US3858673A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Vehicle having spherical supports
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1973-10-01
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Granted: 1975-01-07
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Expires: 1993-10-01
Abstract
Abstract A plurality of spherical supports are held in place on a vehicle frame by a pair of lower rollers which engage opposite sides of each spherical support below the center thereof and a pair of upper spaced apart rollers which engage each spherical support above the center thereof. The upper and lower rollers are carried by the vehicle frame and are adapted for rotation about horizontal axis parallel to each other. Lateral movement of each spherical support is limited by laterally disposed rollers on the frame. One spherical support member and its associated rollers are carried by a rotatable frame which is movable to selected positions to steer the vehicle.
Inventors
- 👤 Albert E Browning
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 05:34
CPC Classifications
B; B62; B62D; B62D61/00; B62D61/06; B62D61/065; B62D57/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
271 words
A vehicle comprising: a. a supporting frame, b. a plurality of spherical support members for said frame, c. a pair of lower rollers carried by said frame for each said spherical support member engaging opposite sides of said spherical support member below the center thereof and adapted for rotation about horizontal axes parallel to each other, d. upper, spaced apart rollers carried by said frame and engaging each said spherical support member above the center thereof and adapted for rotation about horizontal axes parallel to each other and parallel to the axes of rotation of said lower rollers so that each said spherical support member is adapted for rotation within the confines of said lower rollers and said upper rollers about an axis parallel to the axes of rotation of said lower rollers and said upper rollers, e. laterally disposed rollers carried by said frame in position to engage the sides of each said spherical support member to limit lateral movement thereof, f. one of said spherical support members being driven by at least one of said upper rollers which is operatively connected to a power unit, g. said upper and lower rollers and said laterally disposed rollers for said one spherical support member being carried by a rotatable frame mounted for horizontal rotation in said supporting frame about a vertical axis with said drive roller being the rearmost one of said upper rollers, as viewed in the direction of travel of the vehicle, and h. a brake pad carried by said rotatable frame in position to engage said one spherical member upon sudden cessation of rotation of said drive roller.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
271 words
A vehicle comprising: a. a supporting frame, b. a plurality of spherical support members for said frame, c. a pair of lower rollers carried by said frame for each said spherical support member engaging opposite sides of said spherical support member below the center thereof and adapted for rotation about horizontal axes parallel to each other, d. upper, spaced apart rollers carried by said frame and engaging each said spherical support member above the center thereof and adapted for rotation about horizontal axes parallel to each other and parallel to the axes of rotation of said lower rollers so that each said spherical support member is adapted for rotation within the confines of said lower rollers and said upper rollers about an axis parallel to the axes of rotation of said lower rollers and said upper rollers, e. laterally disposed rollers carried by said frame in position to engage the sides of each said spherical support member to limit lateral movement thereof, f. one of said spherical support members being driven by at least one of said upper rollers which is operatively connected to a power unit, g. said upper and lower rollers and said laterally disposed rollers for said one spherical support member being carried by a rotatable frame mounted for horizontal rotation in said supporting frame about a vertical axis with said drive roller being the rearmost one of said upper rollers, as viewed in the direction of travel of the vehicle, and h. a brake pad carried by said rotatable frame in position to engage said one spherical member upon sudden cessation of rotation of said drive roller.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
74 words
A vehicle as defined in claim 1 in which said rotatable frame comprises, a. a horizontal member having an annular peripheral edge, b. angularly spaced rotatable members carried by said supporting frame and having horizontally disposed annular grooves therein for receiving said annular peripheral edge, and c. means driving one of said rotatable members selectively in opposite directions to impart rotation to said rotatable frame selectively in opposite directions whereby said vehicle is steered.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
69 words
A vehicle as defined in claim 2 in which said means driving one of said rotatable members in opposite directions comprises: a. a drive shaft for said one of said rotatable members, b. steering means carried by said supporting frame in reach of an operator thereof, and c. means operatively connecting said steering means to said drive shaft so that actuation of said steering means rotates said drive shaft.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
60 words
A vehicle as defined in claim 3 in which the means operatively connecting said steering means to said drive shaft comprises: a. a first rotatable element operatively connected to said steering means, b. a second rotatable element carried by said drive shaft and a flexible drive member connecting said first and second rotatable elements in driving relation with each other.
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) | 1978-01-06 | 1978-07-08 | 1979-01-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-01-06 | 1982-07-08 | 1983-01-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-01-06 | 1986-07-08 | 1987-01-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |