US4171830A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Vehicle suspension lift system
Assignee: GRANNING SUSPENSIONS Inc
•
Filing: 1978-03-02
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Granted: 1979-10-23
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Expires: 1998-03-02
Abstract
Abstract The vehicle suspension provides an axle assembly which may be mounted either on a truck-tractor or a truck-trailer to provide an additional axle. The suspension includes an axle which is suspended from a vehicle frame by means of a spring structure. A drawbar extends forwardly from the axle to connect the axle to the vehicle frame. A lifting mechanism is provided to raise the axle and associated wheels off the ground when desired.
Inventors
- 👤 Stewart N. Metz
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 22:13
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60G; B60G17/00; B60G17/02; B60G17/04; B60G17/052; B62; B62D; B62D61/00; B62D61/12; B62D61/125; B60G2204/00; B60G2204/40; B60G2204/47; B60G2204/4702
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
128 words
The combination with a vehicle frame, of an auxiliary axle, means supporting said axle on said frame for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis located in spaced relation to said axle longitudinally of said frame, resilient means between said frame and said axle to assist in the support of said frame when under load, lifting mechanism for lifting said axle to elevated position with respect to said frame when not under load, said lifting mechanism including a pressure device mounted on said frame between said pivotal supporting means and said axle, and a lever pivoted on said frame between said pivotal supporting means and said axle and attached to said pressure device for transmitting force from said pressure device to said axle to lift said axle as aforesaid.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
128 words
The combination with a vehicle frame, of an auxiliary axle, means supporting said axle on said frame for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis located in spaced relation to said axle longitudinally of said frame, resilient means between said frame and said axle to assist in the support of said frame when under load, lifting mechanism for lifting said axle to elevated position with respect to said frame when not under load, said lifting mechanism including a pressure device mounted on said frame between said pivotal supporting means and said axle, and a lever pivoted on said frame between said pivotal supporting means and said axle and attached to said pressure device for transmitting force from said pressure device to said axle to lift said axle as aforesaid.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
The combination defined in claim 1, wherein said axle is connected to said lever by means including a sliding, pivotal connection.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
The combination defined in claim 1, wherein said axle is connected to said lever by means including a double ball joint.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
14 words
The combination defined in claim 1, wherein said lifting machanism comprises air bag means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
31 words
The combination defined in claim 4, wherein said air bag means is capable of traveling in an arc centered on the pivot axis of said lever during expansion and contraction thereof.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
35 words
The combination defined in claim 1, including a guide on said frame, and means on said axle in sliding engagement with said guide to guide the movement of said axle to and from elevated position.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
66 words
The combination defined in claim 1, including guide means on said frame, said axle having a member projecting radially therefrom, said member having a first arm operatively connected to said lever, a second arm operatively connected to said resilient means, and a third arm having means in sliding engagement with said guide means to guide the movement of said axle to and from its elevated position.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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Cited
US3298706A
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US3390895A
Cited
US3556554A
Cited
US3689102A
Cited
US3794344A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1982-10-22 | 1983-04-23 | 1983-10-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1986-10-22 | 1987-04-23 | 1987-10-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1990-10-22 | 1991-04-23 | 1991-10-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |