AU2008202643A1 - A steering mechanism - Google Patents

Description

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION Standard Patent Applicant(s): MGS Aviation Pty Ltd Invention Title: A STEERING MECHANISM The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method for performing it known to me/us: P75847AU.I Pat Set Fding Application 2008-8-12.dc (P) 2 00 A STEERING MECHANISM SField of the Invention The present invention relates to a steering mechanism for a transport apparatus.

Cj Background of the Invention 00 10 Steering mechanisms for transport apparatus are known.

Steering mechanisms are used in transport devices to assist with directional guidance of vehicle/transport machinery.

It will be clearly understood that, although prior art use(s) and publication(s) may be referred to herein, such reference(s) do not constitute an admission that any of these form a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or in any other country.

Summary of the Invention In the statement of invention and description of the invention which follow, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

Accordingly, in a first aspect there is provided a steering mechanism comprising: a body portion; a first wheel assembly having at least one pair of wheels; a second wheel assembly having at least one pair of wheels, said second wheel assembly configured to be N:\Perth\Cases\Patent\75000-75999\P75847.AU.l\Specis\Steering Mechanism.doc 13/06/08 3 o00 operatively associated with said first wheel assembly so that rotation of said first wheel assembly in a first ;rotational direction effects a corresponding rotation of n M the second wheel assembly in a second opposite rotational direction.

The first wheel assembly may comprise a first chassis

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C frame pivotally engaged to a second chassis assembly of a Ssecond wheel assembly by a link assembly.

00 In one embodiment, the link assembly, comprises a connecting member having a first and a second end. The first and second ends of the connecting member are configured to be pivotally coupled to the first and the second chassis frames respectively. In another embodiment, the first and the second ends of said connecting member are coupled to the first and second chassis frames respectively by a ball-hitch coupling system.

In a further embodiment, the body portion comprises a first coupling portion rotatably engaged to the first chassis assembly and a second coupling portion rotatably engaged to the second chassis assembly. In this embodiment, the first and second coupling portions are at opposite ends of the body portion. The first and second coupling portions may each be configured to engage a respective turn-table mounted on each respective first and second chassis assemblies. The body portion may further comprise a receptacle into which goods and the like can be placed to be transported.

In another embodiment, the link assembly is located substantially intermediate said first and second axels.

In yet a further embodiment, the first and second members of said connecting member are coupled to each respective first and second chassis assembly by a ball and hitch N:\Perth\Cases\Patent\75000-75999\P75847.AU.1\Specis\Steering Mechanism.doc 13/06/08 4 00 coupling system.

F1 ;The first and second chassis assemblies may each comprise Sa protrusion configured to engage the opposing chassis assembly to restrict mutual rotation of the first and second axles.

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C Accordingly, in a second aspect there is provided a Stransporter comprising: 00 10 a plurality of steering mechanisms as hereinbefore described coupled together in an end-wise formation; at least one prime mover pivotally coupled to one of said plurality of steering mechanisms.

The system may further comprise a second prime mover coupled to another of said plurality of steering mechanisms at an opposite end of said prime mover.

The second prime mover is configured to tow said plurality in a second direction. In this embodiment, the second direction is substantially opposite the first direction.

Brief Description of the Drawings The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1A shows a plan view of a steering mechanism in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 1B shows an elevation view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1A; Figure 2 shows a plan view of the embodiment shown in Figures 1A and IB; Figure 3 shows a plan view of a further embodiment of the present invention when turning; Figure 4 shows the embodiments shown in Figures 3a and 3b incorporating a towing arm; N:\Perth\Cases\Patent\75000-75999\P75847.AU.1\Specis\Steering Mechanism.doc 13/06/08 5 o00 Figure 5 shows a plurality of transporters towed in line by a prime mover; and, ;Figure 6 shows a plurality of transporters being towed Sin line by a prime mover around a curve.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments of the Invention

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SFigure 1A and Figure lB both show one embodiment of a 00 10 steering mechanism 2 having a first wheel assembly 4, a second wheel assembly 10 and a body portion 28. The first 4 and second 10 wheel assemblies further comprise a first chassis frame 24 and a second chassis frame 26 respectively. Each of the first 24 and second 26 chassis frames comprises a pair of wheels (8 and 14) rotatably engaged with first 6 and second 12 axles.

For the embodiment shown in Figures 1A and IB, the first 24 and second 26 chassis frames are coupled by a link assembly 16 disposed substantially centrally of the first 6 and second 12 axles. The link assembly 16 comprises a connecting member 18 pivotally engaged to a first coupling joint 20 disposed on the first chassis frame 24, and a second coupling joint 22 disposed on the second chassis frame 26. The connecting member 18 of the link assembly 16 may comprise any structural member resistant to tensile forces; for example, the connecting member 18 may comprise a conventional steel channel or closed section.

The first 20 and second 22 coupling joints are both rigidly mounted to respective first 24 and second 26 chassis frames. The first 20 and second 22 coupling joints may each comprise a standard ball joint coupling configured to be engagable with complementary hitch couplings attached to ends of the connecting member 18. In this way, each of first 60 and second 62 ends of the connecting member 18 is securably engaged with a respective first 20 or second 22 N:\Perth\Cases\Pateft\7S000-75999\P75847.AU1\Specis\Steerig Mechanism.doc 13/06/08 6 00 coupling joint so as to be capable of allowing the connecting member 18 to pivot at each end.

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Cc The first axle 6 is coupled to the first wheel assembly 4 to allow the first wheels 8 to rotate in the vertical plane. The first chassis frame 24 may be located above or below the first axle 6 or, alternatively, may be configured

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C to pass through a portion of the first chassis frame 24.

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SSimilarly, the second axle 12 is coupled in a similar 00 10 manner to the second chassis frame 26. In both instances, the connection between first 6 and second 12 axles and the respective chassis frames comprises suitable axle bearings through which both axles are held and are able to rotate.

The first 4 and second 10 wheel assemblies may comprise suitable suspension systems to dampen vertical movement of the steering mechanism 2 while in transit along rough terrain.

Figure 2 shows a further embodiment of the steering mechanism 2 in which the first wheel assembly 4 is rotated at an angle 81 about a first vertical axis 48 in a first rotational direction 54 (anti-clockwise about the first vertical axis 48). The rotation of first wheel assembly 4 facilitates a corresponding rotation 02 of the second wheel assembly 10 by the relative movement of the link assembly 16. The connecting member 18 of the link assembly 16 responds to the rotation of first wheel assembly 4 by pulling on the second coupling joint 22 of the second wheel assembly 10, causing the second wheel assembly 10 to rotate about a second vertical axis 50 in an opposite second rotational direction 56. Similarly, rotation of the first chassis 4 in the second rotational direction (clockwise about the first vertical axis 48) causes the connecting member 18 to push on the second coupling joint 22 to cause rotation of the second wheel assembly 10 about second vertical axis 50 in the first rotational direction. It will be appreciated that when the link assembly 16 is N:\Perth\Cases\Patent\75000-75999\P75847.AU.1\Specis\Steering Mechanism.doc 13/06/08 7 00 disposed substantially centrally of first 6 and second 12 axles, angles 0 1 and 82 will be substantially the same. It ;may be appreciated that other mechanical systems known in the art may be incorporated within the link assembly 16 to provide a suitable coupling between the first 24 and second 24 wheel assemblies to achieve the same relative rotational movement between the first 4 and second 10 wheel ND assemblies.

00 10 The embodiments shown in Figures 1 and 2 show a steering mechanism 2 incorporating a body portion 28 having a first coupling portion 30, a second coupling portion 32 and a receptacle portion 34. The receptacle 34 of the frame portion 28 may be adapted to carry goods or the like. In one embodiment, the receptacle 34 may be adapted to carry earth debris such as rocks and minerals.

The first 30 and second 32 coupling portions of the body portion 28 are each configured to be engagable with respective first 24 and second 26 chassis frames and rotatable about first 48 and second 50 vertical axes. The first coupling portion 30 may be configured to engage a first turntable 36 mounted to the first chassis frame 24.

Engagement of the first turntable 36 by the first coupling portion 30 allows the first wheel assembly 4 to rotate about the first vertical axis 48 relative to the body portion 28. Similarly, the second coupling portion 32 is configured to engage a second turntable 38 mounted to the second chassis frame 26, allowing the wheel assembly frame 10 to rotate about the second vertical axis 50 relative to the body portion 28. It may be appreciated that any mechanical means known to one skilled in the art may be incorporated to replace the rotating turntables 36 and 38 in order to achieve a rotational movement of the first 24 and second 26 chassis frames relative to the body portion 28.

N\Perth\Cases\Patent\75000-75999\P75847.AU.1\Specis\Steering Mechaniam.doc 13/06/08 8 00 Figure 3 shows a further embodiment of the steering mechanism 2 wherein the first 24 and second 26 chassis ;frames are configured with first 40 and 42 protrusions, M respectively. The first 40 and second 42 protrusions of the linkage assembly 16 act to restrain or restrict the rotational freedom of the second wheel assembly 10 when contacting the respective opposing first 24 or second 26

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C chassis frames. It will be appreciated that the rotation

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Sof the second wheel assembly 10 will be restricted once the 00 10 rotation of the first wheel assembly 4 rotates sufficiently

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Cfor second protrusion 42 to contact or engage the first chassis frame 24 (as shown in Figure 3B). Once this engagement occurs, further rotation of the second chassis assembly 10 will be prohibited. Similar will occur when the first wheel assembly 4 is rotated sufficiently in a clockwise direction for first protrusion 40 to engage the second chassis frame 26. Once either protrusion has contacted or engages its opposing chassis frame, both first 4 and second 10 wheel assemblies become rotationally restricted. Thus, the length of each first 40 and second 42 protrusion will directly influence the amount of rotation possible by each respective wheel assembly. The first 40 and second 42 protrusions may be integral with each respective first 24 or second 26 chassis frame or may be axially adjustable to increase or lessen the rotational freedom of both wheel assemblies in either or both rotational freedoms about first 48 and second 50 vertical axes.

Figure 4 shows a plan view of a further embodiment of the steering mechanism 2 comprising a towing arm 44 for connecting to a coupling joint of a towing vehicle 46 disposed adjacent the steering mechanism 2. Figure 5 shows an elevation view of a plurality of steering mechanisms 2 being towed in-line by towing vehicle 46.

Figure 6 shows a plan view of a plurality of steering N:\Perth\Cases\Patent\75000-75999\P75847.AU.1\Specis\Steering Mechanism.doc 13/06/08 9 o00 mechanisms 2 when towed in-line by towing vehicle 46 around a curved pathway 48. It will be appreciated that a ;plurality of steering mechanisms 2, when aligned in an in- Sline formation, will co-operate to self-steer according to the direction travelled by the towing vehicle 46. In such a situation, a change in direction of towing vehicle 46 M causes a rotation of the first wheel assembly 4, thus IND encouraging the second wheel assembly 10 to rotate

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Scorrespondingly by the linkage assembly 16. Similarly, the 00 10 rotation of the second wheel assembly 10 rotates the first wheel assembly 4' of the subsequent steering mechanism 2' to effect an opposite rotation of the second wheel assembly of said subsequent steering mechanism It will be appreciated that when the angles 8 1 and e 2 are substantially equal, the path travelled by the second wheels 8 is substantially the same as the path travelled by the first wheels 4 and thereby the path travelled by each steering mechanism 2 is substantially the same.

It will be appreciated that the rotation of each wheel assembly will ensure that each respective axle will be rotated sufficiently to ensure that each steering mechanism 2 remains in formation when towed.

An in-line formation of steering mechanisms 2 with attached frame portion 28 having receptacle portions 34 may be employed for moving large quantities of earth debris or minerals through narrow underground passageways where underground (or overground) turning space is limited. Such a chain of steering mechanisms 2 may incorporate a towing vehicle or prime mover at each end so that the formation may be towed in both directions, thus not requiring space to be turned around.

Numerous variations and modifications will suggest themselves to persons skilled in the relevant art, in addition to those already described, without departing N:\Perth\Cases\Patent\75000-75999\P75847.AU.1\Specis\Steering Mechanism.doc 13/06/08 10 00 from the basic inventive concepts. All such variations and modifications are to be considered within the scope of ;Z the present invention, the nature of which is to be determined from the foregoing description.

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Claims (14)

1. A steering mechanism comprising: Cc a body portion; a first wheel assembly having at least one pair of wheels; a second wheel assembly having at least one pair of C wheels, said second wheel assembly configured to be Soperatively associated with said first wheel assembly so 00 10 that rotation of said first wheel assembly in a first rotational direction effects a corresponding rotation of the second wheel assembly in a second opposite rotational direction.

2. A steering mechanism according to claim 1 wherein said first wheel assembly comprises a first chassis frame pivotally engaged to a second chassis frame of a second wheel assembly by a link assembly.

3. A steering mechanism according to claim 2 wherein said link assembly comprises a connecting member having a first and a second end, said first and second ends of said connecting member being pivotally coupled to said first and said second chassis frames respectively.

4. A steering mechanism according to claim 3 wherein said first end and said second end of said connecting member is coupled to said first and second chassis frames respectively by a ball-hitch coupling system. A steering mechanism according to any of the preceding claims wherein said body portion comprises a first coupling portion rotatably engaged to said first chassis assembly and a second coupling portion rotatably engaged to said second chassis assembly.

6. A steering mechanism according to claim 5 wherein N:\Perth\Cases\Patent\75000-75999\P75847.AU.1\Specis\Steering Mechanism.doc 13/06/08 12 o00 said first and second coupling portions are at opposite ends of said body portion. ;Z

7. A steering mechanism according to claim 6 wherein said first and second coupling portions are each configured to engage a respective turn-table mounted on each respective first and second chassis assemblies. \O

8. A steering mechanism according to claim 7 wherein 00 10 said body portion further comprises a receptacle.

9. A steering mechanism according to claim 2 wherein said link assembly is located substantially intermediate said first and second axles. A steering mechanism according to claim 3 wherein said first and second members of said connecting member are coupled to each respective first and second chassis assembly by a ball and hitch coupling system.

11. A steering mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims wherein each of said first and second chassis assemblies comprises a protrusion configured to engage an opposing chassis assembly to restrict mutual rotation of said first and second axles.

12. A transporter comprising: a plurality of steering mechanisms according to any one of the preceding claims coupled together in an end- wise formation; at least one prime mover pivotally coupled to one of said plurality of steering mechanisms.

13. A system according to claim 12 further comprising a second prime mover coupled to another of said plurality of steering mechanisms at an opposite end of said prime mover. N:\Perth\Cases\Patent\75000-75999\P75847.AU.1\Specis\Steering Mechanism.doc 13/06/08 13 00 oC

14. A system according to claim 13 wherein said second prime mover is configured to tow said plurality in a second direction. A system according to claim 14 wherein said second direction is substantially opposite said first direction. \O (N S16. A steering mechanism as hereinbefore described with 00 10 reference to the accompanying figures.

17. A system for transporting goods as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying figures.

18. A transporter as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying figures. N:\Perth\Cases\Patent\75000-75999\P75847.AU.1\Specis\Steering Mechanism.doc 13/06/08