Abstract: A foldable vehicle may include a chassis comprising a static support, a dynamic chassis frame that includes at least two substantially opposite frame parts and a folding mechanism for decreasing or increasing a distance between the at least two substantially opposite frame parts across a lateral axis of the vehicle between a folded state and an unfolded state; and a controller to control the folding mechanism.

Abstract: A method for steering a four-wheeled vehicle includes: determining a front wheel steering angle; determining a responsive low-speed steering angle of the two rear wheels, the responsive low-speed steering angle being (i) negative when the front wheel steering angle is positive, and (ii) positive when the front wheel steering angle is negative; determining a responsive high-speed steering angle of the two rear wheels, the responsive high-speed steering angle being (i) non-negative when the front wheel steering angle is positive, and (ii) non-positive when the front wheel steering angle is negative; determining a responsive rear wheel steering angle being a sum of the responsive low-speed and high-speed steering angles; and controlling a steering actuator to steer the two rear wheels in accordance with the responsive rear wheel steering angle.

Abstract: Systems for controlling the speed and direction of vehicles, including vehicles that have low to zero turning radius capability.

Abstract: A steering angle controller which controls an actual value to a desired value, wherein the steering angle controller outputs, as an output signal, an actuating signal for power electronics to control an electric servo motor, wherein the actual value is a steering angle or a measurement variable corresponding to the steering angle and the desired value is a steering angle request or measurement variable request, wherein the steering angle controller is assigned at least one memory which stores at least two different control algorithms.

Abstract: Systems for controlling the speed and direction of vehicles such as tractors, including vehicles that have low to zero turning radius capability. Systems include steering and speed coordination systems that control the direction and speed of rotation of vehicle drive units.

Abstract: Provided is a steering control device (10) for a vehicle (12), including a front wheel steering device (14) and a rear wheel steering device (42). When a magnitude of a steering angle (MA) is large in a state in which rear wheels are steered by the rear wheel steering device in the same phase with respect to front wheels, the steering control device carries out calculation so as to increase a rear wheel target correction steering angle ??bt for a correction steering for the rear wheels (18RL and 18RR) toward an opposite phase direction with respect to the front wheels (18FL and 18FR) compared with when the magnitude of the steering angle is small, and controls the rear wheel steering device based on the target correction steering angle ??bt, thereby increasing a slip angle toward the inside of a turn of the vehicle.

Abstract: Provided is a traveling apparatus including a front wheel steered by an operation by a user and two rear wheels that are rotationally driven independently from each other disposed along a traveling direction and on which the user rides when traveling, the traveling apparatus including: a front wheel supporting member; a rear wheel supporting member; an adjusting mechanism configured to adjust a wheel base length between the front wheel and the rear wheels by changing, by the user, a relative position of the front wheel supporting member and the rear wheel supporting member; and a controller configured to control a rotational speed of each of the rear wheels based on the wheel base length and a steering angle of the front wheel in such a way that a moving track of the front wheel and moving tracks of the rear wheels draw a concentric arc.

Abstract: Provided is a steering control device that more appropriately performs a limiting function for a controlled variable having an abnormal value even if a plurality of kinds of state quantities that are used for steering control include a state quantity that does not meet a required level of reliability. The range of variation in first assist controlled variable calculated by using steering torque, a steering torque differential value, and a steering velocity, namely state quantities for which the required level of reliability is ensured, is limited by final limiting values calculated based on first to third limit maps. The range of variation in compensation amount calculated by using a steering angle, namely a state quantity for which the required level of reliability is not ensured, is limited by predetermined upper and lower limits. A variation in compensation amount per unit time is limited by a predetermined variation limiting value.

Abstract: Systems for controlling the speed and direction of vehicles such as tractors, including vehicles that have low to zero turning radius capability. Systems include steering and speed coordination systems that control the direction and speed of rotation of vehicle drive units.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an assembly which includes: a chassis for a mobile land vehicle, in particular an agricultural or public works vehicle; at least two half-crossmembers (21) mounted telescopically on the chassis; wheel mountings (27) pivotably mounted on each one of said half-crossmembers; steered wheels rotatably mounted on said mountings; and a device for controlling the direction of the wheels. The assembly is characterized in that it includes means (39, 41, 47) designed, for a certain position of two half-crossmembers, to increase, upon the pivoting of the wheels, the opening of the said wheels relative to the opening of the wheels resulting from the same pivoting and another position of the two half-crossmembers.

Abstract: An automobile steering system for controlling the steering of left and right front wheels of an automobile, a left support shaft being provided on the left front wheel, and a right support shaft being provided on the right front wheel, the automobile steering system having a steering wheel, a steering transmission device, a left rotary table, a right rotary table and a steering device, wherein the steering wheel is connected to one end of the steering transmission device, and the other end of the steering transmission device is jointed with the steering device; the left and right rotary tables are respectively located at two ends of the steering device, the left rotary table being connected to the left support shaft, and the right rotary table being connected to the right support shaft; and the steering device has a left steel wire rope, a right steel wire rope and a synchronous belt, two ends of the left steel wire rope are respectively wound around the left rotary table and the synchronous belt, and two end

Abstract: The simultaneous maneuvering system includes a base, a plurality of wheel assemblies including at least one wheel rotatably mounted to the base, a plurality of steering rotors rotatably mounted to the base and the wheel assemblies, and a drive assembly having a drive frame coupled to each of the rotors. Operation of the drive assembly causes simultaneous rotation of the rotors and, thereby, positions the wheel of each corresponding wheel assembly in a desired direction.

Abstract: A riding lawn care vehicle may include a frame and a steering assembly. Wheels of the riding lawn care vehicle may be attachable to the frame. The steering assembly may include a steering wheel operably coupled to rear wheels of the riding lawn care vehicle via a cable system. The cable system may include a first cable portion, a second cable portion and a pulley assembly. The first and second cable portions may each contact a steering column pulley at respective first ends of the first and second cable portions. The steering column pulley may be configured to pull a corresponding one of the first cable portion or the second cable portion based on a direction of rotation of the steering wheel. The first and second cable portions may each be in operable communication with a steering disc at respective second ends of the first and second cable portions. The steering disc may provide translation of movement of the first cable portion and the second cable portion into corresponding movement of the rear wheels.

Abstract: Embodiments are provided of skateboard decks and skateboard assemblies each having a unitary body of extruded aluminum, the body having a top surface, a bottom surface, a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge. Each embodiment can have a handle portion formed in the unitary body and configured to receive one or more fingers, the handle portion positioned proximate one of the first longitudinal edge and the second longitudinal edge. Each of the embodiments disclosed herein can also comprise a first truck rail and a second truck rail extruded with the unitary body on the bottom surface, the first truck rail and the second truck rail running along at least a portion of a length of the unitary body and forming a track configured to movably receive a plurality of truck assemblies.

Abstract: A knee walker includes a steering column rotatably attached to a forward portion of a frame, wherein the steering column includes a steering pulley rotatable about a vertically disposed axis of rotation. Two wheel assemblies are rotatably carried by the frame and have a pulley for rotating each assembly about a vertical axis. The axis of rotation of each wheel assembly is offset aft the steering column axis. A belt links rotation of the steering column to rotation of the wheel assemblies and in combination with the offset causes the belt to extend around at least half a circumference of each pulley for enhancing frictional contact. A shield guards each pulley. Mating alignment disks for aligning each assembly are provided to permit wheel alignment without affecting the belt tension. A third wheel assembly optionally extends from the column.

Abstract: A trailer for transporting a harvester header comprises a chassis, a rear axle assembly and a front axle assembly. A steering force transfer mechanism is arranged to transfer a steering force hydraulically from a first one steerable wheel supported on the front axle assembly to a second one steerable wheel supported on the rear axle assembly. A steering movement of the first one steerable wheel to one side effects a steering movement of the second one steerable wheel to the opposite side.

Abstract: A camera dolly has wheels that can be positively steered via a steering bar operating a corrective and crab mode steering system. A spring holds a steering transmission of the steering system into the crab mode. The dolly operator may shift from the crab mode into the corrective mode by momentarily pushing down on a plunger on the steering bar, when the wheels are straight. After performing a corrective steering maneuver, the spring causes the steering system to automatically return to the crab steering mode when the wheels are steered back to the straight position.

Abstract: An electronic control unit determines the steering direction of rear wheels on the basis of the turning operation direction of a steering wheel when a detected vehicle speed is “0”, i.e. when the vehicle is stopped. If the steering direction of the rear wheels is a return-side steering direction to obtain a neutral steering position, the unit operates a rear wheel-side steering mechanism by driving and controlling an electric motor, whereby allowing return-side stationary steering for the rear wheels.

Abstract: A rear wheel steering system includes a rear rack shaft that slides in a vehicle-width direction to steer a pair of rear wheels, a recess formed in the rear rack shaft, and a pin member that is fitted into the recess from the outer side of the rear rack shaft, and is retracted to be disengaged from the recess. The pin member is fitted into the recess to lock sliding of the rear rack shaft in a neutral position, and the pin member placed in a retracted state is disengaged from the recess to cancel slide lock on the rear rack shaft. The rear rack shaft has guide grooves formed on respective sides of the recess in a longitudinal direction of the rear rack shaft so as to be contiguous with the recess, and used to guide the pin member, placed in the advanced state, toward the recess.

Abstract: A rear toe control (RTC) system and method for a vehicle includes rear actuators for applying rear steering to rear wheels of the vehicle and rear sensors for measuring individual toe angles of the rear wheels. The system further includes a RTC failure module that determines when the RTC system has failed and a road condition determining module that determines whether the vehicle is encountering a poor road surface condition. An electronic control unit (ECU) is disposed on the vehicle and is configured to impose a speed limit for the vehicle when the RTC failure module determines that the RTC system has failed and the road condition determining module determines that the vehicle encountering a poor road surface condition.

Abstract: A steering operation force detection device for a steering wheel including a steering wheel rim having a right-side rim section and a left-side rim section. The device includes load cells that detect six component forces of the steering operation force acting on the right-side rim section and the left-side rim section consisting of forces in three axial directions and moments about three axes. The device includes a steering angle detection sensor that detects a steering angle of the steering wheel, and an inertial force component correcting unit that derives an inertial force component acting on the right-side rim section and the left-side rim section due to rotation of the steering wheel, based on an amount of displacement of the steering angle detected by the steering angle detection sensor, and that corrects the component force detected by the load cells to eliminate an effect of the derived inertial force component.

Abstract: An all-wheel steering system and vehicle, e.g., riding lawn mower, incorporating the same. The system may include a linkage system that operatively connects the vehicle wheels for simultaneous turning. The system, in one embodiment, includes a power steering unit having fixed or variable output for a given steering input. The system may further include a mechanism for reducing speed based upon mower steering angle.

Abstract: A steering linkage for a vehicle, having a first draglink (32), an auxiliary steering cylinder (34) and a second draglink (38). The auxiliary steering cylinder (34) has a through piston rod (36). The first draglink (32) is arranged between a guide arm (12) of a steering gear (10) and a first end (35) of the through piston rod (36). The second draglink (38) is arranged between steerable vehicle wheels (48, 50) and the second end (37) of the through piston rod (36), thereby making it possible for the steerable vehicle wheels (48, 50) to be steered via the steering gear (10).

Abstract: A materials handling vehicle is provided comprising a frame comprising an operator's compartment, wheels supported on the frame, at least one of the wheels being a steerable wheel, and a steer-by-wire system associated with the steerable wheel to effect angular movement of the steerable wheel. The vehicle further comprises a control apparatus.

Abstract: A materials handling vehicle is provided comprising: a frame comprising an operator's compartment; wheels supported on the frame, at least one of the wheels being a steerable wheel; a steer-by-wire system and control apparatus. The steer-by-wire system is associated with the steerable wheel to effect angular movement of the steerable wheel about a first axis.

Abstract: A steering mechanism for a recreational vehicle includes a foot support and a steering device connected to the foot support, the steering device being moved by a motion of the foot support. A recreational vehicle is also disclosed that includes a front portion, a body connected to the front portion, a track mechanism disposed in the body, a steering mechanism disposed in the front portion, and a foot support disposed between the front portion and the body, the steering mechanism being steered by a motion of the foot support. A method of steering the recreational vehicle is also disclosed.

Abstract: The entire right, title and interest in and to this application and all subject matter disclosed and/or claimed therein, including any and all divisions, continuations, reissues, etc., thereof are, effective as of the date of execution of this application, assigned, transferred, sold and set over by the applicant(s) named herein to Deere & Company, a Delaware corporation having offices at Moline, Ill. 61265, U.S.A., together with all rights to file, and to claim priorities in connection with, corresponding patent applications in any and all foreign countries in the name of Deere & Company or otherwise.

Abstract: A steering system for a vehicle having a body supported on at least two sets of steerable wheels, generally consisting of a steering shaft provided with a wheel, supported on such body; a torque transmitting main shaft supported longitudinally on the body; means operatively interconnecting the steering shaft and the main shaft for transmitting rotary motion of the steering shaft to rotary motion of the main shaft; a first transversely displaceable means operatively interconnecting knuckle brackets of one of the sets of steerable wheels; a steering gear directly operatively interconnecting the main shaft and the first transversely displaceable means for translating rotary motion of the main shaft to linear motion of the first transversely displaceable means; second transversely displaceable means operatively interconnecting knuckle brackets of the other of the sets of steerable wheels; and a steering gear directly operatively interconnecting the main shaft and the second transversely displaceable means for tra

Abstract: A steering assembly for a vehicle includes a forward apparatus positioned toward the front of the vehicle and having a first front wheel assembly and a second front wheel assembly. The steering assembly includes a gear having teeth and being pivotable about a pivot axis. The pivot axis is positioned between the teeth of the gear and the forward apparatus. A first front link is attached to the gear and to the first front wheel assembly to turn a first front wheel. A second front link is attached to the gear and to the second front wheel assembly to turn a second front wheel.

Abstract: A rotary connector device equipped with a rotary connector and a steering angle sensor for detecting rotational angles of a steering wheel, includes one circuit board, in which the circuit board is used for the rotary connector and the steering angle sensor simultaneously. According to the device, since only one circuit board is provided, the total thickness is reduced as compared with other devices having a plurality of circuit boards in the related art.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for steering a vehicle are disclosed. A vehicle in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is capable of operating in a first steering mode and a second steering mode. The vehicle may comprise an input device capable of providing an input signal indicating that operation in the second steering mode is desired. The vehicle may comprise an electronic control unit (ECU) capable of providing an enabling signal when the ECU determines that operation in the second steering mode is appropriate for the present riding conditions.

Abstract: A driver control input device includes first and second base members with first and second control members each configured to support an arm of a driver and each pivotally movable with respect to the base members in a generally horizontal plane. The control members are operatively engaged with a steer-by-wire system such that pivotal movement of the first and second control members causes steering control signals to be sent to the steer-by-wire system. The control members may also be longitudinally slidably supported with respect to the base members to generate acceleration and braking signals.

Abstract: A steering device for an electric car includes tandem wheel suspensions for at least two sets of tandem wheels and a steering mechanism for each set of tandem wheels and provides a smooth turning motion. The steering mechanism for one tandem set of wheels is formed by a mechanical connection to a steering wheel and the steering mechanism for the second set of tandem wheels is driven by motors.

Abstract: A vehicle driver control input device includes a non-rotatable wheel having at least one track. First and second hand grips are movably engaged with the track so that the first and second hand grips are movable along the track to facilitate sending steering signals to a steer-by-wire system of a vehicle. At least one of the first and second hand grips has an accelerator demand input mechanism to facilitate sending acceleration signals to an energy conversion system of the vehicle. At least one of the first and second hand grips have a braking demand input mechanism to facilitate sending braking signals to a brake-by-wire system of the vehicle. Alternatively, the wheel and hand grips may rotate with respect to a support post to facilitate generating steering signals.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the steering of an automatic guided vehicle (AGV) includes simultaneously correcting the vehicle's heading and position errors. The vehicle may include first and second steering control loops that determine the vehicle's position and heading errors, respectively. Separate commands are generated from these control loops to steer the vehicle in a manner that tends to reduce these errors. The vehicle may include a forward and a rearward pair of wheels. For correcting position errors, the first control loop issues the same steering command to both the forward and rearward pair of wheels. For correcting heading errors, the second control loop issues a steering command to the rearward pair of wheels that is summed together with the first control loop's steering command prior to being applied to the rearward pair of wheels.

Abstract: A vehicle has a chassis with at least one front wheel pivotable about a first vertical axis to control the direction of the vehicle. A rigid swing arm is pivotally mounted on the rear end of the chassis for pivoting about a horizontal axis. On the rear end of the swing arm is a wheel mounting assembly including a hub and pivot means mounting the hub on the rear end of the swing arm for pivotal movement about a second vertical axis. The rear wheel is rotatably supported on the hub and naturally tracks the front wheel in a cooperating turning arc.

Abstract: To reduce the cost of a front wheel steering system for automotive three- and four-wheeled vehicles by utilizing a steering angle ratio varying means having a simple construction. In a front wheel steering system for automotive four-wheeled vehicles, a steering shaft rotatably mounted to a head pipe steers the right and left front wheels. The steering stem is disposed below the steering shaft offset from the steering shaft. The steering stem is connected to the steering shaft via a link mechanism. The right and left front wheels are connected to the steering stem via a tie rod. The link mechanism includes an upper link, a lower link, and a universal coupling connecting the upper link and the lower link. The steering shaft is disposed at the midsection between the steering stem and the universal coupling when the link mechanism is viewed in the direction of the axis of the steering shaft.

Abstract: A steering mechanism for steering angular deflections carried out on a vehicle's/carriage's pivoted steering travelling wheels (10a, 12a; 10b, 12b) positioned in a row at each side of the carriage (16). During turning, the mechanism allots to each of the pivoted, steerable travelling wheels (10a, 10b, 12a, 12b) a correct deflection differing from that of each of the other steerable wheels (parallelism may occur between pivoted, steerable wheels (10a, 10b, 12a, 12b) upon 90° turns). Each steerable wheel is assigned an upright shaft for turning around the axis thereof, the shaft carrying at least one non-circular motion-transferring disc (22a, 22b, 24a′, 24b′) which, according to the invention, have elliptical circumferential shape and have the form of chain wheels/belt pulleys, identical in pairs. The elliptical chain wheels/belt pulleys (22a, 22b, 24a′, 24b′) are motion-transferringly interconnected by endless drivable chains/belts (26, 28, 30).

Abstract: In a steering device for a vehicle, the movement of a steering actuator driven by operation of an operating member is transmitted to vehicle wheels, in such a manner that the steering angle changes, without the operating member being coupled mechanically to the vehicle wheels. A first target yaw rate is calculated in accordance with the detected vehicle speed and a first steering angle set value, which corresponds to the detected amount of operation and vehicle speed. A second target yaw rate corresponding to the detected lateral acceleration and vehicle speed is calculated. A second steering angle set value, which corresponds to the difference between the detected yaw rate and a target yaw rate, as which the first target yaw rate or the second target yaw rate whichever has the smaller absolute value is taken, is calculated.

Abstract: A steering system (11) reduces the steering radius and minimizes tire scuffing is used with vehicles which include a front steering assembly having first and second wheels (20a, 20b) and a tag axle steering assembly having third and fourth wheels (21a, 21b). The steering system comprises a front steering ram assembly (26) fluidly coupled to a tag axle ram assembly (30) through a conduit system (102), which has no flow control valves, in a master-slave configuration such that a hydraulic fluid moves between the steering axle assembly and the tag axle ram assembly in response to a turning of the first and second wheels to cause the third and fourth wheels to turn in an opposite direction. The front steering ram assembly comprises first and second ram (42, 44). The first and second ram cylinders (46, 52) are normally affixed to either the frame (40) or the first tie rod (36), while the first and second ram shafts (50, 56) are affixed to the other of the frame and the first tie rod.

Abstract: An all-wheel-steer biasing mechanism having a torsion biasing spring which engages a rear wheel pivot plate between the rear wheel tie rods for biasing the rear wheel steering linkage back to a position corresponding to straight forward travel.

Abstract: A steerable trolley, typically a shopping trolley, comprises two or more pivotable wheels and the steering mechanism comprising communication elements between a driving wheel and corresponding driven wheel, the communication elements being operable such that pivotal movement of the driving wheel about a substantially vertical axis acts to produce a pivotal movement of the corresponding driven wheel, wherein when the driving wheel is a rear wheel the driven wheel is a front wheel and vice versa. Advantageously only one and preferably, the outer of the driving wheels acts to produce the pivotal movement of its corresponding driven wheel during cornering of the trolley. An override mechanism for user engagement or disengagement when the trolley is stacked is also provided. An arcuate handle bar and side bars may also be provided. Ease of maneuverability is assisted by differential offsets in the drive and driven wheels.

Abstract: A cleaning vehicle including an all-wheel steering mechanism. First, second and third wheels are mounted to the vehicle for rotation about respective first, second and third rotational axes and for pivotal movement about respective first, second and third pivot axes. The first and second wheels are located transversely across from one another and are both driven by a drive mechanism. The steering mechanism includes a pivot arm pivotally attached to the vehicle. A first steering linkage operatively connects the pivot arm to the first wheel, a second steering linkage operatively connects the pivot arm to the second wheel, and a third steering linkage operatively connects the pivot arm to the third wheel. Pivotal movement of the pivot arm causes conjoint pivotal movement of the first and second wheels in a first pivotal direction and pivotal movement of the third wheel in a second opposite pivotal direction.

Abstract: In a utility vehicle, a muffler accommodating chamber is defined in front of and below an engine mounted at a front portion of a vehicle frame. A rear wall of the muffler accommodating chamber is formed by a front axle frame which is mounted to extend between both of vertical frame portions of the vehicle frame and supports a front axle beam for rotatably supporting front wheels at its opposite ends. The front axle frame has a function to support the front axle beam, a function as a strength member in the form of a cross member, and a function as a member defining the muffler accommodating chamber. A driving gear is mounted to a steering shaft and thrust-supported by a lower surface of a support portion of a support frame which is fixedly mounted on the vehicle frame. A driven gear meshed with the driving gear and a pitman arm are connected to a rotary shaft whose axially upward movement is limited by the support portion and whose axially downward movement is limited by a bracket mounted to the vehicle frame.

Abstract: An all-wheel steered vehicle in which all wheels are always parallel and have an equal role in steering the vehicle. It consists of a plurality of wheel assemblies capable of wheel rotation about the wheel's axis. The shaft of each wheel assembly (14) passes through bearings (16) such that the shaft is fastened to the chassis (15) but rotatable in its vertical axis. These wheel assemblies are attached to a common steering linkage (18) by lever arms(17). The steering linkage maintains the wheels in parallel, but allow the wheel assemblies to rotate simultaneously about their vertical axis. The vehicle body or seat (23) is rotatable about the center of the chassis. The vehicle body or seat is in linkage with the wheel assemblies such that a rotation of vehicle body or seat relative to the chassis causes a simultaneous and equal rotation of all the wheel assemblies about their vertical axis. That is, both the vehicle body or seat and all of the wheels are maintained parallel to one another.

Abstract: A four-wheel steering vehicle having a body frame, front and rear wheels steerable by a steering wheel, and a connecting mechanism for transmitting movement of the steering wheel to the front and wheels. The connecting mechanism includes a pitman arm overhanging laterally of the body frame to be pivotable with turning of the steering wheel, a first front wheel knuckle arm operatively connected to one of the front wheels, a first rear wheel knuckle arm operatively connected to one of the rear wheels disposed at the same side as the other front wheel, a front wheel drag link disposed laterally outwardly of the body frame and extending longitudinally of the body frame, the front wheel drag link interconnecting the pitman arm and the first front wheel knuckle arm, and a rear wheel drag link extending substantially horizontally over and across the body frame, the rear wheel drag link interconnecting the pitman arm and the first rear wheel knuckle arm.