초록 ▼

A semi-trailer includes a self-steering rear axle assembly and a stationary axle assembly located at least 10 feet in front of the self-steering axle assembly and at least the minimum distance from the tractor front axle. The wheels on the self-steering axle assembly are carried on king pin assembli

A semi-trailer includes a self-steering rear axle assembly and a stationary axle assembly located at least 10 feet in front of the self-steering axle assembly and at least the minimum distance from the tractor front axle. The wheels on the self-steering axle assembly are carried on king pin assemblies which are movable between forward and reverse positions so that the self-steering axle wheels track the stationary axle wheels during turning in both the forward and reverse directions. The self-steering axle assembly preferably is retractable so the wheels can be raised when not needed. In one embodiment, the tractor has only a front axle and a single drive axle and all axles have a load rating of at least one-fourth of the load rating of the semi-trailer truck unit so that a maximum gross load can be hauled even though the unit has only four axles.

대표청구항 ▼

A semi-trailer for a truck-tractor including a front axle, said semi-trailer comprising a frame supported for over-the-road travel by independent first and second axle assemblies respectively including first and second transverse axle members having opposite outer end portions, each of said outer en

A semi-trailer for a truck-tractor including a front axle, said semi-trailer comprising a frame supported for over-the-road travel by independent first and second axle assemblies respectively including first and second transverse axle members having opposite outer end portions, each of said outer end portions carrying a road engaging wheel; said first axle member being stationary and spaced at least ten feet in front of said second axle member; said second axle member being spaced rearwardly from the truck-tractor front axle at least the minimum distance required by government regulations; means interconnecting said wheels of said second axle assembly so they steer together; and means independent of said first axle assembly for causing said wheels on said second axle assembly to track the wheels of said first axle assembly during turning of said semi-trailer in both the forward and reverse directions.