Land vehicles – Wheeled – Running gear
Reexamination Certificate
2001-07-16
2003-02-25
English, Peter C. (Department: 3616)
Land vehicles
Wheeled
Running gear
C280S124167, C267S273000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06523842
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention pertains to a suspension system for a motor vehicle and, more particularly, to an improved torsion suspension system.
2. Description of the Related Art
Torsion suspension systems are widely used in large motor homes to soften or cushion the ride. Hundreds of thousands of motor homes have been sold with such systems as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,215,328. Such systems are sold by B. F. Goodrich, Inc. under the trademark VELVET RIDE.
In summary, the torsion suspension systems uses two torsion spring assemblies located on opposite sides of the motor home between the axle and the motor vehicle frame. Each torsion spring assembly includes an elongated shell aligned longitudinally on the motor home frame that extends across the axle on the motor vehicle. The opposite ends of each elongated shell are connected to transversely aligned suspension arms that connect at one end to the upper section of vertically aligned shackles. The lower sections of the shackles are securely attached to the transversely aligned frame members located on opposite sides of the axle. During use, the two suspension arms and two shackles hold the opposite ends of the elongated shell in place over the axle and provide resistance to the elongated shell as the motor vehicle frame members move up and down relative to the wheels.
Each suspension arm includes a first flanged shell half that connects with suitable connectors to a second flanged shell half. Disposed between the first flanged shell half and the second flanged shell half is the upper section of the shackle. Suitable bolts and nuts are used to selectively attach the first and second flanged halves together. Each shackle includes two parallel lateral support members that extend between the upper and lower sections. During use, force is exerted on the axle or frame, which causes the lateral support member to bend and stretch. Over time, the upper sections of the shackle move laterally with respect to the lower section. While the support members may still function properly to provide a comfortable ride, they become too stretched and lose their elasticity, thus creating excessive side sway. This is especially troublesome on older motor vehicles where excessive swaying can cause driving accidents.
What is needed is an improved torsion suspension system for a motor home that provides a comfortable ride that reduces side sway. What is also needed is an improved torsion suspension system that can be retrofitted on used motor homes with torsion suspension systems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved torsion suspension system for motor homes that provide a comfortable ride yet reduces side sway.
It is another object of the present invention to provide such a torsion suspension system that can be used on new motor homes or retrofitted on older, used motor homes that use torsion suspension systems found in the prior art.
These and other objects of the invention which will become apparent are met by an improved torsion suspension system which stabilizes the shackles and suspension arms commonly used on torsion spring assemblies found in the prior art and now incorporated by reference herein. The improved system is designed to be an add-on feature to existing torsion spring assemblies found on many torsion suspension systems used on motor home vehicles so that original components may be used and function in the same manner.
More particularly, the improved system uses a torsion shackle bracket that bolts to the second flanged shell half on an existing torsion spring assembly. The torsion shackle bracket includes an axle that connects to an anti-sway rod that extends transversely over the motor vehicle. The opposite end of the anti-sway rod pivotally connects to the motor vehicle frame or to a frame bracket attached to the frame located on opposite sides of the motor vehicle. During use, the anti-sway rod stabilizes the torsion shackle bracket and prevents lateral movement of the upper section of the shackle thus reducing side sway. The bracket and anti-sway rod do not interfere with the torsion spring assembly ride softening ability since the ends of the rod are pivotally attached to allow the shackles to pivot to cushion the ride. In the preferred embodiment, the improved torsion suspension system is used on opposite sides of the motor vehicle.
REFERENCES:
patent: 6019384 (2000-02-01), Finck
Craine Dean A.
English Peter C.
LandOfFree
Torsion suspension system does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Torsion suspension system, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Torsion suspension system will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-3150206