Abstract: A suspension system for a vehicle chassis includes a pair of trailing arms, a pair of air springs and a guiding assembly for preventing lateral loads from being transferred to the air springs. Each trailing arm is pivotally mounted to the vehicle chassis so as to permit an arcuate movement of the vehicle axle. A first lateral surface faces in a first lateral direction and a second lateral surface faces in an opposite second lateral direction. The guiding assembly includes a first guide element mounted beneath the vehicle chassis which extends proximate the first lateral surface so as to block lateral movement thereof in the first lateral direction. The guiding assembly further includes a second guide element mounted beneath the vehicle chassis and which extends proximate the second lateral surface so as to block lateral movement thereof in the second lateral direction. The suspension system can be adapted to a tandem suspension.

Abstract: A pivot assembly for a tandem suspension is provided which includes a balancer and an elastomeric assembly operable to allow the balancer to rotate about a vehicle chassis. In addition, an elastomeric assembly for a suspension system is provided which includes an elastomeric element provided with a slot for allowing a deformation in response to a tension load imparted by a balancer, and a groove for preventing bulging in response to a compression load imparted by the balancer. A balancer for a vehicle suspension is also provided which includes first and second plates, an open area formed between the plates, an engaging member provided within the open area and first and second pins which define an axis of rotation about which the balancer is rotatable. A kit for the pivot assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A pivot assembly for a tandem suspension is provided which includes a balancer and an elastomeric assembly operable to allow the balancer to rotate about a vehicle chassis. In addition, an elastomeric assembly for a suspension system is provided which includes an elastomeric element provided with a slot for allowing a deformation in response to a tension load imparted by a balancer, and a groove for preventing bulging in response to a compression load imparted by the balancer. A balancer for a vehicle suspension is also provided which includes first and second plates, an open area formed between the plates, an engaging member provided within the open area and first and second pins which define an axis of rotation about which the balancer is rotatable. A kit for the pivot assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A pivot assembly for a tandem suspension is provided which includes a balancer and an elastomeric assembly operable to allow the balancer to rotate about a vehicle chassis. In addition, an elastomeric assembly for a suspension system is provided which includes an elastomeric element provided with a slot for allowing a deformation in response to a tension load imparted by a balancer, and a groove for preventing bulging in response to a compression load imparted by the balancer. A balancer for a vehicle suspension is also provided which includes first and second plates, an open area formed between the plates, an engaging member provided within the open area and first and second pins which define an axis of rotation about which the balancer is rotatable. A kit for the pivot assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A pivot assembly for a tandem suspension is provided which includes a balancer and an elastomeric assembly operable to allow the balancer to rotate about a vehicle chassis. In addition, an elastomeric assembly for a suspension system is provided which includes an elastomeric element provided with a slot for allowing a deformation in response to a tension load imparted by a balancer, and a groove for preventing bulging in response to a compression load imparted by the balancer. A balancer for a vehicle suspension is also provided which includes first and second plates, an open area formed between the plates, an engaging member provided within the open area and first and second pins which define an axis of rotation about which the balancer is rotatable. A kit for the pivot assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A mechanical linkage assembly for a multiple-axle vehicle is provided, this vehicle having both front and rear wheels steering systems. The linkage assembly includes a front linkage gear mechanism connected to the front steering system and transforming the steering movement therefrom into a rotation movement, and a rear linkage gear mechanism connected to the rear steering system and transforming this rotation movement into a rear wheels steering movement. A shaft or other connecting component connects the front and rear linkage gears mechanism to transmit the rotation movement therebetween. Independent hydraulic control of the front and rear steering gears may also advantageously be provided.

Abstract: A triple axle suspension for use in a vehicle having a front axle, a medium axle and a rear axle mounted in triple axle relationship. It makes use of rigid beams to support the axles. It also makes use of equalizers to interconnect the beams, and it is devised in such a manner that one end of each beam is free to slide within the adjacent supporting structure. This suspension is very simple in structure and very efficient to equalize the load of any axle over all the axles of the triple axle suspension. When the axles are motorized, the suspension is also efficient to balance the pulls exerted by the wheels supported by the axles.

Abstract: A tridem axle suspension for use in a vehicle having a front axle, a medium axle and a rear axle mounted in tridem relationship. It makes use of rigid beams to support the axles. It also makes use of equalizers to interconnect the beams, and it is devised in such a manner that one end of each beam is free to slide within the adjacent supporting structure. This suspension is very simple in structure and very efficient to equalize the load of any axle over all the axles of the tridem. When the axles are motorized, the suspension is also efficient to balance the pulls exerted by the wheels supported by the axles.