Other

American Motors Corporation

Francois J Castaing

Steven G Lomske

A modular panel, the panel comprising a first member including a top surface and a bottom surface; an optional second member joined to the bottom surface of the first member; at least two reinforcing elements integrally disposed on the bottom of the first member; at least two elements integrally disposed on the bottom surface of the first member or on the second member for affixing and/or aligning the modular panel to at least two support members, each support member including a top surface; and a support flange integrally disposed about the periphery of the first member for engaging the top surface of the support member. The modular panel being constructed of a thermoplastic material or metal.

Modular panel

A spring for use in a vehicle suspension comprises at least one leaf having longitudinal ends tapering outwardly from one end of the spring to the other to form a substantially trapezoidal shaped leaf spring. The leaf is resiliently biased by a spring constant to a normally semi-elliptical shape which deflects into a substantially linear orientation when the vehicle supported upon a ground surface by the suspension. The linear orientation of the usually semi-elliptical spring maximizes resistance to lateral distortion in the direction normal to the longitudinal axis of the spring. Preferably, the spring comprises a single leaf having tapered longitudinal edges and an eye at each longitudinal end adapted to receive a mounting pin therethrough.

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Bloomfield Hills, MI, United States of America

Francois J Castaing