Patent ID: 6431564
Filing Date: 2002-08-13
Classification: B60G,B60P,B62D

Abstract:
A self steering axle system for use with a vehicle having a frame to assist the vehicle in moving in the forward and reverse direction, the system comprising:(a) first and second hangers securely mounted to the frame; (b) a leaf spring having first and second end portions and a bearing portion, said first end portion of said leaf spring being rotatably connected to said first hanger; (c) a load adjustment member having a first end rotatably connected to said second hanger and a second end rotatably connected to said second end portion of said leaf spring; (d) a sleeve member securely engaged to said bearing portion of said leaf spring; (e) an axle rotatably disposed within said sleeve member; (f) king pin attached to an end of said axle; (g) a leverage arm securely connected to said axle; and (h) a control system engaged with said leverage arm and operable between a first position where said king pin and said axle are positively tilted to provide self steering of said axle when the vehicle is moving forward to a second position wherein said king pin and said axle are negatively tilted to provide self steering of said axle when the vehicle is moving in the reverse direction.