Abstract: A compact brake system for a wheeled vehicle fits substantially within the profile of a tire and rim to reduce wheel box width to increase cargo space between wheel boxes. In one embodiment, a caliper bracket is mounted on a spindle lever connected to a wheel spindle, eliminating the need for a standard brake flange extending from the spindle and thereby reducing the width of the brake system. The spindle lever is mounted on a torque bar rotatably mounted on an axle to allow vertical movement of the spindle to be reacted in a dampening mechanism. A brake caliper is mounted on the caliper bracket for brakingly engaging a brake rotor. The brake caliper, caliper bracket, spindle lever and spindle are substantially or entirely disposed within the tire profile. Alternately, the brake caliper may be mounted on a drop center spindle or used with a spindle mounted on an axle.

Abstract: A compact brake system for a wheeled vehicle fits substantially within the profile of a tire and rim to reduce wheel box width to increase cargo space between wheel boxes. In one embodiment, a caliper bracket is mounted on a spindle lever connected to a wheel spindle, eliminating the need for a standard brake flange extending from the spindle and thereby reducing the width of the brake system. The spindle lever is mounted on a torque bar rotatably mounted on an axle to allow vertical movement of the spindle to be reacted in a dampening mechanism. A brake caliper is mounted on the caliper bracket for brakingly engaging a brake rotor. The brake caliper, caliper bracket, spindle lever and spindle are substantially or entirely disposed within the tire profile. Alternately, the brake caliper may be mounted on a drop center spindle or used with a spindle mounted on an axle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved vehicle suspension system. More particularly, the present invention relates to an independent suspension system for light and medium duty trailers which utilizes a flexible bladder mounted between the vehicle frame and the axle. The flexible bladder is housed within a casing to control the flow of air into the bladder and to provide for flexible movement of the axle relative to the vehicle frame. In the preferred embodiment, the flexible bladder is a traditional break-chamber housing and multiple break-chamber housings may be utilized to increase the load-carrying capacity of the trailer.

Abstract: A lift axle suspension system to be mounted under a vehicle for selectively raising a tire wheel assembly out of engagement with a road surface which vehicle includes a lift axle mounted to a hanger bracket via a pivot connector. The hanger bracket is rigidly attached to a vehicle frame and has articulating arms pivotally connected thereto. These arms connect at their opposite ends to the axle. A pair of diaphragm chambers such as brake chambers each include upper and lower chambers separated by a flexible bladder that moves under pressurization causing a push rod affixed thereto to translate. The diaphragm chambers and push rods extending therefrom are connected in different embodiments to the hanger bracket or other rigid structures as well as the articulating arm such that movement of the push rods causes movement of the articulating arms and thus movement such as lifting of the axle.