Abstract: A utility vehicle includes a rear suspension assembly which has a trailing arm generally extending longitudinally. Also, the rear suspension assembly includes an upper radius rod extending in a generally lateral direction relative to a centerline of the vehicle. Additionally, the rear suspension assembly includes a lower radius rod extending in a generally lateral direction relative to the centerline of the vehicle. The rear suspension assembly further includes a suspension member configured to control toe of the at least one rear ground-engaging member.

Abstract: A surgical training model that includes a simulated tissue having a tubular shape that is connected to a tissue holder is provided. A portion of the simulated tissue overhangs the distal end of the tissue holder to simulate a cuff-like entry to the vaginal vault or resected intestine suitable for practicing laparoscopic closure of the vaginal vault, intestine or other organ via suturing or stapling. Two concentric tubular structures are also arranged over the same tissue holder. A second model includes two portions of simulated tissue that are held by two holders such that the simulated tissues are adjacent making the model suitable for practicing different types of anastomosis procedures. A third model includes two holders with a single or double tubular simulated tissue structure connected to and spanning a gap between the holders. The model isolates the step of closing a cylindrical opening for the purpose of repeated practice.

Abstract: A front bicycle suspension assembly having an inertia valve is described. The front bicycle suspension assembly may include at least upper and lower telescoping tubes and include a damping tube containing an inertia valve. The inertia valve may include an inertia mass movable along the outer surface of a valve shaft as the inertia valve moves between first and second positions.

Abstract: A saddle type vehicle includes two front wheels, a left front wheel supporting member and a right front wheel supporting member which are turned around a left front wheel turning axis and a right front wheel turning axis respectively, and an upper lean arm and a lower lean arm which are rotated around an axis perpendicular to a vehicle width direction. The upper arm is connected to the left and right members via first and second connecting parts. The lower arm is connected to the left and right members via third and fourth connecting parts. The first and third parts are provided in the left front wheel turning axis. The second and fourth parts are provided in the right front wheel turning axis. A distance between the first and second parts is equal to the distance between the third and fourth parts.

Abstract: A saddle type vehicle includes two front wheels, a left front wheel supporting member and a right front wheel supporting member which are turned around a left front wheel turning axis and a right front wheel turning axis respectively, an upper lean arm and a lower lean arm which are rotated around an axis perpendicular to a vehicle width direction, and a steering rod. The upper arm is connected to the left and right members via first and second connecting parts which are provided on the left front wheel turning axis. The lower arm is connected to the left and right members via third and fourth connecting parts which are provided on the right front wheel turning axis. The steering rod is arranged forward of the steering spindle. In a front view of the vehicle body, the steering rod is arranged between the upper and lower arms.

Abstract: A steerable knuckle, and an axle and track drive assembly including the knuckle, is disclosed. A driveshaft rotatable about a rotational axis extends through the knuckle and is coupled to a hub. The knuckle pivots about a steering axis generally perpendicular to the rotational axis. The track drive includes a drive wheel, a drive frame, rollers, and a track. Rotation of the driveshaft about the rotational axis rotates the hub and drive wheel which rotates the track about the drive wheel and rollers. Rotation of the knuckle about the steering axis turns the track drive. The knuckle can include a hollow spindle, one or more undercarriage support arm(s) for connecting the track drive frame, steering stops, and king pin, steering cylinder, and tie rod connections. The knuckle can be a single integrated piece. The undercarriage support arm(s) can include track frame mounts that can be generally horizontal or vertical.

Abstract: Padlockable security collars are disclosed that each include a chain of elongate, in-series, hinge-connected components that are configured to cooperatively wrap and perimetrically shroud relatively movable elements of so-called “connection assemblies” and the like that have relatively movable members which need to be shrouded and protectively enclosed to prevent unauthorized operation. Holes that can be aligned to permit a shackle of a padlock to extend therethrough are formed through opposite end regions of each security collar's chain of components so the security collar can be locked in place once a compartment-defining component receives, shrouds and protectively encloses the relatively movable members that need to be prevented from being moved or operated while the security collar is locked in place.

Abstract: A tricycle having limited steering includes a front wheel mounted to a lower end of a wheel fork. A support tube is connected to a frame. A seat is mounted to the frame. A rear axle is included. Rear wheels are mounted to the rear axle. An upper end of the wheel fork extends upwards and into the support tube. A mudguard has front and back portions configured to extend over portions of the front wheel and side portions configured to extend over portions of the lower end of the wheel fork. A projection has an upper end arranged above an annular surface of the mudguard.

Abstract: A saddle riding type vehicle includes a vehicle body frame 4 constituting the vehicle, a front wheel disposed steerably on the vehicle body frame 4, a steering shaft 27 transmitting a steering input from a rider to the front wheel, and a steering damper 36 giving a steering mechanism 57 an attenuation force relative to rotation of the steering shaft 27. The steering damper 36 includes a damper case 72, a vane rotatable in the damper case 72, and an arm 73 directly connected to the vane and extending to an outside of the damper case 72. The damper case 72 is disposed between an upper steering shaft 27a and a lower steering shaft 27b to form part of the steering shaft 27, and the arm 73 is directly connected to the vehicle body frame 4.

Abstract: A stabilizing device for axles of vehicles, such as motor vehicles, trailers, semi-trailers, or the like, including a hollow cylinder unit, which comprises a hollow cylinder containing a fluid therein, a piston unit with a piston which is arranged in the hollow cylinder and divides the hollow cylinder into at least two chambers, wherein the piston unit can slide relative to the hollow cylinder unit in that said piston unit can be moved from an original position to a deflected position, a pre-tensioning device which tensions the piston unit in the direction of the original position, and a control or regulating device which controls or regulates the fluid flow into/out of the chambers.

Abstract: In a vehicle steering device, extendable portions whose elastic properties corresponding to a force acting in a compressing direction and whose elastic properties corresponding to a force acting in a stretching direction are asymmetrical are disposed in a symmetric fashion at intermediate sections of tie rods. Thus, an effective steering gear ratio with respect to leftward and rightward steering can be properly changed in accordance with a vehicle speed by using a simple configuration that does not use a complex mechanism having a motor. In this case, a steering gear ratio can be mainly changed for one of the wheels, while a linear lateral force corresponding to steering can be generated at the other wheel. Moreover, since the steering gear ratio can be changed mechanically without performing motor control, the occurrence of control delay can be prevented, thereby reliably preventing deterioration of the driver's operational feel.

Abstract: An in-line, two-wheeled vehicle, with a torque generator operably secured thereto is disclosed. The torque generator generates a defined auxiliary torque about the point-of-contact of the steering wheel, and it is sized to balance the naturally occurring torques arising at slow speeds about the point-of-contact of the steering wheel, thereby improving the stability and control of the vehicle. In one disclosed embodiment, the vehicle is a stand-up riding board. In another disclosed embodiment, the vehicle is a cycle, such as a bicycle or the like. Torque generator structures such as using an elastic member, mechanical linkage, and dampening systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A steering stopper unit for vehicle includes a stopper that is disposed to a knuckle and a stopper bracket that corresponds to the stopper and is disposed to a lower arm that is rotatably connected with a lower portion of the knuckle, and includes a stopper plate, which is hingedly engaged with an end of the stopper bracket, selectively contacts a forward side or rearward side of the stopper bracket, and has a predetermined thickness.

Abstract: A steering clamper designed for use on a vehicle handlebar connected to a part rotatable about a steering axle coinciding with the center of a steering column. The steering damper comprises an outer housing enclosing a damping-medium-filled main chamber divided into two chambers by a demarcating wing rotatable about a first wing end. The outer face of the wing end rotates in a cutout in the housing. The first wing end is fixed to a first end of a lever which rotates relative to said outer housing. The lever connects, the steering damper rotating with the steering device to the vehicle frame. In the outer housing there is a cavity, the center line of which coincides with the steering axle, designed to accommodate a fastening element which joins the steering damper to the part rotatable about the steering axle.

Abstract: A steering damper apparatus includes: a body frame; wheels suspended by the body frame; a steering shaft rotatably supported by the body frame, one end of the steering shaft being connected to the wheel side; a handlebar connected to the other end of the steering shaft for rotating the steering shaft to steer the wheels; and a damper for damping the rotation of the steering shaft. The rotation of the steering shaft is damped by the damper only when there is an input from either the handlebar or the wheels.

Abstract: A tunable mass damper for use in a vehicle steering system in which a rack and pinion gearing subsystem would otherwise transfer resonant vibrations to the vehicle steering wheel. The mass damper element is a generally cylindrical mass supported and suspended around the shaft extending from the pinion gear by several cantilevered spring elements. The mass damper is tunable by modifying the size of the mass or the size or material or length of the springs so that the damper's resonant frequency for axial oscillation matches the resonant vibrations present at the steering shaft extending from the pinion gear.

Abstract: A safety system for at least one steerable wheel of a vehicle. The system comprises an actuating means and a locking means and is arranged such that, upon a predetermined condition arising, the actuating means effects centring of the or each wheel and the locking means then effects locking of the or each centred wheel.

Abstract: A steering shaft (2) penetrates a head tube (1) fixed to a vehicle body (A) of a motorcycle. The steering shaft (2) is coupled to a front wheel and handlebars of the motorcycle. A linear damper of a double-rod type is enclosed in the steering shaft (2). When the steering shaft (2) rotates with respect to the vehicle body (A), a feed screw (12) engaged with a screw portion (11) on the outer circumference of one of the piston rods (6a, 6b) causes the linear damper to operate. By enclosing the linear damper in the steering shaft (2), a space for disposing the steering damping device can be minimized. The feed screw (12) converts a rotational displacement of the steering shaft (2) into an axial displacement of the piston rods (6a, 6b) such that a bending load does not act on the piston rods (6a, 6b).

Abstract: A variable rack stroke system includes a rack housing in which a rack bar is slidably disposed, a casing attached to the rack housing, an annular rotary member, an annular stationary member, and a switch. The annular rotary member includes grooves on an inner periphery thereof that face each other, and first protrusions protruding from the rotary member in an axial direction that have different thicknesses. The rotational phase of the rotary member is adjusted by the motor. The annular stationary member includes protruding parts on an outer periphery thereof that face each other, configured to be inserted into the grooves, and second protrusions protruding from the stationary member in the axial direction, that have different thicknesses and face the first protrusions. The stationary member is coupled with a ball joint to be coupled with the rack bar. The switch adjusts the rotational phase of the motor.

Abstract: To reduce a load on an electric motor for a power assisted motor-driven power steering apparatus. The present invention includes side projecting portions secured to an input shaft with an upwardly projecting tab as a first stopper secured to a vehicle body at a position corresponding to the side projecting portions. The upwardly projecting tab being provided for restricting a swing range of the side projecting portions. The side projecting portions are secured to an output shaft. A downwardly projecting portion is provided as a second stopper secured to the vehicle body at a position corresponding to the side projecting portions. The downwardly projecting portion being provided for restricting a swing range of the side projecting portions.

Abstract: To reduce space occupied by a handlebar stopper structure of a vehicle and to lower the cost of the handlebar stopper structure. A steering shaft is attached to an input shaft provided at an upper portion of an electric power steering unit with an output shaft provided at a lower portion of the electric power steering unit being coupled to the wheel-side. An upper handlebar stopper for regulating a turning angle of the steering shaft is provided between the steering shaft and a housing that is provided at an upper portion of the electric power steering unit. The upper handlebar stopper is configured by an orthogonally-projecting member projecting in the orthogonal direction relative to and from the steering shaft and axially-projecting parts projecting in the axial direction of the steering shaft from the housing in order to regulate the turning of the orthogonally-projecting member.

Abstract: A travel jolt minimizing assembly for use in association with an articulated loader steering environment having a orbitrol pump, and a flow amplifier coupled to the orbitrol pump through a left orbitrol signal and a right orbitrol signal, and a steering cylinder coupled to the flow amplifier. The travel jolt minimizing assembly includes a system for temporarily diverting the left orbitrol signal within a predetermined degrees of a full articulation in a left direction and a system for temporarily diverting the right orbitrol signal within a predetermined degrees of a full articulation in a right direction. The invention further includes a response cushion assembly which minimizes jolts which occur upon a rapid change in direction.

Abstract: A damping system for a steer-by-wire vehicle steering system that comprises a viscous damper that accepts a rotational input and interconnecting said damper to the steering input shaft in a manner to impart the damping characteristics of rotary damper to the steering wheel.

Abstract: In a support structure of a motor-driven steering assist apparatus interposed between an upper steering shaft in a steering wheel side and a lower steering shaft in a tire wheel side, a steering angle regulating means for limiting a maximum steering angle of the upper steering shaft is provided between the upper steering shaft and a vehicle body side and a steering angle regulating means for limiting a maximum steering angle of the lower steering shaft is provided between the lower steering shaft and the vehicle body side.

Abstract: In a support structure of a motor-driven steering assist apparatus interposed between an upper steering shaft in a steering wheel side and a lower steering shaft in a tire wheel side, a steering angle regulating means for limiting a maximum steering angle of the upper steering shaft is provided between the upper steering shaft and a vehicle body side.

Abstract: There is disclosed a steering assembly for a two-track vehicle, such as an all-terrain vehicle (ATV), including a rider saddle and vehicle frame, the steering assembly comprising arranged on a steering column (14) a handle bar bridge (10) and a handle bar (2) and provided at the steering column (14) a steering arm (20) coupled by tie rods (31) to transmit a rotary motion of the steering column (14) to the vehicle wheels (26), and the handle bar bridge (10) and the steering arm (20) are defined by means of a releasable connection to the steering column (14) and provided at the steering arm (20) is an extension arm (23) for coupling with a steering damper (25).

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system including control arms and a spindle. The suspensions of the invention use control arms pivotably and rotatably coupled to a spindle to improve the structural and performance characteristics of the suspension system.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided a steering damper (10) in which the interior of a cylinder (12) is divided into two oil chambers (A), (B) by a piston (14) which slides in the cylinder (12) as a steering operation takes place, an oil hole (15) is formed in the piston (14) for providing a communication between the two oil chambers (A), (B) and a bypass passageway (16) is provided for allowing oil in one (A or B) of the oil chambers to flow into the other oil chamber (B or A) by bypassing the oil hole (15), the motorcycle steering damper being characterized in that a subsidiary chamber (17) is defined at an intermediate position along the length of the bypass passageway (16), and in that a check ball (18) is provided in the subsidiary chamber (17).

Abstract: A steering column for a motor vehicle includes upper steering-column portion, a lower steering-column portion, and a damping body for coupling the upper and lower steering-column portions, with piezoelectric elements being integrated in the damping body. These piezoelectric elements are part of an active system for vibration damping and are provided for compensating vibrations in length direction of the steering column and torsional vibrations in rotational direction of the steering wheel. The active system further includes piezoelectric elements in an attachment zone between the A-pillars and the support beam for compensating vibrations in length direction of the support beam and perpendicular thereto. Thus, the active system for vibration damping thus provides a vibration control in all three directions in space as well as control of torsional vibration.

Abstract: Counterbalanced forklift truck with a device for an electro-hydraulic or electric steering of at least one wheel of the counterbalanced forklift truck, with a steering wheel, which is pivoted by means of a shaft section about an axis, whereby the maximum steering angle of the steering wheel on each side of a neutral position (straight position) is smaller than 180° and is limited by fixed limit stoppers, the steering transmission ratio is progressive with increasing steering angle of the steering wheel and the steering transmission ratio becomes more indirect with increasing travel speed.

Abstract: A turning device for a wheel set includes a handle strut and an axle pipe. The handle strut comprises a connecting tube at the bottom. The connecting tube comprises swirl tubes at respective ends. Each swirl tube has restricting members. The axle pipe comprises a receiving base corresponding to the connecting tube. The receiving base comprises lids at respective sides. The lids comprise restricting members corresponding to the restricting members of the swirl tubes. The lids and the receiving base comprise through holes for insertion of fasteners to secure the lids to the receiving base. By means of the restricting members, the receiving base and the swirl tubes may be turned with respect to each other to a limited angle. The restricting members are lugs and troughs.

Abstract: A steer-by-wire steering system 10 for steering road wheels 40A and 40B on a vehicle. The steering system 10 includes a steering wheel 12 rotatable by an operator to command steering of the steered road wheels 40A and 40B, and a steering input shaft 16 mechanically linked to the steering wheel 12. A housing structure 14 is disposed proximate the steering input shaft 16. A male member 46 is provided on the housing structure, and a female receptacle 50 is formed in the steering input shaft 16 for matingly receiving the male member 46. The female receptacle 50 comprises a pair of end walls 52 and 54 for limiting rotational travel of the steering wheel 12. The steering system 10 further has an actuator 26 for rotating the wheels 40A and 40B on the vehicle in response to rotation of the steering wheel 12.

Abstract: A vehicle steering system has a steering grip, in particular a steering wheel, which is operated by the driver, an actuating unit which operates steered vehicle wheels, and a manual force regulator which is coupled via a flexible coupling element with the steering grip and simulates parameter-dependent steering forces on the steering grip. A damping device is provided for reducing the formation of vibrations between the steering grip and the manual force regulator. The damping device interacts with the steering grip either directly or indirectly to damp relative motions between the steering grip and the manual force regulator.

Abstract: A locking bolt for irrotationally locking a motor-vehicle steering shaft is axially movable inside a housing between locked and release positions, and is fixable in the locked position by means of a spring-loaded securing pin axially movable in the housing that cooperates with a lateral recess in the bolt. The bolt is fixed in the event a part of the housing fitted with a retaining arm retaining the securing pin against the action of its spring load is removed, thereby releasing the securing pin to fix the bolt. The securing pin is not manipulable after its release by removal of the housing part and the retaining arm because it is neither visible nor accessible through the cavity in the housing through which the retaining arm extends.

Abstract: A moveable load-carrying assembly including a chassis (1) having a plurality of wheels (6) arranged as a first wheel set and a second wheel set, each wheel (6) being rotatable and swivellable relative to the chassis (1); the wheels (6) of the first wheel set being connected by a first linkage (21), and the wheels (6) of the second wheel set being connected by a second linkage (22); and wherein one of the wheels (6) of the second wheel set is linked to the opposite one of the wheels (6) of the first wheel set by a link (11) such that when one of the wheels (6) of the first wheel set is swivelled in one direction relative to the chassis (1), all the wheels (6) of the first wheel set swivel in that direction in unison, and all the wheels (6) of the second wheel set swivel in the opposite direction in unison. Means are included to provide three distinct modes of operation for a wheel set, the modes corresponding to straight-line travel, fully-steerable travel and a braking mode.

Abstract: A vehicle steering system has a steering grip, in particular a steering wheel, which is operated by the driver, an actuating unit which operates steered vehicle wheels, and a manual force regulator which is coupled via a flexible coupling element with the steering grip and simulates parameter-dependent steering forces on the steering grip. A damping device is provided for reducing the formation of vibrations between the steering grip and the manual force regulator. The damping device interacts with the steering grip either directly or indirectly to damp relative motions between the steering grip and the manual force regulator.

Abstract: A system for reducing steering nibble and other vibrations in a power-assisted steering system increases the amount of damping force when a power steering boost system is applying little or no steering force to the steering actuator, and reduces the amount of damping force when the power boost system is applying significant steering force to the steering actuator. A damping member is formed of a polymer material and is urged into contact with the steering actuator by a spring-biased clamping member. A shuttle valve regulates pressure from the hydraulic steering boost system to overcome the spring biasing force whenever hydraulic pressure is applied to the steering actuator. The preload of the spring biasing mechanism is varied by an electronic control unit that receives inputs from a driver-activated switch, and from vehicle condition sensors to allow automatic, adaptive adjustment of the damping to optimize driving comfort and safety.

Abstract: A children's tricycle is formed of a front frame, a rear frame, and a bridging frame connecting the front frame and the rear frame. The bridging frame is fastened with the front frame in conjunction with a connection seat which is provided with a stop projection for confining the rotation of the front frame, thereby preventing the front wheel of the tricycle from being jammed.

Abstract: Engagement parts 52c of the locking device for a steering shaft are formed on a side face of a driven gear of a reduction gear mechanism which is fastened to a steering shaft 2. Since a locking part 6a is arranged near the reduction gear mechanism, elements related to a locking function can be removed from the key cylinder of the engine key, so that the key cylinder of the engine key can be downsized, or can be arranged in another position. Consequently, even in a state where a reduction gear mechanism, a steering assist motor and the like are arranged in the middle of the steering shaft, a longer stroke of the impact absorbing mechanism in comparison with conventional mechanisms can be ensured, utilizing a decrease in length of the downsized or reduced key cylinder in the axial direction of the steering shaft 2.

Abstract: A damper for a vehicle rack and pinion-type power steering system reduces or eliminates high frequency and low amplitude vibrations commonly associated with high-speed steering wheel shake. The damper includes a hydraulically actuated clutch that is energized by a spring in the damper. The damper locks or inhibits rotation of a steering shaft coupled to the rack and pinion assembly while the vehicle is traveling straight down the road to absorb the input energy and cancel any vibration from the wheels, suspension or road. The clutch is released when there is any steering wheel input from the operator. Increased pressure from the power steering pump as a result of steering wheel input increases the pressure in the damper to compress a spring and release the multi-disk clutch. This allows the steering system to behave in an acceptable manner by not adding any friction or extra force requirements to the driver and providing acceptable feel and return to center characteristics for the steering system.

Abstract: A vehicle steering system includes a steering wheel and a steering shaft coupled between the steering wheel and wheels of the vehicle. The shaft is operable for rotating when the steering wheel is turned to thereby turn the vehicle wheels. A vibration damping system for absorbing vibrations in the steering wheel and shaft includes a rotor coupled to the steering shaft to rotate with the shaft and a case surrounding the rotor and a clutch surface proximate the rotor. A magnetic circuit generates a magnetic flux in the rotor. The rotor is operable to engage the clutch surface and thereby vibrationally couple the steering shaft to the case to absorb vibrations in the shaft, and when a magnetic flux is generated therein, to disengage the clutch surface so that the steering shaft may more freely rotate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing rattle in a column mounted electric power steering system. A method of reducing audible noise in a steering system, generated by road impact energy and transmitted through a transmission medium, which includes a column mounted electric power steering system, including interrupting the transmission medium; and absorbing the road impact energy through the steering system. A column assist isolation system includes a sleeve disposed at a housing of an electric power steering system, a first bushing disposed at a first end of the sleeve, and a second bushing disposed at a second end of the sleeve. Both the first bushing and the second bushing include a compliant material.

Abstract: A vehicle steering system includes a steering wheel and a steering shaft coupled between the steering wheel and wheels of the vehicle. The shaft is operable for rotating when the steering wheel is turned to thereby turn the vehicle wheels. A vibration damping system for absorbing vibrations in the steering wheel and shaft includes a rotor coupled to the steering shaft to rotate with the shaft and a case surrounding the rotor and a clutch surface proximate the rotor. A magnetic circuit generates a magnetic flux in the rotor. The rotor is operable to engage the clutch surface and thereby vibrationally couple the steering shaft to the case to absorb vibrations in the shaft, and when a magnetic flux is generated therein, to disengage the clutch surface so that the steering shaft may more freely rotate.

Abstract: A steering column of a power steering apparatus constructed with a tube fixed on the steering column and a steering shaft inserted inside of the tube to transmit manipulation force to a steering linkage in response to manipulation of a steering wheel, said steering column including a screw part formed on the external surface of the steering shaft, guide rails extending from the inside surface of the tube, forward the screw part and having a length correspondingly to the length of the screw part, and a ring in screw engagement with the screw part for moving along the guide rail and the steering shaft.

Abstract: A steerable suspension system which includes a steering lockout feature is provided. In a described embodiment, an engagement member is displaced through an axle of the suspension system to prevent steering of the suspension system. The engagement member engages another engagement member attached to a tie rod of the suspension system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a damped steering assembly as disclosed herein. The damped steering assembly includes a steering wheel attached to a steering column. Disposed between the steering wheel and the steering column is an active vibration control mechanism. The active vibration control mechanism damps vibration transmitted from the steering column to the steering wheel.

Abstract: A steering system for a straddle type four-wheeled all terrain vehicle comprises a steering shaft, a first stopping mechanism combined with a lower end part of the steering shaft, and a second stopping mechanism combined with an upper end of the steering shaft. The first stopping mechanism comprises a first shaft-side stopper including a base plate welded to a part of the steering shaft near the lower end of the steering shaft so that the opposite side parts thereof project on the right and the left side of the steering shaft, and adjusting bolts fixed to the opposite side parts of the base plate, and a first frame-side stopper attached to a body frame of the vehicle and provided with a stopping projection. The second stopping mechanism comprises a second shaft-side stopper similar to the first and a second frame-side stopper including an upper bracket fixed to the frame of the all-terrain vehicle.

Abstract: A steering lock mechanism for a steerable axle assembly. The mechanism includes a fluid-actuated pin mounted within a cylinder. The cylinder is carried by a plate attached to a steerable wheel end. The pin carried by the cylinder has a tapered end which engages a tapered hole. When these tapered components are in engagement, steering motion of the steerable wheel end is prevented. The mechanism has several significant features, one of which is a fail-safe design in which a mechanical spring urges the pin to assume an extended or locking position in the event of failure of the pneumatic actuating system. The mechanism is designed so that the pin will find the hole as the steered wheels sweep past the straight ahead position, in the event of a failure of the fluid actuation system used to retract the pin.

Abstract: A steering mechanism for a child's toy provided with a steering member linked to at least one steering wheel, a shaft traversed by a steering rod, a fork being linked to the steering wheel and positioned on one and the other side of the steering wheel, characterized by being provided with a mechanism for blocking rotation of the fork with respect to the shaft, in such a manner that the wheel is kept in a position essentially parallel to a main axis of the toy.

Abstract: A towing assembly for towing a steerable vehicle chassis includes a pin having a flat side which is fixed to the front face of the front rail of the chassis, and a steering frame which is rotatably mounted to the pin by way of a cylindrical bearing containing sleeve on the steering frame. A cup-shaped cap overlies the sleeve and the bearings to protect them against contamination, and the cap is rigidly fixed to the pin and front chassis rail to increase the strength and integrity of the mounting of the towing assembly to the chassis.