Lightweight pusher/tag axle

Abstract

A non-driven axle for a vehicle or a trailer is provided. The non-driven axle includes a first arm portion, a second arm portion, and a central portion. The first arm portion is for rotatably mounting a first wheel hub. The second arm portion is for rotatably mounting a second wheel hub. The second arm portion is on an axial end of the central portion opposite the first arm portion. The central portion is between the first arm portion and the second arm portion and may be substantially U-shaped or substantially ring-shaped. The substantially U-shaped central portion includes a main portion and a radially inner portion. The substantially ring-shaped central portion includes a main portion and an inner portion. The non-driven axle reduces a weight of a vehicle or trailer while capable of being lifted without interfering with an operation of a drive axle.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . A non-driven axle, comprising:
 a first arm portion for rotatably mounting a first wheel hub;   a second arm portion for rotatably mounting a second wheel hub; and   a substantially ring-shaped central portion between the first arm portion and the second arm portion, the central portion comprising a main portion and a radially inner portion,   wherein the main portion is a hollow, ring-shaped member having an U-shaped cross-section with an inner surface,   wherein the radially inner portion is coupled to the inner surface of the main portion,   wherein the second arm portion is on an axial opposite end of the central portion than the first arm portion.   
     
     
         2 . The non-driven axle according to  claim 1 , wherein the main portion defines a driveshaft operating area extending therethrough. 
     
     
         3 . The non-driven axle according to  claim 1 , further comprising a first transition portion between the main portion and the first arm portion and a second transition portion between the main portion and the second arm portion, wherein the U-shaped cross section of the main portion transitions into a cross-sectional shape of the first arm portion at the first transition portion and the U-shaped cross section of the main portion transitions into a cross-sectional shape of and the second arm portion at the first transition portion and the second transition portion. 
     
     
         4 . The non-driven axle according to  claim 1 , further comprising: at least one sensor positioned on the non-driven axle; and a control system in communication with the at least one sensor and a lift system, wherein the control system engages the lift system in response to a detection from the at least one sensor. 
     
     
         5 . The non-driven axle of  claim 1 , wherein the radially inner portion is substantially ring-shaped. 
     
     
         6 . The non-driven axle of  claim 1 , wherein the radially inner portion has a constant thickness. 
     
     
         7 . The non-driven axle of  claim 1 , wherein the radially inner portion and the main portion have a fluid tight seal. 
     
     
         8 . The non-driven axle according to  claim 1 , wherein the radially inner portion has an inner surface defining an aperture formed therein.