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:
Jan. 11, 2005
Filed:
Mar. 14, 2000
Paul J. Griffiths, Chester, GB;
Paul J. Griffiths, Chester, GB;
Meritor Heavy Vehicle Systems Limited, Troy, MI (US);
Abstract
A suspension system includes a longitudinal member, an air spring, a damper and an axle assembly. The air spring is not directly attached to the chassis but is mounted to contact a locating plate attached to the chassis. The locating plate includes a lip such that the locating plate is of a frustum configuration that laterally locates and self aligns the air spring upon pivotal movement and re-alignment of the air spring with the chassis. Preferably, the suspension system includes a protective skirt which aids in bringing the air cell into a correct position with the locating plate. In addition the axle assembly extends away from the chassis at a speed restricted by the damper such that the anti-vacuum system can equalize the pressure within the air cell.