Simplified steering mechanism having both steering and tilting capabilities
AssigneePaul E. Brooks
InventorsPaul F. Brooks, Kenneth D. Lisonbee
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A simplified steering mechanism having both wheel steering and wheel tilting capabilities is provided. The mechanism comprises a generally planar platform, a plunger assembly attached to the bottom face of the platform, top and bottom axles of equal length, and a pair of wheels. Each axle intersects an intermediate space in the plunger assembly at an approximate midpoint, the ends of the axles being pivotally attached to the wheels when a downward vertical force is exerted on one of the longitudinal sides of the platform, the wheels tilt and turn simultaneously relative to the platform.
Claims12
A simplified steering mechanism having both wheel steering and wheel tilting capabilities, comprising:
- a generally planar platform having top and bottom broad faces and having first and second longitudinal sides,
- a plunger assembly including an attachment plate attached to the bottom broad face of the platform, first and second parallel plunger portions rigidly attached to the plate and extending downwardly therefrom, the plunger portions defining a vertical intermediate space therebetween,
- top and bottom axles of equal length, each axle intersecting the intermediate space at an approximate midpoint and each axle including first and second ends, said plunger assembly including a pivot pin and a steering pin for pivotally securing each axle to the plunger assembly and flexing means for returning and maintaining the axles in a neutral steering position,
- a pair of wheels, the top and bottom axles having first ends hingedly connected to one wheel and the top and bottom axles having second ends hingedly connected to the other wheel,
- wherein a downward vertical force exerted upon one of the longitudinal sides of the platform would cause the axles to pivot relative to the plunger assembly and the wheels to tilt and turn relative to the platform.
A skateboard assembly for recreational and competitive use, comprising:
- a generally planar platform having top and bottom broad faces and having first and second longitudinal sides, and
- a pair of identical, but oppositely disposed steering mechanisms, each steering mechanism comprising:
- a plunger assembly including an attachment plate attached to the bottom broad face of the platform, first and second parallel plunger portions rigidly attached to the plate and extending downwardly therefrom, the plunger portions defining a vertical intermediate space therebetween,
- top and bottom axles of equal length, each axle intersecting the intermediate space at an approximate midpoint and each axle including first and second ends, said plunger assembly including a pivot pin and a steering pin for pivotally securing each axle to the plunger assembly and flexing means for returning and maintaining the axles in a natural steering position,
- a pair of wheels, the top and bottom axles having first ends hingedly connected to one wheel and the top and bottom axles having second ends hingedly connected to the other wheel,
- wherein a downward vertical force exerted upon one of the longitudinal sides of the platform would cause the axles to pivot relative to the plunger assembly and the wheels to tilt and turn relative to the platform.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.