INTEGRAL ARM AXLE/SUSPENSION SYSTEM

摘要

An axle/suspension system (40) for a wheeled vehicle, in which the vehicle has a frame (12), includes an integral arm structure (42) that includes an attachment member (50) for connecting the integral arm structure (42) to the vehicle frame (12). A flexible transition member (54) is connected to and extends from the attachment member (50) and a truss structure (56) is connected to and extends from the transition member (54). The flexible transition member (54) may be generally curved or angular and enables pivotal movement of the integral arm structure (42) and cooperates with the truss structure (56) to distribute forces encountered by the axle/suspension system (40). The truss structure (56) may include a truss member (72) that replaces a conventional axle tube. Optionally, two axle/suspension integral arm structures (92) may be used to capture a conventional axle tube.