Side suspension system for a monorail car

Abstract

A side suspension system for mounting guide wheels to a monorail frame. The side suspension system includes a supporting member and a pivot assembly. The supporting member itself includes at least one wheel attachment site and at least one frame attachment site. The wheel attachment site of the supporting member is adapted to receive a guide wheel, and defines a first axis of rotation about which rotates the guide wheel. The pivot assembly is adapted to engage the supporting member at the frame attachment site, and is operative to pivotably mount the supporting member to the monorail frame. The pivot assembly defines a second axis of rotation about which pivots the supporting member, the second axis of rotation being substantially parallel to the first axis of rotation. The pivot assembly may include first and second adjustment mechanisms which, when the supporting member is mounted to the monorail frame, allow for the adjustment of first and second alignment parameters, respectively, of the guide wheels. The second adjustment mechanism is independent from the first adjustment mechanism, whereby an adjustment by one of the first and second adjustment mechanisms to the respective one of the first and second alignment parameters does not affect the other one of the first and second alignment parameters.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of monorails. More specifically, the present invention relates to a side suspension system for a monorail car.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0002] As embodied and broadly described herein, the present invention provides a side suspension system for mounting guide wheels to a monorail frame. The side suspension system includes a supporting member and a pivot assembly. The supporting member itself includes at least one wheel attachment site and at least one frame attachment site. The wheel attachment site of the supporting member is adapted to receive a guide wheel, and defines a first axis of rotation about which rotates the guide wheel. The pivot assembly is adapted to engage the supporting member at the frame attachment site, and is operative to pivotably mount the supporting member to the monorail frame. The pivot assembly defines a second axis of rotation about which pivots the supporting member, the second axis of rotation being substantially parallel to the first axis of rotation.

[0003] The pivot assembly may include first and second adjustment mechanisms which, when the supporting member is mounted to the monorail frame, allow for the adjustment of first and second alignment parameters, respectively, of the guide wheels. The second adjustment mechanism is independent from the first adjustment mechanism, whereby an adjustment by one of the first and second adjustment mechanisms to the respective one of the first and second alignment parameters does not affect the other one of the first and second alignment parameters.

[0004] As further embodied and broadly described herein, the present invention provides a monorail car comprising a body, a frame and a side suspension system. The body of the monorail car has a forward end portion, a rearward end portion, an upper side and an underside. The frame is connected to the underside of the body for supporting the body on a monorail track having a pair of side surfaces. The side suspension system includes at least two supporting members and at least two pivot assemblies, each supporting member being located adjacent a respective side surface of the frame. Each supporting member includes at least one wheel attachment site and a frame attachment site. The wheel attachment site of each supporting member is adapted to receive a guide wheel, whereby the guide wheel is positioned to roll along the respective side surface of the monorail track. Each pivot assembly is adapted to engage a respective supporting member at the frame attachment site for pivotably mounting the respective supporting member to the frame. Each pivot assembly defines an axis of rotation that is substantially perpendicular to the direction of motion of the monorail car and about which pivots the respective supporting member.

[0005] As further embodied and broadly described herein, the present invention provides a side suspension system for mounting guide wheels to a monorail frame. The side suspension system includes a supporting member, a pivot assembly and first and second adjustment mechanisms. The supporting member itself includes at least one wheel attachment site, as well as at least one frame attachment site. The wheel attachment site is adapted to receive a guide wheel and defines a first axis of rotation about which rotates the guide wheel. The pivot assembly is adapted to engage the supporting member at the frame attachment site, and is operative to pivotably mount the supporting member to the monorail frame. When the supporting member is mounted to the monorail frame, the first adjustment mechanism allows for the adjustment of a first alignment parameter of the guide wheel, while the second adjustment mechanism allows for the adjustment of a second alignment parameter of the guide wheel. The second adjustment mechanism is independent from the first adjustment mechanism, whereby an adjustment by one of the first and second adjustment mechanisms to the respective one of the first and second alignment parameters does not affect the other one of the first and second alignment parameters.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] A detailed description of examples of implementation of the present invention is provided hereinbelow with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[0007] FIG. 1 is a front plan view of a monorail car, in accordance with a specific example of implementation of the present invention;

[0008] FIG. 2 is a side plan view of the monorail car shown in FIG. 1;

[0009] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the side suspension system of the monorail car shown in FIGS. I and 2, in accordance with a specific example of implementation of the present invention;

[0010] FIG. 4 is an enlarged top plan view of a first pivot assembly of the side suspension system shown in FIG. 3, in accordance with a specific example of implementation of the present invention;

[0011] FIG. 5 is an enlarged side plan view of a second pivot assembly of the side suspension system shown in FIG. 3, in accordance with a specific example of implementation of the present invention;

[0012] FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C are perspective, side and cross-sectional views of a pivot bracket, in accordance with a specific example of implementation of the present invention;

[0013] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the first pivot assembly shown in FIG. 4, taken along lines X-X of FIG. 4;

[0014] FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate the principles of the camber and toe alignment parameters of the guide wheels of a monorail car.

[0015] In the drawings, embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example. It is to be expressly understood that the description and drawings are only for the purposes of illustration and as an aid to understanding, and are not intended to be a definition of the limits of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an example of a monorail car 10 (shown in dotted lines) having forward and rearward end portions, an upper side and an underside. The monorail car 10 is supported along monorail track 12 by a monorail frame 14. The monorail track 12 includes a top surface 22, two side surfaces 24 and a bottom surface 26. Typically, the monorail track 12 is implemented by a concrete beam.

[0017] The monorail frame 14 is adapted to be connected to the underside of the monorail car, in order to support the vehicle body on the monorail track 12. Various different structural implementations of the monorail frame 14 exist and may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. For more information on specific examples of implementation of the monorail frame 14, reference may be made to the co-pending patent application entitled A Monorail Frame, concurrently filed in the name of inventor Samuel Lai.

[0018] As can be seen in FIG. 2, two load-carrying wheels 18 and eight guide wheels 20 are mounted to monorail frame 14. Note that only four guide wheels 20 are shown in FIG. 2, the other four being located on the other side of the frame 14. More or less load-carrying wheels 18 and guide wheels 20 can be mounted to monorail frame 14 depending on the specific performance characteristics desired.

[0019] When in use, the load-carrying wheels 18 are positioned vertically with respect to the ground, and are adapted to engage and roll along the top surface 22 of the monorail track 12. The load-carrying wheels 18 are mounted at either end of the monorail frame 14 and are adapted to support the vertical load of the monorail car, as well as the dynamic loads associated with the braking and accelerating of the monorail car. It is not deemed necessary to discuss either the functionality or the structural implementation of the load-carrying wheels 18 and their associated mounting structure in further detail, since these features are well known to those skilled in the art and are not critical to the success of the present invention.

[0020] Four guide wheels 20 are mounted in pairs on either side of the monorail frame 14. When in use, the guide wheels 20 are positioned horizontally with respect to the ground, and are adapted to engage and roll along one of the side surfaces 24 of the monorail track 12. The location of the guide wheels 20 relative to the load-carrying wheels 18 assures a smooth movement of the monorail frame 14 on the monorail track 12.

[0021] Specific to the present invention, a novel side suspension system is provided to mount each pair of guide wheels 20 to the monorail frame 14.

[0022] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the side suspension system 30 of the monorail car 10. The side suspension system 30 includes a supporting member 32 having a body 33 that defines a pair of wheel attachment sites 36 and a pair of frame attachment sites 38. Each wheel attachment site 36 is adapted to receive a guide wheel 20 and defines an axis of rotation 40 about which rotates the respective guide wheel 20 once mounted thereto. The wheel attachment sites 36 are located substantially opposite one another on the body 33 of the supporting member 32, such that they define a common axis of rotation 40 for the guide wheels 20. Alternatively, the wheel attachment sites 36 may be offset with respect to each other, such that they define a pair of rotation axes 40 that are substantially parallel to one another.

[0023] A wheel installation structure 41 is provided for each guide wheel 20, in order to mount the guide wheel 20 to the respective wheel attachment site 36 of the supporting member 32. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the wheel installation structures 41 are eccentric, allowing for minor adjustments to be made to the center of rotation of each guide wheel 20 in order to compensate for tire wear that may occur over time. The structure and functionality of eccentric wheel installation structures are well known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in further detail. Note however that various different implementations of the wheel installation structures 41 exist and are included within the scope of the present invention.

[0024] The side suspension system 30 also includes first and second pivot assemblies 42 and 44, each of which engages the supporting member 32 at a respective one of the frame attachment sites 38. Each pivot assembly 42, 44 is operative to pivotably mount the supporting member 32 to the monorail frame 14 at the respective frame attachment site 38. Together, the pivot assemblies 42 and 44 define an axis of rotation 46 about which pivots the supporting member 32, where this axis of rotation 46 is substantially parallel to the axis of rotation 40 of the wheel attachment sites 36.

[0025] Advantageously, when the monorail car is in motion, the axis of rotation 46 of the supporting member 32 is substantially perpendicular to the direction of motion of the monorail car, thus preventing any lateral movement, or scrubbing, of the guide wheel tires against the monorail track 12.

[0026] Under the present invention, one or both of the pivot assemblies 42, 44 may include an adjustment mechanism which, in use, will allow for the adjustment of at least one alignment parameter of the guide wheels 20, such as camber or toe. This adjustment mechanism will be discussed in further detail below.

[0027] Each frame attachment site 38 of the supporting member 32 is characterized by a pair of lugs 48 adapted to be engaged by the respective pivot assembly 42, 44. These lugs 48 are integrally formed in the supporting member 32 at the designated frame attachment sites 38. Alternatively, a separate sub-assembly defining the lugs 48 may be fixedly attached to the supporting member 32, using mechanical fasteners, adhesive or welding, among other possibilities.

[0028] Each lug 48 has a proximal end adjacent to the body 33 of the supporting member 32 and a distal end that is remote from the body 33 of the supporting member 32. An aperture (not shown) is formed in each lug 48 at the distal end thereof.

[0029] FIG. 4 is an enlarged, top plan view of first pivot assembly 42, while FIG. 5 is an enlarged side plan view of second pivot assembly 44. Each pivot assembly 42, 44 includes a mounting structure 52 for securing the pivot assembly 42, 44 to the monorail frame 14.

[0030] In the examples shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the mounting structure 52 for each pivot assembly 42, 44 includes a pivot bracket 54 and a set of bolts 56. The pivot bracket 54 is fixedly attached to the monorail frame 14 by the bolts 56. Alternatively, the pivot brackets 54 may be mounted to the monorail frame 14 using different types of mechanical fasteners.

[0031] As shown more clearly in the perspective, side and cross-sectional views shown in FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C, respectively, each pivot bracket 54 includes a bore 57 in which is mounted a spherical bearing 59. The truncated sphere 60 of the spherical bearing 59 is free to rotate within its cage 58 about several different axes of rotation, and defines a hollow, cylindrical passage 62 therethrough. The structure and operation of such spherical bearings are well known in the art and, as such, will not be discussed in further detail.

[0032] Each pivot assembly 42, 44 also includes a fastener, in this example bolt 64, which is operative to engage the cylindrical passage 62 of the respective spherical bearing 60, as well as the aperture of each grasp arm 48 of the respective frame attachment site 38.

[0033] In use, the bolt 64 is tightly fastened (i.e. the nut is tightened on the screw), such that the grasp arms 48 of the respective frame attachment site 38 and the housing 58 of the pivot bracket 54 are firmly retained together in the pivot assembly arrangement. This arrangement can be seen more clearly in the cross-sectional view of pivot assembly 42 shown in FIG. 7, taken along lines X-X of FIG. 4. Note that the arrangement of pivot assembly 44 is similar to that of pivot assembly 42, as shown in FIG. 7.

[0034] Thus, in both pivot assemblies 42 and 44, as the spherical bearing 60 rotates within the housing 58, the bolt 64 as well as the grasp arms 48 of the supporting member 32 will rotate with the spherical bearing 60. Accordingly, each pivot assembly 42, 44 allows for rotation of the supporting member 32 about the axis of rotation 46. Such a rotation of the supporting member 32 becomes necessary, for example, when the monorail car 10 is in motion and one or both of the guide wheels 20 must go over an irregularity in the side surface 24 of the monorail track 12, or when the monorail car 10 enters a curve. Since the supporting member 32 will rotate about an axis of rotation 46 that is perpendicular to the direction of motion of the monorail car 10, there is no scrubbing of the tires of guide wheels 20 against the side surface 24 of the monorail track 12.

[0035] Optionally, the mounting structure 52 for each pivot assembly 42, 44 includes an adjustment mechanism that allows for the adjustment of an alignment parameter of the guide wheels 20. Examples of such an alignment parameter include camber and toe, both well known to those skilled in the art, the principles of which are illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B. Typically, over time, one or both of a pair of guide wheels 20 of the monorail car 10 may become slightly out of alignment with the direction of motion of the vehicle, and require an adjustment to either the camber or the toe parameter in order to prevent an excessive amount of tire wear due to the misalignment. This misalignment may be caused by a slight displacement of the wheel installation structure 41 over time or by natural wear to the components. Also, an initial adjustment of the camber and toe parameters is typically necessary to compensate for manufacturing variations.

[0036] In the non-limiting example of implementation shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, the mounting structure 52 of pivot assembly 42 includes a first adjustment mechanism 68, while the mounting structure 52 of pivot assembly 44 includes a second adjustment mechanism 70. The first adjustment mechanism 68, also referred to as a toe adjustment mechanism, allows for bi-directional displacements of the pivot assembly 42 on the monorail frame 14, along a longitudinal axis 72 of the monorail frame 14. Such a longitudinal displacement of the pivot assembly 42 results in an adjustment to the toe parameter of the pair of guide wheels 20, since the supporting member 32, and thus the pair of guide wheels 20 will be forced to rotate as the pivot assembly 42 is displaced longitudinally. The amount of rotation by the supporting member 32 is proportional to the amount of longitudinal displacement by the pivot assembly 42.

[0037] Similarly, the second adjustment mechanism 70, also referred to as a camber adjustment mechanism, allows for bi-directional displacements of the pivot assembly 44 on the monorail frame 14, along a lateral axis 74 of the monorail frame 14. Such a lateral displacement of the pivot assembly 44 results in an adjustment to the camber parameter of the pair of guide wheels 20, since the supporting member 32, and thus the pair of guide wheels 20 will be forced to tilt as the pivot assembly 44 is displaced laterally. The amount of tilt by the supporting member 32 is proportional to the amount of lateral displacement by the pivot assembly 44.

[0038] Specific to the present invention, the direction of adjustment of the toe adjustment mechanism 68 is substantially perpendicular to the direction of adjustment of the camber adjustment mechanism 70. As a result, the toe and camber adjustment mechanisms 68 and 70 are independent from one another, such that each parameter may be adjusted independently. In other words, an adjustment to the toe parameter of the guide wheels 20 does not affect the camber of the guide wheels 20, and vice versa.

[0039] Note that it is the free rotation of the spherical bearings 59 of the pivot assemblies 42 and 44 that allows for each pivot assembly 42, 44 to be displaced on the monorail frame 14 independently of the other. More particularly, since a displacement, either longitudinal or lateral, of a pivot assembly 42, 44 on the monorail frame 14 necessarily causes a rotation or tilt of the supporting member 32, this supporting member 32 must be free to rotate or tilt as directed by the displacement of the pivot assembly 42, 44. For example, when pivot assembly 42 is displaced longitudinally on the monorail frame 14 by the toe adjustment mechanism 68, the pivot assembly 44 maintains its position with respect to the monorail frame 14. However, the spherical bearing 59 of the pivot assembly 44 rotates in order to allow the supporting member 32 to follow the displacement of the pivot assembly 42. A similar situation occurs when pivot assembly 44 is displaced laterally on the monorail frame 14.

[0040] In the example shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, both the toe and camber adjustment mechanisms 68 and 70 are realized by one or more shims 76 that may be inserted between the base 78 of the pivot bracket 54 and the monorail frame 14. These shims 76 are retained in place by the bolts 56. Longitudinal displacements of the pivot assembly 42 on the monorail frame 14, as well as lateral displacements of the pivot assembly 44 on the monorail frame 14, are effected by adding or removing one or more shims 76 to or from the respective mounting structure 52.

[0041] For example, with reference to FIG. 5, the insertion of one or more additional shims 76 between the base 78 and the monorail frame 14 would cause the pivot assembly 44 to move along the lateral axis 74, away from the monorail frame 14. As the pivot assembly 44 is displaced laterally, the camber of the guide wheels 20 will adjust accordingly.

[0042] In another example, with reference to FIG. 4, the removal of one or more shims 76 from between the base 78 and the monorail frame 14 would cause the pivot assembly 42 to shift on the monorail frame 14 along the longitudinal axis 72, away from the guide wheels 20. As the pivot assembly 42 is displaced longitudinally, the toe of the guide wheels 20 will adjust accordingly.

[0043] Thus, by manipulating the shims 76 of the pivot assemblies 42, 44, including adding and removing shims 76 of varying widths, it is possible to adjust the toe and camber of the guide wheels 20. Note that when shims 76 are added to or removed from the pivot assembly 42, the toe of the guide wheels 20 is adjusted while the camber remains unchanged. Similarly, when shims 76 are added to or removed from the pivot assembly 44, the camber of the guide wheels 20 is adjusted while the toe remains unchanged.

[0044] Such use of shims to level or adjust a fit is well known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in further detail.

[0045] Note that, in order to add or remove a shim 76 to or from a mounting structure 52, the respective bolts 56 are loosened and removed, thus allowing for the shims 76 positioned between the pivot bracket 54 and the monorail frame 14 to be accessed and manipulated.

[0046] Alternatively, different types of mechanical devices may be used to realize the toe and camber adjustment mechanisms 68, 70. One specific, non-limiting example is the use of bi-directional threaded screws. Such a screw is characterized by opposite-direction thread at each end. In use, one end of the screw is attached to the monorail frame 14, while the other is attached to the pivot bracket 54. As the screw is turned, the pivot bracket 54, and thus the respective pivot assembly 42, 44 and the supporting member 32, will move in the opposite direction of the monorail frame 14. The direction of rotation of the screw determines whether the pivot assembly 42, 44 and the monorail frame 14 move away from each other or towards one another.

[0047] In a variant example of implementation, the side suspension system 30 is operative to mount more or less than two guide wheels 20 to the monorail car 10. In such a case, the supporting member 32 defines the same number of wheel attachment sites 36 as the number of guide wheels 20 to be mounted to the side suspension system 30. Note that, for each monorail car 10, there are typically at least two side suspension systems 30 mounted to the monorail frame 14, on each side of the frame 14.

[0048] In another variant, the side suspension system 30 includes a single pivot assembly for pivotably mounting the supporting member 32 to the monorail frame 14, the supporting member 32 being characterized by a single frame attachment site 38 for engagement by the pivot assembly. In this case, the mounting structure 52 of the single pivot assembly may include one or more adjustment mechanisms allowing for the adjustment of one or more alignment parameters of the guide wheel(s) 20. Note that the mounting structure 52 of the single pivot assembly may include either one or both of the toe and camber adjustment mechanisms 68, 70 described above.

[0049] Note that the side suspension system 30 may also include more than two pivot assemblies, in which case the supporting member 32 would typically be characterized by the same number of frame attachment sites 38 as the number of pivot assemblies.

[0050] Although various embodiments have been illustrated, his was for the purpose of describing, but not limiting, the invention. Various modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art and are within the scope of this invention, which is defined more particularly by the attached claims.

Claims

1. A side suspension system for mounting guide wheels to a monorail frame, said side suspension system comprising:

a supporting member including:

a) at least one wheel attachment site adapted to receive a guide wheel, said wheel attachment site defining a first axis of rotation about which rotates the guide wheel;

b) at least one frame attachment site;

a pivot assembly adapted to engage said supporting member at said frame attachment site and being operative to pivotably mount said supporting member to the monorail frame, said pivot assembly defining a second axis of rotation that is substantially parallel to said first axis of rotation and about which pivots said supporting member.

2. A side suspension system as defined in claim 1, wherein said side suspension system her includes an adjustment mechanism which, when said supporting member is mounted to the monorail frame, allows for the adjustment of at least one alignment parameter of the guide wheels.

3. A side suspension system as defined in claim 2, wherein said side suspension system includes:

a first adjustment mechanism which, when said supporting member is mounted to the monorail frame, allows for the adjustment of a first alignment parameter of the guide wheel;

a second adjustment mechanism which, when said supporting member is mounted to the monorail frame, allows for the adjustment of a second alignment parameter of the guide wheel, said second adjustment mechanism being independent from said first adjustment mechanism whereby an adjustment by one of said first and second adjustment mechanisms to the respective one of the first and second alignment parameters does not affect the other one of the first and second alignment parameters.

4. A side suspension system as defined in claim 3, wherein said first and second adjustment mechanisms are independent, whereby an adjustment by one of said adjustment mechanisms to the respective one of the alignment parameters does not affect the other alignment parameter.

5. A side suspension system as defined in claim 4, wherein said first adjustment mechanism is characterized by a first direction of adjustment, said second adjustment mechanism being characterized by a second direction of adjustment that is substantially perpendicular to the first direction of adjustment of said first adjustment mechanism.

6. A side suspension system as defined in claim 5, wherein said frame attachment site includes a pair of lugs adapted to be engaged by said pivot assembly.

7. A side suspension system as defined in claim 6, wherein said frame attachment site is a first frame attachment site and said pivot assembly is a first pivot assembly, said supporting member further including a second frame attachment site and said side suspension system further including a second pivot assembly, said first and second pivot assemblies adapted to engage said supporting member at said first and second frame attachment sites, respectively, and being operative to pivotably mount said supporting member to the monorail frame, said first and second pivot assemblies together defining said second axis of rotation that is substantially parallel to said first axis of rotation and about which pivots said supporting member.

8. A side suspension system as defined in claim 7, wherein said first pivot assembly includes a first mounting structure and said second pivot assembly includes a second mounting structure, said first and second mounting structures operative to secure said first and second pivot assemblies, respectively, to the monorail frame, said first mounting structure including said first adjustment mechanism and said second mounting structure including said second adjustment mechanism.

9. A side suspension system as defined in claim 3, wherein said first alignment parameter is camber and said second alignment parameter is toe.

10. A side suspension system as defined 3, wherein said first and second adjustment mechanisms are shims.

11. A side suspension system as defined in claim 3, wherein said first and second adjustment mechanisms are bidirectional threaded screws.

12. A side suspension system as defined in claim 7, wherein each of said first and second pivot assemblies includes a fastener, each of said first and second mounting structures including a pivot bracket characterized by a spherical bearing for engagement by said fastener.

13. A side suspension system as defined in claim 12, wherein said fastener further engages each one of said pair of lugs of said respective frame attachment site, for retaining said lugs to the respective pivot assembly

14. A side suspension system as defined in claim 13, wherein said fastener is a bolt.

15. A side suspension system as defined in claim 1, wherein said supporting member includes a pair of wheel attachment sites, each wheel attachment site adapted to receive a respective guide wheel.

16. A side suspension system as defined in claim 15, wherein said wheel attachment sites are positioned on said supporting member in a substantially opposing relationship.

17. A side suspension system as defined in claim 16, wherein the first axis of rotation defined by one of said wheel attachment sites is substantially parallel to the first axis of rotation defined by the other one of said wheel attachment sites.

18. A side suspension system as defined in claim 17, wherein both wheel attachment sites define the same first axis of rotation, about which rotate both guide wheels.

19. A side suspension system for mounting guide wheels to a monorail frame, said side suspension system comprising:

a supporting member including:

a) at least one wheel attachment site adapted to receive a guide wheel, said wheel attachment site defining a first axis of rotation about which rotates the guide wheel;

b) at least one frame attachment site;

a pivot assembly adapted to engage said supporting member at said frame attachment site and being operative to pivotably mount said supporting member to the monorail frame;

a first adjustment mechanism which, when said supporting member is mounted to the monorail frame, allows for the adjustment of a first alignment parameter of the guide wheel;

a second adjustment mechanism which, when said supporting member is mounted to the monorail frame, allows for the adjustment of a second alignment parameter of the guide wheel, said second adjustment mechanism being independent from said first adjustment mechanism whereby an adjustment by one of said first and second adjustment mechanisms to the respective one of the first and second alignment parameters does not affect the other one of the first and second alignment parameters.

20. A side suspension system as defined in claim 19, wherein said first adjustment mechanism is characterized by a first direction of adjustment, said second adjustment mechanism being characterized by a second direction of adjustment that is substantially perpendicular to the first direction of adjustment of said first adjustment mechanism.

21. A side suspension system as defined in claim 19, wherein said first alignment parameter is camber and said second alignment parameter is toe.

22. A side suspension system as defined 19, wherein said first and second adjustment mechanisms are shims.

23. A side suspension system as defined in claim 19, wherein said first and second adjustment mechanisms are bi-directional threaded screws.

24. A side suspension system as defined in claim 19, wherein said Same attachment site is a first frame attachment site and said pivot assembly is a first pivot assembly, said supporting member faker including a second frame attachment site and said side suspension system further including a second pivot assembly, said first and second pivot assemblies adapted to engage said supporting member at said first and second frame attachment sites, respectively, and being operative to pivotably mount said supporting member to the monorail frame, said first and second pivot assemblies together defining a second axis of rotation that is substantially parallel to said first axis of rotation and about which pivots said supporting member.

25. A side suspension system as defined in claim 24, wherein said first pivot assembly includes a first mounting structure and said second pivot assembly includes a second mounting structure, said first and second mounting structures operative to secure said first and second pivot assemblies, respectively, to the monorail frame, said first mounting structure including said first adjustment mechanism and said second mounting structure including said second adjustment mechanism.

26. A side suspension system as defined in claim 25, wherein each of said first and second frame attachment sites includes a pair of lugs adapted to be engaged by said first and second pivot assemblies respectively.

27. A side suspension system as defined in claim 26, wherein each of said first and second pivot assemblies includes a fastener, each of said first and second mounting structures including a pivot bracket characterized by a spherical bearing for engagement by said fastener.

28. A side suspension system as defined in claim 27, wherein said fastener further engages each one of said pair of lugs of said respective frame attachment site, for retaining said lugs to the respective pivot assembly.

29. A side suspension system as defined in claim 28, wherein said fastener is a bolt.

30. A monorail car comprising:

a body having a forward end portion, a rearward end portion, an upper side and an underside;

a frame connected to said underside for supporting said body on a monorail track having a pair of side surfaces;

a side suspension system including:

a) at least two supporting members, each supporting member being located adjacent a respective side surface of said frame, each supporting member having:

(1) at least one wheel attachment site adapted to receive a guide wheel, whereby the guide wheel is positioned to roll along the respective side surface of the monorail track;

(2) a frame attachment site;

b) at least two pivot assemblies, each pivot assembly adapted to engage a respective supporting member at said frame attachment site for pivotably mounting said respective supporting member to said frame, each pivot assembly defining an axis of rotation that is substantially perpendicular to the direction of motion of the monorail car and about which pivots said respective supporting member.

31. A monorail car comprising:

a body having a forward end portion, a rearward end portion, an upper side and an underside;

a frame connected to said underside for supporting said body on a monorail track having a pair of side surfaces;

a side suspension system including:

a) a supporting member including:

(1) at least one wheel attachment site adapted to receive a guide wheel, said wheel attachment site defining a first axis of rotation about which rotates the guide wheel;

(2) at least one frame attachment site;

b) a pivot assembly adapted to engage said supporting member at said frame attachment site for pivotably mounting said supporting member to said frame;

c) a first adjustment mechanism which allows for the adjustment of a first alignment parameter of the guide wheel;

d) a second adjustment mechanism which allows for the adjustment of a second alignment parameter of the guide wheel, said second adjustment mechanism being independent from said first adjustment mechanism whereby an adjustment by one of said first and second adjustment mechanisms to the respective one of the first and second alignment parameters does not affect the other one of the first and second alignment parameters.

32. In combination:

a monorail frame for supporting a vehicle body on a monorail track having a pair of side surfaces, said monorail frame defining a longitudinal axis;

a side suspension system for mounting guide wheels to said monorail frame, said side suspension system comprising:

a) a supporting member including:

(1) at least one wheel attachment site adapted to receive a guide wheel, whereby the guide wheel is positioned to roll along one of the side surfaces of the monorail track;

(2) at least one frame attachment site;

b) a pivot assembly adapted to engage said supporting member at said frame attachment site for pivotably mounting said supporting member to the monorail frame, said pivot assembly defining an axis of rotation that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said monorail frame and about which pivots said supporting member.

33. A combination as defined in claim 31, wherein said side suspension system further includes:

a first adjustment mechanism which allows for the adjustment of a first alignment parameter of the guide wheel;

a second adjustment mechanism which allows for the adjustment of a second alignment parameter of the guide wheel, said second adjustment mechanism being independent from said first adjustment mechanism whereby an adjustment by one of said first and second adjustment mechanisms to the respective one of the first and second alignment parameters does not affect the other one of the first and second alignment parameters.