Patent ID: 7108096

Claim:
In a vehicle including a motive device for driving the vehicle at a speed corresponding to a speed control structure and a steerable ground-engaging structure for controlling a direction of vehicle travel, a system for intended use in temporarily reducing the speed of the vehicle, comprising: a steering device for steering the vehicle including a steering wheel connected to a shaft and a pinion adapted for engaging a rack that moves to and fro corresponding to the movement of the steering wheel, including through a predetermined range; a connector operatively connecting the steering device with the speed control structure, the connector including a flexible part assuming a first, non-activated condition when the steering device is actuated within the predetermined range such that the speed control structure is substantially unaffected and assuming a second, activated condition when the steering device is actuated beyond the predetermined range such that the speed control structure is automatically actuated to reduce the speed; a bearing for engaging the flexible part in both the first and second conditions; and means for supplying a force for holding the flexible part substantially taut and in engagement with the bearing when in the first condition, wherein the holding force is overcome when the flexible part assumes the second condition.