Patent ID: 6311993
Filing Date: 2001-11-06
Classification: B60G,B62D

Abstract:
In combination:a load-bearing vehicle including first and second horizontally spaced-apart, longitudinally extending frame members having rearward and forward ends, and inner and outer sides;a lift axle mounted on said vehicle for selectively providing additional floatation thereto comprising:first and second frame brackets, having upper and lower ends, and rearward and forward ends, secured to said first and second frame members, respectively;each of said first and second frame brackets including a substantially horizontally disposed mounting plate portion adjacent the lower end thereof;each of said mounting plate portions having a plurality of elongated bolt slots formed therein between the rearward and forward ends thereof, the length thereof being disposed transversely with respect to the length of the associated frame member;first and second trailing arm mounting brackets, having upper and lower ends, and rearward and forward ends, positioned below said first and second frame brackets, respectively;each of said first and second trailing arm mounting brackets having a horizontally disposed mounting plate portion at the upper end thereof;each of said horizontally disposed mounting plate portions of said first and second trailing arm mounting brackets having a plurality of bolt openings between the rearward and forward ends thereof which register with at least some of the bolt slots of said first and second mounting plate portions of said first and second frame brackets;bolts extending through registering bolt openings and bolt slots;first and second trailing arms, having rearward and forward ends, pivotally secured at their forward ends to said first and second trailing arm mounting brackets, respectively, and extending rearwardly therefrom;an axle assembly mounted on the rearward ends of said first and second trailing arms;wheels mounted on said axle assembly;and power actuated means operatively connected to said first and second trailing arms for raising and lowering said wheels relative to said frame members.