Frank Crow

US Patent:

6206407, Mar 27, 2001

Filed:

Dec 18, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/216553

Inventors:

Daniel G. Fuchs - Tualatin OR
Paul R. Hynes - Vancouver WA
Frank S. Crow - Portland OR

Assignee:

Freightliner LLC - Portland OR

International Classification:

B60G5/00

US Classification:

280686

Abstract:

A vehicle suspension system is provided for coupling elongated frame rails to first and second axles, the axles extending in a direction transverse to the frame rails. Each axle has opposed outer end portions projecting outwardly beyond the frame rails. At each side of the vehicle, in proximity to the frame rail at the respective side of the vehicle, a vehicle suspension is provided which includes a leaf spring assembly comprised of one or more leaf springs. The leaf spring assembly has first and second end portions and a central portion. The leaf spring assembly extends from the outer end portion of the first axle to the outer end portion of the second axle. A bushing is coupled to the frame rail. The bushing includes at least three arcuate reinforcing plates with elastomeric material disposed between the plates. The leaf spring assembly is coupled to the bushing, most preferably by a clamp, to thereby couple the central portion of the leaf spring to the frame rail through the bushing.