초록 ▼

An anti-creep device for use with an air spring of a tractor-trailer is shown. The anti-creep device includes a support member which is mounted inside the air spring for movement between a blocking position and an articulating position. In the articulating position, the full range of compression bet

An anti-creep device for use with an air spring of a tractor-trailer is shown. The anti-creep device includes a support member which is mounted inside the air spring for movement between a blocking position and an articulating position. In the articulating position, the full range of compression between the top plate and piston of the air spring can be exercised. In the blocking position, the support member limits the downward movement of the top plate relative to the piston. Therefore, the support member limits downward movement of the frame rail of the trailer with respect to the axle and trailing arm. The support member can comprise a pivotable plate, a bladder filled with an incompressible fluid, a vertically telescoping arm or upper and lower bumpers rotatable into and out of vertical alignment.

대표청구항 ▼

[ The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:] [1.] An air spring assembly comprising a top plate adapted for mounting to a vehicle frame; a piston adapted for mounting to a suspension and a substantially hollow air bag wherein, dur

[ The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:] [1.] An air spring assembly comprising a top plate adapted for mounting to a vehicle frame; a piston adapted for mounting to a suspension and a substantially hollow air bag wherein, during normal operation, the air bag is pressurized and the piston and top plate move toward and away from each other in response to forces acting on the suspension and vehicle frame;a support member pivotally mounted to the top plate inside the air bag for selective movement between first and second positions, wherein movement of the piston relative to the top plate is unrestricted during normal operation of the air spring when the support member is in the first position; an actuator for moving the support member between the first and second positions, the actuator being mounted between the support member and the top plate; andthe support member, in the second position, forms a rigid support between the piston and the top plate whereby the movement of the piston relative to the top plate toward each other is restricted.