Kelsey-Hayes Company

Dexter Axle Company

Terry L Trindle

William Dunlap

Donald D Brown

James Craig Tuthill

B Robert Prokop

James C Tuthill

A multi-axle leaf spring suspension having a compliant equalizer. The leaf springs are mounted one behind the other on each side of the vehicle. Adjacent ends of the leaf springs are pivotally attached to the compliant equalizer. The compliant equalizer is pivotally mounted to a vehicle frame. The compliant equalizer comprises a pair of arms that are pivotally connected to each other in a scissor-like fashion. One end of each arm is pivotally connected to the end of a leaf spring. The other end of each arm is cooperatively arranged to contain and compress a spring member between them. The compliant equalizer reduces the magnitude of shocks that would be other wise transmitted to the suspension and frame by absorbing them through compression of the spring member.

Multi-axle leaf spring suspension with compliant equalizer

An individual hanger as well as a hanger system is provided for changing the height on a trailer. Each individual hanger includes a hanger spacer which is easily removable and interchangeable with hanger spacers of a different size. The system includes hanger spacers of the same and differing heights so that different combinations of hanger spacers can be used to achieve different trailer heights.

Hangers for trailer heights adjustment

A leaf spring suspension system for supporting a vehicle is disclosed wherein one end of the spring is longitudinally moveable in load-transferring relationship with the vehicle at varying longitudinal positions along the vehicle frame. Thus, regardless of spring deflection, the axle remains equidistant between the longitudinal positions at which the vehicle's load is transferred to spring, thereby equalizing the load at each end of the spring.

Suspension system

An electromagnetically actuated drum type brake embodying an improved support for the actuating magnet. The magnet is supported by a lever and when energized effects pivotal movement of the lever to actuate the brake. The support between the lever and magnet permits some floating movement of the magnet so as to accommodate for surface irregularities and relative movement between the magnet and the lever as is necessary to effect brake actuation. The support, however, restricts the degree of relative movement between the magnet and lever to acceptable values while transmitting the actuating force from the magnet to the lever. The support comprises an integral tab formed at the outer end of the lever which extends into an aperture in the magnet with sufficient clearance to permit limited movement in several directions. Rotary movement is, however, not restricted by this connection. The magnet housing also has an integral, outstanding tab that extends through an aperture in the lever to restrict the degree of pivotal movement and transmit the actuating force.

Growing community of inventors

Elkhart, IN, United States of America

Terry L Trindle