Abstract: An articulated balancer with an oscillating axle and having locking possibilities provides dynamic stability and static balance to a vehicle having a high center of gravity in rounding curves. This vehicle has three wheels, one in front and two in the rear. It rivals the maneuverability of a motorcycle, yet offers a higher level of safety and convenience than conventional motorcycles. The stability in curves is obtained by enhancing the lateral tilting of the vehicle. For this, each rear wheel must allow an up or down motion; each of these motions is opposite to the other but to the same extent. By means of "ball-and-socket" hinged joints, two connecting rods connect the balancer with the rear swinging forks, converting the balancer's rotation to an up-and-down motion. The balancer's axle allows an oscillation motion controlled by a shock absorber, that provides the rear suspension of the vehicle.

Abstract: All improvement in a kit for converting a motorcycle to a tricycle is described. The kit includes a pair of swing arms having a first end and a second end. Axle couplings are provided at the first end of each swing arm whereby the swing arms are secured to an axle which supports two wheels. Pin receiving couplings are provided at the second end of each swing arm whereby the swing arms are pivotally secured by pins to a motorcycle frame. The improvement is characterized by swing arms having a top surface and a bottom surface. The axle coupling and the pin receiving coupling extend vertically from the top surface of the swing arms. The top positioning of the axle couplings and the pin receiving couplings leaves the majority of the top surface of the swing arms dropped below the level of the original floor boards of the motorcycle. The swing arms can pivot as intended without their movement being impeded by the original floor boards.

Abstract: A three wheeled vehicle has a steered front wheel and two driven rear wheels. A novel suspension has inner and outer members keyed to rotate in lockstep, but to accommodate axial travel of only the inner member. The inner member rises and falls with the front wheel as the vehicle negotiates uneven terrain, and the outer member is axially immobilized. Steering inputs are imposed on the outer member, which passes rotational movement to the inner member. The novel suspension incorporates a spring and shock absorber, and enables steering linkage to avoid vertical displacement imposed upon the suspension. In various embodiments, the vehicle accommodates one, two, or three passengers, and includes open or fully enclosed bodies.

Abstract: A three wheeled vehicles has two front wheels and one rear wheel. The front wheels are driven. Both front and rear wheels are steered. A novel steering linkage causes the vehicle to steer with directionally conventional response to a steering input, in that the direction of turning a steering wheel or bar is also the direction in which the vehicle turns. A rear axle assembly provides uncomplicated construction accommodating both the steering and a spring and shock absorber type suspension. In a first embodiment, bodywork covers the front of the vehicle, spanning both front wheels. In a second embodiment, bodywork is extended to envelope substantially the entire vehicle.

Abstract: A drive system (1) for a motor vehicle is disclosed. The drive system (1) includes left and right wheels (2,3) driven by left and right hydrostatic drive units (5,6), respectively. A rear wheel (4) is used to steer the motor vehicle. A linkage system including links (9,10,12) is used to connect or disconnect the drive units (5,6) to or from their respective wheels (2,3) when the steered rear wheel (4) calls for a direction of turning.

Abstract: A motorized wheelbarrow with an off-center pivoting Load bucket makes unloading the wheelbarrow easy and quick. The pivot point underneath the bucket is located between a center point of the bottom of the load bucket and a back end of the bucket defined as the end closest to the human operator. A latch holds the bucket in a normal position in which the same is horizontally disposed. Upon release of the latch, since the pivot of the bucket is off-center, gravity will force the bucket to pivot forward into a dumping position, thereby emptying the contents of the wheelbarrow. The wheelbarrow is powered by an engine which further drives a generator, thereby providing electrical power at remote locations.

Abstract: The invention is a golf cart with a motor for the transport of golf equipment and one person. It is equipped with a steering mechanism which enables an individual to drive the cart while sitting on a seat, standing on a board located behind the seat, or walking behind the cart.

Abstract: A working vehicle comprises front wheels, steerable rear wheels steerable up to a minimum radius turning region lying in a transverse direction substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of a vehicle body, and a rear wheel control device for steering the rear wheels. A restraining device is provided for preventing the rear wheels from being steered to the minimum radius turning region by the rear wheel control device.

Abstract: A three wheeled vehicle has two wheels in front, front wheel drive, and a single rear wheel, and rear wheel steering. A novel steering linkage causes the vehicle to steer with directionally conventional response to a steering input, despite the rear wheel steering. A rear axle assembly provides uncomplicated construction accommodating both the steering and a spring and shock absorber type suspension. In a first embodiment, bodywork covers the front of the vehicle, spanning both front wheels. In a second embodiment, the bodywork is extended to envelope substantially the entire vehicle.

Abstract: The invention is a conversion kit for converting a two-wheeled motorcycle into a three-wheeled motorcycle providing for increasing both the lateral and longitudinal stability of a conventional motorcycle while maintaining the conventional positioning of the motorcycle rider. The invention replacing the front wheel with a pair of opposed wheels connected to the conventional front fork by an elongated kit frame. The kit frame is narrow and does not provide for enclosing the driver within the frame. The elongated frame provides for greater longitudinal stability and the opposed front wheels provide for greater lateral stability. The kit frame is directly mounted to the conventional motorcycle front fork, requiring limited modification to the conventional motorcycle and eliminating special connectors required by prior designs.

Abstract: A remote controlled golf bag cart is described. The cart consists of two rear wheels and a front wheel mounted on a tricycle-type chassis. The rear wheels are coupled to a battery operated electric motor which drives them simultaneously. The front wheel is controlled by a motor driven worm device which turns the front wheel to the right or the left. A remote control is used to operate the motor which typically has a rheostat and to turn the front wheel to the left or right. The remote control is a radio signal transmitter and receivers are operably coupled to the drive motor and the directional motor.

Abstract: A saddle type, off-road vehicle comprises a frame, including upper, lower and rear portions, an engine supported by the frame, a pair of rear wheels disposed on opposite sides of the main frame. The lower portion of the frame extends rearwardly and upwardly behind the engine and the rear portion of the frame extends substantially horizontally therefrom, while the upper portion of the frame extending rearwardly downwardly behind the seat terminates in the vicinity of a junction between the lower and rear portions of the frame.

Abstract: A small, three wheeled utility vehicle has a front steering wheel and two rear drive wheels driven by an automotive engine and transaxle unit. The vehicle has a frame composed of tubular steel parts welded together to provide a complete cage around the passenger compartment and an engine and cargo area behind the passenger compartment. The body of the vehicle is composed of body panels mounted within the tubular frame.

Abstract: A saddle type, off-road vehicle, comprising a frame, an engine supported by the frame, at least one front wheel, a pair of rear wheels disposed on opposite sides of the frame, a seat supported on an upper portion of the frame, and a storage receptacle provided above the rear frame. The storage receptacle includes an element for reinforcing the strength and rigidity of an inner surface thereof and a partition for dividing the receptacle into a plurality of storage sections.

Abstract: A steering roller arrangement for a trackless floor vehicle in the form of a so-called three-wheeled vehicle is described. With this vehicle, in addition to two running wheels, a steering roller is provided which can be swiveled about a vertical axis by means of a ring mount for traveling in a curved line and to achieve a trailing effect. Relative to the rotatable part of the ring mount, the steering roller is movable between two opposite trailing positions such that, with a reversal of the direction of travel, the required alteration of the steering roller trailing effect is brought about by a corresponding adjustment of the steering roller. In this way uncontrolled veering of the vehicle is avoided which occur with conventional three-wheeled vehicles on account of the rotation of the steering roller by 180.degree. caused by the trailing effect of the steering roller. The steering roller is expediently displaceable in a straight line by a linear guide between the two trailing positions.

Abstract: A saddle type, off-road vehicle is disclosed which comprises a frame, an engine mounted to the frame, a pair of rear wheels disposed on opposite sides of the frame, at least one front wheel, a seat supported on an upper portion of the frame, and a steering handle positioned forwardly of the seat. Each of the rear wheels has a larger diameter and a smaller lateral width than each of the front wheels. Additionally, the vehicle includes a relatively large storage receptacle is provided on the frame.

Abstract: A very compact and cushioned narrow front assembly for a high crop spray vehicle. A U-shaped and generally horizontal pivoting frame is connected to the lower end of a steering yoke for rocking about a first axis. A ground wheel is carried on the side legs of the U-shaped frame for rotation about a second axis offset in the rearward direction slightly from the first axis. A pair of shock absorbers extend downwardly from the upper portion of the steering yoke to pivotal connections with each of the side legs just behind and above the second axis. The forward ends of the side legs, which terminate rearwardly of the forwardmost extremity of the ground wheel, are each pivotally connected to the eye-end of a tension link which extends upwardly through a spring abutment bracket fixed to the lower end of the corresponding side of the yoke. A spring is compressed between the upper end of each of the links and the corresponding spring abutment bracket to provide balanced shock-absorbed cushioning.

Abstract: A saddle type, off-road vehicle, comprising a frame, an engine supported on the frame, at least one front wheel, a pair of rear wheels disposed on opposite sides of the frame, and a storage receptacle provided on the vehicle having at least a portion thereof positioned above the rear frame. The storage receptacle is positioned rearwardly of the major part of the frame and above the rear axle.

Abstract: A saddle type, off-road vehicle, comprising a frame, an engine supported on the frame, at least one front wheel, a pair of rear wheels disposed on opposite sides of the frame, and a storage receptacle having at least a portion thereof positioned above the rear frame. The storage receptacle having at least a portion thereof positioned rearwardly of the seat and the storage receptacle having an opening defined in an upper surface thereof, including a lid means for opening and closing the upper surface of the storage receptacle.

Abstract: A floor device for a vehicle including a single front wheel, comprising a floor portion arranged to be substantially flat in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and a foot rest portion formed to be continuous with a front portion of the floor portion, the foot rest portion extending obliquely upwardly forwardly from the front portion of the floor portion at least to the vicinity of a steering support member of the front wheel.Sufficient longitudinal floor length is obtainable, without extension of the wheel base, to assure a comfortable freedom of the driver at his feet.

Abstract: A three wheel vehicle is described having two forward wheels that are driven and steerable. The two forward wheels and the single rear wheel are supported by a single-unit platform member molded from an engineering plastic. The platform member includes a plurality of pipe-like attachment clip/handles strategically located both within the bounds of the platform and about the periphery of the platform. The basic vehicle is intended for use by a standing individual. A plurality of accessories are selectively attachable to the platform member by use of the platform clip/handles. They facilitate use of the vehicle by both a seated and a standing individual, and protect the individual from the environment. Attachments that facilitate cargo carrying and protection of the individual are also described. The vehicle is foldable for storage.

Abstract: A regular motorcycle, particularly of the type having a shaft driven rear wheel, is provided with a modified and simplified structure of a differential gear allowing a quick change from a single rear wheel mode to a double rear wheel mode, eliminating the need for an expensive differential gear lock mechanism and thus reducing the cost of production while at the same time simplifying the changeover from one mode to the other.

Abstract: A working vehicle comprising a vehicle body having a pair of front wheels and a pair of rear wheels, at least the rear wheels being drivingly rotatable and steerable, a working machine provided at the front end of the vehicle body, and a steering wheel and a seat which are disposed in the vicinity of the front wheels at the front portion of the body. The rear wheels can be steered between a forwardly directed position and a laterally directed position about a vertical axis approximately at the midportion between the pair of front wheels. The vehicle can make a quick turn with a small radius without subjecting the operator to a great centrifugal force.

Abstract: A three wheeled vehicle having one front wheel and two rear wheels. The front wheel is for steering. Each rear wheel is rotatably mounted to a swing arm means. The two swing arms are pivotably mounted to the frame. The swing arms are connected to each other through a rocking arm assembly. The rocking arm is pivotably connected to the frame with a roll joint. The operator has the ability to lean the vehicle while negotiating curves. The vehicle can be kept upright while traversing a slope.

Abstract: A motorized golf cart has a frame that supports a platform upon which a golfer may stand while straddling a golf bag supported upon the platform along an incline. A U-shaped articulated steering bar is provided for adjustable positioning of a handle portion of the bar in forward and intermediate positions for control by a walking and riding golfer, respectively, and in a rear position for supporting the cart upendedly for storage.

Abstract: A saddle riding type vehicle comprising a pair of right and left driving wheels, the wheels being driven by a power unit through a differential device, wherein there is provided a differential control device which increases differential torque of both the wheels in response to a rise of relative rotational speed of both the driving wheels.

Abstract: A saddle type vehicle for running on an uneven ground includes a swing type engine unit whose pivot is positioned before a center of the wheel base of the vehicle. The vehicle includes a lower member disposed opposite to a lower surface of the engine unit and includes a frame connected by coupling the lower member and an upper member by a bridge member surrounding a main portion of the engine unit.

Abstract: A carrier for a three-wheel vehicle having a frame which is pivotally mounted to the frame of the vehicle. Fenders are resiliently mounted to the carrier such that pivotal movement of the carrier will result in the fenders moving therewith. A subcarrier frame is in turn pivotally mounted to the carrier frame for pivotal movement of the subcarrier frame relative to the carrier frame. An articles case located beneath the carrier and specifically beneath the subcarrier frame is positioned between the rear wheels of the tricycle structure. A cover for the articles case is fixed to the subcarrier frame such that pivotal movement of the subcarrier frame will result in opening of the articles case.

Abstract: A stabilizer for all terrain vehicles which has a mounting bracket (20) attached to the undercarriage to which an outrigger spring (22) or (22a) is mounted at a forward angle. A rear spring (30) extends aft of the vehicle in similar manner. Stabilizer arms (26) and (32) are juxtapositionly attached to the springs and act as snubbers, allowing limited deflection of the springs. A folded runner section 23 or a pair of outrigger feet (28), having an upwardly tapering end are integral or attached to the outrigger springs and a cross bar (34) is fastened to the rear spring providing an extended footprint capable of holding the weight of the vehicle. The spring or springs are so located as to change the center of gravity preventing the overturning of the vehicle while yieldingly absorbing the load if an obstruction is encountered.

Abstract: Two embodiments of three wheeled shaft driven vehicles embodying an improved construction for affixing the final drive assembly to the remaining portion of the vehicle. The attachment is accomplished in a way that facilitates alignment and servicing. In each embodiment, the final drive assembly is not provided with any suspension and is affixed directly to the frame. In one embodiment, a splined connection is employed for rotatably coupling the transmission output shaft with the final drive input shaft. In the other embodiment, a universal joint is used for this purpose.

Abstract: A three-wheeled or four-wheeled motorcycle having a body, two rear wheels, a pedal on each side of the body for a rider's feet, and a footguard on each pedal. Each footguard has a frame and a flat, horizontal plate, attached to the frame. A vertical member, extending upward from the rear edge of the plate, prevents the rider's foot from moving off of the plate toward the rear wheel. An elongated guard member extends rearward and outward from the frame, to additionally keep the rider's foot away from the rear wheel.

Abstract: In a vehicle in which front and rear wheels are suspended on a body frame and a power unit for driving the wheels via a drive shaft is carried on the central portion of the body frame, a fuel tank and an exhaust muffler are juxtaposed on left and right sides below the body frame in such a manner to be contained within the vertical projection plane of the body frame, and a heat insulating plate is interposed between the fuel tank and the exhaust muffler. The power unit is offset to one side in the widthwise direction of a vehicle body to define a space on the opposite side in which the drive shaft and exhaust pipes are disposed inside the outermost frame portion in vertically spaced relation to extend in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body.

Abstract: Several embodiments of balloon tired, off the road vehicles embodying improved cooling systems. In each embodiment, the engine is surrounded by a cooling shroud and a fan is provided for driving air across the engine. The fan is offset from the engine crankshaft axis and is driven by it. In some embodiments, foreign matter is precluded from entry into the shroud inlet by positioning the inlet in a protected area such as over the fender, under the body, under the fuel tank, or under the seat.

Abstract: A vehicle which may be three-wheeled or four-wheeled, for instance, a buggy comprises a front wheel and a wishbone suspension for supporting the front wheel and a power unit. The body frame comprises a left subframe, a right subframe of essentially quadrilateral configuration, each subframe having an upper side, a front side, a lower side and a rear side. A reinforcing bar connects the front side and the lower side. The subframes form a first loop. The reinforcing bar forms a second loop with the upper side, the rear side, the front side and the lower side. The second loop is within the first loop. The first loop supports the front wheel wishbone suspension and the second loop supports the power unit. The front side has an upper portion and a lower portion and the lower side has a forward portion and a rear portion and the second loop is formed by the upper side, the upper portion of the front side, the rear portion of the lower side and the rear side.

Abstract: Apparatus for supporting a swing frame on a body of a vehicle in which rear wheels are rotatably mounted on the swing frame carried on the rear portion of the vehicle body so that the swing frame is swingable up and down with respect to the body, the rear wheels being driven by a shaft drive transmission mechanism accommodated within the swing frame. The swing frame comprises left and right rear arms disposed in a laterally spaced relation and extending longitudinally of the vehicle body and axle cases connecting the rear arms together and carrying the rear wheels, the left and right rear arms having left and right short pivot shafts, respectively, which are secured to the insides of the front portions of the left and right rear arms, these pivot shafts supporting the swing frame rotatably on the rear portion of the vehicle body for vertical swinging motion around the pivot shafts.

Abstract: An off the road vehicle embodying an engine, transmission assembly including a primary change speed transmission and an auxiliary change speed transmission with the engine crankshaft and primary and auxiliary transmission shafts all extending transversely relative to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. Certain of the transmission driven shafts extend through the respective transmission casings to provide auxiliary power takeoffs.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multi-wheeled vehicle of the motorcycle or motor scooter type including having a vehicle body including a front cover, a rear cover and a low-slung footrest portion which extends beneath the line connecting the front and rear axle of the vehicle. The vehicle is provided with a tandem seat which is positioned downwardly and forwardly so as to provide improved weight distribution between the front and rear wheels such that the front of the seat is forward or downward of a tangent line connecting a grip of the steering mechanism and the front circumferential face of the rear wheel. The vehicle body includes a frame having two lower members and one upper member arranged at the apices of a triangle and, in a preferred embodiment, at the apices of an isosceles triangle.

Abstract: An improved drive and braking arrangement for an off the road single rider multi-wheeled vehicle. The drive arrangement includes a shaft drive and the brake includes a brake disk that is fixed for rotation with the drive shaft. The brake disk is contained within a housing for its protection and the housing is made up of two pieces, one of which is affixed to a tube that contains the drive shaft and is affixed to the engine and the other of which is affixed to a tube that forms a portion of the final drive.

Abstract: A three-wheeled vehicle has a pair of right and left wheels provided at either end of the vehicle body and a single wheel provided at the other end of the vehicle body. The pair of wheels are spaced from each other laterally with respect to the vehicle body. The three-wheeled vehicle is further provided with a steering mechanism for steering the pair of wheels, and a mechanism which cooperates with the steering mechanism for displacing the single wheel substantially laterally with respect to the vehicle body and in the direction opposite to the direction of turning of the vehicle caused by the steering operation of the steering mechanism. In another embodiment the single wheel is also pivoted in a direction opposite the turning of the pair of wheels.

Abstract: A three wheeled shaft driven off the road vehicle having an improved driving arrangement. The driving arrangement includes an overload release coupling that is positioned between the driven gear and a drive shaft that drives the rear wheels so as to minimize the complexity of the transmission and to protect the engine and drive. A trailing arm rear suspension is emloyed that has widely spaced bearings for rotatably journaling the rear axle to minimize unit loadings. An arrangement is also disclosed for facilitating axial positioning of the driven gear on the output shaft without necessitating the use of shims.

Abstract: The trailer disclosed is hitched to an all-terrain vehicle, particularly an all-terrain tricycle, not just by the conventional universal-swiveling trailer hitch but also by spring struts. The springs extend and converge forwards and upwards from the ends of the trailer axle to attachment points behind the seat of the vehicle. The springs aid in making the combined vehicle and trailer more manageable over rough ground. The springs especially curb a tendency of a tricycle when under power to rear up at the front. The invention is particularly for use when tracks are added between the trailer wheels and the vehicle wheels.

Abstract: An all-terrain tricycle is disclosed, in which the power-transmission components, including the change speed gears, are all mounted in a single housing. The housing is mounted for up and down suspension pivoting in the vehicle frame. The rear axle runs in bearings in the housing. The arrangement is very robust, yet economical. The suspension-pivot-bearings include spaced co-axial rings welded into the metal tubes of the frame.

Abstract: Several embodiments of improved braking arrangement for off the road, single rider, multiple wheeled vehicles. In each arrangement, a shaft drive is incorporated and a brake rotor is fixed for rotation with the shaft drive. A brake casing encircles the brake rotor and has at least one opening that is aligned with the rotor surface and in which a brake pad is supported by a cover that closes the opening and which is adapted to brake the rotor. In some embodiments, the brake pad is actuated mechanically and in others, it is actuated hydraulically. In some embodiments, the interior of the brake casing is vented to the air cleaner of the engine and in others, the casing is provided with pie-shaped cutouts for cooling.

Abstract: The present invention consists of a three-wheels vehicle having at the front, the engine and two driving and steering wheels, having only one free-wheeling and non steering rear-wheel, having a snowmobile or motorcycle type of seat, and having protection elements on each side of the driver and passenger legs to protect them against side collisions. Such a lay-out presents an outstanding set of advantages: low purchasing and operating costs with the ease of driving and parking of motorcycles, excellent traction in snow supporting a comparison with snowmobiles, and usable all year long while being relatively safe as for automobiles.

Abstract: A transmission system for a motorcycle or motorized tricycle, comprising a main gearbox 3 having multiple gear steps, a sub gearbox 4 coupled to the main gearbox having two widely spaced forward gears GL, GH an one reverse gear GR; and one shift lever 14 controlling the selection of the gears in the sub gearbox. The reverse gear may be interlocked with the neutral and lowest speed gear of the main gearbox.

Abstract: A saddle-type vehicle for operation on irregular and uneven ground, wherein a pair of rear suspension arm assemblies each connected pivotally to the rear part of a main frame of the vehicle. The assemblies have suspension arm portions connected operatively at their middle points to the lower end of a shock absorber, and rear end portions disposed at a higher and/or inner position than front end portion thereof. The main frame has a pair of lower tubes connected rigidly with a corresponding pair of upper tubes by way of connecting members. The pair of lower tubes are formed at their midway portions to provide holding members for the front end portions of the suspension and these holding members are directed in the same direction as swing axes for the suspension assemblies.

Abstract: A three- or four-wheeled motor vehicle such as a buggy includes a rear fork composed of first and second rear fork members having front ends pivotally mounted on a frame and rear ends supporting rear wheels, respectively, an axle housing having first and second axial ends, the first axial end being joined to the rear end of the first rear fork member, a rear axle rotatably supported in the axle housing, a gear case coupled between the rear end of the second rear fork member and the second axial end of the axle housing and accommodating a gear mechanism for driving the rear axle, and at least one cross member extending between and joined to the first and second rear fork members. The rear end of the first rear fork member has a first joining surface having at least one attachment hole defined therein and directed transversely of the frame. The first end of the axle housing has a second joining surface having at least one attachment hole defined therein and facing the first joining surface.

Abstract: A motor vehicle with a riding saddle has a frame including a main pipe employed as an air intake passage for supplying air to an air cleaner. The main pipe has an air inlet defined in its front end. An air guide member is disposed on one side of the main pipe for introducing external air into the air inlet, and a radiator for cooling a water-cooled engine is disposed on the other side of the main pipe.

Abstract: A three-wheeled motor vehicle having a vehicle body and an engine mounted on the vehicle body. A pair of laterally spaced wheels is disposed on the front of the vehicle body and a single wheel is disposed on the rear. The speed change transmission has a shift spindle on the same side as the vehicle door and a shift control mechanism includes a shift lever in the driver's compartment on the other side of the vehicle with a laterally extending rod mounted on the floor to transmit the shift selection motion to an operating wire and then to the transmission.

Abstract: A front brake apparatus in a motorized three-wheeled vehicle of the type that a wheel hub supported rotatably on a front wheel axle is provided with a brake drum fixed thereto. A brake panel fixed to the front wheel axle is so provided as to be positioned axially outside the brake drum. The brake panel is provided with brake shoes arranged to be brought into internal contact with the brake drum. The invention is characterized in that the brake panel is provided with a drum cover which extends to cover a surrounding portion of the brake drum and serves to tightly seal the surrounding portion through a seal member. The seal member is positioned in an inside space defined by a wheel rim attached to the wheel hub.