The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Oct. 09, 1990
Filed:
Jul. 18, 1989
Leslie H Schult, Eagan, MN (US);
Charles J Tekautz, Jr, Tower, MN (US);
Tartan Transportation Systems, Inc., Edina, MN (US);
Abstract
An air suspension apparatus is disclosed for use with the fifth wheel connection between a tractor and semitrailer. The apparatus includes upper and lower frame sections that are connected by a hinge mechanism for relative pivotal movement. An inflatable air bag is operably disposed between the upper and lower frame sections, having a low ratio of effective surface area to internal volume and hence a very low profile. An air reservoir defined by tubular framework surrounds the air bag and has an internal volume approximating that of the air bag. The air bag and reservoir are connected by an air line with a very small cross sectional area as compared to the surface area of the air bag. The reservoir and interconnecting air line effectively damp vibrational energy in the air bag as the tractor and semi-trailer move over the highway.