US 12,759,359 B2 · Air bag suspension

Abstract

A gas spring suspension system is configured to replace a factory-installed leaf spring-based suspension system of an automobile. The gas spring suspension system connects to the vehicle frame using the same first and second frame mounts to which the leaf spring was originally attached. The gas spring suspension system has a linkage assembly with a first link that pivotably attaches to the first frame mount and a second link that pivotably attaches to the second frame mount. The first and second links are pivotably attached to one another. A connector portion, which can be part of the first or second link, or supported therebetween, supports the vehicle axle. A gas spring is supported by the linkage assembly and is positioned operatively between the first and second links so that as the axle moves during vehicle operation, loads are communicated to the spring, and through the linkage to the first and second frame mounts.

Claims15

Dependent claims

A gas spring suspension system for a vehicle, comprising:

a linkage assembly having:
a first link defining a first end portion which is pivotably attached to a frame of the vehicle, a second end portion, and a middle portion disposed between the first and second end portions, and
a second link defining a first end portion which is pivotably attached to the middle portion of the first link defining a first pivot point, a second end portion pivotably attached to a linkage which is pivotably attached to the frame of the vehicle, and a middle portion disposed between the first and second end portions;
a gas spring supported between and in contact with both the second end portion of the first link and the middle portion of the second link;
wherein an axle of the vehicle is attached to the first link.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Air bag suspension

Life of this patent

Air bag suspension

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims15