Abstract: An apparatus comprising a front flatbed trailer section, a rear flatbed trailer section, a first support assembly carried by one of the front and rear flatbed trailer sections, and wherein the first support assembly at least partially disengages the other of the front and rear flatbed trailer sections. A method of extending a trailer comprising the steps of providing a first flatbed trailer section and a second flatbed trailer section with a slide member and a first support assembly, displacing the first support assembly in a first direction, separating the first and second flatbed trailer sections in a vertical direction, and moving one of the first and second flatbed trailer sections in a horizontal direction relative to the other of the first and second flatbed trailer sections.

Abstract: A retractable ramp system mounts a slideable ramp between lateral rail members which extend the length of a truck chassis and a container mounted thereon. The ramp is slideably suspended from a guide rail running parallel to the lateral rail members by means of a carriage component, itself slideably mounted within the guide rail. It is readily and easily extended and retracted by one person. When positioned directly on a truck chassis, the rail system is located above the hydraulic, electrical, and other mechanical systems positioned within the well of the truck chassis, such that the ramp is slideably moveable over these system components without interfering with them or any other part of the truck chassis. The ramp system is conveniently used for loading and off-loading containers which rest on the truck chassis or which are elevated above the chassis.

Abstract: A trailer slider locking system includes body rails longitudinally slidable relative to a suspension frame side rail. The body rails have holes providing multiple suspension positions. A pin locking system includes a pin moveable between retracted and locked positions. An end of the pin is received in one of the holes in the locked position. The pin has a first centerline and the holes have a second centerline. The end of the pin extends through the hole with the centerlines being offset from one another in the locked position. The pin has a tapered end so that the pin will extend through the body rail hole prior to advancing to the fully locked position.

Abstract: A chassis structure for a mid-wheel drive power wheelchair includes a pair of restricting racks each having a first restricting plate and a second restricting plate. Each restricting plate has a slot at a central portion thereof. A first fixing member is inserted through one end of the first restricting plate and the slot of the second restricting plate, and a second fixing member is inserted through one end of the second restricting plate and the slot of the first restricting plate, so that the two restricting plates overlap to extend and restrict with each other for maintaining a steady and balancing ride.

Abstract: A rear axle/suspension module (18) is associated with a chassis frame (10) in a way that facilitates installation and removal to provide more efficient assembly plant operations with fewer parts and less floor space. Also provided is a method of re-equipping a truck that has one particular model of drive axle and suspension module with a different model.

Abstract: A trailer slider assembly includes a handle that moves a trailer slider locking mechanism between an unlocked position and a locked position. A suspension side rail has a retaining feature that holds the handle in the unlocked position. A release mechanism releases the handle from the retaining feature in response to a release of a parking brake. This prevents a vehicle from driving off with the trailer slider locking mechanism in the unlocked position.

Abstract: Method is provided for after market conversion of a 4×4 vehicle produced by a manufacturer into a high mobility vehicle having increased maneuverability and on-road and/or off-road capability, relative to the 4×4 vehicle. The 4×4 vehicle has a chassis with a frame, front axle and rear axle, said chassis having a standard wheelbase. The method includes dismounting at least one of the front axle or rear axle from the frame; shortening said frame; and mounting the dismounted axle to the shortened frame so as to obtain a shortened chassis having a shortened wheelbase which is shorter than any standard wheelbase of the line of models produced by the manufacturer.

Abstract: A trailer slider system includes a body rail that slides longitudinally relative to a suspension frame side rail. One of the rails includes holes that provide multiple suspension positions. The trailer slider system also includes a pin connection assembly having a pin that is arranged to extend into one of the holes in a locked position and retract out of the hole in an unlocked position. A cam is coupled for movement with the pin connection assembly. A tube is coupled with the cam to rotate as the pin moves between the locked and unlocked positions. A pneumatic actuator is coupled with the tube for selectively rotating the tube to move the cam which in turn moves the pin, between the locked and unlocked positions.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for effecting wheelbase adjustment for utility vehicles having one or more axles with wheels, includes one or more adjustment mechanisms to which compressed air can be applied. The adjustment mechanism(s) adjust at least one of the axles in relation to the body of the vehicle. A pressure sensor measures the pressure of the compressed air in the adjustment mechanism(s) and generates corresponding pressure signals. A pulse-controlled valve or, alternatively, a spring-return valve, is employed to optionally feed the compressed air into the adjustment mechanism(s) and discharge the compressed air from the adjustment mechanism(s).

Abstract: A sliding suspension includes a plurality of locking pins that are selectively moved between extended and retracted positions to allow adjustment of the sliding suspension relative to a trailer frame structure. A lever is fixed to a tube that is supported by a cross-member of a slider frame. A cam is supported on the tube for rotational movement relative to the tube. Laterally spaced locking pins each include a pin connection link that is coupled to the cam. Each locking pin includes a single compression spring, and each pin connection link includes a slot, which cooperate with each other to provide independent pin extension at each pin location. A torsion spring is coaxial with the tube and includes one spring end that is coupled to the lever and another spring end that is coupled to the cam. The torsion spring allows the lever to be decoupled from the locking pins if one or more pins are stuck such that the pull handle can be pulled and locked into place to allow adjustment.

Abstract: A disengagement assembly for maintaining a disengaging force on a tandem assembly. The disengagement assembly operates with an actuating arm of a retractable pin assembly of a tandem wherein the actuating arm reciprocates between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The disengagement assembly maintains an applied force on the actuating arm in the disengaged position so that the tandem remains in a movable relationship with respect to frame members of a trailer.

Abstract: A frame or subframe for a tractor-trailer for supporting one or more axle/suspension systems includes a pair of spaced-apart, parallel, elongated, and longitudinally extending main members. At least one cross member structure extends between and is connected to the longitudinal main members using structural nodes. A bonding adhesive, or other suitable means of attachment, connects the cross member structure and the structural nodes to one another and to the main members. The structural nodes distribute loads encountered during vehicle operation generally over a relatively large area thereby generally reducing the concentration of such loadings at the connections, and assist in generally evenly distributing loads between the cross member structure and the main members to effectively react lateral, longitudinal, vertical, and racking loads. The combination of greater load distribution and reduced loading concentrations allows the structure to be constructed from lighter weight materials.

Abstract: A locking device of extendable and retractable container semi-trailers comprises four link bars, two lock pin assemblies, a crossmember, a falling tube and a pull assembly. Two ends of the pull assembly are connected with two link bars and one lock pin assembly respectively. Said pull assembly comprises an automatic locking and releasing device fixed rotatablely between a bottom plate and a top plate of said crossmember. The pull assembly is rotated round the automatic locking and releasing device to a locking place, and the automatic locking and releasing device locks said pull assembly. The falling tube acts on the automatic locking and releasing device, and the pull assembly is released.

Abstract: A safety latch system for towing dollies has a frame that is comprised of front, rear, right, left, and internal frame members. A hitch point on the front frame is used to attach to the tow vehicle. Cable and cylinder ports are on, and extend through the front frame. The cable has two ends, and can have end loops, where the first loop encloses a handle and the second loop is connected to an engagement device. A spring-loaded cylinder has a first end attached to the cable, and a second end with a pin that extends through the cylinder port. The hitch point can be two pieces with a tow bar member attached to the front frame and a towing hitch that slides into the tow bar member. The cable can route through a cable retention member attached to the internal frame, and can also be plastic coated. The engagement device can be a S-hook, a coupling link, a twin clevis, a carabineer, a connecting link or an eyehook.

Abstract: A movable subframe for a tractor-trailer includes a pair of elongated spaced-apart main members extending longitudinally relative to the tractor-trailer, at least one cross member extending between and being attached to the main members, and a retractable pin mechanism for selectively securing the position of the subframe relative to a body of the tractor-trailer. At least one of the main members includes at least one opening for receiving a pin of the retractable pin mechanism. The main member opening is formed in a shape, such as a D-shape, which reduces or minimizes distortion of the main member adjacent the top of the opening that is associated with forming of the main member.

Abstract: An interlock for a slider incorporates a cover that moves between a covered position and an uncovered position. In the covered position, the cover prevents access and movement of a handle for actuating locking pins on the slider. The cover may be pivoted to an uncovered position at which the handle can be actuated. Generally, the handle is pulled away from a trailer frame for the slider to move the locking pins out of holes in the trailer frame. When the cover has moved away from the covered position, the cover actuates a valve member that sets at least one park brake. To release the park brakes, the cover must be moved back to the covered position. The cover cannot be moved back to the covered position until the handle is in a position indicative of the locking pins being fully received in the holes in the trailer frame.

Abstract: A trailer slider system includes a body rail that slides longitudinally relative to a suspension frame side rail. The body rail includes holes that provide multiple suspension positions. The trailer slider system also includes a pin locking system having at least one pin that is extendable into the holes in a locked position and retractable out of the holes in an unlocked position. A leaf spring biases the at least one pin toward one of the locked position or the unlocked position.

Abstract: A wheelchair wheel positioning system for providing an unobstructed path into and out of a wheelchair. The wheelchair wheel positioning system includes a frame member fastened to a wheelchair frame, an actuation member pivotably connected to both a frame bar and a rear wheel of the wheelchair and a stabilizer member utilized for lifting and maintaining the wheelchair in place. The actuation member pivotally connects at one end to the frame member and pivotally connects near the middle to a rear wheel of the wheelchair. The stabilizer member is affixed near the middle of the actuation member at a preferred angle. As the actuation member and rear wheel are rotated rearward, the stabilizer member contacts the floor surface to lift the rear wheel that the wheelchair wheel positioning system is attached to and stabilizes the wheelchair for entry and exit.

Abstract: A tandem axle trailer pin extracter apparatus is provided. The extracter apparatus is adapted and configured for extracting or pulling the tandem lock pin release handle when it is desired to adjust the position of a tractor trailer body relative to the tandem axles. The extracter apparatus allows for one-person application.

Abstract: The present invention provides a weight redistribution system including an axle carrier slideably engaged along a length of a trailer frame, wherein the axle carrier including a threaded fixture and the trailer frame includes parallel longitudinal beams having a plurality of equally spaced openings; an axle carrier positioning means including a motor means and a threaded shaft mounted to the trailer frame being in rotational engagement with the threaded fixture of the axle carrier; a weight monitoring system integrated into the axle carrier; an axle carrier locking means including at least one extendable pin mounted on the axle carrier for locking engagement into one of the equally spaced openings in the longitudinal beams; and a control interface for displaying data from the weight monitoring system, actuating the axle carrier positioning means, and actuating the axle carrier locking means.

Abstract: A compact, portable locking pin locator device adapted to assist the driver of a semi truck including a tractor and a trailer to locate the trailer over the tandem axle under the back end of the trailer to achieve proper weight and balance of the load carried in the trailer over the wheels of the truck.

Abstract: A trailer slider system includes a body rail that slides longitudinally relative to a suspension frame side rail. One of the rails includes holes that provide multiple suspension positions. The trailer slider system also includes a pin connection assembly having a pin that is arranged to extend into one of the holes in a locked position and retract out of the hole in an unlocked position. A cam is coupled for movement with the pin connection assembly. A tube is coupled with the cam to rotate as the pin moves between the locked and unlocked positions. A pneumatic actuator is coupled with the tube for selectively rotating the tube to move the cam which in turn moves the pin, between the locked and unlocked positions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mobile vehicle or wheelchair having the ability to provide stabilized transport to at least one individual on a variety of surfaces, slopes and/or terrains. The mobile unit or wheelchair of the invention may travel across smooth and very rough surfaces, slopes of varying or different angles and various outdoor terrains (including grassy, rocky, sandy, muddy and/or hilly terrains). In one aspect of the invention, the height of any part of the unit or the overall height of the device may be adjusted preferably to raise or lower the center of gravity. For example, the height of the device may be lowered to provide more stable transportation. In another aspect, the device may be adjusted to increase or decrease the size of the footprint (or any part of the footprint) of the device. For example, the footprint of the device may be enlarged to provide more stable transportation.

Abstract: A disengagement assembly for maintaining a disengaging force on a tandem assembly. The disengagement assembly operates with an actuating arm of a retractable pin assembly of a tandem wherein the actuating arm reciprocates between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The disengagement assembly maintains an applied force on the actuating arm in the disengaged position so that the tandem remains in a movable relationship with respect to frame members of a trailer.

Abstract: This invention is a multi-functional tool designed to stop injury, save time, and minimize aggravation to truck drivers when sliding trailer tandems and or releasing fifth wheel devices The device can be used as an extension handle facilitating the safe manual pulling of release handles without having to strain when bent at the waist, reducing the chance of serious back injury. When the trailer tandem locking pins are not aligned, our device incorporates a screw jack attached to a spring operating the handle, without the need for brute force. The device holds the locking pin release handle in the released position while the driver moves the trailer axles to the needed position. The invention's use of a mechanical advantage provides greater pulling power than is possible by one person Furthermore, our invention eliminates the need for personnel to be in proximity of moving equipment and at risk of bodily harm or even death.

Abstract: A movable subframe for a tractor-trailer includes a pair of spaced-apart, parallel, elongated and longitudinally extending main members. At least two cross members extend between and are attached to the main members, and a retractable pin mechanism selectively positions the subframe beneath a body of a trailer of the tractor-trailer. The retractable pin mechanism includes only two pins, with each pin being located generally centrally along a length of a respective one of the main members of the subframe. Each pin is extendable through an opening formed in its respective main member and a selected one of a plurality of openings formed in a body rail of the trailer, so that when the pins are in an extended or locked position, the retractable pin mechanism provides generally central support for the subframe and for an axle/suspension system which depends from the subframe.

Abstract: A locking pin system is operated through an air spring which rotates a torque tube to remove a spring bias from a multiple of locking pins. Operation of the locking pin system is controlled by a trailer spring brake valve which operates in response to actuation of the slider parking brakes.

Abstract: A vehicle chassis includes first and second chassis members, and a locking device. Each of the first and second chassis members includes a connector formed with a hole unit therethrough. The locking device includes a locking pin that extends through the hole units in the connectors, and a resilient retainer that latches releasably to one end of the locking pin.

Abstract: A tractor-trailer slider includes spaced apart longitudinal side rails having control arm supports extending downwardly from the side rails for supporting the slider. Portions of the longitudinal side rails and the control arms supports are integrated using one or more common plates. Lightening holes and edge of the slider are flanged to reinforce the walls. Coining and ribbing are also used for additional reinforcement. Lateral cross-members extend between the longitudinal side rails. The lateral cross-members have tabs on opposing ends that are received in an interlocking relationship with complementary elongated slots in the longitudinal side rails. Air spring supports arranged at forward and rearward portions of the slider are secured to the longitudinal side rails, the control arm supports, and the lateral cross-members to provide a structurally rigid frame. The air spring supports provide spaced apart air spring mounting pads.

Abstract: A slider assembly provides a connection between a vehicle body and a vehicle suspension. The slider assembly includes a frame and a locking mechanism attached to the frame. The locking mechanism s a locking pin that is connected to an extension spring, a pivot arm that is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, and a compression spring that is connecting the pivot arm and the locking pin. When the pivot arm is in the locked position, the compression spring does not exert a bias on the locking pin and the extension spring exerts a bias on the locking pin so as to bias the locking pin into engagement with the vehicle body so as to secure together the vehicle body and the vehicle suspension.

Abstract: A slider locking pin control receives feedback of the actual position of the locking pins. If the locking pins are not engaged in the trailer frame rails, then the interlock valve will vent air to release a parking brake. Once the locking pins are engaged, the interlock valve will allow the flow of air to release the parking brakes. If the vehicle operator attempts to move the vehicle, but the locking pins are not engaged, the operator will be unable to release the parking brakes. This will prevent movement of the trailer until the locking pins are engaged. The interlock valve is placed downstream of a spring brake control valve and pressurized air reservoir, such that the pressurized air reservoir can still receive pressurized air to charge, and provide air for use by various components on the trailer.

Abstract: A detachable suspension mounting includes a pair of plates each having an upper surface and a lower surface. The upper surface of a first of the plates is fixedly coupled to a bottom side of the trailer. A plurality of securing members selectively secures a second plate of the pair of plates to the first plate such that the upper surface of the second plate is adjacent to the lower surface of the first plate. A suspension is fixedly coupled to the lower surface of the second plate and wheels are rotatably coupled to the suspension.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for adjusting weight distribution throughout all axle groups of the truck and trailer. The trailer has at least one axle group mounted on a pair of rails attached to the frame of the trailer. These axle groups are locked in position on the rails by locking pins. The system for adjusting weight distribution according to the present invention measures the weight on every axle group on the truck and trailer. The measurement may be of weight directly by load cells etc. or indirectly, by taking measurements from the air suspension system to calculate weight. The measurements are delivered as an electrical signal to one or more microprocessors capable of receiving the electrical signals and calculating the optimum position of the axle group on the trailer. The position of the trailer axle groups relative to the rails is also determined and the position delivered to the microprocessor(s).

Abstract: A device for assisting in the release of a tandem wheel locking pin from a locking rail of a semi-trailer is disclosed. In a basic embodiment, the device consists of a gripping plate which engages the locking pin release rod of the tandem unit, a helical spring, and a hook plate which engages a frame member of the tandem unit such that tension is maintained on the spring. By locking the brakes of the tandem unit and rocking the trailer, friction between the locking rail and the locking pin is released, and the tension of the spring can pull the pin, at least partially, from the locking rail. An alternate embodiment of the device includes a positioning assist pin which may be placed into the locking rail at the point at which the tandem unit is to be moved to aid in aligning the locking pins at a new location.

Abstract: A wheelchair access system includes a wheelchair having a frame, rear wheels, front wheels, a seat, and a backrest. An extension extending rearwardly of the wheelchair frame includes a bracket coupled to an adjacent rear wheel, which allows the rear wheel to be moved horizontally away from the side of the wheelchair seat. A platform, coupled to a slide bracket attached to the wheelchair, can be positioned to the side of the wheelchair to facilitate access into and out of the wheelchair. The wheelchair access system is designed so that the physically impaired can access the wheelchair without the assistance of another person.

Abstract: A trailer slider pin control system is provided including a vehicle body and a rail supported along the body. The rails are moveable between a plurality of positions defined by a plurality of holes in the rail. A pin assembly is supported on the vehicle body and includes a pin moveable between unlocked and locked positions. The pin is disposed in the hole locking the rail to the vehicle body in the locked position. Conversely, the rail is free to move along the vehicle body in the unlock position. A sensor senses a location of a portion of the pin assembly, which corresponds to the unlock position. A vehicle speed control device, such as an engine, transmission, or braking system, is actuatable to limit the speed of the vehicle. A controller is connected to the sensor and the vehicle speed control device to actuate the vehicle speed control device to limit the speed of the vehicle in response to the sensors sensing the unlocked position.

Abstract: An improved adjustable wheel mounting assembly comprises a connecting member and a wheel-mounting member. The connecting member extends generally upwardly and downwardly between wheelchair frame members and is adapted to be secured thereto. The wheel-mounting member extends adjacent the connecting member and is secured thereto and to the side frame members. The wheel-mounting member has at least one formation for supporting an axle of the wheel.

Abstract: A device for assisting in the release of a tandem wheel locking pin from a locking rail of a semi-trailer is disclosed. In a basic embodiment, the device consists of a gripping plate which engages the locking pin release rod of the tandem unit, a helical spring, and a hook plate which engages a frame member of the tandem unit such that tension is maintained on the spring. By locking the brakes of the tandem unit and rocking the trailer, friction between the locking rail and the locking pin is released, and the tension of the spring can pull the pin, at least partially, from the locking rail. An alternate embodiment of the device includes a positioning assist pin which may be placed into the locking rail at the point at which the tandem unit is to be moved to aid in aligning the locking pins at a new location.

Abstract: A wheelchair access system includes a wheelchair having a frame, rear wheels, front wheels, a seat, and a backrest. An extension extending rearwardly of the wheelchair frame includes a bracket coupled to an adjacent rear wheel, which allows the rear wheel to be moved horizontally away from the side of the wheelchair seat. A platform, coupled to a slide bracket attached to the wheelchair, can be positioned to the side of the wheelchair to facilitate access into and out of the wheelchair. The wheelchair access system according to the present invention is designed so that the physically impaired can access the wheelchair without the assistance of another person.

Abstract: A trailer suspension slider is provided that includes a suspension bogey. A trailer is supported on the suspension bogey and is longitudinally movable between a plurality of position relative to the suspension bogey. The trailer includes a stop bar to prevent the bogey from sliding out from underneath the trailer during braking if the pins are disengaged. A locking pin mechanism is movable between a locked position in which the locking mechanism couples the suspension bogey and the trailer in one of the plurality of positions and an unlocked position in which the trailer can move relative to the suspension bogey. The suspension bogey may collide violently with the stop bar when braking from a relatively low speed when the pins are unlocked. To this end, an energy absorption device is supported on either the trailer or the suspension bogey. The energy absorption device collapses in response to the stop bar engaging either the energy absorption device or the suspension bogey.

Abstract: A utility cart which includes means for attachment to a common bicycle or which can be drawn by hand. Includes a main body compartment formed from a bottom panel, two side panels and a front and a back panel. Two wheels are attached to an axle which is attached to the bottom panel of the main body compartment via a selection of axle supports. Includes front and rear exterior equipment retaining modules in the form of cylindrical units having bottom stops. Any number of equipment retaining modules are envisioned and preferred embodiment shown and described herein includes four in the front and four in the rear. Means for attachment to a typical prior art bicycle is included. The means for attachment permits rotation along three planes thereby providing the smoothest possible transport of the cart and items contained therein. Removable legs are provided which can be attached if the cart is to be stationary, or can be removed when the utility cart is to be in motion.

Abstract: A tandem handle lock-out tool for use with a tractor trailer having a first arm and a second arm disposed at about 90 degrees thereto. A first arm may have an aperture for positioning the tool over a tandem handle. The tandem handle lock-out tool may be slidably positioned with an end of the second arm positioned against the tandem axle assembly to maintain the tandem handle in an extended position. The tandem handle lock-out tool may also have a channel disposed in the second arm. The tandem handle lock-out tool may be formed of a flat bar stock with a bend therein or two pieces of bar stock being welded together.

Abstract: A tandem handle lock-out tool for use with a tractor trailer having a first arm and a second arm disposed at about 90 degrees thereto. A first arm may have an aperture for positioning the tool over a tandem handle. The tandem handle lock-out tool may be slidably positioned with an end of the second arm positioned against the tandem axle assembly to maintain the tandem handle in an extended position. The tandem handle lock-out tool may also have a channel disposed in the second arm. The tandem handle lock-out tool may be formed of a flat bar stock with a bend therein or two pieces of bar stock being welded together.

Abstract: A system for connecting a slider to a trailer frame includes a rotatable locking member having a plurality of teeth that engage with a plurality of openings in the trailer from. The locking member is biased by a rotary biasing in a locked position.

Abstract: A variable wheelbase personal mobility vehicle is disclosed comprising a front wheel assembly and a rear wheel assembly. A front wheel is pivotably mounted relative to the front wheel assembly for controlling the direction of movement of the personal mobility vehicle. Plural drive wheels are mounted relative to the rear wheel assembly for driving the personal mobility vehicle. A seat is connected to the rear wheel assembly for supporting an operator. A variable wheelbase mechanism varies the distance between the front wheel and the plural drive wheels.

Abstract: A trailer suspension slider is provided that includes a suspension bogey. A trailer is supported on the suspension bogey and is longitudinally movable between a plurality of position relative to the suspension bogey. The trailer includes a stop bar to prevent the bogey from sliding out from underneath the trailer during braking if the pins are disengaged. A locking pin mechanism is movable between a locked position in which the locking mechanism couples the suspension bogey and the trailer in one of the plurality of positions and an unlocked position in which the trailer can move relative to the suspension bogey. The suspension bogey may collide violently with the stop bar when braking from a relatively low speed when the pins are unlocked. To this end, an energy absorption device is supported on either the trailer or the suspension bogey. The energy absorption device collapses in response to the stop bar engaging either the energy absorption device or the suspension bogey.

Abstract: An adjustable axle-frame connector 10 for mounting an axle 40 to the frame 30 of a vehicle. The adjustable axle-frame connector 10 includes an axle mounting plate 12, an axle hold down bracket 20, and a U-bolt 24a. The axle mounting plate 12 with a first end for positioning on one side of the vehicle frame 30 and a second end having a mounting slot 17 formed therein. The first end is configured to engage the frame 30 when the axle mounting plate 12 is positioned between the frame 30 and the axle 40, the axle 40 extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of the frame 30. The second end has positioning tabs 18 that are configured to straddle the axle 40 when the axle mounting plate 12 is positioned between the frame 30 and the axle 40. The axle hold down bracket 20 has a proximal end 21 and a distal end, the distal end including a locator flange 22 configured to engage the mounting slot 17 of the axle mounting plate 12 when the proximal end 21 is placed in abutment with the frame 30 of the vehicle.

Abstract: A variable wheelbase personal mobility vehicle is disclosed comprising a front wheel assembly and a rear wheel assembly. A front wheel is pivotably mounted relative to the front wheel assembly for controlling the direction of movement of the personal mobility vehicle. Plural drive wheels are mounted relative to the rear wheel assembly for driving the personal mobility vehicle. A seat is connected to the rear wheel assembly for supporting an operator. A variable wheelbase mechanism varies the distance between the front wheel and the plural drive wheels.

Abstract: A number of improved ways of connecting a slider to a trailer frame are disclosed. In one general type of solution, a wedge-shaped locking surface is formed on both the slider and the trailer. The wedged surfaces provide a very secure connection. In another general way of describing the embodiments, several of the embodiments have a plurality of locking surfaces which again provide a more secure connection.

Abstract: An improved suspension system includes a plurality of slider pins which are biased radially outwardly into engagement with openings in the suspension rails of the suspension system and the mating openings in the slider rail. The slider pins are provided with spring clamp structure and a wedged surface. The wedged surface forces the spring clamp radially outwardly into engagement with the openings in the suspension rails to secure the slider pins. Upon withdrawal of the slider pins, the spring clamp is biased radially inwardly to facilitate removal.