Suspension system, towed vehicle with such system, assembly kit, and corresponding methods for assembly, operation, and use

Abstract

A movement system for a towed vehicle towed by a towing vehicle, the movement system comprising: a set of front wheels that can be attached to a front portion of the towed vehicle chassis; a set of rear wheels that can be attached to a rear portion of the towed vehicle chassis; a movable tow bar that can be pivotally attached to the towed vehicle chassis and can pivot about at least one corresponding axis of rotation and can be connected to the towing vehicle draw bar by a hitch device; and a drive device for moving the corresponding axis of rotation of the tow bar relative to the towed vehicle chassis according to a given movement plane.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to the field of suspension devices for multi-axle trailers, such as those used in towing and / or agricultural and / or any other type of related applications. More particularly, the present invention relates to a novel movement system (e.g., which can function as a suspension system, etc.) for a towed vehicle (e.g., trailer, spreader, etc.) intended to be towed by a towing vehicle (e.g., tractor, etc.), as well as vehicles (e.g., towing vehicle and / or towed vehicle) equipped with such a system and / or arrangements of such vehicles, as well as kits for assembling the same or them, and corresponding methods of assembly, operation, and / or use.

[0002] Description of the Prior Art It is known in the art that the coupling between an agricultural tractor and a towed implement is made on the tractor's drawbar, and that the towed implement must be able to follow the tractor's path and adapt to the topology of the terrain over which it is towed by a suspension system.

[0003] Traditionally, trailers (and / or spreaders) are constructed with a tow bar rigidly connected to the trailer's load-bearing structure, with the second end of the tow bar connected to the tractor's draw bar by a hitch joint that provides movement on all axles. In such assemblies, only the trailer axles are attached to a suspension system to absorb shocks and conform to the ground. The suspension system can be of several types (regardless of the type of axle used), particularly "mechanical" (e.g., "tandem") and "hydraulic," to name a few.

[0004] The problem with these assemblies is that they are limited in their ability to adapt to the terrain topology. Indeed, depending on the trailer length and axle configuration, the gradient of the terrain over which the trailer is towed may mean that the trailer's front axles are no longer in contact with the ground, and the towed weight is supported solely by the trailer's rear axles and the tractor drawbar. In this situation, the distributed load can exceed the load capacity of the trailer and tractor components, significantly increasing the risk of equipment failure and / or loss of equipment control.

[0005] Hydraulic suspension connections are also known. In fact, regardless of the number of axles used to support and distribute the trailer load, the principle of communicating vessels is applied, with each hydraulic cylinder connected in series with its piston side. Thus, when one of the axles moves, the volume of oil moves into the other cylinders, moving them in the opposite direction and keeping the wheels in contact with the ground, while the pressure remains evenly distributed throughout the hydraulic system. Unfortunately, however, this solution does not address the problems mentioned above.

[0006] Also known in the art is the management of the weight of application equipment items (e.g., spreader booms, disks, etc.), which are typically located at the rear of the spreader. Indeed, these equipment items can constitute a significant load at the rear of the spreader, presenting a challenge when the amount of liquid fertilizer contained in the spreader is reduced. There are situations in which the weight transferred to the tractor drawbar is, in the worst case scenario, "zero" or "negative" ("negative" weight is understood to mean that the load on the tractor drawbar tends to lift the tractor instead of pushing it towards the ground), which is highly unfavorable and can lead to loss of control of the equipment. To mitigate this problem, weight transfer systems have been developed (e.g., front axle lifting systems), but these do not eliminate the risk of overloading the tractor attachment and spreader suspension components.

[0007] As a result, it would be highly advantageous to find new techniques / approaches and / or systems / equipment that would allow for the uniform transport of loads over terrain with greater gradients and / or obstacles to overcome some of the aforementioned drawbacks and disadvantages compared to what is possible with current approaches. Summary of the Invention

[0008] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a movement system (e.g., suspension and / or related systems, etc.) for a trailer and / or spreader that, by its design and components, meets some of the aforementioned needs and is therefore an improvement over other related methods, systems, and / or load distribution methods, etc. known in the prior art.

[0009] The above objects, as will be better understood hereinafter, are achieved by a mobility system (and / or corresponding vehicle including such equipment, etc.) as briefly described in this description and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[0010] More particularly, according to a possible embodiment of the invention, the invention relates to a movement system (and / or suspension, load distribution and / or other systems, etc.) for a towed vehicle, in particular intended to be towed by a towing vehicle, the movement system comprising: a set of front wheels that can be attached to the front of the chassis of the towed vehicle; a set of rear wheels that can be attached to the trailing portion of the chassis of the towed vehicle; a movable tow bar pivotally mounted to a chassis of the towed vehicle, pivotable about at least one corresponding axis of rotation, and connectable to a draw bar of the towing vehicle by a hitch device; and a drive device for moving the corresponding axis of rotation of the tow bar relative to the chassis of the towed vehicle in response to a given plane of movement.

[0011] According to another aspect of the invention, the invention also relates to corresponding vehicles (e.g., trailers and / or towing vehicles) equipped with the above-mentioned systems and / or equipment.

[0012] For example, the invention may also relate to a towed vehicle intended to be towed by a towing vehicle, the towed vehicle comprising: a chassis having a front portion configured to receive a set of front wheels that can be moved relative to the front of the chassis, and a rear portion configured to receive a set of rear wheels that can be moved relative to the rear of the chassis; a movable tow bar pivotally mounted to a chassis of the towed vehicle, pivotable about at least one corresponding axis of rotation, and connectable to a draw bar of the towing vehicle by a hitch device; and a drive device for moving corresponding axes of rotation of the tow bars relative to the chassis of the towed vehicle in response to a given plane of movement and for selectively moving the position of the wheels of the towed vehicle relative to the chassis of the towed vehicle.

[0013] According to another aspect of the invention, the invention also relates to the arrangement of such corresponding vehicles (e.g., towed vehicles and / or towing vehicles) with the above-mentioned systems and / or equipment.

[0014] According to another aspect of the invention, the invention also relates to kits having corresponding components for assembling the above-mentioned systems, equipment, vehicles, and / or arrangements (e.g., with and / or without wheels, since while the final product preferably includes wheels, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that the present technology may ultimately be sold "without wheels", upstream of the final and / or intended use of the product).

[0015] According to another aspect of the invention, the invention also relates to a method of assembling components of the above-described systems, equipment, vehicles and / or arrangements.

[0016] According to another aspect of the invention, the invention also relates to methods of operating the aforementioned systems, equipment, vehicles and / or arrangements and / or particular components thereof.

[0017] According to another aspect of the invention, the invention also relates to methods of using the above-described systems, equipment, vehicles and / or arrangements, and / or particular components thereof.

[0018] According to another aspect of the invention, the invention also relates to a set of components to be replaced on the aforementioned systems, equipment, vehicles and / or arrangements.

[0019] According to another aspect of the invention, the invention also relates to a method of manufacturing any of the components of the systems, equipment, vehicles and / or arrangements described above.

[0020] According to another aspect of the invention, the invention also relates to land (and / or its harvest, etc.) treated with the above-described systems, equipment, vehicles, arrangements, kits, and / or methods.

[0021] According to another aspect of the invention, the invention also relates to a method of doing business using the above-described system, apparatus, vehicle, arrangement, kit, method, set, and / or product.

[0022] The objects, advantages and other features of the present invention will become more apparent from the following non-restrictive description of preferred embodiments of the invention, given by way of example only, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1]The following figures show the construction of a multi-axle spreader according to the prior art, where the tow bar is rigidly attached to the trailer chassis, typically with the link between the two elements being made by bolting, although in some cases the tow bar can be welded to the chassis to form an integral part of the chassis. The following figures show various components, features, variations and / or possible combinations of various aspects of the invention according to different possible embodiments, for example: [Figure 2] It is shown that moving elements (eg, suspensions, etc.) according to the present invention can operate independently to provide optimal ground contact. [Figure 3] A simplified bottom view of a towed vehicle (e.g., a spreader) is shown to help understand how the moving parts of the axle (e.g., suspension, etc.) are attached. [Figure 4] A side view of a towed vehicle (e.g., spreader) is shown to visualize the possible positions of the tow bar's axis of rotation. [Figure 5] For illustrative purposes only, the evolution of the behavior of a towed vehicle's movement system (e.g., suspension system, etc.) when traversing rough terrain is shown in a "comparison" manner between a prior art towed vehicle (e.g., trailer) configuration and the configuration proposed herein, with the "top" portion of each figure showing the configuration proposed by the present invention and the "bottom" portion showing the prior art configuration. [Figure 6] For illustrative purposes only, the evolution of the behavior of a towed vehicle's movement system (e.g., suspension system, etc.) when traversing rough terrain is shown in a "comparison" manner between a prior art towed vehicle (e.g., trailer) configuration and the configuration proposed herein, with the "top" portion of each figure showing the configuration proposed by the present invention and the "bottom" portion showing the prior art configuration. [Figure 7]For illustrative purposes only, the evolution of the behavior of a towed vehicle's movement system (e.g., suspension system, etc.) when traversing rough terrain is shown in a "comparison" manner between a prior art towed vehicle (e.g., trailer) configuration and the configuration proposed herein, with the "top" portion of each figure showing the configuration proposed by the present invention and the "bottom" portion showing the prior art configuration. [Figure 8] For illustrative purposes only, the evolution of the behavior of a towed vehicle's movement system (e.g., suspension system, etc.) when traversing rough terrain is shown in a "comparison" manner between a prior art towed vehicle (e.g., trailer) configuration and the configuration proposed herein, with the "top" portion of each figure showing the configuration proposed by the present invention and the "bottom" portion showing the prior art configuration. [Figure 9] For illustrative purposes only, the evolution of the behavior of a towed vehicle's movement system (e.g., suspension system, etc.) when traversing rough terrain is shown in a "comparison" manner between a prior art towed vehicle (e.g., trailer) configuration and the configuration proposed herein, with the "top" portion of each figure showing the configuration proposed by the present invention and the "bottom" portion showing the prior art configuration. [Figure 10] For illustrative purposes only, the evolution of the behavior of a towed vehicle's movement system (e.g., suspension system, etc.) when traversing rough terrain is shown in a "comparison" manner between a prior art towed vehicle (e.g., trailer) configuration and the configuration proposed herein, with the "top" portion of each figure showing the configuration proposed by the present invention and the "bottom" portion showing the prior art configuration. [Figure 11] 1 illustrates possible variations in the connection of a movement system (eg, suspension, etc.) according to the present invention, which are possible based on the desired behavior and / or results. [Figure 12] 1 illustrates various axes of rotation in a trailer hitch joint. [Figure 13]1 shows an example of a hydraulic connection for a hydraulic suspension system without a movable toe bar that can be pivotally mounted to the chassis of a towed vehicle. [Figure 14] 1 illustrates an example of a hydraulic connection for a movement system (e.g., hydraulic suspension, etc.) having a movable tow bar that can be pivotally attached to the chassis of a towed vehicle and at least one wheel axle that can be moved based on the specific configuration of a given movement surface, in accordance with a specific embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] In the following description, the same reference numbers refer to similar components. The embodiments (shapes, dimensions, etc.) shown in the drawings and the features described in this application are merely preferential and are given for information only.

[0025] Furthermore, although the present invention is primarily designed as a suspension system for a towed vehicle (e.g., trailer, sprayer, etc.) connected to a towing vehicle (e.g., tractor, etc.) in the agricultural field, for example, the present invention may be used with any other type of suspension and / or for any other type of application and / or useful purpose, as would be apparent to one skilled in the art. Accordingly, as used herein, expressions such as "travel," "suspension," "tower," "hitch," "vehicle," "towing," "towed," "agricultural," "tractor," "trailer," "sprayer," etc., and / or any other references and / or other expressions equivalent or similar thereto, are not to be considered as limiting the scope of the present invention, but include any other purposes / alternatives and / or applications for which the present invention may be used and useful, as would be apparent to one skilled in the art.

[0026] Furthermore, while the preferred embodiment of the illustrated system includes several components, not all of these components are necessarily essential to the present invention and, as a result, should not be construed in a limiting sense, i.e., considered to limit the scope of the present invention. It should be understood that other suitable components and configurations and / or other possible cooperations therebetween, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art, can be used in a system according to the present invention, as described below, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0027] Furthermore, expressions such as "system," "equipment," "movement," "suspension," "to-bar," "boom," "hitch," "coupling," "articulation," "connection," "connector," "kit," "device," "assembly," "mechanism," "product," "apparatus," "operator," "controller," and any other equivalent expressions and / or words formed therefrom may be used interchangeably in the context of this specification, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. This also applies to other expressions that are equivalent to each other, such as, for example, a) "hitch," "connection," "articulation," "tow," "couple," "anchor," etc.; b) "vehicle," "tractor," "trailer," "spreader," etc.; c) "actuator," "cylinder," "control," "movement," "adjustment," "suspension," "damping," etc.; d) "controller," "operator," "robot," "command," "computer," "circuit," "hardware," "software," "mechanical, electronic, electronic and / or computer components," etc., as well as other expressions that are equivalent to each other, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art, relating to the above expressions and / or other structural and / or functional aspects of the present invention.

[0028] Furthermore, in the context of this description, all elongated objects implicitly have a "longitudinal axis" and / or "centerline," such as the longitudinal axis of a rod or the centerline of a conduit, and expressions such as "connected" and "connectable," or "pivotable" and "capable of being pivoted," may be considered interchangeable and equivalent to each other in that the present invention also relates to kits having corresponding components for assembling fully assembled and operative resulting equipment items and / or systems for implementing the present methods and / or for obtaining any resulting and / or derived products.

[0029] Additionally, certain components of the systems and / or steps of the methods described herein may be modified, simplified, omitted, and / or replaced without departing from the scope of the present invention, depending on the particular use for which the system is designed and / or intended, and depending on the desired results, as briefly described herein and as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0030] Overview of the new approach proposed here Generally speaking, the present invention, as illustrated in the embodiments given by way of example only in the accompanying drawings, consists of a wheel movement mechanism that can perform various functions such as acting as a suspension system (e.g., hydraulic and / or other suspension) for a trailer, combining movable elements on the tow bar and on at least one corresponding axle (for example) for the purpose of ensuring better load distribution on variable and / or uneven terrain etc. when the trailer is (for example) coupled to a tractor.

[0031] By adding articulations to the towbar, equipping it with actuators (e.g., hydraulic cylinders), and modifying the hydraulic connections, it is possible to traverse larger obstacles and / or handle larger gradients while maintaining optimal load distribution.

[0032] Reading the following paragraphs in conjunction with the drawings will provide a better understanding of how the described advantages relate to the technical novelty of the present invention.

[0033] A list of corresponding components by reference number and / or priority as shown in the accompanying drawings and / or as possible in the present system. 1. Movement system (and / or damping system, load distribution system, wheel adjustment system, etc.). 3. Vehicles 3a. Towing vehicle (e.g., tractor) 3b. Trailed vehicles (e.g., trailers, spreaders, etc.). 5. Wheels (e.g., front wheels, rear wheels, active wheels, independent wheels, and / or other) 5a. Front wheel 5b.Rear wheel 5e. Effective wheels 5i.Independent wheels 7. Chassis (e.g., of a towed vehicle) 9. Tuber 9o. Tobar-actuator connection (e.g., pivot, etc.) 11. (Tuba) rotation axis 13. Drawbar 15. Hitch Device 17. Given moving surface 19. Axis 21. Actuator (of a moving system, e.g., a hydraulic cylinder) 23. Longitudinal axis of movement (e.g., of a towed vehicle) 25. Support arm assembly 27. Suspension Device 29. Connected Devices 31. Hydraulic circuit (of a moving system) 33. Tractor connection (e.g. hydraulic connection) 34. Quick connectors (e.g., hydraulic quick connectors) 35. Valves (e.g. hydraulic valves) 111. Driving device (of a moving system) A. First degree of freedom (e.g., roll-pitch axis) B. Second degree of freedom (e.g., rotation-yaw adjustment axis) C. Third degree of freedom (e.g., rotation-roll adjustment axis) Θ. Tobar movement (e.g. rotation, angle, etc.).

[0034] The present mobility system (e.g., suspension system, damping system, load distribution system, wheel adjustment system, and / or other possible functions and / or uses, etc.) (and its various inventive aspects) may assume different forms and / or expressions, including one or more of the following components and features (and / or different combinations and / or permutations thereof), which are provided as preferred and / or optional embodiments only: i.) A mobility system (and / or suspension, load distribution and / or other systems, etc.) for a towed vehicle intended to be towed by a towing vehicle, the mobility system comprising: a set of front wheels that can be attached to the front of the chassis of the towed vehicle; a set of rear wheels that may be attached to a subsequent portion (e.g., rear, center, and / or other portion) of the chassis of the towed vehicle; a movable tow bar pivotally mounted to a chassis of the towed vehicle, pivotable about at least one corresponding axis of rotation, and connectable to a draw bar of the towing vehicle by a hitch device; and a drive device for moving (e.g., vertically and / or otherwise) the corresponding axis of rotation of the tow bar relative to the chassis of the towed vehicle in response to a given plane of movement. ii.) The transfer system of any one of the preceding combinations, wherein the drive device is further configured to move (e.g., vertically and / or otherwise) at least one effective wheel of the transfer system relative to a chassis of the towed vehicle in accordance with a corresponding topology of a given surface of movement. iii.) A movement system according to any one of the preceding combinations, wherein at least one effective wheel of the movement system is capable of moving in position (e.g., height, distance, etc.) relative to the chassis of the towed vehicle depending on the corresponding topology of a given movement surface. iv.) The at least one effective wheel of the mobility system is operably connectable to a drive device (e.g., hydraulically, mechanically, electronically, and / or otherwise, directly and / or indirectly, etc.), and the at least one effective wheel of the mobility system is capable of being moved via the drive device (e.g., in response to a corresponding movement of the towbar, and / or in response to a corresponding topology "detected" by the towing vehicle and / or towed vehicle during the corresponding movement, etc.), and the mobility system described in any one of the preceding combinations. v.) A movement system according to any one of the preceding combinations, wherein a given movement of the toe bar results in a corresponding opposite movement of at least one effective wheel of the movement system (e.g., "raising" the toe bar results in "lowering" of at least one effective wheel, and "lowering" the toe bar results in "raising" of at least one effective wheel). vi.) A movement system described in any one of the preceding combinations, wherein the drive device includes at least a first actuator (e.g., controller, device, lever, etc.) for adjusting (e.g., controlling, correcting, varying, compensating, etc.) the positioning (e.g., vertical and / or other positioning) of the tow bar's axis of rotation relative to the chassis of the towed vehicle. vii.) The movement system of any one of the preceding combinations, wherein the drive device includes at least a second actuator (e.g., controller, device, lever, etc.) for adjusting (e.g., controlling, modifying, altering, correcting, etc.) the positioning (e.g., vertical and / or other positioning) of at least the effective wheels relative to the chassis of the towed vehicle. viii.) A transfer system according to any one of the preceding combinations, wherein at least one given actuator (e.g., the first actuator and / or the second actuator) can be operatively disposed (e.g., hydraulically, mechanically, electronically and / or otherwise, directly and / or indirectly, etc.) between a given portion of the chassis of the towed vehicle (e.g., a fixed portion and / or the like) and at least an axle of an effective wheel of the transfer system. ix.) A movement system according to any one of the preceding combinations, wherein the at least one first actuator and the at least one second actuator are interconnected with each other. x.) The movement system of any one of the preceding combinations, wherein a given pair of actuators of the movement system includes at least one proactive actuator and at least one reactive actuator (e.g., at least one first actuator may include at least one proactive actuator and at least one second actuator may include at least one reactive actuator, and / or vice versa). xi.) A transfer system according to any one of the preceding combinations, wherein the actuators of a given pair comprise hydraulic cylinders that form part of the same hydraulic circuit (e.g., at least one first actuator and at least one second actuator may comprise hydraulic cylinders that form part of the same hydraulic circuit, etc. - it being noted that any other different and / or advantageous arrangements are also contemplated for the present transfer system as would be apparent to one skilled in the art). xii.) The movement system of any one of the preceding combinations, wherein each actuator is a hydraulic cylinder. xiii.) A transfer system according to any one of the preceding combinations, wherein the axis of rotation of the tow bar is disposed transverse to the longitudinal axis of movement of the chassis of the towed vehicle. xiv.) A movement system according to any one of the preceding combinations, wherein at least the effective wheel includes at least one wheel pivotable about at least one corresponding axis arranged substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the towbar. xv.) A movement system according to any one of the preceding combinations, wherein at least one corresponding axis can be moved relative to the chassis of the towed vehicle by a set of support arms having pivotable ends. xvi.) A mobility system according to any one of the preceding combinations, wherein at least the effective wheels include at least one front wheel pivotable about at least one corresponding front axle. xvii.) The mobility system of any one of the preceding combinations, wherein at least the effective wheels include at least one pair of front wheels. xviii.) A mobility system according to any one of the preceding combinations, wherein at least the effective wheels include at least one pair of front wheels pivotable about at least one same corresponding front axle. xix.) A mobility system according to any one of the preceding combinations, wherein at least the effective wheels include at least one pair of front wheels each pivotable about at least one corresponding given front axle. xx.) The mobility system of any one of the preceding combinations, wherein the at least effective wheels include at least two pairs of corresponding front wheels. xxi.) The mobility system of any one of the preceding combinations, wherein at least the effective wheels include at least one rear wheel pivotable relative to at least one corresponding rear axle. xxii.) The mobility system of any one of the preceding combinations, wherein at least the effective wheels include at least one pair of rear wheels. xxiii.) The mobility system of any one of the preceding combinations, wherein at least the effective wheels include at least one pair of rear wheels pivotable about at least one same corresponding rear axle. xxiv.) A mobility system according to any one of the preceding combinations, wherein the at least one effective wheel includes at least one pair of rear wheels each pivotable about at least one corresponding given rear axle. xxv.) The mobility system of any one of the preceding combinations, wherein the at least effective wheels include at least two pairs of corresponding rear wheels. xxvi.) The mobility system of any one of the preceding combinations, wherein the at least effective wheels include at least three pairs of corresponding rear wheels. xxvii.) A transfer system according to any one of the preceding combinations, wherein at least one independent wheel of the transfer system can move freely (e.g., in height, independently of the other wheels, and / or the main drive device, and / or corresponding circuitry, etc.) relative to the chassis of the towed vehicle. xxviii.) The mobility system of any one of the preceding combinations, wherein at least one independent wheel is a side wheel of the mobility system (e.g., left and / or right side of the chassis and / or any other component). xxix.) A transportation system according to any one of the preceding combinations, wherein at least one independent wheel is found in at least one of the two wheel trains (e.g., the front wheel train and / or the rear wheel train). xxx.) The mobility system of any one of the preceding combinations, wherein the at least one independent wheel comprises a plurality of independent wheels. xxxi.) The mobility system of any one of the preceding combinations, wherein the plurality of independent wheels includes at least one left independent wheel and at least one right independent wheel. xxxii.) The mobility system of any one of the preceding combinations, wherein the at least one left independent wheel and the at least one right independent wheel are in a set of rear wheels, and the at least one left independent wheel is movable independently of the at least one right independent wheel (or vice versa). xxxiii.) The mobility system of any one of the preceding combinations, wherein the plurality of independent wheels includes a plurality of left independent wheels and a plurality of right independent wheels. xxxiv.) A movement system according to any one of the preceding combinations, wherein each independent wheel is connected to a corresponding hydraulic circuit. xxxv.) A transfer system according to any one of the preceding combinations, wherein each independent wheel on the same side (e.g., the left and / or right side of the towed vehicle chassis) is movable independently of the other independent wheels on that same side. xxxvi.) A mobility system according to any one of the preceding combinations, wherein the set of front wheels is interconnected with the set of rear wheels via the same drive device. xxxvii.) A movement system according to any one of the preceding combinations, wherein the front wheel train is drivable independently from the rear wheel train. xxxviii.) A movement system according to any one of the preceding combinations, wherein each wheel train is provided with a corresponding hydraulic circuit. xxxix.) A mobility system described in any one of the preceding combinations, wherein the set of front wheels is interconnectable by a first hydraulic circuit and the set of rear wheels is interconnectable by a second hydraulic circuit that is different (e.g., separate, distinct, etc.) from the first hydraulic circuit. xl.) The movement system of any one of the preceding combinations, wherein the drive device is configured to cooperate with a first hydraulic circuit. xli.) A mobility system according to any one of the preceding combinations, wherein said at least one effective wheel of the mobility system can be provided with at least one corresponding suspension (and / or damping) device. xlii.) A mobility system according to any one of the preceding combinations, wherein at least one wheel other than the at least one effective wheel of the mobility system can also be provided with at least one corresponding suspension (and / or damping) device. xliii.) A mobility system according to any one of the preceding combinations, wherein each wheel of the mobility system can be provided with at least one corresponding suspension (and / or damping) device. xliv.) A transportation system according to any one of the preceding combinations, wherein the transportation system functions as a suspension (and / or damping) system for a towed vehicle. xlv.) A mobility system according to any one of the preceding combinations, wherein the towed vehicle is a trailer or a spreader (and / or any other given / suitable vehicle type). xlvi.) The transportation system of any one of the preceding combinations, wherein the towing vehicle is a tractor. xlvii.) The transfer system of any one of the preceding combinations, wherein the hitch device is configured to be adjustable along at least one degree of freedom. xlviii.) The transfer system of any one of the preceding combinations, wherein the hitch device is configured to allow pitch adjustment. xlix.) The movement system of any one of the preceding combinations, wherein the hitch device is configured to allow yaw adjustment. l.) The travel system of any one of the preceding combinations, wherein the hitch device is configured to allow roll adjustment. li.) The transportation system of any one of the preceding combinations, wherein the hitch device is a hitch device as described in patent application PCT / CA2022 / 051243, filed August 16, 2022 (e.g., the contents of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety and / or in their entirety). lii.) The movement system of any one of the preceding combinations, wherein the tow bar is configured to allow movement along at least one degree of freedom (e.g., tilt, pivot, rotate, raise / lower, extend / retract, etc.). liii.) A transfer system according to any one of the preceding combinations, wherein the tow bar is adapted to be connected to the chassis of the towed vehicle by corresponding connection devices (e.g., rivets, bolts and / or nuts, rods and / or pins, etc.). liv.) A movement system according to any one of the preceding combinations, wherein at least one corresponding suspension (and / or damping) device is operably disposed (e.g., hydraulically, mechanically, electronically and / or otherwise, directly and / or indirectly, etc.) between the axis of rotation of the towbar and at least one effective wheel of said wheels of the movement system. lv.) A kit having corresponding components for assembling a transfer system according to any one of the preceding combinations. lvi.) A towed vehicle equipped with a movement system according to any one of the preceding combinations. lvii.) A combination of a towed vehicle towed by a towing vehicle using a hitch device, the towed vehicle being equipped with a movement system according to any one of the preceding combinations. lviii.) A method of moving a towed vehicle over a given surface of travel, the method comprising: a) providing a towed vehicle equipped with a mobility system according to any one of the preceding combinations; b) connecting the tow bar of the towed vehicle to the draw bar of the towing vehicle via a hitch device; c) moving the axis of rotation of the tow bar perpendicular to the chassis of the towed vehicle in response to positioning of at least one effective wheel of the wheels as the towed vehicle moves via its wheels on the given surface of travel.

[0035] Of course, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art, many modifications and / or other substitutions and / or other technical / mechanical equivalents may be made to the system and / or corresponding components and / or steps thereof without departing from the invention.

[0036] In particular, as noted above, the present movement system may function as "other" systems for (for example) a trailer (e.g., suspension, damping, load repair, etc.), and therefore various aspects of the system may take different forms and / or expressions, including one or more of the following components and features (and / or different combinations and / or permutations thereof), which are given as preferred and / or optional embodiments only: i. A hitch system for connecting a towing vehicle to a towed vehicle, the hitch system comprising: a main connection assembly positioned, shaped, and sized to receive a portion of a drawbar (commonly referred to as a drawbar end) of a towing vehicle; a main connection assembly operatively coupling the towing vehicle drawbar and the trailer drawbar end; a drawbar end primary connection assembly that provides the possibility and amplitude of rotational movement along three axes: pitch, roll, and yaw. ii. A connection system that couples the tow bar to the chassis of the spreader, a set of supports fixedly connected to the spreader chassis and located in front of the first axis of the spreader; and a set of fixed supports providing one or more holes for accommodating the two-bar mounting pins. iii. A connection system in which the above items are operably joined by at least one fastener (e.g., rivet, bolt and nut, rod and pin, etc.) while allowing the tow bar to rotate relative to the horizontal axis of the spreader. iv. A hydraulic cylinder system for limiting and controlling the position of the tow bar, the hydraulic cylinder system comprising: a set of cylinder supports fixedly connected to the chassis of the spreader; and a set of cylinder supports fixedly coupled to the tow bar; a set of cylinder supports located between the connection system of the tubar spreader chassis and the hitch system of the tractor; A hydraulic cylinder system comprising: a set of hydraulic cylinders operably connected at their ends to a support by at least one fastener (e.g., a bolt and nut, a rod and pin). v. Multi-axle systems are equipped with hydraulic suspension systems, and hydraulic suspension systems are a set of cylinder supports fixedly connected to the chassis of the spreader; and a set of cylinder supports fixedly coupled to the shaft; and a set of hydraulic cylinders operably connected at their ends to a support by at least one fastener (e.g., a bolt and nut, a rod and pin). vi. a first hydraulic connection system for connecting a rear axle of the sprayer, the hydraulic system comprising: a set of hydraulic lines and fittings connecting the various suspension cylinders together; a first hydraulic connection system including a set of hydraulic hoses, fittings, and quick connectors for connection to a hydraulic outlet of a towing vehicle, the connection allowing adjustment of the suspension height of the subject axle assembly by adding or removing oil and a set of manual valves located between the quick connector connecting to the towing vehicle and the cylinder; A valve for forming a closed hydraulic system for the suspension components and a valve for venting residual pressure from the hydraulic line between the valve and the towing vehicle. A hydraulic connection method that allows for independent control of the right and left side of the suspension elements. vii. A second hydraulic connection system connecting the spreader shaft / front shaft and the towbar cylinder, the hydraulic system comprising: a set of hydraulic lines and fittings connecting the various suspension cylinders together; and a second hydraulic connection system including a set of hydraulic hoses, fittings, and quick connectors for connection to the hydraulic outlet of the towing vehicle, the connection (on the piston side of the cylinder) allowing for the addition or removal of oil and adjustment of the suspension height of the subject axle assembly by a set of manual valves located between the cylinder and the quick connector connecting to the towing vehicle. a valve for forming a closed hydraulic system for the suspension components and for venting residual pressure from the hydraulic line between the valve and the towing vehicle; A hydraulic connection method that allows for independent control of the right and left side of the suspension elements. viii. A load distribution system for a towed vehicle coupled to a towing vehicle, the load distribution system comprising: a multi-axis rolling assembly; A set of movable toe bars and a first hydraulic suspension assembly in which a front axle assembly is connected to a movable toe bar; a second hydraulic suspension assembly to which the right rear axle assembly is connected; and a third hydraulic suspension assembly connected to the left rear axle assembly; and a load distribution system including: ix. The movable toe bar assembly an assembly for connecting the tow bar to the chassis of the towed vehicle and allowing rotation of the towed vehicle about a lateral axis; and a system for connecting the tow bar to the draw bar of the towing vehicle, the system allowing rotation in all three axes: pitch, roll, and yaw. x. A load distribution system according to any one of the preceding combinations, wherein the system of hydraulic cylinders is assembled to ensure positioning and / or locking of the tow bar movement relative to the chassis of the towed vehicle. xi. A Tubar system according to any one of the preceding combinations, wherein the hydraulic circuit of the Tubar hydraulic cylinder allows coupling with the suspension cylinder of the front axle of the towed vehicle. xii. A towed vehicle according to any one of the preceding combinations, wherein the hydraulic connections of the rear axle suspension elements are separated from the tow bar and the front axle suspension elements. xiii. A suspension system for a towed vehicle (e.g., trailer, spreader, etc.) that can be attached to a towing vehicle by a hitch system, the suspension system comprising: A chassis, a rolling assembly mounted on the chassis, the rolling assembly comprising a plurality of axles; a toe bar removably attached to the chassis; a first (hydro-pneumatic) suspension assembly connecting the towbar and a first group of shafts, the first group of shafts including at least a first shaft; A suspension system comprising: a second (hydro-pneumatic) suspension assembly connecting a second group of axes, the second group of axes including at least a second axis. xiv. The suspension system of any one of the preceding combinations, wherein the first suspension assembly and the second suspension assembly are not mechanically coupled. xv. A suspension system according to any one of the preceding combinations, wherein the tow bar is pivotally attached to the chassis (e.g., by rivets, bolts and nuts, rods and pins, etc.). xvi. The suspension system of any one of the preceding combinations, wherein at least one of the first suspension assembly and the second suspension assembly is a hydraulic suspension assembly (e.g., using a hydraulic fluid based on synthetic esters, mineral oil, vegetable oil, etc.). xvii. A suspension system according to any one of the preceding combinations, wherein the first suspension assembly comprises a set of hydraulic cylinders having a first end operably attached to the chassis and a second end operably attached to the tow bar. xviii. A suspension system described in any one of the preceding combinations, wherein each of the first suspension assembly and the second suspension assembly comprises at least one set of hydraulic cylinders having a first end operably attached to the chassis and a second end operably attached to an axle. xix. A suspension system according to any one of the preceding combinations, wherein the first suspension assembly and the second suspension assembly each comprise a left suspension member and a right suspension member operably mounted on an axle. xx. The suspension system of any one of the preceding combinations, wherein the tow bar comprises a first coupling of the hitch system. xxi. A suspension system according to any one of the preceding combinations, wherein the hydraulic cylinder assembly is attached to the tow bar at a point along the tow bar between the first coupling and the pivot point of the tow bar. xxii. The suspension system of any one of the preceding combinations, wherein the first coupling portion is shaped and dimensioned to receive at least a portion of a drawbar of a towing vehicle. xxiii. A suspension system according to any one of the preceding combinations, wherein the first suspension assembly comprises a first hydraulic circuit interconnecting one or more hydraulic cylinders of the first suspension assembly. xxiv. A suspension system according to any one of the preceding combinations, wherein the second suspension assembly comprises a second hydraulic circuit interconnecting one or more hydraulic cylinders of the second suspension assembly. xxv. A suspension system described in any one of the preceding combinations, wherein the first hydraulic circuit and the second hydraulic circuit comprise one or more hydraulic hoses, fittings, etc. interconnecting the hydraulic cylinders of each of the first suspension assembly and the second suspension assembly. xxvi. A suspension system according to any one of the preceding combinations, wherein at least one of the first hydraulic circuit and the second hydraulic circuit is adapted to be fluidly connected to a hydraulic circuit of a towing vehicle (the hydraulic circuit of the towing vehicle is preferably pressurized). xxvii. A suspension system described in any one of the preceding combinations, wherein each of the first suspension assembly and the second suspension assembly includes a hydraulic connector adapted to connect one of the first hydraulic circuit and the second hydraulic circuit to a hydraulic circuit of the towing vehicle. xxviii. A suspension system described in any one of the preceding combinations, wherein at least one of the first hydraulic circuit and the second hydraulic circuit comprises a valve adapted to selectively fluidly isolate the first or second hydraulic circuit. xxix. A suspension system according to any one of the preceding combinations, wherein at least one of the first hydraulic circuit and the second hydraulic circuit is fluidly isolated from the hydraulic circuit of the towing vehicle. xxx. The suspension system according to any one of the preceding combinations, wherein the valve is located downstream of the hydraulic connector. xxxi. The suspension system of any one of the preceding combinations, further comprising one or more manual controls. xxxii. The suspension system of any one of the preceding combinations, further comprising one or more hydraulic controls. xxxiii. The suspension system of any one of the preceding combinations, wherein the one or more hydraulic controls are adapted to control a valve. xxxiv. A suspension system according to any one of the preceding combinations, wherein at least one of the first hydraulic circuit and the second hydraulic circuit comprises a left hydraulic circuit and a right hydraulic circuit, and the left hydraulic circuit and the right hydraulic circuit are fluidly separated. xxxv. A suspension system according to any one of the preceding combinations, wherein the second suspension assembly is positioned on the towed vehicle downstream of the first suspension assembly relative to a direction defined by the forward movement of the towing vehicle. xxxvi. The suspension system of any one of the preceding combinations, wherein each of the first suspension assembly and the second suspension assembly includes a hydraulic fluid, and the hydraulic fluid is one of a water-based hydraulic fluid, a petroleum-based hydraulic fluid, and a synthetic hydraulic fluid. xxxvii. The suspension system of any one of the preceding combinations, wherein the hitch system comprises at least one of a pitch adjustment assembly, a yaw adjustment assembly, and a roll adjustment assembly. xxxviii. A suspension system for a towed vehicle that can be attached to a towing vehicle by a hitch system, the suspension system comprising: A chassis, a rolling assembly mounted on the chassis, the rolling assembly comprising a plurality of axles; a toe bar pivotally mounted to the chassis; a first hydraulic suspension assembly connecting the towbar and the first shaft group, the first hydraulic suspension assembly including a first hydraulic circuit; a second hydraulic suspension assembly including a second hydraulic circuit connecting the second shaft group; the first hydraulic suspension assembly and the second hydraulic suspension assembly are not mechanically coupled; and A suspension system, wherein at least one of the first hydraulic circuit and the second hydraulic circuit is adapted to be fluidly connected to a hydraulic circuit of a towing vehicle. xxxix. A towed vehicle equipped with a suspension system according to any one of the preceding combinations. xl. A method for connecting a towed vehicle to a towing vehicle, the towing vehicle having a pressurized hydraulic circuit, the method comprising: attaching a first coupling portion of a pivoting tow bar of the towed vehicle to a second coupling portion of the towing vehicle; fluidly connecting a first hydraulic circuit of the towing vehicle to a pressurized hydraulic circuit of the towing vehicle, the first hydraulic circuit being connected to a first suspension assembly adapted to damp movement of the pivoting tow bar; and fluidly connecting a second hydraulic circuit of the towing vehicle to the pressurized hydraulic circuit of the towing vehicle. xli. The method of any one of the preceding combinations, further comprising regulating the flow of hydraulic fluid between at least one of the first hydraulic circuit and the second hydraulic circuit of the towed vehicle and the pressurized hydraulic circuit of the towing vehicle. xlii. The method of any one of the preceding combinations, wherein the step of fluidly connecting the first hydraulic circuit of the towed vehicle to the pressurized hydraulic circuit of the towing vehicle includes the step of connecting a first left hydraulic circuit and a first right hydraulic circuit to the pressurized hydraulic circuit. xliii. The method of any one of the preceding combinations, wherein the step of fluidly connecting the second hydraulic circuit of the towed vehicle to the pressurized hydraulic circuit of the towing vehicle includes the step of connecting a second left hydraulic circuit and a second right hydraulic circuit to the pressurized hydraulic circuit. xliv. A suspension element (e.g., coil spring, leaf spring, torsion bar, hydropneumatic, etc.) for a towed vehicle (e.g., trailer, spreader, etc.) having a removable tow bar that can be attached to a towing vehicle by a hitch system, the suspension element comprising: a first end operably attached to the chassis of the towed vehicle; and a second end operably attached to the removable toe bar; The suspension element is operably coupled to one of a plurality of suspension assemblies of the towed vehicle. xlv. A suspension element according to any one of the preceding combinations, wherein the second end is attached to the toe bar at a point along the toe bar between the joint of the toe bar and the pivot point of the toe bar. xlvi. A method for distributing the load of a towed vehicle across a plurality of suspension assemblies, the method comprising: Distributing a load on a removable tow bar of the vehicle and at least a first axle of the towed vehicle to a first suspension assembly; and and distributing a load on a second axle of the towed vehicle to a second suspension assembly. xlvii. The method of any of the preceding combinations, wherein distributing the load on the second axle includes distributing the load on the second axle to a second left suspension assembly and a second right suspension assembly.

[0037] As is apparent from the above description, the present invention may prove particularly advantageous in that, among other advantages, the provision of additional articulation in the toe bar provides a greater range of movement. In combination with the articulation in the toe bar, the proposed hydraulic connection of the movement system (e.g., suspension system and / or other) of the present invention advantageously allows for efficient and even distribution of loads across various axes throughout this new range of movement, etc.

[0038] Finally, in accordance with the present invention, the mobility device (and / or resulting system, etc.) and its corresponding components are preferably made of a substantially rigid material, such as a metallic material (stainless steel, titanium, etc.), a hardened polymer, a composite material, and / or any other suitable material, while other components of the system according to the present invention may be made of any other suitable material, such as a polymeric material (plastic, rubber, etc.), and / or any other suitable material to obtain the advantages discussed above, depending on the particular application for which the system is designed and various parameters involved, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0039] Although the present invention has been described above by its preferred embodiments, it should be clarified that any modifications to such preferred embodiments should not be considered to change or alter the nature and scope of the present invention. Indeed, the appended claims should not be limited in scope by the preferred embodiments set forth in the examples, but should be accorded the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.

Claims

1. A movement system (1) for a towed vehicle (3b) intended to be towed by a towing vehicle (3a), said movement system (1) comprising: a set of front wheels (5a) that can be mounted on the front of the chassis (7) of said towed vehicle (3b); a set of rear wheels (5b) that can be attached to the rear part of the chassis (7) of the trailer vehicle (3b); a movable tow bar (9) pivotally mounted to the chassis (7) of the towed vehicle (3b), pivotable about at least one corresponding axis of rotation (11), and connectable to a draw bar (13) of the towing vehicle (3a) by a hitch device (15); and a drive device (111) for moving the corresponding rotation axis (11) of the tow bar (9) relative to the chassis (7) of the towed vehicle (3b) according to a given movement plane (17).

2. 2. The movement system (1) of claim 1, wherein the drive device (111) is further configured to move at least one effective wheel (5e) of the wheels of the movement system (1) relative to the chassis (7) of the towed vehicle (3b) in accordance with the corresponding topology of the given movement surface (17).

3. 3. The movement system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one effective wheel (5e) of the movement system (1) can be moved into position relative to the chassis (7) of the towed vehicle (3b) according to the corresponding topology of the given movement surface (17).

4. 4. The moving system (1) of claim 2 or 3, wherein the at least one effective wheel (5e) of the moving system (1) is operably connectable to the drive device (111), and the at least one effective wheel (5e) of the moving system (1) is capable of being moved via the drive device (111).

5. A movement system (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein a given movement of the towbar (9) drives a corresponding opposite movement of the at least one effective wheel (5e) of the movement system (1).

6. A movement system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the drive device (111) includes at least a first actuator (21) for adjusting the positioning of the rotation axis (11) of the tow bar (9) relative to the chassis (7) of the towed vehicle (3b).

7. 7. The movement system (1) of claim 6, wherein the drive device (111) includes at least one second actuator (21) for adjusting the positioning of the at least effective wheels (5e) relative to the chassis (7) of the towed vehicle (3b).

8. A movement system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 in combination with claim 2, wherein at least one given actuator (21) is operably arranged between a given portion of the chassis (7) of the towed vehicle (3b) and an axle (19) of at least the effective wheel (5e) of the movement system (1).

9. 8. The movement system (1) according to claim 7, wherein the at least one first actuator (21) and the at least one second actuator (21) are interconnected with each other.

10. A movement system (1) according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein a given pair of actuators (21) of the movement system (1) comprises at least one proactive actuator (21) and at least one reactive actuator (21).

11. A transfer system (1) according to claim 10, wherein the actuators (21) of a given pair comprise hydraulic cylinders forming part of the same hydraulic circuit (31).

12. A movement system (1) according to any one of claims 6 to 11, wherein each actuator (21) is a hydraulic cylinder.

13. A transfer system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the rotation axis (11) of the tow bar (9) is arranged transversely to the longitudinal movement axis (23) of the chassis (7) of the towed vehicle (3b).

14. A movement system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13 in combination with claim 2, wherein the at least effective wheels (5e) comprise at least one wheel (5) pivotable about at least one corresponding axis (19) arranged substantially parallel to the rotation axis (11) of the tow bar (9).

15. 15. A movement system (1) as claimed in claim 14, wherein the at least one corresponding axis (19) can be moved relative to the chassis (7) of the towed vehicle (3b) by a set of support arms (25) having pivotable ends.

16. A movement system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 15 in combination with claim 2, wherein the at least effective wheels (5e) include at least one front wheel (5a) pivotable relative to at least one corresponding front axle (19).

17. A movement system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 16 in combination with claim 2, wherein said at least effective wheels (5e) comprise at least one pair of front wheels (5a).

18. A movement system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 17 in combination with claim 2, wherein said at least effective wheels (5e) comprise at least one pair of front wheels (5a) pivotable about the same corresponding front axle (19).

19. A movement system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 17 in combination with claim 2, wherein the at least effective wheels (5e) comprise at least one pair of front wheels (5a) each pivotable relative to at least one given corresponding front axle (19).

20. A movement system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 19 in combination with claim 2, wherein said at least effective wheels (5e) comprise at least two pairs of corresponding front wheels (5a).

21. A mobility system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 20 in combination with claim 2, wherein the at least effective wheels (5e) comprise at least one rear wheel (5b) pivotable relative to at least one corresponding rear axle (19).

22. A movement system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 21 in combination with claim 2, wherein said at least effective wheels (5e) comprise at least one pair of rear wheels (5b).

23. A movement system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 22 in combination with claim 2, wherein the at least effective wheels (5e) comprise at least one pair of rear wheels (5b) pivotable about at least one same corresponding rear axle (19).

24. A movement system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 22 in combination with claim 2, wherein the at least effective wheels (5e) comprise at least one pair of rear wheels (5b) each pivotable relative to at least one given corresponding rear axle (19).

25. A movement system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 24 in combination with claim 2, wherein said at least effective wheels (5e) comprise at least two pairs of corresponding rear wheels (5b).

26. A movement system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 25 in combination with claim 2, wherein said at least effective wheels (5e) comprise at least three pairs of corresponding rear wheels (5b).

27. A transfer system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 26, wherein at least one independent wheel (5i) of the transfer system (1) is free to move relative to the chassis (7) of the towed vehicle (3b).

28. 28. A transfer system (1) according to claim 27, wherein said at least one independent wheel (5i) is a side wheel (5) of said transfer system (1).

29. A mobility system (1) according to claim 27 or 28, wherein said at least one independent wheel (5i) is found in at least one of said two sets of wheels (5a, 5b, 5e).

30. A movement system (1) according to any one of claims 27 to 29, wherein said at least one independent wheel (5i) comprises a plurality of independent wheels (5i).

31. 31. A mobility system (1) according to claim 30, wherein the plurality of independent wheels (5i) comprises at least one left independent wheel (5i) and at least one right independent wheel (5i).

32. 32. The mobility system (1) according to claim 31, wherein the at least one independent left wheel (5i) and the at least one independent right wheel (5i) are in the set of rear wheels (5b), and the at least one independent left wheel (5i) is movable independently of the at least one independent right wheel (5i).

33. A mobility system (1) according to any one of claims 30 to 32, wherein the plurality of independent wheels (5i) comprises a plurality of left independent wheels (5i) and a plurality of right independent wheels (5i).

34. A movement system (1) according to any one of claims 27 to 33, wherein each independent wheel (5i) is connected to a corresponding hydraulic circuit (31).

35. A movement system (1) according to any one of claims 27 to 34, wherein each independent wheel (5i) on the same side is movable independently from the other independent wheels (5i) on the same side.

36. A movement system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said set of front wheels (5a) are interconnected with said set of rear wheels (5b) via the same drive device (111).

37. A movement system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the front train wheel (5a) is drivable independently from the rear train wheel (5b).

38. A movement system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each wheel train (5a, 5b, 5e) is provided with a corresponding hydraulic circuit (31).

39. A movement system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 38, wherein the set of front wheels (5a) are interconnectable by a first hydraulic circuit (31) and the set of rear wheels (5b) are interconnectable by a second hydraulic circuit (31) different from the first hydraulic circuit (31).

40. A transfer system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said drive device (111) is configured to cooperate with said first hydraulic circuit (31).

41. A movement system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 40 in combination with claim 2, wherein the at least one effective wheel (5e) of the movement system (1) can be provided with at least one corresponding suspension device (27).

42. A movement system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 41 in combination with claim 2, wherein at least one wheel (5) other than the at least one effective wheel (5e) of the movement system (1) can also be provided with at least one corresponding suspension device (27).

43. A movement system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each wheel (5) of the movement system (1) can be provided with at least one corresponding suspension device (27).

44. A movement system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 43, wherein the movement system (1) functions as a suspension system for the towed vehicle (3b).

45. A mobile system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 44, wherein the towed vehicle (3b) is a trailer or a spreader.

46. A movement system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 45, wherein the towing vehicle (3a) is a tractor.

47. A transfer system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hitch device (15) is configured to be adjustable along at least one degree of freedom (A, B, C).

48. A transfer system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hitch device (15) is configured to allow for pitch adjustment (A).

49. A transfer system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hitch device (15) is configured to allow yaw adjustment (B).

50. A transfer system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hitch device (15) is configured to allow roll adjustment (C).

51. A transportation system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 50, wherein the hitch device (15) is the hitch device (15) described in International Application No. PCT / CA2022 / 051243 dated August 16, 2022.

52. A movement system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the towbar (9) is configured to allow movement along at least one degree of freedom.

53. A transfer system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the towbar (9) is connectable to the chassis (7) of the towed vehicle (3b) by means of a corresponding connection device (29).

54. A movement system (1) according to claim 53, wherein at least one corresponding suspension device (27) is operably arranged between the rotation axis (11) of the tow bar (9) and the at least one effective wheel (5e) of the wheels of the movement system (1).

55. A kit with corresponding components for assembling a transfer system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 54.

56. A towed vehicle (3b) comprising a movement system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 54.

57. A combination of a towed vehicle (3b) towed by a towing vehicle (3a) using a hitch device (15), wherein the towed vehicle (3b) is equipped with a movement system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 54.

58. A method for moving a towed vehicle (3b) on a given moving surface (17), said method comprising: a) providing a trailer (3b) equipped with a mobility system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 54; b) connecting the drawbar (9) of the towed vehicle (3b) to the drawbar (13) of the towing vehicle (3a) via a hitch device (15); c) moving the rotation axis (11) of the tow bar (9) perpendicularly relative to the chassis (7) of the towed vehicle (3b) in response to positioning of at least one effective wheel (5e) of the wheels when the towed vehicle (3b) moves via its wheels on the given moving surface (17).

Images