Abstract: A pivoting hitch mount assembly for interconnecting a towed vehicle with towing vehicles having hitch positions at varying elevations includes a pivot arm assembly having a hitching component for coupling with a the hitch position with the towing vehicle that is selectively connected to a support assembly on the towing vehicle at plural front and rear pivot connections enabling selective inclination and elevation of the hitching component with respect to the towing vehicle.

Abstract: A slider assembly provides a connection between a vehicle body and a vehicle suspension. The slider assembly includes a frame and a locking mechanism attached to the frame. The locking mechanism s a locking pin that is connected to an extension spring, a pivot arm that is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, and a compression spring that is connecting the pivot arm and the locking pin. When the pivot arm is in the locked position, the compression spring does not exert a bias on the locking pin and the extension spring exerts a bias on the locking pin so as to bias the locking pin into engagement with the vehicle body so as to secure together the vehicle body and the vehicle suspension.

Abstract: A hitch head is disclosed as part of a trailer hitch. The hitch head may include an upper surface having an opening for receiving a stem of a hitch ball. A back side of the hitch head may include a pair of ridges for defining an area for receiving an attaching member for attaching the trailer hitch to a towing vehicle. The hitch head may also include a pair of weld recesses between the ridges for defining channels for receiving welds. The ridges and the recesses on the hitch head allow the attaching member to be positioned and welded to the hitch head in a more time efficient manner. The ridges and recess are also configured to reduce the amount of weld material required to weld the attaching member to the hitch head without reducing the strength of the welds.

Abstract: A weight distributing hitch assembly includes a shank, hitch head, spring bar and lift assembly. The lift assembly is preferably removably mountable to the frame members of a trailer frame while the spring bar extends below the frame members relative to the ground. The lift assembly mounts a hanger assembly which engages a cantilevered segment of the spring bar to drive the spring bar from a free state to a loaded state to distribute the hitch load to a towing vehicle as well as to the trailer. A lever assembly mounts the hanger assembly to the lift assembly and supplies mechanical advantage to assist a user during tensioning of the spring bar. By moving the lever assembly, the cam rotates about a pivot. As the hanger assembly is engaged with the cam, the hanger assembly is driven from a disengaged position to an engaged position which moves the spring bar from its free state to its loaded state with a minimum of user effort.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments of a dolly for towing trailers generally include a main framework, a tongue assembly, stabilizing shocks, an axle, an axle platform, a steering assembly, and/or tire-wheel assemblies. The use of these dolly embodiments reduce the probability of chassis and body damage, enable horizontal alignment of the trailer for level towing and greater weight distribution, and provide self-steering of the dollies as the towing vehicle turns or backs up.

Abstract: A lightweight axle assembly may include a bracket at each end thereof for receiving a mount at one of a plurality of positions thereon. The mount may include a standoff for spacing an actual wheel assembly a suitable distance from the bracket. The axle may be formed to include a beam for suitable cross section including I-beams, channels, or boxes, as well as cylindrical tubes. Wheels may be mounted to spindles rigidly attached, to driving axles contained within the axle assembly, or to kingpins secured to the mounts. The axle may be adjusted to accommodate a broad range of suitable, relative, distances between the mounting surface (top or bottom of the axle end) and the center line of a wheel assembly associated with the axle. Forged mounts may be manufactured to accomplish structural objectives. Meanwhile, areas of less stress may be fabricated from lighter materials of various unconventional configurations.

Abstract: A weight distributing hitch system is provided with a shank and a head which is angularly adjustable relative to the shank. The head includes a plurality of adjustment teeth which are engaged by a toothed caster having corresponding teeth. The toothed caster has a mounting hole which is offset relative to a center of the tooth configuration so as to allow the toothed caster to be rotated 180 degrees in order to allow for angular adjustment of the head relative to the shank. In addition, the head is provided with both, mounting holes for receiving round spring bars and receptor grooves on a lower surface of an upper flange for receiving a trunnion-type spring bar.

Abstract: A leveling system for a load hauling trailer which will improve the stability of a payload having a high center of gravity, thereby allowing loads, which would otherwise not be transportable, to be moved over roadways. The leveling system includes a base member with a curved upper surface, a slide member with a curved lower surface, and a hydraulic cylinder for sliding the slide member relative to the base member. As the slide member moves from side-to-side across the base member, the angle between the axis of slide member varies with respect to the axis of the base member. When installed at each end of a double gooseneck trailer, the leveling system will reduce or eliminate torsional stresses in the trailer as the front running gear traverses a road surface having a cross grade different from the surface being traversed by the rear running gear.

Abstract: A load leveling weight distributing hitch which provides enhanced flexibility of attachment and removal is described. This invention is directed to load leveling weight distribution hitches with enhanced strength and which are easy to install and adjust, without the use of special tools or equipment. This invention addresses the attachment of the spring bars commonly used with load leveling hitches by presenting a quick connect/quick disconnect which permits the user to easily install the spring bars without the use of special tools. Additionally, this invention provides a thumb screw adjustment for modifying the pitch angle of the ball hitch. This invention also provides a spring bar lift which provides a novel locking mechanism as well as a chain retention device for maintaining the chain tension during sway.

Abstract: A double-acting, weight distributing trailer hitch includes a drawbar assembly and a hitchhead assembly. The drawbar assembly is releasably connected to a tow vehicle and includes a first coupling component at its rearward end. The hitchhead assembly includes a second coupling component and a rearwardly extending drawbar extension, which are pivotably connected along substantially vertical axis by a yoke. The drawbar extension is pivotally connected to the yoke by a cam. The drawbar extension is also mounted pivotably to the hitch ball along a first horizontal axis that is transverse to the direction of travel. A rearward portion of the drawbar extension is pivotably interconnected to the trailer along a second horizontal axis, which is parallel to the first horizontal axis and located behind the hitch ball. This creates an overlap between the forward end of the trailer and the drawbar extension.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring load between: (a) towing tractor which includes: (i) a three-point linkage which includes three linkage arms, and associated hydraulic draft control system; and (ii) a tow-bar; and (b) a towed above ground implement which includes a draw-bar which attaches to the tow-bar of the tractor; characterized in that the apparatus includes a shock absorber which is: (iii) connected at one end thereof to at least the two lower arms of the three-point linkage; and (iv) at the other end thereof connected to the draw-bar of the towed implement in a manner that allows the draft control system of the tractor to be activated so as to transfer load between the tractor and the implement, as is required to maintain the desired wheel slippage of the traction axle of the tractor while towing the implement.

Abstract: A weight distributing hitch system is provided with a shank and a head which is angularly adjustable relative to the shank. The head includes a plurality of adjustment teeth which are engaged by a toothed caster having corresponding teeth. The toothed caster has a mounting hole which is offset relative to a center of the tooth configuration so as to allow the toothed caster to be rotated 180 degrees in order to allow for angular adjustment of the head relative to the shank. In addition, the head is provided with both, mounting holes for receiving round spring bars and receptor grooves on a lower surface of an upper flange for receiving a trunnion-type spring bar.

Abstract: Tandem drive axles include a pair of drive axles interconnected by a thru-shaft. An inter-axle differential allows speed differentiation between the pair of axles. Differences in tire rolling radii and variations in axle load distribution between the pair of drive axles are examples of why axle differentiation is needed. By measuring and monitoring wheel speed and/or tire pressure, tire rolling radii differences can be determined and appropriate adjustments can be made to tire pressures to provide a common tire rolling radii range for all tires. In addition to tire pressure adjustment, by adjusting other axle parameters that affect axle performance, such as suspension height and weight distribution, the need for axle differentiation is eliminated.

Abstract: An improved suspension system includes a plurality of slider pins which are biased radially outwardly into engagement with openings in the suspension rails of the suspension system and the mating openings in the slider rail. The slider pins are provided with spring clamp structure and a wedged surface. The wedged surface forces the spring clamp radially outwardly into engagement with the openings in the suspension rails to secure the slider pins. Upon withdrawal of the slider pins, the spring clamp is biased radially inwardly to facilitate removal.

Abstract: A lifting arrangement for a wheel shaft of a vehicle operates on a wheel shaft that is movably suspended in a vehicle frame structure through one or more stay devices. The stay devices are articulatedly connected to the frame structure through at least one frame connection, and to the wheel shaft by at least one shaft connection. A lifting device is arranged in connection with the frame structure and the stay device to raise the wheel shaft in a vertical direction relative to the frame structure when actuated. The stay device provides a compact mechanism to permit the vehicle axle to be lifted, while preserving room for other vehicle components.

Abstract: The present invention is a self steering “add on” axle system for use with a vehicle such a dump truck in order to increase the legal weight capacity of the vehicle and provide effective steering in both the forward and reverse directions. The system comprises a standard axle with king pin within a sleeve that is suspended by a leaf spring. The leaf spring is rotatably connected to a first leaf spring hangers and interconnected to second leaf spring hangers by a load adjustment members. The axle and king pin are tilted approximately eight degrees positively or negatively from vertical by a control system to further promote self steering when the vehicle is moving in either the forward or reverse direction.

Abstract: A double-acting, weight distributing trailer hitch includes a drawbar assembly and a hitchhead assembly. The drawbar assembly is releasably connected to a tow vehicle and includes a first coupling component at its rearward end. The hitchhead assembly includes a second coupling component and a rearwardly extending drawbar extension, which are pivotably connected along substantially vertical axis by a yoke. The drawbar extension is pivotally connected to the yoke by a cam. The drawbar extension is also mounted pivotably to the hitch ball along a first horizontal axis that is transverse to the direction of travel. A rearward portion of the drawbar extension is pivotably interconnected to the trailer along a second horizontal axis, which is parallel to the first horizontal axis and located behind the hitch ball. This creates an overlap between the forward end of the trailer and the drawbar extension.

Abstract: A double-acting, weight distributing trailer hitch includes a drawbar assembly and a hitchhead assembly. The drawbar assembly is releasably connected to a tow vehicle and includes a first coupling component at its rearward end. The hitchhead assembly includes a second coupling component and a rearwardly extending drawbar extension, which are pivotably connected along substantially vertical axis by a yoke. The drawbar extension is pivotally connected to the yoke by a cam. The drawbar extension is also mounted pivotably to the hitch ball along a first horizontal axis that is transverse to the direction of travel. A rearward portion of the drawbar extension is pivotably interconnected to the trailer along a second horizontal axis, which is parallel to the first horizontal axis and located behind the hitch ball. This creates an overlap between the forward end of the trailer and the drawbar extension.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for a movable subframe of a semi-trailer includes at least a pair of transversely spaced pins. Each pin is extendable into and retractable from an opening formed in its respective longitudinally extending main member of the subframe and a selected aligned one of a plurality of openings formed in its respective longitudinally extending rail of the trailer main frame. An elastomeric bladder is disposed between the pins and is operatively connected to one or more cables and/or linkage members which in turn are operatively connected to the pins. When the bladder is voided of air and is in its collapsed state, sufficient slack exists in the bladder, cables and/or linkage members to enable the bias force of a coil spring disposed about each of the pins to independently cause the pins to extend through their respective aligned openings to lock the subframe in a selected longitudinal position with respect to the trailer main frame.

Abstract: An improved transporter to guide and propel heavy loads in an industry where the loads levitate upon pressurized fluid plenums. The transporter is very light weight that provides many opportunities of lower cost, small size, ease of movement to its point of use, short turn radius, etc. The transporter is able to pull or push very heavy loads with such light weight. The key is that transporter includes a vertical forcing device, such as a piston and cylinder. The forcing device pushes upward against a load hitch rigidly attached to the load. More importantly, the forcing device pushes downward on transporter drive wheels. The vertical downward force on the wheels is controllable. Force can vary from so minimal as to allow wheel slipping on the floor during steering, to extreme force facilitating maximum desired pulling or pushing wheel traction.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for a movable subframe of a semi-trailer includes at least a pair of transversely spaced pins. Each pin is extendable into and retractable from an opening formed in its respective longitudinally extending main member of the subframe and a selected aligned one of a plurality of openings formed in its respective longitudinally extending rail of the trailer main frame. An elastomeric bladder is disposed between the pins and is operatively connected to one or more cables and/or linkage members which in turn are operatively connected to the pins. When the bladder is voided of air and is in its collapsed state, sufficient slack exists in the bladder, cables and/or linkage members to enable the bias force of a coil spring disposed about each of the pins to independently cause the pins to extend through their respective aligned openings to lock the subframe in a selected longitudinal position with respect to the trailer main frame.

Abstract: A method and apparatus involves selectively relieving the load from the rearmost wheels of a trailer to shorten the effective wheel base of the trailer. When the effective wheel base is shortened, off-tracking of the trailer during turning is reduced. The load may relieved while the trailer and vehicle are traveling at, for example, less than a first speed, with the vehicle turning at least at a first angle. The axle may be reloaded when the vehicle speed is increased to a second speed above the first speed and the vehicle is turning at an angle which is less than the first angle.

Abstract: A multi-functional, compound apparatus that functionally provides at least one additional axle and wheels, that can be used with or without a trailer being towed to enable a vehicle to carry extra weight, extra long loads, and/or to tow a trailer heavier than the tow vehicle could otherwise safely tow is disclosed. The apparatus provides the additional payload carrying and towing capacity while maintaining the driving and steering capability of the tow vehicle, and removing the majority of the weight of the load from the rear portion of the tow vehicle. The apparatus may be used as a load bearing and distributing trailer hitch, or simply as a load bearing member to increase the payload capability of a carrying vehicle, or may be adapted to be used as a trailer itself.

Abstract: A control system and method provides automatic adjustments in a heavy duty vehicle that effectively redistributes the weight among the various wheel axles. A plurality of sensors are associated with the plurality of wheel axles on the vehicle. An electronic controller gathers information from the sensors and determines the weight at each wheel axle. The electronic controller then automatically determines adjustments that can be made to effectively redistribute the weight among the wheel axles in the event that the weight at any one axle is outside of a preselected range. The adjustments preferably are made by automatically moving the position of an adjustable “fifth wheel” relative to the cab portion. Additionally, this invention provides the capability of automatically adjusting the position of at least one trailer wheel axle. The adjustments can be made dynamically even while the vehicle is in motion.

Abstract: A compact, trailing, auxiliary axle system is attached to a truck for carrying additional weight and distributing the weight of the truck over a greater number of axles and a greater maximum total distance of distribution of those axles. The apparatus is attached high, and may be secured to the body of a truck, such as a refuse truck, reducing the total length of extension from the rear of the truck, yet pivoting from a comparatively high position for easy stowage above the bubble or bulkhead protruding from the tailgate of a truck. Hydraulic actuation relies on pulling, during deployment, providing improved resistance to buckling, protection from road damage, with short coupling for improved strength of booms, hydraulics, and cross members. Conduits may carry control and power through the frame of the assembly, and conventional suspension components may be used.

Abstract: Towing apparatus for connecting a trailer with a towing vehicle. The towing apparatus is adapted to bear part of the weight of the trailer, thus lessening the load on the towing vehicle. This is accomplished by providing a wheel assembly on the towing apparatus which is operatively connected to an adjustable main spring which supports most of the weight of the trailer which would normally bear on the hitch of the towing vehicle. Unlike conventional towing systems, wherein the trailer tongue is rigidly attached to the trailer, the towing apparatus of the present invention employs a pivotally-mounted trailer tongue which is maintained in a horizontal position by an adjustable secondary spring or springs. The use of main and secondary springs presents a relatively constant load to the trailer hitch, even when the trailer is being towed across rough or uneven surfaces.