Abstract:
An expanding independent load suspension system that incorporates a square walking beam, unique bushings, and multiple expanding sliding units to spread the load bearing tires evenly over the surface instead of grouping them close together. With the weight of the vehicle having the ability to pivot over three separate axes, it maintains an equal pressure on all the tires no matter what the surface conditions. Additional benefits are derived by the separation of the tires with the new design of the square walking beam causing less damage to the roadways. The vehicle has been designed to operate on the highways in the conventional ten-foot width, and then expand to a maximum of twenty feet to move large loads with the permits required.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     This invention relates to the field of suspension systems to be used on a variety of different load carrying transport vehicles. More specifically, this patent deals with vehicles having multiple axel and tire groupings used to carry heavy loads. The expansion of these vehicles in the past has been limited due to the uneven distribution of the load weight over the wheels, which are normally clustered together. Additionally, some of the wide load carrying vehicles must be disassembled for transport to the location where the load must be transported from, assembled to transport the load, then disassembled again for the return. This patent offers a new and unique suspension system that keeps the tires evenly spaced over the surface both front to back and side to side along with equalizing the weight distributed to each of the tires even on uneven surfaces no matter how wide the vehicle is spread.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The inventors of this Expanding Independent Load Suspension System operate a trucking firm specifically directed at heavy hauling. That is the transport of larger than average loads. Because of road safety and weight limitations, state and federal authorities have adopted highway weight distribution formulae and regulations which determine legal load limits for load carrying vehicles, the manner in which the load carrying vehicles may traverse a highway, and the weight distribution of load-carrying vehicles over the pavement. Additional stringent laws may vary from state to state, allowing that some vehicles legal in one state will not be legal in another due to wheel location or load displacement.  
         [0003]     Typically, these weight distribution formulae are used to prescribe load limits for individual axles or axle clusters and the distribution of the load weight over the surface. Very heavy loads exceeding the regulated weight limits often require special permits from state authorities. Although criteria for these permits may vary from state to state, the load-carrying vehicles must normally comply with a distribution formula determined by the government authorities for safe travel across highways. Another common problem is the hauling of massive loads over bridges. Loads normally cannot traverse a bridge span when they exceed 60,000 lbs. per span. In some cases, the vehicles used to move the large loads must be disassembled and moved to the location prior to moving the load. Other problems occur with slopes in the surface either to the front or back or to the side, where the weight is not equally distributed to all of the tires evenly. Breaking of the vehicle also shifts the weight distribution on the vehicle. This uneven distribution of weight may greatly exceed the highway weight limit and the weight limit on individual tires of the vehicle. An unforeseen problem in existing vehicles is by the manufacturer increasing the rigidity of the suspension system. When the vehicle leans to the side a great deal of the weight is transmitted to the outside tires, exceeding predetermined load limits. Conventional systems couple tires together in a dual tire configuration. This invention separates each tire by the means of the walking beam location between the tires also leaving room for additional breaking mechanisms. A unique expansion system has been devised with expanding sliding units that spread the axle clusters apart. By separating the tires, and further separating the axel clusters as the vehicle is expanded, the load weight is spread over a uniform area on the surface no matter how wide the system has been spread.  
         [0004]     In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. In addition, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0005]     This invention describes a new and unique expanding independent load suspension system that distributes the load weight over a broader area than the conventional vehicles used in the field of hauling heavy loads. This is accomplished by evenly spacing the tires out, no matter how wide the vehicle has been spread. By having variable dimensions in the suspension system it will enable infinite adjustment of the wheel locations to avail maximum loads allowed, as required by law. The infinite adjustment of the expanding independent load suspension system means that any segment of the system may be adjusted independently, either manually or electronically by the means of switches or valves. The system can also be completely computer controlled to compensate for varying roadway conditions or load sizes.  
         [0006]     In addition, the expanding independent load suspension system incorporates a new style of square-walking beam and expanding sliding units to accomplish this task. The preferred embodiment of the square walking beam in combination with unique bushings used on the walking beam at the axle mount and trunnions keeps all the tires in equal contact with the surface. By pivoting on three separate axes, the load is evenly distributed no matter what the surface conditions. The square walking beam uses a cylindrical bushing with a preferably square orifice, although the orifice may be rectangular, may have radiuses in the corners, or would not be limited to being in any geometric shape with flat or curved sides and will still fall within the scope of this patent. The bushings, having a square orifice, allows for tapered shims to be optionally inserted on the sides of the square walking beam to adjust wheel and axle alignment or may be manufactured with a variety of existing alignment adjusting configurations. These bushings may be manufactured in one piece or may be split in two halves reducing the manufacturing costs. The axle mounting brackets will consist of a split clamp making replacing or shimming the bushing an easy process or of a singular tubular element. An added benefit to having the square orifice in the bushing is that conventional bushings normally wear out on the inside diameter because there is less surface area on the inside diameter than the outside. By using a square orifice the bushings are forced to turn on the outer diameter making them last longer.  
         [0007]     The square walking beam being constructed of flat stock can gradually thicken either in height or width approaching the central mounting area of the trunnion depending upon the weight the beam has been designed to carry, eliminating stress risers that normally occur at abrupt structural changes or abrupt changes in contour. It must be clarified that although the walking beam has been designated as a square walking beam, it along with the orifice in the bushing, may be rectangular, may have radiuses on the corners or would not be limited to being in any geometric shape with flat, or approaching flat or curved sides and will still fall within the scope of this patent. Additionally, the square walking beam may have different thickness in the material used on the top and bottom from that on the sides, reducing the weight. The square walking beam can also be fabricated with a preload bow in it similar to what is done on some of the flat bed trailers. The preload bow is designed to flex to a straight configuration under a load. This flexing of the beam cushions some of the shock of bumps creating an easier ride for the vehicle and minimizes some of the damage done by rigidly resisting shock forces incurred on the road.  
         [0008]     An alternate embodiment of the square walking beam will incorporate longitudinal adjustment of the bushing mounts at the ends of the beam to vary the centerline spacing of the axles. This adjustment would most commonly be made with hydraulic cylinders, but could also be accomplished with a variety of conventional mechanisms including air or screw drive mechanisms. The adjustment to spread the axles apart can also vary the ride condition by extending the bushings and axle mounts apart for a softer ride or bringing them together for a firmer ride. This unique feature can also be incorporated into a single axle suspension beam in the square configuration, with or without the hydraulically actuated longitudinal adjustment of the bushing mount.  
         [0009]     The expansion of the expanding independent load suspension system is accomplished by the means of multiple sliding units that expand the vehicle laterally. The sliding units are composed of similar central box members and two opposing sliding sections that extend in opposite directions. The primary box member is fixably attached to the frame of the vehicle with the primary sliding sections extending by the means of hydraulic cylinders or similar conventional mechanisms. Centrally located on the bottom on each primary sliding section will be the primary trunnions for the primary square journals mounted on the secondary box members containing the secondary sliding sections. The centerline of the primary trunnions on the primary sliding sections will be parallel to the frame of the vehicle allowing the secondary box member to pivot on the X-axis as indicated on the drawings. The secondary box members will have the opposing secondary sliding sections also extended by the means of hydraulic cylinders or similar conventional mechanisms. Centrally located on the opposing secondary sliding sections will be the secondary trunnions for the secondary square journals and bushings mounted on the square walking beam. The centerlines of the secondary trunnions are perpendicular to the frame of the vehicle allowing the walking beam to pivot on the Y-axis as indicated in the drawings. Teflon pressure pads will be placed in a variety of locations on primary sliding sections and the secondary sliding sections to assure a smooth sliding action within the box members. The bushings at the ends of the walking beams will allow the axles to pivot on the Z-axis as indicated in the drawings. With the weight of the vehicle having the ability to pivot over three axes, it maintains an equal pressure on the tires no matter what the surface conditions. Additional benefits are derived by the separation of the tires by the square walking beam.  
         [0010]     With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0011]     The principal advantage of the expanding independent load suspension system is to create a vehicle of a conventional width with expanding capabilities.  
         [0012]     Another advantage of the invention is to create an expanding vehicle that will distribute the load evenly over the road surface.  
         [0013]     Another advantage of the invention is to create an expanding vehicle that can carry a heavy load that does not have an excessive amount of structural weight.  
         [0014]     Another advantage of the invention is to create an expanding independent load suspension system with the ability to offset the support to compensate for side slope or super elevation in highway curves.  
         [0015]     Another advantage of the invention is to be able to slide axles in or out to clear road obstacles curbs, cars or high wires.  
         [0016]     Another advantage of the invention is to eliminate the attachment of the wheels together as in the conventional dual wheel concept that concentrates the load in a small uneven footprint on the surface.  
         [0017]     Another advantage of the invention is to create a unique walking beam on an axel cluster that has flat surface areas on the sides instead of round.  
         [0018]     Another advantage of the invention is to create a square walking beam that will have no stress risers over the entire length.  
         [0019]     Another advantage of the invention is to create a square walking beam that is economical to build, lighter weight and will be able to carry a heavier load.  
         [0020]     Another advantage of the invention is to create a square walking beam that can be constructed with a pre-load bow in it.  
         [0021]     Another advantage of the invention is to create a square walking beam where the bushings and bushing mounts are adjustable to vary the spread of the axels attached to the walking beam ends.  
         [0022]     Another advantage of the invention is to create a round bushing that has an orifice to match the configuration of the walking beam design.  
         [0023]     Another advantage of the invention is to create an easily replaced bushing system for transport vehicles.  
         [0024]     Another advantage of this invention is to create a round bushing with an orifice that can be shimmed to adjust wheel and axel alignment.  
         [0025]     A further advantage of this invention is to create a round bushing with a square orifice that can be used on the pivoting square journals at the trunnion locations.  
         [0026]     Yet, another advantage of this invention is to create an expanding vehicle with one or more expandable sliding units.  
         [0027]     Still another advantage of this invention is to create an expanding vehicle with expanding sliding units that adjust the positions of the trunnions to equally spread the tire locations apart when the vehicle is expanded.  
         [0028]     And still another advantage of this invention is to create an expanding vehicle with trunnions and bushings pivoting on three different axes, maintaining equal contact pressure with the surface by all the tires on the vehicle.  
         [0029]     A final advantage is to create a load suspension system that improves the weight distribution of all load-carrying vehicles and reduces pavement damage on the highway by these vehicles.  
         [0030]     An expanding independent load suspension system that incorporates a square walking beam, unique bushings, and multiple expanding sliding units to spread the load bearing tires evenly over the surface instead of grouping them close together. With the weight of the vehicle having the ability to pivot over three separate axes, it maintains an equal pressure on all the tires no matter what the surface conditions. Additional benefits are derived by the separation of the tires with the new design of the square walking beam causing less damage to the roadways. The vehicle has been designed to operate on the highways in the conventional ten-foot width, and then expand to a maximum of twenty feet to move large loads with the permits required.  
         [0031]     These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty, which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention. There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0032]     The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description, serve to explain the advantages of this invention.  
         [0033]      FIG. 1  depicts a perspective drawing of one side of the expanding independent load suspension system, constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0034]      FIG. 2  depicts the prior art in a rear view of the typical walking beam configuration;  
         [0035]      FIG. 3  depicts a cross sectional view of a tubular support member walking beam in the prior art;  
         [0036]      FIG. 4  depicts a cross section of the square walking beam, constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0037]      FIG. 5  depicts an exploded view of the square walking beam, the axle mounting bracket and the secondary trunnion and bushings, constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0038]      FIG. 6  depicts a side view of a square walking beam, constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0039]      FIG. 7  depicts a side view of an alternate embodiment of the square walking beam with hydraulically actuated longitudinal adjustment of the bushing mounts, constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0040]      FIG. 8  depicts a side view of a second alternate embodiment of the square walking beam with a pre-load bow in it, constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0041]      FIG. 9  depicts a side view of a single axle suspension beam in the square configuration, constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0042]      FIG. 10  depicts an alternate embodiment of the single axle suspension beam in the square configuration with hydraulically actuated longitudinal adjustment of the bushing mount, constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0043]      FIG. 11  depicts a top view of a square walking beam illustrating the secondary square journal and bushings, constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0044]      FIG. 12  depicts a cross section through one end of the square walking beam illustrating the cushioned bushing retainer, constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0045]      FIG. 13  depicts a side view of the square walking beam with the bushing in cross section, constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0046]      FIG. 14  depicts an end view of the axle mounting bracket with the split clamp exploded down, constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0047]      FIG. 15  depicts a side view of the round bushing with the square orifice, constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0048]      FIG. 16  depicts an end view of the round bushing with the square orifice, constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0049]      FIG. 17  depicts an end view of the square walking beam, the secondary square journal and bushings, constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0050]      FIG. 18  depicts a top view of the secondary square journal, constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0051]      FIG. 19  depicts an end view of the secondary square journal, constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0052]      FIG. 20  depicts a side view of the alternate embodiment of the axle mounting bracket, constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0053]      FIG. 21  depicts the expanded back view of the expanding independent load suspension system, constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0054]      FIG. 22  depicts a right side view of the expanding independent load suspension system, constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0055]      FIG. 23  depicts a left side view of the expanding independent load suspension system, constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0056]      FIG. 24  depicts an expanded top view of the expanding independent load suspension system, constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0057]      FIG. 25  depicts a retracted top view of the expanding independent load suspension system, constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0058]      FIG. 26  depicts a retracted back view of the expanding independent load suspension system, constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0059]      FIG. 27  depicts a bottom view of one secondary box member with the secondary sliding sections extended, constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0060]      FIG. 28  depicts an exploded perspective view of the primary sliding sections, constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0061]      FIG. 29  depicts a perspective view of one of the Teflon® pressure pads, constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0062]      FIG. 30  depicts a back view of the expanding independent load suspension system with the left side extended and the right side retracted, constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0063]      FIG. 31  depicts a left side view of the expanding independent load suspension system with an alternate embodiment of the secondary box member and sliding sections, constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0064]      FIG. 32  depicts an end view of the alternate embodiment of the secondary box member and sliding sections, constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0065]      FIG. 33  depicts a top view of the alternate embodiment of the secondary box member and sliding sections, constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0066]      FIG. 34  depicts a bottom view of the alternate embodiment of the secondary box member and sliding sections, constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0067]      FIG. 35  depicts a perspective drawing of one side of the expanding independent load suspension system with a walking beam with hydraulically actuated longitudinal adjustment of the bushing mounts replacing the secondary box member and the right and left secondary sliding sections, constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0068]      FIG. 36  depicts a top view of the square walking beam with expanded central section, constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0069]      FIG. 37  depicts a side view of the square walking beam with expanded central section, constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0070]      FIG. 38  depicts a section through a walking beam with flat sides and circular top and bottom, constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0071]      FIG. 39  depicts a section through a walking beam with flat sides and radius corners on the top and bottom, constructed in accordance with the present invention; and  
         [0072]      FIG. 40  depicts a section through an oval shaped walking beam, constructed in accordance with the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0073]     Referring now to the drawings, wherein similar parts of the expanding independent load suspension system  10  are identified by like reference numerals, there is seen in  FIG. 1 a  perspective drawing of one side of the expanding independent load suspension system  10  illustrating a conventional frame member  12  fixably attached to the primary box member  14 . It must be understood only half of the vehicle has been depicted in the illustration and below this point there will be two or more of each of the items depicted unless otherwise indicated. One of the opposing sliding sections  16  is shown in the extended position. Below the primary sliding sections  16  is one of the primary trunnions  18 , housing the bushing  20  and one of the primary square journals  22 . The primary square journals  22  will pivot about the X-axis that is parallel to the frame of the vehicle. The primary journals  22  are fixably attached to the top of the secondary box members  24 A shown with one of the secondary sliding sections  26 A extended. Below the secondary sliding section,  26 A is shown one of the secondary trunnions  28 A composed of a bushing  20  and the secondary square journal  30 . The secondary square journal  30  will pivot about the Y-axis that is perpendicular to the frame  12  of the vehicle. The secondary square journal  30  will be fixably attached to the center of the square walking beam  32 A with bushings  20  at either end. The bushings  20  at the ends of the walking beams  32 A are mounted to the axle  34  by the means of the mounting bracket  36 A with a split clamp  38 . The axle  34  with the wheels  40  attached, will pivot about the Z-axis additionally parallel to the frame  12  of the vehicle.  
         [0074]      FIG. 2  depicts the prior art in a side view of the typical walking beam  42  with the axle mounting brackets  44  at each end of the tubular member  46 . Welded across the top are one or more angular mounting members  48  leaving the areas  50  where the stress risers most often occur. These abrupt structural changes or abrupt changes in contour increase stress risers that cause metal fatigue in small areas illustrated in  FIG. 3  and will eventually lead to cracking.  FIG. 4  illustrates a section through the end of the square walking beam  32 A indicating the flat top wall  52  and the flat bottom wall  54  with the flat side walls  56 . This view clarifies that the top wall  52  and bottom wall  54  where the major stresses occur will be thicker and the side walls  56  where less stress occurs will be of a thinner material. It must be also noted that the stress is spread over a wider area of the top wall  52  and bottom wall  54 , without any abrupt structural changes or abrupt changes in contour, than on the tubular member  46 .  
         [0075]      FIG. 5  depicts an exploded view of the square walking beam  32 A with the flat top wall  52  and the flat bottom wall  54  and flat side walls  56  gradually enlarging in the central section  58  where the secondary square journal  30  is fixably attached. The height and width of the central section  58  of the square walking beam may vary depending upon the design requirements for different load carrying capabilities. Bushings  20  slide over the ends of the secondary square journal  30  by the means of the square orifice  60  and are held to the secondary trunnions  28 A mounting bracket  62  by the means of the split clamp  64  over the round exterior surface  66 . At the distal ends of the square walking beam  32 A are bushings  20  with the supporting axle mounting brackets  36 A. The near end has been exploded away to reveal the bushing stop plate  68  and rubber cushion mount  70 , the retainer U-bolt  72  and the keeper pin  74 . The bushing  20  slides over the square walking beam  32 A by the means of the matching square orifice  60  to be held in place by the bushing retainer plate  76 . Tapered shims  78  can be inserted into one or both sides of bushing  20  to adjust the alignment of the wheels  40  and axles  34 . The bushing  20  can be manufactured in one piece or can have a top half  80  and a bottom half  82 . Additionally the bushing  20  can be manufactured with the square orifice  60  off center or with tapered sides, so that by rotating, alignment corrections may be made or the bushings exterior round surface  66  could be made eccentric to the centerline of the square orifice  60  for alignment corrections. The bushings  20  will be cut to length as required. All the modifications and variations mentioned to the bushing  20  will be covered within the scope of the patent.  
         [0076]      FIG. 6  illustrates the simplest version or preferred embodiment of the square walking beam  32 A with the flat top wall  52  and the flat bottom wall  54  with the flat side walls  56 , the enlarged central section  58 . The stop plate is fixably attached to the square walking beam  32 A to locate the bushing held in place by the bushing retainer plate  76 . Axle mounting brackets  36 A with the axles  34  over the bushings  20  are shown at each end of the square walking beam  32 A.  
         [0077]      FIG. 7  depicts a side view of an alternate embodiment in the square walking beam  32 B with hydraulically actuated longitudinal adjustment of the bushing mounts by hydraulic cylinders  84  and  86 .  FIG. 8  depicts a side view of a second alternate embodiment in the square walking beam  32 C, with a pre-load bow  88  curving the ends of the beam down.  FIG. 9  depicts a side view of a single axle suspension beam  32 D in the square configuration with an air bag  90  as a cushion support.  FIG. 10  depicts an alternate embodiment of the single axle suspension beam  32 E in the square configuration with hydraulically actuated longitudinal adjustment of the bushing mount by the means of the hydraulic cylinder  84 .  
         [0078]      FIG. 11  depicts a top view of a square walking beam  32 A illustrating the secondary square journal  30  and bushings  20 .  FIG. 12  depicts a cross section through one end of the square waking beam  32 A illustrating the cushioned bushing retainer  92  comprised of the rubber cushion mount  70 , retainer U-bolt  72 , the keeper pin  74  and the mounting nuts  94  holding in place the bushing retainer plate  76 .  
         [0079]      FIG. 13  depicts a side view of the square walking beam  32 A with the bushing  20  in cross section with the optional composition spacer  96 .  FIG. 14  depicts an end view of the axle mounting bracket  36 A with the axle  34  and the split clamp  38  exploded down.  
         [0080]      FIG. 15  depicts a side view of the round bushing  20  with the square orifice  60  and a flange  98 . The bushing  20  may be manufactured in one piece or may have a top half  80  and bottom half  82 . Bushing  20  will be cut to length as required.  FIG. 16  depicts an end view of the round bushing  20  with the square orifice  60 .  
         [0081]      FIG. 17  depicts an end view of the square walking beam  32 A, the secondary square journal  30  and bushings  20 .  FIG. 18  depicts a top view of the secondary square journal  30  illustrating the secondary square journal top plate  100  and the two bushing stop plates  102 .  FIG. 19  depicts an end view of the secondary square journal  30 , the secondary journal top and bottom plates  100  and  104 .  FIG. 20  depicts a side view of the alternate embodiment of the axle mounting bracket  36 B comprised of one piece, not having the split clamp  38 .  
         [0082]      FIG. 21  depicts the expanded back view of the expanding independent load suspension system  10  where the surface contours  106  have been exaggerated to show the flexibility of the system. The primary box member  14  remains basically level with the left primary sliding section  108  with the right primary sliding section  110  shown in the extended position. The secondary box member  24 A on the left side is shown pivoting on the primary trunnion  18  with the left secondary sliding section  112  and the right secondary sliding section  114  in the extended position. The wheels  40  are shown pivoting in the bushing  20  on the end of the square walking beam  32 A. The secondary box member  24 A on the right side is shown pivoting on the primary trunnion  18  with the left secondary sliding section  112  and the right sliding section  114  in the extended position. On the right side the axles  34  and the axle mounting bracket  36 A are depicted. The wheels  40  are shown pivoting in the bushing  20  on the end of the square walking beam  32 A.  
         [0083]      FIG. 22  depicts a right side view of the expanding independent load suspension system  10 .  FIG. 23  depicts a left side view of the Expanding Independent Load Suspension System  10  shown with the square walking beam  32 A pivoting on the bushing  20  on an uneven surface.  FIG. 24  depicts an expanded top view of the expanding independent load suspension system  10  with the center of the primary box member  14  broken away to show the two hydraulic cylinders  116  and  118  used to extend the left primary sliding section  108  and the right primary sliding section  110  by pushing against the central support plate  120  that is fixably attached in the center of the primary box member  14 .  
         [0084]      FIG. 25  depicts retracted top view of the expanding independent load suspension system  10  showing the orifice  122  in the top of the primary box member  14  for the hydraulic lines going to the hydraulic cylinders  116  and  118 .  
         [0085]      FIG. 26  depicts a retracted back view of the expanding independent load suspension system  10 .  FIG. 27  depicts a bottom view of one secondary box members with the secondary sliding sections  112  and  114  extended.  
         [0086]      FIG. 28  depicts an exploded perspective view of the left primary sliding section  108  and the right primary sliding section  110 . The primary trunnion mounts  18  have been omitted for clarity. The right primary sliding section  110  is composed of a box section  124  and two fork members  126 . The left primary sliding section  108  is composed of a box section  128  and a tongue member  130 . The tongue member  130  translated under the shelf  132  of the right primary sliding section  110  while the fork members  126  slide under the ledges  134  on the left primary sliding section  108 . The unique interlocking of the left primary sliding section  108  and the right primary sliding section  110  adequately support a great deal of weight when they have been extended. Conventional Teflon® wear pad  136  illustrated in  FIG. 29  will be placed in a variety of locations to minimize frictional drag when the parts are moved. This application will also apply to the secondary box members  24 A and the right and left secondary sliding sections  112  and  114 .  
         [0087]      FIG. 30  depicting a back view of the expanding independent load suspension system  10  with the left primary sliding section  108  extended and the right primary sliding section  110  retracted further clarifying the fact that with variable dimensions in suspension system it will enable infinite adjustment of the wheel locations on irregular surfaces. The illustration clarifies that when rounding a super elevated turn one side can be extended while the other can be retracted.  
         [0088]      FIG. 31  depicts a left side view of the expanding independent load suspension system  10  with an alternate embodiment of the secondary box member  14  depicting a secondary box member  24 B and typical sliding sections  26 B.  FIG. 32  depicts an end view of the alternate embodiment of the secondary box member  24 B narrower than the secondary box member  24 A allowing the configuration of the sliding sections  26 B to be the same while achieving adequate support.  FIG. 33  depicts a top view of the alternate embodiment of the secondary box member  24 B with a portion broken away to reveal the hydraulic cylinders  84  and  86 .  FIG. 34  depicts a bottom view of the alternate embodiment of the secondary box member  24 B and sliding sections  26 B displaying the bottom panel  138 .  
         [0089]      FIG. 35  depicts a perspective drawing of one side of the expanding independent load suspension system  10  with a walking beam  24 C with hydraulically actuated longitudinal adjustment of the cylindrical bushing mounts  140  configured on the square walking beam  32 A replacing the secondary box member  24 A and the right and left secondary sliding sections  112  and  114 .  
         [0090]      FIG. 35  depicts a top view of the square walking beam  32 F with expanded central section  52  further emphasizing the expanded width of the flat top wall  52  and flat bottom wall  54  while using the secondary trunnion  28 B having an enlarged tubular member  142  similar to the tubular axle mount  36 B with an enlarged bushing  20 .  FIG. 37  additionally clarifies that the flat sidewalls  56  can be enlarged through the central section  58  to strengthen the structural integrity while still remaining within the scope of this patent.  
         [0091]      FIGS. 38, 39  and  40  depict a three of geometric configurations of the walking beam  32 A,  32 B,  32 C,  32 D,  32 E and  32 F, with flat sides  144  and curved sides  146  to match a like configured orifice in the bushing  20  capable of alignment adjustments described and within the scope of this patent. These figures endeavor to emphasize the variety of shapes in the walking beams  32  and the bushing  20  that may be used by the expanding independent load suspension system for correcting the problems arising from the prior art tubular support member  46  on the walking beam  42 .  
         [0092]     The expanding independent load suspension system  10  shown in the drawings and described in detail herein discloses arrangements of elements of particular construction and configuration for illustrating preferred embodiments of structure and method of operation of the present invention. It is to be understood, however, that varying combination of elements of different construction and configuration and other arrangements thereof, other than those illustrated and described may be employed for providing a expanding independent load suspension system  10  in accordance with the spirit of this invention, and such changes, alternations and modifications as would occur to those skilled in the art are considered to be within the scope of this invention as broadly defined in the appended claims.  
         [0093]     Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The abstract is neither intended to define the invention of the application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way.