US3645555A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Tandem axle suspension
Assignee: Hutchens & Son Metal Products Inc
•
Filing: 1969-12-11
•
Granted: 1972-02-29
•
Expires: 1989-12-11
Abstract
Abstract A tandem axle suspension whereby each of the tandem axles is fastened to an associated spring by means of an axle seat assembly and each of the springs is nonslidably connected at one end to an equalizer assembly which is fastened to the frame of the vehicle and slidably connected at the other end to hanger brackets likewise fastened to the frame. The springs are fixed to a pivot beam on the equalizer assembly, preferably at a point below the axis of rotation of the pivot beam, so that during acceleration and deceleration, the tendency of the wheels to impart undesirable rotation to the axles, with resultant rotation of the beam, is opposed by horizontal forces generated by the springs on the pivot beam at the points of attachment of the springs to the pivot beam. In the embodiment of the invention described below, the springs each are clamped to the axle by means of a pair of serrated plates, one of which is movable with respect to the other to vary the separation between the axle and the end of the spring fixed to the pivot beam.
Inventors
- 👤 Charles O Traylor
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 15:09
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60G; B60G5/00; B60G5/04; B60G5/047; B60G21/00; B60G21/02; B60G21/04; B60G21/045
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
226 words
A tandem axle suspension for a vehicle comprising: an equalizer assembly including an equalizer bracket fixed to the frame of said vehicle and a pivot beam pivotably connected to said equalizer bracket so as to be rotatable about an axis roughly parallel to the tandem axles, a first hanger brAcket fixed to said frame, a first spring slidably connected at one end to said first hanger bracket and pivotably connected at the other end to said pivot beam at a point below the axis of said pivot beam so that during the application of drive and braking torque said first spring applies a first horizontal force to said pivot beam opposing the rotation of said beam caused by axle roll, a first axle seat assembly connecting a first axle to said first spring, a second hanger bracket fixed to said frame, a second spring slidably connected at one end to said second hanger bracket and pivotably connected at the other end to said pivot beam at a point below the axis of said pivot beam so that during the application of drive and braking torque said second spring applies a second horizontal force, in the same direction as said first force, opposing the rotation of said beam caused by said axle roll, and a second axle seat assembly connecting a second axle to said second spring.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
226 words
A tandem axle suspension for a vehicle comprising: an equalizer assembly including an equalizer bracket fixed to the frame of said vehicle and a pivot beam pivotably connected to said equalizer bracket so as to be rotatable about an axis roughly parallel to the tandem axles, a first hanger brAcket fixed to said frame, a first spring slidably connected at one end to said first hanger bracket and pivotably connected at the other end to said pivot beam at a point below the axis of said pivot beam so that during the application of drive and braking torque said first spring applies a first horizontal force to said pivot beam opposing the rotation of said beam caused by axle roll, a first axle seat assembly connecting a first axle to said first spring, a second hanger bracket fixed to said frame, a second spring slidably connected at one end to said second hanger bracket and pivotably connected at the other end to said pivot beam at a point below the axis of said pivot beam so that during the application of drive and braking torque said second spring applies a second horizontal force, in the same direction as said first force, opposing the rotation of said beam caused by said axle roll, and a second axle seat assembly connecting a second axle to said second spring.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
A suspension as in claim 1 wherein said springs are semi-elliptical and are comprised of a plurality of leafs.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
119 words
A suspension as in claim 1 wherein said first and second seat assemblies each include a bracket member for receiving a spring and an axle, a first plate attached to the associated spring and having a plurality of teeth on one side thereof, a second plate attached to said bracket member having a plurality of teeth on one side thereof for engaging the teeth of said first plate and movable with respect to said first plate when said teeth are not engaged so as to adjust the point of connection of the axle to the spring and means for forcing the teeth of said first and second plates together and locking the spring and axle to said bracket member.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
57 words
A suspension as in claim 3 wherein said bracket member includes a U-shaped bolt having threaded ends and said forcing means includes a top plate for receiving the threaded ends of said bolt and a first and second nut for forcing said top plate against said spring and engaging the teeth of said first and second plates.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
100 words
A suspension as in claim 3 wherein said bracket member includes a U-shaped member, an axle member fixed to said axle and to the open end of said U-shaped member, a first and second wedge member disposed in the closed end of said U-shaped member above the associated spring, a straight stud bolt having a first and second threaded end, and a first and second nut screwable on said stud bolt for forcing said wedge members into said closed end so as to force said first and second plates together and lock the spring and axle to said bracket member.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-02-28 | 1975-08-30 | 1976-02-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-02-28 | 1979-08-30 | 1980-02-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-02-28 | 1983-08-30 | 1984-02-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |