Importance

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Abstract

An air ride suspension system having very high (height) carrying and/or lift capabilities includes a pair of stacked, expandable airbags connected to the frame of a wheeled vehicle such that there is a lower beam for supporting the stack and an intermediate beam with plate member for stabilizing the connection between the stacked airbags. The frame of the vehicle can serve as the upper support for the stack, or optionally, a separate third beam may be used therefor. There is provided in a further embodiment on the lower beam a unique caster adjusting feature comprised of an adjustable radius rod, and a pivot pin connection, attached to the axle in such a way that adjustment of the radius rod pivots the axle orientation about the pivot pin, thus adjusting caster. In a further unique embodiment the lower beam comprises a pivot connection, a generally C-shaped beam comprised of two longitudinal legs and a lateral plate member joining the legs, and a rearwardly extending futher plate member connected at one end to the lateral plate and at the other end pivotally connected to the axle. This latter beam is useful for suspensions generally, and provides both roll flexibility and lateral control through the use of a resilient bushing which forms the connection between the plate member and the axle. '

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First Claim