Abstract: A novel cycle device including a transmission assembly (or assemblies) that significantly reduces torque interference with steering operations is provided. Such an assembly is provided in one or more of a modular, fixed or movable configuration according reduced complexity of implementation, improved efficiency of operation, and useful assembly modularity for manufacture and repair. Such a device may further include an improved means for selecting between direct and overdrive functions of a fixed transmission assembly. Additionally, a removable front transmission assembly comprising a steering fork with handlebars is also encompassed herein.

Abstract: A control method comprises at least one detection of activation of the pushing aid. When activation is detected, in the subsequent step a velocity of the electric vehicle and/or a constant starting torque are/is generated by actuation of the electric motor. The generated velocity of the pushing aid as a result of the actuation is dependent on the engaged transmission ratio of the gearshift. In order to adapt the velocity, the control method comprises sensing the current motor rotational speed of the electric motor and sensing the current velocity of the electric bicycle. The engaged transmission ratio is determined as a function of the sensed motor rotational speed and the sensed velocity. The adaptation of the velocity of the electric bicycle occurs in the subsequent step as a result of regulation of the electric motor as a function of the transmission ratio and the maximum velocity, which is not exceeded.

Abstract: A bicycle rim comprises a radially outer peripheral part, a radially inner peripheral part, at least one sidewall, and at least one cover member. The at least one side wall radially extends between the radially outer peripheral part and the radially inner peripheral part. The at least one side wall comprises at least one opening. The at least one cover member covers the at least one opening, and the at least one cover member comprises a metallic material.

Abstract: A novel cycle device including a transmission assembly (or assemblies) that significantly reduces torque interference with steering operations is provided. Such an assembly is provided in one or more of a modular, fixed or movable configuration according reduced complexity of implementation, improved efficiency of operation, and useful assembly modularity for manufacture and repair. Such a device may further include an improved means for selecting between direct and overdrive functions of a fixed transmission assembly. Additionally, a removable front transmission assembly comprising a steering fork with handlebars is also encompassed herein.

Abstract: A bicycle rim includes a radially outer peripheral part, a radially inner peripheral part, at least one first slanting member, and at least one intermediate member. The at least one first slanting member radially extends between the radially outer peripheral part and the radially inner peripheral part in a first direction slanted with respect to a radial direction of the bicycle rim as viewed in an axial direction of the bicycle rim. The at least one intermediate member is disposed between the radially outer peripheral part and the radially inner peripheral part.

Abstract: An inverted pendulum type vehicle includes electrical components configured and arranged efficiently to provide a compact structure. The inverted pendulum type vehicle includes a traveling unit, including a main wheel driven under inverted pendulum control. The vehicle also includes a vehicle body frame supported on, and extending upwardly from the traveling unit, as well as a driving unit, including a pair of driving motors supported on the vehicle body frame and disposed above the main wheel for driving the main wheel. An electrical control unit is supported on the vehicle body frame in front of the driving motors for controlling the driving unit. The driving unit is disposed behind a front edge of the main wheel, and the electrical control unit is disposed between a front edge of the main wheel and the front edge of the driving unit.

Abstract: A battery mounting structure for use on saddle-type electric vehicles which contributes to an increase in the rigidity of a vehicle body frame and attempts to achieve an increased battery carrying capability. Each of battery modules is in the form of a quadrangular prism having long sides and short sides as viewed in plan and vertical sides longer than the long sides. A vehicle frame includes a bulging region in which each of main frames bulges outwardly from a head pipe as viewed in plan and a narrow region in which the distance between the main frames is reduced behind the bulging region. The battery modules include battery modules whose long sides extend along transverse directions of the vehicle in the bulging region and battery modules whose long sides extend along longitudinal directions of the vehicle in the narrow region.

Abstract: A system and method of continuously updating a steering wheel angle offset value to adapt to changing road conditions. A vehicle control system receives a plurality of vehicle parameter values each from a different vehicle sensor. The system then calculates a plurality of observed steering angle values, each using a different calculation method based on one or more of the plurality of vehicle parameter values. The plurality of observed steering angle values are then used to calculate a vehicle steering angle. A steering wheel angle offset value is then calculated based on the steering wheel angle and the calculated vehicle steering angle. The steering wheel angle offset value and the steering wheel angle are used to control the vehicle's steering system.

Abstract: A system for stabilizing a single-track vehicle including a front assembly and a rear assembly, said system comprising a robust controller including an inner loop which closes on a roll angular rate {dot over (?)} of said rear assembly and reduces parametric uncertainty associated with said vehicle, and an outer loop which closes on a roll angle ? of said rear assembly, and wherein the robust controller outputs a steering torque signal for controlling a steering angle in said front assembly; a roll angle sensor for measuring the roll angle in the rear assembly; a roll rate gyro for measuring the roll angular rate in the rear assembly; and a motor for applying the steering angle to said front assembly responsive to the steering torque signal.

Abstract: A motorcycle where the rear wheel of the motorcycle is not only driven but the front wheel is also driven. Power from the motor of the motorcycle is transmitted to a power transmitting joint which includes an output shaft. The power transmitting joint is mounted directly below the steering stem and on the steering axis of the motorcycle. The power to the front wheel is supplied through a chain which connects between the steering assembly and the front wheel with the chain being movable in conjunction with the front wheel when the front wheel is steered and with suspension movement as when bumps are encountered.

Abstract: A wheel with a self-contained drive mechanism is provided to propel (or assist in propulsion of) bicycles, tricycles, and similar vehicles. The wheel preferably takes the form of a detachable wheel, which is readily received within the dropouts of a bicycle frame or fork. Thus, the wheel may be added to (or removed from) preexisting standard bicycles and the like.

Abstract: A driving mechanism for motorized bicycle is provided. The driving mechanism comprises a motor driving transmission device, a front driving sprocket and a pedal driving transmission device. The motor driving transmission device inwardly includes a motor shell, a magnet stator, an electromagnetic wire-coiled rotor and a cylindrical hollow rotatable shaft. The front driving sprocket has a transmission rotatable sleeve disposed therein for insertion of the hollow rotatable shaft there between. The pedal driving transmission device includes a pair of pedal cranks and a pedal driving shaft passing through the transmission rotatable sleeve and hollow rotatable shaft. First and Second single direction irreversible transmission devices are arranged such that either the motor driving transmission device or pedal driving transmission device may drive the transmission rotatable sleeve and front driving sprocket in proper rotational direction.

Abstract: In a driveline for a motor vehicle that includes an automatic transmission having an output shaft that drives a transfer case, an oil sump located in the transfer case, a pump supplied with fluid from the first sump, delivers fluid to a lubrication circuit in the transmission, a second sump supplies fluid to the inlet of a second pump, whose output supplies a second lubrication circuit located in the transfer case. Both of the hydraulic pumps are continually driveably connected to a set of the vehicle's drive wheels.

Abstract: A motorcycle includes a frame, a fork, a from wheel, an upper arm, a lower arm, a handlebar, and a suspension element. The fork is pivotable with respect to the frame about a steering axis. The front wheel is rotatably coupled with the fork. The upper arm and the lower arm are each pivotally coupled with each of the fork and the frame. The handlebar is pivotally coupled with the frame and is configured to facilitate steering of the front wheel. The suspension element is coupled with each of the frame and the fork.

Abstract: A scooter has a platform on which a rider can stand, a front wheel attached to a steering system including an upstanding handle bar and rear wheel which is driven. The scooter can be folded at a hinge line across the platform so to allow it to collapse. A case for the scooter includes a front part and a rear part covering the front and rear wheels with the parts brought together by the collapsing of the platform. This folding action also uses a pivot link to move the front and rear wheels pivoted within the respective case parts to a folded position. The steering includes a headstock with the steering bar connected to the front fork by a drive coupling which converts the rotation of the steering bar about the generally vertical axis to the rotation of the fork about an inclined axis.

Abstract: An auxiliary power drive system is incorporated into a bicycle either as a retrofit or in initial construction. The power for the drive system is derived either from an electric motor or an internal combustion engine. The power developed by said motor or engine is delivered to the rear wheel of the bicycle by a flexible drive shaft which either drives a friction wheel operating on the tire of the rear wheel or to worm gear affixed to the rear wheel. The flexible drive shaft includes a friction clutch which discontinues the power of the drive shaft from driving the rear wheel when normal pedaling is resumed. The flexible drive shaft also includes a telescoping coupling to compensate any change in lengths of the drive shaft due to impacts on the rear wheel caused by the terrain the bicycle is riding on.

Abstract: A two-wheel drive motorcycle, or all wheel drive bicycle, has a spring loaded shock absorbing suspension and traction system for the front wheel. A swing arm, rather than the front steering fork, is mounted to the front wheel axle. A modified steering fork is mounted to the swing arm and a shock absorber extends between the front steering fork weldment and the swing arm. The shock absorber allows the front wheel axle to move upward relative to the front steering fork and motorcycle (or bicycle) in general to absorb upward shocks on the front wheel, and also pushes the wheel downward, thereby improving traction. The front chain drive includes two chains in series which are isolated from excessive shock forces.

Abstract: A power assist module includes a battery powered motor mounted on a manually operated vehicle, such as a bicycle. The power assist module is fixedly mounted on the bicycle and can be easily removed without the need for tools, so that the bicycle can be manually operated in a conventional manner when so desired without carrying the extra weight of the power assist module. The power assist module includes a motor assembly which is operated through a gear reduction assembly to drive a crank drive gear mounted in conjunction with a crank arm of the bicycle.

Abstract: A two-wheel drive motorcycle having a drive train that supplies power to the front wheel and includes a series of rigid shafts or other internalized drive systems. The front wheel drive consists of components located on the axis of steering within the head tube and positioned symmetrically in a counterbalancing fashion within the front fork in order to counteract the torque reactions from the rotating front wheel drive while providing a full range of steering. The front wheel drive lengthens and shortens in parallel with the shock-absorbing front fork. An engagement clutch, a one-way hub, and torque limiting clutch operatively engaged with the front wheel drive are also disclosed.

Abstract: A two-wheel drive motorcycle having a drive train that supplies power to the front wheel and includes a series of rigid shafts or other internalized drive systems. The front wheel drive consists of components located on the axis of steering within the head tube and positioned symmetrically in a counterbalancing fashion within the front fork in order to counteract the torque reactions from the rotating front wheel drive while providing a full range of steering. The front wheel drive lengthens and shortens in parallel with the shock-absorbing front fork. An engagement clutch, a one-way hub, and torque limiting clutch operatively engaged with the front wheel drive are also disclosed.

Abstract: A drive axle and suspension assembly for a vehicle having a power source and wheels including a torsionally compliant twist beam suspension and a driveline assembly. The twist beam includes a twist element defining a first lateral axis and arm portions adapted to rotatably support the wheels of the vehicle along a second axis extending substantially parallel to the first axis. The driveline assembly is adapted to receive torque from the power source and drive the wheels. The driveline assembly includes a plurality of power transmission rotatably supported by arm portions.

Abstract: A compound lever motorcycle steering mechanism comprised of an upper and lower lever parallel and adjacent to one another. With one lever being attached at a right angle to a shaft inside a collar or bearing to form a second axis adjacent to, and parallel with the axis where the front forks of the motorcycle are attached by another shaft to the main frame of the motorcycle. Said lever also having an attachment for a handlebar or set of handlebars, as well as a second shaft, pin, or bolt protruding at a right angle from the lever, and into a longitudinal slot, opening, or channel in the second lever, of a width only minimally larger than the diameter of said protruding shaft to sufficiently allow fore and aft movement of same through the slotted second shaft, which is rigidly attached or affixed to the front forks.

Abstract: A reverse system for an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) having an engine and an engine drive shaft, a reverse activator, an engine speed limiter, and an override switch. The reverse activator is coupled to the drive shaft. The reverse activator activates operation of the ATV in a reverse direction. The engine speed limiter limits engine speed to below a predetermined level while the reverse activation switch is engaged. The override switch allows engine speeds above the predetermined level only when the transmission is in four-wheel-drive. The method of carrying out the invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is a two-wheel drive motorcycle. The drive trait that supplies power to the front wheel is modified to include a series of rigid shafts or other internalized drive systems. The front wheel drive consists of components located on the axis of steering within the head tube and positioned symmetrically in a counterbalancing fashion within the front fork in order to counteract the torque reactions from the rotating front wheel drive while providing a full range of steering. The front wheel drive lengthens and shortens in parallel with the shock-absorbing front fork. An engagement clutch, a one-way hub, and torque limiting clutch for the front wheel drive are also disclosed.

Abstract: A motorcycle includes a swing arm defining a drive member aperture through which a flexible drive member extends. During normal operation of the motorcycle, the drive member and swing arm are interlocked due to a portion of the drive member being captured in the drive member aperture. A portion of the swing arm is removable from the rest of the swing arm to open the drive member aperture and permit removal of the drive member as a continuous unbroken loop without the need to drop the motorcycle's transmission.

Abstract: The present invention is a fully functioning two-wheel drive bicycle and embodiments thereof. The drive train which supplies power to the front wheel is incorporated into a modified frame and comprises a rear wheel driven by the traditional chain or shaft mechanism and the front wheel driven by a series of rigid shafts or other internalized drive systems. The front wheel drive is adaptable to all bicycle frame geometries including the double diamond mountain bike and road bicycle frame, touring, commuter and comfort bicycles, BMX, trials bicycles, and recumbent and tandem bicycles. The drive train lengthens and shortens in parallel with the shock-absorbing front fork and rear suspension. An engagement clutch, a one-way hub, and torque limiting clutch are also disclosed.

Abstract: A power drive attachment for a pedal cycle includes a drive motor mounted on the frame of the cycle. An output drive sprocket is mounted on the motor in close vicinity to the chain ring, wherein the drive chain is captured between the drive sprocket and the chain ring. Means pivotally mount the drive motor and sprocket on the cycle frame for increasing the tension on the drive chain and for accommodating irregularities in the alignment between the drive sprocket and the drive chain. In another embodiment, a power drive attachment includes a drive motor mounted on the frame of the cycle. An output drive sprocket is mounted on the motor for engaging an unoccupied portion of the chain ring. The drive sprocket includes roller tooth means for engaging a section of the chain ring or rear sprocket which is not communicating with the drive chain, to drive the cycle.

Abstract: An "all terrain" scooter is provided with a large central tubular chassis having two central brackets supporting a platform. At the front, the tubular chassis bends upward through a notch in the platform upwardly above the front wheel to support a steering head tube. The steering head tube supports a cantilevered steering wheel support. This cantilevered wheel support includes a shaft mounting stub and includes mounted disc brake calipers. A removable axle shaft keys to the cantilevered steering wheel support at one end, supports the wheel medially of its cantilevered end, and fastens through the wheel bearings on a wheel bearing retention bolt to firmly hold the steered wheel in place. Facilitated wheel mounting is disclosed by placing steering wheel into position with the attached brake disc in the brake calipers, inserting the axle member through the axle support stub shaft and fastening the steered front wheel in place with the wheel shaft retention bolt.

Abstract: A wheeled vehicle (200) for carrying a person comprising a frame (218, 220, 222, 250) rotatably supporting two substantially in-line wheels (204, 206), and foot support means (254, 256) for, in use, supporting the feet of a user. The wheels are ring-shaped, and the foot support means are in the form of spaced platform structures coupled to the frame and which extend axially through respective said wheels. In order to allow the foot platforms to extend through the central portion of the ring shaped wheels whilst allowing the wheels to rotate, the wheels are rotatably supported on the frame by a plurality of rollers (210) mounted on the frame and arranged around the wheels to bear on circumferential surfaces thereof (208). A motor (236) may also be included to drive one of the wheels under control of the user who is able to operate a hand held throttle control (239).

Abstract: An electromotive scooter body is a hollow construction made of fiber reinforced plastics, so that the body is strong and light to reduce load on a traveling motive power source. The body can be separated into upper and bottom parts and the hollow of the bottom part accepts many batteries, so that a center of gravity of the scooter can be low.

Abstract: The steering wheel (10) of the vehicle is comprised of a plate (40) mounted in an appropriate annular guide (42) integral with the suspension arm (17) of the vehicle, the plate carrying a second roller bearing (24) fixed excentrically to the plate. The exterior element of the roller bearing is integral with the plate (40) and the integral element of the roller bearing is linked to the wheel (10). An electric motor (47) may drive a screw (49) and, as a result, makes the plate (40) pivot about its pivot axis (41). Thereby, the operator of the vehicle may modify the offset of the wheel (10) to displace the median axis (46) to either side from its central position. As a consequence, road handling and stability of the vehicle are improved.

Abstract: A motorcycle has a frame assembly including a main frame supporting front and rear wheels on a central line thereof. A connecting member is mounted on the main frame between the front and rear wheels, and a subframe is mounted on the connecting member and is capable of banking laterally about the connecting member. At least one of the front and rear wheels is a drive wheel. At least the drive wheel is capable of preventing the main frame from banking laterally. Centrifugal forces generated upon cornering are counterbalanced by centripetal forces produced when only the subframe banks laterally. The drive wheel supported on the main frame which does not bank has an increased road gripping force. Thus, high-speed cornering is made possible.

Abstract: A front wheel drive system for a motorcycle. The system is particularly adapted to be incorporated in a one-sided front wheel suspension system. The front wheel drive system may be used alone, to provide a motorcycle having front wheel drive only, or it may be used in combination with a conventional rear wheel drive to provide a two wheel drive motorcycle. The system includes a control arm (24) which is pivotably attached to the motorcycle body (22) and which houses a drive chain (42). The drive chain is connected through a constant velocity ball joint to a second drive chain journalled in an upright kingpin (28), which connects to a wheel sprocket. The constant velocity joint allows power to be transmitted to the front wheel (12) while also allowing for steering and suspension motions of the front wheel.

Abstract: A front-wheel-drive motorcycle includes a main frame supporting a rear wheel with a rounded tread tire mounted thereon and also supporting a saddle seat, and a front frame supporting a front drive wheel with a flat tread tire mounted thereon. The main frame is coupled to the front frame by a joint shaft extending in a longitudinal direction and is angularly movable about the joint shaft.

Abstract: A motorcycle has a frame assembly including a main frame supporting front and rear wheels on a central line thereof. A connecting means mounted on the main frame between the front and rear wheels, and a subframe is mounted on the connecting member and being capable of banking laterally about the connecting member. At least one of the front and rear wheels is a drive wheel. At least the drive wheel is capable of preventing the main frame from banking laterally. Centrifugal forces generated upon cornering are counterbalanced by centripetal forces produced when only the subframe banks laterally. The drive wheel supported on the main frame which does not bank has an increased road gripping force. Thus, high-speed cornering is made possible.

Abstract: The vehicle disclosed offers significant economies from both manufacturer and user standpoints, by virtue of its being embodied in two distinct sections, front and rear, that are joined by way of a detachable coupling located between the swivel sleeve which carries the front fork and the frame which carries the rear wheel, or wheels; in a preferred embodiment, the detachable coupling is of a quick-release type.

Abstract: A two-wheeled, self-propelled and steerable vehicle especially designed for travel over varying terrain, including pavement, rough and rocky ground, under brush and areas dotted with water. The vehicle has a fore-and-aft body supported on front and rear wheels, both of which are steerable in unison in what may be termed articulated fashion as distinguished from so-called crab steering. Each of the wheels is steerable by a wheel mounting arrangement that eliminates the conventional fork and uses instead a split shaft and splined sleeve interconnection on which the wheel is journaled. Right and left links interconnect the sleeve respectively to proximate right and left fore-and-aft movable shaft carriers for controlling the position of the sleeve as the wheel is steered, thus increasing the range of steerability without increasing the width of the body within which the wheel is confined. Preferably, both wheels are powered by hydraulic motors.

Abstract: A front-wheel drive motor vehicle comprising a front frame assembly including a front frame extending up at the front of the vehicle, a front wheel mounted at the lower end of the front frame, and handle bars at the upper end of the front frame, a power drive assembly mounted on the front frame for driving the front wheel to power the vehicle, and a rear frame assembly including a rear frame extending rearwardly from the front frame, a rear wheel mounted at the rearward end of the rear frame, and a stand-up rider's platform on the rear frame forward of the rear wheel at an elevation and position designed to permit a rider to stand on the platform while grasping the handle bars.

Abstract: A pair of pneumatic belted tires for use in motorcycle are disclosed, each of which comprises a tread extending over a width corresponding to the maximum width of the tire, a pair of sidewalls, a pair of bead portions each containing a bead core therein, a carcass composed of at least one rubberized ply containing organic fiber cords inclined at an angle of 50.degree.-90.degree. with respect to the equatorial plane of the tire, and a belt composed of at least two rubberized plies each containing cords arranged at a certain inclination angle with respect to the equatorial plane. In such a tire pair, an inclination angle .alpha. of cord in the belt for rear wheel tire and an inclination angle .beta. of cord in the belt for front wheel tire satisfy the following relationship:(.alpha.-.beta.).gtoreq.4.degree.when15.degree..ltoreq..alpha..ltoreq.26.degree.,or(.alpha.-.beta.).gtoreq.-0.3.alpha.+11.8.degree.when26.degree..ltoreq..alpha..ltoreq.36.degree..

Abstract: A power drive unit for driving a utilization mechanism such as, for example, a roadwheel of a light vehicle such as a bicycle, tricycle, or quadricycle. The utilization mechanism is driven from the output shaft of a prime mover mounted through a controllable clutch and chain drive train. Preferably, the prime mover is an internal combustion engine driven chain saw from which the saw chain and chain bar have beem removed and replaced by an adapter providing a chain and belt drive from the chain saw engine output shaft to a chainwheel coupled to the utilization mechanism, for example, a bicycle conventional chainwheel such as to drive the bicycle rear wheel through the conventional multi-speed hub or multi-speed sprocket cluster, or alternatively, to drive the front wheel of a bicycle through a chainwheel coupled to the front wheel hub, the front wheel hub being preferably a multi-speed hub with internal gears.

Abstract: A planetary gear reduction unit is drivingly connected between the handlebars and front fork of a motorcycle for steering. The handlebar is coaxially mounted for rotation with respect to the front fork of the motorcycle; sector gears are respectively mounted on the front fork and handlebar for respectively engaging rigidly innerconnected spur gears rotatably mounted on a carrier that is fixed to the vehicle frame to provide a gear reduction so that there is a reduction of the angular movement of the fork with respect to that of the handlebar.