Land vehicles – Wheeled – Running gear
Reexamination Certificate
1999-04-06
2001-02-06
Rice, Kenneth R. (Department: 3611)
Land vehicles
Wheeled
Running gear
Reexamination Certificate
active
06182984
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to vehicle suspension systems and, in an embodiment described herein, more particularly provides a steerable suspension system having reversible caster.
It is well known to provide a steerable suspension system for rearwardly disposed sets of wheels on relatively large vehicles, such as trucks, tractors, etc. Such steerable suspension systems enable large vehicles to maneuver effectively in tight quarters, have a small turning radius, conveniently align the vehicle as desired, etc.
A typical steerable suspension system has a caster such that, as the vehicle is moving forward, the wheels “trail”. In other words, the wheels tend to follow the forward motion of the vehicle, instead of deflecting laterally. This is usually accomplished by tilting to the rear the tops of longitudinal axes of king pins (typically using one king pin at each lateral end of an axle of the suspension system) about which each of the wheels rotate to steer the vehicle.
Unfortunately, when the vehicle is traveling in reverse, the caster of a typical steerable suspension system causes the wheels to tend to deflect laterally, thus preventing effective steering of the vehicle. One solution to this problem has been to lock out the steerable suspension system, thereby preventing the wheels from turning while the vehicle is traveling in reverse. However, this solution also prevents the benefits of the steerable suspension system (maneuverability, etc.) from being utilized while the vehicle is traveling in reverse.
Therefore, it can be seen that it would be quite desirable in some situations to provide a steerable suspension system which has a reversible caster, thereby permitting a vehicle to be accurately and conveniently maneuvered using the steerable suspension system while the vehicle is traveling in reverse.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In carrying out the principles of the present invention, in accordance with an embodiment thereof, a steerable suspension system is provided in which a caster thereof may be conveniently reversed. While the vehicle is traveling in reverse, the caster of the suspension system is oppositely directed from the caster while the vehicle is traveling forward.
In broad terms, a steerable suspension system is provided which includes a tripover mechanism for displacing a link pivot relative to a frame of the vehicle. When the link pivot is displaced, the caster is reversed.
In one aspect of the present invention, the tripover mechanism includes three pivots, one of which is attached to the link, and another of which is attached to the vehicle frame. The remaining pivot is displaced, so that it traverses a line extending between the other two pivots when the caster is reversed.
In another aspect of the present invention, the tripover mechanism includes features which enhance its ability to resist braking loads applied to the link. When the vehicle is traveling in one direction, compressive braking loads are applied to the link, and these loads are resisted by an abutment associated with the pivots of the tripover mechanism. When the vehicle is traveling in an opposite direction, tensile braking loads are applied to the link, and these loads are resisted by engagement of one of the tripover mechanism pivots in a guide path of the tripover mechanism.
In yet another aspect of the present invention, the guide path is formed on a member attached to the vehicle frame. The guide path has one portion extending generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the link, and another portion extending generally perpendicular to the link axis. The link pivot may be disposed in the generally parallel portion when the link has compressive braking loads applied thereto, and the link pivot may be disposed in the generally perpendicular portion when the link has tensile braking loads applied thereto.
These and other features, advantages, benefits and objects of the present invention will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon careful consideration of the detailed description of representative embodiments of the invention hereinbelow and the accompanying drawings.
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Two Photographs of a Hendrickson Reversible Caster Steerable Suspension System taken Jan. 27, 1999.
Konneker & Smith P.C.
Rice Kenneth R.
Watson & Chalin Manufacturing, Inc.
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