Patent · US Expired

Power buggy

US6322151A · kind A · utility

20Cited by
6References
13Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateDec 5, 2000
Grant dateNov 27, 2001
Priority date
Expiry dateDec 5, 2020

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB60K15/063
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A power buggy is configured to be safe, stable, easy to control, and comfortable. Frequently-used controls such as dump controls, a speed control, and a directional control, arc located at or very near handgrips of the operator's handle so as to permit the operator to control the vehicle without releasing either of the handgrips. For instance, speed and direction arc both controlled by a bidirectional twist grip forming one of the handgrips. The twist grip must rotate through a neutral position before changing directional control from forward to reverse so that an operator cannot reverse the vehicle's direction of travel without first rather gradually reducing vehicle speed. Operator comfort is also enhanced by a fuel tank that shields the operator from the engine. The fuel tank also has a large capacity while simultaneously functioning as a support for side shrouds of the vehicle. A stowable operator's platform is lockable in both its stowed and operative positions so as to prevent injury to the operator from unintended platform movement.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.