Adjustable pivot axis for "The missing link" swivel for four-link rigid axle suspensions
Patent 5803200 Issued on September 8, 1998. Estimated Expiration Date: 
December 10, 2016. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.
December 10, 2016. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.Patent ReferencesMissing link swivel for four-link rigid axle suspensions V-bar suspension linkage Patent #: 5524921 InventorApplicationNo. 763223 filed on 12/10/1996US Classes:180/348, Final drive axle movable180/378, Differential or axle housing280/124.1, Suspension arrangement280/124.101, Including preparatory elasticity parameter selection280/124.116Horizontal and transverse pivot axisExaminersPrimary: Wasil, Daniel D.International ClassB60G 009/00AbstractA suspension for a ground vehicle which connects a rigid axle to the vehicle chassis and stabilizes the rigid axle in fore, aft, and rotational directions. The suspension comprises four links and a swivel. The four links extend within a predetermined number of degrees of parallel to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle, and connect the rigid axle to the vehicle chassis. Two of the links are normally attached above, and two of the links are normally attached below the rigid axle centerline. Therewith, the swivel comprises an arm having two opposite ends and a centrally positioned pivot shaft. Each end of the arm being interposed between an end each of two of the four links thus the pivot shaft is held steadfast to the surface residing between the locations where the pair of link ends would otherwise attach. Said surface being either of the vehicle framework or of the rigid axle, whichever location is preferred. Furthermore, the improvement to the above described swivel four-link suspension comprises a method for an adjustable means which makes it relatively easy to vary the inclination of the swivel pivot shaft axis upon the surface to which the pivot shaft is held firm. Therefore, the swivel arm pivot motion angle can be realigned with the swivel attaching link pair's push-pull direction, for optimal swivel functioning, whenever a change is made to the setup angle of the swivel attaching link pair.Other References
| |
