US 2009/0243247 A1 · SUSPENSION SYSTEM STRUCTURE AND METHOD OF ASSEMBLY

Abstract

A sliding suspension system for a trailer chassis. The suspension includes two longitudinally extending slide rails and an axle assembly having two axles. At least one suspension spring member dampens relative movement between the axle assembly and the trailer chassis. At least one laterally extending cross beam is secured to the longitudinally extending rails. The suspension system also includes four bracing members and at least one central connecting member. Two of the bracing members are secured to and extend between one of the rails and the central connecting member while the other two bracing members are secured to and extend between the other rail and the central connecting member. The bracing members are arranged in an X-shaped configuration between the two rails. In some embodiments, the bracing members have an S-shaped cross section. A method of assembling a sliding suspension system for a trailer chassis is also disclosed.

Claims22

Dependent claims

A sliding suspension system for mounting on a trailer chassis defining a longitudinal axis;

said suspension system comprising:
first and second longitudinally extending slide rails, said first and second rails being slidably engageable with the trailer chassis;
an axle assembly secured to said suspension system and including first and second axles extending substantially perpendicular to said longitudinal axis;
at least one suspension spring member coupled with the axle assembly and adapted to dampen relative movement between said axle assembly and the trailer chassis;
at least one laterally extending cross beam secured to said first rail and to said second rail;
at least one central connecting member;
and
first, second, third and fourth bracing members, said first and second bracing members each being secured to said first rail and said central connecting member and extending therebetween, said third and fourth bracing members each being secured to said second rail and said central connecting member and extending therebetween wherein said first, second, third and fourth bracing members are arranged in a substantially X-shaped configuration between said first and second rails.

5 more elements

A method of assembling a sliding suspension system for a trailer chassis;

said method comprising:
providing first and second slide rails adapted to be slidably engaged with the trailer chassis;
providing at least one cross beam;
providing at least one connecting member;
providing first, second, third and fourth bracing members;
securing first and second rails together wherein the first and second rails are disposed substantially parallel and define a longitudinal axis by attaching the cross beam to the first rail with at least one fastener and to the second rail with at least one fastener;
attaching the first and second bracing members to the first rail with at least one fastener and to the at least one connecting member with at least one fastener;
and attaching the third and fourth bracing members to the second rail with at least one fastener and to the at least one connecting member with at least one fastener wherein the selected bracing members arranged in a substantially X-shaped configuration between the first and second rails;
attaching an axle assembly to the suspension system wherein the axle assembly includes first and second axles extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis;
and
mounting at least one suspension spring member on the suspension system wherein the suspension spring member is positioned to dampen movement of the axle assembly.

8 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Suspension system structure and method of assembly

Life of this patent

Suspension system structure and method of assembly

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims22