Suspension Arrangement Patents (Class 280/124.1)
  • Patent number: 7747359
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a semi-active suspension including suspension dampers controllably adjustable in accordance with electronic stability control commands and ride and handling commands. Vehicle steering response states, turning direction states and vehicle dynamics states are binary coded in respective state variables and suspension control calibrations are binary coded in calibration words. Integrity and security of state variables and calibration words are ensured in efficient binary digit resource allocation schemes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Kerfegar K. Katrak, Steven D. Palazzolo, Mark A. Seifert
  • Publication number: 20100154373
    Abstract: In some embodiments, systems and methods provided herein relate to a riding mower including a plurality of user support components coupled to a main frame and a suspension component coupled to the plurality of user support components such that movement of the plurality of user support component parallels each other. The mower may include a seat that can be moved such that operational components (e.g., a mower engine, battery, pump, or steering control) are more accessible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2009
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventor: Nick Newell
  • Patent number: 7740046
    Abstract: Various apparatuses, methods and systems for directionally controlling a movable partition are provided. In one embodiment, an apparatus may include at least one roller assembly coupled to a portion of a movable partition. A roller element of the roller assembly may be configured to maintain contact with an adjacent surface (e.g., a floor) while the partition is displaced along a desired path even though the adjacent surface may exhibit unevenness, undulations or other substantially nonplanar surface features. In one embodiment, the apparatus may be configured to maintain a substantially constant force between the roller element and the adjacent surface. In another embodiment, the apparatus may be configured to maintain a force between the roller element and the adjacent surface substantially within a specified range. A steering actuator may also be used to select, or change, the orientation of the roller assembly with respect to the partition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Won-Door Corporation
    Inventors: E. Carl Goodman, D. George Field, Kevin D. Banta
  • Patent number: 7722062
    Abstract: A suspension system for a motor vehicle that controls torque reaction comprising a chassis, a rigid drive axle, an opposite axle, a road wheel attached to each end of each axle, at least one torque reaction control link positioned longitudinally of the motor vehicle between the road wheels, at least two longitudinal control arms attached proximate the road wheels, for longitudinal control of the drive axle, so that the at least one torque reaction control link has a longitudinal plane that extends longitudinally of the motor vehicle and whereby the effective projection lines of the at least two longitudinal control arms and the longitudinal plane of the at least one torque reaction control link intersect each other in the direction of the opposite axle, forming a convergent angle and that when a force moves the rigid drive axle vertically up the convergent angle does not increase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Inventor: Gordon A. Dreher, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20100123296
    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: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2009
    Publication date: May 20, 2010
    Inventor: Eric Mark Chelgren
  • Patent number: 7717201
    Abstract: Disclosed is an undercarriage having a shock absorption function, including a pair of roller frames facing each other, each roller frame having a plurality of vibration-proof rollers inside thereof, at a lower portion thereof, a main frame disposed between the roller frames and provided with a turn table at a center portion thereof, and a shock absorption bridge for connecting the main frame to the roller frame. According to the present invention, vibration-proof rollers are installed inside a roller frame instead of conventional rollers and the shock absorption bridge is fixed between the main frame and the roller frame, thereby absorbing an external shock in two steps and thus enhancing ride comfort.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Dong-Il Rubber Belt Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dong-hwa Park, Joon-il Cho, Jin-gyu Seon
  • Publication number: 20100109274
    Abstract: An articulation and/or bearing device (1) with a pivot pin (2) whose head area (3), in the assembled condition, is held in a receiving joint cup (4) and, together with the latter, can move axially relative to an accommodating space that acts as a housing (5), is designed such that in relation to the axial movement of the joint cup (4) within the housing (5), the articulation or bearing device (1) acts as a gas pressure spring and/or damper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2008
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Andre Diener, Reinhard Richter
  • Patent number: 7703780
    Abstract: A wheel supporting apparatus includes dampers, ball joints, a knuckle, an upper arm and a lower arm. The dampers are attached to a case of an in-wheel motor in the top-bottom direction of the vehicle's body and are connected respectively to the ball joints. The upper arm and the lower arm have respective one-ends connected to respective dampers via the ball joints and respective other ends pivotably fixed to the vehicle's body. The knuckle is connected to the ball joints to rotatably support a wheel hub via hub bearings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Ryoji Mizutani, Yuki Tojima, Shigetaka Isogai, Atsushi Torii, Junichiro Sakurai
  • Publication number: 20100095810
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a socket driving device, comprising a drive head portion and a hand-grippable drive body portion operatively coupled with the drive head portion, the drive head portion including a socket portion for driving a target nut, the drive head portion having a pair of opposed surfaces adjacent the socket portion, the socket portion including a central fastener-receiving passage therein with a central socket axis, the central fastener-receiving passage being exposed through both opposed surfaces, a key portion for engaging a target bolt on which the target nut is to be driven by the socket portion, a key support assembly for positioning the key portion in an operative position relative to the socket portion, the key support assembly including a support frame secured to the drive body portion and/or the drive head portion, the support frame including a support arm portion extending along the drive head portion, the support arm having a free end region, the key portion being held relative to the fre
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2009
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Benjamin MacArthur, Vaughn Bosley
  • Publication number: 20100094504
    Abstract: A motor vehicle, with a drive train comprising a drive assembly, a transmission and wheels (2). The drive train further including actuators (3, 4) for adjusting at least one of the tracking and/or the camber. Sensors (5), for determining the tracking and/or camber, are integrated in the motor vehicle, and a control unit (6) only operates the actuators (3, 4), to adjust the tracking and/or the camber, when the drive train is in a defined actual static condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Karl-Hermann Ketteler, Thomas Winstel, Guenther Horsak
  • Publication number: 20100084834
    Abstract: A connecting piece for the articulated connection of components disposed in the chassis of a vehicle. The connecting piece comprises a base body (1) made out of sheet metal in which at least one through bore (3) is provided, a plastic part (13) is rigidly connected to the base body (1), and at least one articulated joint (5), comprising a housing (4), rigidly connected to the base body (1). The housing (4) is inserted into the through bore (3), in an axial direction (24), and has a housing section (22) with a radial shoulder (23) disposed outside the hole (3) and embedded in the plastic part (13), by which the housing section (22), rigidly connected to the housing (4), is axially supported on the base body (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2008
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Metin Ersoy, Volker Grube, Frank Nachbar, Frank Budde, Karl-Heinz Kallwass, Ulrich Bladt, Gunter Lohfink, Jose Ramon Izquierdo Nunez, Jesus Santiago Miguel Perez, Esteban Canibano Alvarez, Ignacio Lobo Casanova
  • Publication number: 20100072720
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for effecting wheelbase adjustment for utility vehicles having one or more axles with wheels, includes one or more adjustment mechanisms to which compressed air can be applied. The adjustment mechanism(s) adjust at least one of the axles in relation to the body of the vehicle. A pressure sensor measures the pressure of the compressed air in the adjustment mechanism(s) and generates corresponding pressure signals. A pulse-controlled valve or, alternatively, a spring-return valve, is employed to optionally feed the compressed air into the adjustment mechanism(s) and discharge the compressed air from the adjustment mechanism(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Inventors: Andelko Glavinic, Tobias Lange, Udo Ronnenberg, Michael Schoppe, Axel Stender
  • Publication number: 20100072730
    Abstract: This application discloses a fold flat wheeled carrier/wagon/cart, adaptable for a wide array of carrying purposes, including but not limited to cargo, luggage, people, and supplies, featuring optional fold flat retaining walls, handle and wheels. The wagon/cart/carrier wheel assemblies may include simple manually manipulable grips, which the user simply moves to release the wheel assembly and tires, and upon release the wheel assembly and tire is pivoted by spring biasing preferably, and/or is movable to a fold flat profile within the wheeled carrier perimeter and side elevational profile. The application provides for simple internal mechanisms for the wheel assemblies as well as unique faceplates with finger grips. In the stowed, fold flat profile; the wheel assembly may serve to retain the optional retaining walls. Manufacturing construction methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2008
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Inventor: Richard N. Shapiro
  • Publication number: 20100059944
    Abstract: An actuator includes a first rotary motor, a second rotary motor, and a transmission coupled to the first and second rotary motors. The transmission converts rotation of the first rotary motor in a first direction and simultaneous rotation of the second rotary motor in a second direction to linear motion of an output shaft in a single direction. The actuator is usable in an active automobile suspension.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2008
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Inventors: David G. Oteman, Steven N. Brown, Dariusz A. Bushko
  • Publication number: 20100044991
    Abstract: A suspension mount for a vehicle axle includes first and second mount components that are positioned on opposing sides of the axle. A spring is supported by the first and second mount components. The axle is comprised of a tubular beam body that encloses a cavity. The tubular beam body has a fore wall, an aft wall, a top wall, and a bottom wall that bound the cavity. The first mount component is positioned adjacent the fore wall and the second mount component is positioned adjacent the aft wall. At least one fastener extends through the cavity and through the fore and aft walls to secure the first and second mount components to the tubular beam body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2008
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Inventor: Gozalo Luna
  • Publication number: 20100044144
    Abstract: Disclosed are a high-damping and high-thrust cylindrical linear motor and a motor-driven power steering device. A stator includes three-phase stator and a stator core. A slider includes a slider core and permanent magnets. The stator core includes stator-core salient poles, two auxiliary poles and yoke units with a small poles on its surface of the side of the slider, the auxiliary poles being deployed at both ends of the stator-core salient poles, the yoke units configuring a magnetic circuit in cooperation with the stator core and the auxiliary poles. The magnetic circuit is shared among the three phases. Polarities of magnets of the slider become an identical polarity, each of the plurality of permanent magnets being positioned at a position which is opposed to each of the plurality of small poles included in one stator-core salient pole out of the plurality of stator-core salient poles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Fumio Tajima, Masashi Kitamura, Yusuke Akami, Noriyuki Utsumi, Tomoyuki Lee
  • Patent number: 7665743
    Abstract: An adjustable strut spacer includes two complementary strut spacer disks that engage each other and the vehicle suspension to provide adjustable spacing. Each strut spacer disk is flat on one side and stepped on the other side. The steps of the upper strut spacer engage the steps of the lower strut spacer such that when the strut spacer disks are counter rotated the thickness of the adjustable strut spacer changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Readylift Suspension, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott E. Poncher, Cordell E. Bauer, Steven A. Dringenberg
  • Publication number: 20100038874
    Abstract: An axle beam includes a hollow beam body with at least first and second apertures formed in opposing wall portions of the hollow beam body. A stiffener is received within the first and second apertures and is fixed to the hollow beam body at an attachment interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2008
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Inventors: Tomaz D. Varela, James Trotter, Xinyu Wen, Kou Yang
  • Publication number: 20100025174
    Abstract: A wheeled transport device that includes a body, a handle coupled to the body, a suspension system coupled to the body, and at least one wheel rotatably secured to the suspension system. The suspension system is retracted toward the body when the handle is moved from an extended position to a retracted position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Inventor: DOUGLAS C. DAYTON
  • Publication number: 20100025952
    Abstract: A unit (1) for supporting the axle-shafts of go-karts provided with an annular body (12) having a variable perimeter and with a rolling bearing (20), set within the annular body (12) itself with the possibility of oscillation about an axis of adjustment (B) transverse to an axis (B) of rotation of the bearing (20) itself; a tightening system (30) being provided for tightening the support (11) on the bearing (20) and for blocking the bearing (20) itself in an operative position, and being defined by at least two sharp edges (32) (33) (36), fixed with respect to the bearing (20) and set about the axis (B) of rotation for cutting into a softer material of the concave seat (13), preventing any rotation of the bearing (20) about the axis (A) of adjustment in said operative position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2007
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Inventors: Fabio Falsetti, Paolo Andolfi
  • Publication number: 20100013183
    Abstract: A new and improved stand up type scooter used for traveling across generally flat terrain such as asphalt or concrete. The invention comprises of a three-wheeled scooter manually, gas, or electrically powered. The scooter consists of a frame, floor deck, steering tee handle, pivoting front suspension, two front wheels for added traction, and one rear powered or non-powered wheel. The invention incorporates a center stand for upright storage and a foldable handle for compact transport of the mechanism. Optional quick attach seat system for riding in seated position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Inventor: Rurong He
  • Publication number: 20090283980
    Abstract: Axle lifting device for a vehicle, in particular for vehicle axles with pneumatic suspension, comprising a supporting element, a lifting element, and a lever element, the supporting element and the lever element being connectable to one another via the lifting element such that when the lifting element is actuated, the supporting element is supported on a frame element of the vehicle and the lever element exerts a preferably vertical force on an axle control arm of the vehicle in order to lift the axle control arm, and the lever element is mounted essentially in a stationary manner so as to be rotatable or pivotable with respect to a distal end of the axle control arm and/or the frame element, and the supporting element is rotatably or pivotably supported on the lever element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2007
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Applicant: SAF-HOLLAND GmbH
    Inventors: Helmut Hock, Harald Panke
  • Patent number: 7618051
    Abstract: A spring seat of a shock absorber includes a disc-shaped seat portion to which one end of a coil spring is fixed and a slide portion formed protruding in the radial direction from the seat portion. A fuel inlet pipe is configured to slide along the slide portion toward a side surface of the spring seat, thus enabling interference between the fuel inlet pipe and the shock absorber to be relieved at a low cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Koji Maeno
  • Publication number: 20090261551
    Abstract: A kit for providing an air suspension as a retrofit to an existing trailer using a leaf spring suspension makes use of hanging brackets, support arms and air bladders connected to a control system that determines whether the bladders require inflation or deflation to level the bed of the trailer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Applicant: LBC CONTRACTING LTD.
    Inventor: Derek Legros
  • Patent number: 7597169
    Abstract: A wheel module is configured for use on a vehicle chassis. A drivable vehicle includes a wheel module operatively connected to a vehicle chassis. The wheel module includes at least one non-rotating structural unit, a rotatable wheel controllably connected to the structural unit, a vehicle attachment interface operatively connected to the non-rotating structural unit including a load-bearing vehicle retention coupling and a control signal receiver. The wheel module further includes chassis components including at least one of a brake system, steering system, motor and suspension system operatively connected to the non-rotating structural unit and to the wheel, and operatively connected to the control signal receiver for controlling the wheel in response to non-mechanical control signals received through the control signal receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher E. Borroni-Bird, Adrian B. Chernoff, Mohsen D. Shabana, Robert Louis Vitale, Bruce Edward Zemke
  • Publication number: 20090230650
    Abstract: A modular suspension system for automobiles and trucks. The present invention relates to a suspension system which is both modular in design and specifically manufactured for high performance wheeled vehicles. This system has multiple modular parts which enable the system to function in various makes and models of vehicles. The modular aspects of this system also enable the cradle to be removable so that the engine and transmission of the vehicle can be easily reached. The modular aspects also allow this system to be set-up with a traditional shock configuration or with a rocker set-up shock system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Inventors: JULIO WERNER MAYEN, Terry Curtis Buch
  • Patent number: 7588129
    Abstract: A limiter bracket, for restricting the stroke of a hydraulic cylinder, is formed from a U-shaped member having a central base portion and two opposing sidewall. The base has a semi-circular retention slot extending from an off center position centrally located detent within the base. The opening of the slot is asymmetrically located at an off center position along an edge of the base so that the rod of a cylinder is both horizontally and vertically displaced during positioning within the limiter. Once the rod is located in the detent of the limiter, a pivot pin is inserted through a connector at the end of the rod and the aligned attachment holes in the sidewalls securing the limiter to the rod. The end of the cylinder body will contact the base of the limiter during retraction of the rod thus limiting the overall stroke of the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventor: David G. Cockrell
  • Publication number: 20090224501
    Abstract: A vehicle is provided with an axle suspended from a main frame of the vehicle by right- and left-hand pairs of connecting rods. As viewed from the top, one of each of the right- and left-hand pairs of connecting rods crosses the other of the pair of rods, and, as viewed from the side, the right- and left-hand pairs of rods are disposed parallel to each other. This arrangement of the connecting rods results in the axle moving substantially vertically up and down during operation of vehicle over uneven terrain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2008
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventors: Brandon C. Carlson, Donald E. Young, Garry E. Baxter, Jack C. Anderson
  • Publication number: 20090200765
    Abstract: A suspension height modification apparatus includes a first portion that is securable to a vehicular biasing suspension device and a second portion that is securable to a vehicular frame. The apparatus includes an axis along which a suspension height may be determined between the vehicular frame and the vehicular wheel assembly. The apparatus includes a movable portion which may be actuated along such axis to adjust suspension height.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2009
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Inventors: John W. Ryshavy, James R. Ryshavy, William E. Ingalls
  • Patent number: 7571917
    Abstract: A suspension arm for a vehicle wheel suspension having an intended breakpoint is described. The suspension arm is provided on a first end with a stub axle for receiving a vehicle wheel, and on at least one second end with the hole for receiving a fastener for fastening a bearing to connect the suspension arm to a subframe of a vehicle body. The suspension arm has an intended breakpoint designed to fail because of strain overload due to deformation during an accident, and the intended breakpoint is designed in such a way that the fastener breaks out of the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Ulrich Ruehe, Stefan Reich
  • Patent number: 7556111
    Abstract: An in-wheel drive unit suspension device suspends an in-wheel drive unit disposed inside a wheel on a vehicle body. The in-wheel drive unit suspension device has a longitudinally extending first arm member and a vertically extending vertical member. The first arm member has a in-wheel drive unit attachment portion pivotally attached to an outer circumferential portion of an in-wheel drive unit at a position radially spaced apart from a rotational center of the in-wheel drive unit, and a vehicle body attachment portion pivotally attached to the vehicle body so that the in-wheel drive unit is movable in a vehicle vertical direction with respect to a vehicle body. The vertical member has a first part of the vertical member attached to the outer circumferential portion of the in-wheel drive unit and a second part of the vertical member attached to the vehicle body to guide the in-wheel drive unit in the vehicle vertical direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshikazu Oshidari
  • Publication number: 20090166115
    Abstract: A vehicle, such as a straddle-type vehicle, can include an engine, a catalyst and an air cleaner. The catalyst can be disposed in an expansion chamber of the vehicle. At least a part of the air cleaner can be disposed above a swing arm of the vehicle, and at least a part of the expansion chamber can be disposed below the swing arm. The air cleaner can further be disposed to the rear of a shock absorber of the vehicle. Thus, the influence of heat from the catalyst and the engine on the air cleaner can be reduced. Consequently, efficiency of air induction into the engine can be increased, thereby improving engine output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2008
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Applicant: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masami MIZUTANI, Toshio IIZUKA
  • Publication number: 20090160151
    Abstract: An A-arm frame 10 for a vehicle has two arms 12, 14 that converge at an apex 16. Each arm has a mounting end opposite the apex for mounting to the housing for an axle of the vehicle. A pivot joint at the apex connects the A-arm frame to the vehicle frame. The pivot joint includes a case-hardened spherical plain bearing 22 that includes an inner ring 26 and an outer ring 28. The inner ring 26 may have a lubrication aperture therethrough, but the outer ring 28 has no lubrication aperture therethrough. The outer ring 28 may have a multi-fracture configuration and, therefore, a greater wrap-around of the inner ring 26 than it otherwise would have.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: ROLLER BEARING COMPANY OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: Brian Gaumer
  • Patent number: 7537224
    Abstract: A cam shaft support/enclosure assembly for brake systems of heavy-duty vehicles is mounted on a beam of an axle/suspension system and includes a cam tube. A bracket for mounting the cam tube on the beam includes a pair of plates that are mounted on the beam. Each one of the plates is formed with an opening for receiving the cam tube and includes at least three tabs, and preferably four tabs, that extend outwardly from each respective plate adjacent the opening and contact the outer surface of the cam tube. Each tab includes a generally arched and optionally textured face for mating with an outer surface of the cam tube, which may also be optionally textured, so that when the plates are mounted the tabs engage the cam tube in a press-type fit, minimizing movement of the cam tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Hendrickson USA, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Jeff Morris, Phillippi R. Pierce, Jay D. White, Dane Gregg
  • Publication number: 20090127813
    Abstract: A rear suspension system for an all-terrain vehicle having a chassis and at least three wheels. Two trailing arms are pivotally connected to a chassis. Each of the trailing arms includes a drive shaft bearing. A CV joint pivot arm is pivotally connected to the chassis. A CV joint housing is connected to the CV joint pivot arm. The CV joint housing includes a CV joint bearing. A CV joint is housed inside the CV joint housing and is supported by the CV joint bearing. A drive shaft extends through the CV joint and rigidly connected to the CV joint. The drive shaft is further supported by each of the drive shaft bearings attached to the trailing arms. A shock absorption system is connected between the drive shaft and the chassis. In a preferred embodiment, a cross bar is connected between the trailing arms for stability. Also, preferably, the rear suspension system includes a sway bar and linear shock absorbers acting in combination to provide optimum suspension.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventor: Craig Stewart
  • Publication number: 20090102152
    Abstract: A rear axle radius arm reduces chassis-induced roll oversteer and improves handling and safety both on and off road. Each rear axle radius arm has a single point of frame attachment in a variety of locations, and pivots on a center, allowing lifting to relatively large heights, very large suspension strokes, and high degrees of axle articulation. Four factory axle mounts on the stock axle may be used for many retrofit applications. An additional compliant bushing in the rear axle radius arm accommodates movement in an otherwise fully constrained rear axle suspension design. The additional bushing is another reason why this design improves vehicle performance so much, as it allows for increased axle articulation (differential wheel elevations) with reduced torque applied to the axle and control arm attachment brackets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Applicant: RUBICON MANUFACTURING, INC.
    Inventor: Ryan Wallace
  • Patent number: 7513516
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for supporting a payload within a vehicle, especially a land vehicle. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a cradle that permits the payload to translate fore and aft during sudden decelerations of the vehicle, such as when an off road vehicle runs into an obstacle. Preferably, the payload motion is damped by dampeners that couple the payload to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: JRI Development Group, LLC
    Inventor: Jeff Ryan
  • Patent number: 7513330
    Abstract: A height adjustable golf car suspension system includes an axle housing and first and second brackets connected to the axle housing. The first and second brackets each include a first U-shaped member welded to the axle housing, a second U-shaped member welded to the first U-shaped member, and a flange of the second U-shaped member having first and second apertures created through the flange. The first and second apertures receive a mounting fastener of a shock absorber and coil spring assembly. The first aperture is positioned above the second aperture. A height of the suspension system is adjustable by insertion of the mounting fastener into a select one of the first and second apertures of both the first and second brackets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher K. Furman, James Agerton, II
  • Publication number: 20090080967
    Abstract: Joint or bearing arrangement (1) with a trunnion (2), the head (3) of which is moveable in relation to an accommodating joint socket (4), wherein the joint socket (4) is located in an accommodating cavity acting as a housing (5) when assembled and is moveable axially in relation to the latter, formed so that the joint socket (4) has a reinforcement (9) inhibiting its axial deformation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Inventor: Matthias Gercke
  • Patent number: 7506881
    Abstract: A protective curtain assembly for an associated fluid suspension system of an associated vehicle includes a section of curtain material and a first securement device securing the second of material along at least a portion of the associated suspension system. A suspension system including a protective curtain is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: BFS Diversified Products LLC
    Inventor: Joshua R. Leonard
  • Patent number: 7506709
    Abstract: A personal mobility vehicle (PMV) is provided having suspension assemblies located on lateral sides thereof. The suspension assemblies each include a main pivot arm having first and second main-arm-ends, an intermediate portion, and a first wheel connected to the first main-arm-end. The intermediate portion is pivotally connected to one of the lateral sides, with the first main-arm-end and first wheel extending in a first direction from the vehicle frame. A center drive wheel is located on the second main-arm-end of the main pivot arm. A wheel support arm having first and second support-arm-ends and a second wheel connected to the second support arm end is pivotally connected to one of the lateral sides. The first support-arm-end is slidably engaged with the main pivot arm, and the second support-arm-end and the second wheel extend in a second direction, generally opposite the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Inventors: Frederick Kiwak, Jonathan Jaffe, Chris McConnell
  • Publication number: 20090058029
    Abstract: The invention relates to as suspension unit for a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, having a rigid axle, comprising a longitudinal member or axle member having a suspension section, a support section and an axle receptacle section, wherein the suspension section is designed to be rotatably or pivotably articulatedly mounted on a frame element of the vehicle, the longitudinal member can be supported on the frame element by means of the support section, and the vehicle axle can be coupled to the axle receptacle section and to a hollow cylindrical element. The longitudinal member is formed from a cast or composite material and the hollow cylindrical element is formed from a weldable material. The hollow cylindrical element is arranged in the axle receptacle section and is connected to the longitudinal member in a form-fitting or force-fitting manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventor: Olaf Drewes
  • Publication number: 20090051135
    Abstract: Wheel suspension for a vehicle (7), with a carrier element (5), with a wheel carrier (1), which is arranged at a spaced location from the carrier element (5) and which is pivotable about a steering axle (30), with a wheel (14) mounted rotatably on the wheel carrier (1), with a steering wheel (58), which is mounted rotatably on the carrier element (5) at least indirectly and by means of which the wheel carrier (1) is pivotable about the steering axle (30), with at least one joint (8), which is connected to the wheel carrier (1) and which has a housing (26), a pivot pin (25) mounted pivotably in same and an angle-measuring device with a magnet (27) and with a magnetic field-sensitive sensor assembly unit (28), and with at least one guide means (2), via which the joint (8) is connected to the carrier element (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2006
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventors: Holger Lohmuller, Felix Haeusler, Michael Klank, Joachim Spratte
  • Publication number: 20090033054
    Abstract: In a riding mower having a frame, a mower deck supported beneath the frame, a chair on said frame and a source of motive power also supported on said frame. The frame is supported on forward and rear wheel assemblies, and the wheel assemblies each have a supporting wheel, each wheel assembly having a vibration damping system interposed between the frame and each wheel assembly. The vibration damping system comprising at least one pillow interposed between the frame and each wheel assembly and each pillow being of a resilient material for absorbing shock and vibration resulting from a wheel contacting irregularities in the terrain traversed thereby.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2007
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventor: Robert Foster
  • Publication number: 20090020972
    Abstract: The stiffening device of the present invention is provided between left and right shock absorber support portions formed in a vehicle body, and includes a left side shaft and a right side shaft fixed to the left and right shock absorber support portions, respectively, and a rotation allowing portion that connects the left side shaft and right side shaft in a vehicle width direction central portion of the vehicle body, and allows the left side shaft and right side shaft to rotate. Fixing locations in which the left side shaft and right side shaft are fixed to the shock absorber support portions are disposed further toward a vehicle front side than the position of a rod axis of the shock absorber in the vicinity of the shock absorber support portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2008
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Applicant: FUJI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hideharu Tatsumi, Mitsuo Kimura, Yoshimitsu Kobayashi
  • Publication number: 20090020973
    Abstract: An independent suspension assembly having a wheel support member and upper and lower control arms that is well adapted for use with the front steerable wheels of a large truck. The upper and lower control arms are each pivotally secured to the wheel support member at a first location on the control arm and pivotally supported relative to the frame at a second location on the control arm. The wheel support member is vertically displaceable relative to the frame by pivotal movement of the upper and lower control arms relative to both the frame and wheel support member. A leaf spring and an air spring may be positioned between the lower control arm and frame to communicate loads therebetween. A vertically extending linkage member may be disposed between the lower control arm and frame. The lower control arm may extend across the longitudinal centerline of the vehicle below the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2008
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Applicant: TUTHILL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Gregory A. Richardson
  • Publication number: 20080309043
    Abstract: Disclosed is a suspension using continuous and variable leverage, in which a lever serves as a substitute for an air spring. First, a fulcrum located at the center of the lever is connected to a chassis of a vehicle. An impact transmission plate, which has a convex shape toward the lever and is connected to the upper end of a supporter connected integrally with a non-rotating wheel shaft of a wheel, is located under one end of the lever, and transmits an impact from the wheel to the lever. A spring connected to the other end of the lever absorbs the impact transmitted through the lever. The stronger the impact transmitted from the wheel is, the higher the impact transmission plate pushes up the lever. Then, since the upper surface of the impact transmission plate has a convex shape toward the lever, a pressure point, i.e., a contact point between the lever and the impact transmission plate, is shifted toward the fulcrum of the lever.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2008
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Inventor: Man Hee Jeong
  • Publication number: 20080303235
    Abstract: An adjustable strut spacer includes two complementary strut spacer disks that engage each other and the vehicle suspension to provide adjustable spacing. Each strut spacer disk is flat on one side and stepped on the other side. The steps of the upper strut spacer engage the steps of the lower strut spacer such that when the strut spacer disks are counter rotated the thickness of the adjustable strut spacer changes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventors: Scott E. Poncher, Cordell E. Bauer, Steven A. Dringenberg
  • Publication number: 20080296861
    Abstract: A vehicle has a vehicle body including a head pipe, a lower side bracket disposed below the head pipe for supporting the head pipe upward in a substantial center of the bracket in the vehicle width direction, and a pair of legs of a front fork fixed in vicinities of the ends of the lower side bracket. The lower side bracket is formed to have a downward sloping shape, which slopes from the ends of the lower side bracket toward its center.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takehiro Miyamoto
  • Patent number: 7455131
    Abstract: A suspension system for a tracked vehicle that includes at least four suspension cylinders for suspending at least two track module frames to a chassis of the tracked vehicle to allow torsional flexing to accommodate terrain unevenness with significantly less terrain damage to provide a smoother, safer ride, with bump absorption and improved stability. The suspension cylinders can be hydraulic cylinders, pneumatic cylinders for air bags, powered jackscrews or manual jackscrews. The suspension system also includes lateral links for attaching the at least two track frame module to the chassis to allow the track module frame to move vertically, to tilt and to angle for resiliently tracking uneven surfaces. Longitudinal links for attaching each of the at least two track frame module to the chassis to keep the at least two track module frames centered within the chassis of the tracked vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Inventor: Norman Rittenhouse