Abstract: A method for making a vehicle suspension assembly includes forming a beam having a forward end defining a pivot, and a rearward end having an axle-receiving opening therethrough defined by a surface. At least a portion of the surface is generally cylindrical, and the surface defines a first diameter when the beam is at a first temperature. The method further includes providing an axle defining an axis and having a generally cylindrical outer surface portion defining a second diameter when the axle is at the first temperature, and wherein the second diameter is larger than the first diameter. The method further includes raising the temperature of the beam to expand the axle-receiving opening. The axle is then inserted into the axle-receiving opening while the opening is expanded due to the elevated temperature. The temperature of the beam is then lowered to provide a tight interference fit between the beam and the axle member.

Abstract: A lift gate assembly including a pair of spaced-apart columns, a pair of support members telescopingly received within the pair of spaced apart columns, a platform having a first section operably coupled to the pair of support members and a second section operably coupled to the first section, and a support element having a first end operably coupled with one of the pair of support members, and a second end operably coupled with the platform.

Abstract: A suspension system for suspending a vehicle frame above a plurality of ground-engaging wheels includes a wheel-carrying axle comprising a first end a second end, and a pair of frame bracket assemblies each comprising a resiliently-bushed pivotable connection defining a pivot axis, wherein the frame bracket assemblies are operably coupled to opposite sides of the frame bracket, and wherein the resiliently-bushed pivotable connection comprises a substantially cylindrically-shaped bushing. The suspension system also includes a pair of trailing arms each comprising a first end operably coupled to the first end and the second end of the axle, respectively, and a second end comprising an aperture that receives the bushing of one of the frame bracket assemblies therein, wherein the aperture of the second end of each trailing arm is nonsymmetrical, thereby causing a nonsymmetrical compression of the bushing about the pivot axis.

Abstract: A trailer hitch assembly includes a receiver portion including a cylindrically-shaped cavity, a bushing member received within the cavity of the receiver portion, and a hitch member that includes a shaft pivotally received within the bushing member. At least a selected one of the bushing member and the shaft is constructed of a material that substantially eliminates the need for using a separately applied lubricant during use of the trailer hitch assembly.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension assembly that includes first and second main beams each having a first end operably coupled to a vehicle frame, and a second end having a cavity formed therein, and first and second extension members each having an aperture extending therethrough, wherein the first and second extensions are interference-fit within and extend outwardly from the cavity of the first and second main beams, respectively. The assembly further including a torsion member having apertured first and second ends that receive the first and second extension members therein, and threaded mechanical fasteners extending through the apertures of the first and second extension members and engage nuts that are frictionally engaged by the first and second main beams.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension comprising a frame and a pair of levers carried by the frame on opposite sides thereof. Each lever is pivotally mounted on the frame for swinging movement on an axis intermediate opposite ends of the lever transverse to the frame. The suspension includes a pair of beams, one extending forward from one of the levers and the other extending forward from the other lever, each of the forwardly-extending beams having a pivotal connection with the respective lever forward of the lever axis and having a support for a forward axle. The suspension also includes a pair of beams, one extending rearward from one of the levers and the other extending rearward from the other lever, each of said rearwardly-extending beams having a pivotal connection with the respective lever rearward of the lever axis and having a support for a rearward axle.

Abstract: A short span fifth wheel hitch comprising a hitch plate, at least one back rib, a peripheral flange connected to ends of the back rib, and a main rib extending between the back rib and a portion of the peripheral flange, with the main rib being connected to ends of the peripheral flange. The fifth wheel hitch also includes skirts extending from the hitch plate adjacent the back rib. At least two pairs of mounting ribs are located interior of the peripheral flange and the back rib, each pair of mounting ribs including aligned apertures for accepting a mounting pin therein, whereby a mounting bracket can be inserted into a space between the mounting ribs of each pair of mounting ribs and the mounting pin can be placed through the aligned apertures and the mounting bracket to connect the fifth wheel hitch to a tractor.

Abstract: A hitch coupler (10) including an E-shaped frame (11), a pin (30) and a conical spring (36). The frame (11) includes a back plate (12), a top plate (14), a middle plate (16) and a bottom plate (18). The top (14), middle (16) and the bottom (18) plates include aligned openings. The pin (30) extends through the aligned holes (21, 23, 27) in the top (14), middle (16) and bottom (18) plates, with the pin (30) being configured to slide within the aligned openings (21, 23, 27). The conical spring (36) surrounds and engages the pin (30). The conical spring (36) biases a bottom of the pin (30) through the middle plate (16) and the bottom plate (18). The pin (30) includes a retainer (38) that extends through a slot (37) in the top plate (14) as the pin (30) is pulled against the bias of the spring (36). The retainer (38) abuts against a top of the top plate (14) when the retainer (38) is located above the top plate (14). The retainer (38) is located between the pin (30) and the spring (36).

Abstract: Landing gear for selectively supporting a semitrailer and a method of assembly of the landing gear is provided. The landing gear includes a leg having an upper section and a lower section telescopingly received in the upper section. A lead screw extends and retracts the upper and lower sections relative to each other upon rotation thereof. An input shaft applies a torque to the lead screw to drive rotation thereof, the input shaft being rotatable about a rotation axis and movable in translation along the rotation axis for shifting between a first position for low gear operation and a second position for high gear operation. An output shaft, axially aligned with the input shaft, has an output gear for transmitting torque to the lead screw. A gearing subassembly is received in the upper leg section and is configured to augment lift when the input shaft is in the first position and augment speed in the second position.

Abstract: A landing gear assembly comprises a first leg member adapted to couple to a vehicle frame member, and a second member operably coupled to the first leg member and moveable between a raised storage position and a lowered in-use position. The landing gear assembly further comprises a flexible member operably coupled with the drive mechanism and the second leg, such that the drive mechanism extends the flexible member and moves the second leg from the storage position to the in-use position, and wherein the flexible member is adapted to support a weight exerted on the first and second legs. In certain embodiments disclosed herein, the flexible member comprises a ribbon constructed of natural fibers. Other embodiments comprise additional pulleys and flexible members adapted to raise the second leg member from the in-use position to the raised storage position.

Abstract: A trailing beam suspension comprises a hanger bracket adapted to be mounted to a vehicle frame, wherein the hanger bracket includes a mounting aperture, and a trailing beam pivotally mounted to the hanger bracket by a pivot pin extending through the mounting aperture of the hanger bracket. The trailing beam suspension also comprises an adjustable mechanism operably coupled to the hanger bracket including a selector member in operable engagement with the pivot pin and having a plurality of first coupler portions, and at least one second coupler portion that is selectively engageable with at least one of the first coupler portions, wherein adjusting the selector member such that alternative first coupler portions engage the at least one second coupler portion adjust the position of the trailing beam with respect to a vehicle frame rail in a fore-or-aft direction.