Patent ID: 6206407
Filing Date: 2001-03-27
Classification: B60G

Abstract:
A vehicle suspension for coupling an elongated frame rail to first and second axles, the axles extending in a direction transverse to the frame rail and each having an outer end portion projecting outwardly beyond the frame rail, the vehicle suspension comprising:a leaf spring assembly having first and second end portions and a central portion between the end portions, the leaf spring assembly extending from the outer end portion of the first axle to the outer end portion of the second axle;a bushing coupled to the frame rail, the bushing including at least three arcuate reinforcing plates with elastomeric material disposed between the plates;a clamp coupling the central portion of the leaf spring assembly to the bushing such that the central portion of the leaf spring is coupled to the frame rail through the bushing and such that the clamp restricts the clamped portion of the leaf spring from bending; anda first leaf spring mount coupling the first end portion of the leaf spring assembly to the outer end portion of the first axle and a second leaf spring mount coupling the second end portion of the leaf spring assembly to the outer end portion of the second axle, the first and second leaf spring mounts including shear elements positioned above and below the coupled end portion of the leaf spring and which move in shear relative to the axles and leaf spring assembly as the axles articulate relative to one another.