Patent Application
20210402839
The present invention generally relates to a vehicle lift kit. More specifically, the present invention relates to a vehicle lift kit with an improved double A-arm front suspension for a utility vehicle, such as a golf cart, configured to provide improved control for lifting the vehicle.
Small utility vehicles, such as golf carts or vehicles of similar size and features, are modern vehicles designed for the movement of the people inside golf resorts, personal grounds, neighborhoods, farms, and other areas within the vehicle's driving range. For example, recreational golfers use the golf cart for carrying themselves and required equipment around a golf course. Also referred to herein as a cart or vehicle, the small utility vehicle installed with large wheels and tires has become very popular in recent days. The cart has larger wheels and tires installed to provide greater ground clearance and enhance the appearance of the small utility vehicle. However, installing golf carts with larger wheels and tires is a challenge. Some of the tires do not fit under the cart's body, or the lift kit is not flexible to change the axle heights from the ground and adjust the stiffness of the shocks.
A wide variety of vehicle or automobile lift kits are previously known and used for lifting vehicles off the ground for appearance, function, or performance of tire installation, maintenance, and service thereon. The lift kit consists of a front and rear suspension kit supporting to lift the vehicle relative to the ground to increase its clearance. The increased ground clearance allows the use of larger tires to travel off-road or over rugged terrain. Any imbalance in suspension height may result in decreased ride quality.
A control arm or A-arm in a vehicle suspension forms the core of a front suspension system. The control arms are a hinged suspension link between the front suspension and the hub that carries the wheel. The control arms connect to the front wheel, with the arms attaching to the vehicle's frame. The control arms carry the suspension load and transmit it to the spring or shock absorber.
Manufacturers today built double A-arm kits.
The front suspension used on a cart model known as the Club Car Precedent uses a kingpin joint but does not use a double A-arm. The model uses an upper A-arm and single inverted leaf spring in the lower A-arms—the kingpins attached directly to the leaf spring. Connecting a kingpin joint to a leaf spring is not a good option for a lifted cart. Lower control arms offer more stability and strength, needed because of changes of a cart after lifting, and lifted carts are commonly used off-road and in rough terrain. Therefore, the Heim joint on lifted carts with double A-arm lift kits fails.
There is a need for an improved joint for controlling golf carts with lift kits in light of the drawbacks mentioned above. In addition, a shock mount is needed at both the control arms to withstand weight and impact on the suspension, and lifted carts need a combination of an improved joint and an improved shock mount on both control arms.
The present invention generally discloses a vehicle lift kit. Also, the present invention discloses a vehicle lift kit for an improved joint for controlling lifted carts. Further, the present invention discloses a vehicle lift kit with a shock mount at both the control arms to withstand weight and impact on the suspension.
The vehicle lift kit is provided with an improved double A-arm for the front suspension in one embodiment. In an embodiment, the double A-arm comprises an improved joint for controlling golf carts with lift kits. In an embodiment, the double A-arms withstand weight and impact on the suspension. In an embodiment, the vehicle lift kit further comprises a rear suspension kit for the golf cart.
In one embodiment, the vehicle kit comprises a front suspension configured to attach to a vehicle frame. In one embodiment, the front suspension comprises a suspension body or front frame, a pair of lower control arms, and a spring-leaf In one embodiment, the pair of lower control arms include a first lower control arm and a second lower control arm. In one embodiment, the lower control arms are extending laterally from the sides of the suspension body. In one embodiment, the spring-leaf extends laterally from the sides of the suspension body.
The vehicle lift kit further comprises a pair of spindles in one embodiment, including a first spindle and a second spindle. In one embodiment, the spindles are configured to connect to the distal end of the lower control arms, respectively. Each spindle comprises a spindle shaft, an upper bracket, and a lower bracket. The spindle shaft includes an upper brass bushing at its upper end and a lower brass bushing at its lower end.
The first spindle comprises a first spindle shaft having an upper end and a lower end in one embodiment. The first spindle further comprises a first upper bracket at its upper end and a first lower bracket at its lower end. In one embodiment, the first spindle further comprises a first support gusset configured to strengthen the joints by transferring the stress between the connecting points. In one embodiment, the vehicle lift kit further comprises one or more first grease fittings configured to provide lubrication of the mounting points.
The second spindle comprises a spindle shaft having an upper end and a lower end in one embodiment. The second spindle further comprises a second upper bracket at its upper end and a second lower bracket at its lower end. In one embodiment, the second spindle further comprises a second support gusset configured to strengthen the joints by transferring the stress between the connecting points. In one embodiment, the vehicle lift kit further comprises one or more second grease fittings configured to provide lubrication of the mounting points. In one embodiment, the upper end of the spindle is attached to a vehicle's tie rod via the upper bracket for steering.
In one embodiment, the vehicle lift kit further comprises a pair of upper control arms, including a first upper control arm and a second upper control arm. The upper control arms are configured to connect between a steering rack mount of the vehicle and the upper end of the spindles. In one embodiment, the upper control arms connect between the steering rack mount of the vehicle and the upper brackets of the spindles, respectively. In one embodiment, each upper control arm has a shock mount at its proximal end.
In one embodiment, the first upper control arm has a first arm member. In one embodiment, the first upper control arm further comprises a first shock mount at the proximal end of the first arm member. In one embodiment, the first upper control arm further comprises a first camber alignment adjustment. The second upper control arm has a second arm member. In one embodiment, the second upper control arm further comprises a second shock mount at the proximal end of the second arm member. In one embodiment, the second upper control arm further comprises a second camber alignment adjustment.
In one embodiment, a method for installing the vehicle lift kit for the golf cart comprises the following steps. At one step, a pair of upper control arms are installed to a steering rack mount. At another step, a front suspension is attached to a frame plate using a retained spring plate and supplied washer. In one embodiment, the front suspension comprises a pair of lower control arms. At another step, a pair of spindles attach to the pair of lower control arms and the pair of upper control arms. Each spindle comprises a spindle shaft, an upper bracket, and a lower bracket in one embodiment. A pair of shock mounts attach to the pair of upper control arms and a tie rod to the spindle shaft at another step. A kingpin support or king bolt nut is tightened on top of the spindle shaft at another step. At another step, the wheel hubs are reattached and back the nut off a quarter to half a turn, thereby allowing the wheel-hubs to spin freely.
Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description. The detailed description and the specific examples, while indicating specific embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.
The preceding summary and the following detailed description of the invention are better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. The drawings show exemplary constructions illustrating the invention. However, the invention is not limited to the specific methods and structures disclosed herein. Description of a method, step, or structure referenced by a numeral in a drawing applies to the description of that method, step, or structure shown by that same numeral in any subsequent drawing herein.
The present invention is best understood by reference to the detailed figures and description set forth herein.
The described embodiments are considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. It is expected that one may embody the present invention in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. Therefore, the scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims rather than by the description. All changes within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are within their scope.
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The vehicle lift kit 100 further comprises a pair of spindles in one embodiment, including a first spindle 112 and a second spindle 122. As configured, the spindles (112 and 122) connect to the distal end of the lower control arms (106 and 108), respectively. Each spindle comprises a spindle shaft, an upper bracket, and a lower bracket. In addition, the spindle shaft includes an upper brass bushing at its upper end and a lower brass bushing at its lower end.
In one embodiment, the first spindle 112 comprises a first spindle shaft 114 having an upper end and a lower end. The first spindle 112 further comprises a first upper bracket 116 at its upper end and a first lower bracket 118 at its lower end. In one embodiment, the first spindle 112 further comprises a first support gusset 120 configured to strengthen the joints by transferring the stress between the connecting points. In one embodiment, the vehicle lift kit 100 further comprises one or more first grease fittings 121 configured to provide lubrication of the mounting points.
In one embodiment, the second spindle 122 comprises a spindle shaft 124 having an upper end and a lower end. The second spindle 122 further comprises a second upper bracket 126 at its upper end and a second lower bracket 128 at its lower end. In one embodiment, the second spindle 122 further comprises a second support gusset 130 configured to strengthen the joints by transferring the stress between the connecting points. In an embodiment, the vehicle lift kit 100 further comprises one or more second grease fittings 131 configured to provide lubrication of the mounting points. The upper end of the spindle (112 and 122) attaches to a tie rod of the vehicle via the upper bracket (116 and 126) for steering.
In one embodiment, the vehicle lift kit 100 further comprises a pair of upper control arms, including a first upper control arm 132 and a second upper control arm 140. The upper control arms (132 and 140), as configured, connect between a steering rack mount of the vehicle and the upper end of the spindles (112 and 122). The upper control arms (132 and 140) connect between the steering rack mount of the vehicle and the upper brackets (116 and 126) of the spindles (112 and 122), respectively. In one embodiment, each upper control arm (132 and 140) has a shock mount at its proximal end.
In one embodiment, the first upper control arm 132 has a first arm member 134. In one embodiment, the first upper control arm 132 further comprises a first shock mount 136 at the proximal end of the first arm member 134. The first upper control arm 132 further comprises a first camber alignment adjustment 138. The second upper control arm 140 has a second arm member 142. The second upper control arm 140 further comprises a second shock mount 144 at the proximal end of the second arm member 142. The second upper control arm 140 further comprises a second camber alignment adjustment 146.
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At another step, remove the front bumper and the front bolts using a wrench and socket. The wrench could be a 10 mm wrench, and the socket could be a 13 mm deep well socket. At another step, remove the factory wheels using a socket. The socket could be a 19 mm socket. In addition, remove the front wheel hub and flange nuts using a socket and retain. The socket could be a 13/16″ socket. At another step, remove the factory shock from the spindle mount using a socket. The socket could be a ½″ socket. In addition, the nut from the steering link tie rod is removed and retained using a socket. The socket could be an 18 mm socket. Hold the tie rod in place using a wrench that may comprise an 11/16″ wrench, and then push both pieces free of the factory spindle. Repeat the above steps on the passenger side.
At another step, remove the steering rack from the steering rack mount using a socket. The socket could be a ½″ socket. With steering rack mount free, turn steering rack to gain access to upper control arms mounting bolts. At another step, the bolts for control arms are removed and retained using a socket. The socket could be a ½″ socket. The control arms are now free from the front mount, which can be removed. At another step, the spring/tow plate is removed and retained using a socket. The socket could be a ½″ socket. After, discard the hardware and front suspension. Removal of the plate frees the entire suspension with the steering racks and shocks as the remaining items.
In one embodiment, the method 1200 comprises the following steps for installing the vehicle lift kit 100. At step 1202, a pair of upper control arms or A-arms (132 and 140) and a pair of lower control arms (106 and 108) are installed to the factory steering rack mount. The upper control arms (132 and 140) are aligned with an angle to the front of the cart 200. Both upper control arms (132 and 140) are tightened using a socket. The socket could be a ½″ socket. In one embodiment, the inside fittings of each upper control arm (132 and 140) are greased. Further, the steering rack is reattached with the socket. The socket could be a ½″ socket. The bolts are held in place and tightened.
At step 1204, a front suspension 102 is attached to the factory frame plate using the retained spring plate and supplied washers. The washers or bolts could be 10 mm×50 mm bolts/washers. The bolts are started using a supplied thread lock adhesive and a socket and fully tightened hardware. The socket could be a 16 mm socket. In one embodiment, a floor jack is used to hold the suspension in place. Further, the grease fittings located under the suspension are greased.
At step 1206, the pair of spindles (112 and 122) are attached to the pair of lower control arms or A-arms (106 and 108) and the pair of upper control arms (132 and 140) using the supplied bolts and hardware. In one embodiment, the bolts could be 10 mm×90 mm bolts to attach the spindles (112 and 122) to the lower control arms (106 and 108). In one embodiment, the bolts could be 10 mm×70 mm bolts to attach the spindles (112 and 122) to the upper control arms (132 and 140). In one embodiment, the spindles (112 and 122) attach to the upper control arms (132 and 140) via the upper brackets (116 and 126). In one embodiment, the spindles (112 and 122) attach to the lower control arms (106 and 108) via the lower brackets (118 and 128). In one embodiment, the bolts are tightened using a socket and wrench, and the socket could be a 16 mm socket, and the wrench could be a 17 mm wrench.
At step 1208, a pair of factory shock or shock mounts (136 and 144) attaches to the pair of upper control arms (132 and 140), respectively, using the supplied bolt and hardware. The bolt could be an 8 mm×50 mm bolt. In one embodiment, the tie rod is attached to the spindle arm using the retained nut. In one embodiment, a cotter pin is installed in the tie rod bolt once the nut is fully tightened. In one embodiment, the tie rod is held using a wrench and tightened with a socket. The wrench could be an 11/16″ wrench. The socket could be an 18 mm socket. At step 1210, the kingpin support or king bolt nut 148 is tightened on top of the spindle using a socket. The socket could be a 19 mm socket. The kingpin support 148 is tightened until there are about 3-4 visible threads. Further, the arm fittings are greased. At step 1212, the wheel hubs are reattached using the retained nuts and tightened all the way, then the nut backed out a quarter to half a turn, thereby allowing the wheel-hubs to spin freely. Now, the front tires and wheels are installed, and the jack stands are removed. The tires could be 22-23″ tires. The wheels could be 12-14″ wheels for proper clearance. Further, repeat the above steps 1202-1212 on the opposite side.
In one embodiment, the installation of the rear lift comprises the following steps. At one step, the parking brake is disengaged, and the front wheels are chocked. Next, a floor jack is used under the rear axle to lift the rear of the cart 200. The floor jack stands under the frame and on the front side of the forward-most spring-leaf mount. Similarly, on the passenger's side rear, use a ⅝″ socket to loosen the U-bolts (172 and 174), allowing flexibility while installing the lift on the opposite side. At another step, the rear shock from the spring plate is loosened with a socket, wherein the shock is held in place to keep it from spinning. The socket could be a 9/16″ socket. At another step, the floor jack is placed under the rear end to support the rear end weight as it may roll or fall if the jack is not in place. At another step, the factory U-bolts are removed with a socket. The socket could be a ⅝″ socket. In addition, the shock nut and bushings are removed and retained using a socket. The socket could be a 9/16″ socket.
At another step, the rear spring-leaf bolt is removed and retained using a socket and wrench. The socket could be a 10 mm socket. The wrench could be a 13 mm wrench. At another step, the front spring-leaf is removed and retained using a socket and wrench. Again, the socket could be a 10 mm socket, and the wrench could be a 13 mm wrench. Next, the brake cable is removed from the spring bolt. Further, the spring-leaf is removed temporarily, thereby allowing the replacement of spring-leaf bushings if needed. At another step, the floor jack is lowered enough to install rear lift components.
Additionally, the spring-leaf is installed above the axle using the retained hardware, and the rear lift block is placed on the axle and under the spring-leaf. In one embodiment, the short side of the rear lift block faces towards the front of the cart 200. The rear shock plate is placed on top of the leaf spring. In one embodiment, the rear lift block could be taller blocks, shorter blocks, or a combination of taller blocks and shorter blocks. The taller blocks are used in one embodiment while installing a single factory leaf spring, and the smaller blocks are used while installing heavy-duty leaf spring.
At another step, the Allen hex head center pin bolt, washer, and nut are attached to the factory spring plate using a socket and wrench. The socket could be a 6 mm Allen head socket. The wrench could be a 13 mm wrench. The hex head bolts are used to keep the spring plate in line with the alignment hole located at the axle's bottom. At another step, the rear shock and shock plate are tightened by hand using the retained bushings. Route the U-Bolt through the shock mounting plate and down through the factory spring mount using the supplied U-Bolt (172 and 174) and hardware. Tighten the hardware once both ends of the U-bolt are in place. The leaf spring nut is properly sitting inside the new shock mounting plate hole, and the Allen hex head bolt is recessed in the factory spring plate while tightening hardware. All components should be tight together without any gaps. A rubber mallet can be used to align components.
Further, reattach the brake cable to the front spring bolt. In an embodiment, one may need to adjust the cable clamp forward to reattach the brake cable. Repeat the above steps on the passenger's side. New wheels and tires are installed at another step by lowering the cart and proceeding to alignment steps. At another step, the front wheels are correctly aligned to avoid decreased ability to control the golf cart 200, which could cause a rollover or crash. In one embodiment, adjust both camber and toe. To adjust for proper camber, use a framing square, level, or some other means of verifying that the tire is at a 90-degree angle to the ground. Temporarily remove the kingpin using a 19 mm socket nut to adjust the camber. To achieve proper 90-degree camber, adjust the upper A-arm shackle in or out as needed. Ensure the wheels are pointing straight forward. A common point is determined to measure from the inside front and inside rear of the front tires to adjust the toe. The toe is adjusted until the front measurement is ¼″ greater than the rear measurement. Then, lose the nut on the tie rod end, and adjust the steering rack in or out as needed for proper alignment. The nuts are tightened on the rod end. Ensure that after this adjustment, both wheels toe out from the cart's center-line equally. Once tightened, test drive and re-check tow and camber measurements.
Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. However, it should be understood that the illustrated embodiments are exemplary only and should not limit the scope of the invention.
The preceding description comprises illustrative embodiments of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should note that the within disclosures are exemplary, and various alternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention. Merely listing or numbering the steps of a method in a particular order does not constitute any limitation on the order of the steps of that method. Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this invention pertains, benefiting the teachings in the preceding descriptions. Although specific terms may be employed herein, they are used only in a generic and descriptive sense and not for purposes of limitation. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63045539 | Jun 2020 | US |
