Patent Description:
<CIT> discloses a system for adjusting the height or spacing between the frame and axle of a vehicle. The system may operate by manipulating a suspension system connecting the frame to the axle and comprising shock assemblies. The system may include hydraulic spacers selectively changing in length in unison, thereby manipulating the equilibrium positions of the shock assemblies and changing the distance between the frame and axle. Between changes in length, the hydraulic spacers may act as a substantially rigid bodies.

Further, <CIT> discloses an agricultural sprayer suspension system, which includes four generally identical independent strut suspension assemblies each having a pneumatic spring supported above a strut shaft which is received within a strut journal connected to an adjustable axle. A scissors assembly located above the axle maintains wheel steer while facilitating vertical movement of the strut shaft within the journal. On non-steerable wheels, the lower end of the scissors assembly is connected to the journal to maintain a preselected wheel orientation. For steerable wheels, the lower end of the scissors assembly is connected to a hydraulic steering structure which allows axle adjustments for varying wheel tread. Similar construction of the steerable and non-steerable wheel assemblies reduces the number of different parts required and facilitates selective construction of sprayers with either two-wheel or four-wheel steering. A centrally located cab and sloping hood structure provide good visibility and direct viewing of all four wheels.

This Summary is not intended to identify key factors or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

According to the invention an agricultural vehicle suspension comprises a spring and a first spindle operably coupled with the spring in a spindle axial direction. A stop body is operably coupled to the first spindle in a stop body axial direction. The stop body is adjustable. The stop body is configured to limit an axial length of travel of the suspension relative to the first spindle. The first spindle may be a steering spindle or a suspension spindle. The adjustable stop body is a cylinder. The cylinder may comprise an extended position and a retracted position. The extended position of the cylinder may be configured to limit the axial length of travel of the suspension.

In another implementation, the adjustable stop body axial direction may be substantially parallel to the spindle axial direction.

In another implementation, the adjustable stop body may be actuated by one or more of a steering sensor, a transmission, a manual switch, or automatic engagement.

In another implementation, the suspension may be selectably engageable for on-road agricultural vehicle travel.

According to the invention, the agricultural vehicle suspension further comprises a stop bracket operably connected with the first spindle. The stop bracket is in selectable contact with the stop body.

According to the invention, the adjustable stop body is a cylinder. The cylinder comprises a first portion and a second portion operably extendable with the first portion. The second portion is configured to contact the stop bracket to reduce the axial length of travel of the suspension when in the extended position.

In another implementation, the first spindle may be a single suspension spindle.

In another implementation, the agricultural vehicle suspension may further comprise a second spindle.

In another implementation, the first spindle and the second spindle may be dual suspension spindles.

In another implementation, the first spindle may be a steering spindle.

In another implementation, the first spindle and the second spindle may be steering spindles. In another implementation, the second steering spindle may be substantially parallel to the first steering spindle. The adjustable stop body may be operably connected to the first steering spindle.

In another implementation, the suspension may be steerable or nonsteerable.

In another implementation, the agricultural vehicle suspension may comprise a first steering spindle and a second steering spindle. The cylinder may be operably connected to the first steering spindle or the first suspension spindle.

In another implementation, the spring of the agricultural vehicle suspension may be one or more of an air spring, a coil spring, a leaf spring, or a nitrogen accumulator configured to act as a spring hydraulically.

In another implementation, an agricultural vehicle suspension may comprise an air spring. A first steering spindle may be operably coupled with the air spring in a spindle axial direction. A first suspension spindle may be operably coupled with the air spring in the spindle axial direction. An adjustable stop body may be operably coupled to the first steering spindle or the first suspension spindle in a stop body axial direction. The adjustable stop body may be configured to limit an axial length of travel of the suspension relative to the first spindle. The stop body axial direction may be parallel to the spindle axial direction. The adjustable stop body may comprise an extended position and a retracted position. The extended position of the stop body may be configured to limit the axial length of travel of the suspension. The stop body may be configured to be actuated automatically or manually. The suspension may be selectably engageable for on-road agricultural vehicle travel. The suspension may be steerable or nonsteerable. The suspension may be configured to be a single spindle suspension or a dual spindle suspension.

A method for limiting axial travel of a suspension may comprise applying pressure to a spring. Next, the spring may be compressed. A length of axial suspension travel may be defined. A cylinder may be actuated to an extended position. The cylinder may be operably connected to a first spindle. The first spindle may be operably connected to the spring. The extended cylinder position may be in an axial direction parallel to the axial suspension travel. The length of axial suspension travel may be reduced.

The method for limiting axial travel of a suspension may comprise decreasing pressure in the spring; extending the spring to a centered position; and maintaining the cylinder in the extended position to maintain the reduced length of axial travel.

The method for limiting axial travel of a suspension wherein a stop bracket may be operably connected to the first spindle. The axial length of travel may be between the cylinder and the stop bracket.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, the following description and annexed drawings set forth certain illustrative aspects and implementations. These are indicative of but a few of the various ways in which one or more aspects may be employed.

Other aspects, advantages and novel features of the disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the annexed drawings.

What is disclosed herein may take physical form in certain parts and arrangement of parts, and will be described in detail in this specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof and wherein:.

The claimed subject matter is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are generally used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the claimed subject matter. It may be evident, however, that the claimed subject matter may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate describing the claimed subject matter.

Referring now to <FIG>, an agricultural vehicle suspension reduction mechanism <NUM> is illustrated. The agricultural vehicle suspension reduction mechanism <NUM> may be utilized on any type of agricultural vehicle <NUM>, including without limitation, sprayers, including self-propelled sprayers, tractors, seeders, harvesters, and implements. The agricultural vehicle <NUM> may comprise a frame <NUM>. The frame may have a fore portion <NUM> towards the front of agricultural vehicle <NUM>. The frame <NUM> may also have an aft portion <NUM> towards the rear of the agricultural vehicle <NUM>. In one implementation, the agricultural vehicle <NUM> may be a sprayer <NUM>. In one implementation, the sprayer <NUM> may be a self-propelled sprayer. The agricultural vehicle <NUM> may further comprise a boom <NUM> at the aft <NUM>. Ground engaging members <NUM> are operably connected to the frame <NUM>. The agricultural vehicle <NUM> may also comprise an operation station or cab <NUM> for the vehicle operator. The cab <NUM> may be disposed towards the fore portion <NUM> of the frame <NUM>. In other implementations, it may be disposed about a center portion of the frame <NUM>. The cab <NUM> may be positioned above the level of the ground engaging members <NUM>. Because the cab <NUM> is elevated and may be in a forward position, the operator is provided with an unobstructed view down and forward of the agricultural vehicle <NUM>. This configuration may also provide for a larger cab space for the operator.

As shown in the FIGURES, the suspension reduction mechanism <NUM> may be utilized for increased operator comfort and agricultural vehicle stability. It may be utilized in a single spindle suspension application as shown in <FIG>. It may also be used in a dual spindle suspension application, as shown for example in <FIG> and <FIG>. Further, the agricultural vehicle suspension reduction mechanism <NUM> may be utilized on one, two, three, or all four ground engaging members <NUM> of the agricultural vehicle <NUM>. The agricultural vehicle suspension reduction mechanism <NUM> may be used in a steerable application, as illustrated for example in <FIG>. In other implementations, the agricultural vehicle suspension reduction mechanism <NUM> may be used in a nonsteerable application as shown in <FIG>. Steerable applications may be utilized with a single spindle suspension application or for a dual spindle suspension application. Nonsteerable applications may be utilized with a single spindle suspension application or for a dual spindle suspension application.

As will be described below, a mechanical, electromagnetic, hydraulic, pneumatic, or electromechanical stop body <NUM> is utilized to limit axial travel of a suspension assembly <NUM>. The stop body <NUM> is adjustable. The stop body <NUM> is a cylinder <NUM>. It should be understood that the cylinder <NUM> is operably connected to a first spindle <NUM>. The first spindle <NUM> may be a steering spindle <NUM>, <NUM> as described below. In other nonlimiting examples, the first spindle <NUM> may be one of the suspension spindles <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> such as for example the single spindle suspension <NUM> or the dual spindle suspension <NUM>, <NUM>.

With continuing reference to the FIGURES, transversely adjustable wheel axle assemblies, one of which is shown at <NUM> may be slidably received in tubular frame members (not shown) and support a suspension assembly <NUM>. As described herein, the suspension assembly <NUM> may be steerable or nonsteerable. The suspension assembly <NUM> may be generally free of shock absorbers or dampers in one nonlimiting example. The suspension assembly <NUM> may comprise a tube <NUM> having an inner end slidably received by the member <NUM>. The tube <NUM> may be connected to a hydraulic tread adjust cylinder (not shown) for adjusting the vehicle tread. A knee joint <NUM> may be connected to the outermost end of the tube <NUM> and may comprise an upright journal area <NUM> slidably and rotatably mounting an upright strut shaft or suspension spindle <NUM> having a shaft axis <NUM>a. The lower end of the strut shaft <NUM> may be fixed to a wheel support and motor housing <NUM>, which may carry a hydraulically driven and steerable ground engaging member or wheel <NUM>. The upper end of the shaft <NUM> may be fixed to an upper mount or spindle cap <NUM>, and a spring <NUM> or other spring type of device connected to the top of the upper mount <NUM> may provide spring cushioning for the suspension spindle and housing <NUM>. Any spring <NUM> may be utilized with sound engineering judgment, including without limitation, an air spring, a coil spring, a leaf spring, or a nitrogen accumulator, which may be an accumulator used as a spring hydraulically. In another implementation the spring <NUM> may be confingured to be utilized with a compressible fluid, such as air, for example.

A steering arm <NUM> may be rotatably mounted at the journal area <NUM> in an enlarged bore <NUM> and may slidably receive a central portion of the suspension spindle <NUM>. The strut shaft <NUM> may be free to move axially relative to the steering arm <NUM> so that the vertical position of the steering arm <NUM> may remain constant relative to the knee joint <NUM>. A steering cylinder arm <NUM> may be fixed to the knee joint <NUM> by bolts or other fasteners and may extend in a fore-and-aft direction therefrom to a base end connection at <NUM> to a steering cylinder <NUM>. The cylinder <NUM> may extends from the base end connection at <NUM> to a rod end connection at <NUM> with a radially projecting steering member <NUM> on the steering arm <NUM>.

The steering arm <NUM> may support the lower ends of first and second upright steering spindles <NUM> and <NUM> generally parallel to the axis <NUM>a outwardly of the spring <NUM>. The spindles <NUM> and <NUM> may be fixed to the steering arm <NUM> by bolts <NUM> and a taper lock and extend upwardly to a location above the spring <NUM>. An uppermost spindle spacer and spring support <NUM> may be bolted to the tops of the spindles <NUM> and <NUM>, and the spring <NUM> may be contained between the upper mount <NUM> and the support <NUM>. The upper mount <NUM> may comprise guides or spindle bracket <NUM> and <NUM> slidably received over the outer circumference of the spindles <NUM> and <NUM> for constraining the upper mount <NUM> for rotation in unison with the steering arm <NUM>. The upper end of the strut shaft <NUM> may be connected to the upper mount <NUM> by a taper lock and a bolt and washer assembly <NUM> and may be keyed at <NUM> for constraining the strut shaft <NUM> for rotation with the upper mount <NUM>. Therefore, steering torque may be transferred from the steering arm <NUM> through the spindles <NUM> and <NUM> and through the upper mount <NUM> to the strut shaft <NUM>. As the steering cylinder <NUM> is extended and retracted, the strut shaft <NUM> will rotate in the journal area <NUM> about the axis <NUM>a with the steering arm <NUM> to steer the housing <NUM> and attached drive wheel structure.

The steering spindles <NUM> and <NUM> thereby may constrain the strut shaft <NUM> to maintain a constant angular relationship with the steering arm <NUM> while permitting the strut shaft <NUM> to move up and down in the journal area <NUM> and in the bore in the steering arm <NUM> to compress and relax the spring <NUM> as the wheel structure moves over the surface of the ground or as the weight supported by the wheel structure changes. Bumpers may provide protection for the suspension at the extreme positions of the strut shaft <NUM>.

With continued reference to the FIGURES, an agricultural vehicle suspension <NUM> comprises the first spindle <NUM>. The first spindle <NUM> is operably coupled with the spring <NUM> in a spindle axial direction S-S. The cylinder <NUM> is operably coupled to the first spindle <NUM> in a stop body axial direction C-C. The cylinder <NUM> is configured to limit an axial length of travel of the suspension assembly <NUM> relative to the first spindle <NUM>. In one implementation, the spindle axial direction S-S may be substantially parallel to the stop body axial direction C-C.

In one nonlimiting example, the stop body <NUM>, for example, the cylinder <NUM>, may be operably connected to a cylinder bracket <NUM>. The cylinder bracket <NUM> may be operably coupled to the spindles brackets <NUM>, <NUM>. The cylinder bracket <NUM> may be oriented substantially orthogonal to the spindle brackets <NUM>, <NUM> such that the cylinder bracket <NUM> is substantially parallel in whole or in part to the cylinder <NUM>. In another implementation, the cylinder bracket <NUM> may be operably connected to the spindle brackets <NUM>, <NUM>. In yet another implementation, the cylinder bracket <NUM> may be integrated with the spindle brackets <NUM>, <NUM> to form a single unitary piece.

A stop bracket <NUM> may be disposed toward a bottom portion of the first spindle <NUM>. In one implementation, the stop bracket <NUM> may be proximate to or integral with the steering arm <NUM>. In another example implementation shown in <FIG>, the stop bracket <NUM> may be proximate to or integral with a lower spindle stability bracket <NUM>. A first axial length of travel may be defined by a portion of, or the full length of, one of the steering spindles <NUM>, <NUM> extending from the upper portion proximate the spring support <NUM> to the lower portion proximate the steering arm <NUM> and/or stop bracket <NUM> and/or lower spindle stability bracket <NUM>.

The stop body <NUM> may be any mechanical, electromechanical, electromagnetic, hydraulic or pneumatic component configured to limit the axial length of travel of the suspension assembly <NUM> relative to the steering spindles <NUM>, <NUM>. In another implementation, the stop body <NUM> may be configured to limit the axial length of travel of the suspension assembly <NUM> relative to the suspension spindles <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. Examples of the stop body <NUM> may include without limitation, the cylinder <NUM>, a telescoping body, a bar, a collar, or other body configured to limit the axial length of travel of the suspension assembly <NUM>. In other nonlimiting implementations, the stop body <NUM> can take other configurations, such as applying a perpendicular, substantially perpendicular or angular force to one of the spindles to restrict the axial length of travel of the suspension. In one such implementation, the stop body <NUM> may be a solenoid-actuated pin to lock suspension travel in one or both directions. In one nonlimiting example, the cylinder <NUM> may take the form of a single acting hydraulic cylinder, which may comprise an extendable ram portion <NUM>. The ram portion may be threadedly engaged with the cylinder <NUM> in one example. The cylinder <NUM> may also be a double acting cylinder. The cylinder <NUM> may be hydraulic or pneumatic. In one implementation, the cylinder <NUM> may have extended position as shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and a retracted position as shown in <FIG>, and <FIG>. When the ram portion <NUM> of the cylinder <NUM> is in the extended position, a bottom <NUM> of the ram <NUM> may be configured to limit the axial length of travel of the suspension. In one example, the extendable ram portion may be extended at any extended position as desired or selected to limit the axial length of travel of the suspension. In one example, the ram portion may be fully extended. In another example, the ram portion <NUM> may be extended halfway. In yet another example, the ram portion <NUM> may be extendable by about three quarters of its extendable length. In some examples, the adjustable position may be any length along the length of the ram portion <NUM>. While the adjustability is described with respect to the ram portion <NUM>, it should be understood that adjustability is contemplated for any implementation of the stop body <NUM> in order to limit the axial length of travel of the suspension.

In one implementation, the bottom <NUM> of the ram portion <NUM> may contact the stop bracket <NUM>. The bottom <NUM> may comprise a stopper <NUM> comprised of metal, such as steel, but not limited thereto, or a rubber material. In another implantation, when a portion of the stop body <NUM> contacts the stop bracket <NUM>, the suspension assembly <NUM> the axial length of travel is restricted, and thus, the range of axial length of travel of the suspension assembly <NUM> is less than the overall axial length of travel.

The agricultural vehicle suspension reduction mechanism <NUM> may be selectably engageable for on-road agricultural vehicle travel. In another implementation, the stop body <NUM>, such as for example, the cylinder <NUM>, may be selectably engageable for on-road agricultural vehicle travel. During operation in a field, the operator may desire to have the full length of axial travel of the suspension assembly <NUM> to compensate for uneven terrain, such as bumps, holes, or undulations. Unlike the field, on-road travel may have a more even underlying surface and higher agricultural vehicle velocity, so limiting the length of axial travel of the suspension assembly <NUM> may provide for greater agricultural vehicle stability and operator comfort. The engagability of the agricultural vehicle suspension reduction mechanism <NUM> may be manual or it may be automatic. It may be actuated by one or more of a steering sensor, a transmission, or a switch that may communicate with a controller (not shown) to send a signal to the stop body <NUM>. An operator may select a road speed with a cruise control feature of the agricultural vehicle <NUM>. The agricultural vehicle suspension reduction mechanism <NUM> may automatically engage for road transport based on selected velocity or current velocity. Likewise, in the field it could be selectable in a side hill or turn condition.

With reference to <FIG>, an example implementation of the spring <NUM> is shown. The spring <NUM> may have a centered position (<FIG>), an expanded position (<FIG>), and a compressed position (<FIG>). The centered, compressed and expanded positions are illustrated in an implementation of a single suspension spindle steerable suspension assembly <NUM>. It should be understood that the centered, compressed, and expanded positions may also be applicable to a dual suspension spindle steerable assembly as shown in <FIG>. The centered, compressed, and expanded positions may also be applicable to a dual suspension spindle nonsteerable assembly as shown in <FIG>. The centered, compressed, and expanded positions may also be applicable to a single suspension spindle non steerable assembly.

With continued reference to <FIG>, the spindle axial length of travel may be shown by the arrow S-S. The spindle axial length of travel may be a length, for example, of <NUM> or any other length chosen with sound engineering judgment. In the centered position shown in <FIG>, the spindle brackets <NUM>, <NUM> may be positioned at about a midway position on the steering spindles <NUM>, <NUM>. There may be an axial travel length of about <NUM> above the spindle brackets <NUM>, <NUM>. There may be an axial travel length of about <NUM> below the spindle brackets <NUM>, <NUM>. As the suspension assembly remains in a substantially centered position, the agricultural vehicle travels about substantially even terrain with no significant changes as the tires <NUM> travel over the ground. <FIG> also illustrates an example of the stop body being in a retracted position such that when the spring <NUM> is in an expanded position, there is no or little restriction on the spindle axial length of travel. <FIG> illustrates an example of the spring <NUM> being pressurized, as in the case when the wheel encounters a bump in the terrain. The suspension assembly <NUM> is able to travel the axial length of travel without restriction since the stop body <NUM> is in a retracted position. With reference to <FIG>, the spring <NUM> is in the compressed position, but the stop body <NUM>, such as the cylinder <NUM>, is in the extended position. There is a limited distance shown between end of the ram portion <NUM> and the stop bracket <NUM>. The ram portion <NUM> may be secured in the extended position. As such, as the spring <NUM> returns to its centered position or the expanded position, as shown in <FIG>, the spindle axial length of travel is reduced because the ram portion may function as a rigid stop to prevent the spring <NUM> from expanding further. In the example, the spindle axial length of travel would be less than <NUM>, or less than the other chosen spindle axial distance. As shown in <FIG>, the extended ram portion <NUM> may be secured or locked in position as the spring <NUM> is the in the compressed position. As such, as the agricultural vehicle <NUM> travels over the road way and encounters a bump or a turning event, the ram portion <NUM> is disposed to contact the stop bracket <NUM> to reduce or minimize the axial length of travel along the steering spindles <NUM>, <NUM>, which in turn provides greater stability to the agricultural vehicle and operator comfort.

With reference to <FIG>, another implementation of an agricultural vehicle suspension reduction mechanism <NUM>. In this example implementation, the agricultural vehicle suspension reduction mechanism <NUM> is a nonsteerable dual spindle suspension assembly. In this implementation the first spindle <NUM> may be one of the dual suspension spindles <NUM>, <NUM>. The suspension assembly <NUM> may travel axially about the dual suspension spindles <NUM>, <NUM>. An upper spindle support bracket <NUM> may surround each of the dual suspension spindles <NUM>, <NUM> to provide stability and allow ease of axial travel relative to the suspension spindles. The stop body <NUM>, which may take the form of the cylinder <NUM>, may be operatively connected to the first spindle <NUM>. In <FIG>, the stop body <NUM>, such as the cylinder <NUM>, may be operably connected to one of the dual suspension spindles <NUM>, <NUM>. When the cylinder <NUM> has the ram portion <NUM> secured in an extended position, the ram portion <NUM> may restrict or limit axial travel about the suspension spindles <NUM>, <NUM> by contacting the stop bracket <NUM>, which may be part of the lower stability spindle bracket <NUM>.

In another implementation, the agricultural vehicle suspension reduction mechanism may be modular such that its components as described herein may be added to an existing suspension assembly.

A method for limiting axial travel of a suspension utilizing the example implementations described herein may comprise the steps of applying pressure to the spring and then compressing the spring. The length of axial suspension travel may then be defined. The cylinder or stop body may be actuated to move a ram portion to an extended position. The extended cylinder position being in an axial direction parallel to the axial suspension travel, which may then reduce reducing the length of axial suspension travel. The method then may comprise the steps of decreasing pressure in the spring. This may then extend the spring to a centered position. The stop body or cylinder may be maintained in the extended position to maintain the reduced length of axial travel. The stop body may remain extended as the spring moves among the compressed, centered, and expanded positions to reduce or restrict the axial length of travel. The method may further comprise the step of retracting the cylinder into an unactuated position. As previously described, the method may comprise the step of the stop body contacting the stop bracket to reduce or restrict the axial length of travel.

The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean serving as an example, instance or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as advantageous over other aspects or designs. Rather, use of the word exemplary is intended to present concepts in a concrete fashion. As used in this application, the term "or" is intended to mean an inclusive "or" rather than an exclusive "or. Further, at least one of A and B and/or the like generally means A or B or both A and B. In addition, the articles "a" and "an" as used in this application and the appended claims may generally be construed to mean "one or more" unless specified otherwise or clear from context to be directed to a singular form.

Of course, those skilled in the art will recognize many modifications may be made to this configuration without departing from the scope of the invention defined by the appended claims only.

Also, although the disclosure has been shown and described with respect to one or more implementations, equivalent alterations and modifications will occur to others skilled in the art based upon a reading and understanding of this specification and the annexed drawings. The disclosure includes all such modifications and alterations and is limited only by the scope of the following claims. In particular regard to the various functions performed by the above described components (e.g., elements, resources, etc.), the terms used to describe such components are intended to correspond, unless otherwise indicated, to any component which performs the specified function of the described component (e.g., that is functionally equivalent), even though not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure which performs the function in the herein illustrated exemplary implementations of the disclosure.

In addition, while a particular feature of the disclosure may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of the other implementations as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms "includes," "having," "has," "with," or variants thereof are used in either the detailed description or the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "comprising.

Claim 1:
An agricultural vehicle suspension (<NUM>), comprising:
a spring (<NUM>);
a first spindle (<NUM>) operably coupled with the spring (<NUM>) in a spindle axial direction;
an adjustable stop body (<NUM>) operably coupled to the first spindle (<NUM>) in a stop body axial direction, the adjustable stop body (<NUM>) configured to limit an axial length of travel of the suspension relative to the first spindle (<NUM>),
wherein the agricultural vehicle suspension further comprises a stop bracket (<NUM>) operably connected with the first spindle (<NUM>) and in selectable contact with the stop body (<NUM>),
characterized in that
the adjustable stop body (<NUM>) is a cylinder (<NUM>), the cylinder (<NUM>) comprises a first portion and a second portion operably extendable with the first portion, wherein the second portion is configured to contact the stop bracket (<NUM>) to reduce the axial length of travel of the suspension when in the extended position.