Steering system for a zero-turn radius vehicle
US8011678B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 19, 2008 |
| Grant date | Sep 6, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 28, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB62D7/023
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A steering apparatus for a zero-turn radius vehicle using a steering mechanism coupled to a first set of wheel assemblies by a plurality of cables. User input to the steering mechanism causes the cables to turn the first set of wheel assemblies about a vertical axis. Specifically, the cables link the steering mechanism to cam mechanisms that are attached to each wheel assembly. The design of the cam mechanism, which preferably includes two cams of varying radii, enables the two wheel assemblies to rotate about their vertical axes at varied degrees of rotation and greater than ninety degrees from the forward facing position, thereby resulting in zero-turn radius capability.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.