Stub Axle Patents (Class 280/103)
  • Patent number: 11944027
    Abstract: A header that includes at least one support and transport wheel assembly having an axle and two wheels. The wheel assembly is coupled to the main body of the header by an actuating system that includes an actuator mechanism configured to actuate a swivel movement of the axle and the wheels, the swivel movement being configured to bring the wheel assembly to or from a position wherein the axle is transversal to the longitudinal direction of the header. The wheel assembly is equipped with a drawbar that is deployable from a storage position to a deployed position, wherein the movement of the drawbar between the positions is synchronized with the swivel movement of the wheel assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America, LLC
    Inventors: Dré W. J. Jongmans, Bart M. A. Missotten, Kenneth De Ceunynck, Sam Reubens, Frederik Tallir, Pieter Van Overschelde, Michiel Desmyter
  • Patent number: 11937546
    Abstract: A header including a front and rear wheel assembly, each assembly having an axle and two wheels. Each wheel assembly is coupled to the main body of the header by an actuating system having an actuator mechanism for actuating a swivel movement of the axle and the wheels to bring the wheel assembly to or from a road transport position. The front and rear wheel assemblies are equipped with tie rod arrangements for steering the header when it is transported on the road. The wheels of the wheel assemblies are operated as caster wheels. The tie rod arrangement of the front wheel assembly is coupled to a pivotable base connected to, or connectable to, a drawbar. The wheel assemblies have respective actuators which are synchronized so as to synchronize the position of the front and rear wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Dré W. J. Jongmans, Bart M. A. Missotten, Kenneth De Ceunynck, Sam Reubens, Frederik Tallir, Pieter Van Overschelde, Michiel Desmyter
  • Patent number: 11884323
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining a turning radius of a trailer attached to a towing vehicle and moved by the latter, comprising a computing unit, which is connected to a measuring sensor system, which transmits sensor data about current movements of the trailer to the computing unit, and which sensor data is considered by the computing unit for the determination of the turning radius. The invention also relates to a trailer, which is equipped with a device, which uses a method of this type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: Lemken Gmbh & Co KG
    Inventors: Gyorgy Jozsef Biro, Christoph Muller
  • Patent number: 9840277
    Abstract: A steering system for a trailer is disclosed. A drawbar is attached to an elongated slide, with the slide attached to the trailer for rotation about a pivot axis. A carriage is mounted for movement along the slide and between ends of the slide. At least one control rod extends between the carriage and a steered wheel of the trailer. With the carriage positioned to one side of the pivot axis, the trailer wheels are steered in the direction of sideways towbar displacement when towed, and with the carriage positioned to the other side of the pivot axis, the trailer wheels are steered in the opposite direction of sideways towbar displacement when backed. An electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic or manual actuator may be used to move and position the carriage on the slide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Inventor: Geoffrey S. Beech
  • Patent number: 9828051
    Abstract: A trailer has a frame having frame-members configured to support a container, at least a pair of traction devices rotatably mounted on the frame, and a tongue configured to be mounted on a transportation device or an implement being towed by a transportation device. The frame-members may have a three-point mount configured to support a container. The container may be configured to be interchangeable with another container. The container may be an element of a seeding apparatus, the seeding apparatus mountable on the frame-members of the frame. The trailer may have a steering mechanism for the traction devices, and may be convertible between steerable and non-steerable modes. The steering mechanism may be guidance controlled. A transverse distance between the traction devices may be adjustable and/or height of the frame in relation to the ground may be adjustable. The trailer provides greater flexibility of operation under a greater variety of conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: Salford Group Inc.
    Inventors: Geof J. Gray, John Mark Averink, Jacobus A. Rozendaal, Bradley William Baker, Chad Derek Pasma
  • Patent number: 9650071
    Abstract: A steering mechanism for steering at least two wheels in a parallel manner throughout their arcs of rotation by removing Ackerman and other steering geometries so that the wheels may remain parallel. The steering mechanism includes a central linkage for modifying the arcs of rotation of the wheels. The steering mechanism is controlled by an actuator system that also operates a restriction device to ensure safe operation. The steering mechanism and the actuator system may be included in vehicles such as a bi-directional towed snowplow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: CIVES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Leo P. Manion, William J. Reeves, Gerald N. Simpson, Amiya Mishra
  • Patent number: 9434414
    Abstract: A system and a method are provided for estimating an actual hitch angle between a vehicle and a trailer. A hitch sensor on the vehicle continuously senses a measured hitch angle and a steering sensor continuously senses a steering angle of steered wheels of the vehicle. A controller determines an offset between the measured hitch angle and the actual hitch angle when the measured hitch angle and the steering angle are substantially constant while the vehicle and trailer are reversing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Erick Michael Lavoie
  • Patent number: 8651223
    Abstract: A synchronizing system for hydraulic four wheel steering includes double acting front and rear steering cylinders. The front and rear steering cylinders are moveable between retracted and extended positions in response to the position of a power steering valve. A synchronizing valve assembly is connected by hydraulic lines between the front and the rear steering cylinders, and includes a first directional relief valve that opens in response to hydraulic fluid pressure to synchronize both steering cylinders in a full left turn position, and a second directional relief valve that opens in response to hydraulic fluid pressure to synchronize both steering cylinders in a full right turn position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Travis S. Mergener
  • Patent number: 8448729
    Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a steering system for mobile medical equipment includes left and right steerable wheel assemblies respectively with left and right steerable wheels. A left parallelogram linkage couples to the left steerable wheel assembly to transfer a left wheel angle to the left steerable wheel assembly. A right parallelogram linkage couples to the right steerable wheel assembly to transfer a right wheel angle to the right steerable wheel assembly. A steering function generator couples to the left parallelogram linkage and the right parallelogram linkage. The steering function generator generates the left wheel angle of the left steerable wheel and the right wheel angle of the right steerable wheel. A steering tiller couples to the steering function generator and receives an input steering angle from an operator to generate the left and right wheel angles to control the direction of the mobile medical equipment around flooring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce M. Schena, Henry B. Hazebrouck
  • Patent number: 8262109
    Abstract: A steering apparatus for a zero-turn radius vehicle using a steering mechanism coupled to a first set of wheel assemblies by a plurality of cables. User input to the steering mechanism causes the cables to turn the first set of wheel assemblies about a vertical axis. Specifically, the cables link the steering mechanism to cam mechanisms that are attached to each wheel assembly. The design of the cam mechanism, which preferably includes two cams of varying radii, enables the two wheel assemblies to rotate about their vertical axes at varied degrees of rotation and greater than ninety degrees from the forward facing position, thereby resulting in zero-turn radius capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Douglas W. Bell, Bryce E. Steenburg
  • Patent number: 7909122
    Abstract: Methods for steering mobile medical equipment are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes supporting medical equipment with a base above a floor over which a left steerable wheel, a right steerable wheel, and a pair of front wheels roll; receiving an input steering angle other than zero; linearly sweeping a long link in response to the input steering angle, pivoting a pair of short links in response to the linearly sweeping of the long link; pivoting a pair of cam plates in response to the pivoting of the pair of short links; transferring the pivoting of one of the pair of cam plates to a left wheel assembly to position the left steerable wheel at a left wheel angle; and transferring the pivoting of another one of the pair of cam plates to a right wheel assembly to position the right steerable wheel at a right wheel angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce M. Schena, Henry B. Hazebrouck
  • Patent number: 7810604
    Abstract: A mechanism for connecting a drive shaft to a stub axle of a vehicle is provided, comprising a drive shaft having a Cardan joint for driving a wheel, the Cardan joint having an inner and an outer yoke. The mechanism further comprises a wheel drive shaft for transmitting torque from the outer yoke to the wheel, wherein at least a portion of the wheel drive shaft engages at least a portion of the outer yoke, an opening formed though at least a portion of the wheel drive shaft and at least a portion of the outer yoke when a portion of the wheel drive shaft engages at least a portion of the outer yoke, a drive pin for insertion into the opening to secure the wheel drive shaft for rotation with the outer yoke, and a bearing surrounding at least a portion of the outer yoke and retaining the drive pin within the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Traxxas LP
    Inventors: Brent Whitfield Byers, Seralaathan Hariharesan
  • Patent number: 7533892
    Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a steering system for mobile medical equipment is disclosed including left and right steerable wheel assemblies including left and right steerable wheels, left and right parallelogram linkages coupled to the left and right steerable wheel assemblies, a steering function generator coupled to the left and right parallelogram linkages, and a steering tiller coupled to the steering function generator. The left and right parallelogram linkages transfer differing left and right wheel angles to the left and right steerable wheel assemblies respectively. The steering function generator generates the left wheel angle (LWA) of the left steerable wheel and the right wheel angle (RWA) of the right steerable wheel. The steering tiller receives an input steering angle to generate the left wheel angle and the right wheel angle to control the direction of the mobile medical equipment around flooring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce Schena, Henry B Hazebrouck
  • Patent number: 7185901
    Abstract: A golf cart spindle to allow mounting of a larger wheel and tire combination on a golf cart. The spindle having a spindle body which includes a top end and a bottom end, the spindle body including a bolt channel between the top end and bottom end of the spindle body, the spindle body sized to fit existing front spindle supports of the golf cart as a replacement to the production spindle. The spindle having a spindle leg extending from the spindle body, the spindle leg having a spindle end attached to the spindle body; the spindle leg having an axle end. The spindle having an axle extending from the axle end of the spindle leg. Whereby, the spindle leg extends from the spindle body such that the axle end and the axle is positioned forward and lower than the original position of the axle of the production spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Inventor: Steven J. Stimely
  • Patent number: 6793036
    Abstract: A working vehicle with a transverse system, wherein when a traveling mode is switched to transverse traveling, a switching valve is switched to feed a full flow of pressure oil from a hydraulic pump to a flow divider. The flow divider controls the flow to allow a specified amount of flow to flow to a control valve for a hydraulic operating device. The control valve controls only the pressure oil required for steering to allow oil to flow to the hydraulic operating device so as to operate a hydraulic operating device to rotate both swing members about a vertical axis, thereby to steer both front wheels through 90 degrees. After both front wheels are steered, the vehicle can run transversely in lateral directions by controllably rotating both front wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: TCM Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Enmeiji, Takeshi Nishikawa
  • Patent number: 6776425
    Abstract: The invention relates to vehicle axles. Self-steering axle systems are known and are adequate when the vehicle is moving forward but not when the vehicle is reversed. The invention avoids this by having a stub axle assembly located on a support by a first pivot the support being mounted on an axle beam by a second pivot, a drive means to cause the support to pivot between two opertional conditions, and the two pivots being angularly disposed to provide a first castor angle in one position, second opposite castor angle in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: The Boler Company
    Inventor: Phillip John Britton
  • Patent number: 6554298
    Abstract: A moveable load-carrying assembly including a chassis (1) having a plurality of wheels (6) arranged as a first wheel set and a second wheel set, each wheel (6) being rotatable and swivellable relative to the chassis (1); the wheels (6) of the first wheel set being connected by a first linkage (21), and the wheels (6) of the second wheel set being connected by a second linkage (22); and wherein one of the wheels (6) of the second wheel set is linked to the opposite one of the weels (6) of the first wheel set by a link (11) such that when one of the wheels (6) of the first wheel set is swivelled in one direction relative to the chassis (1), all the wheels (6) of the first wheel set swivel in that direction in unison, and all the wheels (6) of the second wheel set swivel in the opposite direction in unison. Means are included to provide three distinct modes of operation for a wheel set, the modes corresponding to straight-line travel, fully-steerable travel and a braking mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: IGC (Australia) Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: Alan Leslie Bidwell
  • Patent number: 6402170
    Abstract: A utility vehicle is provided with a steering mechanism that increases the turning angle of the steered wheels without requiring a lengthening of the wheel base of the vehicle. The steering mechanism includes a pair of bell cranks pivotally mounted to the steering axle of the vehicle. A tie rod extends between the two bell cranks to effect coordinated pivotal movement therebetween. A rack and pinion mechanism transfers manipulation of the operator's steering wheel to move the rack connected to the first bell crank and cause pivotal movement thereof. Each bell crank is associated with a steering link connected thereto at a connection point which moves on an arc centered on the respective pivot of the bell crank. The connection point moves forwardly with respect to the inner steered wheel to permit the steering arm of the inner steered wheel to rotate to an orientation that is substantially transverse to provide an enhanced turning angle for the inner steered wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: New Holland North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph C. Hurlburt
  • Patent number: 6325396
    Abstract: A vehicle steering assembly includes steerable wheels mounted on half fork members which are pivotally coupled the outer ends of an axle member. A rack and pinion assembly is attached to the axle member and has an input shaft coupled to a steering wheel, and a laterally movable rack member. The outer ends of the rack member are pivotally coupled via a vertical pivot pin to one end of a corresponding tie rod member. The other end of each tie rod member is pivotally coupled to one end of a connecting rod and to one end of a rocker arm. The other end of each connecting rod is pivotally coupled to a corresponding half fork member. The other end of each rocker arm is pivotally coupled to a corresponding outer end of the axle member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Bernard Edwin Romig
  • Patent number: 6267198
    Abstract: The invention consists of an offset kingpin in the rear steering axle of a self-propelled combine harvester. Attached to the rear axle is a knuckle. The kingpin is pivotally attached to the knuckle and the spindle is rotationally attached to the knuckle. The kingpin is positioned forward of the spindle allowing the rear tires equal clearance with the combine side shielding. This positioning of the kingpin relative to the spindle improves the turning radius of the combine. It also aids tire stability at road speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: New Holland North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph C. Hurlburt, Edward H. Priepke, Bryant F. Webb
  • Patent number: 6186266
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Marchant Waste Managers
    Inventors: Alan Marchant, William R. West
  • Patent number: 6135465
    Abstract: A camera dolly has a steering unit which provides conventional, crab, and round steering modes, selected by the operator via use of a single steering/shifting handle. The steering unit includes first and second transmissions and a differential. Chains link sprockets on the transmissions and differential, to steer the wheels of the camera dolly to appropriate angles, so that the dolly can roll easily and without wheel scrubbing. A dolly leg position compensator adjusts the amount of steering angle correction provided by the differential, to compensate for changes in the dolly wheelbase/tread dimensions. Sprockets in the differential are locked into offset positions, during conventional and round steering, to maintain proper steering angle correction, even under heavy loads. Active idlers are mechanically linked within the steering unit to automatically maintain appropriate chain tension, in all steering modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: Chapman/Leonard Studio Equipment
    Inventor: Leonard T. Chapman
  • Patent number: 5890558
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: Minuteman International, Inc.
    Inventor: Philip R. Keegan
  • Patent number: 5704623
    Abstract: A mobile base for supporting a camera crane arm includes a chassis having front and rear pairs of wheels. Front and rear steering angle compensators are linked respectively to the front and rear wheel pairs. The compensators are pivotally mounted to the chassis. Ground wheels and bogey track wheels are mounted on a kingpin/axle housing at each corner of the mobile base. Kingpins threaded into the kingpins/axle housings act as jacking posts. The mobile base may be steered by one or two operators in various steering modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Assignee: Chapman/Leonard Studio Equipment
    Inventor: Leonard T. Chapman
  • Patent number: 5467500
    Abstract: A vehicle for moving in a longitudinal direction and cleaning a surface has a scrub brush, a cleaning fluid dispenser, a squeegee, drive means, and at least one steering wheel which is mounted to the vehicle such that it may be selectively turned for steering the vehicle. The vehicle is provided with a steering mechanism for turning the steering wheel, whereby turning a steering input member a specific angular magnitude in one direction causes the steering wheel to turn a greater angular magnitude in the opposite direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1995
    Assignee: AAR Corp.
    Inventors: Robert J. O'Hara, Christopher M. Knowlton
  • Patent number: 5364114
    Abstract: A steering and suspension mechanism for use with a vehicle (1) and including a steering gear (14) interconnected to a steering wheel (8) through a series of universal joints (10, 11, 12, 13, 87). An output of the steering gear (14) is connected to a Pitman arm (21) which extends from a point (31) relatively near the axle (34) to a point (22) relatively far from the axle, where the Pitman (21) is pivotably interconnected to a pair of tie rods (25, 26). Extending upwardly from the wheels (6, 7) are a pair of A-frame members (40, 81) which pivotably support end caps (42, 47). A pair of coil springs (45, 46) are retained between the end caps, the faces (50, 51) of the end caps being preserved in a parallel relationship by linkages (56, 61), thus preventing buckling of the coil springs (45, 46).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1994
    Assignee: The Toro Company
    Inventor: Walter J. Petersen
  • Patent number: 5263732
    Abstract: A short wheel base, three wheel recumbent vehicle comprising a main frame including a plurality of tubular members assembled in truss like fashion. A single rear drive wheel driven by a multi-speed chain drive pedal crank assembly mounted on extended front frame to provide clearance for riders feet. Two front steerable wheels positioned with foreshortened wheel base are rotably mounted to the main frame and actuated by tie rods from a center pivot plate connected to a steering bar to provide short turning radius vehicle with improved steering for reduced rolling friction. Adjustable mounting location for steering push rod provides steering sensitivity adjustability. A seat mounted to the frame in front of rear drive wheel midway between the wheel base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1993
    Inventor: Jerome E. Harmeyer
  • Patent number: 5145198
    Abstract: A method of controlling a transport means (1) comprising a body (2) and wheels (3a to 3h) attached to the body (2) on both sides of its central line one after another in the longitudinal direction of the body, all the wheels (3a to 3h) being arranged to turn about vertical axes (4a to 4h) of turning to change the direction of travel of the transport means (1) so that rotation axes (11a to 11h) for all the wheels (3a to 3h) intersect substantially at the same vertical axis of turning (9) so that the position of the axis of turning in the longitudinal direction of the transport means (1) is shifted in proportion to the magnitude of the an angle of turning (.alpha.); and a transport means (1). To avoid an unexpected obstacle (10) the turning of the wheels (3a to 3h) is deviated from their normal path by shifting the axis of turning (9) in the longitudinal direction of the transport means (1) towards its forward end, so that the rear end moves with a larger curved movement than usually.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Assignee: Teco-Systems Oy
    Inventor: Pekka Vanninmaja
  • Patent number: 5135064
    Abstract: Motor vehicles in which steerable wheels aft of the front wheels are steered by the same steering wheel which steers the front wheels. In one aspect the present invention provides an extended motor vehicle thus steered, and in a second aspect a tractor-trailer assembly in which the trailer is steered from the tractor. In one embodiment a mechanical power train is used to forcibly steer the steerable wheels aft of the front wheels. In a second embodiment the wheels are steered electronically, and in a third embodiment they are steered pneumatically. For extended vehicles the steerable wheels aft of the front wheels are forcibly steered in response to the position of the Pitman arm which controls the front wheels. For tractor-trailer assemblies a directional sensor is disposed and held in the V-shaped slot of the fifth wheel of the tractor, and the steerable wheels on the trailer are forcibly steered in response to the direction of motion of the tractor sensed by the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1992
    Inventor: Edgar A. Ducote
  • Patent number: 4999003
    Abstract: A front and rear wheel steering apparatus in a motor vehicle includes a front wheel steering mechanism and a rear wheel steering mechanism which are operatively coupled to front wheels and rear wheels rotatably supported on a vehicle frame for transmitting turning movement of a steering handlebar to the front and rear wheels. While the steering handlebar is being turned from a neutral position to a prescribed angle in one direction, the rear wheels are steered in the same direction as the front wheels, and while the steering handlebar is being turned from the prescribed angle to a maximum angle, the rear wheels are steered in the opposite direction to the front wheels. The front wheel steering angle reaches a maximum value when the steering handlebar is turned to the prescribed angle, and substantially remains at the maximum value even when the steering handlebar is further turned beyond the prescribed angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1991
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masaru Koishi, Tomoyuki Yonezawa, Hiroshi Enomoto, Kazushiro Inoue
  • Patent number: 4963115
    Abstract: A construction toy set whose main component is a cubical open-top box, the bottom and side walls of which are divided into quadrants, each having a keyhole therein and a coupling collar encircling the keyhole and projecting from the quadrant. Also included in the set are cylindrical spacers that fit over the collars and extend therefrom, wheels having cylindrical hubs that can slip over the spacers which then function as axles, and hub caps that rest against the outer end of the spacers or the wheel hubs, each cap having a center keyhole matching the quadrant keyhole. The components can be assembled and interconnected to create different structures by means of connector bolts each having a key at one end capable of passing through the keyholes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 16, 1990
    Assignee: Smart Design, Inc.
    Inventors: Stowell Davin, Jean M. Gerth
  • Patent number: 4934726
    Abstract: A steerable trailer to be drawn by a vehicle is disclosed having a pair of first and a pair of second steerable wheels. Each of the steerable wheels are retained by a wheel support which is rotatable relative to the trailer frame about a steering axis. A tongue is pivotably attached to the frame for connecting the trailer to the towing vehicle. A flexible tensile member is attached to the tongue and extends about an engagement surface affixed to the wheel supports. The first and second wheel supports rotate in opposite directions in response to the pivoting of the tongue relative to the frame to steer the trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 19, 1990
    Assignee: Wal-Ver Investments
    Inventors: Vern A. Daenens, John E. Nemazi
  • Patent number: 4878683
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a unitary hub assembly for use in mounting a driven wheel on a steering knuckle of a vehicle. The unitary hub assembly has a hub adapted to be connected with a drive shaft and the driven wheel. A bearing assembly is connected to the hub to support the hub for rotation relative to the steering knuckle. The hub assembly also has a flange which is connected to the bearing assembly and the steering knuckle. The flange secures the hub assembly to the steering knuckle. When the hub is connected with the driven wheel and the steering knuckle, it supports the wheel for rotation relative to the steering knuckle and transmits drive and steering forces to the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1989
    Assignee: Green Ball Bearing Company
    Inventor: James A. Dever
  • Patent number: 4733742
    Abstract: A two-wheeled, self-propelled and steerable vehicle especially designed for travel over varying terrain, including pavement, rough and rocky ground, under brush and areas dotted with water. The vehicle has a fore-and-aft body supported on front and rear wheels, both of which are steerable in unison in what may be termed articulated fashion as distinguished from so-called crab steering. Each of the wheels is steerable by a wheel mounting arrangement that eliminates the conventional fork and uses instead a split shaft and splined sleeve interconnection on which the wheel is journaled. Right and left links interconnect the sleeve respectively to proximate right and left fore-and-aft movable shaft carriers for controlling the position of the sleeve as the wheel is steered, thus increasing the range of steerability without increasing the width of the body within which the wheel is confined. Preferably, both wheels are powered by hydraulic motors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1988
    Inventor: Norman V. Frye
  • Patent number: 4619340
    Abstract: A vehicle has a frame (2), wheel assemblies (3) connected to the frame, and a lateral support assembly (4) connected between each of the front wheel assemblies and the rear wheel assemblies. Each wheel assembly is pivotally connected by an upper pivot member (92) to an upright post (24). A collar (85) is slidable up and down on each post. Bracing hydraulic cylinders (115) connect between the support assembly and the wheel assemblies. A control circuit for the cylinders (115) with a control valve (177) maintains the wheel assemblies upright. Elevator hydraulic cylinders (127) transmit the weight of the frame to the wheels. A control circuit with position control valves (153) automatically adjusts the elevator hydraulic cylinders (127) to hold the frame at a preset elevation and a control circuit with position control valves (171) automatically adjusts the wheel spacing hydraulic cylinders (166) to hold the wheels at a preset spacing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1986
    Inventors: Willard O. Elmer, Edgar J. Rickel
  • Patent number: 4589510
    Abstract: A multiple wheel steering mechanism is disclosed, wherein a single front wheel by way of example is steerable directly and carries a sideways extending lever, connected by means of a rod to a lateral extension of an intermediate lever in the rear, the connection runs obliquely to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle and the intermediate lever and through steering rods and a lever mechanism is connected to individual journal mounts and bearing for the rear wheels, steering them in unison about separate vertical axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1984
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1986
    Assignee: Mannesmann Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Dierk Duerwald, Jurgen Cittrich
  • Patent number: 4586722
    Abstract: An all-wheel-steerable vehicle has two front wheels, two rear wheels, and a steering system for steering the front and rear wheels in interlinked relation. The front and rear wheels are steered in the opposite directions to each other, and the steering angle of the front wheels is greater than the steering angle of the rear wheels. The vehicle thereby gives the driver a favorable drive feeling while obtaining a small radius of turning movement of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1984
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1986
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masaki Watanabe, Akio Yagasaki, Yoshinori Matsuoka
  • Patent number: 4538824
    Abstract: A steering device for a vehicle having front and rear wheels. The device includes a front wheel turning mechanism operatively connected to a steering wheel and turning the front wheels at a steering angle proportional to a steering angle of the steering wheel, and a rear wheel turning mechanism for turning the rear wheels at a turning angle corresponding to a steering angle of the steering wheel. A first transmitting mechanism for moving the rear wheel turning member at a first rate corresponding to an amount of rotation of the input shaft and a second transmitting mechanism for moving the rear wheel turning member at a second rate corresponding to an amount of rotation of the input member, are disposed between the input member rotated in proportion to a steering angle of a steering wheel of the rear wheel turning means and a rear wheel turning member connected to tire-rods for turning the rear wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1983
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1985
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshimi Furukawa, Shoichi Sano
  • Patent number: 4260174
    Abstract: A hitch apparatus for a towed vehicle having a frame and steerable front wheels includes an elongated tongue connected to the frame for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis. A coupling adapted for rigid connection to a towing vehicle is pivotally connected to the forward end of the tongue for pivotal turning movement about an upright axis. An elongated steering rod is pivotally connected at one end to the coupling and pivotally connected at the other end to a mechanism for steering the front wheels in unison in response to pivotal turning movement of the coupling. A load transfer mechanism includes spring bias means interconnecting the tongue and frame for biasing the tongue downwardly relative to the frame to transfer some of the load from the front wheels to the towing vehicle. The coupling includes a pin connection to the drawbar of a towing vehicle for fore and aft travel movement therewith and a clamp connection for securing the coupling and drawbar for pivotal steering movement in unison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1979
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1981
    Inventor: Charles A. Lavens
  • Patent number: 4212483
    Abstract: The steering assembly disclosed has means for sensing changes in both lateral offset and angle between a towed and a towing vehicle, means for generating angle and offset signals responsive to such changes, means for combining the angle and offset signals to produce a joint steering input, and means for turning a steerable wheel of the towed vehicle in response to the joint steering input. The assembly has two operating modes, one in which offset signals and angle signals are subtracted to produce a joint steering input for forward travel of the vehicles and another in which offset signals and angle signals are added to produce a joint steering input for backing of the vehicles. The assembly also includes steerable wheel means, means for detachably coupling the vehicles together, and means for remotely shifting between the two operating modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1978
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1980
    Inventor: Durrell U. Howard
  • Patent number: 4171825
    Abstract: A steerable towing device having at least two wheels, a frame, a tongue having at one end a socket adapted for connection to a first ball on a towing means and having the other end connected to said frame, at least two axially aligned wheels, a steering assembly having a bifurcated steering crank having a center pivot point and two extended arms of predetermined length extending from the center pivot point with the extended arms having an obtuse angle therebetween, a steering arm having at one end a socket for connection to a second ball on a towing vehicle spaced a selected distance from the first ball and the other end of the steering arm being pivotally connected to the end of one extended arm of the bifurcated crank, a connecting rod pivotally connected to the end of the other extended arm and a steering assembly which includes an integral drag arm and a tie rod connecting arm connected to steer one of the two axially aligned wheels and a separate tie rod connecting arm connected to steer the other of the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1978
    Date of Patent: October 23, 1979
    Assignee: Robby Robinson
    Inventor: Arthur A. Woodell
  • Patent number: 4070031
    Abstract: A steering linkage for a wheeled trailer vehicle or implement comprising a frame, in which a bar is slidably mounted in a transverse frame member, the said bar having a rack formed thereon and in mesh with a pinion rotatble by a steering, or link, rod to impart sliding motion to the bar in response to movement of the steering rod, the bar being linked to steerable wheels of the vehicle or implement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1976
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1978
    Inventor: Donald George MacLeod Whittaker
  • Patent number: 4004820
    Abstract: The wheels of the cart are arranged so that a front wheel and a rear wheel can be interconnected with each other and driven off a steering gear. Upon pivoting of the steering gear during turning of the cart, these front and rear wheels pivot in opposite directions so that the rear wheel follows in the wake of the front wheel. When disconnected from the steering gear, the front and rear wheels, as the remaining wheels, are freely rotatable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1975
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1977
    Assignee: Rieter Machine Works, Ltd.
    Inventor: Kurt Weber
  • Patent number: RE31066
    Abstract: A steering linkage for a wheeled trailer vehicle or implement comprising a frame, in which a bar is slidably mounted in a transverse frame member, the said bar having a rack formed thereon and in mesh with a pinion rotatble by a steering, or link, rod to impart sliding motion to the bar in response to movement of the steering rod, the bar being linked to steerable wheels of the vehicle or implement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1980
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1982
    Inventor: Donald G. M. Whittaker