Abstract: Brackets for mounting auxiliary suspension systems, such as lift axle systems, to vehicles are disclosed herein. For example, brackets are disclosed for attaching lift axle hanger brackets and lift axle load springs to corresponding frame members. In some embodiments, the frame brackets can include physical features (e.g., a series of graduated steps in an edge portion thereof) to facilitate visual alignment of the lift axle with the vehicle frame members during installation. In other embodiments, the frame brackets can be two-piece brackets that enable the load springs to be removed and replaced without having to detach the frame bracket from the frame rail.

Abstract: Brackets for mounting auxiliary suspension systems, such as lift axle systems, to vehicles are disclosed herein. For example, brackets are disclosed for attaching lift axle hanger brackets and lift axle load springs to corresponding frame members. In some embodiments, the frame brackets can include physical features (e.g., a series of graduated steps in an edge portion thereof) to facilitate visual alignment of the lift axle with the vehicle frame members during installation. In other embodiments, the frame brackets can be two-piece brackets that enable the load springs to be removed and replaced without having to detach the frame bracket from the frame rail.

Abstract: Brackets for mounting auxiliary suspension systems, such as lift axle systems, to vehicles are disclosed herein. For example, brackets are disclosed for attaching lift axle hanger brackets and lift axle load springs to corresponding frame members. In some embodiments, the frame brackets can include physical features (e.g., a series of graduated steps in an edge portion thereof) to facilitate visual alignment of the lift axle with the vehicle frame members during installation. In other embodiments, the frame brackets can be two-piece brackets that enable the load springs to be removed and replaced without having to detach the frame bracket from the frame rail.

Abstract: Brackets for mounting auxiliary suspension systems, such as lift axle systems, to vehicles are disclosed herein. For example, brackets are disclosed for attaching lift axle hanger brackets and lift axle load springs to corresponding frame members. In some embodiments, the frame brackets can include physical features (e.g., a series of graduated steps in an edge portion thereof) to facilitate visual alignment of the lift axle with the vehicle frame members during installation. In other embodiments, the frame brackets can be two-piece brackets that enable the load springs to be removed and replaced without having to detach the frame bracket from the frame rail.

Abstract: Brackets for mounting auxiliary suspension systems, such as lift axle systems, to vehicles are disclosed herein. For example, brackets are disclosed for attaching lift axle hanger brackets and lift axle load springs to corresponding frame members. In some embodiments, the frame brackets can include physical features (e.g., a series of graduated steps in an edge portion thereof) to facilitate visual alignment of the lift axle with the vehicle frame members during installation. In other embodiments, the frame brackets can be two-piece brackets that enable the load springs to be removed and replaced without having to detach the frame bracket from the frame rail.

Abstract: Lift axle systems for use with trucks and other heavy duty vehicles are described herein. In some embodiments, lift axle systems configured in accordance with the present technology include upper and lower control arms on each side of the vehicle that operably couple an axle to a support system attached to the vehicle chassis. The upper control arm has a first end portion pivotally attached to a support system bracket at an upper bracket location, and a second end portion pivotally attached to the axle at an upper axle location. The lower control arm has a first end portion pivotally attached to the support system bracket at a lower bracket location, and a second end portion pivotally attached to the axle at a lower axle location.

Abstract: Air damping systems for lift axles are described herein. In some embodiments, lift axle systems configured in accordance with the present technology can include one or more air springs for carrying vehicle sprung mass (“load springs”) and one or more air springs (or, for example, air cylinders) for raising the lift axle (“lift springs”). One or more air lines can be connected between the load springs and the lift springs so that, in operation, compression and extension of the load springs in response to axle movement causes pressurized air to flow back and forth between the load springs and the lift springs. As a result, the lift springs provide an additional volume to receive the pressurized air and provide an opposing spring force to the suspension. Additionally, in some embodiments the air line or lines extending between the load springs and the lift springs can include an air flow restriction and/or other air damping feature.

Abstract: Brackets for mounting auxiliary suspension systems, such as lift axle systems, to vehicles are disclosed herein. For example, brackets are disclosed for attaching lift axle hanger brackets and lift axle load springs to corresponding frame members. In some embodiments, the frame brackets can include physical features (e.g., a series of graduated steps in an edge portion thereof) to facilitate visual alignment of the lift axle with the vehicle frame members during installation. In other embodiments, the frame brackets can be two-piece brackets that enable the load springs to be removed and replaced without having to detach the frame bracket from the frame rail.

Abstract: Lift axle systems for use with trucks and other heavy duty vehicles are described herein. In some embodiments, lift axle systems configured in accordance with the present technology include upper and lower control arms on each side of the vehicle that operably couple an axle to a support system attached to the vehicle chassis. The upper control arm has a first end portion pivotally attached to a support system bracket at an upper bracket location, and a second end portion pivotally attached to the axle at an upper axle location. The lower control arm has a first end portion pivotally attached to the support system bracket at a lower bracket location, and a second end portion pivotally attached to the axle at a lower axle location.

Abstract: An auxiliary axle or lift axle is pivotally mounted to the frame of a vehicle for selectively providing additional flotation for the vehicle. A pair of frame brackets are secured to the frame members of the vehicle and have horizontally disposed mounting plates adjacent to the lower ends thereof. A bracket member extends downwardly from one end of the mounting plate and has a pair of spaced-apart slots formed therein. A bracket member also extends downwardly from the other end of the frame bracket and has a pair of spaced-apart first and second slots formed therein. The hanger brackets are adjustably secured to the bracket members to permit the axle assembly to be mounted on frame members having varying distances therebetween and having varying frame thicknesses. The novel method of securing the hanger brackets to the frame brackets is also disclosed.

Abstract: An adjustment mechanism for adjustably aligning the bushing pin of a hanger bracket to which a lift arm of a lift axle suspension system is secured. The adjustment mechanism may also be used for adjustably aligning the bushing pin of an auxiliary axle which is of the non-lift type. The adjustment mechanism may also be used for adjustably aligning the bushing pin of a primary axle. More particularly, the invention relates to an adjustable alignment mechanism of the type described which includes an improved pointer device which visually indicates the alignment position of the bushing pin. Even more particularly, this invention relates to an improved means for securing the bushing pin in its aligned position.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting caskets in a small van including upper and lower decks with the upper deck being movably mounted, with respect to the lower deck, from a lower position wherein the upper deck is adjacent the lower deck to an upper position wherein the upper deck is spaced above the lower deck so that both of the decks may support caskets or the like thereon. The apparatus includes rear supports or legs which are selectively longitudinally adjustably secured to horizontally extending beams so that the apparatus may be placed in vans having wheel housings extending into the cargo compartment thereof.

Abstract: A casket transporter which is positioned in a vehicle and which is adapted to support a pair of caskets on a lower deck and a pair of caskets on an upper deck. The upper deck is movable from a transport position to a loading position.

Abstract: A double-deck support suited for supporting and transporting multiple caskets, cots, stretchers, cremation trays or the like in a vehicle such as a van. A lower deck is secured to the floor of the vane and an upper deck is pivotally mounted above the lower deck and which may be moved between upper and lower positions with respect to the lower deck by means of a parallelogram-type connection controlled by electric actuators.