초록 ▼

Steerable tag axle assemblies include an axle mounting lever carrying a wheel on a stub axle and either a kingpin pivot or a spherical bearing pivot for laterally turning the wheel. The lever pivots between a stowed position and a deployed position where lateral forces from the ground urge the wheel

Steerable tag axle assemblies include an axle mounting lever carrying a wheel on a stub axle and either a kingpin pivot or a spherical bearing pivot for laterally turning the wheel. The lever pivots between a stowed position and a deployed position where lateral forces from the ground urge the wheel to follow the vehicle. In one embodiment, a kingpin pivot connects the stub axle to the lever and a tie rod maintains alignment of the pair of stub axles. In another embodiment, a kingpin pivot connects the lever to a pivoting shaft attached to the vehicle. The shaft turns as the lever moves between the deployed and stowed positions, and the lever pivots laterally at the kingpin pivot to turn the wheels. In another embodiment, a spherical bearing is carried by a spherical bearing mount securely attached to the vehicle. The bearing engages the lever in a bearing cavity, such that the lever pivots laterally and between the stowed and deployed positions on the bearing. Lateral movement of the wheel is limited in each embodiment.

대표청구항 ▼

A steerable auxiliary wheel system for a vehicle, including a pair of spaced steerable tag axle assemblies each of which comprises: (a) a suspension system including an axle mounting lever movably pivotally attached to the vehicle and carrying a stub axle and a wheel on the stub axle; (b) fluid oper

A steerable auxiliary wheel system for a vehicle, including a pair of spaced steerable tag axle assemblies each of which comprises: (a) a suspension system including an axle mounting lever movably pivotally attached to the vehicle and carrying a stub axle and a wheel on the stub axle; (b) fluid operated actuator means connected to said suspension system for moving the axle mounting lever and the wheel between a deployed position and a stowed position; (c) steering means attached to the axle mounting lever for allowing lateral adjustment of the wheel; and (d) wherein said steering means comprises a kingpin steering system having a pivot pin connecting the axle mounting lever to a pivot attached to the vehicle such that the axle mounting lever pivots laterally about said pivot pin and between the deployed and stowed positions at said pivot.