Abstract: A suspension system is provided. The suspension system may provide a straightforward framework having spaced-apart, pivotably-connected suspension plates having at least one of air bag compactly nested there between. In certain embodiments, the suspension system may provide a U-shaped bracket perpendicularly joined to one of the suspension plates, forming a generally centrally-located shelf nook thereto, wherein another air bag may be compactly nested. The suspension system may provide an operable air supply that can adjust the air pressure of the plurality of air bags while in use.

Abstract: A non-torque reactive trailing arm air suspension system for vehicle driven axle uses a spherical joint between trailing arm and axle as one of four nodes of four bar mechanism which is disposed on both sides of vehicle that maintains substantially constant pinion shaft angle during vehicle operation. The trailing arm is a rolled and formed beam of spring steel and utilizes a vertically resilient length between hanger bracket joint and axle joint to absorb road shocks.

Abstract: A composite includes a first preform and a second preform spaced from and in overlying relationship to the first preform. The second preform defines at least one first opening extending therethrough along an axis transverse to the first preform. A first surface layer is disposed adjacent to the second preform and on an opposite side of the second preform from the first preform. A polymeric composition including the reaction product of an isocyanate component and an isocyanate-reactive component is disposed between the first preform and the second preform. The polymeric composition adheres the first surface layer to the second preform through the at least one first opening. The surface layer is adhered to the second preform during molding of the composite article and in the absence of additional adhesive, thereby reducing production time and cost of the composite article.

Abstract: A suspension system including an integrally formed axle seat provides reduced suspension system maintenance, increased reliability, reduced number of parts, reduced stress on axles, reduced manufacturing cost, and more convenient assembly as compared to conventional suspension systems. In a preferred embodiment, a suspension system has a hanger attachable to a vehicle frame, a bushing received in the hanger and fastened thereto, a spring beam pivotably attached to the bushing, an integrally formed axle seat coupling the spring beam to an axle, and an air spring mounted between the axle seat and the vehicle frame.

Abstract: An air-ride suspension for a vehicle comprising a pair of leaf springs, plates and an axle clamped to the springs, a cross-beam secured at its ends to the plates spanning the leaf springs and a pair of air bags interposed between bottom plates on the cross-beam and top plates at the bottom of the vehicle.

Abstract: An axle of a motor vehicle axle includes a rigid axle body and at least one leaf spring arrangement on each of opposite sides of a longitudinal median plane of the vehicle. The spring arrangement is hinged at a front end thereof to a chassis-stationary bearing axis and is clamped at a position spaced from such axis rigidly to the axle body. One supporting arm projects rearwardly from the axle body and forms the bottom bearing of an air spring on an upper side of which a chassis is braced and having an axle lifting mechanism.

Abstract: A shock-absorbing suspension for a road vehicle, having a body, comprises a leaf spring of which one end is connected to the vehicle body for pivotal movement of the spring about a first axis extending transversely of the body. The other end of the spring has a load and shock transmitting lever. The latter is mounted at one end for pivotal movement about a second axis parallel to the first one which its other end has a pneumatic balloon which is solid with it while being solid also with the vehicle frame. There is provided, on this lever and in cooperation with the other end of the leaf spring, a connection which is capable of transferring loads and shocks from the leaf spring to the lever.

Abstract: A supplemental suspension and method of supplementing the suspension in a vehicle having an axle, wheels rotatably disposed on the axle, a frame and an existing leaf spring suspension system for mounting the axle onto the frame. The supplementary suspension system includes first and second suspension arm members having front and rear ends, a cross member for connecting the two arm members, hanger means for pivotally suspending the rear ends of the arm members from the frame of the vehicle, mounting means for mounting the front ends of the arm members on the axle, and air suspension means for operably connecting a portion of the suspension arm members disposed between the front and rear ends of the members to the vehicle frame. The air suspension means further includes air bags, wherein the degree of suspension of the suspension means can be adjusted by altering the amount of air in the air bags. The arm members preferably have a generally "U" shape when viewed from a side of the vehicle.

Abstract: An improved suspension system for a vehicle is provided which interconnects the leaf spring assemby positioned adjacent each of the frame members of a vehicle. The suspension system comprises first and second supports which are positioned below the rearward ends of the leaf spring assemblies and which have their forward ends pivotally secured to the axle housing of the vehicle. The first and second supports are connected, forwardly of the rearward end thereof, to the associated leaf spring. A third support is connected to the rearward ends of the first and second supports and extends therebetween beneath the frame members of the vechicle. A pair of air springs are mounted on the third support between the frame members of the vehicle and have their upper ends operatively secured to the frame members of the vehicle.