Patent EP0025214A2 successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3871469A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Steering mechanisms
Assignee: Adwest Engineering Ltd
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Filing: 1973-11-06
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Granted: 1975-03-18
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Expires: 1993-11-06
Abstract
Abstract A rack-and-pinion steering mechanism for a road vehicle having two sets of steerable road wheels, and including a rack, a pinion, and two pistons which are separable in a cylinder to lock the steering linkages to one set of wheels in the straight ahead position while allowing the rack to move freely when a steering wheel of the vehicle is manipulated. The pistons can be retracted during movement of the vehicle to allow steering of the one set of wheels.
Inventors
- 👤 Barry J Millard
- 👤 Leslie R Jenvey
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 05:06
CPC Classifications
B; B62; B62D; B62D3/00; B62D3/02; B62D3/12
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
169 words
In a rack-and-pinion steering mechanism suitable for steering one set of steerable road wheels of a motor vehicle having two such sets, an elongate housing, a pinion rotatably mounted in the housing and connectable with the steering control of a motor vehicle for rotation thereby, a link member extending longitudinally of the housing, the link member being movable longitudinally relative to the housing and the opposite ends of the link member being connectable to a set of steerable road wheels for imparting steering thereto, a toothed rack in constant mesh with said pinion and mounted for longitudinal sliding movement in said housing, and selectively operable means for selectively connecting the toothed rack to said link member so that longitudinal movement imparted to the toothed rack by rotation of said pinion will be transmitted to the link member or locking the link member in a centralized position and freeing the toothed rack for longitudinal movement relative to the link member while maintaining meshing engagement between the rack and the pinion.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
169 words
In a rack-and-pinion steering mechanism suitable for steering one set of steerable road wheels of a motor vehicle having two such sets, an elongate housing, a pinion rotatably mounted in the housing and connectable with the steering control of a motor vehicle for rotation thereby, a link member extending longitudinally of the housing, the link member being movable longitudinally relative to the housing and the opposite ends of the link member being connectable to a set of steerable road wheels for imparting steering thereto, a toothed rack in constant mesh with said pinion and mounted for longitudinal sliding movement in said housing, and selectively operable means for selectively connecting the toothed rack to said link member so that longitudinal movement imparted to the toothed rack by rotation of said pinion will be transmitted to the link member or locking the link member in a centralized position and freeing the toothed rack for longitudinal movement relative to the link member while maintaining meshing engagement between the rack and the pinion.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
121 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said elongate housing defines a cylinder, and wherein said selectively operable means comprises spaced pistons slidable in said cylinder and mounted on opposite ends of the said link member for limited sliding movement relative thereto, said pistons being movable between first positions wherein they engage opposite ends of said toothed rack and connect the toothed rack to said link member so that longitudinal movement imparted to the toothed rack by rotation of said pinion will be transmitted to the link member and second positions wherein they engage end portions of the housing to lock the link member in a centralized position and free the toothed rack for longitudinal movement relative to the link member.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
55 words
A rack-and-pinion steering mechanism according to claim 2 wherein means in provided for supplying fluid under pressure to opposite ends of said cylinder for moving said pistons to said first position, and wherein means is provided for supplying fluid under pressure to said cylinder between said pistons for moving said pistons to said second position.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
33 words
A rack-and-pinion steering mechanism according to claim 2 wherein said pistons are interconnected by two diametrically opposed telescopic rod members, said rack being mounted for sliding movement on one of said rod members.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
53 words
A rack-and-pinion steering mechanism according to claim 2 wherein each said piston comprises a hollow piston rod and wherein said link member has at each end thereof an adaptor whereby it is connectable to said one set of steerable road wheels, each said adaptor being slidably accommodated within a said hollow piston rod.
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) | 1978-03-17 | 1978-09-16 | 1979-03-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-03-17 | 1982-09-16 | 1983-03-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-03-17 | 1986-09-16 | 1987-03-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |