The Boler Company

Allen Hatch

John Edward Ramsey

Michael J Keeler

Tjong T Lie

Charles A Van Breemen

Gareth A Wallace

Michael Gottshalk

Richard S Holum

A suspension system for supporting a frame member on one side of a vehicle chassis on the adjacent end of an axle includes first and second frame brackets, a single-leaf leaf spring, a leaf spring attachment member and a wear plate. The first and second frame brackets are mounted to the frame member on the outer sides thereof. The front end of the single-leaf leaf spring is pivotally connected to the frame member at the first frame bracket and the rear end thereof is connected to the frame member at the second frame bracket. The leaf spring attachment member mounts to the rear end of the leaf spring and connects the leaf spring with the second frame bracket. The leaf spring attachment member includes an arcuate upper surface and a bottom surface. A rebound bolt connects the rear end of the leaf spring and the leaf spring attachment member with the second frame bracket and restricts the movement of the leaf spring to a controlled range. A wear plate is connected to the second frame bracket and is associated with the leaf spring attachment member.

Leaf spring attachment member

A vehicle suspension system particularly useful in the heavy duty truck and trailer industry is disclosed. The suspension features lower control rods that are pivotally connected at their leading ends to hangers attached to each side frame member. The rearward ends of the lower control rods are attached to axle seats, one at each end of the axle, which are connected to the axle of the vehicle. Air springs and shock absorbers or, alternatively, hydraulic cylinders with accumulators, are mounted between each axle seat and each side frame member. The lower control rods are in an inclined orientation with their forward ends above their trailing ends. Additionally, some embodiments of the suspension feature upper control rods with their forward ends pivotally attached to the two opposing truck side frame members. The rearward ends of the upper control rods are attached to the top center of the axle by either a bolt and bushing mount or a ball and socket mount so that the upper control rods form a 'V'. The upper control rods lay in a nearly horizontal plane. As an alternative to the 'V' configuration of the upper control rods, a single, nearly horizontal, longitudinal upper control rod mounted between the centers of the frame cross member and the vehicle axle may be used in conjunction with either a control rod or a Watt linkage transverse to the side frame members. The suspension eliminates the heavy and costly Z-springs commonly used in air or hydraulic suspensions. The suspension has a lower frequency and is not torque reactive. Both of these features reduce vibration and provide for a better vehicle ride. The suspension also offers improved vehicle traction.

Linkage suspension system

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Chicago, IL, United States of America

Allen Hatch