Abstract: When a motor vehicle is steered, as turning reaction forces from the road surface, for example, rearward radial loads are applied from rear wheels to corresponding end portions of a steered shaft via corresponding knuckles and corresponding tie rods. A motor vehicle steering system includes first and second counter load application mechanisms that apply counter loads against the radial loads to the corresponding end portions of the steered shaft. Each of the counter load application mechanisms includes a motion conversion mechanism that converts torsional motion of the corresponding end portion of an axle beam caused by a ground contact reaction force of the corresponding rear wheel via the corresponding knuckle and a corresponding king pin into, for example, forward motion of the corresponding end portion of the steered shaft.

Abstract: A wheel-side end of a connection link is freely inclined relative to the wheel. A shaft-side end of the connection link is movable substantially in a width direction of the vehicle for steering the wheel. A steering shaft body is substantially in a rod shape extending substantially in the width direction. A steering shaft end is fixed to one end of the steering shaft body and freely inclined relative to the shaft-side end. The steering shaft body and the steering shaft end are movable substantially in the width direction according to an operation of a steering device. A load sensor is interposed between the steering shaft end and the steering shaft body for detecting load applied in an axial direction of the steering shaft to detect force applied to the wheel.

Abstract: A torque steer reduction system is disclosed. The system includes a damper. The damping effect of the damper is variable. Furthermore, the damping effect may be adjusted through a damping coefficient. High damping coefficients may correspond to stronger damping effects. During periods associated with a greater influence of torque steer, the damper may be configured with a high damping coefficient to counteract torque steer.

Abstract: A two-seater all-terrain vehicle (ATV) has straddle-type driver and rear passenger seats, and a pair of movable rear footrests to support the feet of a rear passenger. The rear footrests pivot from a stowed non-supporting position to a supporting position. When folded into the non-supporting position, the rear footrests become substantially flush with side paneling of the vehicle. The all-terrain vehicle may further include a pair of vertical and horizontal adjustment mechanisms for independently vertically adjusting each of the rear passenger footrests so that passengers of varying height can be comfortably accommodated on the rear seat. A cargo space is provided under the passenger's footrest, the cargo space being enlarged when the passenger's footrests are in the stowed position. Restraints and other holding mechanisms are also provided. The flip-down adjustable rear footrests may be used on other types of straddle-type recreational vehicles.

Abstract: A two-seater all-terrain vehicle (ATV) has straddle-type driver and rear passenger seats, and a pair of movable rear footrests to support the feet of a rear passenger. The rear footrests pivot from a stowed non-supporting position to a supporting position. When folded into the non-supporting position, the rear footrests become substantially flush with side paneling of the vehicle. The all-terrain vehicle may further include a pair of vertical and horizontal adjustment mechanisms for independently vertically adjusting each of the rear passenger footrests so that passengers of varying height can be comfortably accommodated on the rear seat. A cargo space is provided under the passenger's footrest, the cargo space being enlarged when the passenger's footrests are in the stowed position. Restraints and other holding mechanisms are also provided. The flip-down adjustable rear footrests may be used on other types of straddle-type recreational vehicles.

Abstract: A self-steering axle suspension system utilizing a rotary damper coaxially aligned with and acting directly about the king pin centerline on one side of the vehicle is disclosed. When used as such, the rotary damper constitutes a rotary stabilizer. The rotary stabilizer is used to control the steerability of the self-steering axle suspension system and has a self-centering axle mechanism incorporated therein.

Abstract: Arrangement for providing a steerable suspension to a vehicle wheel that includes a first bearing (1) and a second bearing (2) arranged at a supporting unit (3) in order to form a geometrical pivot axis (4) around which the vehicle wheel is journalled in bearings steerable in relation to the supporting unit. The supporting unit exhibits at least one supporting surface (8) and the first bearing exhibits an inner ring with an external. Radially directed surface (22) is arranged for abutting and resting against the supporting surface (8) in order to take up forces directed radially in relation to the geometrical pivot axis (4).

Abstract: A steering linkage assembly (10) having a resistance assembly (30) for resisting turning movements of a steerable member (17), and a trim assembly (28) for remotely adjusting the length of a linkage (10) between the steerable member (17) and a frame member (12). A trim valve (52, 52′, 52,″ 301) is operable between closed and open positions for allowing a trim piston (36) to move from one locked position (C1) to another locked position (C2) to change the length of the linkage (10). A liquid pressurized by a gas pressure source (88) is provided to the resistance assembly (30) and to the trim assembly (28) by a single pressure accumulator assembly (275), or by a dual accumulator assembly (75, 175) providing liquid at a trim pressure and a resistance pressure. The stroke of the trim piston (36) is sufficient for the fluid systems (28, 30, 75, 175, 275) to remain pressurized at all times.

Abstract: A self-steering auxiliary axle assembly having an elastic member for use as a steering damper is provided. The axle assembly has a frame with an axle supported by the frame in spaced relation therefrom with retracted and highway positions. At least one air spring is arranged between the axle and the frame. The air spring is actuateable between an operative mode for damping the axle in the highway position and a non-operative mode when in the retracted position. The axle has opposing ends with spindle assemblies pivotally supported thereon for permitting rotation of said spindle assemblies relative to said axle. Steering arms extend from the spindle assemblies. A control rod interconnects the steering arms for linking the spindle assemblies together. The elastic member interconnects one of the steering arms and the axle for damping the rotation of the spindle assemblies relative to the axle.

Abstract: A steerable suspension system which includes a steering lockout feature is provided. In a described embodiment, an engagement member is displaced through an axle of the suspension system to prevent steering of the suspension system. The engagement member engages another engagement member attached to a tie rod of the suspension system.

Abstract: Independent wheel suspension for motor vehicles comprising: a wheel support (12) with a suspension movement and a steering movement, suspension movement guide devices associated to elastic devices (34) and shock absorbing devices (16, 26), and a control device (42, 44, 46, 40) of the wheel support steering movement (12). The wheel support (12) slides along a steering element (16), which is slanted with respect to a vertical axis, and the steering movement control device comprises an electric actuator (42) controlled by an electronic control unit (50) arranged to correct the steering movements induced by the suspension movement.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for adjusting an automotive seat mechanism or adjusting other mechanisms comprising a magneto rheological and/or electro rheological fluid provided in the chamber of a positive fluid displacement device and interconnecting said relatively movable parts whereby changing the status of said fluid enables control of the mechanism, and/or take up of any backlash between movable parts of the mechanism, by virtue of resistance to fluid flow in the activated status of the fluid.