Patent ID: 6016886
Filing Date: 2000-01-25
Classification: A01D,B62D

Abstract:
A power assist steering system for use on a riding mower, the riding mower having an engine with an intake manifold, a steering implement and a steering mechanism operatively connected to a first wheel, said power assist steering system comprising:(1) first and second vacuum actuators each having(a) a connection port and(b) a first side, said first side of said first vacuum actuator moving inwardly with respect to said first vacuum actuator as a vacuum is established inside said first vacuum actuator and moving outwardly with respect to said first vacuum actuator as the vacuum is removed from inside said first vacuum actuator, said first side of said second vacuum actuator moving inwardly with respect to said second vacuum actuator as a vacuum is established inside said second vacuum actuator and moving outwardly with respect to said second vacuum actuator as the vacuum is removed from inside said second vacuum actuator;(2) vacuum means for providing a vacuum to said first and second vacuum actuators, the intake manifold providing said vacuum means;(3) activating means for selectively activating said first and second vacuum actuators, said activating means having(a) first and second switching means, said first switching means selectively initiating said first vacuum actuator, said second switching means selectively initiating said second vacuum actuator,(b) a vacuum source line, said vacuum source line communicating a vacuum from the intake manifold to said first and second switching means,(c) first and second vacuum lines, said first vacuum line communicating a vacuum from said first switching means to said first vacuum actuator, said second vacuum line communicating a vacuum from said second switching means to said second vacuum actuator,(d) a trigger segment having an extension with first and second ends, said trigger segment being selectively rotatable by the steering implement, said first end of said extension for selectively switching said first switching means, said second end of said extension for selectively switching said second switching means; and,(4) power assist means for assisting the steering mechanism, said power assist means having(a) a first connector link for use in turning the first wheel in a first direction, said first connector link being operatively connected to said first side of said first vacuum actuator,(b) a second connector link for use in turning the first wheel in a second direction, said second connector link being operatively connected to said first side of said second vacuum actuator,(c) a valve plate having first and second sides for supporting said first and second switching means, said valve plate being operatively connected to the steering mechanism, said valve plate having first and second stop bars for operative connection with said first and second ends of said extension of said trigger segment, said first connector link being pivotably connected to said first side of said valve plate, said second connector link being pivotably connected to said second side of said valve plate.