Land vehicles: wheels and axles – Wheel – Skate wheel
Patent
1989-06-09
1991-02-26
Stormer, Russell D.
Land vehicles: wheels and axles
Wheel
Skate wheel
16 18A, 180 71, 301 1, B60B 3300
Patent
active
049956795
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to means for moving an object on a surface. More specifically, the invention is directed to a wheel assembly for use, for example, with a vehicle, a load carrier, or other type of similar apparatus used for moving objects. The wheel assembly comprises at least one wheel arranged on the object.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention, among others, is to provide a means for propulsion and control of a vehicle, for example, which enables unique motion possibilities. The means for moving is constituted so that it is possible to change the direction of movement of the vehicle perpendicularly, for example, to a previous direction of motion.
Thus, equipped with the means according to the present invention, vehicles can be driven around sharp corners and in spaces requiring a small turning radius. Regarding industrial load carrying vehicles, for example, for material transportation, an essential advantage is achieved in that transportation apparatus can be optimized, i.e., the number of such vehicles can be minimized which, accordingly, results in better utilization of valuable areas.
The means for moving according to the present invention is easy to control through simple mechanical arrangements, having control and propulsion qualities comparable with those achieved by very advanced electronically controlled systems.
Besides the unlimited motion patterns made possible by the present invention, other advantages are achieved, such as no increase in wear on the wheel or on the surface during twisting or turning. Similarly, there is no increase in wear on the wheel during the turning, or steering, of the wheel on a stationary vehicle. The wheel according to the present invention does not require the return to a neutral position for continuous turning of the wheel. Also in this regard, the present invention essentially differs from known apparatus, such as hydraulically driven wheels for trucks in which the wheel must be returned to a neutral position before turning in order that conduits and similar structures are not damaged. Another essential advantage achieved by the moving assembly according to the present invention is that it is possible to put the assembly in a desired position, irrespective of the previous position, and in the quickest possible manner.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present invention will now be described in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is an elevation view of the wheel assembly of the present invention; and
FIG. 2 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the wheel assembly of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The present invention comprises, as a main element, a wheel 1, which is preferably obliquely arranged, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and which at its periphery has a partial spherical tread surface 2, the wheel adapted to be arranged on an object such as a vehicle, a load carrier, truck, and other types of machines. For propelling the vehicle by means of the wheel 1, as will be further described below, a first drive shaft 3 is provided. In addition, a gear wheel, or drive gear 4, is mounted concentrically with shaft 3, which is provided for a control, or steering, function. Gear 4 is operatively connected to a shifting motor, or other suitable driving means, which is not shown in the drawing. Further, a motor is to be provided for rotating shaft 3, preferably by means of a further driving gear, also not illustrated in the drawing.
The rotation of the first drive shaft 3 is transmitted, as shown in FIG. 2, via a transmission arrangement formed by gear wheels 5, 6, and 7, to a second drive shaft 8 of wheel 1. Wheel 1 is obliquely arranged in relation to first drive shaft 3, but can, in other embodiments, be perpendicularly arranged in relation to drive shaft 3.
The first drive shaft 3 is journalled in a plate 12 and held in sleeve 20 by bearings 16 and 17. Plate 12 can be fastened on the object, or it can comprise a part of t
REFERENCES:
patent: 2812031 (1957-11-01), Aghnides
patent: 2998996 (1961-09-01), Aghnides
patent: 3424259 (1969-01-01), Aghnides
patent: 4519466 (1985-05-01), Shiraishi
patent: 4785899 (1988-11-01), von Winckelmann
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