초록 ▼

The invention is a trailing arm suspension with a steerable axle assembly having a caster angle controlling the direction at which the axle steers. A lift axle suspension or a lockout device is provided to lift the wheels from a ground engaging position or to lock the position of the wheels, respect

The invention is a trailing arm suspension with a steerable axle assembly having a caster angle controlling the direction at which the axle steers. A lift axle suspension or a lockout device is provided to lift the wheels from a ground engaging position or to lock the position of the wheels, respectively, permitting the operation of the vehicle in a direction opposite the direction for which the caster angle is designed. Advantageously, the lift axle suspension is of a simplified design and the trailing arm configuration is V-shaped to better absorb lateral forces.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A lock-out device in combination with a steerable axle assembly comprising an axle with opposing ends and having a longitudinal axis, a spindle for mounting a tire pivotally mounted to each of the opposing ends and having a longitudinal axis whose angular orientation rela

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A lock-out device in combination with a steerable axle assembly comprising an axle with opposing ends and having a longitudinal axis, a spindle for mounting a tire pivotally mounted to each of the opposing ends and having a longitudinal axis whose angular orientation relative to the axle longitudinal axis changes as the spindle is pivoted, a tie rod having opposing ends corresponding to the axle opposing ends, and a pair of tie rod arms, each tie rod arm pivotally connecting one of the spindles to one end of the tie rod arms to link the relative movement of the spindles, and when the longitudinal axes of the axle and spindles are substantially parallel, the steerable axle assembly will steer in a straight line, the lock-out device comprising:a pair of actuators having an actuating arm moveable between a retracted position and an extended position, each of the actuators being mounted on one of the opposing tie rod arms and opposing tie rod ends, and when the actuating arms are moved to the extended position, the actuating arms abut the axle to lock the relative movement of the spindles such that the spindles longitudinal axes are substantially parallel to the axle longitudinal axis.