Patent · US Expired

Drive and steer vehicle

US6354388B1 · kind B1 · utility

38Cited by
36References
31Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMar 26, 1999
Grant dateMar 12, 2002
Priority date
Expiry dateMar 26, 2019

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB62D11/183
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A vehicle such as a lawn and garden tractor is adapted to utilize conventional steering and propel controls with a drive and steer type transmission. The transmission permits the vehicle to be driven and steered through its rear drive wheels, thereby permitting it to turn about one wheel and/or about an axis between its wheels. Front castered wheels enable the vehicle to easily steered by the drive wheels. A conventional type steering wheel is provided with a mechanical linkage extending between it and the transmission. Conventional type controls are also provided to propel or power the vehicle in a forward or rearward direction and within a range of speeds. With conventional type steering and propel controls adapted to be utilized with the drive and steer type transmission, operation of spin-turn vehicles is made simple and more efficient as well as reducing the time required to learn to operate and maneuver the vehicle.

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