Abstract: A quick-release steering wheel for a work vehicle is configured to engage with and quickly release from one or more steering posts in an operator compartment of a vehicle. The operator compartment has two operator stations, each station having a steering post to which the steering wheel can be quickly and releasably attached. In use, the operator can pivot the operator seat in the operator compartment to face one or another of the two steering stations. The operator can quickly move the steering wheel from one operator station to the other without tools by depressing a spring-loaded pin. By removing the wheel from one station and moving it to the other, the operator makes additional room into which he can pivot or slide the seat. This arrangement permits the operator compartment to be made smaller and more compact by positioning the two steering posts and operator stations closer together.

Abstract: A steering mechanism is mainly comprised of an upper and a lower axle seat, in which the upper axle seat and the lower axle seat are provided for receiving an upper axle and a lower axle respectively. The upper and the lower seats are combined together by pivotally jointing each other with a respective inverted U-shaped and a U-shaped pivot-joint ends, where a universal joint having two ends thereof coupled with the upper and the lower axles is arranged in a space enclosed by the pivot-joint ends, so that a diversion may be made by taking the upper axle as a rotation center irrespective of the forward rake or backward rake of the upper axle seat.

Abstract: A steering suspension system utilizing a flexible push/pull cable attached from an operator input mechanism across a suspension system to a wheel steering mechanism. An operator input mechanism is located within a land vehicle structure supported by a wheel. A suspension system connects the wheel to the land vehicle structure and a wheel steering mechanism is used to connect the wheel to the suspension system. The flexible cable connection minimizes the complexity in number of parts for the steering system while providing a flexible connection to the wheel steering mechanism allowing free suspension movement with minimal or negligible affects provided from the steering linkage.

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 cable type steering system includes an operation cable having an outer tube and inner cable slidably received in the outer tube. A drive pulley coupled to a steering wheel for rotation and a driven pulley coupled to a steering gear box for steering wheels for rotation are connected to end portions of the inner cable. A steering torque inputted to the steering wheel is transmitted to the steering gear box via the inner cable of the operation cable. At least one of a first portion of the system extending from the drive pulley to a first position of the outer tube and a second portion of the system extending from the driven pulley to a second position of the outer tube is accommodated within a waterproof space formed by a cover, such as a rubber cover or a cover molded of synthetic resin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a steering linkage device which transmits a user's input motion to at least one wheel of a vehicle, wherein the steering linkage device produces an output motion of a particular magnitude. The ratio of the magnitude of the input motion to the magnitude of the output motion varies, depending upon the magnitude of the input motion. The steering linkage device enhances the steering control of vehicle users by varying the steering responsiveness for different steering motions made by the users.

Abstract: A steering apparatus for a vehicle has: a steering shaft rotatable with a steering force applied from a steering wheel; a cable unit for transmitting a rotational force with an output member and a pair of cable wires; and a speed reducing gear disposed between the steering shaft and the cable unit. The output member makes a rotation in such a manner that the pair of the cable wires are pulled relative to each other. The rotational force is transmitted from the steering shaft to a side having a tire-and-wheel.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a vehicle steering column 10 is designed to provide a modular quick-connect to a vehicle electronic system 12 and a vehicle steering mechanism 14. A steering wheel 36 is connected to a clock spring 34 in a known manner thereby providing electronic communication with the steering wheel 36. An electronic conduit 36 extends along the length of the steering column 10 and is preferably constructed of a rigid material. The electronic conduit 26 includes a first end and a second end for providing electronic communication from the clock spring 34 to the vehicle electronic system at an end of the steering column 10 opposite the steering wheel 36.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a steering mechanism for a children's toy vehicle comprises a non-circular wheel piece connectable to a wheel turning mechanism of a toy vehicle. An arcuate front portion extends along the front periphery of the wheel piece. Preferably, the steering mechanism further comprises a curved rear portion along the rear periphery of the wheel piece. In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the steering mechanism includes a rear portion which is nested between two end portions of the front portion and the front portion and the rear portion form a tulip shape. In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the steering mechanism and wheel piece is combined with a front wheel frame which is connected to the wheel piece, a front tricycle wheel mounted to the front wheel frame, and a rear wheel frame which is pivotably coupled the front wheel frame. Two rear tricycle wheels are mounted to the rear wheel frame.

Abstract: Front wheel drive mechanism for toy vehicles in which supports are attached to the vehicle, with a drive bar being positioned between them, at each end of which is mounted a respective sub-assembly including a clasp and a cross link, of which two legs are fitted into respective openings in the clasp mounted on the end of the bar and whose other two ends are fitted into respective openings in another respective clasp attached to each wheel of the vehicle. The system is completed by a respective L-shaped rotational element connected to the ends of the clasp of the wheel, and in which are fitted the ends of a steering bar that has a U-shaped part in the center into which the steering axle is fitted, with one end bent into an L and the other end fastened to the steering wheel of the vehicle, with the entire assembly being attached to the vehicle by the supports and with the wheels and hub caps being attached at the end.

Abstract: A steering column assembly for operating a vehicle packages mechanical components and electrical devices normally found in or around the steering column of the vehicle into a single unit. An on-board processor accepts signals from the electrical devices, which may include a steering sensor, an acceleration pedal sensor, a brake pedal sensor, a turn signal switch, a cruise control switch, a windshield wiper switch, etc. The on-board processor connects to a vehicle communications bus to communicate data received from the electrical devices to various systems throughout the vehicle. The on-board processor also receives data from the various systems. The steering column assembly also includes a display connected to the on-board processor. The operator receives information about the operation of the vehicle from the display. All components, including the on-board processor, are operatively connected to a column support, allowing the steering column assembly to be installed as a unit.

Abstract: A small man-powered bump car that requires only human muscle as its energy source. Extended play, either individually or in a group, can be enjoyed by riders of the bump car in a relatively level ground. Riders are safely enclosed in a body panel while engaging in a healthy sport.

Abstract: A cable-type steering device in which a driving pulley coupled to a first pulley shaft connected to a steering wheel and a follower pulley coupled to a second pulley shaft connected to a steering gear box are connected to each other by operating cables, whereby a steering torque input to the steering wheel is transmitted through the operating cables to the steering gear box. At least one of transmission of a steering torque between the driving pulley and the first pulley shaft and transmission of a steering torque between the follower pulley and the second pulley shaft is carried out through a tapered coupling portion including a tapered surface formed on an outer periphery of at least one of the first and second pulley shafts and a tapered surface formed on an inner periphery of at least one of the driving pulley and the follower pulley.

Abstract: A cable type steering system includes a drive pulley coupled to a steering wheel for rotation and having a drive pulley main body, a driven pulley coupled to a steering gear box for steering wheels for rotation and having a driven pulley main body, and an operation cable connecting the drive pulley with the driven pulley, so that a steering torque inputted to the steering wheel is transmitted to the steering gear box via the operation cable. At least one of the drive pulley main body and the driven pulley main body may be molded of a synthetic resin in such a manner as to cover a detent portion formed on an outer circumference of a pulley boss made of a metal both from an axial direction and a radial direction, and at least part of the covered detent portion is visible from outside of the covering pulley main body.

Abstract: The specification and drawings describe and show the present invention in the form of a tray designed to accommodate the snug installation of an associated or desired cooler. The tray is further designed to be installed on the steering column of a vehicle, such as a golf cart vehicle. Optionally, the upstanding side walls and front wall of the tray portion can have drink holders.

Abstract: A steering wheel alignment system for a vehicle includes an outer shaft for operative connection to a steering unit and an inner shaft for operative connection to a steering wheel. The steering wheel alignment system also includes a coupling disposed between the inner shaft and outer shaft to allow engagement and disengagement between the steering wheel and the steering unit for alignment of the steering wheel with wheels of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle steering apparatus is provided with a transmitting ratio variable gear ratio mechanism in a steering force transmitting system, and a lock mechanism which limits relative rotation between an input shaft and an output shaft of the steering force transmitting system. In the lock mechanism is provided a lock holder which rotates together with a rotor of a motor, and in which is formed a plurality of first indented portions in a circumferential direction along the circumference and a second indented portion indented deeper than the first indented portions at one end portion of each of the first indented portions. In the lock mechanism is also provided a lock arm which is provided on a stator side of the motor and which engages with the one of the first indented portions or second indented portions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a steering linkage device which transmits a user's input motion to at least one wheel of a vehicle, wherein the steering linkage device produces an output motion of a particular magnitude. The ratio of the magnitude of the input motion to the magnitude of the output motion varies, depending upon the magnitude of the input motion. The steering linkage device enhances the steering control of vehicle users by varying the steering responsiveness for different steering motions made by the users.

Abstract: A vehicle has a progressive steering system that includes a variable-length moment arm, the length of which varies as a function of a steering angle of the steering system. As the steering system is pivoted away from a neutral position, the torque that must be applied to a steering actuator to pivot the steered device and a rate of steering movement of the steered device per degree or rotation of the steering actuator both increase. The variable-length moment arm is formed by offset pivoting swivel and guide arms. A ball bearing that is fixed to the guide arm engages a groove formed in the swivel arm. Consequently, the ball bearing defines a force acting point that is located a variable distance from the swivel arm's pivotal axis.

Abstract: A cable-type steering device in which the steering gear ratio can be varied in accordance with the position of a steering wheel comprises operating cables wound around an outer peripheral surface of a driving pulley rotatably connected to a steering wheel and an outer peripheral surface of a follower pulley rotatably connected to a steering gear box for steering wheels so that a steering torque input to the steering wheel is transmitted through the operating cables to the steering gear box. The driving pulley is of a barrel-shape with the diameter being larger at an axially central portion and smaller at axially opposite ends. The follower pulley is of a bobbin-shape or sand-clock-shape with the diameter being smaller at an axially central portion and larger at axially opposite ends. Thus, the steering gear ratio (a ratio of the steering angle of the steering wheel/a transmitted steering angle for the wheels) can be varied in accordance with the position of the steering wheel.

Abstract: A mounting system for a boom (14) of a landsailer (1) includes a resilient flexible member (12), at one end engageable with a rearward portion of the landsailer frame (2) and at the other end with the main sheet (13). A steering mechanism includes a shaft (6) which extends through an aperture (5a) in the mast (3) or mast receptacle (3a) and an aperture (5b) in the frame (2). A wheel (8) is connected to one end of the shaft (6) and the driver operates the other end of the shaft (6). The frame (2) includes a cockpit section (20), mast receptacle (3a), saddle frame (10) and steering section (21) each engageable to form the landsailer frame (2). The dimensions of each part of the mast receptacle (3a), saddle frame (10) and steering section (21) are equal or smaller than the dimensions of the cockpit section (20). The sail (4) includes a pocket (17) to receive the boom (14), and a lower sail portion (4a) extending below the pocket (17).

Abstract: A cable-type steering device in which a driving pulley coupled to a first pulley shaft connected to a steering wheel and a follower pulley coupled to a second pulley shaft connected to a steering gear box are connected to each other by operating cables, whereby a steering torque input to the steering wheel is transmitted through the operating cables to the steering gear box. At least one of transmission of a steering torque between the driving pulley and the first pulley shaft and transmission of a steering torque between the follower pulley and the second pulley shaft is carried out through a tapered coupling portion including a tapered surface formed on an outer periphery of at least one of the first and second pulley shafts and a tapered surface formed on an inner periphery of at least one of the driving pulley and the follower pulley.

Abstract: A cable type steering system includes a drive pulley coupled to a steering wheel for rotation and having a drive pulley main body, a driven pulley coupled to a steering gear box for steering wheels for rotation and having a driven pulley main body, and an operation cable connecting the drive pulley with the driven pulley, so that a steering torque inputted to the steering wheel is transmitted to the steering gear box via the operation cable. At least one of the drive pulley main body and the driven pulley main body may be molded of a synthetic resin in such a manner as to cover a detent portion formed on an outer circumference of a pulley boss made of a metal both from an axial direction and a radial direction, and at least part of the detent portion is visible.

Abstract: A cable type steering system includes an operation cable having an outer tube and inner cable slidably received in the outer tube. A drive pulley coupled to a steering wheel for rotation is connected to one end portion of the inner cable, and a driven pulley coupled to a steering gear box for steering wheels for rotation. A driven pulley is connected to the other end portion of the inner cable. A steering torque inputted to the steering wheel is transmitted to the steering gear box via the inner cable of the operation cable. At least one of a first portion extending from the drive pulley to a first optional position of the outer tube and a second portion extending from the driven pulley to a second optional position of the outer tube is accommodated within a waterproof space.

Abstract: A steering column having a composite steering column support housing formed from a fiber reinforced matrix material. By layering the fibers within the matrix material of the support housing to a specific orientation, controlling fiber length, and controlling fiber and polymer type, the performance of the steering column can be manipulated to optimize NVH, structural stiffness, load path, crash energy management, mass balance, and cost. The column support housing contains at least one mounting hole for coupling to either an instrument panel or engine compartment wall. The column support housing may have a protruding region for stabilizing the steering column to the instrument panel when the support housing is mounted to the engine compartment wall. The mounting hole can also contain an elastomeric washer or a filler material for improving dampening characteristics, and further may have a circular fiber orientation immediately surrounding the mounting hole to further improve performance characteristics.

Abstract: The invention concerns a vehicle steering column (2) comprising a manual control member (3) for applying a torque on the column (2) drive shaft (8), the column being equipped with a device for measuring the torque applied to the drive shaft (8), characterised in that the torque measuring device includes a sensing element without requiring a torsion bar to be located along the drive shaft (8) axis and thus producing a break therein.

Abstract: A steering assembly interconnects right and left wheel ends on a vehicle. The steering assembly includes right and left steering knuckles that each support tie rod arms. One of the knuckles includes a steering arm that receives steering input from the vehicle's steering wheel. A tie rod assembly includes a cross-tube and a pair of tie rod end assemblies that connect the tie rod arms to the cross-tube. The tie rod assembly transmits the steering input force from the steering arm knuckle to the opposite knuckle. Ball studs are used to connect each of the tie rod ends to the respective tie rod arm. A support member is mounted to the tie rod arm or ball stud to prevent separation of the tie rod end from the respective ball stud as tie rod end components wear or fail. The support member includes a lower portion that extends underneath the tie rod end and an upper end that engages the tie rod arm or ball stud assemblies to prevent separation.

Abstract: In a steering arrangement, an arm is connected to a pivot shaft pivotally supported by a fixed steering column for a manual steering input at its inner end, and is connected to a steering wheel at its outer end while a display/control panel is fixedly attached to the steering column by a bracket extending axially from the steering column so as not to interfere with the arm. Thus, the display panel is placed centrally with respect to the steering wheel, but remains stationary even when the steering wheel is turned. The vehicle operator can operate the control panel and/or the switch on the steering wheel without looking away from the display panel because all of them are placed close to each other and at a substantially same distance from the vehicle operator.

Abstract: An articulated front axle assembly for an electric invalid power chair is provided. The assembly mainly includes a guide bar fixedly connected at an upper end to a lower end of a front direction-control handle of the electric invalid power chair and at a lower end to an n-shaped articulation member or a pivot shaft, and a front axle pivotally connected at a predetermined position to the articulation member or the pivot shaft. Two front guide wheels are separately connected to two ends of the front axle.

Abstract: A steering apparatus for a vehicle has: a steering shaft rotatable with a steering force applied from a steering wheel; a cable unit for transmitting a rotational force with an output member and a pair of cable wires; and a speed reducing gear disposed between the steering shaft and the cable unit. The output member makes a rotation in such a manner that the pair of the cable wires are pulled relative to each other. The rotational force is transmitted from the steering shaft to a side having a tire-and-wheel.

Abstract: Apparatus for sensing an angular position of a steerable wheel of a vehicle, such as a work machine or the like, about a steering axis thereof. The apparatus includes a support frame having an upper arm and a lower arm defining a space through which the steering axis passes, and a wheel hub located in the space for supporting the wheel. The steering axis extends through a predetermined bottom axial surface portion of the wheel hub, and a lower kingpin is mounted in a passage through the lower arm and supports the wheel hub in the space for rotation about the steering axis. The lower kingpin includes an axial passage therethrough extending between an upper axial opening facing the bottom axial surface portion of the wheel hub and an externally located bottom opening.

Abstract: The invention concerns an instrumented steering wheel comprising a torque sensor integrated or directly mounted in its armature. The torque measurement enables power steering control. The rigid monobloc torquemeter is unaffected by electromagnetic interference and is inexpensive.

Abstract: A steer-by-wire steering system for steering a set of road wheels is disclosed. The system comprises a controller and at least one actuator assembly connected to the controller and to the at least one wheel of the set of road wheels. The at least one actuator assembly comprises an electro-mechanical actuator connected to the controller, a crank arm connected to the electro-mechanical actuator, a steering arm connected to the at least one wheel of the set of road wheels; and a tie rod having a first end thereof connected to the crank arm and a second end thereof connected to the steering arm. The electro-mechanical actuator, in response to a signal from the controller, is operative to rotate the crank arm producing thereby a force acting through the tie rod so as to rotate the steering arm and the at least one road wheel to a desired position. The steer-by-wire steering system includes a backup system capable of assuming operative command of the steer-by-wire steering system.

Abstract: A replacement front wheel assembly (2) for a roller board 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 means (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 means (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.

Abstract: This steering assembly for a motor vehicle comprises a steering shaft, a steering wheel (3) and a fixed central pad (4). The pad comprises at least one button (50, 51) for operating an item of equipment of the vehicle. The button is moveable in rocking in a first direction (60, 65) towards a first active operating position, and in a second direction (61, 66) towards a second active operating position. The pad comprises a radial projection (35) on at least one of its lateral sides and in which the button lies flush. The projection is far enough away from a geometric envelope of revolution defined by the rotation of the spokes (7) of the steering wheel and containing the rim (5) of the steering wheel that it allows the button, in any one of its positions, to be pushed in the first direction (60, 65) by the thumb of one hand of a driver holding a portion of the rim, and pushed in the second direction (61, 66) by the index finger and/or the middle finger of the same hand holding the same portion of the rim.

Abstract: The invention concerns an arrangement for carrying out steering angle or steering wheel angle measurements (&agr;) in motor vehicles. The arrangement uses a resolver for transmission purposes. Advantageous developments concern the use of the resolver for the additional transmission of switching information in both directions and for simultaneous transmission of energy using frequency-or time-division selected transmission channels.

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: A right hand drive steering column assembly is provided for implementation in vehicles which have been primarily designed for left hand side steering markets. As such, the engine or other vehicle components may not allow clearance for a standard steering column assembly. Therefore, the steering column assembly of the present invention provides a first steering shaft which is rotatably movable by a vehicle operator. A second steering shaft is provided which is adapted to transfer rotational motion to further steering components, thus providing steering for the vehicle. The first and second steering shafts are connected by a coupling device which transfers rotational motion of the first steering shaft to the second steering shaft.

Abstract: A pinion mounted at the lower end of a steering column engages a rack which is supported for movement laterally of the longitudinal axis of a riding lawnmower. Opposite ends of the rack have respective drag links pivotally mounted thereto. Free ends of the drag links are connected to the ends of respective spindle arms, each of which is rotatable about a vertical axis. Each spindle arm supports a ground-engaging wheel. When a steering wheel joined to the steering column is turned, the pinion displaces the rack. The drag links impart pivotal movement to the spindle arms to cause the wheels to turn in the direction the steering wheel has been turned.

Abstract: A base transmission ratio Gbase is determined according to the vehicle speed and a compensation amount &agr; is determined for each of feed steering case and return steering case during acceleration/deceleration. Based on this, the transmission ratio G of a transmission ratio varying mechanism is set as G=Gbase+&agr;.

Abstract: A structural attachment system for a vehicle is provided. The structural attachment system includes a first structural member and a vehicle component. The structural attachment system also includes an attachment assembly arranged relative to the first structural member and the vehicle component. The attachment assembly is designed and positioned to reinforce a load bearing area and to distribute a load of said vehicle component over said first structural member.

Abstract: Arrangement for a steering system (1) for a vehicle having a steering wheel (2) and a main shaft (3, 8, 10) which is connected to the steering wheel (2) and also suspended in the vehicle. The main shaft (3, 8, 10) is also connected to a steering gear which belongs to the steering system (1) and comprises an input shaft (12) for transmission of a rotary movement of the main shaft (3, 8, 10) to said steering gear. An end portion of said main shaft (3, 8, 10) facing the input shaft (12) is terminated by a first deformation (13) adapted for locking interaction with a second deformation (14) in the input shaft (12), by means of which said rotary movement is transmitted to the steering gear. A method is also disclosed for mounting a steering system (1) in a vehicle. By means of the invention, an improved mounting of a steering system (1) in a vehicle is provided, in particular a simple mounting and a secure connection between a main shaft and a pinion of a steering gear.

Abstract: A modified racing vehicle having dimensions such that it can run on a track suitable for a conventional go-kart and which has substantially the characteristics of a single seater formula racing car. The vehicle has no differential on its rear axle (2) and no suspension on its rear and front axles (5) but is provided with weight transfer structure to compensate therefor. The steering geometry of the vehicle is arranged such that, for the radially outer steerable wheel with reference to a turning centre, a castor angle of the kingpin axis increases and the kingpin axis is inclined into the turn as the steering member (6) pivots and the outer steerable wheel is lifted upwards forcing the chassis (1) down whereby a downward force is exerted through the chassis (1) to a non-steerable wheel (4) that is the radially outer with reference to the turning center.

Abstract: A steering device is mounted in a limited space in a small engine compartment, thereby providing improved efficiency for assembly on production lines and improved vehicle maintenance. A steering column extends upward diagonally from in front of an engine into a driver's cabin. When seen from above the vehicle, the steering column extends from the front of the engine to driver's cabin through a space formed between the engine and a side member of a chassis frame. A steering shaft and a middle shaft of the steering column are connected via a joint, which passes along the side of the engine. The joint has a pair of tightening bolt holes, and serrations. Both shafts also have serrations mating with the serrations on the joint. One of the bolts is loosely fitted into one of the bolt holes during installation. A flat cavity on one of the joining shafts receives the loosely fitted tightening bolt. The flat cavity permits limited in and out motion of the joint for setting the final position of the joint.

Abstract: A motor driven system for steering a vehicle is provided, the system including a steering control device and a steering device connected through a motorized device, the motorized device transmitting movement to the steering device, the movement having an amplitude different from the movement given to the control device by the driver. The change in amplitude is controlled by a control unit according to various parameters. In this way, the degree of movement of the steering control device is changed by the motorized device such that operators having diminished physical capacity are able to operate the steering control.

Abstract: A steering assembly for a work vehicle having a supporting frame is disclosed wherein the steering assembly includes a steerable front axle having an axle defined longitudinally by end portions rocking about respective substantially vertical axes. Each end portion supports a rotatable wheel. The front axle further has a box body connected rigidly to the axle to connect it to the frame in freely rotating manner via the interposition of a first spherical joint. A connecting unit connects the front axle stably to the frame to enable the loads on the wheels to be transmitted to the frame. The connecting unit is provided with a shock-absorbing device for elastically disconnecting the front axle from the frame.

Abstract: A mount for a rack and pinion steering gear on a body structure of a motor vehicle including a horizontal tubular boss on the steering gear parallel to a longitudinal centerline of the body structure, a tubular sleeve rigidly clamped to the body structure inside of the tubular boss having a pair of rigid flanges at opposite ends thereof, and an elastomeric bushing on the tubular sleeve between the rigid flanges. The elastomeric bushing has a tubular body bonded to the tubular sleeve and a plurality of integral linear splines compressed radially between the tubular sleeve and an inside cylindrical wall of the tubular boss. The linear splines flex resiliently to suppress the transfer of linear vibrations from the steering gear to the body structure.

Abstract: A steering mechanism for use on non-riding equipment for steering a pair of ground-engaging wheels through movement of a steering member. The steering mechanism is configured so that both of the pair of wheels move together. An axle, preferably a substantially L-shaped axle, is coupled to each of the pair of wheels. A steering controller is coupled to one of the axles. Movement of the steering member is translated by the steering controller to cause that one axle to turn. The two axles are coupled together by an axle coupling means. The axle coupling means causes the other axle to turn in response to turning of the one axle that is coupled to the steering controller. This results in steering movement with both of the pair of wheels moving together. The steering mechanism can be equipped with a steering lock that locks the steering member and the pair of wheels in a fixed position. The steering mechanism can be used on various types of non-riding equipment to make them steerable.

Abstract: To facilitate the assembly of wires for connecting a steering wheel and a gear box to each other, and to facilitate the regulation of neutral positions of the steering wheel and the gear box, first Bowden wires connected at one end to a steering wheel and second Bowden wires connected at one end to a gear box are connected at their other ends to each other in an intermediate interlocking device mounted between the steering wheel and the gear box. The intermediate interlocking device includes a first housing in which an intermediate follower pulley with the first Bowden wires wound therearound is accommodated, and a second housing in which an intermediate driving pulley with the second Bowden wires wound therearound is accommodated. If the housings are coupled to each other with a partition wall interposed therebetween, the pulleys are spline-coupled to each other at a predetermined phase.

Abstract: A cable-type steering device having a steering wheel 1, a gear box and Bowden wires connecting the steering wheel 1 and the gear box. Pins fixed to a tip end of inner cables of the Bowden wires are fixed to pin holes formed on end surfaces of a drive pulley. The inner cables connected to the pins are inserted and fitted into wire fixing grooves having a spiral or wavy pattern shape formed on the end surfaces of the drive pulley. The inner cables are then wound around a pulley groove formed on a peripheral surface of the drive pulley. A tensional force of the inner cables is supported by the friction force generated between the inner cables and the wire fixing grooves and the load force applied to the portion fixing the pins to the inner cables is substantially reduced.