Patent ID: 6036201
Filing Date: 2000-03-14
Classification: B60F,B60G,F16F

Abstract:
An adjustable, modular suspension assembly for connecting a wheel assembly to a vehicle, the suspension assembly comprising:a frame that is attachable to the vehicle;a kingpin assembly that is attachable to the wheel assembly;upper and lower control arms having respective connections to the frame and to the kingpin assembly to provide a parallelogram linkage; andat least one linear actuator having a frame end pivotally connected to the frame above the upper control arm and having a control arm end pivotally connected to a central portion of the lower control arm,the upper and lower control arms being configured to swing upwardly past the at least one linear actuator, under urging of the latter, until the at least one linear actuator moves into a vertically oriented stowed position within a recess, folding the adjustable, modular suspension assembly into a configuration having a lateral dimension effectively equal to the diameter of the at least one linear actuator, the wheel assembly at this point being simultaneously located at its maximum upward and its minimum lateral dispositions,the upper and lower control arms also being configured to swing downwardly to a point where they are horizontally disposed, the wheel assembly at this point being extended to its maximum lateral disposition, and to swing farther downwardly until the at least one linear actuator moves into a vertically oriented nonstowed position, the wheel assembly at this point being extended to its maximum downward disposition.