Patent ID: 7571918
Filing Date: 2009-08-11
Classification: B60G

Abstract:
1. A vehicle comprising: a frame; a left wheel; a right wheel; a first wheel knuckle supporting the left wheel; a second wheel knuckle supporting the right wheel; a first suspension arm comprising a first elongated support member, a second elongated support member, and a first bracket, the first elongated support member having a first longitudinal axis and proximal and distal ends and being pivotably attached to the frame adjacent to its proximal end, the distal end of the first elongated support member being attached to the first bracket, the second elongated support member having a second longitudinal axis and proximal and distal ends and being pivotably attached to the frame adjacent to its proximal end, the distal end of the second elongated support member being attached to the first bracket, the first bracket comprising a metal plate formed from stamped sheet metal, the metal plate being shaped to define a first attachment portion and a first kick portion, each of the first and second elongated members being attached to the first attachment portion, the first kick portion defining a first opening receiving either one of the first wheel knuckle and the second wheel knuckle, the first longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis together define a first plane, the first kick portion extends away from the first attachment portion at an angle to the first plane, a second plane which is perpendicular to the first plane intersects the center of the first opening and divides the first bracket into a first side and a second side such that the first bracket is substantially symmetrical about the second plane, thereby configuring the first bracket to be associated with either one of the left wheel and the right wheel, a first angle of incidence located on the first plane between the first longitudinal axis and the second plane is substantially the same as a second angle of incidence located on the first plane between the second longitudinal axis and the second plane, the first opening has a circumference lying substantially on a third plane, and the third plane intersects the first plane; and a second suspension arm comprising a third elongated support member substantially identical to the first elongated support member, a fourth elongated support member substantially identical to the second elongated support member, and a second bracket substantially identical to the first bracket, the third elongated support member and the fourth elongated support member both being attached to the second bracket and being configured for pivotable attachment to the frame, and the second bracket defining a second opening receiving the other one of the first wheel knuckle and the second wheel knuckle.