Vehicle suspension for a model vehicle

• US 7,883,099 B2
• Filed: 02/06/2006
• Issued: 02/08/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 04/07/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Traxxas LP (Traxxas)
• Original Assignee: Traxxas LP (Traxxas)
• Inventors: Lampert, Jon Kenneth, Byers, Brent Whitfield
• Primary Examiner(s): Dickson; Paul N
• Assistant Examiner(s): WILHELM, TIMOTHY
• Application Number:
  US11/348,671
• Publication Number:
  US 20060264151A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,828 Days
• Field of Search: 280124134-124142, 280/86.75
• US Class Current: 280/124.135
• CPC Class Codes: A63H 17/262 Chassis; Wheel mountings; Wheels; Axles; Suspensions; Fitting body portions to chassis
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 15/067 characterised by the mounting on the vehicle body or chassis of the spring and damper unit
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 2204/13 with the spring, i.e. coil spring, or damper horizontally mounted
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 2300/20 Toys
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 3/20 all arms being rigid
• CPC Class Codes: B60Y 2200/81 Toys

Abstract

A model vehicle suspension is provided, comprising a vehicle chassis, a spring for providing a supporting suspension force, one or more dampers for providing a damping suspension force, the dampers having an elongated shape, wherein the dampers are mounted on the chassis with a longitudinal axis substantially horizontal relative to the chassis and at least a first suspension member mounted to the chassis for supporting a vehicle wheel, the first suspension member being mounted for movement upwardly and downwardly at the location for supporting a vehicle wheel. A coupling mechanism for transmitting suspension forces from one or both of the spring and the one or more dampers to the first suspension member at the location for supporting a vehicle wheel is also provided, the coupling mechanism being configured to transmit suspension forces to the first suspension member, while allowing movement of the first suspension member at the point of supporting a wheel.

Claims

1. A toy model vehicle suspension, comprising:

a toy model vehicle chassis;

a first wheel for supporting at least a portion of the toy model vehicle chassis above an underlying surface;

a first spring for providing a supporting suspension force to the first wheel, wherein the first spring is mounted to the toy model vehicle chassis for deflection within a range of first spring travel;

a first damper for providing a damping suspension force to the first wheel, the first damper having an elongated shape, wherein the first damper is mounted to the toy model vehicle chassis for actuation within a range of first damper travel that is substantially equal to the range of first spring travel;

a first suspension member secured to the toy model vehicle chassis for supporting the first wheel, the first suspension member mounted for a range of first suspension member travel at substantially a location of the first wheel, wherein an average motion ratio of the range of first suspension member travel to the range of first damper travel is at least about 2.5;

a first coupling mechanism configured to transmit the supporting suspension force from the first spring to the first wheel through the first suspension member, while allowing movement of the first suspension member substantially at the point of supporting the first wheel; and

wherein the first wheel comprises a first tire, wherein the first wheel is supported by the first suspension member for movement of the first wheel and the first tire, and wherein the first wheel and the first tire have a range of vertical movement at least about half of a diameter of the first tire.

2. The toy model vehicle suspension of claim 1, wherein the first spring is a compression spring secured to the toy model vehicle chassis for linear actuation in a direction substantially horizontal relative to the toy model vehicle chassis.

3. The toy model vehicle suspension of claim 1, further comprising:

a first motion ratio of vertical movement of the first wheel to movement of the first spring or the first damper that is progressive over a substantial portion of the range of first suspension member travel.

4. The toy model vehicle suspension of claim 3, wherein the first motion ratio generally decreases with upward movement of the first wheel.

5. The toy model vehicle suspension of claim 3, wherein the supporting suspension force transmitted from the first spring to the first wheel by the first suspension member increases non-linearly over at least a substantial portion of a range of upward movement of the first wheel.

6. The toy model vehicle suspension of claim 1, further comprising:

a second wheel for supporting at least a portion of the toy model vehicle chassis above an underlying surface, the second wheel positioned aft of the first wheel relative to the toy model vehicle chassis;

a second spring for providing a supporting suspension force to the second wheel, wherein the second spring is mounted to the toy model vehicle chassis for deflection within a range of second spring travel;

a second damper for providing a damping suspension force to the second wheel, the second damper having an elongated shape, wherein the second damper is mounted to the toy model vehicle chassis for actuation within a range of second damper travel that is substantially equal to the range of second spring travel;

a second suspension member secured to the toy model vehicle chassis for supporting the second wheel at a location aft of the first suspension member, the second suspension member mounted for a range of second suspension member travel at substantially a location for supporting the second wheel, wherein an average motion ratio of the range of second suspension member travel to the range of second damper travel is at least about 2.5;

a second coupling mechanism configured to transmit the supporting suspension force from the second spring to the second wheel through the second suspension member, while allowing movement of the second suspension member substantially at the point of supporting the second wheel; and

wherein the second wheel comprises a second tire, wherein the second wheel is supported by the second suspension member for vertical movement of the second wheel and the second tire, and wherein the second wheel and the second tire have a range of vertical movement at least about half of a diameter of the second tire.

7. The toy model vehicle suspension of claim 6, wherein the second spring is a compression spring secured to the toy model vehicle chassis for linear actuation in a direction substantially horizontal relative to the toy model vehicle chassis.

8. The toy model vehicle suspension of claim 6, further comprising:

a first motion ratio of vertical movement of the first wheel to movement of the first spring or the first damper that is progressive over a substantial portion of the range of first suspension member travel; and

a second motion ratio of vertical movement of the second wheel to movement of the second spring or the second damper that is progressive over a substantial portion of the range of second suspension member travel.

9. The toy model vehicle suspension of claim 8, wherein the second motion ratio generally decreases with upward movement of the second wheel.

10. The toy model vehicle suspension of claim 8, wherein the supporting suspension force transmitted from the second spring to the second wheel by the second suspension member increases non-linearly over at least a substantial portion of a range of upward movement of the second wheel.

11. The toy model vehicle suspension of claim 6, wherein a second spring rate of the second spring associated with the second suspension member is greater than a first spring rate of the first spring associated with the first suspension member.

12. The toy model vehicle suspension of claim 8, wherein the first motion ratio associated with the first suspension member is substantially similar to the second motion ratio associated with the second suspension members over the range of vertical movement of the respective first wheel and the second wheel.

13. A toy model vehicle suspension, comprising:

a toy model vehicle chassis;

a spring for providing a supporting suspension force, wherein the spring is a compression spring mounted on the toy model vehicle chassis for linear actuation within a range of spring travel in a direction substantially horizontal relative to the toy model vehicle chassis;

one or more dampers having a range of damper travel for providing a damping suspension force;

at least a first suspension member mounted to the toy model vehicle chassis for supporting a toy model vehicle wheel, the first suspension member mounted for a range of first suspension member travel upwardly and downwardly at a location for supporting the toy model vehicle wheel, wherein an average motion ratio of the range of first suspension member travel to the range of damper travel is at least about 2.5;

a coupling mechanism for transmitting the suspension forces from the spring or the one or more dampers or both to the first suspension member at the location for supporting the toy model vehicle wheel;

wherein the coupling mechanism is configured to transmit the suspension forces to the first suspension member, while allowing movement of the first suspension member at the point of supporting the toy model vehicle wheel; and

wherein the toy model vehicle wheel comprises a first tire, wherein the toy model vehicle wheel is supported by the first suspension member for movement of the toy model vehicle wheel and the first tire, and wherein the toy model vehicle wheel and the first tire have a range of vertical movement at least about half of a diameter of the first tire.

14. A toy model vehicle suspension, comprising:

a toy model vehicle chassis;

a spring for providing a supporting suspension force;

one or more dampers for providing a damping suspension force;

at least a first suspension member mounted to the toy model vehicle chassis for supporting a toy model vehicle wheel, the first suspension member mounted for movement upwardly and downwardly at a location for supporting the toy model vehicle wheel;

a coupling mechanism for transmitting the suspension forces from the spring or the one or more dampers or both to the first suspension member at the location for supporting the toy model vehicle wheel;

wherein the coupling mechanism is configured to transmit the suspension forces to the first suspension member, while allowing movement of the first suspension member at the point of supporting the toy model vehicle wheel;

wherein a motion ratio of vertical wheel movement to movement of the associated spring or damper is progressive over a substantial portion of the range of first suspension member travel, and wherein the average motion ratio over a full range of first suspension member travel is at least about 2.0; and

wherein the toy model vehicle wheel comprises a first tire, wherein the toy model vehicle wheel is supported by the first suspension member for movement of the toy model vehicle wheel and the first tire, and wherein the toy model vehicle wheel and the first tire have a range of vertical movement at least about half of a diameter of the first tire.

15. A toy model vehicle suspension, comprising:

a toy model vehicle chassis;

a toy model vehicle wheel supporting at least a portion of the toy model vehicle chassis;

a spring member coupled to the toy model vehicle chassis for urging the toy model vehicle wheel in at least a vertical direction;

at least one suspension assembly supporting the toy model vehicle wheel for vertical movement relative to the toy model vehicle chassis, the at least one suspension assembly coupling the spring member to the toy model vehicle wheel, and wherein the at least one suspension assembly comprises a plurality of suspension configurations, each suspension configuration having a range of motion ratio (MR) characteristics of vertical displacement of the wheel to displacement of the spring member;

wherein each suspension configuration of the at least one suspension assembly has an average MR (MRAVE) value determined from the average MR of each suspension configuration over the range of movement of the wheel between approximately full droop and full bump positions;

wherein each suspension configuration of the at least one suspension assembly has a total wheel displacement value (TWD) measured from approximately full droop to full bump positions;

wherein each suspension configuration of the at least one suspension assembly comprises a first ratio of MR to MRAVE and a second ratio of vertical wheel displacement (WD) over TWD (WD/TWD) measured from full droop, where the WD/TWD is defined as 0.0, to full bump, where the WD/TWD is defined as 1.0;

wherein in a first suspension configuration the first ratio (MR/MRAVE) varies with the second ratio (WD/TWD) substantially according to a first mathematical relationship, the first mathematical relationship comprising about;

MR/MRAVE=0.0584(WD/TWD)⁴+0.2233(WD/TWD)³−

0.9942(WD/TWD)²+0.7481(WD/TWD)+0.8876;

wherein, in a second suspension configuration, the first ratio varies with the WD/TWD substantially according to a second mathematical relationship, the second mathematical relationship comprising about;

MR/MRAVE=0.1345(WD/TWD)⁴+0.053(WD/TWD)³−

0.7888(WD/TWD)²+0.4222(WD/TWD)+1.0154;

wherein, in a third suspension configuration, the first ratio varies with the WD/TWD substantially according to a third mathematical relationship, the third mathematical relationship comprising about;

MR/MRAVE=0.1318(WD/TWD)⁴+0.0522(WD/TWD)³−

0.7277(WD/TWD)²+0.1862(WD/TWD)+1.125; and

wherein the first ratio of the first suspension configuration, of the second suspension configuration, and of the third suspension configuration each has a tolerance of about plus or minus 0.03.

16. The toy model vehicle suspension of claim 15, wherein the at least one suspension assembly further comprises a plurality of rocker arms interchangeably mountable to the toy model vehicle chassis for pivotal movement, each rocker arm having an output arm for coupling to the spring member and an input arm for coupling to the wheel, and wherein the plurality of rocker arms having at least output arms of differing configurations or input arms of differing configurations.

17. The model vehicle suspension of claim 15, wherein the spring member extends and retracts in a substantially horizontal orientation relative to the toy model vehicle chassis.

18. A toy model vehicle suspension, comprising:

a toy model vehicle chassis;

a wheel supporting at least a portion of the toy model vehicle chassis;

a spring member coupled to the toy model vehicle chassis for urging the wheel member in at least a vertical direction;

at least one suspension assembly supporting the wheel for vertical movement relative to the toy model vehicle chassis, the at least one suspension assembly coupling the spring member to the wheel, and wherein the at least one suspension assembly comprises a plurality of suspension configurations, each suspension configuration having a range of motion ratio (MR) characteristics of vertical displacement of the wheel to displacement of the spring member;

wherein each suspension configuration of at least one the suspension assembly has an average MR (MRAVE) value determined from the average MR of each suspension configuration over the range of movement of the wheel between approximately full droop and full bump positions;

wherein each suspension configuration of the at least one suspension assembly has a total wheel displacement value (TWD) measured from approximately full droop to full bump positions;

wherein each suspension configuration of the at least one suspension assembly comprises a first ratio of MR to MRAVE and a second ratio of vertical wheel displacement (WD) over TWD (WD/TWD) measured from full droop, where the WD/TWD is defined as 0.0, to full bump, where the WD/TWD is defined as 1.0;

wherein in a first suspension configuration the first ratio (MR/MRAVE) varies with the second ratio (WD/TWD) substantially according to a first mathematical relationship, the first mathematical relationship comprising about;

MR/MRAVE=0.0584(WD/TWD)⁴+0.2233(WD/TWD)³−

0.9942(WD/TWD)²+0.7481(WD/TWD)+0.8876;

wherein, in a second suspension configuration, the first ratio varies with the WD/TWD substantially according to a second mathematical relationship, the second mathematical relationship comprising about;

MR/MRAVE=0.1345(WD/TWD)⁴+0.053(WD/TWD)³−

0.7888(WD/TWD)²+0.4222(WD/TWD)+1.0154; and

wherein the first ratio of the first suspension configuration and of the second suspension configuration each has a tolerance of plus or minus about 0.03.

19. The toy model vehicle suspension of claim 18, wherein the at least one suspension assembly further comprises a plurality of rocker arms interchangeably mountable to the toy model vehicle chassis for pivotal movement, each rocker arm having an output arm for coupling to the spring member and an input arm for coupling to the wheel, and wherein the plurality of rocker arms having at least output arms of differing configurations or input arms of differing configurations.

20. The toy model vehicle suspension of claim 18, wherein the spring member extends and retracts in a substantially horizontal orientation relative to the toy model vehicle chassis.

21. A toy model vehicle suspension, comprising:

a toy model vehicle chassis;

a wheel supporting at least a portion of the toy model vehicle chassis;

a spring member coupled to the toy model vehicle chassis for urging the wheel member in at least a vertical direction;

at least one suspension assembly supporting the wheel for vertical movement relative to the toy model vehicle chassis, the at least one suspension assembly coupling the spring member to the wheel, and wherein the at least one suspension assembly comprises a plurality of suspension configurations, each suspension configuration having a range of motion ratio (MR) characteristics of vertical displacement of the wheel to displacement of the spring member;

wherein each suspension configuration of the at least one suspension assembly has an average MR (MRAVE) value determined from the average MR of each suspension configuration over the range of movement of the wheel between approximately full droop and full bump positions;

wherein each suspension configuration of the at least one suspension assembly comprises a first ratio of MR to MRAVE and a second ratio of vertical wheel displacement (WD) over TWD (WD/TWD) measured from full droop, where the WD/TWD is defined as 0.0, to full bump, where the WD/TWD is defined as 1.0;

wherein in a first suspension configuration the first ratio (MR/MRAVE) varies with the second ratio (WD/TWD) substantially according to a first mathematical relationship, the first mathematical relationship comprising about;

MR/MRAVE=0.1345(WD/TWD)⁴+0.053(WD/TWD)³−

0.7888(WD/TWD)²+0.4222(WD/TWD)+1.0154;

wherein, in a second suspension configuration, the first ratio varies with the WD/TWD substantially according to a second mathematical relationship, the second mathematical relationship comprising about;

MR/MRAVE=0.1318(WD/TWD)⁴+0.0522(WD/TWD)³0.7277(WD/TWD)²+0.1862(WD/TWD)+1.125; and

wherein the first ratio of the first suspension configuration and of the second suspension configuration each has a tolerance of plus or minus about 0.03.

22. The toy model vehicle suspension of claim 21, wherein the at least one suspension assembly further comprises a plurality of rocker arms interchangeably mountable to the toy model vehicle chassis for pivotal movement, each rocker arm having an output arm for coupling to the spring member and an input arm for coupling to the wheel, and wherein the plurality of rocker arms having at least output arms of differing configurations or input arms of differing configurations.

23. The toy model vehicle suspension of claim 21, wherein the spring member extends and retracts in a substantially horizontal orientation relative to the toy model vehicle chassis.

24. A toy model vehicle suspension, comprising:

a toy model vehicle chassis;

a wheel supporting at least a portion of the toy model vehicle chassis;

a spring member coupled to the toy model vehicle chassis for urging the wheel member in at least a vertical direction;

at least one suspension assembly supporting the wheel for vertical movement relative to the toy model vehicle chassis, the at least one suspension assembly coupling the spring member to the wheel, and wherein the at least one suspension assembly comprises at least a first suspension configuration, the first suspension configuration having a motion ratio (MR) of vertical displacement of the wheel to displacement of the spring member;

wherein the first suspension configuration of the at least one suspension assembly has an average MR (MRAVE) value determined from the average MR of the first suspension configuration over the range of movement of the wheel between approximately full droop and full bump positions;

wherein the first suspension configuration of at least one the suspension assembly has a total wheel displacement value (TWD) measured from approximately full droop to full bump positions;

wherein the first suspension configuration of the at least one suspension assembly comprises a first ratio of MR to MRAVE and a second ratio of vertical wheel displacement (WD) over TWD (WD/TWD) measured from full droop, where the WD/TWD is defined as 0.0, to full bump, where the WD/TWD is defined as 1.0;

wherein in the first suspension configuration the first ratio (MR/MRAVE) varies with the second ratio (WD/TWD) substantially according to a first mathematical relationship, the first mathematical relationship comprising about;

MR/MRAVE=0.1345(WD/TWD)⁴+0.053(WD/TWD)³−

0.7888(WD/TWD)²+0.4222(WD/TWD)+1.0154; and

wherein the first ratio of the first suspension configuration has a tolerance of plus or minus about 0.03.

25. The toy model vehicle suspension of claim 24, wherein the at least one suspension assembly further comprises a plurality of rocker arms interchangeably mountable to the toy model vehicle chassis for pivotal movement, each rocker arm having an output arm for coupling to the spring member and an input arm for coupling to the wheel, and wherein the plurality of rocker arms having at least output arms of differing configurations or input arms of differing configurations.

26. The toy model vehicle suspension of claim 24, wherein the spring member extends and retracts in a substantially horizontal orientation relative to the toy model vehicle chassis.

27. A toy model vehicle suspension, comprising:

a toy model vehicle chassis;

a wheel supporting at least a portion of the toy model vehicle chassis;

a spring member coupled to the toy model vehicle chassis for urging the wheel member in at least a vertical direction;

at least one suspension assembly supporting the wheel for vertical movement relative to the toy model vehicle chassis, the at least one suspension assembly coupling the spring member to the wheel, and wherein the at least one suspension assembly comprises at least a first suspension configuration, the first suspension configuration having a motion ratio (MR) of vertical displacement of the wheel to displacement of the spring member;

wherein the first suspension configuration of the at least one suspension assembly has an average MR (MRAVE) value determined from the average MR of the first suspension configuration over the range of movement of the wheel between approximately full droop and full bump positions;

wherein the first suspension configuration of the at least one suspension assembly comprises a first ratio of MR to MRAVE and a second ratio of vertical wheel displacement (WD) over TWD (WD/TWD) measured from full droop, where the WD/TWD is defined as 0.0, to full bump, where the WD/TWD is defined as 1.0;

wherein in the first suspension configuration the first ratio (MR/MRAVE) varies with the second ratio (WD/TWD) substantially according to a first mathematical relationship, the first mathematical relationship comprising about;

MR/MRAVE=0.0584(WD/TWD)⁴+0.2233(WD/TWD)³−

0.9942(WD/TWD)²+0.7481(WD/TWD)+0.8876; and

wherein the first ratio of the first suspension configuration has a tolerance of plus or minus about 0.03.

28. The toy model vehicle suspension of claim 27, wherein the at least one suspension assembly further comprises a plurality of rocker arms interchangeably mountable to the toy model vehicle chassis for pivotal movement, each rocker arm having an output arm for coupling to the spring member and an input arm for coupling to the wheel, and wherein the plurality of rocker arms having at least output arms of differing configurations or input arms of differing configurations.

29. The toy model vehicle suspension of claim 27, wherein the spring member extends and retracts in a substantially horizontal orientation relative to the toy model vehicle chassis.

30. A toy model vehicle suspension, comprising:

a toy model vehicle chassis;

a wheel supporting at least a portion of the toy model vehicle chassis;

a spring member coupled to the toy model vehicle chassis for urging the wheel member in at least a vertical direction;

at least one suspension assembly supporting the wheel for vertical movement relative to the toy model vehicle chassis, the at least one suspension assembly coupling the spring member to the wheel, and wherein the at least one suspension assembly comprises at least a first suspension configuration, the first suspension configuration having a motion ratio (MR) of vertical displacement of the wheel to displacement of the spring member;

wherein the first suspension configuration of the at least one suspension assembly has an average MR (MRAVE) value determined from the average MR of the first suspension configuration over the range of movement of the wheel between approximately full droop and full bump positions;

wherein the first suspension configuration of the at least one suspension assembly comprises a first ratio of MR to MRAVE and a second ratio of vertical wheel displacement (WD) over TWD (WD/TWD) measured from full droop, where the WD/TWD is defined as 0.0, to full bump, where the WD/TWD is defined as 1.0;

wherein in the first suspension configuration the first ratio (MR/MRAVE) varies with the second ratio (WD/TWD) substantially according to a first mathematical relationship, the first mathematical relationship comprising about;

MR/MRAVE=0.1318(WD/TWD)⁴+0.0522(WD/TWD)³−

0.7277(WD/TWD)²+0.1862(WD/TWD)+1.125; and

wherein the first ratio of the first suspension configuration has a tolerance of plus or minus about 0.03.

31. The toy model vehicle suspension of claim 30, wherein the at least one suspension assembly further comprises a plurality of rocker arms interchangeably mountable to the toy model vehicle chassis for pivotal movement, each rocker arm having an output arm for coupling to the spring member and an input arm for coupling to the wheel, and wherein the plurality of rocker arms having at least output arms of differing configurations or input arms of differing configurations.

32. The toy model vehicle suspension of claim 30, wherein the spring member extends and retracts in a substantially horizontal orientation relative to the toy model vehicle chassis.

33. A toy model vehicle suspension, comprising:

a toy model vehicle chassis;

a toy model vehicle wheel supporting at least a portion of the toy model vehicle chassis;

a spring member coupled to the toy model vehicle chassis for urging the toy model vehicle wheel in at least a vertical direction;

at least one suspension assembly supporting the toy model vehicle wheel for vertical movement relative to the toy model vehicle chassis, the at least one suspension assembly coupling the spring member to the toy model vehicle wheel, and wherein the at least one suspension assembly comprises a plurality of suspension configurations, each suspension configuration having a range of motion ratio (MR) characteristics of vertical displacement of the wheel to displacement of the spring member;

wherein each suspension configuration of the at least one suspension assembly has an average MR (MRAVE) value determined from the average MR of each suspension configuration over the range of movement of the wheel between approximately full droop and full bump positions;

wherein each suspension configuration of the at least one suspension assembly has a total wheel displacement value (TWD) measured from approximately full droop to full bump positions;

wherein each suspension configuration of the at least one suspension assembly comprises a first ratio of MR to MRAVE and a second ratio of vertical wheel displacement (WD) over TWD (WD/TWD) measured from a ride height position, where the WD/TWD is defined as approximately in the range of 0.25 to 0.5, to the full bump position, where the WD/TWD is defined as 1.0;

wherein in a first suspension configuration the first ratio (MR/MRAVE) varies with the second ratio (WD/TWD) substantially according to a first mathematical relationship, the first mathematical relationship comprising about;

MR/MRAVE=0.0584(WD/TWD)⁴+0.2233(WD/TWD)³−

0.9942(WD/TWD)²+0.7481(WD/TWD)+0.8876;

wherein, in a second suspension configuration, the first ratio varies with the WD/TWD from the ride height position to the full bump position substantially according to a second mathematical relationship, the second mathematical relationship comprising about;

MR/MRAVE=0.1345(WD/TWD)⁴+0.053(WD/TWD)³−

0.7888(WD/TWD)²+0.4222(WD/TWD)+1.0154;

wherein, in a third suspension configuration, the first ratio varies with the WD/TWD from the ride height position to the full bump position substantially according to a third mathematical relationship, the third mathematical relationship comprising about;

MR/MRAVE=0.1318(WD/TWD)⁴+0.0522(WD/TWD)³−

0.7277(WD/TWD)²+0.1862(WD/TWD)+1.125; and

wherein the first ratio of the first suspension configuration, of the second suspension configuration, and of the third suspension configuration each has a tolerance of about plus or minus 0.03.

34. The toy model vehicle suspension of claim 33, wherein the at least one suspension assembly further comprises a plurality of rocker arms interchangeably mountable to the toy model vehicle chassis for pivotal movement, each rocker arm having an output arm for coupling to the spring member and an input arm for coupling to the wheel, and wherein the plurality of rocker arms having at least output arms of differing configurations or input arms of differing configurations.

35. The model vehicle suspension of claim 33, wherein the spring member extends and retracts in a substantially horizontal orientation relative to the toy model vehicle chassis.

36. A toy model vehicle suspension, comprising:

a toy model vehicle chassis;

a wheel supporting at least a portion of the toy model vehicle chassis;

a spring member coupled to the toy model vehicle chassis for urging the wheel member in at least a vertical direction;

at least one suspension assembly supporting the wheel for vertical movement relative to the toy model vehicle chassis, the at least one suspension assembly coupling the spring member to the wheel, and wherein the at least one suspension assembly comprises a plurality of suspension configurations, each suspension configuration having a range of motion ratio (MR) characteristics of vertical displacement of the wheel to displacement of the spring member;

wherein each suspension configuration of the at least one suspension assembly has an average MR (MRAVE) value determined from the average MR of each suspension configuration over the range of movement of the wheel between approximately full droop and full bump positions;

wherein each suspension configuration of the at least one suspension assembly has a total wheel displacement value (TWD) measured from approximately full droop to full bump positions;

wherein each suspension configuration of the at least one suspension assembly comprises a first ratio of MR to MRAVE and a second ratio of vertical wheel displacement (WD) over TWD (WD/TWD) measured from a ride height position, where the WD/TWD is defined as approximately in the range of 0.25 to 0.5, to the full bump position, where the WD/TWD is defined as 1.0;

wherein in a first suspension configuration the first ratio (MR/MRAVE) varies with the second ratio (WD/TWD) substantially according to a first mathematical relationship, the first mathematical relationship comprising about;

MR/MRAVE=0.0584(WD/TWD)⁴+0.2233(WD/TWD)³−

0.9942(WD/TWD)²+0.7481(WD/TWD)+0.8876;

wherein, in a second suspension configuration, the first ratio varies with the WD/TWD from the ride height position to the full bump position substantially according to a second mathematical relationship, the second mathematical relationship comprising about;

MR/MRAVE=0.1345(WD/TWD)⁴+0.053(WD/TWD)³−

0.7888(WD/TWD)²+0.4222(WD/TWD)+1.0154; and

wherein the first ratio of the first suspension configuration and of the second suspension configuration each has a tolerance of plus or minus about 0.03.

37. The toy model vehicle suspension of claim 36, wherein the at least one suspension assembly further comprises a plurality of rocker arms interchangeably mountable to the toy model vehicle chassis for pivotal movement, each rocker arm having an output arm for coupling to the spring member and an input arm for coupling to the wheel, and wherein the plurality of rocker arms having at least output arms of differing configurations or input arms of differing configurations.

38. The toy model vehicle suspension of claim 36, wherein the spring member extends and retracts in a substantially horizontal orientation relative to the toy model vehicle chassis.

39. A toy model vehicle suspension, comprising:

a toy model vehicle chassis;

a wheel supporting at least a portion of the toy model vehicle chassis;

a spring member coupled to the toy model vehicle chassis for urging the wheel member in at least a vertical direction;

at least one suspension assembly supporting the wheel for vertical movement relative to the toy model vehicle chassis, the at least one suspension assembly coupling the spring member to the wheel, and wherein the at least one suspension assembly comprises a plurality of suspension configurations, each suspension configuration having a range of motion ratio (MR) characteristics of vertical displacement of the wheel to displacement of the spring member;

wherein each suspension configuration of the at least one suspension assembly has an average MR (MRAVE) value determined from the average MR of each suspension configuration over the range of movement of the wheel between approximately full droop and full bump positions;

wherein each suspension configuration of the at least one suspension assembly has a total wheel displacement value (TWD) measured from approximately full droop to full bump positions;

wherein each suspension configuration of the at least one suspension assembly comprises a first ratio of MR to MRAVE and a second ratio of vertical wheel displacement (WD) over TWD (WD/TWD) measured from a ride height position, where the WD/TWD is defined as approximately in the range of 0.25 to 0.5, to the full bump position, where the WD/TWD is defined as 1.0;

wherein in a first suspension configuration the first ratio (MR/MRAVE) varies with the second ratio (WD/TWD) substantially according to a first mathematical relationship, the first mathematical relationship comprising about;

MR/MRAVE=0.1345(WD/TWD)⁴+0.053(WD/TWD)³−

0.7888(WD/TWD)²+0.4222(WD/TWD)+1.0154;

wherein, in a second suspension configuration, the first ratio varies with the WD/TWD from the ride height position to the full bump position substantially according to a second mathematical relationship, the second mathematical relationship comprising about;

MR/MRAVE=0.1318(WD/TWD)⁴+0.0522(WD/TWD)³−

0.7277(WD/TWD)²+0.1862(WD/TWD)+1.125; and

wherein the first ratio of the first suspension configuration and of the second suspension configuration each has a tolerance of plus or minus about 0.03.

40. The toy model vehicle suspension of claim 39, wherein the at least one suspension assembly further comprises a plurality of rocker arms interchangeably mountable to the toy model vehicle chassis for pivotal movement, each rocker arm having an output arm for coupling to the spring member and an input arm for coupling to the wheel, and wherein the plurality of rocker arms having at least output arms of differing configurations or input arms of differing configurations.

41. The toy model vehicle suspension of claim 39, wherein the spring member extends and retracts in a substantially horizontal orientation relative to the toy model vehicle chassis.

42. A toy model vehicle suspension, comprising:

a toy model vehicle chassis;

a wheel supporting at least a portion of the toy model vehicle chassis;

a spring member coupled to the toy model vehicle chassis for urging the wheel member in at least a vertical direction;

at least one suspension assembly supporting the wheel for vertical movement relative to the toy model vehicle chassis, the at least one suspension assembly coupling the spring member to the wheel, and wherein the at least one suspension assembly comprises at least a first suspension configuration, the first suspension configuration having a motion ratio (MR) of vertical displacement of the wheel to displacement of the spring member;

wherein the first suspension configuration of the at least one suspension assembly has an average MR (MRAVE) value determined from the average MR of the first suspension configuration over the range of movement of the wheel between approximately full droop and full bump positions;

wherein the first suspension configuration of the at least one suspension assembly has a total wheel displacement value (TWD) measured from approximately full droop to full bump positions;

wherein the first suspension configuration of the at least one suspension assembly comprises a first ratio of MR to MRAVE and a second ratio of vertical wheel displacement (WD) over TWD (WD/TWD) measured from a ride height position, where the WD/TWD is defined as approximately in the range of 0.25 to 0.5, to the full bump position, where the WD/TWD is defined as 1.0;

wherein in the first suspension configuration the first ratio (MR/MRAVE) varies with the second ratio (WD/TWD) substantially according to a first mathematical relationship, the first mathematical relationship comprising about;

MR/MRAVE=0.1345(WD/TWD)⁴+0.053(WD/TWD)³−

0.7888(WD/TWD)²+0.4222(WD/TWD)+1.0154; and

wherein the first ratio of the first suspension configuration has a tolerance of plus or minus about 0.03.

43. The toy model vehicle suspension of claim 42, wherein the at least one suspension assembly further comprises a plurality of rocker arms interchangeably mountable to the toy model vehicle chassis for pivotal movement, each rocker arm having an output arm for coupling to the spring member and an input arm for coupling to the wheel, and wherein the plurality of rocker arms having at least output arms of differing configurations or input arms of differing configurations.

44. The toy model vehicle suspension of claim 42, wherein the spring member extends and retracts in a substantially horizontal orientation relative to the toy model vehicle chassis.

45. A toy model vehicle suspension, comprising:

a toy model vehicle chassis;

a wheel supporting at least a portion of the toy model vehicle chassis;

a spring member coupled to the toy model vehicle chassis for urging the wheel member in at least a vertical direction;

at least one suspension assembly supporting the wheel for vertical movement relative to the toy model vehicle chassis, the at least one suspension assembly coupling the spring member to the wheel, and wherein the at least one suspension assembly comprises at least a first suspension configuration, the first suspension configuration having a motion ratio (MR) of vertical displacement of the wheel to displacement of the spring member;

wherein the first suspension configuration of the at least one suspension assembly has an average MR (MRAVE) value determined from the average MR of the first suspension configuration over the range of movement of the wheel between approximately full droop and full bump positions;

wherein the first suspension configuration of the at least one suspension assembly has a total wheel displacement value (TWD) measured from approximately full droop to full bump positions;

wherein the first suspension configuration of the at least one suspension assembly comprises a first ratio of MR to MRAVE and a second ratio of vertical wheel displacement (WD) over TWD (WD/TWD) measured from a ride height position, where the WD/TWD is defined as approximately in the range of 0.25 to 0.5, to the full bump position, where the WD/TWD is defined as 1.0;

wherein in the first suspension configuration the first ratio (MR/MRAVE) varies with the second ratio (WD/TWD) substantially according to a first mathematical relationship, the first mathematical relationship comprising about;

MR/MRAVE=0.0584(WD/TWD)⁴+0.2233(WD/TWD)³−

0.9942(WD/TWD)²+0.7481(WD/TWD)+0.8876; and

wherein the first ratio of the first suspension configuration has a tolerance of plus or minus about 0.03.

46. The toy model vehicle suspension of claim 45, wherein the at least one suspension assembly further comprises a plurality of rocker arms interchangeably mountable to the toy model vehicle chassis for pivotal movement, each rocker arm having an output arm for coupling to the spring member and an input arm for coupling to the wheel, and wherein the plurality of rocker arms having at least output arms of differing configurations or input arms of differing configurations.

47. The toy model vehicle suspension of claim 45, wherein the spring member extends and retracts in a substantially horizontal orientation relative to the toy model vehicle chassis.

48. A toy model vehicle suspension, comprising:

a toy model vehicle chassis;

a wheel supporting at least a portion of the toy model vehicle chassis;

a spring member coupled to the toy model vehicle chassis for urging the wheel member in at least a vertical direction;

at least one suspension assembly supporting the wheel for vertical movement relative to the toy model vehicle chassis, the at least one suspension assembly coupling the spring member to the wheel, and wherein the at least one suspension assembly comprises at least a first suspension configuration, the first suspension configuration having a motion ratio (MR) of vertical displacement of the wheel to displacement of the spring member;

wherein the first suspension configuration of the at least one suspension assembly has an average MR (MRAVE) value determined from the average MR of the first suspension configuration over the range of movement of the wheel between approximately full droop and full bump positions;

wherein the first suspension configuration of the at least one suspension assembly has a total wheel displacement value (TWD) measured from approximately full droop to full bump positions;

wherein the first suspension configuration of the at least one suspension assembly comprises a first ratio of MR to MRAVE and a second ratio of vertical wheel displacement (WD) over TWD (WD/TWD) measured from a ride height position, where the WD/TWD is defined as approximately in the range of 0.25 to 0.5, to the full bump position, where the WD/TWD is defined as 1.0;

wherein in the first suspension configuration the first ratio (MR/MRAVE) varies with the second ratio (WD/TWD) substantially according to a first mathematical relationship, the first mathematical relationship comprising about;

MR/MRAVE=0.1318(WD/TWD)⁴+0.0522(WD/TWD)³−

0.7277(WD/TWD)²+0.1862(WD/TWD)+1.125; and

wherein the first ratio of the first suspension configuration has a tolerance of plus or minus about 0.03.

49. The toy model vehicle suspension of claim 48, wherein the at least one suspension assembly further comprises a plurality of rocker arms interchangeably mountable to the toy model vehicle chassis for pivotal movement, each rocker arm having an output arm for coupling to the spring member and an input arm for coupling to the wheel, and wherein the plurality of rocker arms having at least output arms of differing configurations or input arms of differing configurations.

50. The toy model vehicle suspension of claim 48, wherein the spring member extends and retracts in a substantially horizontal orientation relative to the toy model vehicle chassis.