Motor vehicles – Having four wheels driven – With means for steering all driven wheels
Reexamination Certificate
1999-08-10
2001-02-20
Swann, J. J. (Department: 3611)
Motor vehicles
Having four wheels driven
With means for steering all driven wheels
C464S177000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06189640
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of Invention
This invention relates generally to four wheel drive articulated tractors and, more particularly, to improvements to provide shielding for the drive line on articulated tractors having a drive line extending across the articulation joint.
2. Background of Prior Art
On articulated tractors of the type having a two opposing ends, typically an engine end supporting the engine providing operative power for the tractor and a cab end supporting the operator's cab and gearbox mechanism, joined by an articulation joint. Steering of the tractor is accomplished by manipulating the articulation joint with hydraulic actuators. In such tractors, the operative power for the tractor is delivered from the engine to the splitter gearbox on the opposing end of the tractor via a power input drive line extending from the engine end to the cab end across the articulation joint. For an example of such an articulated tractor, please review the New Holland Bidirectional™ Tractor TV
140
.
It is desirable to cover this drive line with a shielding to prevent accidental engagement with the drive line. Such a shield, however, must cover the universal joint assembly of the drive line at the articulation joint throughout the entire range of movement of the articulation joint and the corresponding movement of the drive line. Furthermore, the universal joint will change length as the articulation joint is manipulated to effect steering of the tractor.
Likewise, the shield must be operable to cover the drive line as the universal joint changes length. U.S. Pat. No. 4,308,931 discloses a drive line shield that shields the drive line in the straight ahead position, but exposes the drive line when the articulated tractor is turning. It is of paramount importance that an individual be prevented from contacting the rotating drive line universal joints when the tractor is in all positions. Frequently servicing of various tractor components is accomplished when the articulated tractor is in a turned position.
OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a drive line shield between the engine end and cab end of an articulated tractor.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a drive line shield which pivots and extends as an articulated tractor turns.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a drive line shield which allows access to grease fittings for periodic lubrication.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a drive line shield covers the output shaft of the engine, the power input drive line, transfer shaft member and universal joints.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a drive line shield that covers the drive line while the tractor is turned such as to prevent the operator from contacting the spinning drive line.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention solves the problems with the prior art. The invention consists of a sliding shield member extending between the cab end and engine end of an articulated tractor. The sliding shield member is pivotally attached to the flared shield support on the cab end. The sliding shield member has a slot which is slideably and pivotally attached to the flared end shield on the engine end. Alternatively, the slot may be positioned on the flared end shield and pivotally attached to the sliding shield member. The sliding member has a pair of opposing walls perpendicularly affixed thereon. One wall has an aperture with a removable door attached. The sliding member covers a pair of universal joints and connecting transfer shaft. Access to a grease fitting on transfer shaft may be gained through the door to allow lubrication.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2410503 (1946-11-01), Johnson
patent: 2443035 (1948-06-01), Hardy
patent: 2514089 (1950-07-01), Punsky
patent: 3504508 (1970-04-01), Bornzin
patent: 3557892 (1971-01-01), Burrough
patent: 3797328 (1974-03-01), Quirk
patent: 4020913 (1977-05-01), Yatcilla
patent: 4130998 (1978-12-01), Einsel et al.
patent: 4308931 (1982-01-01), Khanna
patent: 4403670 (1983-09-01), Sammarco
patent: 5893323 (1999-04-01), Benzi
Latchman Henry
Pakosh Daniel
Young David A.
Bottorff Christopher
Miller Larry W.
New Holland North America Inc.
Stader J. William
Swann J. J.
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