Abstract: A device for expediently and efficiently adjoining overlapping segments of reinforcement bar with substantially accurate and precise measures of overlap is disclosed. The device comprises a first coupling element for coupling to a first reinforcement bar and a second coupling element for coupling to a second reinforcement bar. The device is structured and configured to gauge the amount of overlap between the first and second reinforcement bars upon coupling the first and second coupling elements to their respective reinforcement bars. A guide element may be provided to guide the second reinforcement bar into contact with the second coupling element to aid in coupling the second reinforcement bar to the second coupling element over a substantial distance. A coupling device according tot he invention may comprise two coupling components each having a first opening at a first end and a second second opening at a second end.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting reinforcement bar comprises a support assembly including a first support and a second support. The first support has a ground-engaging portion. The second support is coupled to the first support so that the ground-engaging portion provides subjacent support for the second support. The second support is structured and dimensioned to support a reinforcement bar in a substantially upright position. A support member is coupled to the support assembly. The support member is provided for vertically supporting another reinforcement bar. A method for supporting reinforcement bar comprises the steps of providing a ditch having a bottom surface and apparatus for supporting reinforcement bar. The method next comprises the step of positioning apparatus for supporting reinforcement bar in the ditch with an end of apparatus protruding from the ditch and a ground-penetrating portion driven in the bottom surface of the ditch.

Abstract: A four wheel drive and steering system for a motor vehicle includes a splitter gear assembly coupled to the transmission for splitting rotational power between the front wheels and one set of wheels of a tandem rear wheel vehicle. A first drive train rotationally couples the front wheels to the transmission, while a second drive train drives the one set of rear wheels. The second drive train includes a pair of shaft assemblies, each corresponding to a respective rear wheel. Each of the pair of shaft assemblies includes a rear shaft extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle adjacent a vertical plane including the corresponding rear wheels, thereby providing clearance for the floor of a dropframe cargo compartment. A transfer gear assembly couples the corresponding rear wheel to the rear shaft of the shaft assembly. The steering system is coupled between the steering linkage for the front wheels and the other set of tandem rear wheels.

Abstract: A wheel suspension system is disclosed which includes a wheel support member pivotally mounted to a vehicle frame, a wheel rotatably mounted to the support member on a stub axle, and an airbag positioned between the wheel support member and the vehicle frame to bias the support member into an intermediate position between a lowermost position and an uppermost position, the rotational axis of the wheel being positioned at or above the cargo floor of the vehicle at least when the wheel support member is in the uppermost position. The suspension system provides a compact lateral profile and also aligns the pivot axis and biasing airbag on a common side of the wheel to provide a compact profile along the length of the vehicle.

Abstract: A wheel suspension system 10 is disclosed which includes a wheel support member 14 pivotally mounted to a vehicle frame 12, a wheel 11 rotatably mounted to the support member 14 on a stub axle 16, and an airbag 18 positioned between the wheel support member 14 and the vehicle frame 12 to bias the support member 14 into an intermediate position between a lowermost position and an uppermost position, the rotational axis 17 of the wheel 11 being positioned at or above the cargo floor 26 of the vehicle at least when the wheel support member 14 is in the uppermost position. The suspension system 10 aligns the pivot point 33, wheel mount 16, and airbag 18 to provide a compact lateral profile, thus providing maximum distance between the wheels 11 and permitting the cargo floor 26 to be supported between the wheels 11, and in some instances below the rotational axis 17 of the wheels 11.

Abstract: A wheel suspension system is disclosed which includes a wheel support member pivotally mounted to a vehicle frame, a wheel rotatably mounted to the support member on a stub axle, and an airbag positioned between the wheel support member and the vehicle frame to bias the support member into an intermediate position between a lowermost position and an uppermost position, the rotational axis of the wheel being positioned at or above the cargo floor of the vehicle at least when the wheel support member is in the uppermost position. The suspension system aligns the pivot point wheel mount, and airbag to provide a compact lateral profile, thus providing maximum distance between the wheels and permitting the cargo floor to be supported between the wheels, and in some instances below the rotational axis of the wheels.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a vehicle includes a telescoping arm member extending the length of the vehicle, inversed v-shaped wheel supports positioned fore and aft of two wheels on a side of the vehicle, attachments to retain the assembly to the vehicle, and support receiving members for supporting the apparatus and vehicle, such as in a semitrailer. The attachments may include a ratchet and a hook.

Abstract: An enclosed trailer apparatus adapted for carrying either vehicles or other types of cargo. The trailer apparatus includes a pair of matched, arm assemblies including several pivotally connected arms operable by a hydraulic system. The arms are mounted to a carriage within the trailer and moveable longitudinally of the trailer. The arms are extendable outside of the trailer to grasp and load vehicles into position within the trailer. Wheel bars for facilitating the carrying of the vehicles and the supporting of the vehicles within the trailer are also disclosed.

Abstract: An enclosed trailer apparatus adapted for carrying either vehicles or other types of cargo. The trailer apparatus includes a pair of matched, arm assemblies including several pivotally connected arms operable by a hydraulic system. The arms are mounted to a carriage within the trailer and moveable longitudinally of the trailer. The arms are extendable outside of the trailer to grasp and load vehicles into position within the trailer. Wheel bars for facilitating the carrying of the vehicles and the supporting of the vehicles with the trailer are also disclosed.

Abstract: A trailer apparatus is disclosed herein which includes tracks adjustably mounted within a trailer body and having a first position for the transporting of automobiles and a second position permitting the carrying of other types of cargo. The tracks are hingedly mounted to the inside of the side walls of the trailer body and pivot downwardly for the carrying of automobiles and upwardly against the side wall to permit the carrying of other types of cargo. Front and rear doors are provided on the trailer and incorporate a track for allowing the loading and unloading of automobiles onto the tracks within the trailer body.