Patent ID: 8037952
Filing Date: 2011-10-18
Classification: E02F

Abstract:
1. A control system for a vehicle having a frame, comprising: a power traction ground drive coupled to the frame for propelling the frame in forward and reverse directions; a control support plate mounted at a forward end thereof relative to the vehicle to a pivotable member for rotation about an upright axis for providing steering inputs for steering the vehicle; a drive control assembly pivotally mounted about a generally lateral first axis to a rear portion of the control support plate and extending rearwardly from the control support plate; a control handle coupled to the power traction ground drive and pivotally mounted on the drive control assembly about a second lateral axis independent of and rearwardly from the first axis, the control handle pivotally actuable about the second lateral axis in a forward direction and a rearward direction with respect to the drive control assembly to provide one of a directional speed control input; and wherein pivoting of the drive control assembly about the first axis moves the control handle and the drive control assembly between a first height and a second height, and the control handle maintains its pivotal position about the second axis as the drive control assembly pivots about the first axis.