Tandem Axles Patents (Class 280/676)
  • Patent number: 10632807
    Abstract: A powered vehicle suspension assembly includes a mounting bracket configured to be attached to a powered vehicle frame rail, a trailing arm assembly including a substantially rigid trailing arm having a first end pivotably coupled with the mounting bracket and a second end, where the trailing arm assembly is configured to operably couple with a powered vehicle axle arrangement, a spring arrangement supported by the second end of the trailing arm, and a structural reinforcement cross-member configured to extend between and couple with a pair of powered vehicle frame rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: SAF-HOLLAND, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Galla, Jason Heath, Jason Klein
  • Patent number: 8925958
    Abstract: This invention relates to central hanger brackets and equalizers for tandem suspension, used in trucks, trailers and semi-trailers, provided with spring pack arranged on the axles of the vehicle comprising an equalizer, provided with an intermediate area located in the upper part of the body, said area coupling to a surface arranged in the central hanger bracket. The set promotes a structural arrangement that allows the articulation of said equalizer, and eliminates the use of fixing pins, bushings or screws to attach said set to said central hanger bracket, in order to simplify the system and reduce the number of components, providing better conditions for the durability and maintenance of the suspension and thus reducing the operating cost and the cost of the product itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Suspensys Sistemas Automotivos Ltda.
    Inventor: Joao Felipe de Souza Araujo
  • Patent number: 8840123
    Abstract: A double-decker coach is described which includes a frame, an engine, a front axle and a tandem rear axle. The front axle lies transversely to the principal axis of the frame and offers support to the frame. The front axle includes a pair of steerable wheels, which lie mounted on bearings. The pair of wheels can be steered by a driver. The tandem rear axle lies transversely to the longitudinal direction of the frame and is mounted parallel to the front axle and offers support to the aforesaid frame. The tandem rear axle includes a drive axle and a trailing axle. The drive axle includes two pairs of drive wheels. The drive axle is coupled to the engine. The trailing axle is mounted parallel to the drive axle and includes two pairs of trailing wheels. The ratio of the distance (C) between the third axle and the rear end of the double-decker coach relative to the mutual distance (B) between the front axle and the trailing axle is between 0.20 and 0.50, preferably 0.25 and 0.45, more preferably 0.35 to 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Van Hool NV
    Inventors: Heli Boterdaele, Leon De Wit
  • Publication number: 20140159349
    Abstract: This invention relates to central hanger brackets and equalizers for tandem suspension, used in trucks, trailers and semi-trailers, provided with spring pack arranged on the axles of the vehicle comprising an equalizer, provided with an intermediate area located in the upper part of the body, said area coupling to a surface arranged in the central hanger bracket. The set promotes a structural arrangement that allows the articulation of said equalizer, and eliminates the use of fixing pins, bushings or screws to attach said set to said central hanger bracket, in order to simplify the system and reduce the number of components, providing better conditions for the durability and maintenance of the suspension and thus reducing the operating cost and the cost of the product itself.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: SUSPENSYS SISTEMAS AUTOMOTIVOS LTDA.
    Inventor: Joao Felipe de Souza ARAUJO
  • Patent number: 8641079
    Abstract: A multi-axle vehicle suspension system comprising a first torsion axle mounted to a first suspension pivot member, the first suspension pivot member pivotally coupled to a vehicle frame, a second torsion axle mounted to a second suspension pivot member, the second suspension pivot member pivotally coupled to the vehicle frame, a pivot member pivotally coupled to the vehicle frame, the first suspension pivot member pivotally coupled to the pivot member, and the second suspension pivot member pivotally coupled to the pivot member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Dexter Axle Company
    Inventors: William Dunlap, Ronnie L. Tharp
  • Patent number: 8573337
    Abstract: A tandem housing for a motor grader comprises an exterior multi-layer first wall, an exterior second wall, and an exterior rim. The first wall comprises a main plate and a reinforcement plate reinforcing the main plate. The rim is coupled to the first wall and the second wall so as to provide a periphery of the tandem housing laterally between the first wall and the second wall. The main plate, the reinforcement plate, and the rim cooperate to provide a weld groove. A weld is positioned in the weld groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Trent A. Luoma, Dharmendra Sharma
  • Patent number: 8424897
    Abstract: A dual lane, multi-axle transport vehicle for moving heavy loads includes a forward module mounted on a plurality of axles and a rearward module mounted on a plurality of axles. The forward module is mechanically connected to the rearward module for providing a dual lane transport body. The forward module and the rearward module of the transport body each have a single central spine wherein the axles of both the forward module and the rearward module are each attached to the corresponding single central spine. The axles of both the forward module and the rearward module have an axle spacing of at least six feet. A hydraulic suspension is provided for dynamically stabilizing the axles for reducing axle yaw. An axle steering system having a plurality of steering rods controls the position of the axles of both the forward module and the rearward module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Alpha One Transporter Inc.
    Inventors: Earl R. Sutton, James R. McGhie
  • Patent number: 8262125
    Abstract: A machine (100) includes a frame (102) portion and a tandem wheel arrangement, which includes a main linkage (312) and a stabilizing linkage (322) that are pivotally connected to the frame (102) portion. A first mount (304) and a second mount (304) are pivotally connected to the main linkage (312) and to the stabilizing linkage (322), such that the main linkage (312), the stabilizing linkage (322), the first mount (304), and the second mount (304) define a four-bar-linkage arrangement (202) that operates to transfer unbalanced torque loads from the first mount (304) and the second mount (304) to the frame (102) portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Sergison, Norval P. Thomson, Steven A. Daniel, W. Christopher Swick
  • Publication number: 20120110929
    Abstract: A mobile building transportation device can comprise a frame, a front axle, and a rear axle. The frame can support a mobile building for transport on a public highway and can include left and right longitudinal support members and front and rear transverse support members that bear at least a portion of the weight of the mobile building. The front and rear axles can each be coupled to the frame by suspension components. The longitudinal support members can have a riser vertically displaced above the front and/or rear axle positions to allow a vertical distance to be minimized between the transverse support members and the axles. This can allow the front and/or rear axle to move unobstructed through a range of motion of the front and/or rear suspension components. At least one of the longitudinal and transverse support members can be constructed, at least in part, of tubing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventor: Heath Sartini
  • Publication number: 20120018983
    Abstract: A tandem axle (TA) has identical right and left halves, each having a walking beam (9) for suspending the respective half from a chassis frame. A front axle (FA) is at a front of the walking beam and a rear axle (RA) at the rear. Each axle has a carrier carrying a direct wheel drive mechanism having a direct drive motor (6) that drives inboard and outboard wheel hubs (3). A front steering motor (14) mounted on the walking beam has a shaft (14S) coupled to the front axle carrier for steering the front axle, and a rear steering motor (13) steers the rear axle. Each carrier carries its direct wheel drive mechanism in a manner that allows the inboard wheel hub to swing upward along an arc while the outboard wheel hub swings downward along an arc, and the outboard wheel hub to swing upward along an arc while the inboard wheel hub swings downward along an arc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: NAVISTAR CANADA, INC.
    Inventor: Leo P. Oriet
  • Publication number: 20120018984
    Abstract: A rear dual wheel direct drive axle assembly (30) for a vehicle having a longitudinal frame rail (28) includes a spindle shaft (1) attached to the frame rail and having an axis of rotation generally in the same vertical plane as the longitudinal frame rail. The assembly (30) also includes a dual wheel drive axle (13, 14) transversely and pivotally mounted on the spindle shaft (1). The axle (13, 14) is configured to pivot about the spindle shaft (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: NAVISTAR CANADA, INC.
    Inventor: Leo P. Oriet
  • Patent number: 8033565
    Abstract: A trailer tandem wheel suspension system comprising a pair of suspension units (3) for mounting on either side of a chassis (4) of a trailer (1) to support a pair of wheels 2?, 2? and arranged to respond both to small and large deflections of the wheels 2?, 2?. Each suspension unit (3) has a primary spring element (12) and a secondary spring element (13) linked to the primary spring element (12) so that the primary and secondary spring elements (12, 13) are effective over different ranges of movement of the wheels 2?, 2?. The primary spring element (12) is a leaf spring responsive to small movements of the wheels 2?, 2? and the secondary spring element (13) includes a compression spring (18) linked to the leaf spring and responsive to larger movements of the wheels 2?, 2?.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Oldbury UK Limited
    Inventor: Carl Justin Holroyd
  • Publication number: 20110114410
    Abstract: A machine (100) includes a frame (102) portion and a tandem wheel arrangement, which includes a main linkage (312) and a stabilizing linkage (322) that are pivotally connected to the frame (102) portion. A first mount (304) and a second mount (304) are pivotally connected to the main linkage (312) and to the stabilizing linkage (322), such that the main linkage (312), the stabilizing linkage (322), the first mount (304), and the second mount (304) define a four-bar-linkage arrangement (202) that operates to transfer unbalanced torque loads from the first mount (304) and the second mount (304) to the frame (102) portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.
    Inventors: Daniel Sergison, Norval P. Thomson, Steven A. Daniel, W. Christopher Swick
  • Patent number: 7918478
    Abstract: An equalizer for a suspension system for a trailer is configured to absorb or dampen the harsh shocks or vibrations coming off of the leaf springs proximate to a center frame hangar, thus allowing for a “softer” ride. The equalizer utilizes one or two independent equalizer arm assemblies or castings which are each rotatably secured within the equalizer. Each equalizer arm assembly or casting is operatively associated with one of the leaf springs such that upon upward movement of the leaf spring, the associated equalizer arm assembly or casting is forced to rotate within the equalizer and to deform a shock absorber provided within the equalizer. The shock absorber, upon the deformation thereof, absorbs the harsh shocks or vibrations which would otherwise normally be transferred from the leaf springs, to the equalizer, and thus to the frame of the trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Lippert Components Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: E. Dale Fenton
  • Patent number: 7837220
    Abstract: A machine (100) includes a frame (102) portion and a tandem wheel arrangement, which includes a main linkage (312) and a stabilizing linkage (322) that are pivotally connected to the frame (102) portion. A first mount (304) and a second mount (304) are pivotally connected to the main linkage (312) and to the stabilizing linkage (322), such that the main linkage (312), the stabilizing linkage (322), the first mount (304), and the second mount (304) define a four-bar-linkage arrangement (202) that operates to transfer unbalanced torque loads from the first mount (304) and the second mount (304) to the frame (102) portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Daniel P. Sergison, Norval P. Thomson, Steven A. Daniel, W. Christopher Swick
  • Publication number: 20100007118
    Abstract: A machine (100) includes a frame (102) portion and a tandem wheel arrangement, which includes a main linkage (312) and a stabilizing linkage (322) that are pivotally connected to the frame (102) portion. A first mount (304) and a second mount (304) are pivotally connected to the main linkage (312) and to the stabilizing linkage (322), such that the main linkage (312), the stabilizing linkage (322), the first mount (304), and the second mount (304) define a four-bar-linkage arrangement (202) that operates to transfer unbalanced torque loads from the first mount (304) and the second mount (304) to the frame (102) portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Sergison, Norval P. Thomson, Steven A. Daniel, W. Christopher Swick
  • Patent number: 7614659
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a dual purpose spring holder mounting bracket pivotally receives a rear suspension spring arm and also receives a tensioning member extending to a forwardly positioned mounting bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Daimler Trucks North America LLC
    Inventors: Mark W. Pitsenbarger, Scott A. Watson
  • Publication number: 20080030005
    Abstract: A locking device for a stroller is provided. The stroller includes a pair of side frames and a base frame. The locking device comprises an articulated mechanism pivotally connected between the respective rear frames of the pair of side frames, a locking member slidably provided on the articulated mechanism for locking the articulated mechanism, and a pair of side braces pivotally connected to the locking member at one end thereof respectively and pivotally connected to the respective rear frames of the pair of side frames at the other end thereof. The folding and unfolding of the stroller can be easily carried out by means of the locking device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2007
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Applicant: Excellerate Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chih-Wei Wang
  • Patent number: 7249780
    Abstract: An air spring and a linear guide are used to boost the effectiveness of a leaf spring suspension system for a motor vehicle. The air spring mounts between the axle and the vehicle frame. The aft end of the leaf spring mounts to the linear guide to allow the leaf spring to move vertically as well as front and back while restricting side-to-side movement. The air spring and linear guide can be added during vehicle assembly or afterward from an aftermarket kit of parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Inventor: Paul G. Wilson
  • Patent number: 7168718
    Abstract: An axle suspension arrangement for rigid axles in vehicles with a frame having a pair of longitudinal beams. The suspension arrangement includes at least one first longitudinal control arm extending substantially in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, each longitudinal control arm being connected to the vehicle by a first pivotal joint and being connected to the vehicle axle by a second pivotal joint. The arrangement further includes a second longitudinal control arm connected to the vehicle by a third pivotal joint and connected to the vehicle axle by a fourth pivotal joint, the control arms being arranged on each side of the vehicle approximately at the same level, positioned above the first control arm, and a stabilizer bar counteracting lateral tilting movements of the axle. The stabilizer bar is arranged directly between and fixedly attached to the second longitudinal control arms at its ends. There is further disclosed a vehicle provided with such an axle suspension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Volvo Trucks North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Bjorn O. Svartz
  • Patent number: 7017688
    Abstract: A half-track vehicle includes a frame, first and second beams having forward and rearward wheels attached thereto, and first and second suspension systems. The frame includes a first side and a second side, and the first suspension system suspends the first beam from the frame adjacent the first side of the frame and the second suspension system suspends the second beam from the frame adjacent the second side of the frame. Each suspension system includes at least one element, such as a trailing arm, and A-arm, and a transverse suspension member, that is attached to one of frame and an associated one of the first and second beams in a manner that permits three degrees of rotational movement and that transmits motive force from the first and second beams to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Lee N. Bowers, Mark Kohls, Philip Tsiaras
  • Patent number: 7000940
    Abstract: An equalized suspension system for a vehicle includes a first trailing arm, a second trailing arm, first and second wheels, and a cushion. The first trailing arm has a lower end pivotally secured to the first wheel, and an upper end pivotally secured to the frame. The second trailing arm has a lower end pivotally secured to the second wheel, a free upper end, and an intermediate portion pivotally secured to the frame. The cushion extends between the lower end of the first trailing arm and the free, upper end of the second trailing arm and serves to transfer and equalize pressures between the first and second wheels. When the first wheel engages an obstacle and moves in a first direction, the cushion forces the second wheel, via the second trailing arm, in a second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Lee N. Bowers
  • Publication number: 20030184056
    Abstract: An equalized suspension system for a vehicle includes a first trailing arm, a second trailing arm, first and second wheels, and a cushion. The first trailing arm has a lower end pivotally secured to the first wheel, and an upper end pivotally secured to the frame. The second trailing arm has a lower end pivotally secured to the second wheel, a free upper end, and an intermediate portion pivotally secured to the frame. The cushion extends between the lower end of the first trailing arm and the free, upper end of the second trailing arm and serves to transfer and equalize pressures between the first and second wheels. When the first wheel engages an obstacle and moves in a first direction, the cushion forces the second wheel, via the second trailing arm, in a second direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2003
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Applicant: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Lee N. Bowers
  • Patent number: 6604756
    Abstract: A triple axle suspension for use in a vehicle having a front axle, a medium axle and a rear axle mounted in triple axle relationship. It makes use of rigid beams to support the axles. It also makes use of equalizers to interconnect the beams, and it is devised in such a manner that one end of each beam is free to slide within the adjacent supporting structure. This suspension is very simple in structure and very efficient to equalize the load of any axle over all the axles of the triple axle suspension. When the axles are motorized, the suspension is also efficient to balance the pulls exerted by the wheels supported by the axles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Emmanuel Simard & Fils (1983) Inc.
    Inventors: André-Marie Simard, Réjean Lavoie
  • Patent number: 6478321
    Abstract: A rubber shear spring assembly for mounting between inner ends of adjacent leaf springs of a tandem axle including a hanger for mounting on a vehicle frame, hanger sides on the hanger, a rubber shear spring assembly between the hanger sides, the rubber shear spring assembly including a central plate and first and second rubber shear springs having inner sides mounted on opposite sides of the central plate and the rubber shear springs having outer sides mounted on the hanger sides, and connector members mounted at opposite ends of the central plate for connection to the inner ends of adjacent leaf springs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: MOR/ryde International, Inc.
    Inventor: David E. Heitzmann
  • Patent number: 6382659
    Abstract: A load distributing tandem suspension assembly for supporting a chassis of a vehicle. Front and rear elongated spring arrangements are connected to each other through an intermediate equalizer arrangement. The front spring arrangement has a leaf spring pivotally attached between the chassis and the equalizer arm of the equalizer arrangement. The rear spring arrangement has a shorter leaf spring pivotally attached to the equalizer arm and assisted by a shock absorber attached between the rear end of the leaf spring and the chassis. A guiding device guides the rear end of the second spring element up and down with respect to the chassis in a vertical course.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Emmanuel Simard et Fils (1983) Inc.
    Inventor: André-Marie Simard
  • Patent number: 6364340
    Abstract: A truck trailer having a pair of tandem spaced apart rear axles and a suspension system for supporting the axles from the chassis of the trailer having a pivot member intermediate the axles about which the axles may pivot relatively to one another, the axles being connected to respective ends of leaf springs. The trailer has apparatus for lifting one of the axles relative to the other axle selectively so that the wheels carried by the lifted axle may be lifted off the roadway. The apparatus for lifting includes air bags which may be inflated by pressurized air or deflated to control the position of the axle to be raised. The air bags are positioned between one of the axles and the chassis and when pressurized air inflates the bags the other axle is lifted about the pivot member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Taylor-Made Equipment, Inc.
    Inventor: William L. Taylor
  • Patent number: 6276710
    Abstract: A suspension system for a vehicle tandem axle has air springs positioned adjacent the ends of the trailing and lead axles of the tandem axle. Pairs of air springs on each side of the vehicle are pneumatically connected to form a common reservoir. Displacement of the ends of the lead and trailing axles of the tandem axle are averaged to provide a controlling input to air spring pressurization controllers provided for each pair of air springs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: Inernational Truck and Engine Corporation
    Inventor: Anthony D. Sutton
  • Patent number: 5820156
    Abstract: A vehicle suspension system having a pair of hanger brackets. A first intermediate bracket dependent from a vehicle, a second intermediate bracket a pair of control arms, and a torque rod. One end of each control arm is pivotally mounted on a corresponding hanger bracket. Another end of each control arm, is pivotally attached to an axle seat. The torque arm is pivotally mounted between the first and second intermediate brackets. One end of a stabilizer bar is mounted to each control arm to increase the suspensions roll stability, and resistance to lateral deflection. In one embodiment, the stabilizer bar extends through a hole formed in each control arm, and in other embodiments, flanges extend outwardly from the stabilizer bar adjacent respective control arms for mounting the stabilizer bar to the control arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Suspensions Incorporated
    Inventor: Ervin K. VanDenberg
  • Patent number: 5816605
    Abstract: A tandem axle vehicle suspension system which includes a rear axle mount that is automatically moveable between a forward caster and rearward caster position of the axle mount relative to the suspension system to cause self-steering of the rearward axle when the vehicle is operated to move forwardly and rearwardly, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Inventor: John E. Raidel, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5718445
    Abstract: A vehicle suspension system having a pair of hanger brackets. A first intermediate bracket dependent from a vehicle, a second intermediate bracket a pair of control arms, and a torque rod. One end of each control arm is pivotally mounted on a corresponding hanger bracket. Another end of each control arm, is pivotally attached to an axle seat. The torque arm is pivotally mounted between the first and second intermediate brackets. One end of a stabilizer bar is mounted to each control arm to increase the suspensions roll stability, and resistance to lateral deflection. In one embodiment, the stabilizer bar extends through a hole formed in each control arm, and in other embodiments, flanges extend outwardly from the stabilizer bar adjacent respective control arms for mounting the stabilizer bar to the control arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Assignee: Suspensions, Inc.
    Inventor: Ervin K. VanDenberg
  • Patent number: 5447324
    Abstract: A tandem axle vehicle suspension is provided which, in variant embodiments, employs one or two torque beams each supporting an axle of a tandem axle vehicle and each pivotally connected to a load compensator where a single elastomer spring is mounted between each torque beam and compensator and is subjected to both compression and shear forces during over-the-road operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1995
    Inventor: John E. Raidel, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5333895
    Abstract: A dual rear axle system for large vehicles in which the vehicle has a frame, and the axle system includes a forward axle housing, a draft arm having one arm affixed to the forward axle housing and the other pivotally affixed to the vehicle frame, a rearward axle housing spaced from and parallel to the forward axle housing, an axle extending through both axle housings having wheels and tires thereon, an upper linkage having one end pivotally attached to the upper portion of the forward axle housing and the other end pivotally attached to the upper portion of the rearward axle housing, lower linkage having one end pivotally attached to the lower portion of the forward axle housing and the other end pivotally attached to the lower portion of the rearward axle housing so that the axle housings are supported in spaced apart relationship with the axle housings independently free to move in vertical planes and compressible strut members extending between the axle housings and the frame for spring supporting the fram
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1994
    Assignee: Terex Corporation
    Inventors: Steven J. Fujan, Frederick W. Loeber
  • Patent number: 5322328
    Abstract: A suspension system for a cart having a pair of longitudinally aligned, oscillating wheel support units pivotally mounted fore and aft within a frame assembly on each side of the cart, a pair of longitudinally aligned wheels mounted on each support unit, the frame assemblies pivotally mounted in transverse alignment centrally of the cart for movement with the wheel support units in a vertical plane, all three pivotal mountings on each side of the part having horizontal axes disposed transversely of the cart, with the load of the cart distributed on each side to a quartet of wheels and with each pair of wheel support units oscillatable independently of each other and independent of the pivotal movement of their respective frame assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 21, 1994
    Assignee: Unverferth Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Van Mill, David A. Steimel
  • Patent number: 5308105
    Abstract: A steerable dual rear axle system for large vehicles in which the vehicle has a frame, and the axle system includes a forward axle housing, a draft arm having one arm affixed to the forward axle housing and the other pivotally affixed to the vehicle frame, a rearward axle housing spaced from the forward axle housing, an axle extending through both axle housings having wheels and tires thereon, an upper linkage having one end pivotally attached to the upper portion of the forward axle housing and the other end pivotally attached to the upper portion of the rearward axle housing, a lower linkage having one end pivotally attached to the lower portion of the forward axle housing and the other end pivotally attached to the lower portion of the rearward axle housing so that the axle housings are supported in spaced apart relationship with the axle housings being independently free to move in vertical planes, compressible strut members extending between the axle housings and the frame for spring supporting the frame
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1994
    Assignee: Terex Corporation
    Inventors: Steven J. Fujan, Frederick W. Loeber
  • Patent number: 5163700
    Abstract: A dual axle assembly for large vehicles having an elongated vehicle frame, a forward axle housing, a first torque arm rearwardly extending from the forward axle housing, a rearward axle housing having a second torque arm forwardly extending from the rearward axle housing, the first and second torque arms being generally parallel to and spaced apart from each other, the first torque arm having an outer end pivotally affixed to the rearward axle housing and the second torque arm having an outer end pivotally affixed to the forward axle housing, spring supports extending between the forward and rearward axle housings to the vehicle, and a wheel structure supported at each opposed ends of each axle housing being pivotal in vertical planes about an axis drawn through the points of pivotal attachments of the torque arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1992
    Assignee: Terex Corporation
    Inventor: Frederick W. Loeber
  • Patent number: 5112073
    Abstract: A steerable, load-supporting dolly is provided wherein the dolly is self-steerable in response to the loading thereon. Controllable responsiveness of the steering is provided by at least one king-pin, the castor of which may be selectively varied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1992
    Assignee: Trans World Crane, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. McGhie, Lowell K. Pendelton
  • Patent number: 5033769
    Abstract: A tandem axle suspension system distributes a vehicle load asymmetrically to a drive and drag axle of a vehicle, the system comprises a compensator member that is pivotally connected between a front axle seat supporting the vehicle drive axle and a hanger member suspended beneath the vehicle chassis, and a torque beam member that is pivotally connected between the compensator member and a rear axle seat supporting the vehicle drag axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1991
    Inventor: John E. Raidel
  • Patent number: 4846495
    Abstract: A suspension component assembly including a top plate assembly for mounting relative to a spring assembly of a vehicle and a saddle. The top plate assembly having a top plate and an alignment member having locating means for accurately receiving a nib of the spring assembly. The top plate having a slot or a recess on its underside for receiving the alignment member. The recess allowing movement of the member for adjustment of squareness of an axle of the vehicle relative to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. Adjustment means associated with the top plate allows the location and holding of the alignment member at a desired location relative to the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1989
    Inventor: Peter Laidely
  • Patent number: 4756550
    Abstract: A vehicle suspension assembly for tandem drive axles has a suspension system for each axle. Each suspension system incorporates two lower torque beams on each side of the vehicle and a single central upper torque rod. A central hanger is mounted between the two axles. The lower torque beams are pivotally connected between the hanger and an axle seat. A straddle bracket connects the axle to the axle seat in a hinged fashion. The upper central torque rod is connected between the upper side of the axle housing and the chassis. The lower torque beams act as a parallelogram to stabilize the axle seat. They also act together with a portion of the axle seat as a composite lower torque rod cooperating with the upper torque rod to stabilize the axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1988
    Inventor: John E. Raidel
  • Patent number: 4717170
    Abstract: Axle-chassis connecting device is particularly for a commercial vehicle having two tandem axles of the hydropneumatic suspension type. The vertical load coming from the chassis is transmitted directly to the wheels by jacks (23) without passing through the axle tanks, and is taken into account near the wheel plane by means of a multifunction part (20) which further assures, simultaneously, the connection of the axle to the chassis by a longitudinal guide rod (26) and the transmission of the braking torques coming from the braking means (35).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1988
    Assignee: Renault Vehicules Industriels
    Inventors: Francois Mounier-Poulat, Marcel Savoie, Patrick Berthon
  • Patent number: 4706988
    Abstract: A spring support system for tandem axles that supports the adjacent ends of the springs which support the front and rear tandem axles in the center and automatically adjusts the level of the trailer as load changes by having inflatable air bags that support a movable cross beam relative to the trailer frame. The spring ends are mounted on the movable cross beam. Air bags are inflated at a pressure that is automatically adjusted to be proportional to the load on the trailer. The air bags provide an air cushion support for smoother and more trouble free operation. The movement is guided adequately so that the support is very stable, by automatically adjusting the stiffness of the pneumatic bags which compensate for differing loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1987
    Inventor: Orville R. Young
  • Patent number: 4706989
    Abstract: In order to enable the appropriate amount of understeer to be produced in a suspension wherein the rear wheel is steered to produce a toe-in effect by a lateral rod/knuckle arm arrangement, a device which in some embodiments is hydraulically controlled and in others is mechanical, permits distortion of the elastomeric bushes which form part of the suspension unit to produce a relatively large amount of understeer at high speeds and restricts the distortion at lower speeds to reduce the amount of understeer to a level suitable for that speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1987
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Iijima, Hiroshi Noguchi
  • Patent number: 4699399
    Abstract: A tandem-axle walking beam suspension is disclosed which uses bushings of novel design in the bores at opposite ends of the walking beams. The cores of the bushings have projecting ends each of which fits between the bifurcated end of one of the pair of axle bracket arms which straddle one end of each walking beam. A removable fastener, such as a nut and bolt is used to connect each projecting bushing core end and its associated bifurcated axle bracket arm. The resulting new system of connecting the equalizer or walking beams to the axle brackets provides easier serviceability of the beam end connections during repair or replacement and by using shims in the connections provides a convenient means of suspension alignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1987
    Assignee: The Boler Company
    Inventors: Roger D. Jable, James B. Taylor
  • Patent number: 4647067
    Abstract: The suspension includes a pair of arms independently pivoted to opposite sides of the vehicle chassis at one end for up-and-down movement, each arm rotatably carrying a ground-engaging wheel of the vehicle at its free end. Each arm extends in the same direction from its pivoted end, longitudinally of the chassis. A compression spring contacts and upwardly extends from each arm at a distance from its pivoted end, and a load transfer lever is fulcrumed at its center to the chassis; extends transversely of the latter; and its outer ends overly and contact the top of the respective compression springs. The suspension system is applicable to three- and four-wheel motor vehicles. Preferably, the arms are hollow and serve to house part of a transformation mechanism to the wheels, the latter being the driving wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1987
    Inventors: Daniel Paquette, Real Paquette, Roger Paquette
  • Patent number: 4553773
    Abstract: A tandem axle suspension in which the air pressure in an air spring (28) is controlled by a valve (40) which in turn is responsive to the load at the end of a leaf spring (12) to balance the load on a leaf spring axle (14) with the load on a tag axle (30). A crank mounting (36) connects the end of the leaf springs (12) to the valve (40). The valve (40) has a fixed valve seat (132) and a movable valve seat (116) both of which seat against a movable flat valve element (150). The movable valve seat (116) is biased against the movable flat valve element (150) in part by the load on the leaf spring (12) so that the valve seat (132) and the flat valve element (150) will separate when the load on the leaf spring axle (14) increases. The flat valve element (150) is biased against the fixed valve seat (132) in part by the air pressure int he air spring as the flat valve element (150) closes against the fixed valve seat (132) when the load on the tag axle (30) is at least equal to the load on the leaf spring axle (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1983
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1985
    Assignee: Lear Siegler, Inc.
    Inventor: William C. Pierce
  • Patent number: 4460196
    Abstract: A suspension system for coupled truck axles, comprising a pair of rigid arms each pivotally mounted at one end on a central pivot projecting from the truck frame and at the other end to one of a pair of axles. Each of the rigid arms has an upwardly projecting bracket portion for mounting therebetween resilient means adapted to be deformed by the oscilltions of the rigid arms about the central pivot to receive the load on the truck and compensate for differences in height between the pair of axles. One of the rigid arms on each side of the truck is designed to resist transverse thrust, whereas the other is to a limited extent movable in the transverse direction by means of ball joints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1982
    Date of Patent: July 17, 1984
    Inventor: Roberto Perlini
  • Patent number: 4358134
    Abstract: An improved I beam construction for longitudinal I beams preferably as used n trailer frames. The I beam is comprised of a top flange, a bottom flange, a vertical web wall interconnecting the top and bottom flanges along their centerlines in a customary manner, for a substantial part of its length, with the novel aspect including a portion of the vertical web wall offset laterally toward the outer side edges of the top and bottom flanges so that said offset wall portion is essentially flush with those said edges. The purpose of this offsetting is to provide more advantageous horizontal and vertical mounting surfaces for saddle mount capability and attachment of a trailer's wheel suspension assembly, which construction is found to be stronger than can otherwise be fabricated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1982
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Andrew J. Scully
  • Patent number: 4199166
    Abstract: Adjustment of the individual camber and toe-in of tandem wheels is provided through apparatus including first and second shafts which are pivotally and rotatably connected to a frame. First and second axle support members are connected to the first and second shafts. First and second axles are connected to the first and second axle support members and define first and second axle axes about which the first and second wheels may rotate. Adjustment of the toe-in and camber is provided by first and second adjusting members which adjusts the orientation of the first and second shaft axes. This results in adjustment of the orientation of the first and second axle axes, respectively, and, therefore the toe-in and camber of the wheels attached to the axles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1978
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1980
    Inventor: John O. Bohmer
  • Patent number: 4159751
    Abstract: A suspension system for tandem axle vehicles includes resilient suspension members connected between torque arm members and suspension arm members. The torque arm members are interconnected by a torsion equalizer member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1977
    Date of Patent: July 3, 1979
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventor: James A. Garman