Angularly-adjustable steering system for stabilizing and enhancing maneuvers performed with snowmobiles and all-terrain-vehicles

• US 6,467,787 B1
• Filed: 04/06/2000
• Issued: 10/22/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 04/06/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: William C. Marsh
• Original Assignee: William C. Marsh
• Inventors: Marsh, William C.
• Primary Examiner(s): DePumpo, Daniel G.
• Application Number:
  US09/544,840
• Time in Patent Office: 929 Days
• Field of Search: 180/182, 180/184, 280/263, 280/279, 745/511, 745/512, 745/513, 745/515, 745/517, 745/518
• US Class Current: 280/279
• CPC Class Codes: B62K 21/00 Steering devices steering devices specially adapted for one particular kind of cycle specified in groups B62K1/00 - B62K17/00, see the relevant group
• CPC Class Codes: B62K 5/01 Motorcycles with four or more wheels specially adapted for disabled riders B62K5/003
• CPC Class Codes: B62K 5/10 with means for inwardly inclining the vehicle body on bends
• CPC Class Codes: B62M 27/02 power driven
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 74/2078 Handle bars
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 74/20792 Folding or adjustable
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 74/20816 with handle latch

Abstract

An angularly-adjustable steering system is provided for an off-road vehicle such as a snowmobile or an ATV. The steering system employs a modular handlebar-angling mechanism interfaced between the steering column and the handlebar apparatus of the steering system. The angling mechanism operates by pivotal mechanics to enable a user to position the handlebar apparatus of the steering system to any desired angle of tilt along a radial tilt range, and then to lock the apparatus into position using a cable-assisted lever or other mechanical control. The steering system is utilized in side-hilling and other difficult maneuvers for the purpose of improving stabilization of the vehicle over sloping terrain, improving the balance of a user operating the vehicle from a running-board position, and decreasing muscular strain on the user.

Claims

1. An angularly-adjustable steering system for a vehicle comprising:

a steering column connected to a lower steering member for enabling control of steering direction of the vehicle;

a handlebar apparatus for enabling user-applied direction for steering the vehicle; and

a bar-angling mechanism for enabling angular adjustment of the handlebar apparatus, the bar-angling mechanism fixedly adjoined to the handlebar apparatus at one end, and fixedly adjoined to the steering column at the other end, such that a user gripping the handlebar apparatus may position the handlebar apparatus to a desired angle of tilt horizontally along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle by virtue of pivotal mechanics of the bar-angling mechanism.

2. The steering system of claim 1 wherein the vehicle is a snowmobile.

3. The steering system of claim 1 wherein the vehicle is an all-terrain vehicle (ATV).

4. The steering system of claim 1 wherein the bar-angling mechanism utilizes at least one bi-directional, linear locking device for locking and unlocking the position of the handlebar apparatus.

5. The steering system of claim 4 wherein the bar-angling mechanism is spring loaded and is unlocked and locked by operating an external control lever.

6. A mechanism for providing angular adjustment capability to a vehicle steering system comprising:

an upper mounting plate fixedly adjoined to a handlebar apparatus;

a lower mounting plate fixedly adjoined to a steering column;

a pivotal mount for connecting the upper mounting plate to the lower mounting plate;

at least one spring retention rod pivotally mounted to the upper mounting plate and supporting a spring compressed against the lower mounting plate and against the end of the rod.

7. The mechanism of claim 6 wherein free angular movement of the handlebar apparatus is resisted by spring compression.

8. The mechanism of claim 7 wherein the locking device is a bi-directional, linear locking device.

9. The mechanism of claim 8 wherein the linear locking device is lever actuated and controlled by an external, user-operated, cable-assisted lever.