SHORT TURN RADIUS STEERING SYSTEM
First Claim
1. A short turn radius steering system, comprising:
- a linkage configured to move in a first direction;
a pivot bracket coupled to the linkage;
a bracket linkage configured to move in a second direction and coupled to the pivot bracket; and
a spindle assembly coupled to the pivot bracket.
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Accused Products
Abstract
To reduce the complexity, maintenance, and cost, and to increase the reliability of a riding lawnmower employing a short turn radius steering system, the riding lawn mower may be configured with a linkage and steering assembly that eliminates or reduces complicated gearing. A riding lawn mower may comprise a link system, pivot brackets, and spindle assemblies. The geometry of the steering system may be configured to provide a turn radius of seven inches or less. Moreover, the geometry of the steering system may be configured to provide Ackerman steering, such that, the inside wheel turns sharper than the outside wheel in a turn.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A short turn radius steering system, comprising:
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a linkage configured to move in a first direction; a pivot bracket coupled to the linkage; a bracket linkage configured to move in a second direction and coupled to the pivot bracket; and a spindle assembly coupled to the pivot bracket. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A riding lawnmower, comprising:
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a steering system, comprising; a first steering linkage; a first pivot bracket coupled to the first steering linkage; and a first spindle assembly coupled to the first pivot bracket, wherein the first linkage is configured to move in a first direction causing the pivot bracket to apply a force to the spindle in a second direction; an axle, wherein the steering system is operatively coupled to the axle; and a first wheel rotatably coupled to the first spindle assembly. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A method for operating a lawnmower comprising:
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receiving an input at a user input, wherein the input is translated from the user input to a first linkage and a second linkage, wherein a steering system comprises the first linkage, a first pivot bracket, a first spindle assembly, the second linkage, a second pivot bracket, and a second spindle assembly, wherein the first linkage is coupled to the first pivot bracket and the first pivot bracket is coupled to the first spindle assembly, and wherein the second linkage is coupled to the second pivot bracket and the second pivot bracket is coupled to the second spindle assembly; turning a first wheel in response to the input, wherein the input is provided from the first linkage through the first pivot bracket to the first spindle assembly, and wherein the first wheel is coupled to the first spindle assembly; and turning a second wheel in response to the input, wherein the input is provided from the first linkage through the second pivot bracket to the second spindle assembly, wherein the second wheel is coupled to the second spindle assembly.
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- 19. The method of claim 19, wherein the second wheel is turned sharper than the first wheel.
Specification