Patent · US Expired

Linkage suspension system

US5649719A · kind A · utility

53Cited by
24References
17Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateFeb 23, 1996
Grant dateJul 22, 1997
Priority date
Expiry dateFeb 23, 2016

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB60G2206/602
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A vehicle suspension system particularly useful in the heavy duty truck and trailer industry is disclosed. The suspension features lower control rods that are pivotally connected at their leading ends to hangers attached to each side frame member. The rearward ends of the lower control rods are attached to axle seats, one at each end of the axle, which are connected to the axle of the vehicle. Air springs and shock absorbers or, alternatively, hydraulic cylinders with accumulators, are mounted between each axle seat and each side frame member. The lower control rods are in an inclined orientation with their forward ends above their trailing ends. Additionally, some embodiments of the suspension feature upper control rods with their forward ends pivotally attached to the two opposing truck side frame members. The rearward ends of the upper control rods are attached to the top center of the axle by either a bolt and bushing mount or a ball and socket mount so that the upper control rods form a "V". The upper control rods lay in a nearly horizontal plane. As an alternative to the "V" configuration of the upper control rods, a single, nearly horizontal, longitudinal upper control rod m…

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.