Abstract: The invention relates to a bogie for vehicles of the type which has at least two movable axles against which the chassis of the vehicle rests over an equalizing beam arranged on either side of the chassis, the vertical forces being transmitted between the wheel axles and the equalizing beams by transmitting devices which are rigid when biased by tension and pressure stresses but yieldable to bending and shearing stresses. The connection points for these transmitting devices, at least at one axle, are located at a distance from the axle on a member which is rigidly connected to the axle, and a spring is arranged at such member to compensate for the moment conditioned by the distance between the axle and the connection points and resulting from movement of the axle.

Abstract: A cart having a frame, four depending legs adapted to swing rearwardly to a collapsed position, releasable means bracing said legs, an operator for actuating said releasable means, a platform mounted on said frame adapted to move between an extended and a retracted position, auxiliary wheels on the forward end of said platform, and a lock for maintaining said platform in either of its positions.

Abstract: A nose construction spanningly connects the front ends of a pair of generally parallel linearly extending vehicle frame members. The construction comprises a tube extending from the front end of one to the front end of the other of the frame members and a pair of gusset structures unitarily formed of the tube, one adjacent each end thereof, each extending along the frame members towards a rear end thereof. The tube is affixed to the frame members. The gusset structure is also affixed to the frame members.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle seat which is convertible to a folded cargo configuration includes a seatback pivotable about its lower edge to lie flat and form a cargo floor extension over the area occupied by the seat bottom. The seat bottom includes separate main pelvic support and high bolster portions on the vehicle floorpan and the high bolster portion is swingable from its normal position adjacent the main portion to a stowed position permitting the seatback to be foldable into the seat bottom space. Latch means between the seatback and bolster portion hold the same in their cargo position and the bolster portion is spring-urged to normal position.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a multiple axle articulated suspension structure and system for vehicles wherein road and tire excitations of each axle are isolated from their opposing axle, as well as from the sprung mass. This is accomplished in a preferred embodiment of my invention via deflections in a combination integrally damped multiple spring means system including a pressure resistant air spring and a self-damping compressive resistant elastomer having high hysteresis characteristics, operatively providing a progressively increasing spring rate. The elastomer is disposed entirely within and functions in parallel with the air spring, such that the compressive resistance of the air spring supplements or augments that of the elastomer, and the high hysteresis of the elastomer serves to dampen fluctuations or deflective excitations induced in the air spring during what as known as jounce conditions.

Abstract: An off-highway dump vehicle of the bottom-dump, two axle type having a single wheel in all positions; an A-frame front suspension which provides large steering angles for the vehicle wheels; an A-frame rear suspension system separate from the front suspension system; a dual braking system comprising primary and secondary brakes actuated by a common brake pedal and arranged wherein the secondary brakes are automatically actuated upon failure of the primary brakes for any reason; the vehicle structural elements being pinned together for facilitating assembly and disassembly thereof for shipment of the vehicle to the site of operation thereof; the vehicle load in the rear is carried directly on torque tubes and the front load is cantilevered from the torque tubes; the vehicle deck is a "floating" type structure in that the only elements carried by the deck are the fluid lines for the braking system, steering system, and the like; the access door to the axle box is of a self-closing construction in that air press

Abstract: A forward longitudinal bearer supported under angular bending at the end wall of a self-supporting motor vehicle body, whereby the end wall is locally bulged out in the direction toward the respective vehicle end within the connecting area of each forward longitudinal bearer in such a manner that a form-rigid body results; each forward longitudinal bearer is forked in its approach at the form-rigid body and the arms resulting therefrom at least partially surround the form-rigid body.

Abstract: A longitudinal bearer support for a forward longitudinal bearer supported under angular bending at the end wall of a self-supporting motor vehicle body, whereby the end wall is locally bulged out in the direction of the vehicle end within the connecting area of each forward longitudinal bearer in such a manner that a form-rigid body results; each forward longitudinal bearer is forked in its approach at the form-rigid body and the resulting arms at least partially surround the form-rigid body; two arms are created by the forking which, extending either parallelly to one another or at an angle to one another, lead to the subfloor.

Abstract: A vehicle body having a floor, vertical outer rear posts and front posts which are aligned along the longitudinal sides of said floor, rear inner rear posts spaced inwardly of said rear outer posts, a front transverse wall connected to said front posts, a pair of longitudinal seat frames, each pivotally connected to a corresponding rear inner post and to said front wall, and a corresponding longitudinal side wall hingedly connected to the longitudinal side of said seat frame.

Abstract: This specification discloses a resilient wheel suspension wherein a wheel is rotationally mounted upon an axle and the axle is resiliently suspended with respect to a mounting plate. The resilient suspension includes an elastomer disk which is coupled along one major surface to the axle and along the other major surface to the mounting plate. Lateral movement of the axle causes a shear to be applied in the elastomer disk. The suspension can have nonlinear characteristics by having a plurality of elastomer disks and metal disks with central openings for passing the axle and successively coupled to adjacent disks between a coupling to the axle and a coupling to the mounting plate. The size of the opening diameter increases in successive disks going from the disk adjacent to the axle to the disk adjacent to the mounting plate.

Abstract: The manner in which a trailer "rides" and the "towability" of a trailer can both be improved by utilizing a wheel suspension system employing a separate suspension structure for each wheel of the trailer. Each of such suspension structures includes an elongated member serving as an axle. One of the ends of such a member is connected to the chassis of the trailer using a torsional energy absorption device while the other of the ends of the member carries a wheel of the trailer. The latter end of the member is connected to the chassis of the trailer through the use of a spring. Various adjustments are embodied within the suspension structure for use as reasonably required in connection with the trailer.

Abstract: Improvements in truck bed flooring for both open and enclosed bed trucks; self draining flooring constructions which drain by geometrical configuration of the flooring, not by openings in or associated with the flooring; centrally sloped flooring constructions overlaid by mesh superflooring; corrugated flooring constructions with the corrugation valleys sloped front to rear.

Abstract: A spring-urged hinged strap buckle component on the underside of an automobile trunk lid receives a mating buckle component of an extensible strap wound on a spring reel whose housing is secured to the trunk bed in an out of the way location. The device is essentially rattle-free and very convenient to operate.

Abstract: A retractable patio assembly is provided for use with recreational-type vehicles. The patio is adapted for use placement in a horizontal attitude in front of and below a vehicle door and is foldable and retractable to a stowed position parallel to a vehicle side wall and laterally displaced from the use position so as to allow free door access. A plurality of individually-adjustable, ground-engaging leg members each provide at least two points of support for the patio floor thus allowing placement of the patio on uneven or sloping ground, while avoiding undue stressing of either the patio assembly or structural components of the vehicle.

Abstract: A longitudinal bearer support for a forward longitudinal bearer supported under angular bending at the end wall of a self-supporting motor vehicle body, in which the end wall is locally bulged-out in the direction of the vehicle end within the connecting area of each forward longitudinal bearer to provide a form-rigid body; each forward longitudinal bearer receives a forking in its approach at the form-rigid body, providing four arms of which the two lower arms extend to the subfloor while the two upper arms terminate within the area of the form-rigid body.

Abstract: A support assembly, for an equalizer bar, integrally welded to a main frame of a track-type front loader vehicle. The assembly includes a first central U-shaped plate having a base and first and second legs extending forwardly from the base, a second L-shaped plate having a third leg welded to one side of the base and a fourth leg extending forwardly from the third leg, a third L-shaped plate having a fifth leg welded to the other side of the base and a sixth leg extending forwardly from the fifth leg, a fourth plate welded to the front of the first, the second, the fourth and the sixth legs, a fifth L-shaped plate having a seventh leg welded to the top of the first, the second, the third and the fourth plates, and an eighth leg extending downwardly from the seventh leg and spaced from the base, and a pivot pin coupled to the first, fourth and fifth plates through bosses for holding the equalizer bar in the space between the eighth leg and the base.

Abstract: An oscillating double axle assembly comprising a bogie chassis including a transverse beam and two longitudinal beams, with a central pivot assembly located in alignment with the transverse beam and supporting each longitudinal beam for pivotal movement with respect thereto. An arm is centrally mounted on the central pivot assembly for free pivotal movement and the arm rotatably carries at its opposite ends wheels at equal spacing from the central pivot assembly. A spring assembly is secured to the arms and to the longitudinal beams to resist relative movement therebetween. One embodiment contemplates a reinforcement tube which extends from the ends of the transverse beam and which supports the arms through the intermediary of roller bearings. An elastic system resists relative rotation between the arms and the reinforcement tube.

Abstract: This invention relates to a terrain creeper as may be used by mechanics and others when it is necessary for a workman to lie on his back and work in a confined area such as under a house or other restricted spaces.

Abstract: An enclosure kit for enclosing an open roll over protective structure of a vehicle includes four panels that have connector means associated therewith which can be connected to the roll over protective structure without changing the structural integrity thereof. The connector means includes a flange that is formed along one edge of each panel which is adapted to be received into a trough defined along the upper edge of the roll over protective structure and releasable retainers for connecting each of the panels to vertical posts of the roll over protective structure. The releasable retainers are readily clamped onto the vertical posts and are designed to have two edges of adjacent panels connected thereto with the connection including a shock absorbing member.

Abstract: A hatchback station wagon having a rear cargo space is provided with a rectangular opening on its rear roof portion which is covered by a roof panel hinged at its front end to the roof. The hatchback door of the station wagon is hinged to the rear end of the roof panel which is normally held in its closed position by sliding pins mounted on the bottom rear thereof engaging openings on the rear sides of the rectangular opening. When it is desired to provide a vertical clearance for the cargo space, the sliding side pins are disengaged such that the roof panel can be swung upwardly on its front hinges and folded back against the front portion of the roof with the hatchback door lying thereover.