Differential for a vehicle

Patent 5980416 Issued on November 9, 1999. Estimated Expiration Date:

August 6, 2017. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.

Abstract Claims Description Full Text

Patent References

Re34833

1585438

2424942

2431272

3665787

3673889

Differential with spherical bearing supported pinions
Patent #: 4004471
Issued on: 01/25/1977
Inventor: Keske

Diffenential axle
Patent #: 4086826
Issued on: 05/02/1978
Inventor: VON Kaler

Drive assembly with energy accumulator
Patent #: 4098144
Issued on: 07/04/1978
Inventor: Besel , et al.

Transaxle
Patent #: 4103566
Issued on: 08/01/1978
Inventor: VON Kaler , et al.

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Inventor

Gafvert, Sven B.

Assignee

Gafvert; Sven B.

Application

No. 906777 filed on 08/06/1997

US Classes:

475/230, Bevel gear differential475/248, Spur gear differential475/331PLANETARY GEARING OR ELEMENT

Examiners

Primary: Ta, Khoi Q.

Attorney, Agent or Firm

Schwegman, Lundberg, Woessner & Kluth PA

International Class

F16H 048/06

Abstract

A vehicle, such as a lawn mower or garden tractor, includes an engine attached to a frame. The frame includes several wheels including two driven wheels. A first axle shaft is attached to the first driven wheel. A second axle shaft attached to the second driven wheel. The vehicle has a transmission for transmitting power from the engine to the first axle shaft and the second axle shaft for driving the first and second wheels. The transmission includes a differential for accommodating different lengths of travel between said first wheel and said second wheel, such as when the vehicle makes a turn. The differential includes a ring gear supported by the first axle shaft and the second axle shaft. A first planet gear is supported on the first planet shaft. The first planet shaft is attached to the ring gear. Similarly, a second planet gear supported on a second planet shaft. The second planet shaft is also attached to the ring gear.