CA3052360A1 - Load carrying vehicle with adjustable track width - Google Patents

Abstract

An apparatus for adjustable, lateral spacing of wheels of a load carrying vehicle.
The apparatus includes an axle assembly, and an axle holder configured to attach the axle assembly to the vehicle. The axle assembly has a first elongate axle member, and a second elongate axle member. At least a portion of the first elongate axle member defines a sleeve having a hollow sized and shaped to slidably receive at least a portion of the second elongate axle member, between a retracted position and an extended position. The free ends of the first and second axle members are configured to operatively attach the wheels.

Sliding the second elongate axle member between the retracted position and the extended position allows adjustment of the lateral spacing of the wheels, between a smallest lateral spacing and a largest lateral spacing. Also disclosed are a load carrying vehicle incorporating the apparatus, and a method of adjusting the lateral spacing of wheels of a load carrying vehicle incorporating the apparatus.

Description

Title: LOAD CARRYING VEHICLE WITH ADJUSTABLE TRACK WIDTH
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to load carrying vehicles, such as trailers, and the like, and axle assemblies therefor. More particularly, the present invention relates to adjustable axle assemblies for such vehicles to provide desired lateral spacing of the vehicle wheels.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
It is known to employ adjustable axles to provide a vehicle with an adjustable track width. For example, adjustable axles have been used in agricultural vehicles such as tractors, implements, and the like, to allow users to make adjustments to the lateral spacing of the vehicle wheels to suit their needs.
Adjustable axles provide such vehicles with improved versatility, enable the vehicles to accommodate various requirements such as row spacing or other physical constraints imposed by their operating environment, or allow the vehicles to comply with certain laws, or standards.
For example, the use of public roads is typically governed by various laws.
Commonly, the laws preclude vehicles having a track width of greater than a specified amount from using the roads without a special permit. Hence, vehicles intended for use on public roads have a track width that is limited to comply with the laws. However, such laws do not apply to vehicles that are not intended for use on public roads. In some instances, particularly those instances where the loads are heavy and the ground is bumpy, it is desirable to provide vehicles with wider track widths for improved stability.

-2-U.S. Pat. No. 4,040,643 to Apple quist discloses a grain cart having an adjustable vehicle axle that allows a user to extend the wheels to provide a wider track width for improved stability on bumpy ground, and to shorten the wheels to permit the grain cart to be used on public roads.
As another example, it is known that the rows of different kinds of crops are placed at different distances apart, and that the rows of the same kind of crops are placed at different distances from each other in different parts of the country, and therefore it may be desirable to provide a means whereby the wheels of a cultivator, a grain drill, and other similar implements may be adjusted to the proper distance apart for adapting them to the circumstances under which they are to be used.
U.S. Pat. No. 243,216 to Conner discloses a cultivator having an adjustable vehicle axle that allows a user to adjust the wheels to the proper distance apart for adapting them to the circumstances under which they are to be used.
Other examples of known vehicles with adjustable track widths include: U.S.
Pat. Nos. 2,594,540 (Cole); 4,772,038 (MacDonald); 7,452,000 (Winter); and 9,205,881 (Vandergon).
However, there is a continuing need for improvements in load carrying vehicles with adjustable track widths.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
What is desired is a load carrying vehicle with an adjustable track width that overcomes at least some of the problems associated with the prior art. In particular, what is desired is a load carrying vehicle having at least one adjustable axle assembly that is relatively inexpensive to manufacture, and

-3-allows easy adjustment of the track width in predetermined increments.
Accordingly, an embodiment of present invention is a load carrying vehicle in the form of a trailer configured for towing by a towing vehicle, such as an All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV), a Utility Task Vehicle (UTV), a Rough Terrain Vehicle (RTV), a tractor, a car, a truck, and the like. The trailer preferably includes a longitudinal beam having a mechanical coupler at one end, that is adapted for coupling to a complementary coupler on the towing vehicle. An apparatus for adjustable, lateral spacing of wheels is attached to substantially the middle portion of the longitudinal beam. The apparatus includes an axle assembly, and an axle holder configured to attach the axle assembly to the longitudinal beam. The axle assembly has a first elongate axle member, and a second elongate axle member. At least a portion of the first elongate axle member defines a sleeve having a hollow sized and shaped to slidably receive at least a portion of the second elongate axle member, between a retracted position and an extended position. The free ends of the first and second axle members are configured to operatively attach the wheels. Sliding the second elongate axle member between the retracted position and the extended position, in a telescopic manner, allows adjustment of the lateral spacing of the wheels, between a smallest lateral spacing and a largest lateral spacing. Preferably, the axle assembly may be secured to the axle holder with fasteners, such as nut and bolt fasteners, passing through apertures located on the axle holder, the first elongate axle member, and the second elongate axle holder. The number and position of the apertures may be selected to allow for a desired number of predetermined increments of lateral spacing of the wheels. In the present example, the number of predetermined increments of lateral spacing of the wheels is four, and they allow adjusting the lateral spacing of the wheels to provide track widths of 48 inches, 56 inches, 58 inches, and 60 inches, respectively. However, it will be appreciated that various factors may warrant providing for more or fewer than four predetermined increments of lateral

-4-spacing of the wheels. A pair of load supports for supporting a load placed on the trailer, are mounted to the longitudinal beam on either side of the apparatus for adjustable, lateral spacing of wheels. Preferably, the load supports include arms that pivot between a horizontal, stowed position when they are not needed, and an upright position that prevents the load from moving laterally past the edges of the load supports and falling off the sides of the trailer.
Therefore, in accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is disclosed an apparatus for adjustable, lateral spacing of wheels of a load carrying vehicle, said apparatus comprising:
an axle assembly having a first elongate axle member, and a second elongate axle member, at least a portion of said first elongate axle member defining a sleeve having a hollow sized and shaped to slidably receive at least a portion of said second elongate axle member, between a retracted position and an extended position, the free ends of said first and second axle members being configured to operatively attach said wheels; and an axle holder configured to attach said axle assembly to said vehicle;
wherein sliding said second elongate axle member between said retracted position and said extended position allows adjustment of said lateral spacing of said wheels, between a smallest lateral spacing and a largest lateral spacing.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is disclosed a load carrying vehicle comprising one or more of the apparatus described above.
It is contemplated that said load carrying vehicle may be a trailer.
According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is disclosed a method of adjusting a lateral spacing of wheels of a load carrying vehicle comprising said apparatus described above, said method comprising the steps

-5-of:
adjusting said lateral spacing of said wheels, between said smallest lateral spacing and said largest lateral spacing.
It is contemplated that said adjusting step may comprise the step of:
sliding said second elongate axle member between said retracted position and said extended position.
It is also contemplated that the method may further comprise the step of:
attaching said adjusted axle assembly to said axle holder with at least one fastener.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Reference will now be made to the preferred embodiments of the present invention with reference, by way of example only, to the following drawings in which:
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a load carrying vehicle having adjustable axle assemblies adjusted for a smallest lateral spacing of vehicle wheels, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the trailer of Fig. 1, with the adjustable axle assemblies adjusted for a largest lateral spacing of the vehicle wheels;
Fig. 3 is a top view of the trailer of Fig. 1, with the adjustable axle assemblies adjusted for the smallest lateral spacing of the vehicle wheels;
Fig. 4 is a top view of the trailer of Fig. 1, with the adjustable axle assemblies adjusted for the largest lateral spacing of the vehicle wheels;
Fig. 5 is a side view of the trailer of Fig. 1;
Fig. 6 is a front view of the trailer of Fig. 1, with the adjustable axle assemblies adjusted for the smallest lateral spacing of the vehicle wheels;
Fig. 7 is a front view of the trailer of Fig. 1, with the adjustable axle

-6-assemblies adjusted for a largest lateral spacing of the vehicle wheels;
Fig. 8 is another perspective view of the trailer of Fig. 1, with the adjustable axle assemblies adjusted for the smallest lateral spacing of the vehicle wheels;
Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the trailer of Fig. 1, with the adjustable axle assemblies adjusted for a first intermediate lateral spacing of the vehicle wheels;
Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the trailer of Fig. 1, with the adjustable axle assemblies adjusted for a second intermediate lateral spacing of the vehicle wheels;
Fig. 11 is another perspective view of the trailer of Fig. 1, with the adjustable axle assemblies adjusted for the largest lateral spacing of the vehicle wheels;
Fig. 12 is a top view showing a closeup of an adjustable axle assembly attached to an axle holder of the load carrying vehicle of Fig. 1, with the adjustable axle assembly adjusted for the smallest lateral spacing of vehicle wheels;
Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A¨A of Fig. 12;
Fig. 14 is a perspective view of Fig. 12;
Fig. 15 is an exploded view of Fig. 12; and Fig. 16 is a bottom view of a load carrying vehicle, with wheels adjusted for a smallest lateral spacing, according to another embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The present invention is described in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof as shown in the appended drawings. While the present invention is described below including preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited thereto. Those of ordinary

-7-skill in the art having access to the teachings herein will recognize additional implementations, modifications, and embodiments which are within the scope of the present invention as disclosed and claimed herein.
With reference to Fig. 1, there is shown generally with reference numeral 10, a trailer with adjustable track width, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The trailer 10 has a longitudinal beam 12 that defines a center line of the trailer 10. Preferably, the longitudinal beam 12 may be made of steel ASTM A36, with a rectangular cross-section, to provide sufficient strength and rigidity to serve as a chassis for the trailer 10. To reduce weight, the longitudinal beam 12 may be made with a hollow center, or feature a number of apertures or cells along its length, as will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art.
In this example, the longitudinal beam 12 has a length of 80.94 inches, and a width and height of 2.36 inches. The longitudinal beam 12 has a square cross-section with a hollow center defining a wall thickness of 0.16 inches. The hollow center is 2.05 inches wide and 2.05 inches high. It will be understood that other embodiments of the trailer 10 may be constructed by using longer or shorter longitudinal beams 12. All such embodiments are comprehended by the present invention.
Preferably, the trailer 10 may be provided with a tongue 14 extending from the longitudinal beam 12 at the front end 16 of the trailer 10. In the example of the trailer 10 shown in Fig. 1, the tongue 14 is a steel beam with a rectangular cross-section sized and shaped to be slidingly accommodated within the hollow of the longitudinal beam 12. The cross-section of the tongue 14 is generally the same shape as the cross-section of the hollow of the longitudinal beam 12, but with smaller dimensions to allow the user to slidingly retract or extend the tongue 14 in and out from the longitudinal beam 12 in a telescopic manner.

-8-The position of the tongue 14 relative to the longitudinal beam 12 may be secured by, for example, fasteners 52, such as nut 54 and bolt 56 fasteners.
The nut 54 and bolt 56 fasteners may be passed through holes in both the longitudinal beam 12 and the tongue 14, that line up at two or more positions of the tongue 14, relative to the longitudinal beam 12. Preferably, the tongue 14 may have a series of holes that are arranged in pairs, such that one of each pair of holes is oriented in a substantially vertical direction and the other of each pair of holes is oriented in a substantially horizontal direction. The pairs of holes may be spaced one foot apart along the length of the tongue 14, to allow extension or retraction of the tongue 14 to be secured in one foot increments.
The bolts 56 are passed through the aligned holes and nuts 54 are fastened and tightened on the threaded portion of the bolts 56 to secure the position of the tongue 14, relative to the longitudinal beam 12. In this way, the user may adjust the length of the tongue 14 to suit various needs. For example, the user may need to extend the tongue 14 to create more room on the trailer 10 to accommodate longer loads.
In this example, the tongue 14 has a length of 75.06 inches, and a width and height of 1.97 inches. The tongue 14 has a square cross-section with a hollow center defining a wall thickness of 0.16 inches. The hollow center is 1.65 inches wide and 1.65 inches high. It will be understood that other embodiments of the trailer 10 may be constructed by using longer or shorter tongues 14.
All such embodiments are comprehended by the present invention.
Attached to the free end of the tongue 14 is a mechanical coupler 18, adapted for coupling to a complementary coupler on a towing vehicle (not shown). In this example, the mechanical coupler 18 is shown as a hitch ball socket, adapted for coupling with a complementary coupler in the form of a hitch ball.

As will be appreciated, other examples of mechanical couplers 18, and complementary couplers include pintles, lunettes, 5th wheels, kingpins, and the

-9-like. Furthermore, the mechanical coupler 18 may consist of a receiver, for receiving an insert presenting a hitch ball, a hitch ball socket, a pintle, a lunette, a 5th wheel, a kingpin, and the like.
It will be understood that the tongue 14 need not be slidably attached to the longitudinal beam 12, and that the mechanical coupler 18 may be attached directly to the longitudinal beam 12. All such embodiments are comprehended by the present invention.
As will be appreciated, preferred load carrying vehicles will preferably include a means for carrying a load, attached to the chassis of the vehicle. With continued reference to Fig. 1, there is shown by way of example one such load carrying means in the form of a pair of load supports 20. According to this example, the pair of load supports 20 are attached to the longitudinal beam 12 at substantially opposite ends of the longitudinal beam 12. The load supports each have a support surface 22 for supporting the load placed on top to span the load supports 20. Although the exemplary trailer 10 shown in Fig. 1 includes a pair of load supports 20, it will be appreciated that more than two load supports 20 may be used according to other embodiments of the present 20 invention. It should also be noted that the present invention is not limited to the load supports 20 described and illustrated herein, but comprehends all other means for carrying a load, and all other manners of attaching them to the chassis of the vehicle, as will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art.
As shown, each the support surfaces 22 of the load supports 20 may preferably be provided with surface features, such as ridges or teeth 24 to prevent the load from sliding on the support surfaces 22. The support surfaces 22 of the load supports 20 may also be provided with other surface features, such as cavities 26 sized and shaped to hold one or more boards (not shown) of wood, plastic, metal, or the like, to span the pair of load supports 20 and form a flat bed for

-10-carrying the load.
Preferably, the load supports 20 may also include arms 28 that pivot between a horizontal, stowed position when they are not needed, and an upright position that prevents the load from moving laterally past the edges of the load supports 20 and falling off the sides of the trailer 10.
Although the load supports 20 may be attached to the trailer 10 in any manner known in the art, a preferred manner of attachment is one which allows the user to adjust their positions along the longitudinal beam 12 to some degree. By way of example, the load supports 22 may include a sleeve 30, having a hollow sized and shaped to slidably receive at least a portion of the longitudinal beam 12.
In this way, the load supports 20 may slide along respective portions of the longitudinal beam 12 to enable the user to set the load supports 20 so that they will be spaced apart by a desired distance, or to position them further towards the front or the rear of the trailer 10 to accommodate some other requirement.

Preferably, the cross-sectional shape of the hollow of the sleeve 30 meshes with the cross-sectional shape of the longitudinal beam 12, to restrict rotational movement of the load support 20 about the longitudinal beam 12. By way of example, when a longitudinal beam 12 having rectangular cross-section is used, the hollow of the sleeve 30 will preferably be sized and shaped to provide a slightly larger rectangular cross-section that can slidingly receive the longitudinal beam 12, yet restrict rotational movement of the sleeve 30 about the longitudinal beam 12. In this example, the longitudinal beam 12 has a square cross-section with a width and height of 2.36 inches, as mentioned above, and the sleeves 30 of the load supports 20 define hollows that are 2.44 inches wide and 2.44 inches high.

-11-The positions of the load supports 20 relative to the longitudinal beam 12 may be secured by, for example, clamps (not shown) associated with one or both ends of the sleeves 30. Tightening the clamps may preferably cause them to grip the longitudinal beam 12. By way of example, the clamps may include nut 54 and bolt 56 fasteners arranged so that tightening the bolts 56 causes the clamps to grip the longitudinal beam 12 with more force.
Of course, if the chassis of the trailer 10 includes more than one longitudinal beam 12, such that the plurality of longitudinal beams 12 work to restrict rotational movement of the load supports 20, it may be unnecessary for the cross-sectional shape of the hollows of the sleeves 30 to mesh with the cross-sectional shape of the longitudinal beam 12.
With continued reference to Fig. 1, the trailer 10 includes wheels 32, which are mounted to an apparatus for adjustable, lateral spacing of the wheels 32. The apparatus, which is shown generally with reference numeral 34, includes an axle assembly 36 for attaching the wheels 32, and an axle holder 38 for attaching the axle assembly 36 to the longitudinal beam 12 of the trailer 10.
Although, the exemplary trailer 10 includes two pairs of wheels 32 mounted to a single apparatus 34, it is contemplated that more or fewer pairs of wheels may be attached to apparatus 34, and that more apparatus 34 may be attached to the longitudinal beam 12. All such embodiments are comprehended by the present invention.
Having described the major elements of the trailer 10, it will now be understood that the apparatus 34 is configured to allow a user to adjust the lateral spacing of the wheels 32, between a smallest lateral spacing, an example of which is shown in Figs. 1, 3, 5, 6, and 8, and a largest lateral spacing, an example of which is shown in Figs. 2, 4, 5, 7, and 11. As best seen, with reference to Figs.
6 and 7, the smallest lateral spacing of the wheels 32 (i.e. Fig. 6) provides the

-12-narrowest track width 40, while the largest lateral spacing of the wheels 32 (i.e.
Fig. 7) provides the widest track width 40.
Furthermore, with reference to Figs. 8 to 11, it can be seen that in addition to the apparatus 34 being configured to allow the user to adjust the lateral spacing of the wheels 32 from the smallest lateral spacing of the wheels 32 (i.e. Fig.
8) to the largest lateral spacing of the wheels 32 (i.e. Fig. 11), and vice versa, the apparatus 34 may be further configured to allow the user to adjust the lateral spacing of the wheels 32 to one or more additional lateral spacings of the wheels 32. For example, Fig. 9 shows the exemplary trailer 10 with the apparatus 34 adjusted for a first intermediate lateral spacing of the wheels 32, which is greater than the smallest lateral spacing of the wheels 32 (i.e. Fig.
8), and Fig. 10 shows the trailer with the apparatus 34 adjusted for a second intermediate lateral spacing of the vehicle wheels 32, which is greater than the first intermediate lateral spacing of the wheels 32 (i.e. Fig. 9), but less than the largest lateral spacing of the wheels 32 (i.e. Fig. 11).
Accordingly, the apparatus 34 may preferably be configured to allow the user to adjust the lateral spacing of the wheels 32 to provide one of four track widths 40. Without limitation, the apparatus 34 may be configured such that the smallest lateral spacing of the wheels 32 (i.e. Fig. 8) will provide a track width 40 of 48 inches (i.e. Fig. 8), the first intermediate spacing of the wheels (i.e. Fig.
9) will provide a track width 40 of 56 inches, the second intermediate spacing of the wheels (i.e. Fig. 10) will provide a track width 40 of 58 inches, and the largest lateral spacing of the wheels 32 (i.e. Fig. 11) will provide a track width 40 of 60 inches.
However, it will be appreciated that the apparatus 34 may be configured such that the smallest lateral spacing of the wheels 32 will provide a track width that is less than 48 inches, or that the largest lateral spacing of the wheels

-13-will provide a track width 40 that is greater than 60 inches. It will also be appreciated that the apparatus 34 may be configured to allow the user to adjust the lateral spacing of the wheels 32 to provide more or fewer than four track widths 40. All such embodiments are comprehended by the present invention.
With reference now to Fig. 12, there is shown a portion of the apparatus 34 without the wheels 32 being attached, for ease of illustration. The apparatus 34 is shown attached to a section of the longitudinal beam 12. Preferably, the apparatus 34 may be attached to the longitudinal beam 12 by welding.
However, the apparatus 34 may be attached to the longitudinal beam 12 by other known means, including using fasteners, and the like.
As mentioned above, the apparatus 34 includes an axle assembly 36 and an axle holder 38. Preferably, the axle holder 38 has a first portion 42 adapted for attaching the axle holder 38 to the longitudinal beam 12 by welding, and a second portion 44 adapted for attaching the axle holder 38 to the axle assembly 36. In this example, the second portion 44 of said axle holder 38 has two upstanding mounting plates 46 sized, shaped and positioned to attach the axle assembly 36. The two mounting plates 46 may be spaced apart to define a channel 48 therebetween, which is sized and shaped to receive and secure the axle assembly 36, as best seen in Fig. 15. Preferably, the channel 48 may be substantially U-shaped in cross-section, to accommodate a matching, substantially rectangular cross-section, of the axle assembly 36 held within the channel 48. However, it will be understood that other embodiments of the present invention may include more or fewer mounting plates 46, and that the mounting plates 46 may be arranged to form, or omit the channel 48. All such embodiments are comprehended by the present invention.
Preferably, the axle holder 38 may be adapted to receive the axle assembly 36 from above the axle holder 38, to facilitate its attachment to the axle holder 38.

-14-For example, the second portion 44 of the axle holder 38 may be configured such that the U-shaped channel 48 is oriented with its opening facing substantially upwardly. In this way, the axle assembly 36 may be inserted into the channel 48 from the top of the axle holder 38, which is believed to make it easier for the user to adjust the lateral spacing of the wheels 32. However, it will be understood that in other embodiments of the present invention the second portion of the axle holder 38 may be adapted to receive the axle assembly 36 from below the axle holder 38, for example, as shown in Fig. 16.
All such embodiments are comprehended by the present invention.
Preferably, the second portion 44 includes at least one mounting plate 46 to attach the axle assembly 36, and one or more brace members 50 to reinforce the at least one mounting plate 46. As discussed in more detail below, the axle assembly 36 will preferably be attached to the at least one mounting plate 46 with fasteners 52, such as, for example, nuts 54, bolts 56, washers 58, and spacers 60.
A preferred embodiment of the axle assembly 36 of the apparatus 34 will be described next with reference to Figs. 12 to 15. As can be seen the axle assembly 36 has a first elongate axle member 62, and a second elongate axle member 64. At least a portion of said first elongate axle member 62 defines a sleeve 66 having a hollow 68 sized and shaped to slidably receive at least a portion of the second elongate axle member 64, between a retracted position (i.e. Fig. 1) and an extended position (i.e. Fig. 2).
The free ends 70 of the first and second axle members 62, 64 are configured to operatively attach the wheels 32. By way of example, the free ends 70 may attach arms 72, each arm 72 being sized and shaped to carry a pair of wheels 32, as best seen in Figs. 3 and 4. It will be understood, however, that other embodiments my include more or fewer wheels 32 operably attached to the

-15-arms 72. Furthermore, the arms 72 may be omitted altogether (not shown), and a single wheel 32 may be operably attached directly to each one of the free ends 70. All such embodiments are comprehended by the present invention.
Preferably, the first and second elongate axle members 62, 64 are rectangular hollow tubes, both made of ASTM A36 Steel. In this example, the second elongate axle member 64 has a rectangular cross-section that is sized and shaped to be slidingly accommodated within the hollow 68 of the first elongate axle member 62. Preferably, the cross-section of the second elongate axle member 64 is generally the same shape as the cross-section of the hollow 68 of the first elongate axle member 62, but with smaller dimensions to allow the user to slidingly retract or extend the second axle member 64 in and out from the sleeve 66 of the first axle member 62 in a telescopic manner. It can now be understood that a user can adjust the lateral spacing of the wheels 32 between the smallest lateral spacing and the largest lateral spacing, by sliding the second elongate axle member 64 in to and out from the hollow 68 of the first elongate axle member 62, between the retracted position and the extended position.
Preferably, the cross-sectional shape of the hollow 68 of the sleeve 66 meshes with the cross-sectional shape of the second elongate axle member 64, to restrict rotational movement of the second elongate axle member 64 relative to the first elongate axle member 62. By way of example, when a second elongate axle member 64 having a rectangular cross-section is used, the hollow 68 of the sleeve 66 of the first elongate axle member 62 will preferably be sized and shaped to provide a slightly larger rectangular cross-section that can slidingly receive the second elongate axle member 64, yet restrict rotational movement of the second elongate axle member 64 within the sleeve 66 of the first elongate axle member 62. In this example, the second elongate axle member 64 has a square cross-section with a width and height of 2.36 inches,

-16-and the sleeve 66 of the first elongate axle member defines a hollow that is 2.52 inches wide and 2.52 inches high.
As mentioned above, the axle assembly 36 is preferably attached to the axle holder 38 with fasteners 52. To facilitate adjustable attachment of the axle assembly 36 to the axle holder 38, the second portion 44 of said axle holder 38, the first elongate axle member 62, and the second elongate axle member 64 each have one or more apertures 74 configured such that at least one aperture 74 of the axle holder 38 simultaneously aligns with at least one aperture 74 of the first elongate axle member 62 and at least one aperture 74 of the second elongate axle member 64, when the second elongate axle member is in at least one predetermined position between the retracted position and the extended position. The apertures 74 of the axle holder 38, the first elongate axle member 62, and the second elongate axle member 64 are adapted such that when the second elongate axle member 64 is in at least one predetermined position relative to the first elongate axle member 62, at least one aperture 74 on each of the axle holder 38, the first elongate axle member 62, and the second axle member 64 are aligned, and a shaft of a fastener 52, such as a bolt 56, can pass therethrough.
More preferably, the apertures 74 of the axle holder 38, the first elongate axle member 62, and the second elongate axle member 64 are adapted such that when the second elongate axle member 64 is in said at least one predetermined position, at least two apertures 74 on each of the axle holder 38, the first elongate axle member 62, and the second axle member 64 are aligned, and the shaft of two or more fasteners 52, such as bolts 56, can pass therethrough. In the example shown in Fig. 12, three bolts 56 are shown passing through aligned apertures 74 on the axle holder 38, the first elongate axle member 62, and the second elongate axle member 64, with the second elongate axle member 64 being in one predetermined position relative to the

-17-first elongate axle member 62. A fourth bolt 56 is shown passing through aligned apertures 74 on the axle holder 38, and the second elongate axle member 64, and spacers 60.
More preferably still, the apertures 74 of the axle holder 38, the first elongate axle member 62, and the second elongate axle member 64 may be adapted such that when the second elongate axle member 64 is in two or more predetermined positions, at least two apertures 74 on each of the axle holder 38, the first elongate axle member 62, and the second axle member 64 are aligned, and the shaft of two or more fasteners 52, such as bolts 56, can pass therethrough. In the example shown in Figs. 1 and 2, three bolts 56 are shown passing through aligned apertures 74 on the axle holder 38, the first elongate axle member 62, and the second elongate axle member 64, when the second elongate axle member 64 is in two predetermined positions relative to the first elongate axle member 62. A fourth bolt 56 is also shown passing through aligned apertures 74 on the axle holder 38, and the second elongate axle member 64, and spacers 60, when the second elongate axle member 64 is in two predetermined positions relative to the first elongate axle member 62.
Preferably, the apertures 74 of the axle holder 38, the first elongate axle member 62, and the second elongate axle member 64 may be configured to allow the user to adjust the lateral spacing of the wheels 32 in predetermined increments. By way of example, each predetermined increment may change the lateral spacing of wheels 32, and consequently the track width 40, by at least two inches. In the example shown in Figs. 8 to 11, the apertures 74 may be configured to allow the user to adjust the lateral spacing of the wheels 32 in at least three predetermined increments, which provide track widths of 48 inches, 56 inches, 58 inches, and 60 inches, respectively.
It will now be appreciated that a user can adjust a lateral spacing of wheels

-18-of the trailer 10 by adjusting the lateral spacing of the wheels 32, between the smallest lateral spacing (i.e. Fig. 1) and the largest lateral spacing (i.e.
Fig. 2).
By way of example, the user may lift and support the trailer 10 with one or more jacks and/or jack stands to raise the wheels 32 off the ground. Preferably, the user may lift and support the longitudinal beam 12 of the trailer 10 on both sides of the apparatus 34. With the trailer 10 supported, the user may proceed to remove the fasteners 52 securing the first and second axle members 62, 64 in the axle holder 38. Next the user can slide the second elongate axle member 64 further in to or out from the sleeve 66 of the first elongate axle member 62, between fully retracted position and a fully extended position, to obtain the desired track width 40. Once that is accomplished, the user may proceed to attach the adjusted axle assembly 36 to the axle holder 38, with fasteners 52 passing through aligned apertures 74 on the first elongate axle member 62, the second elongate axle member 62, and the axle holder 38. Finally, the user may lower the trailer and remove the jacks and/or jack stands.
While reference has been made to various preferred embodiments of the invention other variations, implementations, modifications, alterations and embodiments are comprehended by the broad scope of the appended claims.
Some of these have been discussed in detail in this specification and others will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Those of ordinary skill in the art having access to the teachings herein will recognize these additional variations, implementations, modifications, alterations and embodiments, all of which are within the scope of the present invention, which invention is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims (30)

THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION IN WHICH AN EXCLUSIVE
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:

1. An apparatus for adjustable, lateral spacing of wheels of a load carrying vehicle, said apparatus comprising:
an axle assembly having a first elongate axle member, and a second elongate axle member, at least a portion of said first elongate axle member defining a sleeve having a hollow sized and shaped to slidably receive at least a portion of said second elongate axle member, between a retracted position and an extended position, the free ends of said first and second axle members being configured to operatively attach said wheels; and an axle holder configured to attach said axle assembly to said vehicle;
wherein sliding said second elongate axle member between said retracted position and said extended position allows adjustment of said lateral spacing of said wheels, between a smallest lateral spacing and a largest lateral spacing.

2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first elongate axle member is a rectangular hollow tube.

3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said second elongate axle member is a rectangular hollow tube.

4. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said vehicle has a chassis, and said axle holder comprises a first portion adapted for attaching said axle holder to said chassis.

5. The apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein said first portion of said axle holder is adapted for attaching said axle holder to said chassis by welding, or by using fasteners.

6. The apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein said axle holder has a second portion adapted for attaching said axle holder to said axle assembly.

7. The apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein said second portion of said axle holder comprises at least one upstanding mounting plate.

8. The apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein said second portion of said axle holder comprises a pair of spaced apart upstanding mounting plates defining a channel therebetween, said channel being sized and shaped to receive at least a portion of said axle assembly.

9. The apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein said channel is substantially U-shaped in cross-section.

10. The apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein said second portion of said axle holder is further adapted to receive at least a portion of said axle assembly from above, or below said axle holder, to facilitate said attachment.

11. The apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein said portion of said axle assembly is attachable to said axle holder with a plurality of fasteners.

12. The apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein said second portion of said axle holder, said first elongate axle member, and said second elongate axle member each have one or more apertures configured to allow at least one said aperture of said axle holder to simultaneously align with at least one said aperture of said first elongate axle member and at least one said aperture of said second elongate axle member, when said second elongate axle member is in at least one predetermined position between said retracted position and said extended position, inclusive.

13. The apparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein said aligned apertures of said axle holder, said first elongate axle member, and said second elongate axle member are adapted to pass a shaft of a fastener therethrough.

14. The apparatus as claimed in claim 13, comprising two or more said aligned apertures, when said second elongate axle member is in said at least one predetermined position.

15. The apparatus as claimed in claim 13, comprising two or more said aligned apertures, when said second elongate axle member is in two or more said predetermined positions.

16. The apparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein two or more said apertures of said axle holder simultaneously align with two or more said apertures of said first elongate axle member and two or more said apertures of said second elongate axle member, when said second elongate axle member is in said at least one predetermined position.

17. The apparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein said second portion of said axle holder, said first elongate axle member, and said second elongate axle member each have one or more apertures configured to allow at least one said aperture of said axle holder to simultaneously align with at least one said aperture of said first elongate axle member and at least one said aperture of said second elongate axle member, when said second elongate axle member is in two or more said predetermined positions.

18. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said smallest lateral spacing of said wheels provides a track width of less than or equal to about inches.

19. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said largest lateral spacing of said wheels provides a track width of greater than or equal to about 60 inches.

20. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said adjustment is in predetermined increments of lateral spacing of said wheels.

21. The apparatus as claimed in claim 20, wherein each said predetermined increment changes the lateral spacing of said wheels by at least 2 inches.

22. The apparatus as claimed in claim 20, comprising at least three predetermined increments.

23. The apparatus as claimed in claim 22, wherein said at least three predetermined increments provide track widths of 48 inches, 56 inches, 58 inches, and 60 inches, respectively.

24. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said chassis comprises a longitudinal beam extending about a centerline of said vehicle, and said first portion of said axle holder is attachable to said longitudinal beam.

25. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said load carrying vehicle is a trailer.

26. A load carrying vehicle comprising one or more of said apparatus defined in claim 1.

27. The load carrying vehicle as claimed in claim 26, in the form of a trailer.

28. A method of adjusting a lateral spacing of wheels of a load carrying vehicle comprising said apparatus defined in claim 1, said method comprising the steps of:
adjusting said lateral spacing of said wheels, between said smallest lateral spacing and said largest lateral spacing.

29. The method as claimed in claim 28, wherein said adjusting step comprises the step of:
sliding said second elongate axle member between said retracted position and said extended position.

30. The method as claimed in claim 29, further comprising the step of:
attaching said adjusted axle assembly to said axle holder with at least one fastener.