Abstract: A shackle assembly is shown to include a shackle bracket, wear pads, a shackle stop, shackle plates and elastomer bushings. The shackle bracket includes legs forming portions thereof, which serve as contact surfaces for the wear pads and the shackle plates. By providing conical and lateral stiffness, the shackle bracket legs allow for the use of a more versatile elastomer bushing. The elastomer bushing preferably includes voids vertically separated with respect to each other and the elastomer layer preferably is in the form of a bowtie-shaped configuration, which enhances vertical, conical and torsional performance. A first redundancy feature is in the form of a shackle stop secured between the shackle plates. The shackle stop provides longitudinal control of the axle in the event the opposite limb of the leaf spring is broken, the vehicle is generally traveling in a given direction and the vehicle is subject to deceleration.

Abstract: A one-piece leaf spring retaining bracket may be welded to a longitudinal member of a vehicle frame. The leaf spring retaining bracket is symmetrical along two planes, and the same bracket may be used on either side of the vehicle frame. The bracket has an upper section with a curved or arced surface, and first and second downwardly extending walls between which the end of a leaf spring may be pivotally supported.

Abstract: A suspension for coupling a steer axle assembly to a vehicle frame is provided that provides lateral stability to the steer axle assembly without the use of a track rod or stabilizer bar. The suspension includes a body that is coupled to the axle beam of the steer axle assembly. An arm extends from the body in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and is coupled to the frame at one end. The arm is pivotable about an axis extending generally transversely to the frame rails of the vehicle frame. A male guide member is connected to the body and is received within a female guide member that is in turn disposed in an aperture defined by a bracket of the frame. The guide members are free to move within the bracket vertically or in the fore-aft direction, but are restricted from lateral movement.

Abstract: A clamp arrangement is utilized to secure a suspension element to an axle. The clamp arrangement includes a pair of spaced clamp halves that are tightened to cam a pair of holding frame elements together and hold the suspension element to the axle. Preferably, a pair of clamp halves is positioned on each side of the axle such that they do not take space beneath the axle. In this manner, ground clearance is increased over the prior art.

Abstract: In order to provide a suspension which is inexpensive and light in weight and which can attain substantially improved vehicle-riding comfort without lowering drivability, an axle is hanged from a chassis side (side rails) by resilient supports (leaf and air springs) with different spring characteristics arranged forwards and rearwards of the axle. The axle 1 is allowed to make rolling motion due to difference in spring characteristic between the forward and rearward resilient supports.

Abstract: A vehicle axle assembly is provided including an axle housing having legs extending along an axis. Each housing leg has a wall defining an interior cavity with the wall having a first locating feature formed therein. The first locating feature may be an indentation in the wall of the axle housing that may be in the shape of a concave dimple or a trough running transverse to the axis. The first locating feature may also be a protrusion instead of an indentation. A suspension component is secured to the housing leg by clamps. A suspension component includes a second locating feature of a complimentary shape to the first locating feature. The locating features cooperate to axially locate the suspension component on the housing leg preventing lateral movement.

Abstract: A dual rate leaf spring suspension supports a frame member over an axle of a small utility vehicle. The dual rate leaf spring suspension includes a full-length leaf spring and a half-length leaf spring. A spacer plate is the only connection point between the full-length leaf spring and the half-length leaf spring, which is positioned intermediate the full-length leaf spring and at one end of the half-length leaf spring.

Abstract: An air suspension anti-roll stabilization system includes air suspension devices, such as at least one pair of air bags air spring mounted upon an axle via leaf spring suspension arms of an associated vehicle on respective opposed sides of the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, with the axle being located at least partially with respect to the frame or chassis of the vehicle by means of a pair of leaf spring arms which are located on respective opposed sides of the longitudinal vehicle axis and of which each has one end mounted pivotally to the vehicle frame or chassis, wherein anti-roll means is connected rigidly between the part of longitudinal leaf spring suspension arms.

Abstract: For an axle for vehicles, e.g., commercial vehicles, with a rigid axle body, axle guidance and/or axle support is provided, making it possible to adapt to different transverse distances in the axle guidance or axle support which are predetermined on the body side.

Abstract: A method of and assembly for transporting a manufactured building using a portable axle and tire assembly for temporary mounting to each beam of the frame of a transported manufactured building, comprising a pair of rims each mounted to a hub extension, which is in turn attached to yolk. The yolk is attached to an end of an axle. A pair of springs are clamped to said axle. A saddle assembly to which the springs are attached is configured for saddling and receiving the longitudinal beam of the frame of the manufactured building being transported. Each upright member is interconnected with a corresponding longitudinal member. An opposite end of each spring is attached to opposite ends of the longitudinal member. Included are tabs for temporarily attaching the saddle assembly to a flange of the longitudinal beam.

Abstract: A method of attaching an axle of a golf car to a leaf spring of the golf car, comprising the steps of aligning the leaf spring adjacent the axle and a bottom plate, inserting an end of a fastener initially through a first aperture associated with the axle and subsequently through a second aperture of the bottom plate and securing the leaf spring between the axle and the bottom plate by securing the fastener at the bottom plate, enabling improved access for assembly and service.

Abstract: Bump stop for an amphibious vehicle suspension having a member selectively movable between an operating position, and an inoperative position. This allows the suspension to retract road wheels along locus for conversion to marine mode. Bump stop free end may be moved by filling cavities with pressurized fluid. Alternatively, the entire bump stop may be rotated on a pivot by a hydraulic cylinder, an electric solenoid, manually or by any other mechanical means. Alternatively, the movable member may be a position in a cylinder, withdrawn against a return spring by hydraulic pressure, and may act against resilient snubber on the vehicle suspension. Bump pad has a curved undersurface, allowing the bump stop to be bent out of the way when the suspension is lowered.

Abstract: A suspension system includes a composite leaf spring having an arcuate segment that is located between a retaining pin and a bumper. The retaining pin includes a shank surrounded by a resilient tube. The bumper is located adjacent a rear wall of the bracket opposite the retaining pin. The bumper includes an arcuate face to engage the outer arc of the arcuate segment while the pin is at least partially surrounded by the arcuate segment. The end of the composite leaf spring is thereby securely yet resiliently retained within the front leaf spring attachment system without penetrating fasteners.

Abstract: An air suspension anti-roll stabilization system includes air suspension devices, such as at least one pair of air bags air spring mounted upon an axle via leaf spring suspension arms of an associated vehicle on respective opposed sides of the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, with the axle being located at least partially with respect to the frame or chassis of the vehicle by means of a pair of leaf spring arms which are located on respective opposed sides of the longitudinal vehicle axis and of which each has one end mounted pivotally to the vehicle frame or chassis, wherein anti-roll means is connected rigidly between the pair of longitudinal leaf spring suspension arms.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension apparatus includes a first, outer telescoping component and a second, inner telescoping component. The outer telescoping component includes an outer sleeve and an outer tubular member telescoped therein for movement along an axis of the outer telescoping component. The inner telescoping component includes an inner sleeve and an inner telescoping member telescoped therein for movement along an axis of the inner telescoping component. The inner telescoping component axis is aligned with the outer telescoping component axis. The inner sleeve is fixedly attached to one of the outer sleeve and the outer tubular member. The inner telescoping member is fixedly attached to the other of the outer sleeve and the outer tubular member. A bracket is configured to fixedly attach the suspension device to a vehicle support member. The outer tubular member includes an attachment member which is configured to pivotally receive an end of a leaf spring.

Abstract: A method of attaching an axle of a golf cart to a leaf spring of the golf cart, comprising the steps of aligning the leaf spring adjacent the axle and a bottom plate, inserting an end of a fastener initially through a first aperture associated with the axle and subsequently through a second aperture of the bottom plate and securing the leaf spring between the axle and the bottom plate by securing the fastener at the bottom plate, enabling improved access for assembly and service.

Abstract: An independent rear suspension for a motor vehicle chassis includes a pair of independent rear corner modules. Each rear corner module includes a generally-longitudinally-extending leaf spring whose forward end is adapted to be pivotally mounted to the vehicle chassis at a first forward attachment point, and whose rearward end is nonrotationally-coupled to a knuckle, such that the leaf spring operates as a trailing arm to longitudinally position the knuckle relative to the chassis. A shackle adapted to be pivotally mounted on the chassis at a second forward attachment point includes an eye that encompasses a portion of the spring intermediate the first and second end of the spring. The shackle permits a predetermined, nonzero range of relative longitudinal, transverse, and torsional movement of the intermediate portion of the leaf spring while otherwise transferring vertical loads from the intermediate portion of the spring to the chassis.

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 vehicle suspension apparatus includes a first, outer telescoping component and a second, inner telescoping component. The outer telescoping component includes an outer sleeve and an outer tubular member telescoped therein for movement along an axis of the outer telescoping component. The inner telescoping component includes an inner sleeve and an inner telescoping member telescoped therein for movement along an axis of the inner telescoping component. The inner telescoping component axis is aligned with the outer telescoping component axis. The inner sleeve is fixedly attached to one of the outer sleeve and the outer tubular member. The inner telescoping member is fixedly attached to the other of the outer sleeve and the outer tubular member. A bracket is configured to fixedly attach the suspension device to a vehicle support member. The outer tubular member includes an attachment member which is configured to pivotally receive an end of a leaf spring.

Abstract: A front steering axle suspension for a wheeled vehicle comprises a leaf spring (15) mounted at its ends to a vehicle frame and an axle bracket (20) mounted to the leaf spring at a central portion thereof and having inclined air spring seats (38, 40). Air spring brackets are mounted to the vehicle frame having air spring seats inclined at an angle complementary to the air spring seats of the axle bracket. An air spring is (22, 34 mounted between the axle bracket and an air spring bracket so that the air spring is inclined with respect to the vertical in a substantially vertical plane.

Abstract: A cargo carrier suspension for installation on a cargo carrier having a seat and wheels, skis or rollers on which the seat rides, the cargo carrier suspension comprising: a leaf spring connectable on a cargo carrier between the seat and the wheels, skis or rollers, and a clamping device for engagement on the leaf spring and adjustable to select the degree of flexibility of the leaf spring.

Abstract: An independent rear suspension for a motor vehicle chassis includes a pair of independent rear corner modules. Each rear corner module includes a generally-longitudinally-extending leaf spring whose forward end is adapted to be pivotally mounted to the vehicle chassis at a first forward attachment point, and whose rearward end is nonrotationally-coupled to a knuckle, such that the leaf spring operates as a trailing arm to longitudinally position the knuckle relative to the chassis. A shackle adapted to be pivotally mounted on the chassis at a second forward attachment point includes an eye that encompasses a portion of the spring intermediate the first and second end of the spring. The shackle permits a predetermined, nonzero range of relative longitudinal, transverse, and torsional movement of the intermediate portion of the leaf spring while otherwise transferring vertical loads from the intermediate portion of the spring to the chassis.

Abstract: A frame including a pair of rear frame rails having a front bracket and a rear bracket. A leaf spring is connected at a front end to each front bracket and at a rear end to each rear bracket, with the leaf spring having a longitudinal direction between the front bracket and the rear bracket. The longitudinal direction of the leaf spring is non-parallel to the rear frame rails. Each rear frame rail includes a notch extending between the outside face of the rear frame rails and the bottom face of the rear frame rails. The notch allows the leaf spring to rise to a level above the bottom face of the rear frame rails during jounce. The frame also includes an axle perpendicular to the leaf spring. A pair of shock absorbers are connected to the axle and an outside face of the rear frame rails.

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 front suspension assembly is mountable to a longitudinally extending frame of a truck and includes a pair leaf springs mounted on opposite sides of the frame of the truck at the front, such leaf springs extending backwardly from the front of the truck, a pair of vertically disposed guides extending downwardly from the frame and providing an aperture though which a leaf spring runs, a pair of shock absorbers extending downwardly from the frame of the truck to below the leaf springs and supporting the leaf springs, and a pair of air cushion assemblies each having a bottom attached to the top of the back of one of the leaf springs and a top attached to the frame of the truck.

Abstract: A cargo carrier suspension for installation on a cargo carrier having a seat and a transport means on which the seat rides, the cargo carrier suspension comprising: a leaf spring connectable on a cargo carrier between the seat and the transport means; and a clamping device for engagement on the leaf spring and adjustable to select the degree of flexibility of the leaf spring.

Abstract: The present invention is a suspension system for use with a trailer or truck having a frame and front and rear axles. In one embodiment, the suspension system comprises a front hangar having a lower portion, a bearing portion, and an upper portion engaged with the frame. The suspension system further comprises a hangar assembly having a lower portion, an upper portion engaged with the frame and a rocker arm having first and second bearing portions. The suspension system further comprises a rear hangar engaged with the frame and having a bearing portion. The suspension system further comprises a first saddle engaged with the front axle and a second saddle engaged with the rear axle. The suspension system further comprises a leaf spring having a first end portion engaged with the bearing portion of the front hangar and a second end portion engaged with the first bearing portion of the rocker arm.

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.

Abstract: 15 A frame including a pair of rear frame rails having a front bracket and a rear bracket. A leaf spring is connected at a front end to each front bracket and at a rear end to each rear bracket, with the leaf spring having a longitudinal direction between the front bracket and the rear bracket. The longitudinal direction of the leaf spring is non-parallel to the rear frame rails. Each rear frame rail includes a notch extending between the outside face of the rear frame rails and the bottom face of the rear frame rails. The notch allows the leaf spring to rise to a level above the bottom face of the rear frame rails during jounce. The frame also includes an axle perpendicular to the leaf spring. A pair of shock absorbers are connected to the axle and an outside face of the rear frame rails.

Abstract: A rubber shear spring assembly for mounting between inner ends of adjacent leaf springs of a tandem axle including a hanger for mounting on a vehicle frame, hanger sides on the hanger, a rubber shear spring assembly between the hanger sides, the rubber shear spring assembly including a central plate and first and second rubber shear springs having inner sides mounted on opposite sides of the central plate and the rubber shear springs having outer sides mounted on the hanger sides, and connector members mounted at opposite ends of the central plate for connection to the inner ends of adjacent leaf springs.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a fiber reinforced suspension member having an integral pivot opening. The suspension member includes a first portion, a second portion and a central portion disposed in between the first portion and the second portion. The suspension member in accordance with the teachings of the present invention is formed of fibers that extend longitudinally from the first portion to the central portion and curve around the central portion such that an opening is defined in the central portion. The fibers forming the suspension member typically comprise an upper fiber layer and a lower fiber layer. The upper fiber layer and the lower fiber layer interface in the first portion and the second portion and are separated in the central portion. The upper layer fiber and the lower layer fiber are reinforced around the opening by stitching reinforcing fibers through the thickness of the suspension member.

Abstract: An automotive suspension is provided having a leaf spring coupled to a chassis of a vehicle and having a spring eye having a serrated inner surface. The system further has a spring pin having a serrated outer surface coupled to the serrated inner surface of the spring eye, and a fixing bracket limiting rotation of the spring pin relative to the vehicle chassis.

Abstract: Automotive suspension system having a leaf spring assembly. A splay reduction device is employed for maintaining alignment of leaf members.

Abstract: A leaf spring assembly for use as an active component in vehicle suspension systems includes a full-leaf leaf spring component and a half-leaf leaf spring component connected thereto. The full-leaf leaf spring extends substantially the entire length of the leaf spring assembly and the half-leaf leaf spring extends substantially the entire length of one of the cantilevers. In a preferred form, when the leaf spring assembly has front and rear cantilevers of substantially unequal length, the leaf spring assembly provides for a constant caster angle for its associated axle during deflection of the assembly due to jounce and rebound. In another preferred form, when the leaf spring assembly has front and rear cantilevers of substantially equal length, the leaf spring assembly provides for a varying caster angle for its associated axle during deflection of the assembly due to jounce and rebound.

Abstract: The invention relates to suspensions for trucks and trailers and to systems for clamping an axle housing to a combination suspension support member and spring in such a way that the axle housing is clamped and compressed uniformly on all four sides whereby there is no appreciable tendency for the axle housing to collapse or become deformed so as to require frequent retorquing of the clamping bolts. The system uses interfitting bottom and top axle housing wraps. The bottom axle wrap has upwardly extending sides engaging opposite sides of the axle housing either directly or against interfitting downward extensions on the top axle housing wrap. Vertical clamping bolts cause the upwardly extending sides on the bottom wrap to press inwardly against the sides of the axle housing.

Abstract: A traction device is provided that includes a rigid front mount assembly that may be clamped to or around the vehicle's leaf spring, thereby creating a positive displacement point for torque transmitted from the rear axle through a telescoping linkage. An advantageous shock absorption element associated with the telescoping linkage cushions forces transmitted therethrough. Free travel and pre-load adjustments are made quick and easy through a readily accessible adjustment mechanism. A preferred bracket design is also provided which ensures optimal force transmission and enhanced system strength and reliability. The traction device of the present disclosure may be included in original vehicle fabrication and assembly, or may be readily installed on existing vehicles without the need for welding or modifications to the chassis or rear axle housing.

Abstract: A suspension for a wheel in a motor vehicle, such as a passenger car, having a link which is made of fiber composite and is mounted at one end, by means of a mounting, on a chassis of the vehicle and at the other end holds the wheel, and having spring means which are made of fiber composite and support the link on the chassis in a resilient manner. In order to obtain a particularly compact construction for the wheel suspension, the mounting has a bearing in which a bearing part, which is fastened to the chassis, is mounted such that it can be adjusted relative to a bearing part, which is fastened to the link, by pivoting about a pivot axis, and the spring means having a torsion-bar suspension which extends coaxially to the pivot axis and is fastened at one end to the chassis or to the bearing part fixed to the chassis, and is fastened at the other end to the link or to the bearing part fixed to the link.

Abstract: A steering mechanism for a ride height adjustable vehicle is provided having a leg which is coupled to a wheel and rotatably coupled within a journal. A base plate is secured to the leg and a pair of uprights are secured to the journal. The uprights are secured to the journal substantially parallel to one another. The uprights are secured to the top of a spring and the spring is secured to a spring plate. Means are provided for rotating the base plate relative to the spring plate, and the spring plate is slidably coupled to both the first upright and the second upright.

Abstract: An automotive suspension system for increasing roll safety adapted to restrict twist at a tip portion of a leaf spring when an automobile tilts to one direction to add the returning force of the leaf spring to that of the stabilizer, thereby significantly decreasing rolling of the body and effectively securing high safety, the system for generating twist when the car rolls around including: side frames arranged lengthwise at left and right sides of a body; leaf springs mounted to an axle via a U-bolt; and a stabilizer with both edges being mounted to ends of the axle to decrease rolling of the body; serration formed at an internal surface of a spring eye in the end of the leaf spring and at an outer surface of the spring pin for corresponding insertion; a hitching edge with its lower portion being protruded as the upper portion of the edge of the spring pin is eliminated in a semicircular shape; and an insertion hole formed with a stopper protruded toward the center from the upper portion to restrict rotation

Abstract: A central drive personal mobility vehicle is disclosed comprising a frame having a right and a left frame mounting located in a trailing frame portion of the frame with a seat being mounted to an intermediate portion of the frame. A right and a left leaf spring extend between a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal ends of the right and left leaf springs are secured to a right and a left drive wheel assembly supporting a left and a right drive wheel. The distal ends of the right and left leaf springs are secured to the right and left frame mounting for resiliently mounting the right and left drive wheel assemblies to the frame.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a suspension element for a rigid wheelshaft of a vehicle. The suspension element is connected pivotably to the wheelshaft by two connections and is connected pivotably to the vehicle's framework by two connections. The suspension element is designed to prevent movement of the wheelshaft in longitudinal and transverse directions and to provide a stabilizing effect. The suspension element is composed of two separate elongate elements which are designed to be held together by at least one separate connecting device.

Abstract: A spring movement limiting device that limits lateral shift of a spring in a vehicle suspension along a vehicle axle direction includes a first element and a second element. The first element is coupled to the axle and to the spring. The second element is separate from and engageable with the first element. The second element is fixed at a predetermined position relative to the vehicle axle. Engagement between the first element and the second element limits the first element and spring from movement in the vehicle axle direction.