Patent Application
20060226623
1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to the field of suspensions and more particularly to the suspension for automotive vehicles.
2. Description of Related Art
Since at least as early as World War I, the United States Army had been looking for a fast, lightweight all-terrain reconnaissance vehicle. In early 1940, however, things became urgent as the Axis powers began to score victories in Europe and Northern Africa.
In 1940 the army was in desperate need for a fast, lightweight transport carrier and thus the Jeep was created. Willys Overland Jeep MB and Ford GPW were the two versions mostly produced during World War II. In fact, Willys and Ford built about 700,000 of the vehicle between 1941 and 1945. The jeep was a tremendous success in World War II and became the motorized symbol of the American army. However, by the 1970s it had become obsolete and in 1979 the Army began looking for a new High Mobility Multi-Purpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV). The vehicle had to be efficient at moving soldiers and light equipment to the battlefield, technologically advanced, provide superior mobility in a tactical field environment and replace an assortment of vehicles, including: some M151s (¼-ton utility vehicles [the old “jeep”]), all M274s (¼-ton Mules), all M561s (1½-ton Gama Goats), and some M880s (1¼-ton pick-up trucks).
In the early 80's a prototype HMMWV, nicknamed HUMVEE, was created. The HUMVEE was air transportable, relatively easy to maintain, reliable, and nearly twice as durable as the Army required. One of the most important features of the HUMVEE was the superior mobility in a tactical field environment due in part to the high ground clearance and suspension. The HUMVEE is a light, highly mobile, diesel-powered, four-wheel-drive vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission
The HUMVEE being produced today, has retained the superior mobility and has a unique multipurpose platform capable of at least fifteen configurations including cargo/troop carriers, weapons carriers, ambulances, and shelter carriers that all share a common engine, chassis and transmission, with 44 interchangeable parts. Some of the platforms include armor or protective plates attached to the exterior of the HUMVEE. This armor adds a considerable amount of weight to the vehicle and reduces the mobility due to the added stress on the suspension.
What is needed is an apparatus that can be easily attached to a vehicle such as the HUMVEE and provide additional support to the existing suspension. The apparatus should be easy to install, not harm the vehicle, or cause excessive wear on the vehicle. It would also be beneficial if the apparatus had relatively few parts.
The present invention is a suspension system for a vehicle. The suspension system comprises at least one overload spring, at least one U-bolt, at least one centering plate, and at least two overload spring brackets. The overload spring, centering plate, and overload spring brackets are made of steel or some other similar hard material. A vehicle to which the suspension system of the instant invention may be applied is the High Mobility Multi Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) or more commonly known as the HUMVEE. Although, the instant invention may be applied to any vehicle employing an A-Frame particularly those that are light, highly mobile, four-wheel-drive vehicles.
Installation of the suspension system on a HUMVEE or vehicle similar to a HUMVEE consists of first attaching the center plate to the frame. Then, the overload spring is attached to the center plate with the U-bolts. The U-bolts are not tightened but rather are allowed to remain loose so the ends of the overload springs are relatively free to move a limited distance. Next, the overload spring bracket is mounted proximate to the shock tower and the overload springs are secured to the overload spring bracket. Finally, the U-bolts are tightened.
In use, when a vehicle with the improved suspension encounters a bump or any other obstacle that engages the suspension, the overload spring is compressed in the middle while the ends are raised. This reduces the force on the existing suspension system. The result is an improved suspension such that when the HUMVEE is fitted with armor or additional weight is added to the vehicle, the mobility of the vehicle is not severely compromised.
Although the invention has been described with reference to one or more preferred embodiments, this description is not to be construed in a limiting sense. There is modification of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternative embodiments of this invention which will be apparent to persons of ordinary skill in the art. Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description of embodiments of the invention, when taken in conjunction with the appended claims.
The novel features believed characteristic of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized. It is also to be understood that structural, procedural and system changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. For clarity of exposition, like features shown in the accompanying drawings are indicated with like reference numerals and similar features as shown in alternate embodiments in the drawings are indicated with similar reference numerals.
Referring to
As shown in
Center plate 108 is about 1 inch to about 4 feet long, about 6 inches to about 2.5 feet wide, and about ⅛ inch to about 1.5 inches thick. Center plate 108 is connected to and supports overload spring 104 via U-bolt 106.
Overload spring 104 is a standard leaf spring as is known in the art and has a middle section 116 and end sections 118 located at each terminal end. Middle section 116 of overload spring 104 is attached to center plate 108 via U-bolt 106. Overload spring 104 may contain more than one leaf spring and if more than one leaf spring is used, then the standard leaf spring may be cut to produce a layered structure as shown in
End section 118 of overload spring 104 is attached to vehicle 100 by overload spring bracket 110. Overload spring bracket 110 is fixedly attached to the frame of vehicle 100 proximate to the bottom of the shock tower or shock collar. In the preferred embodiment, overload spring bracket 110 is attached using the existing bolt and bolt holes on the frame of vehicle 100 that help secure the shock tower and the existing bolts are replaced with longer bolts to enable the attachment of overload spring bracket 110. Overload spring brackets 110 may be tapered to accommodate the wheels of vehicle 100 so that each wheel will not rub against overload spring bracket 110 when vehicle 100 is turning. Overload spring 104 is secured within overload spring bracket 110. In one embodiment, overload spring 104 is secured within overload spring bracket 110 by nylon bushings similar to a wear plate or by some other similar means as in know in the art.
A vehicle to which the suspension system of the instant invention may be applied is the High Mobility Multi Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) or more commonly known as the HUMVEE. As shown in
After center plate 108 is secured to the HUMVEE, overload spring 104 is attached to centered plate 108 using U-bolts 106, Step 304. However, U-bolts 106 are not tightened but allowed to remain loose so end section 118 of overload spring 104 is relatively free to move a limited distance. Next, overload spring bracket 110 is mounted to the suspension system of the HUMVEE, Step 306. On a HUMVEE, overload spring bracket 110 is mounted proximate to the shock tower or shock collar and the existing bolt holes are used wherein the existing bolts are replaced with longer bolts to accommodate overload spring bracket 110. On a vehicle other than the HUMVEE, new bolt holes may have to be drilled. Then, overload spring 104 is secured to overload spring bracket 110, Step 308. Finally, U-bolts 106 are tightened and the improved suspension system is securely in place.
In use, when a vehicle with the improved suspension encounters a bump or any other obstacle that engages the suspension, the overload spring is compressed in the middle while the ends are raised. This reduces the force on the existing suspension system. The result is an improved suspension such that when the HUMVEE or other vehicle is fitted with armor or additional weight is added to the vehicle, the mobility of the vehicle is not compromised.
In addition, center plate 108 adds stability to the frame of vehicle 100. For example, without center plate 108, the frame of a HUMVEE can be bent over about 20 degrees which cause the HUMVEE to shut down and the frame must be straightened. With center plate 108 attached to the frame, the force to bent the frame over about 20 degrees is greatly increased. In addition, center plate 108 helps protect the frame from rocks and other debris.
Although the invention has been described with reference to one or more preferred embodiments, this description is not to be construed in a limiting sense. There is modification of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternative embodiments of this invention which will be apparent to persons of ordinary skill in the art.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/670,336, filed Apr. 12, 2005, which is incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60670336 | Apr 2005 | US |
