Suspension seat and axle coupling

Abstract

A suspension assembly is provided that includes a first suspension member such as a rear axle housing having first and second opposing sides. The housing includes spaced apart corners. First and second seats are respectively adjacent to the first and second opposing sides. Each of the seats has inwardly facing surfaces interconnected by an intermediate surface with the inwardly facing surfaces engaging the corners and the intermediate surface spaced from the side. The intermediate surface and inwardly facing surfaces of each seat form a continuous unbroken surface with the inwardly facing surfaces facing one another. A fastener such as a U-bolt or a pair of bolts secure the first and second seat about the first suspension member to secure a second suspension member to the first suspension member.

1 . A suspension assembly comprising: 
 a first suspension member having an octagonal cross-section providing first and second sets of opposing sides and flats interconnecting said first set of opposing sides to said second set of opposing sides;    first and second seats engaging said flats; and    a fastener assembly exerting a clamping force on said first and second seats thereby applying compressive forces to said first and second sets of opposing sides with said first and second seats.    
   
   
       2 . The assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein said first and second sets of opposing sides provide four long sides and said flats provide four short sides, said four short sides shorter than said four long sides.  
   
   
       3 . The assembly according to  claim 2 , wherein said four short sides are at approximately a 45 degree angle relative to said four long sides.  
   
   
       4 . The assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein said first suspension member is an axle.  
   
   
       5 . The assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein said first and second seats are arranged respectively adjacent said first and second sets of opposing sides, each of said first and second seats having inwardly facing surfaces which are generally planar and interconnected by an intermediate surface, with said inwardly facing surfaces engaging said first and second flats and said intermediate surface spaced from said first and second sets of opposing sides.  
   
   
       6 . The assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein said fastener assembly secures said first and second seats about said first suspension member to secure a second suspension member to said first suspension member.  
   
   
       7 . A suspension assembly comprising: 
 an axle having an octagonal cross-section;    a suspension member; and    seats securing said suspension member to said axle.