Patent ID: 7854438
Filing Date: 2010-12-21
Classification: B60B,B60G,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A trailing arm suspension system for mounting ground engaging wheels to a vehicle frame, said trailing arm suspension system comprising: an elongate axle having a central area, wheel supporting spindles at terminal ends outboard of said central area, and trailing arm attachment areas between said central area and each of said spindle terminal ends; said axle being tubular and integrally formed with said central area comprising a first wall thickness and said attachment areas comprising a second wall thickness, said second wall thickness being greater than said first wall thickness; an inboard and an outboard arm bracket secured by welding to said axle at each of said axle arm attachment areas; a pair of trailing arms, wherein each trailing arm is, at one end thereof, received between an inboard and an outboard arm bracket and secured thereto and, at its other end thereof, adapted to be pivotally secured to the vehicle; and, wherein each of said inboard and outboard arm brackets include an axle receiving hole, and wherein said axle is secured to each of said arm brackets by inserting the axle through said axle receiving hole and providing a weld bead at the interface between said axle and each said arm bracket.