This invention is generally directed to a novel air ride suspension system for a light duty trailer. More particularly, the invention contemplates a novel air ride suspension system for a light duty trailer which dissipates normal road vibrations and stress to provide a safe, smooth and longer lasting suspension, thereby resulting in an improved ride over prior art suspension systems, improved performance for light duty trailers, such as aluminum and steel gooseneck trailers, recreational vehicle trailers, fifth wheel travel trailers, and improved life span of the light duty trailer.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,362,095 to Eveley discloses a prior art air ride suspension system. In the ""095 patent, upper and lower leaf springs are pivotally connected at their front ends to a tower which is connected to an underside ofthe light duty trailer. An air spring is mounted between the underside of the light duty trailer and the rear end of the upper leaf spring. The axle is mounted to the upper and lower leaf springs. A shock absorber is provided between the tower and the axle.
In operation, if no bumps or ruts are encountered, the leaf spring remains generally horizontal relative to the underside of the light duty trailer. If one or both of the tires encounter a bump in the road, the rear end of the leaf springs move upwardly relative to the underside of the light duty trailer and the air spring and the shock absorber compress. If one or both of the tires encounter a rut in the road, the rear end of