Composite suspension system for a vehicle
AssigneeTLC Suspensions, LLC
InventorsVernon Jeffrey Mullican, Vernon T. Mullican
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A composite suspension system for a vehicle includes a mechanical suspension system supporting the body of the vehicle with respect to an axle and a pneumatic suspension system to selectively provide support for the body relative to the axle. Under heavy loads, the pneumatic suspension system may be inflated to support the body relative to the axle. When not under heavy loads the pneumatic suspension system may be deflated so as not to interfere with the support provided by the mechanical suspension system. A control system regulates a compressor connected to the pneumatic suspension system to inflate the same. The control system also regulates access of the pneumatic suspension system to a vacuum source to deflate the same.
Claims27
A composite suspension system for a vehicle, comprising:
- a mechanical suspension system connecting a body of the vehicle to an axle;
- and
- a pneumatic suspension system moveable between inflated and deflated positions, wherein the pneumatic suspension system extends between and supports the body relative to the axle when inflated, and when deflated does not support the body relative to the axle and is disengaged from one of the body and the axle.
A composite suspension system for a vehicle, comprising:
- a mechanical suspension system connecting a body of the vehicle to an axle;
- and
- an air spring suspension system supported by only one of the body or adjacent to the axle and moveable between inflated and deflated positions, wherein the air spring suspension system extends between and supports the body relative to the axle when inflated, and when deflated, does not support the body relative to the axle.
A composite suspension system for a vehicle, comprising:
- a leaf spring, coil spring or shock absorber suspension system connecting a body of the vehicle to an axle;
- a support bracket mounted adjacent to the axle and a pre-determined distance below the body when the body is mounted on the leaf spring suspension or a coil spring suspension system;
- and
- an air spring suspension system supported by the body or adjacent to the axle and moveable between inflated and deflated positions, wherein the air spring suspension system supports the body relative to the axle when inflated, and does not support the body relative to the axle when deflated.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.