Patent · US Expired

Elevating, reversible self-steering suspension system

US5015004A · kind A · utility

57Cited by
2References
20Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateDec 28, 1989
Grant dateMay 14, 1991
Priority date
Expiry dateDec 28, 2009

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB60G2204/47
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

An elevating, reversible self-steering suspension system incorporates upper and lower torque rods pivotally connected between a hanger assembly and an axle seat assembly. The upper torque rod of the parallelogram linkage is pivotally connected at one end to the axle seat assembly, and is pivotally connected at its opposite end to a pivot lever that, in turn, is pivotally connected to the hanger assembly. An end of the pivot lever opposite its pivot connection to the hanger assembly is connected to a selectively extended and retracted piston cylinder assembly. By extending the piston rod from the piston and cylinder assembly, the pivot lever is rotated relative to the hanger assembly, and the upper torque rod connecting the pivot lever to the axle seat causes the axle seat to be displaced. The displacement of the axle seat adjusts the orientation of a vehicle axle supported by the axle seat to a negative caster. By retracting the piston rod of the piston and cylinder assembly into the cylinder of the assembly, the pivot lever is again pivoted relative to the hanger assembly. The pivoting of the pivot lever causes the upper torque rod connecting the pivot lever to the axle seat to ad…

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.