Suspension system
AssigneeThe B. F. Goodrich Company
InventorsRoy L. Orndorff, Jr., Mark J. Bono
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A leaf spring suspension for a motor vehicle wherein the leaf spring has one end pivotally connected to the frame and the other end also connected to the frame via a torsion spring member. The torsion spring member has a shaft member which is pivotally connected to the other end of the leaf spring. The torsion spring member has an elastomeric sleeve whose inner bore surface is bonded to the shaft member. The torsion spring member also has an outer shell secured to the sleeve and also connected to the frame. A stop member is mounted on the outer shell for engagement by an abutment member on the bracket member to cut out the torsion spring and place the leaf spring in sole control as the suspension.
Claims14
A motor vehicle suspension system having a frame, a wheel support member, a leaf spring secured to said wheel support member, first means pivotally connecting one end of said leaf spring to said frame, second means connecting the other end of said leaf spring to said frame, said second means comprising a torsion spring member, said torsion spring member having a central shaft, a lever member pivotally interconnecting said other end of said leaf spring to said central shaft, an annular elastomeric member having an inner bore with an inner annular surface, said annular elastomeric member having an outer annular surface, said inner annular surface secured to said shaft, an outer housing member secured to said outer annular surface of said elastomeric member, said outer housing member pivotally connected to said frame, and said outer housing member having a stop member, and said lever member having an abutment movable into engagement with said stop member upon rotation of said central shaft to thereby make said leaf spring as the sole suspension means.
A motor vehicle suspension system having a frame, a wheel support member, a leaf spring secured to said wheel support member, first means pivotally connecting one end of said leaf spring to said frame, second means connecting the other end of said leaf spring to said frame, said second means including a torsion spring member, said torsion spring member having a shaft member means pivotally connected to the other end of said leaf spring, an elastomeric sleeve having its inner bore surface secured to said shaft member means, a housing member encompassing said elastomeric sleeve and secured thereto forming said torsion spring member with said elastomeric sleeve and said shaft member means, said housing member pivotally connected to said frame, a stop member secured to said housing, and an abutment mounted on said shaft member means for contact with said stop member upon torquing of said elastomeric sleeve whereby said leaf spring thereafter acts as the sole suspension means.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.