Wheel suspension linkage
OwnerStephen L. Smithinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A linkage is provided for interconnecting two horizontally spaced bodies so that relative vertical movement of the two bodies occurs in a linear path. The linkage comprises a link member having universal pivotal connection to one of the bodies, for example the wheel hub of an automobile. The other end of the link is deformed into a vertical planar configuration and defines a vertically curved slot and a horizontal slot horizontally spaced from the vertically curved slot. Two horizontal pins are rigidly affixed to the other body, for example the chassis or frame of the automobile, and respectively traverse the vertically curved and horizontal slots with the result that the wheel hub can only move in a generally vertical direction relative to the frame along a linear path.
Claims10
A wheel suspension system for an automotive vehicle having a frame and a plurality of wheels, each wheel including a hub unit, the improvement comprising:
- a wishbone link for connecting the wheel hub to the frame;
- said wishbone link having a stem portion and two diverging arm portions;
- universal joint means for connecting the end of said stem portion to said wheel hub;
- the other end of each of said arm portion defining a curved slot in a vertical plane and a horizontal slot adjacent said curved slot;
- bracket means on said frame;
- a pair of horizontal pins fixedly mounted in transversely spaced relationship to said frame and respectively engagable with said vertical curved slot and said horizontal slot;
- the curvature of said curved slot and the spacing of said pins being selected to cause the end of said stem portion of said wishbone link to move in a substantially vertical linear path relative to said frame.
A wheel suspension system for an automotive vehicle having a frame and a plurality of wheels, each wheel including a hub unit, the improvement comprising:
- a pair of wishbone links for connecting a wheel hub to the frame;
- each said wishbone link having a stem portion and two diverging arm portions;
- universal joint means for connecting the ends of said stem portions to said wheel hub in spaced relation;
- the outer end of each said arm portion defining a curved slot in a vertical plane and a horizontal slot adjacent said curved slot;
- four spaced bracket means on said frame;
- four pairs of horizontal pins fixedly mounted in transversely spaced relationship to said bracket means, the pins of each pair being respectively engagable with said vertical curved slot and said horizontal slot in one of said arm portions;
- the curvature of each said curved slot and the spacing of each of said pairs of pins being selected to cause the end of said stem portion of said respective wishbone link to move in a substantially vertical linear path relative to said frame.
A linkage for connecting two horizontally spaced bodies for linear movement generally perpendicular to the spacing between said bodies comprising:
- an elongated link;
- horizontal pivot means for connecting one end of said link to one of said bodies;
- the other end of said link having a generally vertical planar configuration;
- a vertically curved slot and a horizontal slot in said vertical planar end portion of said link;
- said horizontal slot being horizontally spaced from said vertical curved slot;
- and
- a pair of horizontally spaced pins fixedly mounted on said other body and respectively traversing said slots.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.