Motor vehicles – Vehicle trains
Reexamination Certificate
1998-09-25
2001-03-27
Johnson, Brian L. (Department: 3618)
Motor vehicles
Vehicle trains
C180S089100, C280S492000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06206118
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to articulated work vehicles. In particular, the present invention relates to a double articulated work vehicle that provides an improved turning radius and improved directional perception.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In the field of articulated work vehicles, it has long been known to provide a vehicle having a front section and a rear section pivotally connected to one another about a central articulation point or pivot axis, generally at an intermediate location along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. This central articulation point allows relative angular movement of one section of the vehicle relative to the other about a point to afford tight-radius steering. Articulated work vehicles of this type include farm tractors, crawlers, earth-moving machines, loader back hoes and the like.
Despite the popularity of work vehicles including a central articulation point, such work vehicles still have inherently limited turning or steering radii and are difficult to turn due to misleading directional perceptions provided by the operator station. Such centrally articulated work vehicles are inherently limited in their turning radius because the tires of such vehicles frequently interfere with each other or interfere with the front frame during turning. Such centrally articulated work vehicles are also difficult to precisely control and steer because each of the operator station, the front frame and the tires may simultaneously be oriented at different angles.
As a result, there is a continuing need for an articulated work vehicle having an improved turning or steering radius and providing the driver with a more accurate visual perception of the direction in which the work vehicle is moving during steering.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to a work vehicle that includes a first section having a first set of ground engaging motive members, a second section having an operator station and a third section having a second set of ground engaging motive members. The first section and the second section are pivotally coupled to one another about a first articulation or pivot axis. The second section and the third section are pivotally coupled to one another about a second articulation or pivot axis.
The present invention is also directed to a work vehicle including a first section, a second section and a third section. The first section includes a first frame, an engine coupled to the first frame, and a first set of ground engaging motive members coupled to the first frame. The second section includes a second frame pivotally coupled to the first frame, a transmission coupled to the second frame and operatively connected to the engine, and an operator station coupled to the second frame. The third section includes a third frame pivotally coupled to the second frame and a second set of ground engaging motive members coupled to the third frame.
The present invention is also directed to the work vehicle including a first section and a second section. The first section includes a first frame, an engine coupled to the first frame and a first set of ground engaging motive members coupled to the first frame. The second section includes a second frame pivotally coupled to the first frame about a first pivot axis, a transmission coupled to the second frame and operatively connected to the engine and an operator station coupled to the second frame. The operator station has an arcuate front contour having a radius centered approximately at the first pivot axis.
The present invention is also directed to a work vehicle including a first section, a second section and a third section. The first section includes a first set of ground engaging motive members. The second section is pivotally coupled to the first section and includes a transmission. The third section is pivotally coupled to the second section and includes a second set of ground engaging motive members.
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Garberg Bryan J.
Lykken Thomas G.
Menze Adam R.
Case Corporation
Foley & Lardner
Johnson Brian L.
Luby Matthew
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