A multi-member frame assembly for a track system includes a pivot pin defining a pivot axis, a leading frame member pivotally connected to the pivot pin for pivoting about the pivot axis, and a trailing frame member pivotally connected to the pivot pin for pivoting about the pivot axis, the trailing frame member pivoting independently from the leading frame member. A resilient member is pivotally connected to the leading frame member and to the trailing frame member. The resilient member extends generally vertically between the leading frame member and the trailing frame member. A track system having a multi-member frame assembly is also described.

A vehicle including a chassis; a seat; a motor; an endless drive track; a suspension assembly supporting the endless drive track. The suspension assembly includes at least one slide rail and at least one suspension arm pivotally connected to the slide rail and the chassis, the arm including a top bar extending laterally and a shock absorber. A first support assembly connecting a first end portion to a first chassis side and a second support assembly connecting a second end portion to a second chassis side. Each support assembly includes a bracket connected to the chassis at a top portion of the bracket; and a connector disposed on an end portion of the top bar, the connector including an arm portion, the end portion extending through a connector passage, and a flange portion defining a slot therein, a bottom portion of the bracket being received in the slot.

A steering system of a vehicle is provided. The steering system adjusts the torsional rigidity of a torsion bar without limitation as to the configuration thereof and performs active control responding to the vehicle state by adjusting steering characteristics by controlling the torsional rigidity of the torsion bar based on the traveling condition, load state or driving mode of the vehicle. The steering system includes an MR assist device, which is coupled to an end portion of the torsion bar and adjusts the rotation and torsional rigidity of the torsion bar using an MR fluid as a working fluid.

The present invention relates to a suspension system (S; S1; S2) fora tracked vehicle (V; V1; V2). Said tracked vehicle comprises a vehicle body (4), a pair of opposite track assemblies (T1, T2), the respective track assembly comprising a plurality of road wheels (2) and an endless track (3) disposed around said wheels. Said suspension system comprises a road wheel arm (20) having a wheel axle portion (22) configured to support a road wheel of the vehicle and a pivot axle portion (24), the road wheel arm (20) being pivotably journalled at said pivot axle portion (24) to a support portion (30) configured to be fixed to the vehicle body (4). The suspension system comprises a torsion bar (40) having a first end portion (42) and an opposite second end portion (44), the first end portion (42) being connected to the support portion (30). The suspension system comprises an adjustment device (100) connected to the second end portion (44) of the torsion bar (40), the adjustment device being configured to adjust the torque on the torsion bar so as to adjust the height of the vehicle body relative to said pair of track assemblies. The invention also relates to a tracked vehicle with such a suspension system and a method for controlling such a suspension system.

A suspension for a tracked utility vehicle is provided. The trailing link suspension for the tracked utility vehicle has at least two trailing links. Each of said trailing links has a shock and a walking beam. The first end of the trailing link is pivotably connected to the tracked utility vehicle chassis. The second end of said trailing link is pivotably connected to the walking beam. The first end of the shock is pivotably connected to the chassis and the second end is pivotably connected to the trailing link. The walking beam has a plurality of axle mounted bogey wheels for engaging one or both of the track of said tracked utility vehicle or the track lug or guide. The shocks are independently adjustable to permit more of the tracked utility vehicle's weight to be supported at the suspension midpoint.

A suspension system for supporting a ground engaging member relative to a frame is provided. The suspension system includes a torsion axle assembly including an arm, an axle coupled to the ground engaging member and connected to the arm, a shaft connected to the arm and a tube that is connected to the frame. The tube is configured such that at least a portion of the shaft is received in the tube and supported by the tube for rotation relative to the tube and the frame. A lockout assembly includes a coupling mechanism that is selectively operable to fix the shaft against rotational movement with respect to the tube.

A vehicle comprises a chassis, a seat, an endless drive track, a rear suspension assembly with at least one slide rail and a substantially inextensible limiter strap extending between the chassis and the at least one slide rail, to limit separation between the at least one slide rail and the chassis. The strap holder is moveable between a first holder position and a second holder position, a position of the end of the limiter strap being different in the first strap holder position compared to the second strap holder position. A control cable is operatively connects the strap holder to a strap adjustment actuator. The strap adjustment actuator is disposed forward of the seat and is operable by a user during operation of the vehicle, the strap adjustment actuator being movable between first and second positions related to the positions of the strap holder.

A suspension and drive system includes front and rear torsion axle assemblies. The front torsion axle assembly includes a front axle, a front shaft, and a front arm connecting the front axle to the front shaft. The rear torsion axle assembly includes a rear axle, a rear shaft, and a rear arm connecting the rear axle to the rear shaft. A center of the front torsion axle assembly and the rear torsion axle assembly together define a quadrilateral. The front axle defines a first vertex of the quadrilateral, the front shaft defines a second vertex of the quadrilateral, the rear shaft defines a third vertex of the quadrilateral, and the rear axle defines a fourth vertex of the quadrilateral. An interior angle of the quadrilateral at the fourth vertex is less than an interior angle of the quadrilateral at the second vertex.

A multi-terrain transport apparatus, such as a motorized wheelchair, that allows adjustment of the terrain-contacting surface area of a continuous track depending on the terrain encountered by the transport apparatus.

The present invention relates to a suspension arrangement for a tracked vehicle. The suspension arrangement includes a road wheel arm having a wheel axle portion for supporting a wheel of the vehicle and a pivot axle portion. The road wheel arm is pivotably journalled at the pivot axle portion to a housing that is fixable to the vehicle body. A torsion bar is connected to the pivot axle portion and a torsion tube is arranged to be connected to the vehicle body, with the torsion bar running through the torsion tube and arranged to be connected to the torsion tube. The modulus of elasticity of the torsion tube material is lower than the modulus of elasticity of the torsion bar material such that the maximum suspension travel is increased.