US3747948A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Vehicle suspension
Assignee: GRANNING SUSPENSIONS
•
Filing: 1971-12-20
•
Granted: 1973-07-24
•
Expires: 1991-12-20
Abstract
Abstract The vehicle suspension provides an axle assembly which may be mounted either on a truck-tractor or a truck-trailer. The suspension includes an axle which is suspended from the vehicle frame by means of a pair of elastomeric springs. A drawbar extends forwardly from the axle. The drawbar is connected, at its forward end, to structure depending from the vehicle frame. The connection includes resilient fastening means which permit some pivoting of the forward end of the drawbar about an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the drawbar and generally parallel to the axis of the axle. Lifting means are provided to raise the axle and associated wheels off the ground when desired. The vehicle suspension is adapted for use as a pusher type axle suspension for mounting on a truck forward of the drive axles thereof.
Inventors
- 👤 O Detroit
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 02:21
CPC Classifications
B; B62; B62D; B62D61/00; B62D61/12; B62D61/125; B60; B60G; B60G11/00; B60G11/22; B60G9/00; B60G9/02; B60G9/027; B60G2200/00; B60G2200/30; B60G2200/31; B60G2202/00; B60G2202/10; B60G2202/15; B60G2202/152; B60G2204/00; B60G2204/40; B60G2204/45; B60G2204/4504; B60G2204/47; B60G2204/4702
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
158 words
In a suspension for a vehicle having a frame, comprising a suspension support structure separate from the vehicle frame, said suspension support structure being of a size and including structure for mounting thereof on the vehicle frame, an axle, a spring structure securable between the vehicle frame and said axle to resiliently support said axle, a drawbar extending outwardly from the axle towards the forward end of said suspension support structure, resilient fastening means pivotable about an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the drawbar and generally parallel to the axis of the axle securing the drawbar to the suspension support structure, and vertical guide means comprising downwardly depending means defining guide surface structure for securement to the vehicle frame and vertically slidable structure secured to the axle for sliding engagement with the guide surface structure, the combination of said vertically slidable structure and guide surface structure substantially preventing pivoting of the drawbar about its longitudinal axis.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
158 words
In a suspension for a vehicle having a frame, comprising a suspension support structure separate from the vehicle frame, said suspension support structure being of a size and including structure for mounting thereof on the vehicle frame, an axle, a spring structure securable between the vehicle frame and said axle to resiliently support said axle, a drawbar extending outwardly from the axle towards the forward end of said suspension support structure, resilient fastening means pivotable about an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the drawbar and generally parallel to the axis of the axle securing the drawbar to the suspension support structure, and vertical guide means comprising downwardly depending means defining guide surface structure for securement to the vehicle frame and vertically slidable structure secured to the axle for sliding engagement with the guide surface structure, the combination of said vertically slidable structure and guide surface structure substantially preventing pivoting of the drawbar about its longitudinal axis.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
41 words
A suspension as defined in claim 1, further characterized in that said suspension is adapted to be mounted forwardly of a drive axle, said suspension axle having a downwardly curved center portion to permit passage thereover of the vehicle drive shaft.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
56 words
A suspension as defined in claim 2, further characterized in that said drawbar includes a pair of legs each secured at one end to the suspension axle adjacent an outer end of the suspension axle, said legs converging forwardly of the suspension axle to form a single coupling structure for securement to the resilient fastening means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
58 words
A suspension as defined in claim 3, further characterized in that each of said legs has a portion extending rearwardly from the suspension axle, said suspension support structure including a depending axle support structure at the rearward end of the suspension, said rearwardly extending portions of the drawbar legs being pivotally attached to said depending axle support structure.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
72 words
A suspension as defined in claim 3, further characterized in that said vertically slidable structure secured to the suspension axle comprises a pair of upstanding elements secured to the rearward portion of the drawbar legs, wear plates securable to the vehicle frame in alignment with said upstanding elements and defining the guide surface structure, and guide elements on the upper portion of said upstanding elements for sliding engagement with the wear plates.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
25 words
A suspension as defined in claim 5, further characterized in that said guide elements include means for adjustment thereof with respect to the wear plates.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
58 words
A suspension as defined in claim 1, further characterized in the provision of a pneumatic lifting assembly for said axle comprising an inflatable lift element securable to the vehicle frame and a pair of spaced apart cables extending from said inflatable lift element into connection with the axle to lift the axle upon inflation of the inflatable element.
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) | 1976-07-23 | 1977-01-22 | 1977-07-24 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-07-23 | 1981-01-22 | 1981-07-24 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-07-23 | 1985-01-22 | 1985-07-24 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |