Patent ID: 7229088
Filing Date: 2007-06-12
Classification: B60G,F16F

Abstract:
1. A shackle assembly for connecting a vehicle suspension to a vehicle frame member, the vehicle suspension being further connected to a vehicle axle, said shackle assembly comprising: a shackle bracket mounted to said vehicle frame member; a first shackle plate pivotally connected to said shackle bracket having a redundancy feature in the form of a first shackle plate finger forming part of said first shackle plate and extending vertically upwardly towards said vehicle frame member, said first shackle plate finger being positioned on one side of said first shackle plate and further being constructed and positioned to contact said vehicle frame and thereby prevent further pivoting of said first shackle plate in the event of a particular vehicle condition when said vehicle is traveling in a predetermined direction and when said vehicle is subjected to a predetermined force; and a second shackle plate pivotally connected to said shackle bracket having a redundancy feature in the form of a second shackle plate finger forming part of said second shackle plate and extending vertically upwardly towards said vehicle frame member, said second shackle plate finger being positioned on one side of said second shackle plate and further being constructed and positioned to contact said vehicle frame and thereby prevent further pivoting of said second shackle plate in the event of said particular vehicle condition when said vehicle is traveling in said predetermined direction and when said vehicle is subjected to said predetermined force.