GB1561940A

GB1561940A - Reversible seat and steering console for tracotrs

Info

Publication number: GB1561940A
Application number: GB4576877A
Authority: GB
Original assignee: Versatile Manufacturing Ltd
Current assignee: Versatile Manufacturing Ltd
Priority date: 1977-11-03
Filing date: 1977-11-03
Publication date: 1980-03-05

Description

(54) REVERSIBLE SEAT AND STEERING CONSOLE FOR TRACTORS (71) We, VERSATILE MANUFACTURING LIMITED, a Canadian Company of 1260 Clarence Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, do hereby declare the invention for which we pray that a patent may be granted to us, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement: This invention relates to new and useful improvements in steering, seating and, if desired, instrument portions of a cab of a tractor.

Conventionally, the seat is fixed with the operator facing forwardly with the steering assembly in front of the operator. When the tractor is being driven forwardly, this ar rangement is satisfactory so that implements attached behind the tractor can be pulled in the usual manner.

However, many present day implements are best operated if they are pushed by the tractor and although a similar three-point hitch could be situated upon the front of the tractor, nevertheless the tractor balance would be upset and the expense would be considerable.

When it is desired to attach such implements to a tractor, for example, a swather the operator has to turn around in the seat and drive the tractor rearwardly in order to operate the implements satisfactorily. It is therefore apparent that such operating conditions are inconvenient and extremely tiring particularly when considerable work is being done with push-type implements.

The present invention overcomes the disadvantages by providing a seat and steering console unit which can be rotated through 1800 so that the operator can either face rearwardly or forwardly of the tractor, depending upon driving conditions.

According to the present invention there is provided a combined seat and steering console for a tractor which includes a cab frame, the console including an operator's seat and a steering assembly and comprising means for mounting the console on thP cab frame for rotation from a forwardly facing position to a rearwardly facing position and vice versa, means to detachably lock the console in either of the aforesaid positions, means to allow movement of the console forwardly and rearwardly when positioned.

on the cab frame, said means to detachably lock the console in the forwardly or rearwardly facing position also detachably locking the console in any one of a plurality of positions forwardly and rearwardly of the frame, and means allowing adjustment of the for and aft position of the seat of the console relative to the steering assembly of the console.

The invention also includes a tractor comprising a frame, a power source, a cab on the frame behind the source of power, a hitch connection at the rear of the frame; a combined seat and steering console, means mounting the console on the frame for rotation from a forwardly facing position to a rearwardly facing position and vice versa, means for detachably locking the console in either of the aforesaid positions, means to allow movement of the console forwardly and rearwardly on the frame and to detachably lock the console in any one of a plurality of positions forwardly and rearwardly of the frame, said means to detachably lock the console in the forwardly or rearwardly facing position also detachably locking the console in any one of the plurality of positions forwardly and rearwardly of the frame and the combined console including a longitudinally extending support frame, a seat mounted upon the support frame, the means mounting the console for rotation including a cylindrical support secured to and depending from the support frame substantially centrally of the console, and cylindrical support receiving means associated with the tractor frame within which the cylindrical support is journalled for rotation.

Preferably the console also includes an instrument panel assembly below the steering assembly and which rotates with the console so that the driver can check the engine instruments readily and easily.

The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a fragmentary partially sectioned side elevation of the console mounted upon the cab frame; Figure 2 is a top plan view of Figure 1 with the steering portion deleted for clarity; Figure 3 is a partial section of Figure l taken through the axis of rotation; Figure 4 is a schematic side elevation of a tractor with the seat and steering console shown in phantom in the normal or forward facing position; and Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure 4, but showing the seat and steering console in the reversed or rearwardly facing position.

In the drawing like characters of reference indicate corresponding parts in the different figures.

Proceeding therefore to describe the invention in detail, reference character 10 illustrates schematically the side elevation of a tractor, in this instance, an articulated tractor including a source of power 11A situated in the front portion thereof and having a cab collectively designated 11 mounted upon the rear portion thereof.

Ground engaging wheels 12 support the tractor in the usual manner and a conventional three-point hitch assembly 13 is secured to and extends from the rear of the tractor as clearly shown.

Within the cab 11 is situated a seat and steering console collectively designated 14 and which is shown in detail in Figures 1 to 3 inclusive.

A longitudinally extending frame member 15 is situated within the base of the cab and consists in this embodiment, of a reversed U-shaped cross sectional member having attaching flanges 16 extending upon each side thereof, vertical portions 17 and an upper horizontal web or flange 18.

A pair of channel members 19 are secured upon each of the vertical flanges 17 and externally thereof and support the seat and steering console 14 as will hereinafter be described.

A main support member 20 is provided and is also of a reversed U-shaped configuration when viewed in cross section as clearly shown in Figure 3. It includes vertical members 21, upper horizontal flange 22 and lower inturned legs or portions 23. A plurality of rollers 24 are mounted for rotation on the inside face of the vertical members 21 and these rollers engage the aforementioned channels 19 so that the entire console assembly 14 can move fore and aft relatiye to the frame member 15. In this connection, means are provided to lock the console assembly 14 in any one of a plurality of positions fore and aft, relative to the member 15 and this particular feature will hereinafter be described.

The console assembly 14 includes a seat support member 26, a seat assembly 27, and a steering assembly collectively designated 28.

An instrument panel assembly collectively designated 29 is preferably incorporated within the console 14 but can be located separately within the cab if desired.

The seat support member 26 is substantially box-shaped cross sectioned channel or member including spaced and parallel side flanges 30, upper horizontal flange 31 and lower horizontal flange 32.

A relatively short mounting tube 33 is secured as by welding 34 within an aperture formed in the lower flange 32 of the seat support member 26 and this support tube extends downwardly through an aperture within the member 20. A washer 35 is then engaged around the tubular support member 33 and is welded in position on the lower side of the horizontal flange 22 of the member 20 as clearly illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, thus mounting the seat support member 26 for rotation in a horizontal plane relative to the member 20. The lower end of the support tube 33 freely engages within an aperture 36 formed within the upper flange 18 of the frame member 15.

A detachable locking pin 37 engages through an aperture within the seat support member 26 and within any one of a plurality of apertures 38 formed within the one end of the frame member 15 as clearly shown in Figure 1 thus locking the console assembly in the position illustrated in Figure 1.

Similar apertures 3 8A are provided on the opposite end of the frame member 15 for locating the console in the reverse position as will hereinafter be described.

Horizontally extending panels 39 are secured on the outer sides of the vertical portion 30 of the seat support member 26 and are engaged by rollers 40 which are journalled for rotation within vertical portions 41 of the seat assembly 27 so that this seat assembly can be moved fore and aft relative to the seat support member 26 and locked in the desired position by means of a lock pin 42 engageable within any one of a plurality of apertures 43 formed in the upper flange 31 of the seat support member 26.

The steering assembly 28 includes a steering wheel 44 and a steering column 45 operatively connected by means of tubing 46, to hydraulic steering mechanism on the tractor (not illustrated).

The tubing 46 passes downwardly through the tubular support 33 and is flexible so that rotation of the assembly through 1800 as will hereinafter be described, can be initiated.

Support structure 47 is provided for the steering assembly 28 and also forms the instrument console 29. The various instruments are connected to the source of power by means of tubular or electrical connections shown schematically by reference character 48 which also extend freely through the tubular support 33 to permit the aforementioned 1800 rotation of the console relative to the frame 15.

In operation, and referring first to Figure 4, the console 14 is situated relative to frame 15 reverse from that shown in Figure 1, so that the operator, being seated within the seat assembly 27, faces forwardly and the tractor is operated in the conventional manner.

Under these circumstances, lock pin 37 would be engaged in any one of the plurality of apertures 38A within the frame member 15 so that the entire console is locked in position. Tt may however be positioned fore and aft by selection of the relevant aperture 38A. Furthermore, the seat assembly 27 may be positioned relative to the steering assembly 28 by the engagement of pin 42 within one of the apertures 43 depending upon the operator's choice.

If, however, it is decided to attach a push-type implement to the rear of the tractor and operate the tractor in the opposite direction or rearwardly, then pin 37 is withdrawn and the entire assembly rotated through 1800 in an horizontal plane so that it takes up the position illustrated in Figures 1 and 5 whereupon pin 37 is engaged through any one of apertures 38 with the fore and aft relationship of the console being adjusted in a manner hereinbefore described.

This enables the operator to face rearwardly and to steer the tractor in the normal manner and, if the instrument assembly 29 is mounted as illustrated, to maintain a constant check upon the engine conditions.

One again the relationship of the seat assembly 27 may be adjusted relative to the steering assembly, at the choice of the operator.

Of importance is that the fact that the rotation of the console should always be in the reversed direction to the last rotation in oorder to prevent the tubes 46 and 48 from twisting to a degree which may exceed the designated parameters thereof.

This is easily accomplished by any one of a variety of stop means (not illustrated) which will prevent the console from rotating through a full 360".

From the foregoing it will be appreciated that a simple console has been provided incorporating the seat assembly 27 and the steering assembly 28 and. if desired, the instrument assembly 29. The mounting of this console within the cab is such that it may be rotated through 1800 so that the operator may face forwardly or rearwardly, the seat assembly may be adjusted relative to the steering assembly and the entire console may be adjusted within the cab lepend- ing upon the operating conditions.

WHAT WE CLAIM IS:- 1. A combined seat and steering console for a tractor which includes a cab frame the console including an operator's seat and a steering assembly and comprising means for mounting the console on the cab frame for rotation from a forwardly facing position to a rearwardly facing position and vice versa, means to detachably lock the console in either of the aforesaid positions, means to allow movement of the console forwardly and rearwardly when positioned on the cab frame, said means to detachably lock the console in the forwardly or rearwardly facing position also detachably locking the console in any one of a plurality of positions forwardly and rearwardly of the frame, and means allowing adjustment of the for and aft position of the seat of the console relative to the steering assembly of the console.

2. A tractor comprising a frame, a power source, a cab on the frame behind the source of power, a hitch connection at the rear of the frame; a combined seat and steering console, means mounting the console on the frame for rotation from a forwardly facing position to a rearwardly facing position and vice versa, means for detachably locking the console in either of the aforesaid positions, means to allow movement of the console forwardly and rearwardly on the frame and to detachably lock the console in any one of a plurality of positions forwardly and rearwardly of the frame, said means to detachably lock the console in the forwardly or rearwardly facing positions also detachably locking the console in any one of the plurality of positions forwardly and rearwardly of the frame and the combined console including a longitudinally extending support frame, a seat mounted upon the support frame, the means mounting the console for rotation including a cylindrical support secured to and depending from the support frame substantially centrally of the console, and cylindrical support receiving means associated with the tractor frame within which the cylindrical support is journalled for rotation.

3. A tractor according to claim 2 which includes means allowing adjustment of the fore and aft position of the seat of the console relative to the steering portion of the console.

4. A console according to claim 1 further including a longitudinally extending support frame, the seat being mounted upon the support frame, and said means to mount the console for rotation including a cylin

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. steering assembly 28 and also forms the instrument console 29. The various instruments are connected to the source of power by means of tubular or electrical connections shown schematically by reference character 48 which also extend freely through the tubular support 33 to permit the aforementioned 1800 rotation of the console relative to the frame 15. In operation, and referring first to Figure 4, the console 14 is situated relative to frame 15 reverse from that shown in Figure 1, so that the operator, being seated within the seat assembly 27, faces forwardly and the tractor is operated in the conventional manner. Under these circumstances, lock pin 37 would be engaged in any one of the plurality of apertures 38A within the frame member 15 so that the entire console is locked in position. Tt may however be positioned fore and aft by selection of the relevant aperture 38A. Furthermore, the seat assembly 27 may be positioned relative to the steering assembly 28 by the engagement of pin 42 within one of the apertures 43 depending upon the operator's choice. If, however, it is decided to attach a push-type implement to the rear of the tractor and operate the tractor in the opposite direction or rearwardly, then pin 37 is withdrawn and the entire assembly rotated through 1800 in an horizontal plane so that it takes up the position illustrated in Figures 1 and 5 whereupon pin 37 is engaged through any one of apertures 38 with the fore and aft relationship of the console being adjusted in a manner hereinbefore described. This enables the operator to face rearwardly and to steer the tractor in the normal manner and, if the instrument assembly 29 is mounted as illustrated, to maintain a constant check upon the engine conditions. One again the relationship of the seat assembly 27 may be adjusted relative to the steering assembly, at the choice of the operator. Of importance is that the fact that the rotation of the console should always be in the reversed direction to the last rotation in oorder to prevent the tubes 46 and 48 from twisting to a degree which may exceed the designated parameters thereof. This is easily accomplished by any one of a variety of stop means (not illustrated) which will prevent the console from rotating through a full 360". From the foregoing it will be appreciated that a simple console has been provided incorporating the seat assembly 27 and the steering assembly 28 and. if desired, the instrument assembly 29. The mounting of this console within the cab is such that it may be rotated through 1800 so that the operator may face forwardly or rearwardly, the seat assembly may be adjusted relative to the steering assembly and the entire console may be adjusted within the cab lepend- ing upon the operating conditions. WHAT WE CLAIM IS:-

1. A combined seat and steering console for a tractor which includes a cab frame the console including an operator's seat and a steering assembly and comprising means for mounting the console on the cab frame for rotation from a forwardly facing position to a rearwardly facing position and vice versa, means to detachably lock the console in either of the aforesaid positions, means to allow movement of the console forwardly and rearwardly when positioned on the cab frame, said means to detachably lock the console in the forwardly or rearwardly facing position also detachably locking the console in any one of a plurality of positions forwardly and rearwardly of the frame, and means allowing adjustment of the for and aft position of the seat of the console relative to the steering assembly of the console.

drical support secured to and depending from the support frame substantially centrally of the console for location in cylindrical support receiving means associated with the tractor frame so that in position the cylindrical support is journalled for rotation.

5. A combined seat and steering console substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

6. A tractor including a combined console in accordance with claim 1 and substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.