초록 ▼

The articulated vehicle of the present invention includes a front frame and a rear frame which are interconnected by a universal coupling joint which is capable of pivoting about a vertical axis and about a horizontal axis. Mower decks may be mounted on the vehicle and raised and lowered by hydrauli

The articulated vehicle of the present invention includes a front frame and a rear frame which are interconnected by a universal coupling joint which is capable of pivoting about a vertical axis and about a horizontal axis. Mower decks may be mounted on the vehicle and raised and lowered by hydraulic cylinders. Hydraulic cylinders are also used to cause articulated movement with respect to the front and rear frames about a vertical axis.

대표청구항 ▼

An articulated vehicle comprising: a forward frame having a forward end, a rearward end, and opposite sides; a pair of spaced apart front wheels rotatably mounted to said forward frame for rotation about a front wheel axis extending between said opposite sides of said forward frame; a rear frame hav

An articulated vehicle comprising: a forward frame having a forward end, a rearward end, and opposite sides; a pair of spaced apart front wheels rotatably mounted to said forward frame for rotation about a front wheel axis extending between said opposite sides of said forward frame; a rear frame having a forward end, a rearward end, and opposite sides; a pair of spaced apart rear wheels rotatably mounted to said rear frame of rotation about a rear wheel axis extending between said opposite sides of said rear frame; universal connecting means connecting said rear end of said forward frame to said forward end of said rear frame, said connecting means having a longitudinal axis extending from said forward frame rearwardly toward said rearward frame, said connecting means being pivotally connected to one of said front and rear frames for pivotal movement about a vertical axis with respect thereto; said connecting means also permitting said forward and rearward frames to pivot with respect to one another about a second axis extending in the same general direction as said longitudinal axis of said connecting means; first power means for rotatably driving at least two of said front and rear wheels; second power means connected to said connecting means and to said one of said front and rear frames for causing rotation of said one of said front and rear frames to rotate about said vertical axis; and control means connected to said first and second power means for controlling said first and second power means; said second power means comprising at least one hydraulic cylinder having a reciprocating piston rod therein, one of said cylinder and said piston rod being connected to said front frame and the other of said cylinder and said piston rod being connected to said connecting means whereby extension and retraction of said piston rod within said cylinder causes articulated movement of said forward frame and said rearward frame about said vertical axis; said connecting means comprising a cylindrical collar having a clevis fixed thereto, a horizontal pivot pin extending through said cylindrical collar and through said forward end of said rear frame to provide said second axis, and a vertical pin extending through said clevis and said front frame to provide said vertical axis.