Land vehicles – Wheeled – Running gear
Reexamination Certificate
1999-02-08
2002-03-12
Mai, Lanna (Department: 3619)
Land vehicles
Wheeled
Running gear
C280S124130, C280S124137, C280S124102, C280S124167, C280S124169, C280S124177, C280S788000, C280S483000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06354615
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to a suspension for a vehicle, and more particularly to a utility vehicle which utilizes a torsional energy-absorbing member and also may utilize a torsional joint to make the vehicle articulating.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Utility vehicles for use in agricultural, lawn and golf course maintenance fields typically travel directly upon the turf surface being maintained. Such vehicles must often support a substantial weight on a frame. Inherent in such applications is the need to travel over uneven terrain, freshly watered grass or recently planted soil. Obstacles such as shrubbery, sand traps and trees are also often encountered.
Utility vehicles of this type are often used to apply fertilizer, pesticides or other surface treatment to turf being maintained. In order to prevent damage to the turf and to promote safety while turning in off-road environents, maximum speed of many utility vehicles is limited to approximately 15-25 miles per hour. Unfortunately, this encourages the tendency to drive at maximum speed under most conditions, including going over and around obstacles.
It is preferable that scuffing of the turf or soil does not occur while the vehicle is in motion. Despite the terrain, it would be advantageous to keep all four wheels on the ground. This would help maintain the traction of the vehicle, increase the vehicle's stability and maintain constant ground pressure. Simply suspending the wheels from the axle does not provide sufficient latitude as the terrain is often more uneven than the suspension system is able to compensate for. Further, the suspension systems are quite complex and there are a number of parts that may wear as the vehicle is continually used.
Another important consideration when designing a utility vehicle is the ride and comfort of the driver and passenger. Typically, past utility vehicles have had the cab of the utility vehicle connected to the rear frame in such a manner that movement of the rear wheels is transferred to the cab in which the operator sits.
The present invention addresses these problems and provides for a utility vehicle with a torsional suspension system which is less complex and requires less maintenance. Further, the vehicle may articulate along its longitudinal axis and also provides for a utility vehicle which separates the motion of the rear wheels from the passenger cab.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a torsional energy suspension for a utility vehicle having a wheel. The suspension includes a torsional energy absorption member having an inner shaft member, an outer hollow member an elastomeric material operatively connecting the inner and outer members. An A-frame has a first end operatively connected to a wheel and a second wheel operatively connected to one of the members, the other of the members operatively connected to the frame. A lever arm has a first end connected to the other of the members and a second end adapted to be connected to the frame. The second end of the lever arm is adapted to be secured in a plurality of positions on the frame, wherein a varying preload may be created by simply securing the lever arm to a different position.
The invention is also a torsional energy absorption suspension for a utility vehicle having a frame, wheel and longitudinal axis. The suspension includes a torsional energy absorption member having an inner shaft, an outer hollow member and an elastomeric material operatively connecting the inner and outer members. The absorption member has a longitudinal axis which extends generally from the front of the vehicle to the rear of the vehicle. An A-frame has a first end operatively connected to a wheel and a second end operatively connected to one of the members, the other of the members operatively connected to the frame. The A-frame consisting essentially of a single member.
The invention is also a utility vehicle having a longitudinal axis. A front axle is operatively connected to the front frame and a rear axle is operatively connected to a rear frame. A torsional energy absorption member has an inner shaft member, an outer hollow member, and an elastomeric material operatively connecting the inner and outer members. An A-frame has a first end operatively connected to a wheel and a second end operatively connected to one of the members, the other of the members operatively connected to a frame. A lever arm has a first end operatively connected to the other of the members and a second end adapted to be connected to the frame. The second end of the lever arm is adapted to be secured in one of a plurality of positions on the frame, wherein a varying preload may be created by simply securing the lever arm to a different position. In a preferred embodiment, the vehicle also includes a torsional joint having an inner shaft member operatively connected to one of the frames and an outer hollow member operatively connected to the other of the frames. An elastomeric material is positioned between the inner and outer members of the torsional joint. The elastomeric material operatively connects the inner and outer members, whereby the frames may rotate relative to each other along the longitudinal axis as the elastomeric member is compressed and resiliently resists rotation between the frames.
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Berndt Dennis J.
Cairns Richard T.
Vangsgard Kip S.
Woock Rodney W.
Ilan Ruth
Mai Lanna
Mau & Krull, P.A.
The Toro Company
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