Transverse Patents (Class 280/124.171)
  • Patent number: 11938769
    Abstract: A leaf spring apparatus for a vehicle suspension includes a leaf spring, a carrier disposed on an end portion of the leaf spring and mounted on a wheel of a vehicle, a first connection unit connecting the end portion of the leaf spring and the carrier to each other, a cross member disposed on top of the leaf spring and supporting a body of the vehicle, and a second connection unit connecting the leaf spring and the cross member to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: HYUNDAI MOBIS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Woo Bin Song
  • Patent number: 11660922
    Abstract: A wheel suspension for a vehicle includes: a steering knuckle support; a steering knuckle mounted at the steering knuckle support so as to be swivelable around a steering axis; a vehicle wheel mounted at the steering knuckle so as to be rotatable around a wheel rotational axis; and a plurality of links by which the steering knuckle support is articulated at a vehicle frame such that the steering knuckle support is moveable in a vertical direction of the vehicle relative to the vehicle frame. A first one of the links is configured as a first control arm configured as a four-bar link, and a second one of the links is configured as a second control arm arranged offset relative to the first link in the vertical direction of the vehicle, and wherein the second link is configured as a two-bar link that is adjustable in length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Oleg Friesen, Holger Bublies
  • Patent number: 11407267
    Abstract: A silencer for a leaf spring for a commercial vehicle is provided. The silencer includes an upper rubber body having defined therein a fitting hole into which a second leaf spring is press-fitted, with a top surface of the upper rubber body serving as a contact surface in contact with a first leaf spring, and a lower rubber body having defined therein an accommodation space, with a first buffering protrusion being provided on a bottom surface of the lower rubber body such that a third leaf spring is able to be in contact with the first buffering protrusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATION, SUNG RHIM T&T CO., LTD
    Inventors: Ga Ram Bark, Dong Ill Jung, Dong Jin Yeo, Kwang Seok Jeong, Tae Heui Lee
  • Publication number: 20150102575
    Abstract: A golf cart vehicle is disclosed having a suspension that includes a single suspension device that provides for a plurality of functions. In one embodiment the single suspension device includes a plurality of transverse mounted leaf springs that are longitudinally spaced apart from one another to provide a spring and control arm combined effect. The leaf springs can be coupled to a wheel, such as through a steering knuckle via a ball and socket joint. The leaf springs can further be mounted to a chassis via clamps. In one embodiment the clamps are connected to the leaf springs through resilient bushings which can be spaced apart from one another to provide an anti-roll bar effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventors: Ryan Douglas Lake, Byron Jon Danielson
  • Publication number: 20150061255
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a leaf spring bearing for a vehicle with a transverse leaf spring. The leaf spring bearing comprises an upper bearing block and a lower bearing block. Each bearing block is formed at least partially of elastic material and comprises an upper support surface and a lower support surface between which a portion of the transverse leaf spring can be interposed. At least one of the upper and lower bearing blocks has a bearing core and an insert positioned in the elastic material between the upper and lower support surfaces so as to define three layers of the elastic material within the at least one bearing block. At least one of the upper and lower bearing blocks has two support plates arranged either outside the elastic material or at least partially surrounded by the elastic material in the area of the upper and lower support surfaces of the bearing block.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Alberto GIRELLI CONSOLARO, Marc SIMON, Paul ZANDBERGEN
  • Patent number: 8936265
    Abstract: A rear axle is provided for a motor vehicle, in particular a passenger car, with two independent wheel suspensions, each of which include, but is not limited to a wheel carrier and a three-link arrangement connected therewith in an articulated manner with a longitudinal link and two transverse links. The two transverse links are each arranged in vehicle longitudinal direction next to each other, and with a transverse leaf spring arrangement, which is connected to the two independent wheel suspensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Dirk Ehrlich, Michael Harder
  • Publication number: 20140345958
    Abstract: A lightweight suspension system for vehicles comprised of resilient polycarbonate plastic is disclosed. The system includes front and rear suspension components for four wheeled electric vehicles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2013
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventor: Gary Kenneth Lavarack
  • Publication number: 20140327219
    Abstract: A motor-vehicle multi-link suspension system includes, for each wheel, two lower transverse arms and a substantially longitudinal or inclined lower arm, each having one end pivotally connected to a respective wheel support and the opposite end pivotally connected to the motor-vehicle structure. A leaf spring is arranged transversally with respect to the longitudinal direction of the motor-vehicle. The leaf spring is supported by elastic supports arranged symmetrically at intermediate positions between the center of the leaf spring and the ends thereof. Ends of the leaf spring are pivotally connected to upper parts of the two wheel supports. Two jack-type shock absorbers have opposite ends swingably connected to the respective wheel support and the motor-vehicle structure. The end portions of the leaf spring also fulfill the function of triangular upper transverse arms of the multi-link suspension. Preferably the leaf spring is made of a composite material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: Fiat Group Automobiles S.p.A.
    Inventors: Eugenio PERRI, Bruno MARTINA
  • Patent number: 8777247
    Abstract: A wheel suspension device for a motor vehicle is provided. The wheel suspension device includes a wheel guiding device which is provided for connection to the motor vehicle and to a wheel. The wheel suspension device has a spring device, in one example, a leaf spring device, which at a first coupling point is connected to a coupling device in an articulated manner. The coupling device is connected to the wheel guiding device at a second coupling point in an articulated manner, and a coupling device axis is defined by a straight line through the first and through the second coupling point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Dirk Ehrlich, Hartmut Hoelzel
  • Patent number: 8777248
    Abstract: A motor-vehicle suspension system comprises, for each wheel, at least one transverse control arm having an outermost end articulated to a respective wheel support and an innermost end articulated to the frame of the motor vehicle. A transverse leaf spring is set centrally between the two transverse arms, and has its ends connected to the innermost ends of the transverse arms. The connection of each transverse arm to the leaf spring is such as to enable oscillations of the transverse arm in a substantially horizontal plane with respect to the leaf spring and minor relative sliding between the connected ends of the arm and the leaf spring in the longitudinal direction of the leaf spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Fiat Group Automobiles S.p.A.
    Inventors: Eugenio Perri, Bruno Martina
  • Patent number: 8733478
    Abstract: A mobile base for a camera crane includes a front left drive motor assembly, a front right drive motor assembly, a rear left drive motor assembly, and a rear right drive motor assembly, attached to a chassis. Each drive motor assembly may include an electric motor linked to an axle via a gear reduction and at least one wheel on the axle. A middle left drive motor assembly and a middle right drive motor assembly may each also include an electric motor linked to an axle via a gear reduction, at least one wheel on the axle, and a spring suspension assembly attached to the chassis and supporting the axle. An electrical power supply on the chassis may be linked to each of the electric motors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Chapman/Leonard Studio Equipment, Inc.
    Inventor: Leonard T. Chapman
  • Patent number: 8678410
    Abstract: A suspension for a motor vehicle has a sub-frame and first and second control arm movably attached to opposite ends of the sub-frame. A leaf spring extends transversely across the sub-frame, a first end acting on the first control arm and a second end acting on the second control arm. A first spring seat is located between the leaf spring and the sub-frame, and is movable over a first range of positions relative to the leaf spring. A second spring seat is located between the leaf spring and the sub-frame, the second spring seat movable over a second range of positions relative to the leaf spring. An actuator is operatively connected to the first and second spring seats to move the first and second spring seats across their respective ranges of positions, thereby changing a spring rate of the leaf spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Volvo Car Corporation
    Inventors: Kjell Sjoesten, Ake Malm
  • Patent number: 8632078
    Abstract: A vehicle, such as a passenger car, is provided with a vehicle frame having a leaf spring element for the spring suspension of the vehicle, which is mounted on the vehicle frame with two bearing points, which are designed in a manner to adjustably set a spring rate and/or a standing height of the leaf spring element. The leaf spring element is mounted on a frame of the vehicle with the two bearing points and the bearing points are designed adjustable for setting a spring rate and/or a standing height of the leaf spring element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Dirk Ehrlich, Richard Starck, Veit Held
  • Patent number: 8573618
    Abstract: A wheel suspension of a motor vehicle. The wheel suspension includes a suspension arm supported on a linkage point on a car body of the motor vehicle. A transverse leaf spring is arranged along a transverse axis of the motor vehicle and coupled at an end of the transverse leaf spring with the wheel suspension. The transverse leaf spring is supported via a bearing on the car body. An end of the transverse leaf spring is coupled in an articulated manner with the suspension arm and spaced apart from a wheel-side end of the suspension arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Benteler Automobil Technik GmbH
    Inventors: Aloys Schroder, Christian Schnabel, Jurgen Von Der Kall, Rodscha Drabon
  • Patent number: 8556282
    Abstract: An axle for a motor vehicle comprises at least a transverse leaf spring (1) attached directly, or via an auxiliary support frame, to a body (9) of the motor vehicle by two first mountings (4), two control arms (2) and two wheel carriers (3). In each case, an end of the transverse leaf spring (1) facing toward a respective wheel (10) of the motor vehicle is rigidly connected to one of the two control arms (2), and both of the two control arms (2) are each orientated substantially in the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle. Each of the control arms (2) is connected by a second mounting (7) directly, or via an auxiliary support frame, to the body (9) and also connected, by at least one third mounting (5, 6), to one of the wheel carriers (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Stephan Pollmeyer, Volker Wagner, Gabriele Fruhmann
  • Patent number: 8485543
    Abstract: An independent suspension and steering system that can be used with a large truck. The suspension system includes a transversely extending leaf spring assembly. The midpoint of the leaf spring assembly is secured at the centerline of the vehicle while the two opposing ends of the leaf spring assembly are shackled to vertically moveable carriers on which the steering knuckles are pivotally mounted. The steering unit includes a transversely extending relay rod which is attached to tie rods at its opposite ends. The tie rods are, in turn, attached to the steering knuckles. In some embodiments, at least one steering gear is coupled with the relay rod via a connecting rod that is secured at one end to the rotating output shaft of the steering gear and secured at its other end to the relay rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Reyco Granning, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory A. Richardson, John A. Hinz, Richard Lee Conaway
  • Patent number: 8454042
    Abstract: A wheel suspension of a motor vehicle includes a transverse leaf spring arranged along a transverse axis of the motor vehicle. The transverse leaf spring is connected via two bearings with a body of the vehicle and is connected in an articulated manner at its two mutually opposite ends with a stub axle or suspension arm. The bearings are arranged such that the transverse leaf spring is stiffly fixed in a direction of a vertical axis of the vehicle and is movable in a translatory manner in a direction of the transverse axis of the vehicle and is rotationally movable around an axis that is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Benteler Automobiltechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Erik Hochapfel, Tobias Ebbing, Hendrik Reineke, Jürgen Von Der Kall, Aloys Schröder, Rodscha Drabon, Christian Schnabel, Armin Zuber
  • Publication number: 20120049482
    Abstract: The invention relates to a front end assembly for a motor vehicle, in particular for motor vehicle, supporting each of the steering wheels (11) of the vehicle by means of a pivoting wheel holder (4), said front end assembly comprising a suspension comprising a transverse blade (1) made of composite material, attached to the body shell (5) of the vehicle and each end portion (2) of which is rigidly connected to the pivoting wheel holder (4), characterized in that each end (10) of the transverse blade (1) is suspended under the body shell (5) of the vehicle by a holder (6) sandwiching the end (10) of the blade (1), and in that a means (12; 17) for taking-up the longitudinal stresses to the brakes is arranged between the holder (6) of the blade (1) and the pivoting wheel holder (4); the end (10) of the blade (1), the holder (6) and the force take-up means (12; 17) substantially and respectively defining the three sides of a suspension triangle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: PEUGEOT CITROEN AUTOMOBILES SA
    Inventors: Arnaud Lizot, Bernard Niclot
  • Publication number: 20110260424
    Abstract: An axle for a motor vehicle comprises at least a transverse leaf spring (1) attached directly, or via an auxiliary support frame, to a body (9) of the motor vehicle by two first mountings (4), two control arms (2) and two wheel carriers (3). In each case, an end of the transverse leaf spring (1) facing toward a respective wheel (10) of the motor vehicle is rigidly connected to one of the two control arms (2), and both of the two control arms (2) are each orientated substantially in the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle. Each of the control arms (2) is connected by a second mounting (7) directly, or via an auxiliary support frame, to the body (9) and also connected, by at least one third mounting (5, 6), to one of the wheel carriers (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Stephan Pollymeyer, Volker Wagner, Gabriele Fruhmann
  • Patent number: 8011680
    Abstract: A wheelchair suspension system includes a suspension member which clamps to longitudinal bars of the wheelchair frame located below the seat of the wheelchair. The suspension member is elongate with upper and lower parallel leaf springs extending between the opposing ends of the suspension member. An axle support member is hinged to each end of the suspension member, by pivotal connection to each of the leaf springs. Each axle support member receives the axle of one of the opposing large rear wheels of the wheelchair. As the large wheels encounter uneven areas on the ground surface on which the wheelchair moves, the leaf springs flex reducing vibrations and shock to the wheelchair occupant. The axle support members maintain their generally upright orientation as the leaf springs flex so that camber angle of the rear wheels does not change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Inventor: Eric Mark Chelgren
  • Publication number: 20070075513
    Abstract: A suspension reinforcing kit for use with a vehicle having a tow hitch and a suspension having suspension arms to which wheels of the vehicle are mounted. The suspension reinforcing kit has a supporting member for connection to the tow hitch and a reinforcing arrangement including a resilient member for mounting to the supporting member. The reinforcing arrangement is designed to engage at least one of the suspension arms of the vehicle. In use, the resilient member will tend to resist a compression movement of the at least one suspension arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2005
    Publication date: April 5, 2007
    Inventor: Yvon Caron
  • Publication number: 20060226623
    Abstract: The present invention is a suspension system for a vehicle such as the High Mobility Multi Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) or more commonly known as the HUMVEE. The suspension system comprises at least one overload spring, at least one centering plate, and at least two overload spring brackets. Installation of the suspension system consists of first attaching the center plate to the frame. Next, the overload spring bracket is mounted on the vehicle and then the overload springs are secured to the center plate and the overload spring bracket. In use, when a vehicle have the improved suspension system encounters a bump or any other obstacle that engages the suspension, the overload spring is compressed in the middle while the ends are raised which reduces the force on the existing suspension system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2006
    Publication date: October 12, 2006
    Inventors: Duane Coenen, Brian Kaster
  • Patent number: 7029017
    Abstract: A wheel suspension with a transverse leaf spring (1a–1c) which is articulated at both ends on wheel carriers. The transverse leaf spring shaped symmetrically to the vehicle longitudinal axis (L) has a curved profile with a middle region (1a) offset parallel to the wheel axis. The transverse leaf spring is supported on the vehicle body by means of two transverse leaf spring bearings (2) with high lateral rigidity. The curved profile of the transverse leaf spring with four arcs (1d, 1e) allows for a bending of the middle region (1a) to take place essentially without a change in the tread width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Paul Zandbergen, Shawn Chambers
  • Patent number: 6863290
    Abstract: A suspension includes: wheel supporting members for supporting wheels, a leaf spring having both end portions each arranged on an upper side of the respective wheel supporting member; a pivot supporting the leaf spring, and receiving pieces interposed between the wheel supporting members and the both end portions of the leaf spring respectively. Each of the wheel supporting members includes a recess portion on which one of the receiving pieces is mounted. Each of the receiving pieces includes an engaging portion for engaging with one of the both end portions of the leaf spring. Each of the receiving pieces includes an elastic member and a first metal plate joined on the elastic member. The elastic member can deform to follow a displacement of a relative position between the leaf spring and one of the wheel supporting members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation
    Inventor: Kenji Yokoyama
  • Patent number: 6832773
    Abstract: A suspension includes wheel supporting members for supporting wheels; a first leaf spring having both end portions each disposed on an upper side of one of the wheel supporting members; a second leaf spring extending along the first leaf spring; a pivot for supporting the second leaf spring on a vehicle body; a spacer provided between the first and second leaf springs; sliders fixed on the second leaf spring but being in slidable contact with the first leaf spring; and receiving pieces interposed between the both end portions and the wheel supporting members. Each of the receiving pieces includes an engaging portion for engaging with one of the both end portions. Each of the receiving pieces includes an elastic member capable of deforming to follow a relative displacement between the first leaf spring and the wheel supporting member in the vehicle width direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation
    Inventor: Kenji Yokoyama
  • Patent number: 6811169
    Abstract: The present invention includes a flexible, resilient composite spring pivotally connected to the vehicle wheel assembly by standard means such as a ball joint and knuckle. The composite spring is formed having a sinusoidal profile with rectangular cross-section preferably spanning transversely between parallel vehicle wheel assemblies. The composite spring is pivotally connected to the parallel vehicle frames by opposing perpendicular brackets welded to an upper and lower portion of the vehicle frame. A rubber bushing is preferably provided within each bracket and is in contact with opposing sides of the composite spring, allowing the spring to pivot between the vehicle frame. The composite spring is preferably formed with carbon and glass fibers. The sinusoidal composite spring blank is preferably molded with a neutral axis extending along the length of the spring at a midpoint of the sinusoidal profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Del C Schroeder, Lawrence J Oswald, David G Speth, Craig A Patterson, Suresh Nagesh
  • Patent number: 6688586
    Abstract: An integral transverse spring-axle combines the functions of both an axle and a suspension by locating the wheels laterally and longitudinally, in the manner of an axle, and allowing vertical displacements of the wheels, in the manner of a suspension. This is achieved with a leaf spring with a center portion, a pair of center leaves and at least one pair of side leaves both extending oppositely from the center portion. The outboard ends of the leaves attach to the wheel hub carriers/knuckles. The inboard center portion of the spring attaches to the chassis/body frame. The two opposite outboard ends of the spring-axle leaves can move independently of each other. The spring-axle can be of the steered or nonsteered type, and of the driven or non-driven type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Inventor: James Moore
  • Publication number: 20030234506
    Abstract: A suspension includes: wheel supporting members for supporting wheels, a leaf spring having both end portions each arranged on an upper side of the respective wheel supporting member; a pivot supporting the leaf spring, and receiving pieces interposed between the wheel supporting members and the both end portions of the leaf spring respectively. Each of the wheel supporting members includes a recess portion on which one of the receiving pieces is mounted. Each of the receiving pieces includes an engaging portion for engaging with one of the both end portions of the leaf spring. Each of the receiving pieces includes an elastic member and a first metal plate joined on the elastic member. The elastic member can deform to follow a displacement of a relative position between the leaf spring and one of the wheel supporting members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Inventor: Kenji Yokoyama
  • Patent number: 6659482
    Abstract: A steering assembly is provided for a vehicle including an upper connection, typically provided by an upper control arm. A knuckle includes an upper and lower portions with the upper portion supported by the upper connection. A lower assembly of the present invention includes a control arm with legs extending from a spring portion at spaced apart ends. The legs extend from its ends and converge to a lower connection for supporting the lower portion of the knuckle with the upper and lower connections defining a wheel camber and a wheel caster. Preferably, each of the legs of the control arm has a different spring rate to provide a change in wheel camber under the deflection of the control arm during wheel travel. The different spring rates of the legs permits the lower connection to twist thereby enabling the wheel caster to change slightly during the upward and downward motion of the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Meritor Light Vehicle Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Robert P. Carlstedt, Mark C. Smith, Steven M. Foster, Daniel Eugene Whitney, Eric Stephen Geib, Richard M. Clisch, Shan Shih, Juan J. Marcos Munoz
  • Patent number: 6616159
    Abstract: A rear wheel suspension system replaces the lower control arms, upper control arms, coil springs, and anti-roll bar assembly in the prior art with a simple composite member. By carefully designing the shape of the beam, the material system and the pivot locations, the ride and roll rates and camber and toe characteristics of the original prior art suspension system can be preserved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Christian Lawson
  • Patent number: 6530587
    Abstract: A rear wheel suspension system replaces the lower control arms, coil springs, and anti-roll bar assembly in the prior art with a simple composite beam. By carefully designing the shape of the beam, the material system and the pivot locations, the ride and roll rates and camber and toe characteristics of the original prior art suspension system can be preserved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Christian Lawson, Frederick Mark Deadrick
  • Patent number: 6457729
    Abstract: The invention provides a wheel suspension for a vehicle, wherein both a right wheel and a left wheel are carried by a linkage having a first end section and a second end section. The first end section is connected to the vehicle on the opposite side of the vehicle in relation to the respective wheel, and the second end section is likewise connected to its respective wheel. The invention is particulary significant in that the linkages are substantially U-shaped. Each linkage has two legs which are mainly parallel and extend in a substantially transverse direction of the vehicle. The free ends of the linkages constitute the first end section. The linkages also have a closed section connecting the legs. This closed section constitutes the second end section, whereby an open space is defined between the legs of each linkage. At least one leg on one of the linkages extends into the open space between the legs of the other linkage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: Volvo Personvagnar AB
    Inventor: Lars Stenvall
  • Patent number: 6390486
    Abstract: In order to limit rolling movements of the vehicle, spring arms are formed on those ends of the leaf spring, arranged transversely to the vehicle, on which the wheel carriers are articulated, said spring arms being connected in a force-transmitting manner to the transverse leaf spring. The spring arms point toward the longitudinal mid-plane of the vehicle and run at an acute angle to the transverse leaf spring. Since the spring designed in this way is a universally available structural part (the spring arms running at an angle may also be produced separately and then be connected non-positively to the transverse leaf spring), the two wheels are connected to one another directly and the triangular shape formed by the spring arms running at an angle gives rise to a function similar to that of a transverse link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Joachim Boes, Michael Schmidt, Wolfram Seibert, Pim van der Jagt, Roger Graaf
  • Patent number: 6378881
    Abstract: Wheel suspension for a vehicle, comprising a transverse spring, and, on the respective right and left side of the vehicle, a mounted upper deflection limiting device that is provided with an engaging device for engaging the spring. The spring is suspended in spring seats, each comprising a lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Volvo Personvagnar AB
    Inventor: Lars Stenvall
  • Patent number: 6367831
    Abstract: The adjustable suspension includes a first and second pair of transversely disposed leaf springs supporting the vehicle. Each leaf spring includes a threaded aperture formed therein. A first and second threaded, rotatable, spindle respectively engages the apertures of the first and second pair of leaf springs. The adjustable suspension further includes actuating means for rotatably driving at least one of the spindles and mode selection means for selectively engaging the actuation means with at least one of the spindle in response to a preferred operating mode. Such arrangement facilitates manual height adjustment of the vehicle suspension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen Lim, Michael Smith