Patent ID: 6406007
Filing Date: 2002-06-18
Classification: B60G,F16F

Abstract:
A leaf spring assembly for use as an active component in vehicle suspension systems, comprising:a first cantilever portion; a second cantilever portion adjacent to said first cantilever portion; a first leaf spring component having a frame hanger and shackle attachment portion and a full-leaf leaf portion extending substantially along said first and second cantilever portions; a second leaf spring component connected to said first leaf spring component and having a frame hanger and shackle attachment portion positioned adjacent to the frame and shackle attachment portion of said first leaf spring component, and further having a half-leaf leaf portion extending substantially along said first cantilever portion; an axle seat portion having a first end and a second end; the full-leaf leaf portion of said first leaf spring component includes an upper surface and a lower surface, wherein the half-leaf leaf portion of said second leaf spring component includes an upper surface and a lower surface, and wherein in said axle seat portion the upper and lower surfaces for one of said full-leaf leaf portion and said half-leaf leaf portion extend in nonparallel planes; and wherein said lower surface for said one of said full-leaf leaf portion and said half-leaf portion tapers continuously through substantially all of said axle seat portion so that said one of said full-leaf leaf portion and said half-leaf leaf portion is thicker at said second end of said axle seat portion than it is at said first end of said axle seat portion.