Land vehicles – Wheeled – Running gear
Reexamination Certificate
2002-06-17
2004-08-17
Ark, Darren W. (Department: 3643)
Land vehicles
Wheeled
Running gear
C280S124153, C280S124154, C016S01800R, C016S044000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06776428
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates generally to suspension systems for use with a vehicle wheel. More specifically, the present invention relates to a four bar linkage suspension system for a vehicle wheel that can be used in a variety of all terrain and high speed applications.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Suspension systems for vehicle wheels have been developed for a variety of different configurations. These suspension systems are incorporated into a variety of different vehicles, including automobile, motorcycles and the like. Current suspension systems are typically configured such that they are located inwardly from the vehicle wheel and along the wheel's axis. Because these suspension systems are located inwardly from the vehicle wheel, they require a relatively large amount of space. These suspension systems provide satisfactory performance, however, the amount of space required to accommodate the suspension system is disadvantageous for many uses.
Other known suspension systems, such as utilized on some motorcycles allow the wheel to move up and down as an impact force is imparted to the wheel. This upward and downward movement of the vehicle wheel has no rearward component and the suspension does not provide a stationary suspension base allowing steering of the wheel relative to the suspension and no dolly wheel capability.
As is also known, dolly wheels are commonly used on vehicles or other devices which operate at low speeds (0-10 m.p.h.) as well as on industrial trucks and dollies and other equipment where it is advantageous to have zero turn capabilities. The wheels on such dolly wheel suspensions are subjected to relatively high impact forces when they engage an obstruction. These impact forces typically increase as a function of increasing speed and weight or load, and decreasing wheel radius.
Shock absorbing dolly wheel suspensions have been developed to reduce the transmission of impact forces from the ground engaging wheels to the suspension and to the load or equipment supported thereby. Many of these dolly wheel suspension systems utilize a variety of springs attached to different support members to minimize the transmission of impact forces on the dolly wheels to the vehicles. While these dolly wheel suspension systems provide satisfactory performance, that are generally utilized in a trailing fashion on the vehicle. As such, these systems do not provide a forward extending unit and, in particular, if they were placed forwardly of the vehicle, they would require space ahead of the wheel, thereby increasing the vehicle packaging size. And, if these systems were reversed to be forwardly extending as defined, they would not generate an up and back motion of the wheel, which would be most advantageous for a dolly wheel suspension.
There are also dolly wheel systems that use a short spring or elastomeric compression component to dampen impact loads. However, these systems are relatively limited in suspension travel and are restricted in achieving the travel dampening characteristics that are generally accomplished with a shock absorber.
It would thus be advantageous to provide a wheel suspension system that is forwardly extending without being ahead of the wheel while providing an up and back motion, which is advantageous to the ride performance of the vehicle. It would similarly be advantageous to provide a suspension system for a dolly wheel that requires significantly less space without sacrificing performance.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a suspension system for a vehicle wheel that will effectively absorb the shocks incident to travel of the vehicle over irregular road surfaces.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a suspension system for a vehicle wheel in which the dolly wheel is mounted for generally up and down movements as it encounters irregularities in road surface and arranged with a spring and shock absorber to yieldably resist upward movement of the wheel and to absorb road shocks resulting in the minimum upward component of movement of the vehicle itself.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a suspension system for a vehicle wheel that can be packaged in a compact area within a vehicle.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a suspension system for a vehicle wheel that includes the full shock absorption and spring action that is currently present in existing automotive vehicles.
It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a suspension system for a vehicle wheel that allows the vehicle wheel to move upwardly and rearwardly when subjected to an impact force on the ground.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide a suspension system that is located rearwardly of the vehicle wheel axis with respect to the direction of travel of the vehicle.
It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a suspension system that provides the above advantages and/or objects for a dolly wheel's free rotational orientation or a fixed/steering configuration.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a suspension system that utilizes at least one pivoting linkage with orientation fore and aft resulting in an upwardly and rearwardly path of the wheel and suspension system for absorption of impact
In accordance with the above and the other objects of the present invention, a suspension system for a vehicle is provided. The suspension system includes a vehicle wheel having a forward rolling orientation defined by the direction of travel. The system includes a first link that is pivotally secured at an inner end to the vehicle. The first link is in communication with the vehicle wheel support at an outer end. The system also includes a second link that is rotatably secured at in inner end to the vehicle. The second link is in communication with the vehicle wheel at an outer end. The system also includes a shock absorber having a first end in communication with either the first link or the second link. The shock absorber has a second end pivotally secured to the vehicle. The shock absorber is compressible to allow the vehicle wheel to absorb impact forces imparted thereto by the four bar linkage controlling the transmitting motion of the wheel while the shock absorber absorbs the load. The shock absorber is located along a forward axis of the vehicle.
Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent when viewed in light of the detailed description of the preferred embodiment when taken in conjunction with the attached drawings and appended claims.
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pa
Ark Darren W.
Artz & Artz PC
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