Patent ID: 7597310
Filing Date: 2009-10-06
Classification: B60G

Abstract:
1. A leaf spring connection assembly for coupling a leaf spring to a vehicle comprising: (a) a leaf spring having a spring eye; (b) a vehicle bracket defining a surface facing in the direction of the ground, the surface having a pair of curved recesses, wherein the vehicle bracket further comprises a base portion extending fore and aft along the bottom of the vehicle bracket, wherein an end of the base portion includes an elongate passage that is square in cross section capable of receiving a tow hook assembly and the opposite end comprising the pair of curved recesses; (c) a pin disposed through the spring eye of the leaf spring, the pin including end portions extending outward of the spring eye and at least partially received within the pair of recesses of the vehicle bracket, wherein the pin diameter fits in the curve of the recesses, each of the end portions of the pin including a circumferentially disposed annular curved groove; and (d) a U-bolt having a pair of legs that extend through the vehicle bracket such that the legs terminate on the side of the bracket opposite to the ground, wherein the U-bolt is at least partially received in one of the annular grooves such that the diameter of the U-bolt fits in the curve of the groove and a curve defined by the bend in the U-bolt accepts the diameter of the pin at the groove, the U-bolt coupled to the vehicle bracket so as to sandwich the pin between the vehicle bracket and the U-bolt.