Patent ID: 7766352
Filing Date: 2010-08-03
Classification: B60G

Abstract:
1. A roll-stable axle suspension system comprising: first and second opposing, spaced apart longitudinal vehicle frame members; a first suspension hanger bracket connected to and extending downwardly from said first longitudinal frame member; a second suspension hanger bracket located generally opposite said first suspension hanger bracket and connected to and extending downwardly from said second longitudinal frame member; a first air bellows operatively connected at an upper end to and generally beneath said first longitudinal frame member at a location along said first longitudinal frame member spaced apart from said first suspension hanger bracket and operatively connected at a lower end to a first pedestal; a second air bellows operatively connected at an upper end to and generally beneath said second longitudinal frame member at a location along said second longitudinal frame member spaced apart from said second suspension hanger bracket and operatively connected at a lower end to a second pedestal; a first longitudinal beam having a first end connected to said first suspension hanger bracket and a second end connected to said first pedestal; a second longitudinal beam having a first end connected to said second suspension hanger bracket and a second end connected to said second pedestal; an axle, housed in an axle housing, for carrying vehicle wheels, said axle connected proximal a first end to said first pedestal and connected proximal a second end to said second pedestal; a cross beam connected to and between said first and said second longitudinal vehicle frame members; and a third longitudinal beam connected at a first end to said cross beam and at a second end to said axle housing, said third longitudinal beam being located positioned between said first and second longitudinal frame members and being sized in width such that said third longitudinal beam occupies substantially less than the entire lateral distance between said first and said second longitudinal vehicle frame members; wherein said first, second, and third longitudinal beams are each so constructed so as to be substantially greater in width than in height; and wherein said first, second, and third beams, in combination, provide roll stability to said axle suspension system without a cross beam located connected to and between said first and said second pedestals and without a beam connected to and between one of said first and second longitudinal vehicle frame members and said axle housing.