Patents by Inventor David H. Croston

David H. Croston has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 9085209
    Abstract: A suspension system for a vehicle includes a frame mounting bracket for mounting to the vehicle. First and second levers are pivotally mounted to the frame mounting bracket. First and second rubber torsion axle assemblies are rigidly mounted to the first and second levers, respectively. A control arm pivotally connects to the first lever and the second lever. The control arm, and the first and second levers are configured to rotate the first rubber torsion axle assembly and the second rubber torsion axle assembly simultaneously when a static or dynamic force is encountered by the suspension assembly. First and second spindle swing arms can be attached to the first and second torsion axle assemblies respectively with the first spindle swing arm extending forward of the first lever with respect to a direction the vehicle normal travels and the second swing arm can trail the second lever in a “push-pull” configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: Transportation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ervin K. VanDenberg, David H. Croston, Michael K. Powers
  • Patent number: 9039034
    Abstract: A suspension system for a vehicle includes a frame mounting bracket for mounting to the vehicle. The suspension includes front and rear rubber torsion axle assemblies. Front and rear lever assemblies are respectively pivotally attached to the vehicle at front and rear lever pivot points. Outer housings of the rubber torsion axle assemblies are each respectively rigidly mounted to the front and rear lever assemblies. A rigid control arm is pivotally connected at one end to the front lever assembly at a front control arm pivot point and its other end is pivotally connected to the rear lever assembly at a rear control arm pivot point. When the suspension assembly encounters a force causing the front lever assembly to rotate in one direction about the front lever pivot point the rigid control arm causes the rear lever assembly to rotate about the rear lever pivot in an opposite direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Transportation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ervin K. VanDenberg, David H. Croston, Michael K. Powers
  • Publication number: 20140225342
    Abstract: A suspension system for a vehicle includes a frame mounting bracket for mounting to the vehicle. First and second levers are pivotally mounted to the frame mounting bracket. First and second rubber torsion axle assemblies are rigidly mounted to the first and second levers, respectively. A control arm pivotally connects to the first lever and the second lever. The control arm, and the first and second levers are configured to rotate the first rubber torsion axle assembly and the second rubber torsion axle assembly simultaneously when a static or dynamic force is encountered by the suspension assembly. First and second spindle swing arms can be attached to the first and second torsion axle assemblies respectively with the first spindle swing arm extending forward of the first lever with respect to a direction the vehicle normal travels and the second swing arm can trail the second lever in a “push-pull” configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2013
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: AIR SUSPENSIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Ervin K. VanDenberg, David H. Croston, Michael K. Powers
  • Publication number: 20140225351
    Abstract: A suspension system for a vehicle includes a frame mounting bracket for mounting to the vehicle. The suspension includes front and rear rubber torsion axle assemblies. Front and rear lever assemblies are respectively pivotally attached to the vehicle at front and rear lever pivot points. Outer housings of the rubber torsion axle assemblies are each respectively rigidly mounted to the front and rear lever assemblies. A rigid control arm is pivotally connected at one end to the front lever assembly at a front control arm pivot point and its other end is pivotally connected to the rear lever assembly at a rear control arm pivot point. When the suspension assembly encounters a force causing the front lever assembly to rotate in one direction about the front lever pivot point the rigid control arm causes the rear lever assembly to rotate about the rear lever pivot in an opposite direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2013
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Inventors: Ervin K. VanDenberg, David H. Croston, Michael K. Powers
  • Patent number: 8727363
    Abstract: A suspension assembly for a vehicle including an elongated central torsion axle shaft of a rubber torsion axle assembly, a torsion axle shaft pivot point about which the torsion axle shaft pivots, a spring and an elongated spindle swing arm. The spring has a first end and a second end and the first end of the spring is connected to a fixed point relative to a vehicle frame. The spindle swing arm has a second end with the first end connected to the torsion axle shaft with the second end of the spindle swing arm connected to the second end of the spring. The spring can set the torsion axle shaft to a predetermined position, such as at or near a no-load position, when only static forces are present. This provides for a torsion axle with a greater range of movement and significantly improves its lifespan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Transportation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ervin K. VanDenberg, David H. Croston
  • Patent number: 8720922
    Abstract: A suspension system for use with a vehicle including an axle tube, an internal tube and a locking structure. The axle tube is adapted to be attached to the vehicle. The internal tube assembly has an inner member with a first end and a second end. A locking structure is formed integrally at the second end with the inner member. The locking structure has a locking shape that allows the internal tube assembly to be inserted into the axle tube when the locking structure is rotated to a non-operational position. The internal tube assembly is prevented from being removed from the axle tube when the internal tube assembly rotates between jounce and rebound positions when the suspension system is operational.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Transportation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ervin K. VanDenberg, David H. Croston
  • Publication number: 20140125029
    Abstract: A suspension assembly for a vehicle including an elongated central torsion axle shaft of a rubber torsion axle assembly, a torsion axle shaft pivot point about which the torsion axle shaft pivots, a spring and an elongated spindle swing arm. The spring has a first end and a second end and the first end of the spring is connected to a fixed point relative to a vehicle frame. The spindle swing arm has a second end with the first end connected to the torsion axle shaft with the second end of the spindle swing arm connected to the second end of the spring. The spring can set the torsion axle shaft to a predetermined position, such as at or near a no-load position, when only static forces are present. This provides for a torsion axle with a greater range of movement and significantly improves its lifespan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2012
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: AIR SUSPENSIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Ervin K. VanDenberg, David H. Croston
  • Publication number: 20120326412
    Abstract: A suspension system for use with a vehicle including an axle tube, an internal tube and a locking structure. The axle tube is adapted to be attached to the vehicle. The internal tube assembly has an inner member with a first end and a second end. A locking structure is formed integrally at the second end with the inner member. The locking structure has a locking shape that allows the internal tube assembly to be inserted into the axle tube when the locking structure is rotated to a non-operational position. The internal tube assembly is prevented from being removed from the axle tube when the internal tube assembly rotates between jounce and rebound positions when the suspension system is operational.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: AIR SUSPENSIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Ervin K. VanDenberg, David H. Croston
  • Patent number: 8328211
    Abstract: A suspension system for use with a vehicle comprising a control arm having an upper rear arm and a spring mounting plate integrally formed as a single member, a spindle extending outwardly from the upper rear arm, an air spring adapted to be mounted intermediate the spring plate and the vehicle, and a pivot assembly for pivotally mounting the control arm to the vehicle whereby the pivot assembly has a fist axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Air Suspensions, Inc.
    Inventors: Ervin K. VanDenberg, David H. Croston
  • Patent number: 8256782
    Abstract: A vehicle suspension system includes a frame mounting bracket. A torsion axle is pivotally attached to the frame mounting bracket. The torsion axle pivots about a suspension assembly pivot axis. An air spring support arm is rigidly attached to the torsion axle. An air spring is attached at one end to the frame mounting bracket and at an end of the support arm opposite the suspension assembly pivot axis. A spindle arm with a spindle is adapted for mounting a wheel assembly is attached to the torsion axle. The vehicle suspension system is adapted to include an optional cross-member brace adapted to attach to the frame mounting bracket allowing the cross-member brace to extend across a width of a vehicle to an adjacent vehicle suspension assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Air Suspensions, Inc.
    Inventors: Ervin K. VanDenberg, David H. Croston
  • Patent number: 8235403
    Abstract: A suspension system includes a frame mount assembly, a swing arm assembly and an air spring. The trailer includes a rail with top and bottom rail surfaces. The swing arm assembly is pivotally mounted to a pivot about a swing arm pivot axis located above the bottom rail surface when the suspension assembly is mounted to the trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Air Suspensions, Inc.
    Inventors: Ervin K. VanDenberg, David H. Croston
  • Patent number: 8226098
    Abstract: The suspension system of the present invention broadly comprises a method of retrofitting an existing torsion axle suspension carried by a frame with an air spring comprising the steps of removing an original torsion axle that was fixed to a frame from the frame and mounting the torsion axle to at least one rotatable arm such that rotation of the arm causes vertical translation of the original torsion axle. The suspension system also comprises a retrofit kit for use with a torsion axle suspension system having a torsion axle and a spindle comprising a hanger bracket adapted to be attachable to the frame, a pivot arm for mounting to the hanger bracket and adapted for rotatably supporting the existing torsion axle, an air spring, a support assembly secured to the pivot arm for supporting the air spring, and an attachment for securing the pivot arm to the support assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Air Suspensions, Inc.
    Inventors: Ervin K. VanDenberg, David H. Croston
  • Patent number: 8220809
    Abstract: A suspension system for use with a frame comprising a first side suspension opposite a second side suspension, the first side suspension having a complete parallelogram suspension proximate the first side, and the second side suspension having a complete parallelogram suspension proximate the second side. The suspension system also includes a cross tube disposed at least partially between the first side and the second side, as well as at least one spring for resiliently controlling the vertical movement of the first and second side suspensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Air Suspensions, Inc.
    Inventors: Ervin K. VanDenberg, David H. Croston
  • Publication number: 20110266764
    Abstract: A suspension system includes a frame mount assembly, a swing arm assembly and an air spring. The trailer includes a rail with top and bottom rail surfaces. The swing arm assembly is pivotally mounted to a pivot about a swing arm pivot axis located above the bottom rail surface when the suspension assembly is mounted to the trailer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicant: AIR SUSPENSIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Ervin K. VanDenberg, David H. Croston
  • Patent number: 7980577
    Abstract: A vehicle suspension system includes a pair of suspension assemblies mounted on a pair of spaced vehicle frame members for supporting a vehicle body on the vehicle wheels. A torsion axle extends between the pair of suspension assemblies and terminates in a pair of stub shafts. The axle is mounted on a pair of spaced frame brackets attached to the vehicle frame. An air spring extends between the vehicle frame and an outer end of a support arm pivotally mounted on each end of the torsion axle. The stub shafts are supported within an outer tube of the torsion axle by a plurality of elastomeric members. One end of each stub shaft is connected to a spindle arm which has a spindle extending from an opposite end of the arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Air Suspensions, Inc.
    Inventors: Ervin K. Vandenberg, David H. Croston
  • Publication number: 20100270766
    Abstract: A suspension system for use with a vehicle comprising a control arm having an upper rear arm and a spring mounting plate integrally formed as a single member, a spindle extending outwardly from the upper rear arm, an air spring adapted to be mounted intermediate the spring plate and the vehicle, and a pivot assembly for pivotally mounting the control arm to the vehicle whereby the pivot assembly has a fist axis of rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2010
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Inventors: Ervin K. VanDenberg, David H. Croston
  • Publication number: 20100270769
    Abstract: The suspension system of the present invention broadly comprises a method of retrofitting an existing torsion axle suspension carried by a frame with an air spring comprising the steps of removing an original torsion axle that was fixed to a frame from the frame and mounting the torsion axle to at least one rotatable arm such that rotation of the arm causes vertical translation of the original torsion axle. The suspension system also comprises a retrofit kit for use with a torsion axle suspension system having a torsion axle and a spindle comprising a hanger bracket adapted to be attachable to the frame, a pivot arm for mounting to the hanger bracket and adapted for rotatably supporting the existing torsion axle, an air spring, a support assembly secured to the pivot arm for supporting the air spring, and an attachment for securing the pivot arm to the support assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2010
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Inventors: Ervin K. VanDenberg, David H. Croston
  • Publication number: 20100264613
    Abstract: A suspension system for use with a frame comprising a first side suspension opposite a second side suspension, the first side suspension having a complete parallelogram suspension proximate the first side, and the second side suspension having a complete parallelogram suspension proximate the second side. The suspension system also includes a cross tube disposed at least partially between the first side and the second side, as well as at least one spring for resiliently controlling the vertical movement of the first and second side suspensions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2010
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Inventors: Ervin K. VanDenberg, David H. Croston
  • Publication number: 20100230923
    Abstract: A vehicle suspension system includes a pair of suspension assemblies mounted on a pair of spaced vehicle frame members for supporting a vehicle body on the vehicle wheels. A torsion axle extends between the pair of suspension assemblies and terminates in a pair of stub shafts. The axle is mounted on a pair of spaced frame brackets attached to the vehicle frame. An air spring extends between the vehicle frame and an outer end of a support arm pivotally mounted on each end of the torsion axle. The stub shafts are supported within an outer tube of the torsion axle by a plurality of elastomeric members. One end of each stub shaft is connected to a spindle arm which has a spindle extending from an opposite end of the arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Applicant: AIR SUSPENSIONS, INC.
    Inventors: ERVIN K. VANDENBERG, DAVID H. CROSTON
  • Publication number: 20100207346
    Abstract: A vehicle suspension system includes a frame mounting bracket. A torsion axle is pivotally attached to the frame mounting bracket. The torsion axle pivots about a suspension assembly pivot axis. An air spring support arm is rigidly attached to the torsion axle. An air spring is attached at one end to the frame mounting bracket and at an end of the support arm opposite the suspension assembly pivot axis. A spindle arm with a spindle is adapted for mounting a wheel assembly is attached to the torsion axle. The vehicle suspension system is adapted to include an optional cross-member brace adapted to attach to the frame mounting bracket allowing the cross-member brace to extend across a width of a vehicle to an adjacent vehicle suspension assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: AIR SUSPENSIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Ervin K. VanDenberg, David H. Croston