Suspension system and alignment mechanism therefor

Abstract

A suspension system for mounting to a vehicle frame includes a pair of stationary hanger brackets each formed with a compression plate and a pair of sidewalls. A movable hanger bracket is pivotally mounted on a pivot pin intermediate the sidewalls of the stationary hanger bracket, and a beam is pivotally mounted to each movable hanger bracket. An axle extends substantially perpendicular to the beams, and is rigidly attached thereto. An elastomeric bushing is positioned intermediate the movable hanger bracket and the stationary hanger bracket with a compression bolt extending therethrough. A nut threadably engages the compression bolt to draw the movable hanger bracket toward the compression plate thereby applying a compressive force to the elastomeric bushing. As the bushing compresses and the movable hanger bracket moves toward the compression plate of the stationary hanger bracket, the beam is similarly pulled toward the compression plate of the stationary hanger bracket thereby aligning the beam and interconnected axle with the vehicle path of travel. The compression bolt may be adjusted periodically as the trailer ages through use.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.