Abstract: Provided is a running device including a frame (11) and a first wheel part (15) and a second wheel part (35) arranged with an appropriate distance therebetween along a running direction (R). The first wheel part (15) includes a first left support arm (17) and a first right support arm (26) arranged on the frame (11) in a manner to be swingable within a plane extending along the running direction (R). The second wheel part (35) includes a second support arm (36) arranged on the frame (11) in a manner to be swingable within a plane perpendicular to the running direction (R). The first left support arm (17) has first left wheels (19, 21) respectively on both sides thereof, and the first right support arm (26) has first right wheels (28, 30) respectively on both sides thereof. The second support arm (36) has a second left wheel (38) and a second right wheel (40) respectively on both sides thereof.

Abstract: A suspension system for a dual-axle wheels assembly, including a sub-frame, a first arm connected to the sub-frame and rotatable with respect to the sub-frame about a first axis, a first connector connected to the first arm and having a first connector axis about which a first wheel rotates when connected to the first connector, the first connector axis is parallel to the first axis, a second arm connected to the sub-frame and rotatable with respect to the sub-frame about a second axis that is parallel to the first axis, a second connector connected to the second arm and having a second connector axis about which a second wheel rotates when connected to the second connector, the second connector axis is parallel to the second axis, and a motion restrainer comprising a spring and a damper and interconnecting the first arm and the second ram.

Abstract: A load cushion for a suspension system including a first cushion portion, a second cushion portion, a base plate having a flat top side and a bottom side, and a rate plate having a flat top side and a flat bottom side, wherein the top side of the base plate is parallel to the top side of the rate plate, wherein the first cushion portion extends away from the top side of the rate plate and has at least one vertical cross section having two tapering edges that extend towards each other as they extend upwardly from the top side of the rate plate until they end at an exposed upper surface, and wherein the second cushion portion extends between the top side of the base plate and the bottom side of the rate plate.

Abstract: A suspension having a frame attachment portion having an opening with a spring mount positioned therein, and a first shear spring positioned between a wall of the spring mount and a side wall of the opening, and a second shear spring positioned between another wall of the spring mount and another wall of the opening. The first spring mount comprises an inboard part and an outboard part with a first through-hole positioned therein adapted to allow passage of a first connecting rod therethrough, wherein the first connecting rod connects the inboard and outboard parts together, and wherein the first shear spring is compressed between a wall of the spring mount and a wall of the opening, and wherein the second shear spring is compressed between a wall of the spring mount and a wall of the opening.

Abstract: An independent suspension with no axle is disclosed which includes a hanger and a control arm having opposite first and second ends pivotally mounted to the hanger between the first and second ends. The suspension unit further includes a spindle arm mounted to the first end of the control arm. The suspension unit also includes a jounce spring on the control arm and a rebound spring mounted between the control arm and the hanger. The control arm and hanger are configured such that when the first end of the control arm pivots towards the frame of the vehicle the jounce spring is compressed and the rebound spring is relaxed and when the first end of the control arm moves away from the frame the jounce spring is relaxed and the rebound spring is compressed.

Abstract: A shear spring comprising a base and a V-shaped surface opposite the base adapted to mate with a corresponding V-shaped surface positioned on a side wall of a spring mount, and an elastomeric material positioned between the base and the V-shaped surface, wherein the base includes a first flange extending away from the V-shaped surface and adapted to be positioned outwardly from a first edge of a side wall of a spring module, and wherein the base includes a second flange extending away from the V-shaped surface and adapted to be positioned outwardly from a second edge of the side wall of the spring module, where the first flange and the second flange are positioned in parallel planes.

Abstract: A tie-plate comprising a lower mounting flange that is removably attachable to a first frame hanger and to a second frame hanger, wherein the lower mounting flange includes a first set of attachment holes that correspond to a set of attachment holes at the first frame hanger, wherein the lower mounting flange includes a second set of attachment holes that correspond to a set of attachment holes at the second frame hanger, an extending member having a first end that extends at an angle from the lower mounting flange; and an upper mounting flange extending from a second end of the extending member, wherein the upper mounting flange has one or more mounting holes adapted for attachment of the tie-plate to an undercarriage of a vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension including a frame attachment portion attached to spring module having an opening defined by two side walls, a top wall and a bottom wall, and a spring mount positioned within the opening with two shear springs on either side of the spring mount, wherein the spring mount includes an inboard part and an outboard part separate from the inboard part, and a through-hole positioned in at least one of the inboard or inboard parts to allow passage of a threaded connecting rod therethrough, wherein the connecting rod has been tightened to draw the inboard part of the first spring mount together with the outboard part of the first spring mount, and to compress the first shear spring between the first side wall of the spring mount and the first side wall of the opening, and also to compress the second shear spring between the second side wall of the spring mount and the second side wall of the opening of the spring module.

Abstract: A rubber spring device is formed by alternately laminating a plurality of layers of hard plates whose linear dimension W in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of each equalizer bar is shorter in plan view than a linear dimension H in a direction parallel to an axle direction, and rubber layers. The rubber spring device is disposed between an end portion of each equalizer bar and a center axle in an articulated dump truck, and is allowed to function as a suspension. Thus, even when the rubber spring device is deformed into an accordion shape, peak positions of an internal stress within each rubber layer can be dispersed and reduced, thereby preventing generation of cracks within each rubber layer.

Abstract: An elastomeric spring suspension is described for supporting a longitudinally extending vehicle frame rail above first and second axles forming a tandem axle configuration. The suspension includes a frame hanger assembly mounted to the vehicle frame rail. The frame hanger assembly has two full spring modules, each of which includes two shear springs, a progressive spring rate load cushion having a pyramidal shape with a flattened top surface and a spring mount for mounting the springs. A saddle assembly is connected to the spring mount, and an equalizing beam is connected to the saddle assembly and further connected to the axles. The spring rate for the suspension increases almost linearly as a function of sprung load, resembling a pneumatic suspension. Accordingly, the suspension exhibits excellent ride quality, without sacrificing roll stability.

Abstract: An elastomeric spring suspension is described for supporting a longitudinally extending vehicle frame rail above first and second axles forming a tandem axle configuration. The suspension includes a frame hanger assembly mounted to the vehicle frame rail. The frame hanger assembly has two full spring modules, each of which includes two shear springs, a progressive spring rate load cushion having a pyramidal shape with a flattened top surface and a spring mount for mounting the springs. A saddle assembly is connected to the spring mount, and an equalizing beam is connected to the saddle assembly and further connected to the axles. The spring rate for the suspension increases almost linearly as a function of sprung load, resembling a pneumatic suspension. Accordingly, the suspension exhibits excellent ride quality, without sacrificing roll stability.

Abstract: A trailer tandem wheel suspension system comprising a pair of suspension units (3) for mounting on either side of a chassis (4) of a trailer (1) to support a pair of wheels 2?, 2? and arranged to respond both to small and large deflections of the wheels 2?, 2?. Each suspension unit (3) has a primary spring element (12) and a secondary spring element (13) linked to the primary spring element (12) so that the primary and secondary spring elements (12, 13) are effective over different ranges of movement of the wheels 2?, 2?. The primary spring element (12) is a leaf spring responsive to small movements of the wheels 2?, 2? and the secondary spring element (13) includes a compression spring (18) linked to the leaf spring and responsive to larger movements of the wheels 2?, 2?.

Abstract: A suspension for a tracked vehicle includes a bogie wheel assembly which has a pair of bogie wheels mounted to a walking beam. The walking beam is coupled to a body of the vehicle by a transversely-extending arm. The arm may be coupled to the body by a spherical bearing which permits angular rotation in at least two directions. The walking beam is connected to the body by shear members arranged in an inverted-V configuration. The shear members may be elastomeric springs.

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.

Abstract: A suspension deflection system is provided that includes first and second spaced apart supports, an elastomeric body positioned at least partially in the region between the first and second supports, and a suspension engaging projection extending from the second support in a direction away from the first support. The elastomeric body includes first and second opposed body end surfaces coupled respectively to the first and second supports, and first and second body side surfaces extending between the body end surfaces. The body side surfaces are closer to one another at a location intermediate to the body end surfaces than at the first and second supports. The system conveniently and securely couples a suspension member of a vehicle engaged by the projection to a frame of the vehicle.

Abstract: An elastomeric spring suspension is described for supporting a longitudinally extending vehicle frame rail above first and second axles forming a tandem axle configuration. The suspension includes a frame hanger assembly mounted to the vehicle frame rail. The frame hanger assembly has two full spring modules, each of which includes two shear springs, a progressive spring rate load cushion having a pyramidal shape with a flattened top surface and a spring mount for mounting the springs. A saddle assembly is connected to the spring mount, and an equalizing beam is connected to the saddle assembly and further connected to the axles. The spring rate for the suspension increases almost linearly as a function of sprung load, resembling a pneumatic suspension. Accordingly, the suspension exhibits excellent ride quality, without sacrificing roll stability.

Abstract: A suspension for a tracked vehicle includes a bogie wheel assembly which has a pair of bogie wheels mounted to a walking beam. The walking beam is coupled to a body of the vehicle by a transversely-extending arm. The arm may be coupled to the body by a spherical bearing which permits angular rotation in at least two directions. The walking beam is connected to the body by shear members arranged in an inverted-V configuration. The shear members may be elastomeric springs.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension for connecting a vehicle frame rail to a first vehicle axle and for connecting the vehicle frame rail to a second vehicle axle includes a fabricated equalizing beam connected to the first and second vehicle axles, a split bolster spring assembly connected to the equalizing beam, a fabricated saddle connected to the split bolster spring assembly, and a modular shear plate connected to the saddle and to the vehicle frame rail. The modular shear plate permits use of a universal saddle for mounting to a variety of vehicle frame configurations.

Abstract: A central bearing for a bow-shaped rear axle of a motor vehicle is formed of three elastic elements. One central elastic element is arranged directly on a bearing axis support and is pressed by a bearing sleeve. Two additional exterior elastic elements are connected with this bearing sleeve and are supported on a bearing disk which is held on the bearing axis support by a press fit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved walking beam assembly for use in the rear suspension of a heavy-duty vehicle. The walking beam assembly is constructed in a manner wherein the bushing segments incorporated therein may be easily removed and replaced. Such ease of replacement is facilitated by the polyurethane construction of the bushing segments. When inserted into the vehicle suspension, the walking beam incorporating the bushing segments is prevented from moving laterally relative the vehicle frame.

Abstract: A tandem axle vehicle suspension is provided which, in variant embodiments, employs one or two torque beams each supporting an axle of a tandem axle vehicle and each pivotally connected to a load compensator where a single elastomer spring is mounted between each torque beam and compensator and is subjected to both compression and shear forces during over-the-road operation.

Abstract: An improved bracket and bushing combination for the end of a walking beam forming a part of a wheel suspension system of a large truck. The bracket is a hollow housing having an end opening and side holes for receiving bolts which are threaded into the ends of a bushing after the bushing has been inserted into the housing through the end opening. The bushing is carried at one end of a walking beam, and the bushing is held in the housing by mounting elements which are secured in place over the end opening by bolts and nuts in partial surrounding relationship to the bushing. In one form of the bushing, the shaft of the bushing is concentric to the resilient core member surrounding the shaft. In another form of the bushing, the shaft is eccentric to the core member.

Abstract: A vehicle dual axle suspension comprising a force transmitting structure connected at one end thereof to a forward axle of the vehicle, and at the opposite end thereof to the rear axle, and a central resilient bushing for fastening the force transmitting structure to a cross member of the frame of the vehicle at the mid-point of the force transmitting structure. In one embodiment, the force transmitting structure is a spring plate having a relatively small thickness extending in the vertical direction of the vehicle and having a relatively large width extending in the transverse direction with respect to the vehicle. Other embodiments include resilient bars, and rigid arms pivotally attached to one another. The forward and rear axles are permitted to move substantially independently of one another in the vertical direction as necessary to provide a soft ride when traveling down the highway.

Abstract: This invention defines a suspension arrangement for off-highway vehicle that comprises a front pair or walking beams, a rear pair of walking beams, each beam pivoted to the vehicle underframe, articulated joints connecting the rear end of the front beam to the front end of the rear beam to allow up-and-down relative pivoting between the front beams and the rear beams, wheel axles and wheels at the outer end of each beam and at the articulated joints to form a three-axle arrangement, one pair of walking beams being extendible and retractable in length for allowing pivoting of the pairs of walking beams relative to the vehicle chassis, the pivot for one pair of walking beams being preferably positioned higher than the other to accommodate endless tracks of constant length around the wheels on the opposite sides of the vehicle, irrespective of the pivoted positions of the beams, and the transverse pivots for the walking beams have outer end portions projecting a predetermined length from the underframe to carry

Abstract: A tandem axle suspension system distributes a vehicle load asymmetrically to a drive and drag axle of a vehicle, the system comprises a compensator member that is pivotally connected between a front axle seat supporting the vehicle drive axle and a hanger member suspended beneath the vehicle chassis, and a torque beam member that is pivotally connected between the compensator member and a rear axle seat supporting the vehicle drag axle.

Abstract: A hinge pin of segmented form with its components in threaded connection with one another. The components of the pin include tool receiving surfaces engageable by a wrenching tool for applying torque during assembly and disassembly of the pin. The components are provided with male and female threads.

Abstract: A suspension for tandem axles of a vehicle comprising a pair of walking beams to which the axles are attached in a manner permitting either beam to swing relative to the other, with an elastomeric interposed between the body of the vehicle and the beams, and with the beams restrained from longitudinal and lateral movement.

Abstract: A tandem axle vehicle suspension comprising a beam extending between and pivotally connected at each end to a respective one of a pair of axles and a spring acting between the beam and a vehicle mounting. The spring comprises a pair of springs the axes of which are inclined at equal and opposite angles to the vertical. Each spring comprises layers of elastomeric material interleaved with and bonded to reinforcing elements wherein at least some of the elastomeric layers and elements are curved about a common center of curvature.

Abstract: A vehicle such as a dumper with articulated steering has a load-carrying portion supported by two wheel-pairs mounted on bogies. One wheel-pair can be raised from the ground while the other, still on the ground, has softer suspension. In a vehicle with its two portions relatively swingable around a longitudinal axis, the two wheels on the ground are coupled so as to move relatively identically in relation to the vehicle frame. With one wheel-pair raised and the other suspended, the vehicle is still laterally stable. Spring suspension is obtained by tipping the bogies using a mechanism actuated by a hydraulic cylinder with a gas accumulator attached to the feeder line of the hydraulic cylinder. Gas spring suspension thus occurs only when one wheel-pair is raised.

Abstract: An elastomeric suspension system for wheeled vehicles includes an equalizing beam pivotably mounted about its center to a trunnion tube which is rigidly mounted to the frame of the vehicle. The trunnion tube is press fitted into an aperture in a trunnion rubber bushing which, in turn, is press fitted into an aperture in the equalizing beam. Near each end of the equalizing beam is an axle mounted transversely to the beam. Each axle has mounted thereon one end of a cylindrical elastomeric spring which is connected at its other end to the equalizing beam. A rebound shaft is slidably connected at one end to each axle and at the other end to each end of the equalizing beam to prevent excessive rebound of the equalizing beam with respect to the axles. Each axle is pivotably connected to a central portion of the equalizing beam through radius rods. The elastomeric rubber spring isolates a substantial amount of vibrations of the axle, particularly vertical vibration, from the equalizing beam.

Abstract: A multiple axle suspension for vehicles has a first arm pivotally mounted at its rearward end from the vehicle chassis to suspend a first vehicle axle and a second arm pivotally mounted at its forward end from the vehicle chassis to suspend a second vehicle axle. A beam connects the first and second axles, either directly or by connecting the suspending arms. The forward end of the beam bears downwardly on the first axle or arm in opposition to that axle load, and the rearward end of the beam bears downwardly on the second axle or arm in opposition to that axle load. Resilient means are mounted between the vehicle chassis and the beam at a location between the axles. Other resilient means are mounted between the beam and the points where the beam joins the pivoting arms, if that configuration is used.

Abstract: A suspension for a vehicle having wheel-supporting axles arranged in tandem. The suspension comprises a walking beam pivoted intermediate its ends to the frame of the vehicle. The axle support of one road engaging wheel is secured to one end of the walking beam, and the axle support of the other road engaging wheel is secured to a support arm which is mounted for pivotal movement relative to the walking beam. An air bag is interposed between the support arm and the opposite end of the walking beam. The walking beam provides for equalizing movement between the tandem axles and a cushioning member, such as an air bag and the like absorbs road shock during such equalizing movement.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a multiple axle articulated suspension structure and system for vehicles wherein road and tire excitations of each axle are isolated from their opposing axle, as well as from the sprung mass. This is accomplished via deflections of pressure-resistant spring means and load-equalizing supports. In a preferred embodiment of this invention, a tandem axle vehicle suspension system having separately trunnioned rocker beam assemblies supported by cross axles is secured in a novel manner to a combination of self-dampening multiple spring means wherein, while each component spring means is not self-dampening, each combination thereof is self-dampening, and wherein air, elastomeric and hydraulic spring means are combined in a number of combinations thereof.