Roll induced four wheel steering vehicle
AssigneeMichael J Mainville
InventorMichael John Mainville
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The four wheel steering vehicle utilizes a cage system that extends along the longitudinal axis to protect the driver coupled to a center rail chassis. Front and Back independent suspension links extend outward along the lateral axis pivotally connected to the wheel assemblies enabling four wheel independent suspension. A centrally located pivoting shock provides both steering control and suspension attachment for the shock and spring. The vehicle is controlled by the driver using a steering wheel, acceleration pedal, and a brake pedal. The invention provides a feeling of integration with the vehicle as the driver rolls into turns with the vehicle, while minimizing fatigue caused by the continuous resistance to centrifugal cornering forces.
Claims9
A utility task vehicle, comprising:
- a chassis having:
- a mounting plate having an opening extending therethrough;
- a chassis rail welded to a bottom portion of said mounting plate;
- a pivoting shock mount received in said opening and being connected to said mounting plate by a bearing, said shock mount further connected to said mounting plate by a first spherical bearing and a second spherical bearing, said pivoting shock mount configured to pivot within said opening and with respect to said mounting plate via said bearing;
- a first upper A-arm, a second upper A-arm, a first lower A-arm and a second lower A-arm, each said upper A-arm and each said lower A-arm having a first end connected to said mounting plate by a spherical bearing, said first upper A-arm and said first lower A-arm each having second ends connected to a first wheel assembly and said second upper A-arm and said second lower A-arm each having second ends connected to a second wheel assembly;
- a first tie rod and a second tie rod, each said tie rod having a first end connected to said pivoting shock mount by a spherical bearing;
- a first shock absorber and a second shock absorber, each said shock absorber having a first end connected to said pivoting shock mount and a second end connected to a respective said lower A-arm;
- a rack and pinion steering unit mounted on said pivoting shock mount;
- whereby said rack and pinion steering unit assists in rolling said chassis about a longitudinal axis through a force being applied to said mounting plate, resulting in said pivoting shock mount's remaining in position while permitting rolling of said chassis which provides a camber change with respect to said wheel assemblies.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.