Abstract:
Sulky apparatus including an operator standing platform, a tire and associated wheel rim for allowing the operator standing platform to move along the ground, a wheel well associated with the operator standing platform for housing the wheel rim and tire in an operational position, a tire axle having two end portions located in the center of the wheel rim, the two end portions being configured to rest in the bottoms of depressions located in the walls of the wheel well, a pivoting U-shaped axle locking member located at the top of the wheel well where the locking member can engage the upper surfaces of the end portions of the axle and secure the axle and the associated tire in the operational position in the wheel well, a pivotal cover covering the wheel well for allowing access to the wheel well and locking means associated with the wheel well and the cover for locking the pivoting U-shaped axle locking member and the cover in place in their operational positions. When the locking means is unlocked, it permits the pivotal wheel cover to be pivoted upward and forward and the pivoting U-shaped axle locking member to also be pivoted upward and forward and this allows the tire and the associated wheel rim to be removed from the wheel well.
Abstract:
A self propelled lift truck has a traction unit with a pair of rear ground engaging wheels, one rear wheel being mounted on each side of the traction unit, at least one ground engaging drive wheel being mounted on to the traction unit, a lift mechanism being mounted to the traction unit for pivotal movement about a vertical axis, the lift mechanism having a pair of foot members extending forwardly of the lift mechanism in spaced apart relationship, a front ground engaging wheel being mounted on each of the foot members for rotation about a transverse horizontal axis adjacent the front end of the foot member, a steering mechanism being provided by which the lift mechanism may be pivoted relative to the traction unit in order to steer the lift truck and one or more stability wheels being mounted adjacent the rear of the lift mechanism, the or each stability wheel being mounted for rotation about a fixed transverse horizontal axis, the stability wheels being clear of the ground when the lift mechanism is in a straight ahead position and the lift truck is on flat ground, the center of gravity of the lift truck being positioned inside the line joining the points of contact of the outside rear wheel and the or one of the stability wheels, whenever the lift mechanism is pivoted relative to the traction unit.
Abstract:
A method for attaching a carrier, such as a trailer, to a dynamically balanced transporter. The carrier is attached to the transporter with a pivot. The pivot axis of the carrier is coincident with the axis of rotation of the wheels of the transporter. This method of attachment minimizes the impact of the trailer on the ability of the transporter to maintain dynamic balance and control.
Abstract:
Provided is a sulky in which an operator platform is attached to a hitch arm through the interconnection of a vertical pivot tube and an essentially C-shaped clevis. The vertical pivot tube is secured to the clevis by a vertical pivot pin and hinge. The clevis counter balances and leverages the forces and loads that are applied to the vertical pivot pin while the sulky is in operation and, thereby, prevents the unnecessary anomalies and structural failures of the vertical pivot pin. Alternate embodiments detailing alternate clevis configurations are also presented.
Abstract:
A coupling mechanism for operatively connecting a sulky to a motorized vehicle. The sulky includes a support platform including a seat for an operator secured thereto and at least one wheel operatively, rotatably connected to the support platform. A hitch point is provided to be connected to a motorized vehicle. An upper support member includes a first end pivotally connected to the hitch point and a distal end extending a predetermined distance therefrom and being pivotally connected to the support platform. A lower support member includes a first end pivotally connected to the support platform and a distal end extending towards and being pivotally connected to the hitch point. The hitch point, upper support member and lower support member are operatively connected together for adjusting the disposition of a sulky relative to a motorized vehicle during the traversing of a crest in terrain and a ravine in terrain.
Abstract:
A caddy that is hitchable to a self-propelled power mower which comprises a pair of wheels and an axle for coupling the wheels including a main axle member which is positioned below the wheel center, an operator platform is mounted on the main axle such that the operator is positioned over the axle. The platform is located such that wheel centers are located in a vertical plane which substantially laterally bisects the platform so that the shifting rearwardly of the operator's weight cause concentration of the load on the wheels. A towbar is fixed to the axle and removably hitched to the mower. The wheel centers are located rearwardly from the main axle so that when the operator is normally positioned on the caddy a torque about the wheels centers is created that causes the towbar to apply a force at the mower.
Abstract:
A moving-shield system for implement controls including a pushrod-mounted inclined deflector fin having an angle causing it to overhang and follow the movements of a pushrod control lever.
Abstract:
A control device for an autonomous lawn mower is described which receives input signals from a first and/or second hand control and determines a control signal for controlling the autonomous lawn mower. The hand controls may provide for intuitive control of the mower by a user. The control signals may be used to operate the autonomous lawn mower to perform a task such that, when later detached or otherwise decoupled, the autonomous lawn mower may perform the same or similar tasks substantially autonomously based on data (e.g., sensor signals, control signals, etc.), generated during manual operation. In some examples, the control signals may be determined to aid a user in maintaining a straight mow, proximity to a desired pattern for mowing, and/or be otherwise altered based on the presence of a user.
Abstract:
An articulating cart system which utilizes an articulating frame to effectively maneuver within tight spaces and a low-elevation platform to ease mounting and dismounting the cart. The articulating cart system generally includes a front frame and a rear frame. A platform is connected to the front frame so that the platform pivots or articulates along with the front frame with respect to the rear frame. A joystick controller may be provided which allows one-handed operation. One or more actuators may be connected between the rear frame and the front frame for pivoting the front frame with respect to the rear frame. A motor is provided to power the actuators and frame wheels. The platform is close to the ground to ease access for the operator. Utilizing the articulating frame, the present invention may traverse much tighter spaces and turns than is possible with previous cart systems.