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US 5,411,287 AGranted
Multiple stage torsion axle
OwnerCurtiss W. Henscheninventor
Life of this patent
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OwnerCurtiss W. Henscheninventor
Estimating the term…
A torsion axle for a vehicle includes an elongated axle tube enclosing first stage torsion shafts and second stage torsion shafts all having a common axis, and a metal tube or a non-circular portion of the axle tube and a plurality of resilient rubber rods confine each of the shafts for torsionally resisting rotation of the shaft. Each first stage metal tube is secured to the surrounding axle tube, and each second stage metal tube is connected to the corresponding first stage shaft. A stud projects outwardly from each second stage metal tube through a slot within the surrounding axle tube to limit rotation of the second stage tube with the first stage shaft, and a crank arm and eccentric spindle are secured to the outer end portion of each second stage shaft for receiving a wheel. In modifications, the first stage shafts for both the left and right wheels are connected as one shaft, and a hydraulic winch cable and spool provide for pre-rotating the one shaft or the axle tube to lower and raise the vehicle.
A multiple stage torsion axle adapted for use on a trailer or other vehicle, comprising an elongated axle tube having a longitudinal axis, means for mounting said axle tube on the vehicle for rotation of said axle tube on said axis, means for rotating said axle tube, a first stage torsion shaft and a second stage torsion shaft disposed within said axle tube, first stage torsion means including a resilient rubber-like material and connected for torsionally resisting rotation of said first stage torsion shaft relative to said axle tube, second stage torsion means including a resilient rubber-like material and connected for torsionally resisting rotation of said second stage torsion shaft relative to said first stage torsion shaft, and a crank arm connected to said second stage torsion shaft and having eccentric means for attaching a wheel.
A torsion axle as defined in claim I wherein said axle tube encloses a pair of said first stage torsion shafts rigidly connected for common rotation, and said first stage torsion means torsionally resist common rotation of said first stage torsion shafts.
A multiple stage torsion axle adapted for use on a trailer or other vehicle, comprising an elongated axle tube having a center axis, means for mounting on the vehicle and supporting said axle tube for rotation on a longitudinal axis, a first stage torsion shaft and a second stage torsion shaft disposed within said axle tube in axial alignment, a rigid torsion tube section and a plurality of rubber-like resilient rods confining each of said shafts with said rods disposed between said shaft and said torsion tube section for torsionally resisting rotation of said shaft relative to said torsion tube section, said axle tube forming said torsion tube section confining said first stage torsion shaft, means for connecting said torsion tube section confining said second stage torsion shaft to said first stage torsion shaft, and a crank arm connected to said second stage torsion shaft and having eccentric means for attaching a wheel.
A multiple stage torsion axle adapted for use on a trailer or other vehicle, comprising an elongated axle tube having a longitudinal axis and a non-circular center portion, means for mounting said axle tube on the vehicle, a first stage torsion shaft and a pair of second stage torsion shafts disposed within said axle tube, said first stage torsion shaft within said center portion of said axle tube and said second stage torsion plurality of resilient rubber-like rods disposed between each said torsion shaft and the corresponding said axle tube and said torsion tube sections for torsionally resisting rotation of each said torsion shaft, means for connecting said second stage torsion tube sections to said first stage torsion shaft, and a crank arm connected to each of said second stage torsion shafts and having eccentric means for attaching a wheel.
A torsion axle adapted for use on a trailer or other vehicle, comprising an elongated axle tube having a center axis, means for mounting on the vehicle and supporting said axle tube for rotation relative to the vehicle, a torsion shaft disposed within said axle tube, a plurality of rubber-like resilient rods confining said torsion shaft with said rods disposed between said shaft and said axle tube for torsionally resisting rotation of said shaft relative to said axle tube, a crank arm connected to said torsion shaft and having eccentric means for attaching a wheel, and means for rotating said axle tube, torsion shaft, resilient rods and crank arm as a unit for raising and lowering the wheels and the vehicle.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.