Vehicle steering head

• US 7,156,408 B2
• Filed: 09/29/2003
• Issued: 01/02/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 07/05/1999
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Kettler International Incorporated (HEINZ KETTLER GMBH & CO. KG)
• Original Assignee: HEINZ KETTLER GMBH & CO. KG
• Inventors: Kettler, Joachim, Kettler, Heinz, Rocholl, Reinhard
• Primary Examiner(s): WINNER, TONY H
• Application Number:
  US10/671,668
• Publication Number:
  US 20040090038A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,191 Days
• Field of Search: 280/279, 280/272, 280/271, 280/282, 280/89, 403/354, 403/83, 744/95
• US Class Current: 280/279
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 44/485 the material being spread in the nip of two cooperating rollers
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 37/153 at least one layer is extruded and immediately laminated while in semi-molten state
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 5/18 characterised by features of a layer of foamed material
• CPC Class Codes: B62J 15/04 Mud flaps
• 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 21/02 Front wheel forks or equivalent, e.g. single tine
• CPC Class Codes: B62K 21/06 Bearings specially adapted for steering heads bearings in general F16C
• CPC Class Codes: B62K 21/10 Mechanisms for restoring steering device to straight-ahead position
• CPC Class Codes: B62K 9/00 Children's cycles toy vehicles A63H17/00
• CPC Class Codes: B62K 9/02 Tricycles

Abstract

Vehicle steering head including a connecting element adapted to engage a handlebar. A support tube rotatably supports the connecting element. A connecting member is adapted to connect a wheel fork to a handlebar. The connecting member is rotatable with respect to the support tube. A mechanism limits the rotational movement of the connecting member in each of two directions. A lower bearing support is mounted to the support tube. The mechanism and the lower bearing support cooperate to limit the rotational movement of the connecting member.

Claims

1. A tricycle vehicle steering head comprising:

a support tube adapted to be fixed to a frame;

a connecting member adapted to connect a wheel fork to a handlebar;

a mechanism which limits the rotational movement of the connecting member in each of two directions;

the mechanism being arranged on a mudguard;

an upper bearing support mounted to an upper end of the support tube;

a lower bearing support mounted to a lower end of the support tube,

the connecting member being rotatably mounted to the support tube via the upper and lower bearing supports; and

a locking device that engages an opening in the mechanism;

wherein the mechanism and the lower bearing support cooperate to limit the rotational movement of the connecting member.

2. The steering head of claim 1, wherein the upper and lower bearing supports are each non-rotatably fixed to the support tube.

3. The steering head of claim 1, wherein the lower bearing support comprises at least one stop surface.

4. The steering head of claim 3, wherein the lower bearing support comprises two stop surfaces.

5. The steering head of claim 1, wherein the mechanism comprises at least one stop surface.

6. The steering head of claim 5, wherein the mechanism comprises two stop surfaces.

7. The steering head of claim 1, wherein the mechanism comprises a linkage element having at least one stop surface.

8. The steering head of claim 7, wherein the linkage element rotates with the connecting member.

9. The steering head of claim 7, wherein the linkage element and the mudguard comprise a one-piece structure.

10. The steering head of claim 1, wherein the connecting member is cylindrically shaped.

11. The steering head of claim 1, further comprising a handlebar connected to one end of the connecting member and a wheel fork connected to another end of the connecting member.

12. A tricycle vehicle steering head comprising:

a support tube adapted to be fixed to a frame;

a cylindrical member adapted to connect a wheel fork to a handlebar;

the cylindrical member being rotatable with respect to the support tube;

a recessed portion arranged at a lower end of the support tube and comprising first and second stop surfaces;

an arcuate projecting portion configured to rotate within the recessed portion and comprising first and second stop surfaces; and

an arc length of the arcuate protecting portion being greater than 180 degrees between the first and second stop surfaces,

wherein contact between the first stop surfaces of the projecting portion and the recessed portion limits the rotation of the cylindrical member in one direction, and

wherein contact between the second stop surfaces of the projecting portion and the recessed portion limits the rotation of the cylindrical member in another direction.

13. The steering head of claim 12,

wherein the arcuate projecting portion rotates with the cylindrical member;

and

wherein a lower bearing support includes the recessed portion.

14. The steering head of claim 12, wherein the arcuate projecting portion is coupled to a mudguard.

15. A tricycle vehicle steering head comprising:

a support tube adapted to be fixed to a frame;

a connecting element adapted to connect a wheel fork to a handlebar;

the connecting element being rotatably mounted to the support tube via upper and lower bearing supports;

a rotatably mounted linkage element comprising at least two stop surfaces and an opening;

the linkage element engaging the lower bearing support;

a mudguard that rotates with the linkage element;

a movably mounted pin that engages the opening in the linkage element in a locking position and that does not engage the opening in the linkage element in a unlocked position;

one of the at least two stop surfaces limiting the rotation of the connecting element in one direction; and

another of the at least two stop surfaces limiting the rotation of the connecting element in another direction.

16. A tricycle vehicle steering head comprising:

a support tube adapted to be fixed to a frame;

a connecting member adapted to connect a wheel fork to a handlebar;

the connecting element being rotatably mounted to the support tube via upper and lower bearing supports;

a locking device that, in a locked position, prevents rotational movement of the fork member and that, in an unlocked position, allows rotational movement of the fork member in each of two directions;

a system which is arranged at a lower end of the support tube and that limits the rotational movement of the fork member in each of the two directions,

wherein the system includes an arcuate projecting part and a recessed part which is configured to receive the arcuate projecting part, and

wherein the recessed part is non-rotatably mounted and wherein the arcuate projecting part rotates with the connecting member.

17. A tricycle vehicle steering head comprising:

a support tube adapted to be fixed to a frame;

a connecting element adapted to connect a wheel fork to a handlebar;

the connecting element being rotatably mounted to the support tube via upper and lower bearing supports;

a mechanism that is rotatable and comprises an opening and at least two stop surfaces arranged on an arcuate projecting portion;

the mechanism engaging with the lower bearing support;

a movably mounted pin that, in a locking position, engages with the opening in the mechanism;

one of the at least two stop surfaces limiting the rotation of the connecting element in one direction; and

another of the at least two stop surfaces limiting the rotation of the connecting element in another direction.

18. The vehicle steering head of claim 17, the mechanism is arranged on a mudguard.

19. The vehicle steering head of claim 18, wherein the movably mounted pin moves parallel to an axis of the connecting element.

20. The vehicle steering head of claim 17, wherein the lower bearing support comprises at least two stop surfaces that are engagable with the at least two stop surfaces of the arcuate projecting portion.

21. A tricycle vehicle steering head comprising:

a support tube adapted to be fixed to a frame;

a connecting element adapted to connect a wheel fork to a handlebar;

the connecting element being rotatable with respect to the support tube;

a movable locking member which engages with an opening to prevent rotational movement of the connecting element and which disengages from the opening to allow rotational movement of the connecting element;

a first stop surface limiting the rotation of the connecting element in one direction; and

a second stop surface limiting the rotation of the connecting element in another direction,

wherein the opening, the first stop surface and the second stop surface are each arranged on a mudguard.

22. The vehicle steering head of claim 21, wherein the first and second stop surfaces rotate with the mudguard.

23. The vehicle steering head of claim 21, wherein the first and second stop surfaces are disposed on an arcuate projecting portion of the mudguard.

24. The vehicle steering head of claim 21, wherein the opening rotates with the connecting element.

25. The vehicle steering head of claim 21, wherein the movable locking member comprises a pin.

26. The vehicle steering head of claim 21, wherein the first and second stop surfaces moveably engage two stop surfaces which do not move.

27. The vehicle steering head of claim 21, further comprising a lower bearing support that comprises the two stop surfaces which do not move, wherein the two stop surfaces which do not move engage the first and second stop surfaces.

28. A tricycle vehicle steering head comprising:

a support tube adapted to be fixed to a frame;

a connecting member adapted to connect a wheel fork to a handlebar;

the connecting member being rotatable with respect to the support tube; and

a system which limits the rotational movement of the fork member in each of two directions;

the system including one part which is non-rotatably mounted to an end of the support tube and another part which rotates with the connecting member;

a pin that engages, in a locking position, an opening in the other part,

wherein the other part is an arcuate projection and the one part is an arcuate guiding recess within which the arcuate projection moves.

29. A tricycle vehicle steering head comprising:

a support tube adapted to be fixed to a frame;

a cylindrical member adapted to connect a wheel fork to a handlebar;

the cylindrical member being rotatably mounted to the support tube; and

a system which limits the rotational movement of the cylindrical member in each of two directions, the system including one part which is non-rotatably mounted to the support tube and another part which rotates with the cylindrical member;

a locking system comprising a pin and an opening configured to receive the pin;

the pin being configured to move in a direction which is parallel to an axis of the support tube; and

the opening being arranged on the other part and being configured to rotate with the cylindrical member,

wherein, when the pin engages the opening, the cylindrical member is prevented from rotating, and

wherein when the pin does not engage the opening, the cylindrical member is free to rotate in each of two directions.

30. A tricycle vehicle steering head coupled to a frame, said steering head comprising:

a support tube adapted to be fixed to the frame;

a lower bearing support non-movably mounted to the support tube;

a connecting element adapted to connect a wheel fork to a handlebar;

the connecting element being rotatable with respect to the support tube;

a mechanism that limits rotational movement of the connecting element;

the mechanism comprising at least two stop surfaces which engage with first and second stop surfaces of the lower bearing support;

one of the at least two stop surfaces limiting the rotation of the connecting element in one direction; and

another of the at least two stop surfaces limiting the rotation of the connecting element in another direction,

wherein the mechanism comprises an arcuate projection, an arc length of the arcuate projection between the at least two stop surfaces being greater than an arc length of a space defined by the at least two stop surfaces, whereby the arcuate projection and the space comprise an arc length equal to a circle.

31. The vehicle steering head of claim 30, wherein the mechanism is coupled to a mudguard.

32. The vehicle steering head of claim 30, further comprising a device that engages the mechanism to prevent movement thereof.

33. The vehicle steering head of claim 32, wherein the device that engages the mechanism comprises a pin.

34. A tricycle vehicle steering head coupled to a frame, comprising:

a support tube fixed to the frame;

a connecting element adapted to connect a wheel fork to a handlebar;

the connecting element being configured to rotate with respect to the support tube;

a mechanism that limits rotational movement of the connecting element;

the mechanism comprising at least two stop surfaces;

one of the at least two stop surfaces limiting the rotation of the connecting element in one direction;

another of the at least two stop surfaces limiting the rotation of the connecting element in another direction; and

a locking system that prevents rotational movement of the connecting element,

the locking system comprising a movable engaging member and an opening that can receive the engaging member and which can rotate with the connecting element,

wherein the opening is arranged on the mechanism.

35. The vehicle steering head of claim 34, wherein the engaging member can move between a first position that allows the connecting element to rotate in each of two directions and a second position wherein the connecting element is prevented from rotational movement in each of the two directions.

36. The vehicle steering head of claim 34, wherein the engaging member can move from a first position to a second position, wherein, in the first position, the connecting element can rotate in each of two directions and wherein, in the second position, the engaging member enters the opening and the connecting element is prevented from rotational movement in each of the two directions.

37. A tricycle vehicle steering head comprising:

a support tube adapted to be fixed to a frame;

a connecting member rotatably mounted to the support tube;

a mechanism that limits rotational movement of the connecting member in each of two directions;

the mechanism comprising at least two stop surfaces;

one of the at least two stop surfaces limiting the rotation of the connecting member in one direction;

another of the at least two stop surfaces limiting the rotation of the connecting member in another direction; and

a locking system which utilizes a movable locking member and an opening;

wherein, when the locking member does not engage the opening, the connecting member can rotate in each of the two directions, and wherein, when the locking member engages the opening, the connecting member is prevented from rotating in each of the two directions.

38. The vehicle steering head of claim 37, further comprising a mudguard.

39. The vehicle steering head of claim 37, wherein the locking member moves in a direction that is parallel to an axis of the connecting member.

40. The vehicle steering head of claim 37, wherein the connecting member is mounted to the support tube via upper and lower bearing supports.

41. The vehicle steering head of claim 37, wherein the mechanism moves when the connecting member moves.

42. A tricycle vehicle steering head comprising:

a support tube adapted to be fixed to a frame;

a connecting element rotatably mounted to the support tube via upper and lower bearing supports;

a mudguard;

a system which limits the rotational movement of the connecting element in each of two directions;

a locking system comprising a movable locking member and an opening arranged on the mudguard;

wherein, when the locking member does not engage the opening, the connecting element can rotate in each of the two directions, and wherein, when the locking member engages the opening, the connecting element is prevented from rotating in each of the two directions.

43. The vehicle steering head of claim 42, wherein the locking member moves in a direction that is parallel to an axis of the connecting element.

44. The vehicle steering head of claim 42, wherein the mechanism moves when the connecting element moves.

45. A tricycle vehicle steering head comprising:

a support tube adapted to be fixed to a frame;

a fork member rotatably mounted to the support tube via upper and lower bearing supports;

a system which limits the rotational movement of the fork member in each of two directions; and

a locking system comprising a movable locking member and an opening,

wherein the locking member moves in a direction that is parallel to an axis of the support tube, and

wherein, when the locking member does not engage the opening, the fork member can rotate in each of the two directions, and wherein, when the locking member engages the opening, the fork member is prevented from rotating in each of the two directions.

46. The vehicle steering head of claim 45, wherein the locking member comprises a pin.

47. A tricycle vehicle steering head comprising:

a support tube adapted to be fixed to a frame;

a fork member rotatably mounted to the support tube;

a mudguard;

a locking system comprising a pin and an opening configured to receive the pin;

the pin being movably mounted; and

the opening being arranged on a surface of the mudguard;

wherein, when the pin engages the opening, the fork member is prevented from rotating, and

wherein, when the pin does not engage the opening, the fork member is free to rotate in each of two directions.

48. The vehicle steering head of claim 47, wherein the pin can move in a direction that is parallel to an axis of the support tube.

49. The vehicle steering head of claim 47, further comprising a system which limits the rotational movement of the fork member in each of the two directions.

50. The vehicle steering head of claim 47, wherein the fork member can rotate approximately 45 degrees in each of the two directions.

51. A vehicle steering head for a tricycle having a frame, the vehicle steering head comprising:

a support tube fixed to the frame of the tricycle;

an upper bearing support mounted to the support tube;

a lower bearing support mounted to the support tube;

a connecting element rotatably mounted to the support tube via the upper and lower bearing supports;

a mudguard; and

a movement limiting system that limits rotational movement of the connecting element in each of two directions,

wherein the movement limiting system comprises an arcuate recess and an arcuate projection, the arcuate projection having an arc length between two stop surfaces that is

greater and an arc length of a space defined by the two stop surfaces of the arcuate projection, whereby the arcuate projection and the space comprise an arc length equal to a circle, and the arcuate recess having an arc length between two other stop surfaces that is greater than the arc length of the arcuate projection.

52. A vehicle steering head for a tricycle having a frame, the vehicle steering head comprising:

a support tube fixed to the frame of the tricycle;

an upper bearing support mounted to the support tube;

a lower bearing support mounted to the support tube;

a connecting element rotatably mounted to the support tube via the upper and lower bearing supports;

a mechanism which limits rotational movement of the connecting element; and

a locking system which cooperates with the lower bearing support and which can be moved by a user,

wherein, when moved to one position, the locking system is structured and arranged to prevent the connecting element from rotating in each of the two directions, and wherein, when moved to another position, the locking system is structured and arranged to allow the connecting element to rotate in each of the two directions.

53. A vehicle steering head for a tricycle having a frame, the vehicle steering head comprising:

a support tube fixed to the frame of the tricycle;

an upper bearing support mounted to the support tube;

a lower bearing support mounted to the support tube;

a connecting element rotatably mounted to the support tube via the upper and lower bearing supports;

a mudguard comprising a mechanism for limiting rotational movement of the connecting element and an opening; and

a locking system which can be moved by a user to engage the opening,

wherein, when moved to one position, the locking system is structured and arranged to prevent the connecting element from rotating in each of the two directions, and wherein, when moved to another position, the locking system is structured and arranged to allow the connecting element to rotate in each of the two directions.

54. A vehicle steering head for a tricycle having a frame, the vehicle steering head comprising:

a support tube fixed to the frame of the tricycle;

an upper bearing support mounted to the support tube;

a lower bearing support mounted to the support tube;

a connecting element rotatably mounted to the support tube via the upper and lower bearing supports;

a mudguard;

a movement limiting system that limits rotational movement of the connecting

element in each of two directions;

the movement limiting system comprising one part arranged on the mudguard and another part arranged on the lower bearing support; and

a locking system which can be moved by a user,

wherein, when moved to one position, the locking system is structured and arranged to prevent the connecting element from rotating in each of the two directions, and wherein, when moved to another position, the locking system is structured and arranged to allow the connecting element to rotate in each of the two directions.

55. A vehicle steering head for a tricycle having a frame, the vehicle steering head comprising:

a support tube fixed to the frame of the tricycle;

an upper bearing support mounted to the support tube;

a lower bearing support mounted to the support tube;

a connecting element rotatably mounted to the support tube via the upper and lower bearing supports;

a mudguard;

a locking system comprising a pin and an opening arranged on the mudguard; and

a movement limiting system that limits rotational movement of the connecting element in each of two directions,

the movement limiting system comprising an arcuate recess arranged on the lower bearing support and an arcuate projection arranged on the mudguard,

wherein the arcuate projection has an arc length between two stop surfaces that is greater and an arc length of a space defined by the two stop surfaces of the arcuate projection, whereby the arcuate projection and the space comprise an arc length equal to a circle, and

wherein the arcuate recess has an arc length between two other stop surfaces that is greater than the arc length the arcuate projection.

56. The vehicle steering head of claim 55, further comprising a device for locking the pin in a locking position.

57. The vehicle steering head of claim 56, wherein the device for locking the pin in the locking position engages the lower bearing support.

58. The vehicle steering head of claim 55, wherein the pin moves parallel to an axis of the connecting element.

59. The vehicle steering head of claim 55, wherein the arcuate projection extends from a surface of the mudguard which rotatably engages the lower bearing support.

60. The vehicle steering head of claim 55, wherein the lower bearing support comprises an opening which allows an end of the pin to pass therethrough.

61. The vehicle steering head of claim 55, wherein the arcuate projection and the mudguard comprise a one-piece structure.

62. A vehicle steering head for a tricycle having a frame, the vehicle steering head comprising:

a support tube fixed to the frame of the tricycle;

an upper bearing support mounted to the support tube;

a lower bearing support mounted to the support tube;

a connecting element mounted to the support tube via the upper and lower bearing supports;

a wheel fork rotating with respect to the support tube;

a first part comprising stop surfaces;

a second part comprising stop surfaces;

one stop surface of the first part contacting one stop surface of the second part when the wheel fork is rotated in one direction and another stop surface of the first part contacting another stop surface of the second part when the wheel fork is rotated in another direction;

the first part and the second part being structured and arranged to allow rotational movement of the wheel fork in each of two directions while also limiting rotational movement of the wheel fork in each of the two directions within an angular range; and

a locking system which, in a locked position, prevents rotational movement of the wheel fork and which, in an unlocked position, allows the wheel fork to rotate in each of the

two directions within the angular range.

63. The vehicle steering head of claim 62, wherein the first part comprises a projecting part and the second part comprises a recess which receives therein the projecting part.

64. The vehicle steering head of claim 62, wherein the locking system comprises a movable first member and a second member that receives therein an end of the movable first member.

65. The vehicle steering head of claim 64, wherein the movable first member moves parallel to an axis of the connecting member and the second member comprises an opening.

66. The vehicle steering head of claim 62, wherein each of the first part and the second part are arcuate-shaped.

67. The vehicle steering head of claim 66, wherein the first part has an arc length between the stop surfaces that is greater and an arc length of a space defined by the stop surfaces of the first part, whereby the first part and the space comprise an arc length equal to a circle, and wherein the second part has an arc length between the stop surfaces of the second part that is greater than the arc length the first part.

68. The vehicle steering head of claim 62, further comprising a mudguard, wherein the first part is arranged on the mudguard and the second part is arranged on the lower bearing support.

69. The vehicle steering head of claim 62, wherein the locking system comprises a pin and an opening that receives therein an end of the pin in the locked position.

70. The vehicle steering head of claim 62, wherein the locking system comprises a device that is movably mounted and an opening that, in the locked position,

receives therein an end of the device.

71. The vehicle steering head of claim 62, wherein the locking system comprises one part having an opening which receives therein the connecting element and another part having an opening which, in the locked position, receives therein a portion of the one part.