Abstract: An embodiment frame joint structure includes a plurality of body members, each body member having opposing first and second end portions, wherein threads are formed on outer surfaces of both end portions, the threads being formed in different directions on the first end portions relative to the second end portions, and a plurality of joints, each joint having a plurality of member conjoining portions that are engageable with corresponding body members.

Abstract: A lawn maintenance vehicle caster wheel assembly includes a suspension and a fork. The fork is rotatably connected to a structural member of the lawn maintenance vehicle. The caster wheel assembly also includes an arm connected to the fork, and the arm is rotatable about an arm axis. The caster wheel assembly further includes a caster wheel mounted to the arm and is rotatable about a wheel axis. A damping member is attached to the fork and the arm such that the caster wheel and the arm can rotate about the arm axis.

Abstract: A motor powered riding vehicle with an airplane appearance consisting of a chassis, body and shell. The chassis is in contact with the ground via the wheels. The body includes a seat for the operator and an area to accommodate the controls and battery, if electric power is used. The shell surrounds the body, and gives form to the type of plane being imitated. The body/shell combination are connected to the chassis at two longitudinal pivot points which allow the body to simulate a banking motion as the rear wheel is turned. In addition, the body can contain a bracket to which a toy gun or some electronic “shooting” device is attached to allow two or more planes to engage in simulated combat.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a frame, first and second wheels that are selectively rotatable about a first horizontal axis, a third wheel, and a steering system. The steering system operatively connects the third wheel to the frame such that the third wheel is selectively rotatable about a second horizontal axis. The steering system is configured to selectively toe the third wheel and to laterally displace the third wheel with respect to the frame, thereby increasing stability during turning.

Abstract: A steering mechanism may include a four-bar linkage having a ground link, a coupler link, and a pair of follower links. The ground link may be connected to a vehicle having a wheel defining a wheel centerline. The coupler link may be connected to the wheel and may be located aft of the ground link. The pair of follower links may pivotally connect the ground link to the coupler link. The follower links may extend aftwardly from the ground link at converging angles and may define a steering axis located aft of the wheel centerline.

Abstract: A front axle assembly for a floater or other agricultural implement has a hollow shaft with pressed-in axle stubs for mounting the shaft to a pair of bearing assemblies. A pair of discs are mounted or otherwise secured to ends of the hollow shaft. The discs are angled inwardly from a position generally adjacent an inner end of the pressed-in axle stubs. The placement of the discs reduces stress applied to the hollow shaft during use.

Abstract: A front fork assembly for use with a three-wheel agricultural floater has a yoke having a first yoke portion and a second yoke portion extending downwardly from generally opposite ends of an upper yoke portion. A first plurality of wheel mounting points is formed on the first yoke portion and a second plurality of wheel mounting points is formed on the second yoke portion. The front fork assembly further includes a first wheel mounting arrangement formed from selected mounting points of the first plurality and the second plurality of mounting points. A second wheel mounting arrangement, different from the first wheel mounting arrangement, is formed from selected mounting points of the first plurality and the second plurality of mounting points. In this regard, the front fork assembly provides more than one mounting position for a front floatation tire.

Abstract: The present invention relates to components, arrangements and assembly of a personal vehicle and methods for producing same. According to some embodiments of the present invention, there may be provided a personal vehicle including one or more “hubless wheels”. According to further embodiments of the present invention, a HWPV may further include one or more footstands mounted such that they reside within the center of the hubless wheels, such that a rider of the HWPV standing on the footstands is essentially standing with his/her feet within the wheels of the HWPV.

Abstract: A self-powered ride-on apparatus includes a frame with two front fixed-axis wheels and a single rear steerable wheel, a functional component such as a blower on the front, a motor for powering the blower and for motivating the apparatus, a platform on the frame to support a riding operator, and a steering mechanism. The steering mechanism includes a control head pivoted to the frame by a support and includes a handle for operating the motor speed. By pivoting the control head from side to side, an operator standing on the frame and positioned immediately adjacent the support can steer the equipment by moving the control head laterally to steer the apparatus into the corner while simultaneously leaning into the corner for balance and also while continuing to control operation of the one functional component via the handle.

Abstract: A steering mechanism for a wheel of a vehicle defining a wheel centerline comprises a four-bar linkage. The four-bar linkage includes a ground link, a coupler link and a spaced pair of follower links. The ground link is connected to the vehicle. The coupler link is connected to the wheel and is located aft of the ground link. The follower links pivotally interconnect the ground link to the coupler link. Each of the follower links defines a link axis. The follower links extend aftwardly from the ground link at diverging angles such that the link axes intersect one another at a steering axis which is positioned forward of the wheel centerline. The steering mechanism may be fitted to a motorcycle having front and rear wheels wherein the four-bar linkage is housed within a wheel hub of the front wheel.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for steering a mobile platform, where the method may involve: providing a steering component graspable and rotatable by an operator of the mobile platform from a neutral position to first and second positions; coupling an input shaft to the steering component; coupling an input arm to the input shaft so that rotational movement of the input shaft causes rotational movement of the input arm, the input arm being in the neutral position when the steering component is in the neutral position; supporting an idler arm adjacent the input arm and such that portions of the idler arm and the input arm are in contact when the steering component is in the neutral position; and using a biasing system configured to act on the steering arm and the idler arm to maintain the steering component in the neutral position when no force is being applied by the operator to the steering component, to reduce a backlash generated by at least one of the input arm and the idler arm, but to enable clockwise and count

Abstract: A steering system for a mobile platform is provided that reduces and/or eliminates backlash in the steering system. The steering system includes an input mechanism for receiving an input from an operator of the mobile platform to move the input mechanism into a first position or a second position. The input mechanism further includes an input arm. An idler is rotatably coupled to the input, and the idler is configured to engage the input arm in the second position. A pair of biasing members is coupled to the idler and the input arm to bias the input mechanism to a “center” or “neutral” position. The biasing members are operable to resist the movement of the input mechanism into the first or second positions. A steering mechanism coupled to the input mechanism monitors the position of the input mechanism and generates electrical signals to drive a motor that steers a wheel in accordance with the direction of movement of the input mechanism.

Abstract: Steering drive for a wheel of a ground conveyor with an apparatus for recording the actual angle of the steered wheel, with a steering motor, a steering controller or regulator driven by a steering angle transmitter, the input signal of which is given to the steering motor, a steering drive coupled with the shaft of the steering motor, the output side of which is connected with a steering plate, which mounts the steered wheel, and a rotation angle sensor, which records the rotation angle of the steering plate, wherein the shaft of the steering motor is designed as a hollow shaft, through which a sensor drive shaft is inserted and which is connected on the drive side with the output side of the steering drive and works together with the angle sensor on the side of the steering motor facing away from the steering drive.

Abstract: A vehicle has a chassis with at least one front wheel pivotable about a first vertical axis to control the direction of the vehicle. A rigid swing arm is pivotally mounted on the rear end of the chassis for pivoting about a horizontal axis. On the rear end of the swing arm is a wheel mounting assembly including a hub and pivot means mounting the hub on the rear end of the swing arm for pivotal movement about a second vertical axis. The rear wheel is rotatably supported on the hub and naturally tracks the front wheel in a cooperating turning arc.

Abstract: For a wheel suspension for vehicles, in particular commercial vehicles with a wheel unit that can be rotated about an upright axis of rotation, the proposal is to design the wheel unit with its actuating and drive structure as an assembly that is situated outside the vehicle body and can be removed to the outside.

Abstract: In a control device for influencing the driving dynamics of four-wheel vehicles, the vehicle lengthwise speed and the steering angle are introduced as input signals and control signals are generated that act on positioning devices for adjusting the vehicle wheels. In order to set and adjust the transverse dynamic properties of a vehicle with a low cost of construction in normal driving, for setting a desired driving behavior, target values may be specified for the steering ratio, the self-steering gradient, and the float angle gradient as set signals from which steady-state additional trail angles can be determined which can be supplied as control signals to the positioning devices.

Abstract: A janitorial cart is small, and narrow enough for use indoors, and will pass through conventional-width doorways. The cart is electrically powered, and the batteries are mounted very low so the lower center of gravity will stabilize the cart. The steering mechanism utilizes a single, rear wheel that can be turned about 90.degree. in each direction to give the cart a small turning radius. Accessories can be mounted on the front and/or the rear of the cart. The preferred accessory for the front is a dust mop apparatus for dust mopping large floor areas, but it is contemplated that brushes, burnishers and carpet sweepers will also be used. The rear accessory is contemplated to be a container for materials or supplies.

Abstract: A steering mechanism for a remotely-controlled golf caddie having a drive motor coupled to a steering assembly by a non-positive coupling. The non-positive coupling between the drive motor and the steering assembly allows the steering assembly to disengage from the drive motor when the caddie runs into an obstruction. Also, the steering mechanism uses a potentiometer assembly for allowing the caddie to center itself after receiving a command to turn left or right.

Abstract: Hitch structure for connecting first and second implements for operation side-by-side in the field, and one directly behind the other for transport. A freely rockable swing hitch has a forward end connected to one side of the first implement frame for pivoting less than 180.degree. about an upright axis located inwardly from the side. A latch on the swing hitch mates with a frame-mounted rear bracket to secure the hitch in the transport position. The same latch secures the swing hitch to a bracket on the forward towing hitch when the swing hitch and towing hitch are in the field-working position. A sliding tubular member and two-position latch selectively secure the towing hitch in either a central transport position or an offset field-working position. Both latches have release levers for changing from one position to the other, and the latches automatically lock in the new position when the desired position is attained.

Abstract: A three wheeled vehicle has two wheels in front, front wheel drive, and a single rear wheel, and rear wheel steering. A novel steering linkage causes the vehicle to steer with directionally conventional response to a steering input, despite the rear wheel steering. A rear axle assembly provides uncomplicated construction accommodating both the steering and a spring and shock absorber type suspension. In a first embodiment, bodywork covers the front of the vehicle, spanning both front wheels. In a second embodiment, the bodywork is extended to envelope substantially the entire vehicle.

Abstract: The steering device consists in a first hub to support the wheel, an internal second hub rotatably and coaxially supporting the first, a steering pivot accommodated internally of the second hub, on which the wheel can be swung from side to side, and an axle pivot, perpendicular to the steering pivot and suspended from the frame on quadrilateral linkages, which is able to rise and fall while remaining fixed in relation to the wheel; the inner hub is controlled by a lever that projects clear of the first hub and is hinged by its projecting end to a control rod, the rod in turn is connected by way of a mechanical linkage with the handlebars of the machine.

Abstract: A support structure for disabled persons that can be adapted to attach standard wheelchair wheels for providing mobility to the disabled person while allowing interchanging accessories to change the support structure for use in sporting events such as racing and water or snow skiing. The support structure includes a cushioned member adjustably attached to a single piece elongated frame. The frame and the member include upwardly depending sides. The frame includes slots and holes to attach a propellable wheelchair wheel at the standard position and at a racing position. A steering structure is included for operation while racing. Sockets are formed in the frame to attach the pivot wheels of the wheelchair and to attach water and snow-skis to the support structure to replace the wheels.

Abstract: A very compact and cushioned narrow front assembly for a high crop spray vehicle. A U-shaped and generally horizontal pivoting frame is connected to the lower end of a steering yoke for rocking about a first axis. A ground wheel is carried on the side legs of the U-shaped frame for rotation about a second axis offset in the rearward direction slightly from the first axis. A pair of shock absorbers extend downwardly from the upper portion of the steering yoke to pivotal connections with each of the side legs just behind and above the second axis. The forward ends of the side legs, which terminate rearwardly of the forwardmost extremity of the ground wheel, are each pivotally connected to the eye-end of a tension link which extends upwardly through a spring abutment bracket fixed to the lower end of the corresponding side of the yoke. A spring is compressed between the upper end of each of the links and the corresponding spring abutment bracket to provide balanced shock-absorbed cushioning.

Abstract: An arrangement in industrial trucks of the kind which include a chassis (3) carried by support wheels (5, 6) which lack spring suspension, and driven by a sprung drive-wheel (7) arranged between two support wheels. A hydraulically operable load carrying device (2) is provided for lifting primarily goods-laden pallets. The sprung movement of the drive-wheel (7) relative to the chassis is effected with the aid of a spring assembly (22) which includes link arms (25, 26) and a spring (24) both being arranged between the chassis and the drive-wheel. The spring (24) includes a hydraulic working piston-cylinder device (27) by means of which the spring assembly can be given a desired spring bias or spring force. The piston-cylinder device is connected to the hydraulic system of the load carrying device in a manner to increase automatically the spring bias, and therewith the pressure exerted by the drive-wheel against the floor or like surface when the load carried increases.

Abstract: A vehicle having a fore-and-aft body including transversely spaced apart side walls or supports carries between the supports a forkless steerable wheel and axle structure arranged in conjunction with right and left force-exerting means so that on right-hand turns the wheel is steered about an upright right-hand axis and on the left-hand turns is steered about a left-hand axis. The arrangement, by dispensing with typical fork structure, provides for steering movement such that the wheel moves laterally away from the side wall opposite to the direction in which the wheel is steered.

Abstract: An arrangement in industrial trucks of the kind which include a chassis (3) carried by support wheels (5, 6) which lack spring suspension, and driven by a sprung drive-wheel (7) arranged between two support wheels. A hydraulically operable load carrying device (2) is provided for lifting primarily goods-laden pallets. The sprung movement of the drive-wheel (7) relative to the chassis is effected with the aid of a spring assembly (22) which includes link arms (25, 26) and a spring (24) both being arranged between the chassis and the drive-wheel. The spring (24) includes a hydraulic working piston-cylinder device (27) by means of which the spring assembly can be given a desired spring bias or spring force. The piston-cylinder device is connected to the hydraulic system of the load carrying device in a manner to increase automatically the spring bias, and therewith the pressure exerted by the drive-wheel against the floor or like surface when the load carried increases.

Abstract: A front wheel supporting member comprises a steering handle, a member supporting a single front wheel, an arm which supports the front wheel supporting member on a motor vehicle body, and a link assembly by which the steering handle and the front wheel supporting member are angularly movable coupled to each other. The link assembly includes a first universal joint operatively coupled to the steering handle and a second universal joint operatively coupled to the front wheel supporting member. The second universal joint has a center on the axis of angular movement of the front wheel supporting member.

Abstract: A steerable fork mount that is pre-assembleable and compact comprising a fork having a top and two depending pedestals that are rigidly formed together, that are relatively short in the fore and aft direction, with a rocker beam at the bottom, rockable about a vertical stub shaft supported on each pedestal and providing an arrangement to support a spring mounted between the rocker beam and the pedestal, and with an arrangement to make the pedestal structure extremely rigid and strong, particularly in the transmission of the displacement forces from the wheel to the spindle mount.

Abstract: A wheelchair having a hand operated steering mechanism that can be easily mounted and/or dismounted from the chair. The mechanism involves a steering rod having a center section cojoined to an upper section and a lower section by means of a pair of universal joints. The lower section of the shaft is slidably secured to the fork of one of the chair casters and the top section is rotatably mounted in a bearing block which is, in turn, secured to the front column of one of the chair arms. A crank arm is slidably received in the top section of the steering rod to provide sufficient leverage by which the chair occupant can turn the caster. An adjustable locking mechanism is also operably associated with the shaft for holding the caster at a desired position to prevent the chair from moving in an uncontrollable manner.

Abstract: A steering device for a vehicle including a steerable wheel, a front fork rotatably supporting the same, a steering member connected to the front fork, and a link mechanism. The link mechanism supports the front fork on the frame of the vehicle to allow it to rotate with respect to a given steering axis while restricting any other motions. The link mechanism includes a pair of first links having axes intersecting the steering axis and three second links arranged on planes including the steering axis but not the axes of the first links.

Abstract: A sweeper, which has a pair of front wheels which are mounted on a frame on opposite sides of a dirt hopper, a steerable guide wheel unit mounted on the frame in a tricycle arrangement with respect to the front wheels characterized by the guide wheel unit having a suspension having first and second members arranged with one member being telescopically received and the other member with an arrangement for transmitting torque between the members and the unit has an arrangement positioned between the two members for resiliently suspending the two members. The arrangement for resiliently suspending can comprise a single coiled spring telescopically receiving an outside member or a plurality of spring units that are provided either by themselves or with shock absorber units. The arrangement for transmitting torque can include a splined shaft and an internally splined bore or a plurality of torque transmitting lever arms.

Abstract: The coaster includes a wheeled foot platform, the steerable wheel of which is rotatable on a swiveled axle for effecting a steering action. The swiveled axle extends through aligned horizontal slots in vertical axle guides where are spherically curved. Each axle guide has at least one axially extending flange on which rides a bearing element or roller assembled on the axle. The roller and another bearing element assembled on the axle have complementary curved surfaces in sliding bearing engagement with opposite curved sides of each guide for axially constrained swiveled or turning movement of the axle. Steering of the coaster is obtained by a foot steerable plate mounted for pivotal movement on the foot platform. A mechanical linkage is connected at one end by a sliding pivot to the plate and at its other end to one or both ends of the swiveled axle.

Abstract: The steering system includes a rotatable steering control member located remotely from a steerable dirigible wheel unit, a drive sprocket mounted for common rotation with the steering control member, a short length of roller or sprocket chain trained about the drive sprocket, a driven sprocket mounted for common rotation with the dirigible wheel unit, a short length of roller or sprocket chain trained about the driven sprocket, and flexible members, such as wire cables, interconnecting the chains so that the driven sprocket is rotated in response to rotation of the drive sprocket. Two sets of coaxially aligned pairs of pulley are located between the drive and driven sprockets and the cables are trained over the same sides of the pulleys in each set and thereby are guided through a circuitous route between the sprockets. One set of pulleys is adjustably mounted relative to the cables for adjusting the tension applied on the cables to remove slack therefrom.

Abstract: A steering and suspension system for the front wheel of a three-wheeled vehicle in which a pair of suspension frames pivotally support the front wheel and are in turn pivotally supported for variable movement upon rotation of the vehicle's steering wheel.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a lifting and steering system for a vehicle. The system comprises a hydraulic system having a piston with a rod in the form of another inner cylinder, the lower end of which serves for mounting a steerable wheel of the vehicle. Another rod projects through the upper end of the hydraulic cylinder and its lower end projects through the piston to the interior of the inner cylinder. A guide member is provided for permitting relative axial movement between the piston and the second mentioned rod while causing rotation therebetween. Passages are also provided to permit the introduction and withdrawal of hydraulic fluid from the space above the piston, to the space within the interior of the inner cylinder.

Abstract: By locking one caster wheel of a four-wheel jack against swivelling without inhibiting its ability to roll freely along a supporting surface, and by then steering an oppositely trailing or leading caster wheel with a tow bar or other suitable handle, the jack can be readily steered into tight places and under low overhanging structures even with relatively heavy loads supported thereon as the two remaining caster wheels become effective "slaves" to their respective, most laterally adjacent locked or steered wheels. The tow bar for the steered wheel and the lock for the locked wheel are readily attached to and removed from their respective wheels without the aid of tools or special fasteners.

Abstract: A miniature vehicle usable by the military for target training. The vehicle ontains a radio receiver and propulsion-steering means responsive to radio output for causing the vehicle to execute evasive maneuvers. A technician equipped with a radio sending set at a remote location causes the minature vehicle to execute unexpected evasive maneuvers, while soldiers undergoing training fire rifle rounds at the vehicle in a simulated battle field situation.

Abstract: An unlocking mechanism for use with wheeled vehicles and the like to unlock the steering post to permit the vehicle to be steered in response to the occupant's weight on the vehicle. The mechanism includes a sleeve-type bearing support for slidingly receiving and pivotally guiding the steering post and locking pin associated with the steering post which is restrained in a matching groove in the bearing support to prevent rotation of the steering post when the vehicle is unoccupied, but is spaced from the groove to permit rotation of the steering post when the vehicle is occupied.

Abstract: A powered pipeline crawler comprising a personnel carrier having an outer configuration complementary to the inner cross-sectional configuration of a pipeline and provided with suitable wheels for longitudinal movement through a pipeline. In addition, power means is provided for the carrier for propelling the device through the pipeline upon the control of the personnel being carried thereby.

Abstract: A vehicle adapted for overland travel, having: a top (or optionally bottom) vehicle-bracing frame of four end-joined angular members, each being angular in cross section, having elongated sides at angles to each other; tubular members, each formed of end-joined cans (or optionally of pipes that preferably are of plastic) and having joints of additional thickness of the pipe or can material; exterior skin means, preferably of mesh, and stucco of portland cement, epoxy putty or other cement and light-weight aggregate on the mesh; interior skin means that optionally may be of stucco on mesh or panels of plywood or the like; and insulation adjacent to tubular members. This insulation preferably includes light-weight, economical insulating material inside the cans or pipes. Optional insulation may include in-situ-applied foam plastic or strips of foam rubber placed in V-shaped spaces between sidewalls of the tubular members.