# US 11,305,806 B2 · Vehicle steering assembly > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 11,305,806 B2 - Document ID: US11305806B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 16/540,520 - Filed: 2019-08-14 - Published: 2020-02-20 - Granted: 2022-04-19 - Earliest claimed: 2018-08-14 - Assignees: Great Plains Manufacturing, Inc. - Applicants: Great Plains Manufacturing, Inc. - Inventors: Jason Carlson - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US11305806B2 ## CPC - B62D 1/12: Hand levers - B60K 26/02: of initiating means or elements - B62D 11/001: {control systems (B62D11/183 takes precedence)} - B62D 11/02: by differentially driving ground-engaging elements on opposite vehicle sides - E02F 3/422: {Drive systems for bucket-arms, front-end loaders, dumpers or the like} - E02F 9/02: Travelling-gear, e.g. associated with slewing gears ({drives therefor E02F9/20}; for motor vehicles B60B, B60G; undercarriages for locomotives or railroad cars B61F; track-laying vehicles B62D; for cranes B66C23/18) - E02F 9/2004: {Control mechanisms, e.g. control levers (control levers per se G05G)} - E02F 9/2087: {Control of vehicle steering (for steering with hydraulic or pneumatic drives E02F9/225)} - E02F 9/225: {Control of steering, e.g. for hydraulic motors driving the vehicle tracks (steering in general B62D)} - E02F 9/2253: {Controlling the travelling speed of vehicles, e.g. adjusting travelling speed according to implement loads, control of hydrostatic transmission} - G05G 1/04: Controlling members for hand actuation by pivoting movement, e.g. levers - G05G 1/08: Controlling members for hand actuation by rotary movement, e.g. hand wheels - G05G 5/02: Means preventing undesired movements of a controlling member which can be moved in two or more separate steps or ways, e.g. restricting to a stepwise movement or to a particular sequence of movements (G05G5/28 takes precedence) - G05G 5/04: Stops for limiting movement of members, e.g. adjustable stop (G05G5/03, G05G5/05, G05G5/28 take precedence) - G05G 5/05: Means for returning or tending to return controlling members to an inoperative or neutral position, e.g. by providing return springs or resilient end-stops (G05G5/28 takes precedence) - G05G 9/00: Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously - B60K 2026/029: {Joystick type control devices for acceleration} - B60Y 2200/25: Track vehicles - B60Y 2200/41: Construction vehicles, e.g. graders, excavators - E02F 3/3414: {the arms being pivoted at the rear of the vehicle chassis, e.g. skid steer loader} - E02F 3/96: with arrangements for alternate {or simultaneous} use of different digging elements {(E02F3/7604, E02F3/769, E02F3/78 take precedence; quick-acting devices to connect tools to arms or booms E02F3/3609, for arms to tractors or the like E02F3/627)} - E02F 9/2285: {Pilot-operated systems} - G05G 9/04: in which movement in two or more ways can occur simultaneously - G05G 2505/00: Means for preventing, limiting or returning the movements of parts of a control mechanism, e.g. locking controlling member - B62D: MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS (steering, or guiding on a desired track, of agricultural machines or implements A01B69/00; wheels, castors, axles, increasing wheel adhesion B60B; vehicle tyres, tyre inflation or tyre changing B60C; connections between vehicles of a train or the like B60D; vehicles for use on rail and road, amphibious or convertible vehicles B60F; suspension arrangements B60G; heating, cooling, ventilating or other air treating devices B60H; windows, windscreens, non-fixed roofs, doors or similar devices, protective coverings for vehicles not in use B60J; propulsion plant arrangements, auxiliary drives, transmissions, controls, instrumentation or dashboards B60K; electric equipment or propulsion of electrically-propelled vehicles B60L; power supply for electrically-propelled vehicles B60M; passenger accommodation not otherwise provided for B60N; adaptations for load transportation or to carry special loads or objects B60P; arrangement of signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor, for vehicles in general B60Q; vehicles, vehicle fittings or vehicle parts not otherwise provided for B60R; servicing, cleaning, repairing, supporting, lifting, or manoeuvring, not otherwise provided for, B60S; brake arrangements, brake control systems or parts thereof B60T; air-cushion vehicles B60V; motor-cycles, accessories therefor B62J, B62K; testing of vehicles G01M) - B60K: ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES - E02F: DREDGING; SOIL-SHIFTING (winning peat E21C49/00) - G05G: CONTROL DEVICES OR SYSTEMS INSOFAR AS CHARACTERISED BY MECHANICAL FEATURES ONLY ("Bowden" or like mechanisms F16C1/10; gearings or mechanisms not peculiar to this purpose F16H; speed changing or reversing mechanisms for gearings conveying rotary motion F16H59/00 - F16H63/00) - B60Y: INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO ASPECTS CROSS-CUTTING VEHICLE TECHNOLOGY ## Abstract A vehicle steering assembly for controlling movement of a vehicle having independently rotatable left and right ground-engaging traction elements. The steering assembly comprises a steering handle coupled to the panel support structure and extending generally upwardly from the panel support structure. The steering handle comprises a laterally-extending crossmember and at least one upright extension member. The crossmember and the upright extension member are rigidly connected to one another so that shifting of the crossmember relative to the extension member is substantially prevented. The steering handle is shiftable in forward and rearward directions to thereby cause corresponding forward and rearward rotation of both of the left and right traction elements. The steering handle is rotatable in clockwise and counterclockwise directions to thereby cause a change in the relative speeds and directions of rotation of the left and right traction elements. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A vehicle steering assembly for controlling movement of a vehicle having independently rotatable left and right ground-engaging traction elements, the vehicle comprising a control panel within reach of an operator of the vehicle, the control panel comprising a panel support structure for supporting at least one control or display mechanism of the vehicle, said steering assembly comprising: a steering handle coupled to the panel support structure and extending away from the panel support structure, wherein said steering handle comprises a laterally-extending crossmember and at least one upright extension member, wherein said crossmember and said upright extension member are rigidly connected to one another so that shifting of said crossmember relative to said extension member is substantially prevented, wherein said steering handle is shiftable in forward and rearward directions to thereby cause corresponding forward and rearward rotation of both of said left and right traction elements, wherein said steering handle is rotatable in clockwise and counterclockwise directions to thereby cause a change in the relative speeds and directions of rotation of said left and right traction elements, wherein said steering assembly further comprises a plurality of depressible buttons positioned generally below said steering handle, wherein said buttons cooperatively control the speed and direction of rotation of said left and right traction elements, wherein said steering assembly comprises a plurality of variable switches, wherein each of said variable switches comprises at least one of said depressible buttons, wherein the speed of rotation of said left and right traction elements is determined by how far down said depressible buttons are depressed. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The vehicle steering assembly of claim 1, wherein the vehicle is a compact utility loader. ### Claim 3 (depends on 2) The vehicle steering assembly of claim 2, wherein the compact utility loader comprises a loader system, a drive system, and a power source for powering the loader system and the drive systems. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The vehicle steering assembly of claim 1, wherein said left and right traction elements each comprises tracks. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The vehicle steering assembly of claim 1, wherein a degree of forward or rearward shifting of said steering handle dictates a respective speed of forward or rearward movement of said vehicle, wherein a degree of twisting of said steering handle dictates a severity of turning of said vehicle. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The vehicle steering assembly of claim 1, wherein said steering handle includes only a single upright extension member. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The vehicle steering assembly of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of said crossmember and at least a portion of said upright extension member are integrally formed. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The vehicle steering assembly of claim 1, wherein said steering handle is coupled to the panel support structure in a manner such that lateral shifting of said steering handle relative to the panel support structure is substantially prevented. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) The vehicle steering assembly of claim 1, wherein said steering handle is forward and rearward shiftable on a tilt axis, wherein said steering handle is clockwise and counterclockwise rotatable on a twist axis, wherein said tilt axis and said twist axis are oriented substantially perpendicular to one another. ### Claim 10 (depends on 9) The vehicle steering assembly of claim 9, wherein said crossmember extends substantially perpendicular to said twist axis, wherein said twist axis extends through said crossmember. ### Claim 11 (depends on 9) The vehicle steering assembly of claim 9, wherein said steering assembly comprises a twist stop assembly for restricting rotation of said steering handle relative to the panel support structure on the twist axis. ### Claim 12 (depends on 1) The vehicle steering assembly of claim 1, wherein said steering handle comprises a base presenting a lower surface having a curved topography, wherein said lower surface is configured to depress said buttons in response to manipulation of said steering handle by an operator of said vehicle. ### Claim 13 (depends on 1) The vehicle steering assembly of claim 1, wherein said steering assembly further comprises a handle connection assembly for attaching said steering handle to said panel support structure, where said handle connection assembly comprises a tilt hinge and a twist hinge, wherein said tilt hinge is configured to permit said steering handle to tilt forward and rearward relative to said panel support structure on a tilt axis, wherein said twist hinge is configured to permit said steering handle to twist clockwise and counterclockwise relative to said panel support structure on a twist axis. ### Claim 14 (depends on 13) The vehicle steering assembly of claim 13, wherein said tilt axis is substantially horizontal and said twist axis is substantially perpendicular to said tilt axis. ### Claim 15 A vehicle steering assembly for controlling movement of a vehicle having independently rotatable left and right ground-engaging traction elements, the vehicle comprising a control panel within reach of an operator of the vehicle, the control panel comprising a panel support structure for supporting at least one control or display mechanism of the vehicle, said steering assembly comprising: a steering handle coupled to the panel support structure and extending away from the panel support structure, wherein said steering handle comprises a laterally-extending crossmember and at least one upright extension member, wherein said crossmember and said upright extension member are rigidly connected to one another so that shifting of said crossmember relative to said extension member is substantially prevented, wherein said steering handle is shiftable in forward and rearward directions to thereby cause corresponding forward and rearward rotation of both of said left and right traction elements, wherein said steering handle is rotatable in clockwise and counterclockwise directions to thereby cause a change in the relative speeds and directions of rotation of said left and right traction elements, wherein said steering assembly is configured such that (i) shifting said steering handle forward from said neutral position toward a forward position causes forward rotation of both said left and right traction elements, (ii) shifting said steering handle rearward from said neutral position toward a rearward position causes rearward rotation of both said left and right traction elements, (iii) twisting of said steering handle clockwise from said neutral position toward a clockwise twisted position causes forward rotation of said left traction element and rearward rotation of said right traction element, and (iv) twisting of said steering handle counterclockwise from said neutral position toward a counterclockwise twisted position causes forward rotation of said right traction element and rearward rotation of said left traction element. ### Claim 16 (depends on 15) The vehicle steering assembly of claim 15, wherein said steering assembly further comprises a plurality of depressible buttons positioned generally below said steering handle, wherein said buttons cooperatively control the speed and direction of rotation of said left and right traction elements. ### Claim 17 (depends on 16) The vehicle steering assembly of claim 16, wherein said steering assembly comprises a plurality of variable switches, wherein each of said variable switches comprises at least one of said depressible buttons, wherein the speed of rotation of said left and right traction elements is determined by how far down said depressible buttons are depressed. ### Claim 18 (depends on 16) The vehicle steering assembly of claim 16, wherein said steering assembly comprising four of the depressible buttons. ### Claim 19 (depends on 16) The vehicle steering assembly of claim 16, wherein said steering handle comprises a base presenting a lower surface having a curved topography, wherein said lower surface is configured to depress said buttons in response to manipulation of said steering handle by an operator of said vehicle. ### Claim 20 (depends on 15) The vehicle steering assembly of claim 15, wherein said steering handle comprises a base presenting a lower surface having a curved topography. ### Claim 21 (depends on 20) The vehicle steering assembly of claim 20, wherein said steering assembly further comprises a plurality of depressible buttons configured to engage said lower surface. ### Claim 22 (depends on 21) The vehicle steering assembly of claim 21, wherein said depressible buttons are upwardly biased, wherein the steering handle is biased toward the neutral position by the depressible buttons. ### Claim 23 (depends on 15) The vehicle steering assembly of claim 15, wherein said steering assembly further comprises a steering controller positioned under said steering handle, wherein said steering controller is configured to communicate with and control movement of a drive train of the vehicle. ### Claim 24 (depends on 23) The vehicle steering assembly of claim 23, wherein said steering controller comprises a hydraulic pilot control valve. ### Claim 25 (depends on 15) The vehicle steering assembly of claim 15, wherein a degree of forward or rearward shifting of said steering handle dictates a respective speed of forward or rearward movement of said vehicle, wherein a degree of twisting of said steering handle dictates a severity of turning of said vehicle. ### Claim 26 (depends on 15) The vehicle steering assembly of claim 15, wherein said steering handle includes only a single upright extension member. ### Claim 27 (depends on 15) The vehicle steering assembly of claim 15, wherein said steering assembly further comprises a handle connection assembly for attaching said steering handle to said panel support structure, where said handle connection assembly comprises a tilt hinge and a twist hinge, wherein said tilt hinge is configured to permit said steering handle to tilt forward and rearward relative to said panel support structure on a tilt axis, wherein said twist hinge is configured to permit said steering handle to twist clockwise and counterclockwise relative to said panel support structure on a twist axis. ### Claim 28 (depends on 15) The vehicle steering assembly of claim 15, wherein the vehicle is a compact utility loader comprising a loader system, a drive system, and a power source for powering the loader system and the drive systems, wherein said left and right traction elements each comprises tracks.