 14L supporting the coil spring 13, and a tapered surface 23L for preventing body warp or bending of the coil spring 13 in a circumferential portion of at least one protrusive seating portion 22L.

Abstract: A number of embodiments of suspension systems for vehicles having at least two wheels, each of which is independently suspended by a system including a respective shock absorber. The shock absorbers may be generally conventional in nature but are interconnected by a system that includes an accumulator and a flow control so as to provide a damping for vehicle characteristics that is independent of the individual damping of each wheel's shock absorber. The systems also provide constructions so that both the vehicle and individual wheel damping can be independently controlled to permit the use of smaller shock absorbers.

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

Abstract: A wheel suspension for a motor vehicle, particularly a rear wheel suspension, has a spring which is arranged separately from a shock absorber. The spring and the shock absorber are supported at their lower ends, by way of a common console arranged approximately transversely to the vehicle, on a longitudinal rear axle tube. An upper end of the shock absorber is swivellably held on a carrying device fastened to a vehicle body member. An upper end of the spring is disposed in a supporting device integrated in the vehicle body member.

Abstract: In order to reduce a partially concentrated load affecting a spring seat by repulsion of the coil spring, an edge of the upper end of the coil spring is disposed against a portion of the spring seat having a relatively low solidity. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate the problem that the coils of the coil spring interfere with each other if a mid-portion of the coil spring in vertical direction is offset to the side to provide a partially concentrated load.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system having an air spring flexible member (6) which is clamped between a cover plate (4) and a rolloff piston (10). The movement of the rolloff piston (10) is pregiven by a curved path (16). The rolloff piston (10) is curved with the curvature being at least segmentwise of the same orientation as the curvature of the curved path (16). Because of the curvature of the rolloff piston (10), a lateral offset of the flexible member (6) to the cover plate (4) can be substantially avoided when the rolloff piston (10) plunges into the flexible member (6). The formation of a rolling lobe (20) having a different width over its periphery is also avoided.