Abstract: A suspension assembly comprising a combination torque rod and sway bar is shown and described. In a preferred embodiment, the assembly comprises two arms that are pivotally coupled at a first end to a first and second end of a crossmember, the second ends of the arms being coupled to a vehicle axle. By providing a suspension assembly in this manner, the arms function as torque rods to absorb the longitudinal stresses generated by the acceleration and deceleration of the vehicle. The arms also work in combination with the crossmember to function as a sway bar, the pivotal coupling between the arms and crossmember allowing the assembly to transfer vertical forces from one side to the other, while still allowing the axle to cross-articulate. In this manner, the number of components, weight, and cost of manufacture is minimized, traction is improved, and component fatigue and failure is minimized.

Abstract: A V-bar suspension linkage is shown and described. In a preferred embodiment, two arms are mounted between the axle and the vehicle frame rails, the arms extending outwardly at an angle to each other to form a "V" shaped linkage, having its vertex at the axle. The first end of each arm is coupled to the axle via a vertically oriented bushing pin that is secured to an axle bracket which in turn is mounted on the axle. By vertically mounting the bushing pins, the ends of the arms may be closer together, thereby increasing the angle between the arms and reducing the stresses in the arms and bushings. The distal end of each arm is coupled to a frame rail via a vertically oriented bushing pin that is secured in place by anchor lugs that are provided on upper and lower gussets that form part of the vehicle frame assembly. The pitch and lateral placement of the axle is easily adjusted at the axle via use of spacers between the axle bracket and bushing pins.

Abstract: A vehicle having four-wheel steering is disclosed. The rotation of the steering wheel is transferred through a steering gear to a double pitman arm. A drag link is coupled to one end of the double pitman arm and to the front-wheel steering control arm. A second drag link is pivotally coupled to the other end of the double pitman arm and to a sliding link. The sliding link extends from a position adjacent the steering gear to a position adjacent the rear axle. A drag link is pivotally coupled from the other end of the sliding link to an idler arm. The idler arm is pivotally coupled to the frame of the vehicle. Another drag link is pivotally coupled to the idler arm and also to the rear-wheel steering control arm. Rotation of the steering gear causes the double pitman arm to pivot about a central pivot point. As the double pitman arm pivots, the sliding rod moves axially fore or aft, causing the idler arm adjacent the rear axle to pivot.

Abstract: An improved flatrack loading system and method for a palletized loading system for loading flatracks with palletized cargo and containers onto a cargo trailer, which allow quick, efficient, and accurate loading even on rough terrain. Skid plates on the rear end of the flatrack slide along smooth slide tracks on the trailer and are automatically affixed to the rear of the trailer on contact. The front end of the flatrack is automatically aligned along the skid tracks with the front of the trailer for easy manual affixation.