Vehicle suspension system

Abstract

A spring and damper suspension system which comprises one or more elastomeric spring elements in compressive load bearing relation to the members to be supported. A tubular housing surrounds said spring elements and supports a frictional surface or surfaces in its interior. Stabilization of the springs is achieved by mounting pairs of slidably engaged wedges between said springs. Compressive force on said wedges urges one face of each such wedge into sliding contact with the interior walls of the housing and maintains the upper and lower surface of the wedge pair, and hence the springs in proper alignment to the housing. For applications involving vehicle suspension, the tubular housing may be combined in telescoping relation with a second tubular housing for the purpose of resisting bending moments normally applied to the suspension of such vehicles. Frictional damping apparatus associated with said springs maintain pads of frictional material with said frictional surfaces and press them against said surfaces with a force which varies according to the load being applied to the springs. Relative motion of the supported members causes said frictional pads to slide along said frictional surface resulting in the generation of frictional damping forces.