Abstract: A swinging link mechanism for connecting a prime mover to a rigid trailer comprises an upper and lower opposed pairs of laterally spaced mountings, the lower pair for attachment to the prime mover and the upper pair for connection to the trailer. A swinging link pivotally connects each respective two opposed mountings. The two links are inclined toward one another. The spacing of the lower pair of mountings to be attached to the prime mover exceeds the spacing of the upper pair to be connected to the trailer. The mechanism is particularly for semi-articulated tankers and allows for twisting of the semi-trailer relative to the prime mover.

Abstract: A suspension system for a double-axle vehicle has been developed which allows load-sharing up and down movement of the axles to occur in a rectilinear manner so as to cope with road surface irregularities, such as potholes. The rectilinear manner of the movement ensures that the axles do not twist and, for example set up driveline vibration in a driven axle. The forward end of the leading spring and the trailing end of the other spring are each carried by a cranked rocker. The intermediate ends of the springs are interconnected by a further rocker. A torsion shaft links one axle to a rocker mounting point, and the free arms of the two cranked rockers are connected by a rod which causes the cranked rockers to move synchronously as the springs move up and down, thereby ensuring rectilinear movement of the springs.