Abstract: A trailer for towing by a power vehicle is provided and generally includes a frame and a tandem wheel assembly. The frame forms an undercarriage chassis which the tandem wheel assembly is positioned there under. The undercarriage chassis includes a rear wheel assembly, a front wheel assembly, and an extension assembly moving the front wheel assembly between trailing position and a self-propelled position where the rear wheel assembly and the front wheel assembly are positioned to equally support the undercarriage chassis.

Abstract: An axle arrangement for a baler includes a first axle, a second axle, and a pair of elongate members. The first axle has first and second ends. First and second suspension cylinders are positioned at the first and second ends. The first axle is coupled with the chassis. The second axle has first and second ends. First and second suspension cylinders are positioned at the first and second ends to accommodate generally vertical loads. A first elongate member interconnects the first end of the second axle with the first end of the first axle. A second elongate member interconnects the second end of the second axle with the second end of the first axle.

Abstract: A vehicle walking beam assembly includes a support beam and a mount member configured to rotatably mount the support beam on the chassis. A gear assembly with a gear train and a gear housing is supported by the support beam. The gear train includes a gear with a first journal surface, and the housing includes a second journal surface. The walking beam assembly additionally includes an input drive assembly that delivers input torque from the engine to the gear train. Moreover, the walking beam assembly includes a reaction member connected to one of the gear housing and the gear of the gear train. The reaction member is configured to transfer a reaction force between the chassis and the one of the gear housing and the gear of the gear train as the first journal surface journals on the second journal surface.

Abstract: The present patent of invention refers to a rear bogie-type suspension used preferably in trucks, having a pivoting bearing (1) disposed on upper part of the spring pack (2), positioned between the two axles and laterally on each side of the chassis (5), said pivoting bearing (1) comprised of an anchor pin (3) fastened to a hanger (4) and to the chassis (5), in a robust manner to withstand the extreme strains to which this kind of suspension is normally submitted, also favoring assembly conditions, weight reduction, reduced consumption of materials and labor, also having an axle rebound stop (6) in combination with spring pack (2) in order to provide greater safety and durability to its components.

Abstract: In order to drastically reduce the effort and time required for the alignment adjustment over a conventional case to significantly alleviate the work burden, a cross member-integrated trunnion bracket 20 includes a cross member 16 coupling left and right frames and a pair of trunnion brackets 19 integrally formed on lower faces at opposite ends of the cross member 16 to open downward and outward in a vehicle width direction. The trunnion brackets 19 have bosses 18 for pivotally supporting trunnion shafts.

Abstract: A pivot assembly for a tandem suspension is provided which includes a balancer and an elastomeric assembly operable to allow the balancer to rotate about a vehicle chassis. In addition, an elastomeric assembly for a suspension system is provided which includes an elastomeric element provided with a slot for allowing a deformation in response to a tension load imparted by a balancer, and a groove for preventing bulging in response to a compression load imparted by the balancer. A balancer for a vehicle suspension is also provided which includes first and second plates, an open area formed between the plates, an engaging member provided within the open area and first and second pins which define an axis of rotation about which the balancer is rotatable. A kit for the pivot assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A trailer tandem wheel suspension system comprising a pair of suspension units (3) for mounting on either side of a chassis (4) of a trailer (1) to support a pair of wheels 2?, 2? and arranged to respond both to small and large deflections of the wheels 2?, 2?. Each suspension unit (3) has a primary spring element (12) and a secondary spring element (13) linked to the primary spring element (12) so that the primary and secondary spring elements (12, 13) are effective over different ranges of movement of the wheels 2?, 2?. The primary spring element (12) is a leaf spring responsive to small movements of the wheels 2?, 2? and the secondary spring element (13) includes a compression spring (18) linked to the leaf spring and responsive to larger movements of the wheels 2?, 2?.

Abstract: A leaf spring assembly and a tandem suspension system of a vehicle includes a number of leaf springs secured together so as to form a central seat adapted to be mounted to a chassis of the vehicle. The leaf spring assembly also includes a first end portion adapted to be mounted to a first axle of the vehicle and a second end portion adapted to be mounted to a second axle of the vehicle. Each leaf spring features a central arcuate section and a pair of end sections, where a thickness of the leaf spring is at a maximum in the central arcuate section and tapers down in thickness towards the pair of end sections so that a constant stress results in the material of the leaf spring when the leaf spring assembly is used in the suspension system.

Abstract: A trailer leveling system for adjusting a height of a frame of a trailer above a ground surface is disclosed. The trailer leveling system comprises at least one trailer leveling apparatus configured to adjust a distance between an axle of the trailer and the frame of the trailer. The at least one trailer leveling apparatus acts on a suspension of the trailer. The at least one trailer leveling apparatus moving the suspension between a traveling position and a leveling position, with the traveling position being characterized by the suspension being capable of supporting the frame during movement of the trailer along a road and the leveling position being characterized by a portion of the suspension being moved away from the frame with respect to the travel position.

Abstract: A pivot assembly for a tandem suspension is provided which includes a balancer and an elastomeric assembly operable to allow the balancer to rotate about a vehicle chassis. In addition, an elastomeric assembly for a suspension system is provided which includes an elastomeric element provided with a slot for allowing a deformation in response to a tension load imparted by a balancer, and a groove for preventing bulging in response to a compression load imparted by the balancer. A balancer for a vehicle suspension is also provided which includes first and second plates, an open area formed between the plates, an engaging member provided within the open area and first and second pins which define an axis of rotation about which the balancer is rotatable. A kit for the pivot assembly is also provided.

Abstract: An equalizer for a suspension system for a trailer is configured to absorb or dampen the harsh shocks or vibrations coming off of the leaf springs proximate to a center frame hangar, thus allowing for a “softer” ride. The equalizer utilizes one or two independent equalizer arm assemblies or castings which are each rotatably secured within the equalizer. Each equalizer arm assembly or casting is operatively associated with one of the leaf springs such that upon upward movement of the leaf spring, the associated equalizer arm assembly or casting is forced to rotate within the equalizer and to deform a shock absorber provided within the equalizer. The shock absorber, upon the deformation thereof, absorbs the harsh shocks or vibrations which would otherwise normally be transferred from the leaf springs, to the equalizer, and thus to the frame of the trailer.

Abstract: A pivot assembly for a tandem suspension is provided which includes a balancer and an elastomeric assembly operable to allow the balancer to rotate about a vehicle chassis. In addition, an elastomeric assembly for a suspension system is provided which includes an elastomeric element provided with a slot for allowing a deformation in response to a tension load imparted by a balancer, and a groove for preventing bulging in response to a compression load imparted by the balancer. A balancer for a vehicle suspension is also provided which includes first and second plates, an open area formed between the plates, an engaging member provided within the open area and first and second pins which define an axis of rotation about which the balancer is rotatable. A kit for the pivot assembly is also provided.

Abstract: An equalizer for a suspension system for a trailer is configured to absorb or dampen the harsh shocks or vibrations coming off of the leaf springs proximate to a center frame hangar, thus allowing for a “softer” ride. The equalizer utilizes one or two independent equalizer arm assemblies or castings which are each rotatably secured within the equalizer. Each equalizer arm assembly or casting is operatively associated with one of the leaf springs such that upon upward movement of the leaf spring, the associated equalizer arm assembly or casting is forced to rotate within the equalizer and to deform a shock absorber provided within the equalizer. The shock absorber, upon the deformation thereof, absorbs the harsh shocks or vibrations which would otherwise normally be transferred from the leaf springs, to the equalizer, and thus to the frame of the trailer.

Abstract: An equalizer for a suspension system for a trailer is configured to absorb or dampen the harsh shocks or vibrations coming off of the leaf springs proximate to a center frame hangar, thus allowing for a “softer” ride. The equalizer utilizes one or two independent equalizer arm assemblies or castings which are each rotatably secured within the equalizer. Each equalizer arm assembly or casting is operatively associated with one of the leaf springs such that upon upward movement of the leaf spring, the associated equalizer arm assembly or casting is forced to rotate within the equalizer and to deform a shock absorber provided within the equalizer. The shock absorber, upon the deformation thereof, absorbs the harsh shocks or vibrations which would otherwise normally be transferred from the leaf springs, to the equalizer, and thus to the frame of the trailer.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a semi-active suspension including suspension dampers controllably adjustable in accordance with electronic stability control commands and ride and handling commands. Vehicle steering response states, turning direction states and vehicle dynamics states are binary coded in respective state variables and suspension control calibrations are binary coded in calibration words. Integrity and security of state variables and calibration words are ensured in efficient binary digit resource allocation schemes.

Abstract: A leaf spring assembly features a stack of leaf springs having mounting couplings attached at opposite ends. The mounting couplings each have first and second mounting elements clamped together about at least a main spring and a safety spring. The safety spring has retaining elements at opposite ends each having an extension portion and a blocking portion. The extension portion extends past the end of the main spring. Here the blocking portion extends generally perpendicularly from the extension portion to block motion of the mounting coupling should failure cause it to be detached from the stack of springs. This ensures that failure does not cause complete separation of the spring stack and mounting couplings.

Abstract: An equalizer for a suspension system for a trailer is configured to absorb or dampen the harsh shocks or vibrations coming off of the leaf springs proximate to a center frame hangar, thus allowing for a “softer” ride. The equalizer utilizes two independent equalizer arm assemblies which are each rotatably secured within the equalizer. Each equalizer arm assembly is operatively associated with one of the front or rear leaf springs such that upon upward movement of either the front or rear leaf spring, the associated equalizer arm assembly is forced to rotate within the equalizer and to deform a shock absorber provided within the equalizer. The shock absorber, upon the deformation thereof, absorbs the harsh shocks or vibrations which would otherwise normally be transferred from the leaf springs, to the equalizer, and thus to the frame of the trailer.

Abstract: A bolster spring assembly is adapted for securement to a vehicle having a primary suspension system for securing an axle to the vehicle. The bolster spring assembly is located and secured between the leaf spring over the axle and the undercarriage of the vehicle as a supplement to the primary suspension system.

Abstract: An isolator for use in a suspension system includes a front shaft and a rear shaft. A front spring arm and a front transitional arm are mounted to the front shaft. A rear spring arm and a rear transitional arm are mounted to the rear shaft. A resilient member is mounted between the front and rear transitional arms. As forces are applied to the front and rear link arms, the front and rear shafts rotate causing the front and rear transitional arms to rotate. As the front and rear transitional arms rotate, the resilient member is compressed and expanded accordingly.

Abstract: The present invention is a suspension system for use with a trailer or truck having a frame and front and rear axles. In one embodiment, the suspension system comprises a front hangar having a lower portion, a bearing portion, and an upper portion engaged with the frame. The suspension system further comprises a hangar assembly having a lower portion, an upper portion engaged with the frame and a rocker arm having first and second bearing portions. The suspension system further comprises a rear hangar engaged with the frame and having a bearing portion. The suspension system further comprises a first saddle engaged with the front axle and a second saddle engaged with the rear axle. The suspension system further comprises a leaf spring having a first end portion engaged with the bearing portion of the front hangar and a second end portion engaged with the first bearing portion of the rocker arm.

Abstract: A lightweight vehicle suspension which is particularly useful for a drive axle uses V-shaped suspension members mounted vertically above the drive axle. The V-shaped members are pivotally connected to the vehicle frame, and an apex of the a-shape is connected at a ball joint to the axle. A lower connecting rod set is also mounted beneath the drive axle. Preferably, there are two of the V-shaped members above the axle and two of the connecting rods below the axle. The overall combination provides a lightweight suspension system that will resist all forces on the axle.

Abstract: A load distributing tandem suspension assembly for supporting a chassis of a vehicle. Front and rear elongated spring arrangements are connected to each other through an intermediate equalizer arrangement. The front spring arrangement has a leaf spring pivotally attached between the chassis and the equalizer arm of the equalizer arrangement. The rear spring arrangement has a shorter leaf spring pivotally attached to the equalizer arm and assisted by a shock absorber attached between the rear end of the leaf spring and the chassis. A guiding device guides the rear end of the second spring element up and down with respect to the chassis in a vertical course.

Abstract: A truck trailer having a pair of tandem spaced apart rear axles and a suspension system for supporting the axles from the chassis of the trailer having a pivot member intermediate the axles about which the axles may pivot relatively to one another, the axles being connected to respective ends of leaf springs. The trailer has apparatus for lifting one of the axles relative to the other axle selectively so that the wheels carried by the lifted axle may be lifted off the roadway. The apparatus for lifting includes air bags which may be inflated by pressurized air or deflated to control the position of the axle to be raised. The air bags are positioned between one of the axles and the chassis and when pressurized air inflates the bags the other axle is lifted about the pivot member.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of articulating a vehicle is disclosed using a rotatable shackle connected to the frame and the suspension system of the vehicle. As one side of an axle is moved to a different level from the other side, the shackle rotates, allowing the vehicle to articulate and assisting the spring eye of a leaf spring suspension system to remain substantially in its resting position. Pivoting connections may be provided where the rotatable shackle is connected to the frame, where the rotatable shackle is connected to the suspension system, and within the rotatable shackle itself. The rotatable shackle is self supporting and may include a bushing to receive a portion of the rotatable shackle.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system is provided for coupling elongated frame rails to first and second axles, the axles extending in a direction transverse to the frame rails. Each axle has opposed outer end portions projecting outwardly beyond the frame rails. At each side of the vehicle, in proximity to the frame rail at the respective side of the vehicle, a vehicle suspension is provided which includes a leaf spring assembly comprised of one or more leaf springs. The leaf spring assembly has first and second end portions and a central portion. The leaf spring assembly extends from the outer end portion of the first axle to the outer end portion of the second axle. A bushing is coupled to the frame rail. The bushing includes at least three arcuate reinforcing plates with elastomeric material disposed between the plates. The leaf spring assembly is coupled to the bushing, most preferably by a clamp, to thereby couple the central portion of the leaf spring to the frame rail through the bushing.

Abstract: A suspension system for a vehicle includes a frame, a wheel support member, a leaf spring secured to the wheel support member, a first connector for first pivotally connecting one end of the leaf spring to the frame, a torsion spring having a central shaft, an outer housing and an elastomer disposed between the central shaft and the housing, and a lever for pivotally interconnecting the central shaft with the other end of the leaf spring. The torsion spring is located between the leaf spring and the frame so that compression of the leaf spring causes the lever to be displaced rotationally toward the vehicle frame.

Abstract: A device for mounting a leaf spring to an axle housing of a vehicle, in which a cap device receives the axle housing of the vehicle. A liner is positioned inside the cap to permit rotational movement of the axle housing. A pair of U-bolts is mounted on the cap and extends down from the cap toward the leaf spring. First and second plates engage the U-bolts to present a pair of parallel plates positionable on top and bottom of the leaf spring, respectively. Preferably, the liner is fabricated from a low friction material such as polytetrafluoroethylene. To prevent aixal movement of the device, stops engage the axle housing. Stabilizing plates maintain the top, first plate generally parallel to the leaf spring and prevent relative movement of the first plate and the U-bolts. Spacers maintain a minimum spacing between the first and second plates on the U-bolts. In a preferred embodiment, a low friction surface is provided on the portion of the plates in contact with the leaf spring.

Abstract: A wheel suspension including a wheel support pivotally attached to a vehicle frame at two, laterally-spaced locations, the wheel support being pivotable between uppermost and lowermost positions, a wheel rotatably mounted to the wheel support, a leaf spring mounted between the vehicle frame and the wheel support to bias the wheel support to a position intermediate the uppermost, and lowermost positions, and a second biasing device, such as an air bag or coil spring, mounted outside of the vehicle frame and biasing the wheel support to an intermediate position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tandem axle suspension of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,741,553, for use with trailer tag axles with structural modifications being made thereto adapting the tandem axle suspension of the present invention for use with a vehicle having a tandem pair of drive axles. The suspension includes a torque spring bracket that enables torque springs to be easily assembled to or disassembled from the suspension assembly, the spring bracket being equally well suited for tandem axle suspensions as single axle suspensions.

Abstract: A vehicle traction enhancement device is formed of a suspension attached to a frame of a vehicle, a drive axle mounted on the frame through the suspension, a driven axle mounted on frame, a bracket mounted on the drive axle substantially parallel to the frame, and an air spring mounted between the bracket and the frame. The air spring receives compressed air therein for expansion thereof when the vehicle starts to move to thereby increase pressure of drive axle tires attached to the drive axle relative to a ground.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tandem axle suspension of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,741,553, for use with trailer tag axles with structural modifications being made thereto adapting the tandem axle suspension of the present invention for use with a vehicle having a tandem pair of drive axles. The suspension includes a torque spring bracket that enables torque springs to be easily assembled to or disassembled from the suspension assembly, the spring bracket being equally well suited for tandem axle suspensions as well as single axle suspensions.

Abstract: A rear wheel steering device is provided in a vehicle with a simple structure in which rear wheels are supported at both end portions of a rear axle housing along a width direction of a chassis in order to drive the vehicle more stably at high speeds. The rear wheel steering device includes leaf spring devices connected to the chassis through first and second shackle links, respectively, and a rear wheel steering mechanism including an upper radius rod and a pair of lower radius rods, a pair of L-shaped levers, a connecting rod and a rear wheel steering actuator mounted on the chassis so that a rear wheel steering action can be smoothly and stably operated.

Abstract: Air-ride suspensions for vehicles include composite leaf springs having fibers embedded in a resin matrix. Air springs are interposed between the leaf springs and the vehicle adjacent free ends of the leaf springs.

Abstract: A trailer frame comprised of a tongue and longitudinal side frame members extending rearwardly from the tongue. The side frame members are formed of hollow tubing having top, bottom and side surfaces. Cross bar members are positioned between the longitudinal side frame members. An axle for mounting wheels and tires is also provided. A pair of fenders with mounting straps provide cover for the top portion of each of the tires and a pair of leaf springs is provided to suspend the axle from the trailer frame. The center portion of each of the springs is mounted to one end of the axle. Openings associated with each spring are formed in the bottom surface of each side frame member to allow the end portions of the leaf springs to be positioned within the interior of the tubing. Loops are formed at the ends of each leaf spring. Two bolts associated with each spring are horizontally positioned through the side surfaces of the side frame members above the openings.

Abstract: A trailer is provided having a frame (2) upon which a bed (3) slides. The frame (2) has a wheel and axle assembly (1) and (5) disposed thereon which is connected thereto by a spring hanger assembly (6). The spring hanger assembly (6) is comprised of a spring and axle assembly (17). A tongue and coupling (7) is provided for connecting one end of the bed (3) to a vehicle. The bed (3) slides relative to the frame (2) when the wheels (5) are locked and the tongue assembly (7) pushed rearward. The bed (9) tilts when the rearmost portion moves the center of gravity away from the wheels (5). The end of the bed (3) will contact the ground, allowing loading on the surface thereof.

Abstract: In a tandem wheel and axle suspension for suspending a vehicle chassis, a flexible joint assembly for connecting the underside of each distal end of a fore-and-aft leaf spring equalizer beam to the subadjacent end of a transverse axle comprising a downwardly projecting spring anchor mounted on the underside of the distal end of the bottom leaf of the leaf spring, a load cushion formed of elastomeric material having an upwardly open socket in which the projecting portion of the spring anchor is embedded, and an axle bracket mounted on the subadjacent end of the axle having an upwardly open socket formation into which the load cushion is seated. An elastomeric rebound cushion is mounted over each distal end to prevent the spring anchor from disengaging the load cushion axle and is without upper torque rods.

Abstract: A fully articulated suspension is adapted for linking a frame of a vehicle to axles. To facilitate assembly a C-shaped spring in the form of a plate located in the plane of bending is hinged to axles inside its midmost portion and to the frame through its ends. The C-shaped spring is hinged to the frame through shackles so that a vertical displacement of the spring ends is at its possible maximum whereas a horizontal displacement thereof is not greater than one half of the permissible deformation of the spring in the horizontal direction.

Abstract: A suspension for a vehicle having tandem axles includes a composite leaf spring connected between the axles. The leaf spring is constrained to bend about a transverse axis by a fixed elastic support having a concave, arcuate bottom surface whose center coincides with the transverse axis. The elastic support engages the top surface of the leaf spring at two points on opposite sides of the transverse axis, and is opposed by a central elastic element. The ends of the leaf spring are connected to the tandem axles by ball joints having elastic pads.

Abstract: A tandem axle suspension wherein alignment of one axle relative to the other may be adjusted. The suspension includes a pair of spring hangers attached to each side of the chassis frame and a leaf spring assembly interconnecting each pair of spring hangers. Each leaf spring assembly includes a leaf with a spring eye at one end and a spring pin extending through the spring eye and through a transverse aperture in an aperture-providing insert rotatably mounted in the spring hanger to which the end of the leaf spring with the spring eye is interconnected. The spring hanger in which the insert is mounted has an upper portion by which it is attached to the vehicle chassis frame and depending portion having a transverse opening in which the insert is rotatably mounted. The depending portion is transversely bifurcated by a slot extending upwrdly into the transverse opening.

Abstract: An equalizing suspension arrangement for tandem steering axles. An extended shackle is provided for supporting the forward end of the rear spring (that is the spring supporting the rear steering axle), and this extended shackle is connected at one end to the rear end of a rocker beam which connects the front spring and rear spring. A radius arm pivoted on the frame of the truck is connected to the opposite end of the extended shackle. As a result of this construction the movement of the rocker beam and of the radius arm are coordinated so that the point of connection of the front end of the rear spring to the extended shackle moves along a substantially vertical path, and there is substantially no horizontal movement of the front support of the rear spring. Hence, there is substantially no horizontal movement of the rear steering axle and the toe-in and toe-out condition of the rear steering axle remains substantially the same as that of the front steering tandem axles.

Abstract: A fully articulated suspension of tandem wheels of a transport vehicle having a frame (1) with axles (2) has torque reaction rods (17, 18, 19, 20) linked with the axles, at least one pair of double-arm levers (3), each linked mechanically with the frame (1) and, by one of its arms (4), with the corresponding axle (2) by an assembly (8) for the transmission of static and dynamic loads. Articulated to the other arm (5) of the corresponding double-arm lever (3) are stirrup-shaped plate springs (22, 23) of the corresponding spring assembly (21) for the absorption of dynamic loads.

Abstract: A self-adjusting bearing comprises an elongate body portion of compressible, resilient material of truncated conical shape with a central cylindrical bore formed therethrough. A plurality of independent segments of wear-resistant material are secured to the inner surface of the body portion to form a liner adapted to make bearing contact with a component received within the bore. The segments are each of arcuate transverse section, the side edges of adjacent segments being spaced from one another and the arrangement being such that, on location of the bearing in an associated, correspondingly-tapered bore whereby the body portion is radially compressed, the radial forces established within the body portion urge the segments of the liner into bearing contact with the component within the bore of the body portion.

Abstract: A suspension system for supporting the body of a heavy-duty vehicle on an axle and wheel assembly comprises a first suspension hanger for attachment to a longitudinally extending vehicle frame, a second suspension hanger for attachment to the vehicle frame at a position spaced longitudinally from the first hanger, an elongated composite beam spring member secured to the first or second hanger and extending toward the other of the hangers, and an axle attachment bracket operatively connected to the composite beam spring between the first and second hangers for supporting an axle.

Abstract: An elastic suspension of a vehicle having a frame with at least one axle includes a lamination (3) of leaf springs interposed between the frame (1) and axle (2) and mechanically connected thereto. A plate bracelike spring (4) extends lengthwise of the lamination (3) of leaf springs. The adjacent mid portions (5,6) of the lamination (3) of leaf springs and plate bracelike spring (4) are mechanically interconnected by means of a fastening assembly (7).

Abstract: A suspension for tandem axles of a vehicle comprising a pair of walking beams, one for the right side and the other for the left side of the vehicle, each comprising a composite leaf spring comprising fibers embedded in a resin matrix, the fibers extending lengthwise of the spring.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lifting bogie for a vehicle, comprising on both sides of the vehicle a rocker arm (4) which is journalled on a shaft (5) and in one end of which an auxiliary shaft (6) is journalled for a bogie wheel (12). When the bogie is lifted by means of a hydraulic cylinder (8) by the action of the transmission lever (7), the rocker arm (4) is pivoted so that the bogie is caused to be lifted up. In order to make the use of the lifting bogie move versatile, the transmission lever (7) is according to the invention connected to the rocker arm (4) by means of a cotter pin (18) also at a point in which the transmission lever (7) is supported on the rocker arm (4) when the bogie is being lifted. The rocker arm (4) can thereby be pivoted by means of the double-acting hydraulic cylinder (8) so that it lifts the driving shaft off the ground by means of a pendant (3 ) and a bogie spring (2).

Abstract: A multi-axle road vehicle has an equalizing resilient suspension for equalizing the load over the axles of a multi-axle set. The suspension is itself carried on a suspension subframe that is in turn mounted on the vehicle to pivot about a transverse, horizontal axis. The use of a pivoting subframe provides for equal axle loading over a much wider range of road conditions. The suspension system is especially suited for application to the "B" train multiple vehicle configuration, where the common suspension will be mounted on a subframe pivoted to the lead vehicle and carrying a fifth wheel for the following vehicle.

Abstract: A suspension system for a wheeled vehicle, particularly for off road use, the suspension system comprising a plurality of axle assemblies (26, 35, 44), each carrying wheels (27, 36, 48) at either end with a leaf spring suspension element (28, 37, 45) located between each end of each axle assembly and a chassis frame (20) of the vehicle, the axle assemblies (26, 35, 44) being connected to each leaf spring suspension element (27, 36, 48) by means of a connecting device (50) enabling pivotal movement of the spring suspension element relative to the associated axle assembly about an axis transverse to the axle assembly or generally parallel to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle thereby permitting relative vertical movement between the wheels at opposite ends of the axle assemblies without any substantial distortion or twisting of either the vehicle chassis or the spring elements themselves.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system of the type having a load-bearing axial support. The suspension system is provided with leaf-springs coupling the support to wheel axles of the vehicle such that in normal operation the suspension means are pivotable about the support. Radius rods are pivotally coupled between the wheel axles and a leaf-spring member located above the load-bearing axial support which, in combination, resists the pivoting of the wheel axles about the load-bearing axial support.

Abstract: A suspension system including a leaf spring assembly associated with a forward vehicle axle and an air spring suspension assembly associated with a rear axle with an articulated connection between them, such as by way of a shackle. The air spring suspension assembly includes a rocker arm pivotally supported from the chassis. A torque rod and beam assembly is pivotally supported from the chassis and is connected to the axle. An air spring is mounted between the torque rod and beam assembly and a rocker arm. The rocker arm has angled sections allowing accommodation of either wide base or narrow base air spring positions. Other angled sections of the rocker arm position the mounting bushing generally on a line between the air spring and the shackle to center the load on the bushing.