Abstract: An equalizer for a suspension system for a trailer is configured to absorb or dampen the harsh shocks or vibrations coming off of the leaf springs proximate to a center frame hangar, thus allowing for a “softer” ride. The equalizer utilizes one or two independent equalizer arm assemblies or castings which are each rotatably secured within the equalizer. Each equalizer arm assembly or casting is operatively associated with one of the leaf springs such that upon upward movement of the leaf spring, the associated equalizer arm assembly or casting is forced to rotate within the equalizer and to deform a shock absorber provided within the equalizer. The shock absorber, upon the deformation thereof, absorbs the harsh shocks or vibrations which would otherwise normally be transferred from the leaf springs, to the equalizer, and thus to the frame of the trailer.

Abstract: An equalizer for a suspension system for a trailer is configured to absorb or dampen the harsh shocks or vibrations coming off of the leaf springs proximate to a center frame hangar, thus allowing for a “softer” ride. The equalizer utilizes one or two independent equalizer arm assemblies or castings which are each rotatably secured within the equalizer. Each equalizer arm assembly or casting is operatively associated with one of the leaf springs such that upon upward movement of the leaf spring, the associated equalizer arm assembly or casting is forced to rotate within the equalizer and to deform a shock absorber provided within the equalizer. The shock absorber, upon the deformation thereof, absorbs the harsh shocks or vibrations which would otherwise normally be transferred from the leaf springs, to the equalizer, and thus to the frame of the trailer.

Abstract: An equalizer for a suspension system for a trailer is configured to absorb or dampen the harsh shocks or vibrations coming off of the leaf springs proximate to a center frame hangar, thus allowing for a “softer” ride. The equalizer utilizes one or two independent equalizer arm assemblies or castings which are each rotatably secured within the equalizer. Each equalizer arm assembly or casting is operatively associated with one of the leaf springs such that upon upward movement of the leaf spring, the associated equalizer arm assembly or casting is forced to rotate within the equalizer and to deform a shock absorber provided within the equalizer. The shock absorber, upon the deformation thereof, absorbs the harsh shocks or vibrations which would otherwise normally be transferred from the leaf springs, to the equalizer, and thus to the frame of the trailer.

Abstract: An equalizer for a suspension system for a trailer is configured to absorb or dampen the harsh shocks or vibrations coming off of the leaf springs proximate to a center frame hangar, thus allowing for a “softer” ride. The equalizer utilizes one or two independent equalizer arm assemblies or castings which are each rotatably secured within the equalizer. Each equalizer arm assembly or casting is operatively associated with one of the leaf springs such that upon upward movement of the leaf spring, the associated equalizer arm assembly or casting is forced to rotate within the equalizer and to deform a shock absorber provided within the equalizer. The shock absorber, upon the deformation thereof, absorbs the harsh shocks or vibrations which would otherwise normally be transferred from the leaf springs, to the equalizer, and thus to the frame of the trailer.

Abstract: An equalizer for a suspension system for a trailer is configured to absorb or dampen the harsh shocks or vibrations coming off of the leaf springs proximate to a center frame hangar, thus allowing for a “softer” ride. The equalizer utilizes two independent equalizer arm assemblies which are each rotatably secured within the equalizer. Each equalizer arm assembly is operatively associated with one of the front or rear leaf springs such that upon upward movement of either the front or rear leaf spring, the associated equalizer arm assembly is forced to rotate within the equalizer and to deform a shock absorber provided within the equalizer. The shock absorber, upon the deformation thereof, absorbs the harsh shocks or vibrations which would otherwise normally be transferred from the leaf springs, to the equalizer, and thus to the frame of the trailer.

Abstract: An isolator for use in a suspension system includes a front shaft and a rear shaft. A front spring arm and a front transitional arm are mounted to the front shaft. A rear spring arm and a rear transitional arm are mounted to the rear shaft. A resilient member is mounted between the front and rear transitional arms. As forces are applied to the front and rear link arms, the front and rear shafts rotate causing the front and rear transitional arms to rotate. As the front and rear transitional arms rotate, the resilient member is compressed and expanded accordingly.

Abstract: An isolator for use in a suspension system includes a front shaft and a rear shaft. A front spring arm and a front transitional arm are mounted to the front shaft. A rear spring arm and a rear transitional arm are mounted to the rear shaft. A resilient member is mounted between the front and rear transitional arms. As forces are applied to the front and rear link arms, the front and rear shafts rotate causing the front and rear transitional arms to rotate. As the front and rear transitional arms rotate, the resilient member is compressed and expanded accordingly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a suspension system for a light duty trailer which includes a pair of modules. Each module is provided on an end of the axle and includes a spring member, a tower for connecting a front end of the spring member to an underside of the light duty trailer, an air spring connected between the underside of the light duty trailer and the spring member, and a limiting assembly for connecting a rear end of the spring member to the underside of the light duty trailer. In operation, if no bumps or ruts are encountered, the spring member remains generally horizontal relative to the underside of the light duty trailer. If a bump is encountered, the rear end of the spring member moves upwardly relative to the underside of the light duty trailer and the air spring compresses. If a rut is encountered, the rear end of the spring member moves downwardly relative to the underside of the light duty trailer and the air spring expands.

Abstract: The present invention provides a suspension system for a light duty trailer which includes a pair of modules. Each module is provided on an end of the axle and includes a spring member, a tower for connecting a front end of the spring member to an underside of the light duty trailer, an air spring connected between the underside of the light duty trailer and the spring member, and a limiting assembly for connecting a rear end of the spring member to the underside of the light duty trailer. In operation, if no bumps or ruts are encountered, the spring member remains generally horizontal relative to the underside of the light duty trailer. If a bump is encountered, the rear end of the spring member moves upwardly relative to the underside of the light duty trailer and the air spring compresses. If a rut is encountered, the rear end of the spring member moves downwardly relative to the underside of the light duty trailer and the air spring expands.

Abstract: A novel pneumatic isolator stabilizing assembly is provided for use with a tow vehicle and a trailer for improving ride characteristics for a driver and passengers and for minimizing the possibility of damage to the tow vehicle and the trailer. The assembly includes a frame, structure for attaching the frame to the tow vehicle, structure for attaching the frame to the trailer, and an air spring for providing a cushion between the tow vehicle and the trailer when traveling over the roads. In one embodiment, the air spring is offset from the attachment point of the frame to the trailer and in another embodiment, the air spring is generally vertically aligned with this attachment point. The frame in each embodiment includes a first subassembly fixed relative to the trailer and a second subassembly fixed relative to the tow vehicle. The subassemblies are connected together such that they can move relative to each other.

Abstract: A novel carrier hitch is provided for attaching a heavy trailer or the like to a pick-up truck or the like. The hitch can be quickly and easily attached to and detached from the truck without any residual damage to the truck. The hitch includes first and second main beam which are connected at a first end of each beam. A cross member is connected between the main beams at approximately the middle of the beams to form an A-shaped frame structure. A frame mounting member is connected between the main beams at generally a second end of each of the beams. An attachment structure is attached to the hitch for removably attaching the hitch to the truck frame. A connecting structure is attached to the cross member for releasably connecting the trailer to the hitch. A post member extends downwardly from the joined ends of the main beams and is connected to the underside of the truck.

Abstract: A trailer and method for unloading onto the ground or like surface using an unarticulated frame and no power sources other than the tractor or prime mover. The frame supports three rows of overlapping transverse rollers and has a tail-end roller substantially across its width. A wheeled carriage is mounted to the underside of the frame, so that it can be longitudinally shifted. When mounted on a conventional "fifth wheel" connection to the tractor, shifting of the carriage forward lowers the tail end of the frame which pivots downward about the connection to the trailer. Shifting the carriage back raises the tail. A pair of ground rollers is provided at the tail of the trailer which contacts the ground as it is lowered. A load may be placed onto the ground by unlocking the carriage, applying the brakes to the wheels of the carriage and backing up the tractor-trailer.

Abstract: A trailer and method for unloading onto the ground or like surface using an unarticulated frame and no power sources other than the tractor or prime mover. The frame supports three rows of overlapping transverse rollers and has a tail-end roller substantially across its width. A wheeled carriage is mounted to the underside of the frame, so that it can be longitudinally shifted. When mounted on a conventional "fifth wheel" connection to the tractor, shifting of the carriage forward lowers the tail end of the frame which pivots downward about the connection to the trailer. Shifting the carriage back raises the tail. A pair of ground rollers is provided at the tail of the trailer which contacts the ground as it is lowered. A load may be placed onto the ground by unlocking the carriage, applying the brakes to the wheels of the carriage and backing up the tractor-trailer.

Abstract: A trailer unloaded onto the ground or like surface using an unarticulated frame and no power sources other than the tractor or prime mover. The frame supports three rows of overlapping transverse rollers and has a tail-end roller substantially across its width. A wheeled carriage is mounted to the underside of the frame, so that it can be longitudinally shifted. When mounted on a conventional "fifth wheel" connection to the tractor, shifting of the carriage forward lowers the tail end of the frame which pivots downward about the connection to the trailer. Shifting the carriage back raises the tail. A pair of ground rollers is provided at the tail of the trailer which contacts the ground as it is lowered. A load may be placed onto the ground by unlocking the carriage, applying the brakes to the wheels of the carriage and backing up the tractor-trailer.