1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to articulated drives and in particular, to an articulated drive which provides adjustable self-positioning of the alignment of the articulated sections whether or not power is applied.
2. Description of Related Art
It is known to have an articulated drive for any articulated or pivoted vehicle, device or contrivance on which power is transferred by belt or chains or other similar methods from any type of motor or manual power source which crosses the articulated pivot axis. Such a mechanism is shown and is used in a special purpose "ride on" motor mower. Such a mechanism could be also used on any other appropriate vehicle or device. Such a vehicle is fitted with a single wheel in either the front or rear, which provides steering and propulsion. A motor located on the other of the articulated vehicle drives the wheel by means of belts. The inherent problem with such a configuration is that the steering arm requires constant counter torque to oppose the natural tendency of the combined drive wheel and steering leg assembly to rotate around the steering axis when power is applied because the input shaft of the right angle drive unit is positioned in the axial line of the vertical articulated pivot. This has been demonstrated under actual working conditions as being a high torque.