US3648796A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Sterring and traction assembly
Assignee: Eaton Corp
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Filing: 1969-12-22
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Granted: 1972-03-14
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Expires: 1989-12-22
Abstract
Abstract In an air supported vehicle a steering and traction wheel is mounted for vertical movement so as to contact the floor in all vertical positions into which the vehicle is moved by the air support. The steering axis of the wheel is offset so that driving rotation of the wheel develops steering torque. A locking mechanism or clutch holds the wheel and its mounting against steering rotation until such rotation is required, and the wheel and its mounting may be locked in desired positions.
Inventors
- 👤 Reynold F Gamundi
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 16:33
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60S; B60S9/00; B60S9/14; B60S9/205; B60S9/21; B60S9/215; B60V; B60V3/00; B60V3/02; B60V3/025
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
179 words
In a load handling machine of the class described, a main frame means, a power driven wheel, mounting means for mounting said wheel relatively to said main frame means with its outer periphery in frictional contact with a surface relatively to which said power driven wheel moves said main frame means, means supporting said mounting means for steering rotation relatively to said main frame means in a vertical axis parallel and offset relatively to vertical lines passing through the points of contact of said wheel and the surface traversed thereby, said supporting means including means permitting vertical movement of said mounting means relative to said main frame means, means for locking said mounTing means against steering rotation relatively to said main frame means by the torque developed through powered rotation of said wheel, means for releasing said locking means when said wheel is power driven to permit steering rotation of said mounting means by said wheel relatively to said main frame means, and weights supported by said mounting means to press said traction wheel against the surface traversed thereby.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
179 words
In a load handling machine of the class described, a main frame means, a power driven wheel, mounting means for mounting said wheel relatively to said main frame means with its outer periphery in frictional contact with a surface relatively to which said power driven wheel moves said main frame means, means supporting said mounting means for steering rotation relatively to said main frame means in a vertical axis parallel and offset relatively to vertical lines passing through the points of contact of said wheel and the surface traversed thereby, said supporting means including means permitting vertical movement of said mounting means relative to said main frame means, means for locking said mounTing means against steering rotation relatively to said main frame means by the torque developed through powered rotation of said wheel, means for releasing said locking means when said wheel is power driven to permit steering rotation of said mounting means by said wheel relatively to said main frame means, and weights supported by said mounting means to press said traction wheel against the surface traversed thereby.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
In the combination of claim 1, wherein said vertical movement is effective in said vertical axis.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
80 words
In the combination of claim 1, wherein said means supporting said mounting means for steering rotation relative to said main frame means includes upper and lower pivot shafts on one said mounting means for steering rotation and said frames means, and means on the other of said mounting means for steering rotation and said frame means supporting said upper and lower shafts for said steering rotation and said vertical movement of said mounting means relative to said main frame means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
40 words
In the combination of claim 1, the feature that said locking and release means comprise detent means and as said detent means is formed to allow vertical movement of said mounting means while holding said mounting means against steering rotation.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
In the combination of claim 2, the feature that said detent means comprises a pin moving in a vertical slot.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
86 words
In the combination of claim 1, the feature that there is a second power driven wheel; clutch means, which, when actuated, engages said second wheel to be driven simultaneously with the first-mentioned driven wheel; means to actuate said clutch means; and means included in said means for releasing said locking means and communicating with said clutch actuating means for simultaneously deenergizing said actuating means and releasing said locking means whereupon driving rotation of said first-mentioned wheel alone, will rotate said mounting means in said steering axis.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-03-14 | 1975-09-13 | 1976-03-14 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-03-14 | 1979-09-13 | 1980-03-14 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-03-14 | 1983-09-13 | 1984-03-14 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |