Axle suspension system

Abstract

A front axle suspension for a vehicle that is soft in ride and stiff in roll is provided. The front axle is coupled to a solid beam. The beam is a relatively nonflexible member. The beam is pivotally coupled at one end thereof to the frame and is freely movable at the other end thereof, being coupled to said frame through a two-shackle coupling that permits vertical displacement and prevents horizontal displacement. Two air bag springs are coupled between said beam and said frame. In a second embodiment, the spring is J-shaped, having a thick uniform thickness bend short transition sections, a uniformly tapering section, joined to a thinner end of uniform thickness. The bend is closer to the end of the spring secured to the axle than to a second end of the spring coupled to the frame. In a third embodiment, an elongated spring is connected to the pivoted end of the beam and at its opposite end to the frame. A lever surface or beam seat on the beam presses against the undersurface of the spring. The spring is of uniform thickness at the beam seat, tapering uniformly to a constant thickness section at the remote end of the spring.