David E Ernest

US Patent:

40712591, Jan 31, 1978

Filed:

May 27, 1976

Appl. No.:

5/690541

Inventors:

David A. Ernest - Park Forest IL

Assignee:

Allis-Chalmers Corporation - Milwaukee WI

International Classification:

B60G 100

US Classification:

280 95R

Abstract:

A pair of unsprung axle structures are pivotally connected to the rigid frame of a vehicle on a pair of laterally spaced longitudinally extending axes. These laterally spaced axes are at the approximate height of the vehicle wheels mounted on the axle structures and are spaced laterally inward from the wheels. At a lower height a transverse link is pivotally connected at its opposite ends to lower portions of the axle structures to form a tie bar therebetween. This suspension arrangement establishes an effective pivot or roll center for the end of the vehicle supported by the axle structures, which is at a higher elevation than the center of gravity of the vehicle. During operation, the wheels may traverse uneven ground while providing vehicle support; that is, one axle structure may swing upwardly as the other axle structure swings downwardly. By permitting the wheels to traverse uneven ground and yet provide support for the frame, the suspension system permits the full tread of the wheels to be utilized as a support base for the vehicle thereby providing excellent vehicle stability.