Including Steerable Terminal Wheel Spindle Patents (Class 280/124.113)
  • Patent number: 11753072
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a chassis and a front axle assembly coupled to a front end of the chassis. The chassis includes a first frame rail and a second frame rail. The first frame rail defines a first vertical plane. The second frame rail is spaced from the first frame rail and defines a second vertical plane. The front axle assembly includes a solid axle and a steering assembly. The steering assembly includes a pair of wheel hubs, a steering gear mechanism, and a linkage assembly. The pair of wheel hubs are coupled to opposing ends of the solid axle. The pair of wheel hubs are configured to facilitate coupling wheels to the front axle assembly. The steering gear mechanism is positioned between the first vertical plane and the second vertical plane. The linkage assembly couples the steering gear mechanism to the pair of wheel hubs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: Oshkosh Corporation
    Inventors: Jeremy Andringa, Brent Radlinger
  • Patent number: 11470773
    Abstract: A zero turn radius lawnmower, such as a stand-on lawnmower, including a main frame having a first end portion and a second end portion, a pair of drive wheels operably coupled to the second end portion of the main frame and configured to be driven independently in both forward and reverse directions, and a front axle assembly pivotally coupled to the first end portion of the main frame about a single axis. The zero turn radius lawnmower also includes a pair of caster wheels coupled to respective ends of the front axle assembly such that the pair of caster wheels are able to move relative to the main frame, as well as a mower deck coupled to the main frame by at least one first linkage and coupled to the front axle assembly by at least one second linkage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton, LLC
    Inventors: Philip H. Wenzel, Robert S. Laurin, E. Mark Lynch, Brian Crossway, Derrick R. Camenga
  • Patent number: 11364761
    Abstract: A vehicle suspension device includes a wheel body on which a wheel and tire unit is mounted, a steering drive unit configured to transmit a driving force to rotate the wheel body in a lateral direction of a vehicle body, so that the wheel and tire unit rotates together with the wheel body, and a wheel moving unit disposed on the vehicle body to be movable in a front-back direction, configured such that a position thereof changes in a top-bottom direction, and connected to the wheel body to support the wheel body, so that a position of the wheel body is changed in response to the wheel moving unit moving in the front-back direction and changing the position in the top-bottom direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Dae Won Jang
  • Patent number: 11285964
    Abstract: A vehicle is provided including an electronic power steering system, an electronic throttle control system, and a stability control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Tim P. Norstad, Louis J. Brady, Brian R. Gillingham, Stephen L. Nelson, Jason R. Fields
  • Patent number: 10807461
    Abstract: An independent wheel suspension having an upper suspension having an extending first arm, a lower suspension arm having an end pivotally attached to the first arm and a second end adapted for attachment to a spring, a wheel motor having a wheel motor mount positioned between the upper suspension member and the lower suspension arm, a first wheel motor linkage arm having a first end pivotally attached to the first arm of the upper suspension member and a second end pivotally attached to the wheel motor mount, a second wheel motor linkage arm having a first end pivotally attached to the lower suspension arm and a second end attached to the wheel motor mount, wherein the upper suspension member includes a spring mount adapted for attachment to a spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: HENDRICKSON, USA L.L.C.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Batsch, Jacob J. Larsen, Alex M. Quirini, Christopher E. Cantagallo, Jason N. Gies
  • Patent number: 10618365
    Abstract: A vehicle axle arrangement of a vehicle wheel suspension system which has a spring arrangement which runs in the vehicle transverse direction in the installed position, steers wheels, and has bearings at the ends which are directed toward the wheels. The bearings are connected via respective bearing arrangements to transverse links which are in turn connected to wheel supports. The transverse links are coupled to a vehicle body. The spring arrangement have two leaf springs of identical configuration which are connected to one another via a coupling member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Andreas Higle
  • Patent number: 9623923
    Abstract: A modular low-floor transport system comprises at least one drive module and at least one carrier module. The drive module includes a drive base and a drive chassis connected to the drive base. The drive chassis includes at least one driven wheel coupled to a drive. The carrier module includes a carrier base and a carrier chassis connected to the carrier base. The carrier chassis includes at least one non-driven carrier wheel. The drive base and the carrier base are rigidly connected to each other with respect to a stroke direction, and the drive chassis is movably mounted in the stroke direction to the drive base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: KUKA Roboter GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Riedel, Christoph Scheuvens
  • Patent number: 9592862
    Abstract: A utility vehicle with adjustable wheel assemblies to accommodate different weight attachments selectively engageable with the vehicle. Adjustment assemblies are provided to engage each of the front wheel assemblies. Each adjustment assembly includes a guide plate, a first arm of a first length and a second arm of a second length. The operator will select the appropriate one of the first and second arms to secure to the guide plate and to one of the front wheel assemblies. The guide plates include holes therein for locking the selected one of the arms in a particular orientation. This is accomplished by inserting a pin through an aperture in the selected first or second arm and one of the holes in the guide plate. A first end of the selected first or second arm is secured to the guide plate and a second end thereof is engaged with the associated wheel assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: Green Industry Innovators, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Todd Pugh, Steffon Hoppel
  • Patent number: 9290221
    Abstract: A vehicle suspension assembly includes an axle member movable between a first position and a second position, mounting brackets adapted to couple to a vehicle frame assembly, trailing arms pivotably coupled to mounting brackets and pivotably coupled to the axle member, a lift arrangement including a pair of diaphragm chambers each having a push plate and a flexible bladder, the push plate of the diaphragm chamber dividing the associated diaphragm chamber into a first compartment and a second compartment, the first compartment of each diaphragm chamber being adjustably pressurized to move the push plate of the associated diaphragm chamber, and at least one push rod defining a single longitudinal axis and connected to each push plate such that pressurization of the diaphragm chambers cause a translational movement of the at least one push rod, thereby causing the axle member to move between the first and second positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: SAF-HOLLAND, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Conaway, Daniel R. Dykstra, Marc Johnson, Doug Thole, Boyd Freeman
  • Patent number: 8840126
    Abstract: A structurally efficient vehicle suspension system capable of being isolated from the main vehicle structure by being housed within a vehicle's wheel thereby reducing risks of injury during a crash and permitting advantageous redesign of suspension geometry. In the primary embodiment of this invention, the essentially longitudinal links providing wheel travel are outboard of the steering. The upper and/or lower suspension links may be arranged so as to form either a solid triangular-like structure or a “wishbone” form having two separate arms. In addition, the spring/damper unit of the suspension can be configured in a number of different embodiments variously using telescopic dampers, coil springs, rotary dampers, rubber springs, air springs, torsion bars, bell cranks linked to pushrods or pullrods and leaf springs. The spring/damper unit may also be housed in an appropriately enlarged kingpin axis carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Edison2 LLC
    Inventors: Ronald Christopher Mathis, Bradley W Jaeger
  • Patent number: 8714572
    Abstract: A vehicle front lowering suspension system includes a main support structure made from a metal plate having front and side walls. A spindle support tube is fixedly connected to the main support structure having oppositely positioned first and second upturned ends. First and second shock absorber mounting arms are each fixedly connected at a connecting end to a first or second free end of a forward facing wall of the main support structure. The forward facing wall defines an integral extension of a plate material of the main support structure. A forward face of the spindle support tube is fixed to a rearward face of the forward facing wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Aric Singletary, Michael J. Hebert
  • Publication number: 20130285341
    Abstract: A steerable wheelbarrow is described which includes two handles coupled to a tray and two legs coupled to the handles. A mount is also coupled to the handles. A pivot is coupled to the mount at an angle between vertical and horizontal. An axle, having at least one wheel, is coupled to the pivot. A pivot support is coupled to the pivot and to the mount. An axle assembly is described, which may be attached to a regular wheelbarrow. The axle assembly includes a mount and a pivot. The pivot has a first and a second end. The first end is coupled to the mount at an angle between vertical and horizontal. An axle is rotatably coupled to the pivot at a location between the first and the second end of the pivot. A pivot support is coupled to the second end of the pivot and to the mount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2012
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventor: Thomas L. Erikson
  • Patent number: 8220806
    Abstract: A cart assembly for milling a surface includes a cart having a support frame, a triad of wheel assemblies, and a triad of receivers. The triad of wheel assemblies is disposed on the support frame. Each wheel assembly includes an actuator that selectively extends and retracts a shaft of the wheel assembly to maintain the support frame at a given elevation. The triad of receivers is disposed on the support frame in a generally triangular configuration. The receivers are in electrical communication with the actuators of the wheel assemblies. The cart assembly further includes a milling assembly mounted to the support frame of the cart. The milling assembly includes a grinder adapted to remove material from a surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Inventor: Roger Hartel Neudeck
  • Publication number: 20120175857
    Abstract: A structurally efficient vehicle suspension system capable of being isolated from the main vehicle structure by being housed within a vehicle's wheel thereby reducing risks of injury during a crash and permitting advantageous redesign of suspension geometry. In the primary embodiment of this invention, the essentially longitudinal links providing wheel travel are outboard of the steering. The upper and/or lower suspension links may be arranged so as to form either a solid triangular-like structure or a “wishbone” form having two separate arms. In addition, the spring/damper unit of the suspension can be configured in a number of different embodiments variously using telescopic dampers, coil springs, rotary dampers, rubber springs, air springs, torsion bars, bell cranks linked to pushrods or pullrods and leaf springs. The spring/damper unit may also be housed in an appropriately enlarged kingpin axis carrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2012
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Inventors: Ronald Christopher Mathis, Bradley W. Jaeger
  • Patent number: 8167324
    Abstract: A zero-turn mower comprising a zero-turn mower frame, a front axle coupled to the zero-turn mower frame, first and second caster wheel assemblies, and first and second front shock assemblies. The front shock assemblies rotatably and telescopically couple the caster wheel assemblies to the front axle, thereby providing vertical shock absorption. The front axle may be a floating axle that is pivotably coupled to the mower frame and/or the shock assemblies may define an internal spring-receiving chamber that is substantially isolated from the external environment. Such a zero-turn mower may provide a smoother ride and may require less maintenance and repair than conventional zero-turn mowers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Great Plains Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan F. Piontek
  • Publication number: 20120091680
    Abstract: A front axle support is provided with arrangement of a steering gear and a front axle stabilizer. The front axle support has receptacles for fastening the steering gear and for fastening the front axle stabilizer with screw connections. The steering gear and the front axle stabilizer are fixed on a common fitting. The common fitting is disposed with a common screw connection on the front axle support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Oliver EICHELHARD, Lutz UHLENBRUCH
  • Publication number: 20110260422
    Abstract: A structurally efficient vehicle suspension system capable of being isolated from the main vehicle structure by being housed within a vehicle's wheel thereby reducing risks of injury during a crash and permitting advantageous redesign of suspension geometry. By rotating the suspension link pivot axes approximately 90 degrees in a counterclockwise direction when compared with the positioning of traditionally known wishbone suspension systems, the upper and lower suspension links for each vehicle wheel are relocated to run essentially parallel to the axis of travel of that wheel. Consequently, for each wheel the virtual longitudinal link length runs parallel with the axis of travel of the wheel indicated by the arrow and virtual swing axle length runs perpendicularly to virtual longitudinal link length. However, the upper link pivot axis and the lower link pivot axis now run parallel to virtual swing axle and their convergence point defines its length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2010
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventors: Oliver Christoph Ferdinand Kuttner, Ronald Christopher Mathis
  • Publication number: 20090008890
    Abstract: A steerable suspension for an all terrain vehicle providing increased travel for the wheels for enhanced shock absorption by springs and shock absorbers. Pivotal juxtaposed engagement of the A-frame supports for the front of the suspension on sides of the vehicle frame opposite from the wheels supported provides the increased travel. A pivoting spindle support maintains the wheels parallel while pivoting rear supports to the A-frames are axially positioned relative to the wheel to increase strength.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Inventor: James R. Woodford
  • Patent number: 7445220
    Abstract: A vehicle axle construction comprises a suspension for supporting the axle from first and second frame rail members. Elongated support members extend forwardly from respective locations along the frame rail members that are rearwardly of the axle and are clamped or otherwise coupled to the axle. A single pivot may be utilized to couple the respective rearmost end portions of the supports to the respective frame members. The forward ends of the supports may be coupled to respective air springs. Desirably, at least a portion of each air spring is positioned forwardly of the axle. In addition, at least one lateral stabilizer rigidifies the suspension. An alternative suspension utilizes leaf springs. A double acting rack-and-pinion steering mechanism may be rigidly coupled to the axle for use in steering the wheels of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Daimler Trucks North America LLC
    Inventors: Michael von Mayenburg, Daniel G. Fuchs, James V. McHorse, Sean Tabari
  • Patent number: 7232140
    Abstract: In a wheel support structure of a commercial vehicle including an axle with a jaw structure having two bearing bores and a stub protruding into the jaw structure with a pin extending into the stub and into the bearing bores, the bearing bores are closed adjustably by screw caps threaded into the bearing bores for adjusting the pin position and setting a predetermined moment of friction between the bearing elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventor: Johann Hamperl
  • Publication number: 20070090621
    Abstract: A suspension includes a longitudinal pivot axle coupled to a vehicle frame. First and second A-arms are rotationally coupled to and extend outwardly from the pivot axle. Third and fourth arms are rotationally coupled to and outwardly extending from the vehicle frame at first and second mounting positions, respectively. The first and third arms are configured to be distally coupled to a first wheel. The second and fourth arms are configured to be distally coupled to a second wheel. In one particular embodiment, the suspension further includes a tie-rod steering assembly. The tie-rod steering assembly is rotationally coupled to the vehicle frame at a third mounting position, and distally coupled to the first wheel. In another particular embodiment, the suspension includes at least one lower spacer, the at least one lower spacer adapted to be positioned on the pivot axis and to provide caster adjustment of any of the first and second arms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2005
    Publication date: April 26, 2007
    Inventor: David Vigen
  • Patent number: 7144022
    Abstract: A front suspension for a tractor has an axle that is pivotally coupled to an axle carrier to pivot about a substantially longitudinal axis. The axle carrier, in turn, is pivotally coupled to the chassis of the vehicle to pivot about a generally vertical axis. The front end of the axle carrier is supported by a counter frame that prevents the axle carrier from twisting about a longitudinal axis. The counter frame is pivotally coupled to the chassis of the tractor to pivot about a generally lateral and horizontal axis. Both the axle carrier and the counter frame are constrained to pivot about the common horizontal and lateral axis with respect to the chassis of the tractor. Springs are coupled between the counter frame and the chassis of the tractor to control the pivoting of the counter frame with respect to the tractor and provide shock absorbing for the front suspension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventor: Giorgio Bordini
  • Publication number: 20060038371
    Abstract: A front suspension for a tractor has an axle that is pivotally coupled to an axle carrier to pivot about a substantially longitudinal axis. The axle carrier, in turn, is pivotally coupled to the chassis of the vehicle to pivot about a generally vertical axis. The front end of the axle carrier is supported by a counter frame that prevents the axle carrier from twisting about a longitudinal axis. The counter frame is pivotally coupled to the chassis of the tractor to pivot about a generally lateral and horizontal axis. Both the axle carrier and the counter frame are constrained to pivot about the common horizontal and lateral axis with respect to the chassis of the tractor. Springs are coupled between the counter frame and the chassis of the tractor to control the pivoting of the counter frame with respect to the tractor and provide shock absorbing for the front suspension.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2004
    Publication date: February 23, 2006
    Inventor: Giorgio Bordini
  • Patent number: 6640915
    Abstract: A vehicle, which can be used in particular as an agricultural vehicle and/or for construction purposes, has a vehicle frame, a drive and an undercarriage. The undercarriage (4, 4a) includes on both sides wheels (12, 13) having tires, and/or chain wheels (70a, 71a) having crawler tracks/chains (72a), which are arranged one behind another in the running direction and as wheel groups (11, 11a), and also can be steered in each case as a wheel group (11, 11a) about a vertical Z-axis (21), and can be pivoted about a transverse Y-axis (19) arranged transversely with respect to the longitudinal X-axis (20) of the vehicle (1, 1a).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: macmoter S.p.A.
    Inventor: Alois Johann Haringer
  • Patent number: 6565105
    Abstract: A frame for an electric scooter has a body, a pivotal bar, two wheel mounts, two resilient members and two tabs. The pivotal bar is pivotally attached to the front end of the body. Each wheel mount is pivotally attached to one end of the pivotal bar in a longitudinal direction. A front wheel is rotatably attached to each of the wheel mounts. The resilient members are attached to the top of the pivotal bar. The tabs are secured to the body and respectively abut one of the resilient members. Consequently, one of the resilient members will be compressed when one of the front wheels is bumped. This can keep the force applied to the front wheel from being transmitted to the body and the steering bar of the scooter. To steer and to drive the electric scooter become is easier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Inventor: Samuel Lin
  • Patent number: 6557873
    Abstract: A replacement front wheel assembly (2) for a rollerboard having a footboard (48) provided in the rear end portion thereof with at least one wheel and in the front end portion thereof with a steering head bearing (4) for connection of a front wheel assembly (2) and a steering rod (54) connected to the front wheel assembly (2), characterized in that the front wheel assembly (2) comprises a connecting member (6) for connection to the steering head bearing (4) as well as two front wheels (8; 10) that are each offset towards a respective side of the longitudinal axis of the roller board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Euro-G.E.M. GmbH
    Inventor: Moamar Nardone
  • Patent number: 6508327
    Abstract: An enabling tractor arranged for small crop cultivation, even by those with some manual handicaps, has four wheels with two powered rear wheels and caster type steering controlled by hand an foot levers that move in unison and in sympathy with the steering movement of the front wheels. The chassis has an open center for direct access of the operator to carried tilling apparatus while the tractor continues forward under steering control. Power delivery to the drive wheels is optionally controlled by a clutch arrangement that minimizes maintenance problems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Inventor: Srvin Mack Thornton
  • Patent number: 6502840
    Abstract: A suspension linkage for an axle has hard mechanical oscillation stops that move relative to the vehicle frame as the axle travels vertically. The linkage uses thrust bearings to eliminate sideways movement of the axle that causes bounce steer. The linkage is a scissors linkage, having an upper link and a lower link joined together at a center pivot. The hard mechanical oscillation stops are carried by the linkage, as opposed to the vehicle frame, and thus move vertically with the axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Jeffery Michael Leyonhjelm, Lyal Douglas Allen, James Arthur Nagorcka
  • Patent number: 6394216
    Abstract: A riding mower or other like four-wheel vehicle has the two front wheels mounted off the cantilever end of a subframe which is pivotably attached to the underside of the main frame of the vehicle by two spaced part pivots lying along the vehicle length axis. A cutter deck is suspended from the main frame beneath the subframe. The subframe construction resists bending forces, due to front-to-back and vertical forces on the dropped-down front wheels, when they encounter obstacles or depressions. The main frame is made of steel tubing, and provides a generally rectangular space just forward of the driver's seat, suitable for placement of the driver's feet. Preferably, the subframe also has a generally rectangular opening, nominally aligned with the main frame opening, to also accommodate the driver's feet. The elevation of the driver's seat can thus be desirably lowered, to maintain a low center of gravity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Ferris Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Todd B. Gordon