公开(公告)号：US08328211B2

公开(公告)日：2012-12-11

申请号：US12723838

申请日：2010-03-15

Applicant: Ervin K. VanDenberg ,  David H. Croston

Inventor： Ervin K. VanDenberg ,  David H. Croston

IPC: B60G9/02 ,  B60G3/12 ,  B60G11/64

CPC classification number: B60G9/003 ,  B60G2202/154 ,  B60G2204/126 ,  B60G2206/31 ,  B60G2206/50 ,  B60G2300/04

Abstract: A suspension system for use with a vehicle comprising a control arm having an upper rear arm and a spring mounting plate integrally formed as a single member, a spindle extending outwardly from the upper rear arm, an air spring adapted to be mounted intermediate the spring plate and the vehicle, and a pivot assembly for pivotally mounting the control arm to the vehicle whereby the pivot assembly has a fist axis of rotation.

Abstract translation: 一种用于车辆的悬挂系统，包括控制臂，该控制臂具有一个整体地形成为单个构件的上后臂和弹簧安装板，从上部后臂向外延伸的主轴，适于安装在弹簧板的中间的空气弹簧 车辆以及用于将控制臂枢转地安装到车辆的枢轴组件，由此枢转组件具有第一旋转轴线。

公开(公告)号：US08226098B2

公开(公告)日：2012-07-24

申请号：US12723895

申请日：2010-03-15

Applicant: Ervin K. VanDenberg ,  David H. Croston

Inventor： Ervin K. VanDenberg ,  David H. Croston

IPC: B60G21/05

CPC classification number: B60G11/64 ,  B60G3/145 ,  B60G21/05 ,  B60G2200/13 ,  B60G2200/20 ,  B60G2204/126 ,  B60G2204/143 ,  B60G2204/43 ,  B60G2206/10 ,  B60G2206/601 ,  B60G2206/8207 ,  B60G2206/911 ,  B60G2300/02 ,  B60G2300/04 ,  B60G2300/38 ,  Y10T29/49716

Abstract: The suspension system of the present invention broadly comprises a method of retrofitting an existing torsion axle suspension carried by a frame with an air spring comprising the steps of removing an original torsion axle that was fixed to a frame from the frame and mounting the torsion axle to at least one rotatable arm such that rotation of the arm causes vertical translation of the original torsion axle. The suspension system also comprises a retrofit kit for use with a torsion axle suspension system having a torsion axle and a spindle comprising a hanger bracket adapted to be attachable to the frame, a pivot arm for mounting to the hanger bracket and adapted for rotatably supporting the existing torsion axle, an air spring, a support assembly secured to the pivot arm for supporting the air spring, and an attachment for securing the pivot arm to the support assembly.

Abstract translation: 本发明的悬架系统广泛地包括一种用空气弹簧来改装由框架承载的现有扭转轴悬架的方法，包括以下步骤：从框架上拆下固定在框架上的原始扭转轴，并将扭转轴安装到 至少一个可旋转臂，使得臂的旋转引起原始扭转轴的垂直平移。 所述悬架系统还包括用于与扭转轴悬挂系统一起使用的改装套件，所述扭转轴悬挂系统具有扭转轴和主轴，所述主轴包括适于附接到所述框架的悬挂架，枢轴臂，用于安装到所述悬挂架支架并适于可旋转地支撑 现有的扭转轴，空气弹簧，固定到用于支撑空气弹簧的枢转臂的支撑组件，以及用于将枢转臂固定到支撑组件的附件。

公开(公告)号：US20100230923A1

公开(公告)日：2010-09-16

申请号：US12789835

申请日：2010-05-28

Applicant: ERVIN K. VANDENBERG ,  DAVID H. CROSTON

Inventor： ERVIN K. VANDENBERG ,  DAVID H. CROSTON

IPC: B60G11/64 ,  B60G7/00 ,  B60G3/06 ,  B60G21/055

CPC classification number: B60G11/225 ,  B60G11/62 ,  B60G2200/132 ,  B60G2200/31 ,  B60G2202/1424 ,  B60G2202/152 ,  B60G2204/125 ,  B60G2204/126 ,  B60G2204/143 ,  B60G2204/148 ,  B60G2204/41 ,  B60G2204/4302 ,  B60G2300/04

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system includes a pair of suspension assemblies mounted on a pair of spaced vehicle frame members for supporting a vehicle body on the vehicle wheels. A torsion axle extends between the pair of suspension assemblies and terminates in a pair of stub shafts. The axle is mounted on a pair of spaced frame brackets attached to the vehicle frame. An air spring extends between the vehicle frame and an outer end of a support arm pivotally mounted on each end of the torsion axle. The stub shafts are supported within an outer tube of the torsion axle by a plurality of elastomeric members. One end of each stub shaft is connected to a spindle arm which has a spindle extending from an opposite end of the arm. The length of the air spring support arm and the distances between the pivot axis of the support arm and the axii of the spindle and torsion axle are chosen so that the surface of the air spring is always out of contact with the mounting bracket and has a portion inboard between the axis of the spindle and axis of the torsion axle.

Abstract translation: 车辆悬架系统包括一对悬架组件，其安装在一对间隔开的车架构件上，用于将车体支撑在车轮上。 扭转轴在一对悬架组件之间延伸并终止于一对短轴。 轴安装在一对连接在车架上的间隔框架支架上。 空气弹簧在车架和枢转地安装在扭转轴的每一端的支撑臂的外端之间延伸。 短轴通过多个弹性构件支撑在扭转轴的外管内。 每个短轴的一端连接到具有从臂的相对端延伸的心轴的心轴臂。 选择空气弹簧支撑臂的长度以及支撑臂的枢转轴线与主轴和扭转轴的轴线之间的距离，使得空气弹簧的表面总是与安装支架不接触，并且具有 在主轴的轴线和扭转轴的轴线之间的内部。

公开(公告)号：US20090278329A1

公开(公告)日：2009-11-12

申请号：US12117366

申请日：2008-05-08

Applicant: Ervin K. VanDenberg ,  David H. Croston

Inventor： Ervin K. VanDenberg ,  David H. Croston

IPC: B60G11/18

CPC classification number: B60G11/225 ,  B60G11/62 ,  B60G2200/132 ,  B60G2200/31 ,  B60G2202/1424 ,  B60G2202/152 ,  B60G2204/125 ,  B60G2204/126 ,  B60G2204/143 ,  B60G2204/148 ,  B60G2204/41 ,  B60G2204/4302 ,  B60G2300/04

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system includes a pair of suspension assemblies mounted on a pair of spaced vehicle frame members for supporting a vehicle body on the vehicle wheels. A torsion axle extends between the pair of suspension assemblies and terminates in a pair of stub shafts. The axle is mounted on a pair of spaced frame brackets attached to the vehicle frame. An air spring extends between the vehicle frame and an outer end of a support arm pivotally mounted on each end of the torsion axle. The stub shafts are supported within an outer tube of the torsion axle by a plurality of elastomeric members. One end of each stub shaft is connected to a spindle arm which has a spindle extending from an opposite end of the arm. The length of the air spring support arm and the distances between the pivot axis of the support arm and the axii of the spindle and torsion axle are chosen so that the surface of the air spring is always out of contact with the mounting bracket and has a portion inboard between the axis of the spindle and axis of the torsion axle.

Abstract translation: 车辆悬架系统包括一对悬架组件，其安装在一对间隔开的车架构件上，用于将车体支撑在车轮上。 扭转轴在一对悬架组件之间延伸并终止于一对短轴。 轴安装在一对连接在车架上的间隔框架支架上。 空气弹簧在车架和枢转地安装在扭转轴的每一端的支撑臂的外端之间延伸。 短轴通过多个弹性构件支撑在扭转轴的外管内。 每个短轴的一端连接到具有从臂的相对端延伸的心轴的心轴臂。 选择空气弹簧支撑臂的长度以及支撑臂的枢转轴线与主轴和扭转轴的轴线之间的距离，使得空气弹簧的表面总是与安装支架不接触，并且具有 在主轴的轴线和扭转轴的轴线之间的内部。

公开(公告)号：US5868418A

公开(公告)日：1999-02-09

申请号：US759307

申请日：1996-12-02

Applicant: Ervin K. VanDenberg

Inventor： Ervin K. VanDenberg

IPC: B60G9/00 ,  B60G11/27 ,  B62D61/12 ,  B60G11/26

CPC classification number: B60G11/27 ,  B60G9/00 ,  B62D61/12 ,  B60G2200/314 ,  B60G2202/12 ,  B60G2202/152 ,  B60G2204/124 ,  B60G2204/47 ,  B60G2206/30 ,  B60G2206/601

Abstract: A suspension system which includes at least one beam, a support spring extending between the vehicle frame and the support beam and a lift spring extending between a lift bracket welded to the beam and the vehicle frame. The support spring is precompressed by using a U-bolt and may be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the length of the U-bolt. Additionally, the spring provides a constant effective force throughout the entire path of travel of the tire-wheel assemblies attached to the axle. While the axle force provided by the spring increases, the force operates through a changing lever arm relative to the pivot point to assure that the spring force operating through the lever arm remains substantially constant throughout the path of travel of the suspension system.

公开(公告)号：US5690353A

公开(公告)日：1997-11-25

申请号：US647220

申请日：1996-05-09

Applicant: Ervin K. Vandenberg

Inventor： Ervin K. Vandenberg

IPC: B60G7/00 ,  B60G9/00 ,  B60G11/28

CPC classification number: B60G7/001 ,  B60G9/003 ,  B60G2200/31 ,  B60G2202/152 ,  B60G2204/143 ,  B60G2204/148 ,  B60G2204/41 ,  B60G2204/4306 ,  B60G2206/0112 ,  B60G2206/012 ,  B60G2206/10 ,  B60G2206/8201 ,  B60G2206/82012

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system having a pair of hanger brackets and a pair of beams. A first end of each beam is pivotally attached to each hanger bracket, and an axle is rigidly attached to the second end of each beam. A tri-functional bushing is positioned at each pivot to provide a horizontal spring rate different from the vertical spring rate. Each beam is formed with a top section and a bottom section which are joined along the longitudinal axis. Both the top section and bottom section are formed with axle recesses complementary related to a portion of the axle. Each axle recess is formed with a trailing edge positioned on either side of a arcuate section of the axle. In one embodiment, a rear plate extends downwardly from the top section adjacent the front of the axle and is welded thereto. In another embodiment, a half sleeve is positioned circumferentially around a front portion of the axle and is complementary related to the axle recesses of the top section and the bottom section. In this embodiment, a portion of the half sleeve adjacent the neutral axis is removed, and a plug weld is positioned therein to secure the half sleeve to the axle and a weld bead is provided circumferentially around the half sleeve adjacent the axle recesses formed in the top section and bottom section to secure the trailing beam to the half sleeve.

Abstract translation: 一种具有一对悬挂架和一对梁的车辆悬架系统。 每个梁的第一端枢转地附接到每个悬挂架，并且轴刚性地附接到每个梁的第二端。 三功能衬套位于每个枢轴处，以提供与垂直弹簧刚度不同的水平弹簧刚度。 每个梁形成有沿着纵向轴线连接的顶部部分和底部部分。 顶部和底部都形成有与轴的一部分互补的轴凹部。 每个轴凹部形成有位于轴的弓形部分的任一侧上的后缘。 在一个实施例中，后板从邻近轴的前部的顶部部分向下延伸并且被焊接到其上。 在另一个实施例中，半套筒围绕轴的前部周向定位，并且与顶部部分和底部部分的轴凹部互补。 在该实施例中，半套的邻近中性轴线的部分被去除，并且塞子焊接处于其中以将半套固定到轴上，并且围绕半套筒周向地设置有焊缝，邻近在 顶部和底部将尾梁固定到半套筒上。

公开(公告)号：US5540454A

公开(公告)日：1996-07-30

申请号：US376023

申请日：1995-01-20

Applicant: Ervin K. VanDenberg ,  Steven R. Miller ,  Jeffrey A. Russo ,  David H. Croston

Inventor： Ervin K. VanDenberg ,  Steven R. Miller ,  Jeffrey A. Russo ,  David H. Croston

IPC: B62D61/12

CPC classification number: B62D61/12 ,  B60G2204/47 ,  B60G2300/03 ,  B60G2300/40 ,  B60G2300/402 ,  B60G2400/61

Abstract: A tag axle assembly has a frame having a pair of hanger brackets, an upper cross tube and a lower cross tube. A pair of rocker beams having a primary pivot for pivotally mounting the rocker beam to the support frame is mounted to the frame. A suspension air spring extends between the upper cross tube and each rocker beam, and a lift air spring extends between each hanger bracket and the front end of the rocker beam. An axle seat is hingedly mounted to the rear end of each rocker beam. An upper beam having an actuator beam and a lift bar are pivotally mounted to the axle seat and to the support frame. A linear actuator extends between the support frame and the actuator beam. Inflation of the lift air spring causes the rocker beams to rotate about the primary pivots, and expansion of the linear actuator causes the actuator beam and the interconnected lift bar to raise. As the interconnected lift bar raises, it applies an upward force to the axle seats such that the axle seats rotate about the hinge pins relative to the rocker beams. Such rotation causes the axle seats to raise further out of the ground engaging position and forward. To move the suspension into ground engaging position, the lift air springs are collapsed, and the effective length of the linear actuator is reduced while simultaneously, the suspension air springs are inflated to carry load.

Abstract translation: 标签轴组件具有框架，该框架具有一对悬挂架，上横管和下横管。 具有用于将摇臂可枢转地安装到支撑框架的主枢轴的一对摇臂安装到框架。 悬挂空气弹簧在上横管和每个摇臂之间延伸，并且升降空气弹簧在每个悬挂支架和摇臂梁的前端之间延伸。 轴座铰接地安装到每个摇臂的后端。 具有致动器梁和提升杆的上梁可枢转地安装到轴座和支撑框架。 线性致动器在支撑框架和致动器梁之间延伸。 升降空气弹簧的充气导致摇臂梁围绕主枢轴旋转，并且线性致动器的膨胀导致致动器梁和互连的升降杆升高。 当互连提升杆升高时，其向轴座施加向上的力，使得轴座相对于摇臂梁围绕铰链销转动。 这种旋转使得轴座进一步升高到地面接合位置并向前移动。 为了将悬架移动到地面接合位置，升降空气弹簧折叠，并且线性致动器的有效长度同时减小，悬架空气弹簧被充气以承载负载。

公开(公告)号：US5505482A

公开(公告)日：1996-04-09

申请号：US295208

申请日：1994-08-24

Applicant: Ervin K. VanDenberg

Inventor： Ervin K. VanDenberg

IPC: B60G5/04 ,  B60G11/28

CPC classification number: B60G5/04 ,  B62D61/125 ,  B60G2200/314 ,  B60G2204/47 ,  B60G2206/121

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system having a pair of hanger brackets, with one control arm and one torque arm pivotally mounted on one end to each hanger bracket. Each control arm and each torque arm is pivotally attached to one of a pair of axle seats at another end. One end of a stabilizer bar is mounted to a control arm to increase the suspensions roll stability, and resistance to lateral deflection. The pivotal connections on either end of the control arm include a flexible bushing formed with a hole, and a pivot pin extending through the hole. A lift mechanism includes a compression spring acting against a force plate to move a pair of tire-wheel assemblies between ground engaging and non-ground engaging positions through an interconnected lift bar. The lift mechanism will raise the tire-wheel assembly between a non-ground engaging position, a first ground engaging position, and a second ground engaging position for use in roadrailer applications.

Abstract translation: 一种具有一对悬挂架的车辆悬架系统，一个控制臂和一个扭矩臂一端可枢转地安装在每个悬挂架上。 每个控制臂和每个扭矩臂在另一端枢转地附接到一对轴座中的一个。 稳定杆的一端安装到控制臂以增加悬架辊稳定性和抗横向偏转。 在控制臂的任一端上的枢转连接件包括形成有孔的柔性衬套和延伸穿过孔的枢轴销。 提升机构包括一个压力弹簧，该压缩弹簧作用在一个力板上，以通过一个互连的提升杆将一对轮胎轮组件移动到地面接合位置和非地面接合位置之间。 提升机构将在非地面接合位置，第一地面接合位置和第二地面接合位置之间升高轮胎轮组件，以用于在路障机应用中。

公开(公告)号：US4775166A

公开(公告)日：1988-10-04

申请号：US140902

申请日：1987-12-22

Applicant: Ervin K. VanDenberg ,  Jim Eckelberry

Inventor： Ervin K. VanDenberg ,  Jim Eckelberry

IPC: B60G5/02 ,  B60G9/00 ,  B60G11/22 ,  B60G5/00

CPC classification number: B60G9/003 ,  B60G11/22 ,  B60G5/02 ,  B60G2204/41 ,  B60G2204/4306 ,  B60G2204/45

Abstract: An axle-to-beam connection for a vehicle having a beam type suspension system is disclosed. The beam-to-axle connection includes an axle connection, a beam connection and a resilient member located therebetween. The resilient member forms a continuous path between the axle connection and the beam connection such that the axle connection and the beam connection do not directly interface at any point. The axle connection includes a saddle plate, which retains the axle, and a pair of extension plates which are connectable to the saddle plate and extend down along both sides of the beam. The resilient member is of a non-uniform shape and thickness and includes a continuum of loci which is designed and shaped so that each locus assumes its fair share, but not more, of the torsional, vertical and horizontal forces exerted on the resilient member during operation of the vehicle. The axle-to-beam connection is also unique in that the axle is resiliently attached to the beam without affecting the structural integrity of the beam.

Abstract translation: 公开了一种用于具有梁型悬挂系统的车辆的轴对梁连接。 梁对轴连接包括轴连接，梁连接和位于它们之间的弹性构件。 弹性构件在轴连接和梁连接之间形成连续路径，使得轴连接和梁连接在任何点处不直接接合。 轴连接件包括一个鞍板，其保持轴，以及一对延伸板，其可连接到鞍座板并沿梁的两侧向下延伸。 弹性构件具有不均匀的形状和厚度，并且包括连续的轨迹，其被设计和成形为使得每个轨迹在其中施加在弹性构件上的扭转，垂直和水平力均匀地分布，但不是更多 车辆的操作。 轴对梁连接也是独特的，因为轴被弹性地附接到梁而不影响梁的结构完整性。

公开(公告)号：US07980577B2

公开(公告)日：2011-07-19

申请号：US12789835

申请日：2010-05-28

Applicant: Ervin K. Vandenberg ,  David H. Croston

Inventor： Ervin K. Vandenberg ,  David H. Croston

IPC: B60G11/18

CPC classification number: B60G11/225 ,  B60G11/62 ,  B60G2200/132 ,  B60G2200/31 ,  B60G2202/1424 ,  B60G2202/152 ,  B60G2204/125 ,  B60G2204/126 ,  B60G2204/143 ,  B60G2204/148 ,  B60G2204/41 ,  B60G2204/4302 ,  B60G2300/04

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system includes a pair of suspension assemblies mounted on a pair of spaced vehicle frame members for supporting a vehicle body on the vehicle wheels. A torsion axle extends between the pair of suspension assemblies and terminates in a pair of stub shafts. The axle is mounted on a pair of spaced frame brackets attached to the vehicle frame. An air spring extends between the vehicle frame and an outer end of a support arm pivotally mounted on each end of the torsion axle. The stub shafts are supported within an outer tube of the torsion axle by a plurality of elastomeric members. One end of each stub shaft is connected to a spindle arm which has a spindle extending from an opposite end of the arm. The length of the air spring support arm and the distances between the pivot axis of the support arm and the axii of the spindle and torsion axle are chosen so that the surface of the air spring is always out of contact with the mounting bracket and has a portion inboard between the axis of the spindle and axis of the torsion axle.

Abstract translation: 车辆悬架系统包括一对悬架组件，其安装在一对间隔开的车架构件上，用于将车体支撑在车轮上。 扭转轴在一对悬架组件之间延伸并终止于一对短轴。 轴安装在一对连接在车架上的间隔框架支架上。 空气弹簧在车架和枢转地安装在扭转轴的每一端的支撑臂的外端之间延伸。 短轴通过多个弹性构件支撑在扭转轴的外管内。 每个短轴的一端连接到具有从臂的相对端延伸的心轴的心轴臂。 选择空气弹簧支撑臂的长度以及支撑臂的枢转轴线与主轴和扭转轴的轴线之间的距离，使得空气弹簧的表面总是与安装支架不接触，并且具有 在主轴的轴线和扭转轴的轴线之间的内部。