Abstract: An agricultural vehicle is described having a chassis and a cab mounted on the chassis. The fore end of the cab is mounted on the chassis for pivotal movement about a transverse axis but is prevented from moving relative to the chassis in a vertical plane. The aft end of the cab is resiliently supported on the chassis by springs and is connected to the chassis by means of a linkage, preferably a Watts linkage, that permits movement of the aft end of the cab in a vertical direction towards and away from the chassis while preventing transverse movement of the aft end of the cab.

Abstract: A structure for supporting a hydraulic cylinder that controls pivoting of a rear axle in a forklift. The rear axle is supported pivotally to the body. The hydraulic cylinder connects the rear axle to the body. Two hydraulic oil chambers are defined in the hydraulic cylinder. Movement of hydraulic oil between the oil chambers is selectively permitted and prohibited to selectively permit and prohibit pivoting of the rear axle. The body includes a pair of side frame members located on the sides of the body and a pair of cross frame members connected to the side frame members. The rear axle is located under the cross frame members. One end of the hydraulic cylinder is pivotally connected to the cross frame members by an upper joint. An upper pin, which is part of the upper joint, is directly supported by the cross frame members. Accordingly, an exclusive bracket for coupling the hydraulic cylinder to the body is not necessary. This simplifies the structure for coupling the hydraulic cylinder to the body.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension apparatus includes an axle. The axle includes a pair of trailing arms with a transverse beam. Resilient bushings connect the forward ends of the trailing arms to the vehicle superstructure. A linkage mechanism connects the beam to the vehicle superstructure. Under force causing lateral displacement of the axle, the linkage mechanism induces moment on the beam to counteract oversteer tendency due to the lateral displacement of the axle.

Abstract: A wheel suspension attachment assembly for use in combination with a vehicle having several cooperating structural frame members 28, 30 and including several members 20-26 which selectively, respectively, and movably perforate and protrude from the members 28, 30 and which selectively and movably receive a unique one of the control arms 48, 49 of one of several wheel assemblies 50-56 and which cooperatively and stiffly attach the several wheel assemblies 50-56 to the structural frame members 28,30.

Abstract: Provided is a structure of a front body of an automobile comprising a steering system which can prevent a steering gear case from coming in contact with a road surface during running on a bad road or the like even if an under cover is not provided, and which can reduce costs, weight and size, and can provide proper (small) changes in the toe angle and the driver with a smooth sense of steering. In the front body of an automobile in which the suspension arm (lower control arm) and the steering gear case (pinion case) are attached to the suspension frame and at least a part of the steering gear case (for example, a pinion case) is placed below the suspension frame, a downward protrusion which protrudes downward and has a face slanted downward toward the rear portion of the automobile body is provided on the bottom portion of the suspension frame.

Abstract: A towable trailer has a load floor supported by air springs on a torsion box suspension system. The load floor consists of a plurality of preformed panels comprised of a plate section and a plurality of I beam members. Adjacent panels are interconnected with a tab and slot structure and then secured as a unit by a pair of angle beam side rails. The suspension system includes a pair of spaced parallel transverse beams extending between and secured to a pair of trailing arms which are pivotally mounted on brace members secured to the underside of the load floor and the front of the trailer. A pair of plates are secured to respective ends of the transverse beams adjacent the trailing arms. Cross beam members are positioned between and secured to the plates and the transverse beams. The trailer wheel are supported on wheel support arms which are secured to and extend upwardly from each trailing arm to position the center of each wheel above the load floor of the trailer.

Abstract: A MacPherson strut tower made in one piece for a motor vehicle, especially an automobile, is permanently connected with at least one adjoining side member of the body structure. The MacPherson strut tower, formed by a hollow body produced by the internal high-pressure shaping method, results in a significant increase in torsional stiffness of the body structure since the two side members and the MacPherson strut tower are assembled to form a three-dimensional supporting structure with continuous closed hollow member sections.

Abstract: A vehicle frame is provided including a pair of frame rails. A rear suspension support assembly extends between the pair of frame rails. The rear suspension support assembly includes a rear suspension crossmember having first and second ends each attached to one of the frame rails. A pair of spring brackets are attached to the rear suspension crossmember and to the frame rails. The rear suspension support assembly has a generally X-shaped configuration which improves the frame stiffness.

Abstract: A bracket assembly for supporting both an upper control arm and a spring suspension mechanism in a vehicular body and frame assembly includes a first bracket that is generally U-shaped, including a central portion and a pair of opposed side portions. The central portion of the first bracket has a lower edge that extends generally longitudinally and preferably is shaped to correspond with the shape of an upper surface of a side rail of the vehicle frame assembly. The side portions of the first bracket extend generally perpendicularly relative to the central portion. The bracket assembly further includes a second bracket that is generally formed in the shape of an inverted cup, including an inner central portion, a pair of opposed side portions, and an outer central portion. The inner central portion of the second bracket is sized and shaped to extend adjacent to the central portion of the first bracket. Portions of the first and second brackets are welded together to form the bracket assembly.

Abstract: A subframe for motor vehicles, in particular for the front axles of passenger cars, which includes side parts running in the longitudinal vehicle direction that are joined by upper and lower cross elements running in the transverse vehicle direction to form a box profiled section, which is deformable in the longitudinal direction in response to longitudinal forces produced by a collision, and which is able to be used as an assembly unit.

Abstract: A suspension system for a motor vehicle wherein an upper control arm on each side of the vehicle is located in an aperture within the vehicle frame and operably connected to a front axle. Each upper control arm is pivotably connected to the frame and is capable of rotating into the aperture in response to a force generated by contact of its respective wheel with an irregularity in the road surface during the operation of the motor vehicle. As the upper control arms are placed within the frame rails, interference between the control arms and other components located in the engine compartment is substantially eliminated. The substantial elimination of this interference reduces the design effort and lead time associated with the development of the vehicle frame and suspension system as well as integrating the engine into the vehicle. The ability to assemble and service the vehicle are likewise improved through the elimination of the entanglement between suspension components and engine components.

Abstract: A wheelchair includes a rigid upholstered seat removably mounted on a crossbrace-type chassis. The seat includes a generally square-shaped frame having a clevis assembly depending from each of the four corners of the frame. Each one of a first pair of the clevis assemblies disposed at diagonally opposed front and rear corners of the seat frame is formed with aligned generally pear-shaped openings. Each one of a second pair of the clevis assemblies disposed at the other diagonally opposed front and rear corners of the seat frame is formed with aligned generally horizontal elliptical-shaped openings. An inverted generally U-shaped mounting bracket formed with aligned openings is disposed on each end of each one of a pair of chassis sideframes. Each clevis assembly is engageable with a respective one of the U-shaped brackets so that the respective openings of the engaged brackets are aligned. A quick release pin is passed through each set of aligned openings to secure the seat to the chassis.

Abstract: In a body structure for a motor vehicle of a space frame type in which a rear pillar made of an extruded aluminum alloy member and joining a roof side member and a floor side member includes an inwardly curved section to avoid an interference with a rear wheel, a damper mounting base is welded to a part of the rear pillar adjoining the part having the smallest curvature or where the stress tends to concentrate so that the mechanical strength of this part may be reinforced without requiring any special reinforcing member. Thus, both an increase in the rigidity and a reduction in the weight of a vehicle body can be achieved in an efficient manner.

Abstract: A multi-piece rear frame assembly for operably coupling components of a rear suspension to a frame rail of a vehicle frame assembly. The rear frame assembly including a rear shock tower casting welded to the frame rail and having a pair of attachment locations extending laterally outwardly for operably coupling a pair of lateral suspension links thereto, a shock tower extending upwardly for operably coupling a shock/spring assembly thereto. The frame assembly further includes an upper extrusion and a lower extrusion, each welded to the frame rail and having an attachment location for operably coupling a guide link and a forward portion of a lower control arm respectfully thereto. The frame assembly further includes a rear frame member extending downwardly from the frame rail and having an upper and lower attachment location for a rearward portion of the lower control arm and a transaxle cross member respectively thereto.

Abstract: In a wheel support frame for connecting wheel support elements of a vehicle to a vehicle body with two longitudinal frame members extending parallel to the longitudinal vehicle axis and two transverse frame members being connected to the longitudinal frame members, at least one of the transverse frame members is connected to the longitudinal frame members by elastic mounts and also the longitudinal frame members which support the wheels are connected to the vehicle body by elastic mounts.

Abstract: A McPherson front wheel suspension arrangement for motor vehicles having a vehicle body and a spring strut arranged for each wheel. The spring strut is attached to a suspension arm which is pivotably attached to the vehicle body by an elastic bushing. The elastic bushing is essentially annular in shape and constructed around a geometric axis. The elastic bushing has an annular elastic bushing element positionally controlled in a seat in the suspension arm, and permits pivotal movement of the suspension arm. The elastic bushing element surrounds a holding element with a conical portion fixed to the lower part of the vehicle body. The conical portion of the holding element is conical in shape, narrowing in a downwards direction, and has a conical outer surface. The elastic bushing element includes a conical cavity adapted to the shape and dimensions of the conical surface of the conical portion of the holding element.

Abstract: A shock absorbing stroke in the front portion of a vehicle body is to be made large. Between right and left front wheels are disposed longitudinally extending side beams and center beam, and these three beams are integrally connected by connecting members in front of a cross member. A shock dispersing plate is attached to the said integral connection and the back thereof is brought into abutment with a floor portion formed of a resin.

Abstract: A vehicle frame is to be made compact. A rectangular frame portion includes a vehicle body frame having front wheels supported thereon through leading arms and rear wheels supported thereon through trailing arms. Both front and rear wheels are suspended by front and rear shock absorbers. The heights of pivot points are set almost equal to the heights of the rectangular frame portion. A battery is accommodated in the space defined by the rectangular frame portion and the rear portion of the vehicle body is extended to overhang a swing power unit assembly.

Abstract: A mounting structure is adapted for use in a vehicle frame assembly. The mounting structure is formed as a one-piece body. Preferably the body is formed of cast aluminum alloy. The body includes a recess having a C-shaped cross section for disposing the mounting structure about a vehicle side rail. The body also includes a plurality of mounts for securing vehicle components to the mounting structure.

Abstract: A multi-piece front casting assembly for operably coupling components of a front suspension to a frame rail of a vehicle frame assembly. The casting assembly including an upper casting welded to the frame rail and having a pair of attachment locations extending laterally outwardly for operably coupling an upper control arm thereto, a attachment location extending laterally inwardly for operably coupling a rocker arm for a shock/spring assembly thereto, a suspension cross member attachment location, an engine cooling module attachment, a bumper mounting attachment, and two body structure attachment locations for securing the body structure to the frame assembly. The casting assembly further includes a front lower casting and a rear lower casting, each welded to the frame rail and having an attachment location for operably coupling a lower control arm thereto.

Abstract: A riding mower is provided with a first frame element pivotably connected near a forward end to a second frame element and connected at a rearward end to the second frame element by spring means. The connecting members provide a suspension system for the mower in order to decouple the vertical movement of the first frame element from the second frame element and thereby soften the ride. A pivot bar located near the forward end of the first frame element is pivotably received at its ends near opposite side walls of the second frame element. The suspension system includes two springs which operate in the vertical gap between first and second frame elements at the rear of the apparatus.

Abstract: A connecting and supporting structure is adapted for use in a vehicle frame assembly. The structure is a one-piece body preferably formed of cast aluminum alloy. The body includes a first joining portion adapted for connection to a first side rail section, and a second joining portion adapted for connection to a second side rail section. Preferably the first joining portion is formed on a first end of the body having a first height, and the second joining portion is formed on a second end of the body having a second height which is different from the first height. The body further includes a supporting portion which is preferably a spring hanger adapted for supporting a vehicle spring.

Abstract: A movable subframe or slider for a tractor-trailer includes a pair of elongated spaced-apart parallel main members and at least one generally K-shaped cross member structure which extends between and is attached to the main members. Specifically, the K-shaped cross member structure includes a base member which extends perpendicularly between and is attached to the main members, and further includes a pair of inclined members, each of which extends angularly between and is attached to a respective one of the main members and the base member. Each of the main members is adapted to be slidably mounted on a respective one of a pair of depending parallel rails of a trailer, and a retractable pin mechanism enables selective positioning of the slider along the rails for variable load distribution of cargo contained in the trailer. A hanger depends from each of the main members adjacent to the ends of the base member for supporting an axle/suspension system.

Abstract: A torque box assembly for mounting between a vehicle frame side rail and a body side sill for supporting a spool type trailing link isolator. The torque box assembly includes two interconnected box members and two mounting flanges, with the spool type trailing link resiliently connected to one of the box members.

Abstract: An improved vehicle suspension system compensates for flexure of the frame of the vehicle by permitting the front and rear frame structures to pivot with respect to one another. The pivoting of the front and rear structures is controlled to maintain the structures above the ground and to dampen the pivoting movement of the structures when the structures attempt to move away from a selected orientation with respect to one another.

Abstract: In a vehicle subflame including a pair of longitudinal members extending in parallel with each other along a longitudinal direction of a vehicle body, and lateral members extending across the longitudinal members, one of the lateral members is joined to said longitudinal members via a pair of leg sections which extend upright from the longitudinal member, and each of said leg sections is provided with a bearing portion for pivotably supporting an inner end of one of the lower arms of said wheel suspension system. Therefore, the load from the lower suspension arms can be supported by beating portions which are provided directly on the lateral member, and can be evenly transmitted to the lateral member. When the lateral member is provided with a Z-shaped cross section, the vertical and lateral loads can be supported with high rigidity and mechanical strength while the energy of a longitudinal impact can be favorably absorbed by well controlled deformation of the lateral member.

Abstract: Lower arms of a wheel suspension system are pivotably attached to brackets which are in turn attached to both the vehicle body and the subframe, whereby the subframe can provide a significantly high rigidity with respect to the lower arms of the wheel suspension system, and can effectively insulate the passenger compartment of the vehicle from the vibrations and noises which are otherwise transmitted from the wheel suspension system to the subframe. The rigidity of the brackets can be further enhanced when each of the brackets is provided with a closed cross section in a part thereof which extends between the bearing portion and the vehicle body. Additionally, if the brackets consist of upright leg sections of a lateral member extending across a pair of longitudinal members on either side of the subframe, the brackets can be made highly rigid not only to vertical loads but also to lateral loads. The lateral member and the brackets may be integrally formed substantially from a single metal sheet.

Abstract: A subframe supporting a fuel tank in an internal space therein includes a pair of front and rear cross-members extending in a lateral direction of a vehicle body, a pair of left and right upper side-members and a pair of left and right lower side-members which extend in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle body to interconnect left and right opposite ends of the cross-members, respectively. Longitudinally intermediate portions of the adjacent upper and lower side-members are integrally coupled to each other by a vertically extending bracket. An upper arm is pivotally supported at an upper end of the bracket, and a lower arm is pivotally supported at a lower end of the bracket. The above construction makes it possible to increase the rigidity of the subframe, while providing an effective utilization of the internal space in the subframe.

Abstract: A subframe assembly for assembly as a unit to a vehicle body in which a subframe is formed of left and right side members disposed on the left and right of a fuel tank, and a cross member interconnecting the side members; left and right suspensions are mounted to the subframe and a vehicle member is disposed at a lower portion of the vehicle body and supported on the subframe. The subframe and vehicle member are assembled and the assembled subframe and vehicle member are then assembled to the vehicle body.

Abstract: A vehicle frame which comprises at least one top beam, at least one front cross bar and a rear cross bar disposed on both ends of the at least one top beam, a pair of front and rear bent support assemblies disposed on both ends of the at least one cross bar, wherein the front and rear action-bar and reaction-bar are bent forwardly at a vectorial angle of about 90 degrees, respectively, and also depending on the purpose and function of the use action-bar and reaction-bar differ in length and in diagonally inclined angle, respectively, therefore the front and rear bent support assemblies are used to create component and resultant forces to be transformed to the forward moving kinetic energy for the vehicle.

Abstract: A torque box assembly for mounting between a vehicle frame side rail and a body side sill for supporting a rear suspension trailing link. The torque box assembly includes two interconnected box members and two mounting flanges, with the trailing link resiliently connected to one of the box members.

Abstract: A shock tower includes first and second portions for attaching a suspension damper and a control arm to a vehicular body. The first portion includes a cap with a central opening. A plurality of ribs are formed on the cap and radially spaced about the central opening. The second portion projects downwardly from the first portion. A plurality of longitudinal ribs are formed on the second portion. Preferably, the first and second portions are formed as a single casting.

Abstract: An axle beam type rear suspension of an automotive vehicle having a pair of trailing arms located respectively at the right and left sides of a vehicle body. Each trailing arm is mounted through a bushing on a support shaft bridging inboard and outboard side brackets which are spaced from each other and fixed to a rear side member. The outboard side bracket extends downward over the lower end of a side sill fixedly secured to the rear side member. A parking brake cable is disposed between the trailing arm and the outboard side bracket and located at a position higher than the lower end of the outboard side bracket, thereby preventing the parking brake cable from interfering with an attachment of a vehicle lifting device when the vehicle is raised to make vehicle maintenance or repair.

Abstract: A structural brace for a unibody chassis is disclosed for minimizing deflections of upper strut mounting points of a strut suspension. The strut brace includes attachments that efficiently transfers uniaxial, bending and torsional loads into the structural brace, thereby improving the control of the suspension geometry during vehicle cornering maneuvers.

Abstract: Structural Additions for Boosting Lateral Effectiveness improves on existing suspension systems to resist car-body rotation during turns around curves. Lateral structural additions increase the separation of springs and shock absorbers to increase a vehicle's rotational stiffness against rolls caused by lateral inertial forces. Vertical structural additions change the magnitude and direction of the moment that causes a vehicle's body to roll. The combination of lateral and vertical structural additions allows the design of vehicle suspension systems that can provide simultaneously smooth ride and good turning performance.

Abstract: A frame bracket for mounting a trailing arm to a trailer frame in a trailing arm suspension system comprising a U-shaped frame having a front wall and two side walls, a combined stiffener and gusset having a stiffening portion extending between the U-shaped frame side walls, and a gusset portion extending outwardly from at least one of the U-shaped frame side walls and adapted to mount to the trailer frame to provide additional stiffening, and an attachment flange curving inwardly from an upper edge of at least one of the front and side walls of the U-shaped frame; whereby a weld may be placed between the attachment flange and the trailer frame which is substantially in line with the at least one front or side wall having the attachment flange.

Abstract: A vehicle having a suspension fitting structure that includes a cross member which extends between left and right side frame members and supports the suspension device on each end thereof, and a plurality fitting brackets secured to the side frame member for fitting both of the cross member and a suspension arm to the side frame member. The fitting brackets are arranged in the lengthwise direction at appropriate separations in such a way that the fitting brackets are formed lower in structural rigidity in order front to rear and/or that a forward one of the fitting brackets is formed smaller in size than a rearward one.

Abstract: A mounting structure for mounting to a vehicle body having oppositely disposed strut towers. The mounting structure includes right and left suspension assemblies, a cradle operatively connected therebetween, a vehicle engine and transmission mounted on the cradle and guide pins provided on each of the suspension assemblies. The mounting structure is adapted to being mounted as a unit into the vehicle body with the guide pins guiding the suspension assemblies into engagement with the respective oppositely disposed strut towers, and suitable fasteners for securing the suspension assemblies to the strut towers. Each strut tower includes outer and inner interconnected, spaced apart wall members separated by support spacers, with a plurality of aligned openings formed through the outer and inner spaced apart wall members, a pair of guide openings formed in the inner wall member, and an opening formed through the outer and inner wall members' central portion.

Abstract: A motor vehicle having exterior lateral side rails in the area of a passenger compartment has additional side rails which adjoin in the forward structure of the vehicle and/or in the rearward structure of the vehicle, which side rails are provided in particular with a right-angle bend. The elements which reinforce the vehicle body are connected with the side rails, on the one hand, and/or an underbody or underbody components, on the other hand. The reinforcing element has a first V-shaped strutting which extends in a horizontal plane in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and is connected with a second-V-shaped strutting. This strutting is arranged in an approximately vertical transverse plane, in which case the first strutting, by its free ends, is fastened to the side rails and by its other ends, is fastened to the second strutting in a common connecting area. This second strutting is supported on the side rails by its free ends.

Abstract: A spring strut mounting assembly for fitting on a vehicle body which includes a spring strut having a bearing block mounted at the top end thereof on which elements of the running gear, such as a damper, a spring and link arms, can also be pre-mounted. Support members for attachment to the vehicle body adjacent the location for the suspension strut mounting assembly are provided and have converging free ends which define three boundary points of a free space region for mounting the upper bearing block of the spring strut. The upper bearing block is joined directly to these support members without the need for the conventional spring strut cup which is normally fixed to the vehicle body. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the support members are aluminum extrusions and the converging free ends are each cut at an oblique angle to provide suitable large contact surfaces for mounting to the corresponding receiving flanges of the upper bearing block of the suspension strut.

Abstract: A trailer frame comprised of a tongue and longitudinal side frame members extending rearwardly from the tongue. The side frame members are formed of hollow tubing having top, bottom and side surfaces. Cross bar members are positioned between the longitudinal side frame members. An axle for mounting wheels and tires is also provided. A pair of fenders with mounting straps provide cover for the top portion of each of the tires and a pair of leaf springs is provided to suspend the axle from the trailer frame. The center portion of each of the springs is mounted to one end of the axle. Openings associated with each spring are formed in the bottom surface of each side frame member to allow the end portions of the leaf springs to be positioned within the interior of the tubing. Loops are formed at the ends of each leaf spring. Two bolts associated with each spring are horizontally positioned through the side surfaces of the side frame members above the openings.

Abstract: An improvement is provided for connecting an air-spring suspension to the subframe of a slider comprising parallel frame rails. A beam is disposed beneath and extends between the frame rails and is suspended therefrom by three platelike gussets. Hanger brackets for trailing arms depend from a bottom surface of the beam. Support brackets are also provided for mounting air springs adapted to cushion the swinging movement of the trailing arms.

Abstract: A multi-purpose suspension system for resiliently mounting a rigid body on a rigid base assembly includes an intermediate frame supported from the base assembly by a spring for providing limited relative angular movement about an axis vertically aligned with the central longitudinal axis of the base assembly and for pivotally supporting the body for limited horizontal and vertical movement relative thereto, and an arm pivotally mounted on at least one end of the base assembly for providing limited angular movement relative thereto about an axis parallel with the axis of rotation of the intermediate frame, the arm being connected by links to opposite sides of the body.

Abstract: A vehicle frame (200) has a rear portion with a rear siderail (204) of hat-shape cross-section, and a front portion with a front siderail (202) of C-shape cross-section received within the hat-shaped rear side-rail. The siderails are attached to each other at a joint (206) and have respective vertical sections (208) and (210) in overlapped contact with each other at the joint and providing a first mounting pad (230) of increased stock thickness. A cross member (226) is attached to the siderails at the joint and has a vertical flange (228) in overlapped contact with a respective vertical section (214) of the rear siderail to provide a second mounting pad (232) of increased stock thickness. A spring hanger (218) is mounted to and extends horizontally between the mounting pads.

Abstract: A subframe for a motor vehicle has two side plates which extend in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, are connected with one another by cross members and have bearings for control arms of wheel suspension links, this subframe unit being connected with the vehicle body. The side plates are each formed of a torsion-proof and rigid lattice frame which extends in a vertical longitudinal plane of the vehicle. Between the side plates, torsion-proof cross members are held which can each be screwed on separately in a detachable manner. Together with the side plates, these cross members form a rigid assembly unit which comprises integrated bearings for control arms of wheel suspension links in the side plates. By way of one bearing respectively, which is arranged in spaced horizontal planes in a top and bottom chord of the side plate, the subframe unit is detachably fastened on the vehicle body.

Abstract: A suspension assembly that has two brackets that can be bolted into existing holes in the frame and chassis radius arms of an automobile. An air bag or other shock absorbing device is mounted between the brackets to provide an additional suspension functions between the vehicle frame and axle. The brackets are constructed to bolt into existing holes in the axle radius arms and motor mount of a vehicle, particularly trucks sold by Ford Motor, Co. under the designation E-series and F-series. The whole assembly can be mounted using a simple wrench, which allows easy assembly and detachment in any environment.

Abstract: A particular rear suspension supporting structure has a cross member secured to a vehicle body on opposite sides of a tunnel formed in a floor panel. A power plant, including a front power unit located in a front vehicle body portion and a rear axle differential located under a rear vehicle body portion, is located in the tunnel and extends transversely under the floor panel. The supporting structure pivotally supports rear suspension systems at its opposite ends. The cross member includes a center cross member, extending transversely over the tunnel and secured at its opposite ends to the vehicle body on opposite sides of the tunnel, and a pair of side cross members. Each of the side cross members is connected at one end to one end of the center cross member, and extends laterally so as to pivotally support the rear suspension system at another end thereof.

Abstract: In this improved trailer chassis, the accessories which typically added weight without adding to the structural capacity of the trailer have been replaced with accessories which are incorporated into the structural members. The frame of the trailer chassis is comprised of a front and rear beam connecting two longitudinal side beams that incorporate a recess to capture the trailer floor decking. The axle beam mounts between the two side beams to serve as lateral support to the side beams and as a flooring beam and incorporates a open section into its section through which an axle can be mounted. The fenders for the trailer are mounted so that they contribute to the structural integrity of the frame while serving as a side enclosure in addition to a wheel well.

Abstract: An improved power wheelchair is provided that provides exceptional maneuverability, stability and directional tracking characteristics. The wheelchair includes a torsional frame and a rigid stability frame. Two main wheels and a pivoting drive wheel are coupled to the torsional frame. At least two freely rotating casters are coupled to the stability frame. The torsional frame and stability frame interact to provide automatic compensation for directional tracking errors caused by shifts in the mass center of an occupant. The wheelchair can be equipped with either manual or power steering. A unique three-point battery mounting assembly also permits easy replacement of batteries.

Abstract: A frame for a recreational vehicle wherein the rear frame section is dropped or offset relative to the front frame section. The drop frame permits a recreational vehicle body carried by the frame to have a ample inside head room with a smaller outside profile. A pair of substantially vertical shock absorbers extend between frame connected shock towers and torsion bar connected wheel carrying pivot arms.