US3707887A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Steering control means and grab bar combination
Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
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Filing: 1971-06-14
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Granted: 1973-01-02
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Expires: 1991-06-14
Abstract
Abstract A steering handle attached to a steering shaft is utilized both as a control means to steer the vehicle and as a grab bar with which the operator can brace himself when the vehicle is negotiating rough terrain. The steering handle is shaped and placed so as to provide several convenient and comfortable grasping areas for the operator''s hands.
Inventors
- 👤 R Day
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 13:15
CPC Classifications
B; B62; B62D; B62D1/00; B62D1/02; B62D1/04; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T74/00; Y10T74/20; Y10T74/20576; Y10T74/20732; Y10T74/20834
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
137 words
In a vehicle having a rotatable steering shaft defining an upper end which is operatively connected to a steering control means which effects steering of the vehicle, said steering control means comprising; a steering handle means including an upper crossbar, a lower crossbar and upright members having upper and lower ends respectively connected to the upper and lower crossbars, the midpoint of said upper crossbar being spaced from said upper end of and substantially in alignment with the longitudinal axis defined by said steering shaft, said upright members being oriented at an angle with respect to the vertical which is selected from the range from 0* to 25*, and a steering crank means operatively connecting said steering shaft with said steering handle means for causing rotation of said steering shaft upon movement of said steering handle means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
137 words
In a vehicle having a rotatable steering shaft defining an upper end which is operatively connected to a steering control means which effects steering of the vehicle, said steering control means comprising; a steering handle means including an upper crossbar, a lower crossbar and upright members having upper and lower ends respectively connected to the upper and lower crossbars, the midpoint of said upper crossbar being spaced from said upper end of and substantially in alignment with the longitudinal axis defined by said steering shaft, said upright members being oriented at an angle with respect to the vertical which is selected from the range from 0* to 25*, and a steering crank means operatively connecting said steering shaft with said steering handle means for causing rotation of said steering shaft upon movement of said steering handle means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
41 words
The invention of claim 1 wherein said steering crank means comprises a steering crank arm having one end thereof fixedly connected to said steering shaft at its upper end and the other end thereof fixedly connected to said lower crossbar member.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
51 words
The invention of claim 2 wherein said upper crossbar includes a central section substantially parallel to said lower crossbar, and side portions angled downwardly from said central section with their outer ends secured to said upright members, said central section being perpendicular to said longitudinal axis defined by said steering shaft.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
The invention of claim 1 wherein said angle alpha is selected to be approximately 10*.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
The invention of claim 1 wherein the upright members are each not less than approximately 4 1/2 inches in length.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
34 words
The invention of claim 1 wherein said lower crossbar defines a hand-gripping section on each side of said steering crank means, said hand-gripping sections being not less than approximately 4 1/2 inches in length.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
25 words
The invention of claim 3 wherein each of said side portions and said central section are not less than approximately 4 1/2 inches in length.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
18 words
The invention of claim 1 wherein said upper and lower crossbars and upright members define a planar surface.
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) | 1976-01-02 | 1976-07-03 | 1977-01-02 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-01-02 | 1980-07-03 | 1981-01-02 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-01-02 | 1984-07-03 | 1985-01-02 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |