Grounds maintenance vehicle with adjustable suspension system
AssigneeThe Toro Company
InventorDale A. Stover
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Suspension systems and grounds maintenance vehicles incorporating the same are disclosed. The suspension system may include biasing elements or springs that may be adjusted to vary the preload and thus change the spring and dampening characteristics of the suspension system. In some embodiments, the system may include an adjustment mechanism that permits simultaneous adjustment of two springs via a single action. In other embodiments, features adapted to assist an operator with mounting/dismounting the vehicle are disclosed.
Claims20
A grounds maintenance vehicle comprising:
- a chassis extending between a front end and a rear end along a longitudinal axis, the chassis comprising a beam extending across the front end, the beam defining a top surface and comprising:
- a first portion having the top surface at a first elevation,
- a second portion having the top surface at the first elevation, and
- a center portion between the first and second portions, the center portion having the top surface at a second elevation lower than the first elevation relative to a ground surface when the vehicle is in an operating position;
- a first foot rest proximate the first portion of the beam;
- and
- a second foot rest transversely spaced-apart from the first foot rest and proximate the second portion of the beam.
A grounds maintenance vehicle comprising:
- a chassis extending between a front end and a rear end along a longitudinal axis, the chassis comprising a beam proximate the front end, wherein the beam extends between a left side and a right side of the chassis, wherein the beam comprises a first end proximate the left side of the chassis, a second end proximate the right side of the chassis, and a center portion between the first end and the second end, the center portion comprising an upper surface;
- a support platform extending along the longitudinal axis between the left and right sides of the chassis, wherein the support platform contacts the upper surface of the center portion of the beam;
- a first foot rest proximate the first end of the beam;
- and
- a second foot rest transversely spaced-apart from the first foot rest and proximate the second end of the beam.
A grounds maintenance vehicle comprising:
- a chassis comprising a left side support bar and a right side support bar, wherein the left and right side support bars extend between a front end and rear end generally parallel along a longitudinal axis, the chassis comprising a beam proximate the front end, the beam comprising:
- a first portion proximate the left side support bar, wherein an upper surface of the left side support bar is positioned higher than the first portion at an area of intersection between the left side support bar and the beam,
- a second portion proximate the right side support bar, wherein an upper surface of the right side support bar is positioned higher than the second portion at an area of intersection between the right side support bar and the beam, and
- a center portion between the first and second portions;
- a first foot rest proximate the first portion of the beam;
- and
- a second foot rest transversely spaced-apart from the first foot rest and proximate the second portion of the beam.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.