Parallelogram lift axle suspension system with a control for axle caster adjustment
US5403031A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 8, 1993 |
| Grant date | Apr 4, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 8, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60G2206/601
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A twin beam parallelogram-type lift axle suspension system includes a bi-directional airlift spring having opposite end plates at either end thereof located between two parallel control arms wherein expansion of the air spring pivots the upper and lower control arms with respect to a frame bracket thereby lifting an axle and wheels attached thereto from engagement with the road surface. The end plates of the bi-directional air spring move about equally in opposite directions and remain substantially parallel to one another throughout expansion and contraction of the air spring so as to about equally distribute forces of expansion of the air spring between the upper and lower control arms. The system of the instant invention also includes a shock absorber having one end attached to the upper control arm and another end attached to the lower control arm so as to locate the shock absorber forward of the axle thereby minimizing shock travel and maximizing shock life. The upper control arm is pivotally connected to an axle seat by a bolt including an eccentric cam mechanism which allows one to adjust the caster angle of the axle when the need arises.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.