Abstract: An air suspension apparatus is disclosed for use with the fifth wheel connection between a tractor and semitrailer. The apparatus includes upper and lower frame sections that are connected by a hinge mechanism for relative pivotal movement. An inflatable air bag is operably disposed between the upper and lower frame sections, having a low ratio of effective surface area to internal volume and hence a very low profile. An air reservoir defined by tubular framework surrounds the air bag and has an internal volume approximating that of the air bag. The air bag and reservoir are connected by an air line with a very small cross sectional area as compared to the surface area of the air bag. The reservoir and interconnecting air line effectively damp vibrational energy in the air bag as the tractor and semi-trailer move over the highway.

Abstract: An air suspension apparatus is disclosed for use with the fifth wheel connection between a tractor and semitrailer. The apparatus includes upper and lower frame sections that are connected by a hinge mechanism for relative pivotal movement. An inflatable air bag is operably disposed between the upper and lower frame sections, having a low ratio of effective surface area to internal volume and hence a very low profile. An air reservoir defined by tubular framework surrounds the air bag and has an internal volume approximating that of the air bag. The air bag and reservoir are connected by an air line with a very small cross sectional area as compared to the surface area of the air bag. The reservoir and interconnecting air line effectively damp vibrational energy in the air bag as the tractor and semitrailer move over the highway.

Abstract: A vibration isolation suspension system comprises a support plate mounted on a main support plate on the spaced parallel frame members of a truck tractor. The support plate is mounted on a transverse pivotal axis located near the forward end of the tractor. An air bag suspension system is mounted between the support plate and the main support plate. First and second open-ended cylindrical members are attached to each of the plates and surround the air bag in sliding relationship with one another to minimize lateral shift and roll of the fifth wheel support plate. The main plate is adjustable longitudinally on the tractor frame to adjust the fifth wheel position.