Automotive steering and suspension system
OwnerGary T. Garmaninventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A system of linkages for a beam-type straight axle drive arrangement which accurately control the vehicle steering as well as axle location throughout its full range of suspension compression. This system can be retrofitted onto existing vehicles as a “bolt-on” retrofit kit, thereby dramatically improving the handling characteristics of such vehicles.
Claims9
A suspension and steering system for a wheeled vehicle having a frame suspended above a straight axle, said system comprising:
- a pair of upper suspension arms and a pair of lower suspension arms, each of the lower suspension arms being coupled at an inner end to said axle and at an outer end to said frame;
- at least one of said pairs of suspension arms being attached to said frame at outer ends thereof and angled inwardly to a point where the inner ends are adjacent to one another;
- a mounting plate attached to the axle for coupling to said at least one pair of suspension arms;
- a steering bellcrank pivotably mounted to said mounting plate for rotation about a central pivot axis during steering said vehicle;
- and
- means for mounting the inner ends of said at least one pair of suspension arms adjacent said central pivot axis of said steering bellcrank.
A vehicle suspension and steering system for use in conjunction with a wheeled vehicle having a frame supported above a straight axle, said suspension and steering linkage system comprising:
- upper and lower suspension arms each having inner and outer ends connected by pairs between the frame and the axle to permit vertical movement of the axle relative to the frame;
- a mounting plate attached to said axle;
- a steering bellcrank coupled to said mounting plate at a central pivot axis;
- means joining the inner ends of said upper suspension arms together at said pivot axis;
- a steering idler member mounted to convert movement of a pitman arm to rotation of said bellcrank;
- and
- a steering drag link extending from said steering idler member to said steering bellcrank to cause rotation of said steering bellcrank as the vehicle is steered.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.