The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Mar. 12, 2002
Filed:
Feb. 08, 1999
Kip S. Vangsgard, White Beark Lake, MN (US);
Richard T. Cairns, Wayzata, MN (US);
Rodney W. Woock, Kenyon, MN (US);
Dennis J. Berndt, Eagan, MN (US);
The Toro Company, Bloomington, MN (US);
Abstract
An articulating vehicle ( ) includes a front axle ( ) operatively connected to a front frame ( ) and a rear axle ( ) is operatively connected to the rear frame ( ). A torsional joint ( ) has an inner shaft member ( ) operatively connected one of the frames and an outer hollow member ( ) operatively connected to the other of the frames. An elastomeric material ( ) is positioned between the inner member ( ) and outer member ( ). The elastic material ( ) connects the inner and outer members, whereby the frames may rotate relative to each other along the longitudinal axis as the elastomeric member ( ) is compressed and resiliently resists rotation between the frames ( and ). A torsional energy absorption suspension is provided for one of the wheels. The suspension includes a torsional joint ( ), a single A-frame member ( ). A lever arm ( ) may also be utilized to vary the preload on the torsional joint ( ).