Patent ID: 7731211

Claim:
An axle/suspension system for a heavy-duty vehicle, said vehicle having a frame extending in a longitudinal direction relative to the vehicle, said axle/suspension system being attached to said vehicle frame via at least one hanger, the axle/suspension system comprising: an axle extending in a transverse direction relative to said vehicle frame; and at least one beam extending in said longitudinal direction, said beam being formed of a composite material and including: a first end being connected to said hanger by a connection that provides minimal compliance; a second end being immovably attached to and capturing said axle; a spring rate that provides sufficient compliance to said axle/suspension system; and a substantially constant cross section in said transverse direction relative to said vehicle frame, such that any cross section of said beam taken along a longitudinally-extending line is substantially the same, whereby the beam provides said sufficient compliance to said axle/suspension system and exhibits sufficient strength to control roll forces encountered by said vehicle during operation.