Revolving shackle
AssigneeMetal Made Rite, L.L.C.
InventorCurt C. Hildebrand
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An apparatus and method of articulating a vehicle is disclosed using a rotatable shackle connected to the frame and the suspension system of the vehicle. As one side of an axle is moved to a different level from the other side, the shackle rotates, allowing the vehicle to articulate and assisting the spring eye of a leaf spring suspension system to remain substantially in its resting position. Pivoting connections may be provided where the rotatable shackle is connected to the frame, where the rotatable shackle is connected to the suspension system, and within the rotatable shackle itself. The rotatable shackle is self supporting and may include a bushing to receive a portion of the rotatable shackle.
Claims20
A shackle for a vehicle, comprising:
- a first section having a distal end for connection to a vehicle and a proximal end;
- a second section having a distal end and a proximal end;
- a third section having a distal end for connection to a suspension system of the vehicle and a proximal end;
- wherein said third section is rotatably connected to said second section.
A revolving shackle for a leaf spring suspension assembly of a vehicle, comprising:
- a first section comprising a first flange, a second flange and a member connecting said first flange and said second flange, said first section having a proximal end and a distal end for connection to the frame of said vehicle;
- a second section comprising a base and a cylindrical neck, said second section having a proximal end and a distal end;
- a third section comprising a cylindrical neck and a third flange for connection to said leaf spring suspension assembly;
- a bushing connected to said first section;
- wherein said proximal end of said first section is pivotally connected to said proximal end of said second section;
- and
- wherein said cylindrical neck of said second section is rotatably connected to said cylindrical neck of said third section.
A method of articulating a vehicle, comprising:
- positioning said vehicle with one side of at least one axle at a different level than the other side of said at least one axle;
- and
- rotating a shackle connected to at least a portion of the frame of said vehicle and at least a portion of the suspension system of said vehicle;
- whereby said vehicle articulates and said suspension system remains in substantially the same position as before said vehicle articulates.
The method of articulating a vehicle, as claimed in claim 20, further comprising:
- resting at least a portion of said shackle against a bushing at least before said vehicle articulates.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.