Patent ID: 7278506
Filing Date: 2007-10-09
Classification: B62D,B62M

Abstract:
1. A vehicle comprising: a frame having a longitudinal axis; a slide rail disposed below the frame for guiding a drive track along a road surface, the slide rail being pivotally coupled to the frame; a spring member for urging the slide rail in a direction away from the frame, the spring member having a first portion mounted to the frame and a second portion supported on the slide rail at a first spring support position in a first configuration; and at least first and second spring supports, the first spring support coupled to the vehicle at the first spring support position and the second spring support coupled to the vehicle at a second spring support position which is distanced from the first spring support position in a longitudinal direction, the second spring support being arranged to engage the spring member upon deflection of the slide rail such that the spring member is supported by the second spring support at the second spring support position in a second configuration, the second spring support being spaced from the first spring support such that deflection of the slide rail produces a non-linear spring reaction force.