Abstract: Knee walker assemblies and methods of manufacturing a knee walker assembly are provided herein. One concept of the present disclosure is directed to a knee walker assembly that includes a frame, a support platform and a handle mounted to the frame, at least one rear wheel mounted proximate the rear end of the frame, and at least two front wheels swivel mounted proximate the front end of the frame. A locking mechanism is operatively engaged with the at least two front wheels. The locking mechanism is configured to substantially simultaneously lock both of the at least two front wheels in a rigid-type mounting configuration.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 6, 2012
Date of Patent:
July 30, 2013
Assignee:
Medline Industries, Inc.
Inventors:
Linda M. Walther, Ethan S. Abernathey, Ishwor P. Adhikari, John H. Kutsch, Vincent R. Lackowski
Abstract: An agricultural implement is provided that includes a hitch assembly configured to couple the agricultural implement to a tow vehicle, and a carrier frame pivotally coupled to the hitch assembly. The agricultural implement also includes a pair of wheel assemblies each rotatably coupled to the carrier frame by a respective pivot joint. The agricultural implement further includes an actuator assembly configured to rotate each wheel assembly about the respective pivot joint in a first direction by applying a first torque, and to rotate each wheel assembly about the respective pivot joint in a second direction, opposite the first direction, by applying a second torque. A magnitude of the first torque and a magnitude of the second torque are substantially equal.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
October 29, 2009
Date of Patent:
January 1, 2013
Assignee:
CNH America LLC
Inventors:
Michael J. Connors, Brian Anderson, Marvin A. Prickel, Leonard A. Bettin
Abstract: An implement includes a caster wheel pivotally attached to the implement to support the implement for movement. A steering link is engaged with the caster wheel, and an actuator is operative to move the steering link from a neutral position to a controlling position. When the steering link is in the neutral position, the caster wheel can pivot about the caster axis through a 360 degree pivot range. When the steering link is moved to the controlling position, the caster wheel is oriented to roll toward a first side of the implement.
Abstract: A steering arrangement for a work machine includes a frame, at least one caster wheel assembly carried by the frame, at least one turn assist cylinder, and a turn assist arrangement. Each turn assist cylinder is coupled between the frame and a corresponding caster wheel assembly. The turn assist arrangement includes a steering assembly, a steering assist valve and a transfer gear. The steering assembly includes an output gear which is positionable dependent upon an operator commanded degree of turn. The output gear has exterior teeth. The steering assist valve is configured to selectively operate at least one turn assist cylinder and thereby bias a corresponding caster wheel assembly during an operator commanded turn. The steering assist valve includes an input gear with exterior teeth. The transfer gear includes a first set of peripheral teeth enmeshed with the output gear and a second set of peripheral teeth enmeshed with the input gear. The transfer gear pivots about a common pivot point.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 6, 2009
Date of Patent:
April 5, 2011
Assignee:
Deere & Company
Inventors:
Francine J. Perry, Shirish Chobhe, David V. Rotole