Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a battery powered ride-on toy vehicle. The ride-on vehicle includes a main body, a front wheel assembly, and a steering assembly. The front wheel assembly is angularly offset from the main body so that steering the vehicle into a turn with the steering assembly creates a camber angle in the wheels of the front wheel assembly and tilts the main body into a turn. The ride-on vehicle may also include a rear wheel assembly and a drive assembly configured to drive any wheels included in the front wheel assembly and the rear assembly. The toy vehicle can also drift through turns while tilting into the turn.

Abstract: Steering apparatus having variable steering ratios are disclosed herein. An apparatus disclosed herein includes a steering drum to rotate about a longitudinal axis in a first direction and a second direction different than the first direction. The steering drum has a shape to provide a varying steering ratio when the steering drum is rotated.

Abstract: A hydraulic operated valve includes an electromagnetic adsorption mechanism and a steel ball. In the electromagnetic adsorption mechanism, when a current is supplied, an adsorption plate is adsorbed by a solenoid. By this adsorption, a steel ball is pressed against an outer surface of a cam disc. The outer surface of the cam disc includes two steps. When the cam disc is rotated clockwise or counterclockwise, the pressed steel ball engages the two steps. Thus, the cam disc is detented. These two steps are configured such that when the cam disc is returned to a neutral position, the adsorption plate is separated from the solenoid against the pressing of the electromagnetic adsorption mechanism. Thus, the detent state of the cam disc is canceled.

Abstract: An objective is to provide an electric steering lock device capable of preventing a lock member from being falsely detected as being at an unlock position to unfailingly ensure that an engine is started with a steering wheel being unlocked. In the electric steering lock device, magnetic detection means placed at a position corresponding to an unlock position of the lock member is configured by including a Hall element (north-pole magnetic detection element) configured to be turned on when detecting the north pole of a magnet fixed to the lock member and a Hall element (south-pole magnetic detection element) configured to be turned on when detecting the south pole of the magnet. A microcomputer (control means) determines that the lock member has moved to the unlock position when the Hall elements (north-pole and south-pole magnetic detection elements) are both turned on, and then stops driving an electric motor (electric actuator).

Abstract: A steering column assembly includes an outer jacket defining a through aperture and an inner jacket slidably disposed within the outer jacket. A plurality of steering shafts are movable relative to one another within the inner jacket. A frictional plate is disposed within the through aperture for selectively engaging the inner jacket. A radial force transmitting assembly is coupled to the frictional plate and applies a force on the frictional plate causing the frictional plate to engage the inner jacket. The radial force transmitting assembly includes a first cam member and a second cam each coupled to the frictional plate and each including a plurality of inclined surfaces facing one another. A lever is coupled to one of the cam members for rotating the other of the cam members for applying a force on the frictional plate to prevent movement of the steering shafts.

Abstract: A steering apparatus includes a first shaft coupled to a steering wheel, a second shaft arranged to be eccentric relative to the first shaft, and a joint mechanism for coupling the first shaft and the second shaft to each other. The joint mechanism includes a cam having a cam groove that extends in a direction perpendicular to the first shaft, a cam follower that can slide in the cam groove, an eccentric pin for coupling the second shaft and the cam follower to each other at a position eccentric relative to the second shaft. An outer cylinder serving as a protective member is arranged concentrically with the eccentric pin, so as to surround the outer circumference of the eccentric pin. At least part of the eccentric pin and the outer cylinder is arranged in the cam groove.

Abstract: A cam follower includes an oval rotational body which is rotationally supported on a fixed pin, and in which an outer circumferential shape thereof is an oval, a long axis of the oval is longer than a width of the cam groove, and a short axis of the oval is shorter than the width of the cam groove, the oval rotational body being biased and being rotated by a biasing spring in one direction about the fixed pin. As a consequence, when a steering wheel is in a neutral position, the outer circumferential surface of the cam follower comes into contact with both side surfaces of the cam groove in the width direction of the cam groove and gaps therebetween can be eliminated. As a result, neutral stability of the steering wheel and steering feeling during straightforward traveling are improved.

Abstract: A power steering assist system for a hand-steered pallet truck includes a joint assembly having a pivot joint, handle biasing mechanism, and a torque sensing arrangement. The pivot joint includes a pair of needle bearings and pivot pin disposed within a pivot block that provides a flexible connection between a handle and a tiller arm. The handle biasing mechanism includes a cantilevered beam spring and two cam rollers that resists an operator steering force applied to the handle and further, centers the handle with respect to the tiller arm after the force is released. The torque sensing arrangement includes a magnet and a non-contact magnetoresistive (MR) sensor that measures movement of the handle relative to the tiller arm which is used to determine operator steering intent, i.e., the amount of steering force applied to the handle. The MR sensor provides accurate torque measurements regardless of the angle of the tiller arm.

Abstract: A steering apparatus includes a first shaft coupled to a steering wheel, a second shaft arranged to be eccentric relative to the first shaft, and a joint mechanism for coupling the first shaft and the second shaft to each other. The joint mechanism includes a cam having a cam groove that extends in a direction perpendicular to the first shaft, a cam follower that can slide in the cam groove, an eccentric pin for coupling the second shaft and the cam follower to each other at a position eccentric relative to the second shaft. An outer cylinder serving as a protective member is arranged concentrically with the eccentric pin, so as to surround the outer circumference of the eccentric pin. At least part of the eccentric pin and the outer cylinder is arranged in the cam groove.

Abstract: An electrically actuated steering column system that includes an electrically actuated steering column mechanism. A switch is interconnected with the electrically actuated steering column mechanism to allow for movement of a steering column housing relative to a driver. There is also included electrical control structure that regulates the electrically actuated steering column mechanism. The electrically actuated steering column system allows a driver to activate a switch and apply a force to initiate movement of the steering column housing and then deactivate the switch to halt movement and retain the steering column housing in a secure manner.

Abstract: A vehicular steering apparatus includes a column bracket secured to a steering column; and a fixing bracket secured to a vehicle body. The column bracket includes a top plate and a pair of side plates. The fixing bracket supports the column bracket via a support shaft. A support-shaft through hole formed in each of the side plates of the column bracket includes a slot extended along a longitudinal direction of the steering column. A resilient member is interposed between the top plate of the column bracket and a confronting portion of the support shaft. The resilient member biases the support shaft along a predetermined biasing direction to restrict play of the support shaft in the slot.

Abstract: A steering column (10) includes a steering column member (12). A mounting bracket (66) connects the steering column (10) to a vehicle frame. The mounting bracket (66) has a surface defining an aperture (77). A support (24), through which the steering column member (12) extends, is connected with the mounting bracket (66). The support (24) supports the steering column member (12) for rotation about a longitudinal axis (26) of the steering column member (12) and is movable relative to the mounting bracket. A locking mechanism (130) prevents movement of the support (24) relative to the mounting bracket (66). A first portion (42) is connected with the support (24) and is movable with the support (24) and the steering column member (12) relative to the mounting bracket (66). A follower pin (63) extends from the first portion (42) and into the aperture (77) in the mounting bracket (66).

Abstract: A print head pressure-contact device equipped with a linkage for applying a print head onto a platen of a printer, comprises a drive lever having a driven connection with a motor and a driven lever rotatably linked to the drive lever. The drive lever has a cam and the driven lever has a cam follower cooperative with the cam, such that a power transmission is changed from a linkage transmission to a cam transmission within a predetermined angle range with respect to an angle between the two levers.

Abstract: An apparatus for steering rear wheels of a four-wheel steering vehicle is provided. This apparatus includes a first housing which has an operating rod displaceable along the longitudinal center line thereof for steering the rear wheels, a second housing which has a cam rotatably supported thereby for displacing the operating rod in a desired direction, a movable block engaging with the cam, and a stationary block mounted on the operating rod. The movable block moves along a guide rod provided in the second housing according to rotation of the cam. The stationary block transmits the movement of the movable block to the operating rod at a first angular position between the guide rod and the operating rod and blocks the transmission of the movement of the movable block at a second angular position different from the first position.

Abstract: A gear reduction mechanism is provided with a rotatable shaft supported by a pair of spaced apart bearings in a one piece retainer having coaxially aligned holes for receiving said bearings. A potentiometer is supported from the same retainer and is provided with an input axle adjustably connected to the shaft to provide an output signal indicative of the angular position of the shaft. The adjustment may take place through a vent hole in the housing of the mechanism which has a removable filter therein.

Abstract: A four-wheel steering apparatus for a vehicle includes assemblies for steering the front and rear wheels of the vehicle, and an interconnecting member for connecting the front and rear steering assemblies together to move in relation to one another such that there is a dwell period between movement of the front and rear steering assemblies. The interconnecting member is operated by a driver of the vehicle and the dwell period extends between the time when the movement of the front-wheel steering assembly begins and the time when the movement of the rear-wheel steering assembly begins.

Abstract: A rear steering control device for an automotive vehicle, wherein the finger carrying the roller portion is secured to a hub rigidly secured in coaxial relationship to both adjacent ends of both rear steering drag rods, respectively, and the drive shaft is coupled to a disc formed with peripheral teeth for rotating it about its axis when locking the front wheels so that the cam-like groove causes the rear steering drag rods to be moved in parallel relation to the axis.

Abstract: A mechanical steering device for the rear wheels of motor cars with four-wheel steering, including a front steering unit (4) and a rear steering unit (5) coupled for rotation with each other by a longitudinal transmission shaft (6), in which the rear steering unit (5) includes a transverse bar (11) connected to the rear wheels (2) by respective steering joints and tie rods (9, 10). The rotation of the longitudinal shaft (6) is transformed into translation of the transverse bar (11) by a positive cam (12).

Abstract: A rear wheel steering driving mechanism is provided for a vehicle having a front wheel steering system and a rear wheel steering system. The drive mechanism includes an input shaft adapted to be operatively connected to the front wheel steering system for rotation thereby whenever the front wheel steering system is activated and an output shaft adapted to be operably connected to the rear wheel steering system to selectively transmit front wheel steering system activity to the rear wheel system.

Abstract: A rear wheel steering driving mechanism is provided for a vehicle having a front wheel steering system and a rear wheel steering system. The drive mechanism includes an input link adapted to be operatively connected to the front wheel steering system for translation thereby whenever the front wheel steering system is activated and an output link adapted to be operably connected to the rear wheel steering system to selectively transmit front wheel steering system activity to the rear wheel system.

Abstract: A steering mechanism for a vehicle which includes a disk and a pair of rollers which rotate 180.degree. about a series of fingers to turn the wheels. The pivot member of the steering mechanism includes a slot having a spring biased pin extending thereinto to inhibit wear on the mechanism as it is pivoted.

Abstract: A power assist device for a vehicle steering system includes an electric motor coupled to a steering linkage via a plurality of gears and a yoke-like connection to provide a variable ratio steering system.

Abstract: An adjustable turning ratio ratary positioning mechanism has rotary drive and driven members coupled by a flexible drive band, such as a sprocket chain, with oppositely movable runs between the members which are laterally displaceable during rotation of the drive member in such a way as to selectively provide the positioning mechanisms with different predetermined turning ratios, i.e., the turning angle(s) of the driven member(s) per unit turning angle of the drive member. A camera dolly steering mechanism embodying a rotary positioning mechanism according to the invention actuated by a single cam on the dolly steering shaft for selectively steering the dolly in round, crab, and conventional steering modes.

Abstract: A steering system for light vehicles, wherein the steering ratio is made variable so that the ratio is less than 1/3 until about 20 degrees of handle steering angle, is 1/2 to 4/5 between about 20 to 45 degrees of handle steering angle, and is such that the vehicle can turn with the minimum turning radius at a maximum handle steering angle above 45 degrees. The invention also concerns a steering gear with cams for attaining the variable steering ratio. The invention is directed to steering of scooter-like vehicles provided with two steered wheels.

Abstract: A drive transmission mechanism comprises an axially fixed rotatable primary pinion, an intermediate pinion rotatable in response to the primary pinion to effect rotation of a secondary pinion, and cam means responsive to rotation of the primary pinion to effect axial displacement of the intermediate pinion during its rotation. The rotary drive is transmitted from the primary pinion to the secondary pinion by at least one set of mutually engaging helical teeth. The axial displacement of the intermediate pinion produces a variation in the movement ratio between the primary and secondary pinions.The present invention relates to a drive transmission mechanism in which rotation of a primary pinion produces rotation of a secondary pinion.The invention is particularly concerned with a drive transmission mechanism which enables the movement ratio between the primary and secondary pinion to vary over a chosen range.