Abstract: A traveling vehicle includes a vehicle body, a left swing part, a right swing part, and an interlocking link mechanism. The left swing part and the right swing part are supported on the vehicle body so as to be swingable in the up-down direction, respectively. A left support part supporting a left front wheel is provided on a front part of the left swing part so as to be rotatable about a left steering shaft. A right support part supporting a right front wheel is provided at a front part of the right swing part so as to be rotatable about a right steering shaft. The interlocking link mechanism rotates one of the left support part and the right support part in conjunction with the other. The interlocking link mechanism is provided between the left support part and the right support part.

Abstract: A method may be utilized to produce a steering spindle part configured as a hollow shaft and having a connecting portion at its end. At least a part of the connecting portion includes increased wall thickness relative to a portion of the steering spindle part adjoining the connecting portion. The method may involve providing a circular, hollow cylindrical tube with an inner surface that is smooth in a circumferential direction, providing a circular, hollow cylindrical sleeve with an outer surface that is smooth in a circumferential direction, inserting the sleeve into an end portion of the tube, and jointly deforming the end portion of the tube and the sleeve such that a flow of material occurs. This flow may form positively locking elements on the tube and the sleeve that engage into one another in the circumferential direction and generate positive locking in the circumferential direction.

Abstract: A vehicle steering input device comprising: a first knob (102) configured to be rotatable around a first axis of rotation and operatively coupled to a steering column (200) so that rotating the first knob (102) results in rotation of the steering column (200); and a second knob (1112) configured to be rotatable around a second axis of rotation and operatively coupled to rotate the steering column (200) so that rotating the second knob (112) results in rotating the steering column (200), wherein the first and second rotatable knobs (102, 112) are operatively coupled so that rotating one knob (102; 112) in a clockwise (CW) or counter clockwise (CCW) direction results in rotating the other knob (112; 102) in a same direction, and the first axis of rotation and the second axis of rotation define an angle.

Abstract: A steering device that is enabled to move and operate in multiple directions and has a simple configuration. A steering device is equipped with a steering member and a guide member, and the guide member is attached to an input shaft. The steering member is provided with left and right grips, and a movement direction changing mechanism is provided between the guide member and the left and right grips. If the left and right grips are operated by a small steering angle, the movement direction of the left and right grips is changed to the direction around the input shaft through the movement direction changing mechanism. When the left and right grips are operated by a large steering angle, the movement direction of the left and right grips is the direction around the input shaft.

Abstract: A steering device includes an outer column including fastening pieces formed to face each other at both sides, in the width direction, of a slot portion formed at either of a lower side or an upper side of an embracing body portion along an axial direction thereof, a fixed bracket clamping the outer column, a fastener that fastens the outer column and the fixed bracket, an inner column, and a pushing member having an expanding shaft portion. The two fastening pieces of the embracing body portion are connected by the fastener so that the two fastening pieces can be expanded and contracted, and the expanding shaft portion is elastically biased in an axial center direction of the outer column so as to abut on end zones of the slot portion and expand the two fastening pieces.

Abstract: Wheeled vehicle, comprising of one front wheel, two side wheels and one rear wheel, configured on a chassis frame in a symmetrical rhombus (diamond) layout. The non-steered front wheel is turned by pedals using human power, similar or exactly in bicycle use design, or with electric motor power. The two parallel side wheels in one axis are perpendicular to the chassis frame, allowing them to swivel in unison for steering the vehicle without elaborate axle pivoting apparatus. The rear wheel is powered by an electric motor, hybrid motor or. liquid. fuel motor. The rear wheel is attached longitudinally with the center of the chassis frame so that it swivels also in unison for steering with the side wheels.

Abstract: The multifunction utility cart is a compact versatile self-propelled vehicle adapted particularly for use by security and/or emergency medical personnel. The cart includes an extendable wheelbase and rear body portion for the carriage of additional personnel and/or one or more injured persons on board, yet forms a very compact vehicle when the wheelbase and bodywork are retracted. A stretcher may be deployed from one side of the cart when extended, the extended rearward portion providing for the carriage of additional personnel or a wheelchair due to a drop-down floor at the rear of the cart. Additional storage space is provided in a forward trunk and one rear fender opposite the stretcher storage area for the carriage of a fire extinguisher, medical supplies, and/or other equipment. The standing operator station may be selectively elevated to provide the operator with a better view in crowded environments.

Abstract: A steering system for allowing an operator to control the direction of travel of a vehicle propelled on wheels. The steering system comprises a steering input device configured to include a handle pivotally coupled to a linkage assembly configured to swivel, wherein the handle is configured to move in the fore and aft direction, wherein the steering input device generates input data based on the position of the linkage assembly and/or the handle. The steering system further comprises a communication device to communicate the input data received by the steering input device to a lower steering system, wherein the lower steering system is configured to receive the input data from the steering input device and control the direction of the wheels based on the input data received.

Abstract: A three wheeled vehicle that has an improved dual front wheel integrated steering and suspension system that allows the vehicle to be maneuvered by a combination of arm and leg steering movements coupled with front end leaning that shifts the center of mass of the vehicle down and toward the inside wheel. This transfer of mass counteracts a conventional cornering vehicle's tendency to fling its mass to the outside wheel and lift the inner wheel off the ground as well as changing the angle of the line of force exerted through the tires, and enhancing the vehicles's grip on the ground. The vehicle has a reduced amount of sliding and potential of flipping when turning sharply. The steering system is compatible with traditional ACKERMAN steering geometry wherein the inner wheel turns in a smaller diameter circle than the outer wheel.

Abstract: In a steering handle grasped and rotated by both hands of a driver, an axis of a steering shaft included in the steering handle is inclined so as to be higher in level in a forward direction of a vehicle body, and a left grip grasped by a left hand and a right grip grasped by a right hand are rotatable in opposite directions about an axis perpendicular to the axis of the steering shaft. Accordingly, an upper half of the driver's body sitting on a seat and leaning backwards and a plane of rotation of the steering handle are substantially parallel to each other, thereby ensuring that the driver can rotate the steering handle without stretching and withdrawing his or her arms. Moreover, when the steering handle is rotated, the driver's wrists can be prevented from being twisted unnaturally, leading to an easy steering operation.

Abstract: Steering control apparatuses and methods for a vehicle are provided. A steering control apparatus can include a steering shaft drivingly linked to a pair of front wheels of a vehicle. A movable steering handle can also be provided and disposed about the steering shaft, with the steering handle being capable of selectively turning the pair of front wheels to direct the movement of the vehicle. A first and second brake clutch mechanism for engaging and disengaging first and second drive wheels, respectively, can be provided. First and second brake clutch control levers can selectively control the first and second brake clutch mechanism, respectively, to engage and disengage the first and second drive wheels. The steering handle can include a coupling base.

Abstract: A three wheeled vehicle that has an improved dual front wheel steering system that allows the vehicle to be maneuvered by a combination of arm and leg steering movements coupled with front end leaning that shifts the center of mass of the vehicle down and toward the inside wheel. This transfer of mass counteracts a conventional cornering vehicle's tendency to fling its mass to the outside wheel and lift the inner wheel off the ground as well as changing the angle of the line of force exerted through the tires, and enhancing the vehicles's grip on the ground. The vehicle has a reduced amount of sliding and potential of flipping when turning sharply. The steering system is compatible with traditional ACKERMAN steering geometry wherein the inner wheel turns in a smaller diameter circle than the outer wheel.

Abstract: Two versions of recumbent human powered three wheeled vehicles are disclosed. Both are of the tadpole type with two front wheels and one rear drive wheel. Both versions lean into turns causing weight transfer toward the inside of turns to prevent rollover during turns at speed.

Abstract: A vehicle including a frame; a rider support platform supported by the frame; a pair of first wheel units pivotably supported by the frame; a pair of second wheel units supported by the frame; first and second handlebars pivotably supported by the frame; a first linkage connecting the first handlebar to one of the first wheel units so that pivotable movement of the first handlebar causes wheel of the one of the first wheel units to turn relatively to the frame; a second linkage connecting the second handlebar to the other of the first wheel units so that pivotable movement of the second handlebar causes wheel of the other of the first wheel units to turn relatively to the frame; and a movement coordinator which connects the first and second linkages to each other so that pivotable movement of one or both of the first and second handlebars in one direction causes the wheels of both first wheel units to turn in the same direction.

Abstract: A method for the production of a steering spindle part is provided. The method includes forming a section of a steering spindle for a motor vehicle and which is implemented in the form of a hollow shaft and includes at least a connection section adjoining one of its ends. The connection section has at least over a portion of its length a wall thickness (D) which, compared to a section of the steering spindle part adjoining the connection section, is increased, for the production of the steering spindle part as the starting produce is utilized an initially hollow-cylindrical tube, which is at least section-wise reshaped. For the formation of the connection section, a sleeve is set into an end section of the tube and the end section of the tube and of sleeve are subsequently jointly reshaped.

Abstract: Driving and steering means of a wheeled, power driven vehicle, such as a power driven hospital bed, is actuated by an actuating device (30). This actuating device comprises a base member (31) and an actuating member (32) having gripping means, such as a pair of spaced handles (33), and being supported by the base member so as to be displaceable thereon along a plane. A first force transducer (34) is arranged to receive a force component manually applied to the actuating member in a predetermined first direction only, along said plane, and a second force transducer (38) is arranged to receive a force component manually applied to the actuating member in a predetermined second direction only, transversely to the first direction along said plane. Each of these force transducers is adapted to generate an output signal to the driving and steering means responsive to the strength of the force component received.

Abstract: The present invention provides a control adapter for use with an existing dual lever lawn tractor that allows an operator to use a single hand in operating tile dual lever lawn tractor. Existing dual lever lawn tractors require an operator to use one hand on each lever to operate the lawn tractor. The control adapter of the present invention is operatively connected to the first control lever and to the second control lever of the dual lever lawn tractor which allows the operator to use a single hand in operating the dual lever lawn tractor.

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 material handling vehicle includes first and second control handles positioned at opposing ends of an operator compartment. The control system receives inputs from each of the first and second control handles and determines an appropriate travel direction and speed based on those inputs. In a normal mode, one of the handles is in the neutral state, and the input of the second handle is therefore used to direct motion of the truck. In a conflict state, each of the first and second control handles is providing a non-neutral travel request, and the control system determines an appropriate travel direction and speed based on a most conservative choice algorithm.

Abstract: A driver control input device includes first and second rotatable hand grips positioned within first and second rotatable rings, respectively, for rotation with respect to first and second support members. The rotatable rings are operatively engaged with a steer-by-wire system for sending steering control signals to the steer-by-wire system. The hand grips may also include acceleration and braking demand mechanisms in various combinations.

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: There is disclosed lever steering apparatus for a land vehicle with steerable and independently suspended front wheels having left and right steering levers at the driver position. The left and right steering levers are coupled by lever mechanisms and an elongated rod to move in opposite directions. Left and right fore and aft links extend from the left and right steering levers to the left and right front wheels to transmit steering motion displacement to the steerable front wheels causing rotation of the axles of the wheels about a vertical axis. A controller arm connected to each wheel stub axles is connected to the forward end of a fore and aft link for steering motion of a front wheel. The control arm fore and aft link combination causes each wheel steering motion to have a predetermined relation to motion of the corresponding link.

Abstract: A device that is ergonomically designed for steering a variety of industrial vehicles is disclosed. The driver may steer the vehicle while keeping his hand flat on the device, which is custom fitted to a particular industrial vehicle. The hand that steers the vehicle is kept flat on the device, allowing the driver of the vehicle to steer it without grasping the steering wheel.

Abstract: A steering control device of the front wheels of a beach motorized vehicle includes a swing arm pivoted on a horizontal rack of the beach motorized vehicle. The swing arm has two ends each pivotally connected with a linking lever which is pivotally connected with each of the two steering levers. Each of the two drive bars has a first end pivotally connected to each of the two ends of the swing arm, and a second end pivotally connected with an L-shaped control plate. When each of the two steering levers is moved, the swing arm may be pivoted to move each of the two drive bars to simultaneously move and pivot the L-shaped control plate so as to drive and turn each of the two front wheels.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for steering a motor vehicle, the device comprising at least one steering means to be actuated by a driver, the means being coupled electrically with at least one steerable wheel of the motor vehicle. The device further comprises a seat for the driver, the seat including a seat part which forms a seat area, and a backrest part. The steering means are coupled with the seat part and are longitudinally displaceable together with it.

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

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: There is disclosed lever steering apparatus for a land vehicle with steerable and independently suspended front wheels having left and right steering levers at the driver position. The left and right steering levers are coupled by lever mechanisms and an elongated rod to move in opposite directions. Left and right fore and aft links extend from the left and right steering levers to the left and right front wheels to transmit steering motion displacement to the steerable front wheels causing rotation of the axles of the wheels about a vertical axis. A controller arm connected to each wheel stub axles is connected to the forward end of a fore and aft link for steering motion of a front wheel. The control arm fore and aft link combination causes each wheel steering motion to have a predetermined relation to motion of the corresponding link.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling a user/driver of a vehicle to interact with and manipulate a pointer on a display screen of a computer is presented. The interface device is generally mounted in a steering wheel of the vehicle. The device typically includes at least one user input mechanism in the form of a thumb input pad positioned on a modified grip portion of the steering wheel, and at least one input button positioned on a back side of the steering wheel grip. The thumb input pad is reachable by a thumb of a vehicle driver, and the at least one input button is reachable by a finger of the vehicle driver when the driver has positioned his or her hand in a common driving position. The pointer that is being controlled by the various forms of interface device, scrolls across the particular display screen provided in the particular vehicle, and is utilized in making selections and carrying out computer functions.

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 steering system in an all-terrain four-wheeled vehicle with independent suspension wherein necessary forces for steering control are supplied by cable and pulley actuators with the cable running parallel to the suspension arm between vehicle frame and wheel, steering control by the driver being by manipulation of right and/or left steering levers eliminating the need of steering wheel and steering column in front of the driver. The steering actuators are independent and there is no linkage for coordinating their turning angles; rather, close coordination of the wheel turning angles for achieving the turning angle relation between the wheels is by a non-linear linkage whereby the actuators are provided with separate displacement motions with the non-linear relation to achieve the desired relation between the steering angles of the wheels.

Abstract: An electric vehicle includes a chassis supported by three wheels. A seat is carried by the chassis, and the seat is enclosed in a compartment formed by a pivotable canopy. A pair of push-pull steering levers are positioned laterally of the seat to avoid obstructing forward access to the seat. There is an open space through the floor of the vehicle in front of the seat, which allows the occupant to enter and exit from the seat without climbing up into the vehicle. The canopy has a nose portion with a footrest panel that is inclined inwardly toward the occupant in the seat. This arrangement permits the vehicle to be used even by persons with limited mobility, who may have difficulty entering and leaving other vehicles.

Abstract: A steering mechanism for a vehicle having a steering shaft includes an elongated crank having a first end operably fixedly connected to an end of the steering shaft and a steering plate rotatably connected to a second end of the elongated crank and having a pair of laterally displaced handles connected thereto, such that the steering plate is rotatable about the steering shaft and may further include at least one idler crank having a first end rotatably connected to a portion of the vehicle and a second end rotatably connected to the steering plate.

Abstract: A manual actuating device for a motorcycle steering that allows the motorcyclist to push and pull right and left handles to affect turning of the motorcycle. Each handle is connected through a three bar set to a rotatable connecting bar which is integral with a return lever which is pivotally attached to a steering rod.

Abstract: A three wheeled vehicle that has an improved dual front wheel integrated steering and suspension system that allows the vehicle to be maneuvered by a combination of arm and leg steering movements coupled with front end leaning that shifts the center of mass of the vehicle down and toward the inside wheel. This transfer of mass counteracts a conventional cornering vehicle's tendency to fling its mass to the outside wheel and lift the inner wheel off the ground as well as changing the angle of the line of force exerted through the tires, and enhancing the vehicles's grip on the ground. The vehicle has a reduced amount of sliding and potential of flipping when turning sharply. The steering system is compatible with traditional ACKERMAN steering geometry wherein the inner wheel turns in a smaller diameter circle than the outer wheel.