Abstract An electric vehicle capable of maneuvering in restricted areas through the use of a single steerable drive wheel mounted on a circular bearing assembly, which has a groove therein for receiving a cable so that by pulling the cable the steering wheel can be rotated. The electric vehicle has outwardly extending stabilizing members mounted on the frame adjacent the steering wheel so as to prevent the vehicle from turning over when such is cut too sharply. The vehicle is driven by an electric motor which is powered by a DC battery having a plurality of cells. A switching circuit is provided for sequentially converting a parallel connection of the cells to a series connection so as to vary the voltage supplied to the motor by simple manipulation of a single handle. The battery is carried within a pack so that such can be removed from the vehicle, and another battery pack substituted therefor, while such is being charged. Positioned adjacent the rear of the vehicle is a pivotal platform upon which the operator stands while driving the vehicle. A braking shoe is coupled to the pivotal platform so that when the operator shifts his weight forward on the platform such engages a wheel, stopping the vehicle. However, if the operator shifts his weight to the rear, the braking shoe will be raised off the wheel permitting the vehicle to move. The position of the rear axle of the vehicle can be readily adjusted by merely manipulating a locking mechanism and shifting the axle to the desired position.
A self-propelled vehicle capable of riding on rigid surfaces comprising: a frame; a pair of opposed circular angle members in juxtaposition defining a channel therebetween; ball bearings carried within said channel for allowing said angle members to rotate relative to each other about a vertical axis; one of said channel members being fixed to said frame adjacent one end thereof; a steering wheel mounted for rotation on an axle, said axle being carried by said other channel member for rotating therewith relative to said one channel member in order to steer said vehicle; and said other channel member having a groove adjacent the outer perimeter thereof; a cable carried in said groove and wrapped around said other channel member; means for pulling said cable so as to rotate said other channel member in order to steer said vehicle; a pair of wheels carried on the opposite end of said frame from said steering wheel in engagement with said surface upon which the vehicle is traveling for supporting said opposite end of said vehicle; and a motor mounted on said frame in driving engagement with at least one of said wheels so that when such is energized the vehicle is propelled.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
200 words
A self-propelled vehicle capable of riding on rigid surfaces comprising: a frame; a pair of opposed circular angle members in juxtaposition defining a channel therebetween; ball bearings carried within said channel for allowing said angle members to rotate relative to each other about a vertical axis; one of said channel members being fixed to said frame adjacent one end thereof; a steering wheel mounted for rotation on an axle, said axle being carried by said other channel member for rotating therewith relative to said one channel member in order to steer said vehicle; and said other channel member having a groove adjacent the outer perimeter thereof; a cable carried in said groove and wrapped around said other channel member; means for pulling said cable so as to rotate said other channel member in order to steer said vehicle; a pair of wheels carried on the opposite end of said frame from said steering wheel in engagement with said surface upon which the vehicle is traveling for supporting said opposite end of said vehicle; and a motor mounted on said frame in driving engagement with at least one of said wheels so that when such is energized the vehicle is propelled.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
42 words
The vehicle as set forth in claim 1, further comprising: vertically spaced inwardly extending locking abutments carried by said opposed circular angle members on opposite sides of said ball bearing for restricting vertical movement of said angle members relative to each other.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
59 words
The vehicle as set forth in claim 1, further comprising laterally extending stabilizing members carried by said frame adjacent and on opposite sides of said steering wheel, said stabilizing members being spaced vertically from said surface upon which said vehicle is riding but engages said surface when said vehicle tilts to one side preventing said vehicle from turning over.