Tilt steering mechanism and method
US6116646A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 22, 1998 |
| Grant date | Sep 12, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 22, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T403/32786
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A lawn tractor has a pivoting shaft mechanism and a tilt steering mechanism. The lawn tractor includes a frame, a first wheel, a steering implement for steering the wheel, and a power steering pump for use in providing power for the steering of the first wheel. The pivoting shaft mechanism includes a steering shaft having a first end that is connected to the steering implement and that is pivotable about its second end. The pivoting shaft mechanism also includes a pin operatively connected to the second end of the steering shaft, a connecting shaft having a first end operatively connected to the second end of the steering shaft and a second end operatively connected to the power steering pump, and a pivot coupling for translating rotational motion from the pin to the first end of the connecting shaft. The tilt steering mechanism includes an index member for indexing the steering shaft in any one of a plurality of tilt positions, a tilt lever for use in adjusting the steering shaft into any one of the plurality of tilt positions, and a carrier for use in pivoting the tilt lever. The index member moves with the steering shaft as the steering shaft is tilt adjusted.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.