Patent ID: 6267388
Filing Date: 2001-07-31
Classification: B60G,B62D

Abstract:
A vehicle comprising a space frame chassis having longitudinal chassis members and supporting a pair of non-steerable wheels, a pair of steerable wheels, and having a steering system including a steering member carrying a stub axle, comprising a strut having a pair of sections set at a stub angle to each other, upper and lower suspension linkages pivotally connecting upper and lower ends of said steering member to the vehicle chassis, said upper linkage being connected to a said longitudinal chassis member for pivotal movement about an axis perpendicular to said longitudinal chassis member and said lower linkage being connected to a said longitudinal chassis member for pivotal movement about an axis parallel to the last-named chassis member, the steering member being supported by said linkages for pivotal movement about a kingpin axis through said upper and lower ends, wherein the steering geometry is arranged such that, for the radially outer steerable wheel with reference to a turning center, a castor angle of the kingpin axis increases and the kingpin axis is inclined into the turn as the steering member pivots and said outer steerable wheel is lifted upwards forcing the chassis down whereby a downward force is exerted through said chassis to the non-steerable wheel that is the radially outer with reference to said turning center, wherein said stub angle is within the range 148.degree. to 164.degree..