Motor vehicles – Special driving device – Spiral type element
Patent
1982-01-11
1983-10-25
Peters, Jr., Joseph F.
Motor vehicles
Special driving device
Spiral type element
180257, 280 285, 301 5R, 305 60, B62D 5700, B60B 1900
Patent
active
044113293
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates generally to a vehicle having multi-directional movement capabilities and more particularly to a vehicle having wheels which are universally mounted thereon and selectively tiltable relative to ground level to select the direction of movement of the vehicle.
BACKGROUND ART
Mobile vehicles, such as lift trucks, are normally mounted on pairs of front and rear wheels for locomotion purposes. The rear pair of wheels of a lift truck are normally steerable to guide the truck into various work positions. Although lift trucks of this type function satisfactorily, their turn radius and maneuverability, especially in narrow aisles, is limited due to the standard steer axle arrangement wherein steerable wheels are pivotally mounted on a frame of a truck by vertically disposed king pins.
Attempts have been made to provide vehicles of this type with multi-directional capabilities by modifying the ground engaging or tractive components thereof. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 2,999,554, issued on Sept. 12, 1961 to J. H. Wagner, discloses a vehicle having endless treads for selectively moving a vehicle in different directions by adjusting the orientation of the treads relative to ground level. However, endless treads of this type have a limited turning radius and maneuverability because they are positionable relative to the ground level or supporting surface only in a direction either parallel to or normal to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. In addition, such vehicles are relatively slow in their travel and direction change.
The present invention is directed to overcoming one or more of the problems as set forth above.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
In one aspect of the present invention, a vehicle is provided with multi-directional movement capabilities on a supporting surface or floor. The vehicle includes a frame comprising a rear frame and a pair of front frames pivotally connected to the rear frame, a plurality of wheels rotatably mounted on the frame, and drive means for selectively rotating at least one of the wheels. Each wheel is mounted on the frame for universal movement about a pivot point and means are provided for selectively and universally positioning each of the wheels relative to the supporting surface to move the vehicle in any chosen direction. Other aspects of this invention include various subcombinations of the vehicle, including its drive system, wheel mounting arrangement, and wheel construction.
The improved vehicle embodying this invention will thus exhibit universal movement capabilities whereby the vehicle can maneuver in close quarters expeditiously, will exhibit a relatively small turning radius, and will further exhibit a high degree of stability during roading and when stopped for work performing purposes.
The foregoing and other aspects will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are not intended as a definition of the invention, but are for the purposes of illustration only.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the drawings:
FIG. 1 is a front isometric view of a vehicle embodiment of the present invention that exhibits multi-directional movement capabilities;
FIG. 2 is an enlarged side elevational view of the vehicle;
FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the vehicle;
FIG. 4 is a sectional view, generally taken in the direction of arrows IV--IV in FIG. 2, schematically illustrating the disposition of various wheels and a drive mechanism therefor, employed in the vehicle and showing support arms thereof in two positions;
FIG. 5 is an enlarged sectional view of a portion of the vehicle, taken along line V--V in FIG. 4, showing a drive and wheel support system of the vehicle;
FIG. 6 is an enlarged sectional view of a portion of the vehicle, taken generally in the direction of arrows VI--VI in FIG. 5 showing a pivoting mechanism for a front frame member;
FIG. 7 is an enlarged partial sectio
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Caterpillar Tractor Co.
McGiehan Donn
Peters Jr. Joseph F.
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