Abstract: A twin beam parallelogram-type lift axle suspension system includes a bi-directional airlift spring having opposite end plates at either end thereof located between two parallel control arms wherein expansion of the air spring pivots the upper and lower control arms with respect to a frame bracket thereby lifting an axle and wheels attached thereto from engagement with the road surface. The end plates of the bi-directional air spring move about equally in opposite directions and remain substantially parallel to one another throughout expansion and contraction of the air spring so as to about equally distribute forces of expansion of the air spring between the upper and lower control arms. The system of the instant invention also includes a shock absorber having one end attached to the upper control arm and another end attached to the lower control arm so as to locate the shock absorber forward of the axle thereby minimizing shock travel and maximizing shock life.

Abstract: A beam-type axle suspension system particularly applicable to trailers and which is subject to torsional forces includes an elongated beam, a pneumatic bellows located on the beam, a hanger bracket located at one end of the beam, a connection for rigidly connecting the beam to the axle and a resilient pivot connection for resiliently connecting the beam to the hanger bracket wherein the beam includes an orifice through which the axle is slid or pressed and rigidly attached thereto, thereby preventing the axle from assuming a cross-sectional shape substantially different from its unstressed shape due to the torsional forces imposed on the axle. This beam-type axle suspension system also includes a resilient pivot connection for connecting the hanger bracket to the beam, thereby allowing the brake components to be attached to the beam instead of to the axle, and having the effect of eliminating stress risers on the axle due to welding the brake components to the axle.

Abstract: An axle suspension system for a wheeled vehicle is disclosed. The system includes a frame, a frame connection member, a beam assembly, a torque box and an air bag connection. The beam assembly is lightweight, cost effective, and efficient because the beam assembly utilizes a box beam structure in conjunction with the torque box structure which provides for substantially even distribution of axle deflections throughout the entire beam assembly.

Abstract: A plate wall cargo vehicle construction is disclosed comprising a multiplicity of light weight laminated panels. Each panel comprises a resinous core material having a metal skin adhesively bonded to each planar surface thereof.