Abstract: A short steer wagon having an improved turning capability, including a pair of wheels at each of opposed ends, a tongue having a rear portion connected to a frame of the wagon and having a front portion adapted for connection to a vehicle, at least one of the pair of wheels being steerable to right and left sides and connected to a rear portion of a corresponding tongue for steering, with a wheel having a leading edge facing toward an end of the wagon and a trailing edge facing toward a central portion of the wagon, the wagon having a longitudinal frame member on each side, each longitudinal frame member having an outer edge portion on an intermediate portion of the longitudinal member, the steerable wheels being completely outside the longitudinal frame members when the steerable wheels are oriented in a straight running direction, and each longitudinal frame member including an inwardly oriented indentation adjacent the trailing edge of each corresponding steerable wheel, each of the indentations allowing t

Abstract: A steering control mechanism greatly reduces the sway of a towed trailer. The steering control mechanism comprises a stabilizer that is mounted between the wagon frame and a kingpin that supports a steering wheel. The stabilizer introduces friction that resists changes in the wagon direction of travel that are set up by changes in the direction of travel of a towing vehicle. One end of the stabilizer is connected to the wagon frame. The other end of the stabilizer is joined to a stabilizer block that in turn is attached to the kingpin. The stabilizer produces friction sufficient to resist transient steering forces exerted on the wagon tongue, while allowing the wagon to turn in response to permanent changes in the direction of travel of the towing vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to transport vehicles and combinations thereof and their tow bar constructions comprising a tow bar journalled to the front of the chassis rotatably relative to a vertical and a horizontal axle, and structure for turning the axle. The structure for turning the axle comprise a steering lever secured to the tow bar rotatably relative to the center line of its vertical axle, and supporting arms secured at one end to the steering lever on opposite sides of the vertical axle and at the other end to the axle on its opposite sides.

Abstract: A towing arrangement for towing vehicles, such as golf cars. A pivotable, elongated towing bar is carried at the rear of a vehicle for pivotable movement about a horizontal pivot axis between an outwardly extending, towing position, and a retracted, upwardly extending, storage position. A towing bar gripper is attached to the car adjacent the rear end for releasably gripping the towing bar in the storage position. The gripper is formed by a resilient, generally U-shaped frame having a pair of opposed, spaced apart arms that form a slot into which a gripper bar is frictionally inserted and retained.

Abstract: A towing arrangement for towing vehicles, such as golf cars. A pivotable, elongated towing bar having a notch adjacent its outer end is carried at the rear of a vehicle for pivotable movement about a horizontal pivot axis between an outwardly extending, towing position, and a retracted, upwardly extending, storage position. The forward end of the car includes a towing bar receiver in the form of a channel member that is pivotable about a vertical axis and that includes a longitudinal slot for receiving a towing bar. The towing bar receiver includes a pivotable hook retainer member adapted to engage with the hook portion of the towing bar to securely retain the towing bar in position within the towing bar receiver for towing a vehicle.

Abstract: A trailer vehicle for distributing a fertilizing manure slurry to a field which includes a slurry distribution assembly mounted to the tear of the vehicle having four slurry distribution units, each with three plow teeth and a slurry distribution nozzle associated with the teeth for feeding the slurry at root level in the soil. The distribution assembly includes an elongated manifold with four flexible conduits extending from the manifold to each nozzle on the distribution units- The manifold communicates with the slurry tank. The trailer vehicle can also have a special suspension to maintain the tank relatively level. The trailer has three sets of wheels which are articulated in tandem, and the rear wheels of the trailer can be steered in the arc traced by the motive vehicle pulling the trailer.

Abstract: An automatic, hydraulically-operated steering assembly for a towed vehicle is disclosed. Each set of steerable ground-engaging wheels of this towed vehicle is steered by a double action piston fed by a pair of hydraulic hoses connected to a control valve actuated by a pivotal device and a control rod. A bypass is provided between the two hydraulic hoses to allow the hydraulic pressure to slowly equilibrate in the two hoses and thus allow the wheels to return in their straight line position when the source of pressurized fluid is normally disengaged or in the case of a failure of the hydraulic system. Advantageously, the valve is controlled by a push-pull cable having one end attached to one wheel and another end to the valve. The towed vehicle may comprise one or more sets of steerable wheels. In the latter case, the front and rear sets of wheels are adapted to pivot in either direction, the middle set being non-pivotal.

Abstract: A method of connecting a tow vehicle to a trailer having a front axle assembly which pivots about a vertical axis. The method includes the following steps which will be hereinafter described. Firstly, position a drawbar assembly between the tow vehicle and the trailer. The drawbar assembly has a tow vehicle end and a trailer end. The tow vehicle end is mounted to a single articulation point at a rear of the tow vehicle. The trailer end is pivotally mounted on a substantially horizontal transverse axis thereby accommodating up and down movement while precluding side to side movement of the drawbar assembly. Secondly, position a steering arm assembly between the tow vehicle and the front axle assembly of the trailer. The steering arm assembly includes a pair of steering arms having tow vehicle ends and trailer ends. The tow vehicle ends are adapted for omni-directional attachment to the tow vehicle equidistant from the single articulation point.

Abstract: A towing assembly for towing a steerable vehicle chassis includes a pin having a flat side which is fixed to the front face of the front rail of the chassis, and a steering frame which is rotatably mounted to the pin by way of a cylindrical bearing containing sleeve on the steering frame. A cup-shaped cap overlies the sleeve and the bearings to protect them against contamination, and the cap is rigidly fixed to the pin and front chassis rail to increase the strength and integrity of the mounting of the towing assembly to the chassis.

Abstract: A gear mechanism is disclosed which is installed between the bottom of a trailer and the trunion shaft of a rear wheel assembly of the trailer to cause the rear wheel assembly of the trailer to rotate in the opposite direction from the turning direction of the forward end of the trailer. A plurality of pinion gears are rotatably mounted in the space between a hollow inner cylindrical member and a hollow outer cylindrical member. The inner and outer cylindrical members are secured at their bottom ends to a bottom ring gear and their top ends are received on thrust bearings mounted in a top ring gear. The top ring gear is attached to the bottom of the trailer and the bottom ring gear is attached to the trunion shaft of the rear wheel assembly. The toothed surface of the pinion gears are in rolling engagement on the rack gear portions of the top and bottom ring gears.

Abstract: A baggage cart intended to be selectively coupled to other carts to form a train of carts comprises a body and an undercarriage supporting the body. The body includes a double-walled plastic floor, a double-walled plastic roof, and a pair of double-walled plastic end members. Each of the end members has integral lower and upper extension portions extending toward and being fastened with the longitudinal ends of the floor and roof, respectively. The undercarriage includes a plurality of metal stringer members extending substantially the length of the body and attached thereto. A tower assembly is secured to the stringer members, and a steerable front axle assembly is disposed beneath the tower assembly, with a bearing member interconnecting the tower assembly and front axle assembly such that the front axle assembly is rotatable relative to the tower assembly.

Abstract: Steering sulkies of the present invention are based upon the "crank/steering-rod" mechanical principle but provide profound refinements thereover. Cranking is provided at first and at second stations. At the first cranking station, preferably overlapping left-link and right-link effect simultaneous rotation of the two sulky wheels about their transversely separated vertical axes in response to towing vehicle steering; such first crank is contingently abuttable against blocking stops to prevent sulky jackknifing. The second crank, which is co-rotatable with the first crank, is connected to the rearward end of elongate steering-rod that herein intersects the frame longitudinal-axis before being terminally connected to a frontal hitch. A preferred hitch provides a convenient, reliable, and multi-directional flexural connection between a lawn-mower or other towing vehicle and the trailing self-steering sulky.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tow bar which can be removably attached to the towed unit and is comprised of a mounting bracket assembly and a tow bar/tie rod assembly; which tow bar can be conveniently stored when not in use, is lightweight yet sturdy, and can be easily attached to the towing unit by a single person.

Abstract: A laterally yieldable or "bendable" hitch pole is provided for the steering mechanism of a trailing vehicle to minimize or prevent breakage of the hitch pole during sharp turns negotiated by the draft vehicle, especially during backing of the trailer. The invention is especially applicable to trailers having steering mechanisms of the Ackerman type. The hitch pole is typically swingable between right and left stops and breakage or other damage occurs when the pole encounters one or the other of the stops and turning forces are still applied. The invention provides a two-piece hitch pole having its end-to-end parts connected in such manner as to enable "bending" of the hitch pole in those situations with subsequent recovery of the pole to its normal attitude.

Abstract: An implement frame convertible between use and transport positions and pulled lengthwise for road transport has an improved hitch assembly and an improved transport steering mechanism.

Abstract: A drawbar trailer for transporting very long, very heavy, substantially rigid loads, the trailer having a load support platform carried by at least one front and at least one rear axle and separable wheel assembly, the trailer comprising: an adjustable suspension system having inflatable members disposed between the platform and the front and rear axles for selectively raising and lowering the front and rear of the platform and for selectively raising and lowering the sides of the platform; the drawbar being pivotably mounted to the platform about a substantially vertical axis; a mechanism, preferably hydraulic, for turning the wheels of at least one of the front and rear axle and wheel assemblies; an automatic control system for activating the turning mechanism in response to pivotal movements of the drawbar; and, members for securing the load to the platform, whereby the tilt axes of the load support platform can be adjusted with respect to the axle and wheel assemblies, and in turn, with respect to terrain

Abstract: The table knife and reel assemblies of a swather are bolted to a main mounting beam which in turn is mounted on a pair of double wheel assemblies one each adjacent each end thereof. The hitch pole from the tractor or other source of power is pivotally secured adjacent one end of said main mounting beam. In the hydraulic embodiment, piston and cylinder assemblies move the pole and the wheels between the field and transport positions and in the mechanical embodiment, linkage is provided between the pole and the wheel assemblies and the pole is moved by the tractor. In the hydraulic embodiment, a sequencing valve may be provided in conjunction with the table adjusting piston and cylinder which operates the piston and cylinder controlling the wheels when the table is raised and lowered between the field and transport positions.

Abstract: A trailer includes a frame having a plurality of bell cranks pivoted to the frame. A plurality of suspension units are pivotally connected to the frame to permit independent directional displacement of each suspended unit with respect to the frame. A directing means is provided for directing the trailer in the intended direction, the directing means including at least one, and preferably a pair, of master hydraulic cylinders. A plurality of hydraulic slave cylinders connected to the master cylinders are connected to the master cylinders and to the bell cranks for pivoting the bell cranks with respect to the frame in response to any angular displacement of the directing means, thereby causing the suspension units to pivot such as their axles are directed toward a common center defining the center of the curve through which the trailer is directed.

Abstract: A steering system for use with a multiple vehicle train permits tracking without rails of one vehicle after another. This system is particularly useful for moving conveyor systems into and out of curved paths of room and pillar underground mine installations. The steering system features an elongated steering bar pivotally connected to each of adjacent vehicles at end portions of the bar permitting angular orientation of each vehicle in respect to the steering bar and other vehicles. Each end portion of the steering bar is linked to the near pair of vehicle wheels through wheel yoke pivot arms about king pin type pivots. Movement of the steering bar about its pivotal connection provides proportional turning of the wheels to effect steering and tracking of one vehicle following another in both forward and reverse directions.

Abstract: A hitch apparatus for a towed vehicle having a frame and steerable front wheels includes an elongated tongue connected to the frame for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis. A coupling adapted for rigid connection to a towing vehicle is pivotally connected to the forward end of the tongue for pivotal turning movement about an upright axis. An elongated steering rod is pivotally connected at one end to the coupling and pivotally connected at the other end to a mechanism for steering the front wheels in unison in response to pivotal turning movement of the coupling. A load transfer mechanism includes spring bias means interconnecting the tongue and frame for biasing the tongue downwardly relative to the frame to transfer some of the load from the front wheels to the towing vehicle. The coupling includes a pin connection to the drawbar of a towing vehicle for fore and aft travel movement therewith and a clamp connection for securing the coupling and drawbar for pivotal steering movement in unison.

Abstract: In a steering arrangement in which steering movement is transmitted by a pinion to a rack on a slide mounted in a transverse frame member on a trailer or implement, and from this slide it is transmitted to steerable wheels by appropriate linkage, the steering movement is transmitted from the slide to the steerable wheels by means of a pinion cooperating with a further rack on the slide.Also described is an adaptor for obtaining steering movement from a tractor drawbar by means of a collar for one jaw bar so as to allow as towing movement to be attached to the drawbar while an arm of the collar has a device for attachment of a steering member.

Abstract: A draw bar unit for connecting a recovery vehicle to a vehicle having a pressure fluid operated steering system of the stored energy kind in cases of failure of the normal pressurizing means of the system, incorporates auxiliary pressurizing means connectible into the pressure fluid circuit of the disabled vehicle and operable in response to relative movement between the vehicles to pressurize the pressure fluid circuit.

Abstract: A highway trailer of selectively variable width has two side structures each having at least one longitudinal row of axles provided with ground contacting wheels. Hydraulic jacks are provided for moving the side structures between an inner position corresponding to minimum width and an outer position corresponding to maximum width of the trailer. A hitching pole is rotatably connected to a cross-beam slidably connecting the side structures and controls fluid steering cylinders located symmetrically each between the steering cross-beam and the hitching pole. One pair of auxiliary fluid jacks are connected each to a corresponding one of the steering jacks. Each auxiliary jack angularly moves a corresponding axle.

Abstract: The steering assembly disclosed has means for sensing changes in both lateral offset and angle between a towed and a towing vehicle, means for generating angle and offset signals responsive to such changes, means for combining the angle and offset signals to produce a joint steering input, and means for turning a steerable wheel of the towed vehicle in response to the joint steering input. The assembly has two operating modes, one in which offset signals and angle signals are subtracted to produce a joint steering input for forward travel of the vehicles and another in which offset signals and angle signals are added to produce a joint steering input for backing of the vehicles. The assembly also includes steerable wheel means, means for detachably coupling the vehicles together, and means for remotely shifting between the two operating modes.

Abstract: A hitch for connecting a tow vehicle to a trailer having a toggle plate through which a steering input is transmitted into a steering system on the trailer and a braking input is transmitted into a braking system on the trailer.

Abstract: A transport carriage adaptable for use in a transfer system having both rail-guided and railless conveying regions. The steering mechanism of this carriage has a yoke connected to another vehicular carriage or tractor for imparting a steering movement to the carriage when the carriage is in the railless conveying region and at least one guide roller for imparting a steering movement to the carriage when the roller is in contact with the rails of the rail-guided conveying region. A guiding arm which transmits steering movement to the wheels of the carriage through transmissions is selectively coupled to the yoke for receiving steering movement therefrom when the carriage is in the railless conveying region. The guide roller is mounted to the guiding arm to impart steering movement to the guiding arm when the arm is decoupled from the yoke and the roller contacts the rails of the rail-guided conveying region.

Abstract: Steering apparatus for a trailer vehicle is disclosed providing preselected turning characteristics for the vehicle. A pair of wheel assemblies are mounted at the front of the vehicle and are each pivotal about an associated vertical axis. A tie member having a plate with a longitudinal slot formed therein extends between and connects the front wheel assemblies to provide for the simultaneous pivoting of the front wheel assemblies. A tow bar is pivotally connected to the vehicle between the front wheel assemblies and is provided with a pin that extends into the slot in the plate. During pivoting, the pin is displaced both transversely and longitudinally of the vehicle, but since the pin slides in the slot only the transverse component of displacement of the tow bar is transferred to the tie member.

Abstract: A steering linkage for a wheeled trailer vehicle or implement comprising a frame, in which a bar is slidably mounted in a transverse frame member, the said bar having a rack formed thereon and in mesh with a pinion rotatble by a steering, or link, rod to impart sliding motion to the bar in response to movement of the steering rod, the bar being linked to steerable wheels of the vehicle or implement.

Abstract: A steering linkage for a wheeled trailer vehicle or implement comprising a frame, in which a bar is slidably mounted in a transverse frame member, the said bar having a rack formed thereon and in mesh with a pinion rotatble by a steering, or link, rod to impart sliding motion to the bar in response to movement of the steering rod, the bar being linked to steerable wheels of the vehicle or implement.