Steven G Jansen

US Patent:

63221519, Nov 27, 2001

Filed:

Dec 5, 2000

Appl. No.:

9/730236

Inventors:

Gregory S. Dombek - Germantown WI
Steven E. Jansen - Wild Rose WI
Alan D. Bengtson - Shorewood WI
Robert M. Motl - West Bend WI

Assignee:

Wacker Corporation - Menomonee Falls WI

International Classification:

B60P 100

US Classification:

298 1C

Abstract:

A power buggy is configured to be safe, stable, easy to control, and comfortable. Frequently-used controls such as dump controls, a speed control, and a directional control, arc located at or very near handgrips of the operator's handle so as to permit the operator to control the vehicle without releasing either of the handgrips. For instance, speed and direction arc both controlled by a bidirectional twist grip forming one of the handgrips. The twist grip must rotate through a neutral position before changing directional control from forward to reverse so that an operator cannot reverse the vehicle's direction of travel without first rather gradually reducing vehicle speed. Operator comfort is also enhanced by a fuel tank that shields the operator from the engine. The fuel tank also has a large capacity while simultaneously functioning as a support for side shrouds of the vehicle. A stowable operator's platform is lockable in both its stowed and operative positions so as to prevent injury to the operator from unintended platform movement.

US Patent:

D4103130, May 25, 1999

Filed:

Aug 31, 1998

Appl. No.:

D/092915

Inventors:

Gregory S. Dombek - Germantown WI
Steven E. Jansen - Wild Rose WI
Alan D. Bengtson - Shorewood WI

Assignee:

Wacker Corporation - Menomonee Falls WI

International Classification:

1202

US Classification:

D34 19

US Patent:

61556483, Dec 5, 2000

Filed:

Aug 31, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/143753

Inventors:

Gregory S. Dombek - Germantown WI
Steven E. Jansen - Wild Rose WI
Alan D. Bengtson - Shorewood WI
Robert M. Motl - West Bend WI

Assignee:

Wacker Corporation - Menomonee Falls WI

International Classification:

B60P 100

US Classification:

298 1C

Abstract:

A power buggy is configured to be safe, stable, easy to control, and comfortable. Frequently-used controls such as dump controls, a speed control, and a directional control, are located at or very near handgrips of the operator's handle so as to permit the operator to control the vehicle without releasing either of the handgrips. For instance, speed and direction are both controlled by a bidirectional twist grip forming one of the handgrips. The twist grip must rotate through a neutral position before changing directional control from forward to reverse so that an operator cannot reverse the vehicle's direction of travel without first rather gradually reducing vehicle speed. Operator comfort is also enhanced by a fuel tank that shields the operator from the engine. The fuel tank also has a large capacity while simultaneously functioning as a support for side shrouds of the vehicle. A stowable operator's platform is lockable in both its stowed and operative positions so as to prevent injury to the operator from unintended platform movement.