Motor Vehicles With Short Wheelbase Patents (Class 180/908)
  • Patent number: 11957631
    Abstract: Embodiments of a wheelchair and suspension system are provided. In one embodiment, a wheelchair or other vehicle having a wheel assembly is provided. The assembly includes, for example, a housing, a resilient member between two sleeves or casings, and a wheel support connected to a wheel. The resilient member compresses when there is an impact on the wheel and decompresses after the impact. In another embodiment, a wheelchair or other vehicle having a multi-purpose suspension system is provided. In one instance, the system provides suspension between to the main drive wheels and the frame. In a second instance, the system provides suspension between the anti-tip wheels and the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: INVACARE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert L. Cuson, Robert A. Bekoscke
  • Patent number: 11926190
    Abstract: A utility vehicle with ergonomic, safety, and maintenance features is disclosed. A vehicle is also disclosed with improved cooling, suspension and drive systems. These features enhance the utility of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Adam J. Schlangen, Jason K. Raska
  • Patent number: 11926363
    Abstract: A work vehicle according to the present invention includes left and right axle cases of a rigid axle type, and left and right suspension mechanisms movable in the up-down direction relative to body frames and separately supporting the left and right axle cases, respectively. The work vehicle also includes (i) a first projection projecting downward from the left or right one of the body frames, (ii) a second projection projecting upward from that position on either the left and right axle cases or a frame body integrated with the axle cases which is opposite to the first projection in the left-right direction, and (iii) a lateral rod having a first end connected with the first projection and a second end connected with the second projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Masahiro Azuma, Tatsuya Nagatomi
  • Patent number: 11905152
    Abstract: Traditionally, counterweight fork type autonomous mobile robots (AMR) have been used for any kind of pallet. But the challenge is it occupies lot more maneuvering space while making turns, which cannot work in narrow operating zones. Hence fork over AMR is preferred. However, these fork over AMR have extended parts always touching the ground surface and thus are not suitable for pallets with a wooden plank at the bottom of the fork opening in the pallet. To overcome the above technical problems, an Adjustable Counterweight-based Fork Type Autonomous Mobile Robot (ACFTAMR) is provided that includes chassis assembly and vertical mast unit, a horizontal cross slide mechanism and forks. The chassis assembly is provided counterweight assembly and counterbalance shafts that move forward and backward during pickup and release of payload when the vertical mast unit moves in upward/downward direction, thus providing better stability and counterbalance to the ACFTAMR.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: TATA CONSULTANCY SERVICES LIMITED
    Inventors: Venkatesh Prasad Bangalore Srinivas, Pradeepak Rajendran, Sreehari Kumar Bhogineni
  • Patent number: 11821166
    Abstract: An internal support structure for fuel cells within a work machine having a rear end frame with an exterior frame wall in which the fuel cells are stored is disclosed. The internal support structure may include a radiator support housing, a first pedestal and a second pedestal mounted to and extending upward from the bottom wall. The radiator support housing may be disposed proximate a radiator opening of the exterior frame wall, and the pedestals may be disposed forward of the radiator support housing. A first rail may be mounted to the radiator support housing and the first pedestal, and a second rail may be mounted to the radiator support housing and the second pedestal. The internal support structure and the exterior frame wall may define fuel cell cavities for the fuel cell, and a component cavity from components of the electrical power system of the work machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: Caterpillar Underground Mining Pty. Ltd.
    Inventor: Steven Denis Springer
  • Patent number: 11738822
    Abstract: A running gear for small electrical vehicles provides the possibility of inclining and of steering the vehicle and of damping bumps in the carriageway, the chassis comprising a frame connection to the vehicle frame, a rigid or damped rocker beam assembly, a central bolt, a flexible transverse link plate, two uprights for keeping hold of the two front wheels, and two steering rods which each connect one of the two uprights to the steering device. The area of use comprises multi-wheeled small vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: Muhr und Bender KG
    Inventor: Ahmad Omari
  • Patent number: 11723826
    Abstract: A patient support apparatus for traversing objects supported on ground surfaces. The patient support apparatus comprises a patient support deck, and a base to support the patient support deck from the ground surface. At pair of caster wheel assemblies spaced from each other are coupled to the base for pivoting movement about respective pivot axes cooperating to define a reference plane. A frame guard coupled to the base defines first and second ramp surfaces each disposed at an angle relative to the reference plane. The first ramp surface is arranged to engage objects before they contact one or more of the caster wheels when the patient support apparatus moves in a first direction. The second ramp surface is arranged to engage objects before they contact one or more of the caster wheels when the patient support apparatus moves in an opposite, second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Jason John Connell, Jason James Cerny, Jeffrey C. Shiery, Joseph S. Elku
  • Patent number: 11712212
    Abstract: A mobility apparatus for an imaging appliance such as a panoramic radiograph machine allows single-operator transport for on-site usage with ambulatory challenged patients. A counterbalanced pivot interface integrates the imaging appliance with a motorized transport vehicle for disposing the appliance securely on the vehicle, while the counterbalanced pivot interface allows positioning to an operational upright orientation for on-site usage. The imaging appliance includes modifications to a stock appliance for adapting the pivot interface for mobility and for usage with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) affected patients, such as wheelchair and scooter bound individuals. The modifications include a truncated base and truncated vertical riser, coupled with a counterbalance mass on the vehicle to maintain stability in the deployed and transportable positions. The lowered vertical riser permits the imaging mechanism to descend to accommodate seated patients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Inventors: Cathy J. Grinham, Robert P. Grinham
  • Patent number: 11617696
    Abstract: A mobility device (1) comprising: a main frame (3) having a central longitudinal axis which coincides with the median plane of the mobility device (1), an elongated body support member (13b) which has a central longitudinal axis (At) that is contained in a median plane of the mobility device (1), the body support member (13b) being pivotally connected to the main frame (3) via a medial pivot connection (17), and an elongated rotation transfer member (13c) rotatably connected to the body support member (13b), wherein the rotation transfer member (13b) has a central longitudinal axis (A2) which extends transversally relative to the central longitudinal axis (At) of the body support member (13b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: PERMOBIL AB
    Inventor: Jonas Jähkel
  • Patent number: 11529870
    Abstract: A mounting system for a powertrain of a vehicle may secure a sufficient installation space inside of vehicle body frames and greatly reduce a height difference between the center of gravity of a motor-reducer assembly and insulators, thus greatly improving NVH performance of the vehicle. The mounding system includes: mounting units to mount the powertrain of the vehicle to the vehicle body frames. Each mounting unit includes: a vehicle body-side bracket coupled to the vehicle body frame, a powertrain-side bracket coupled to the powertrain, and an insulator installed between the vehicle body-side bracket and the powertrain-side bracket. The vehicle body-side bracket as coupled to an outer surface of the vehicle body frame extends downwards from the vehicle body frame, and thus, the vehicle body-side bracket and the insulator are located in an outer space of the vehicle body frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Nam Chul Jung
  • Patent number: 11351922
    Abstract: A foldable barrier system; the foldable barrier system includes a three-sided foldable containment assembly defined by a first-section, a second-section, and a third-section hingedly connected in a respective series. The three-sided foldable containment assembly is configured to be mounted to a perimeter of a flatbed section of a vehicle and define an inner volume to contain items stored within the inner volume upon the flatbed section of the vehicle. The second-section is in alignment with a rear portion of the flatbed section, the first-section is in alignment with a right-side of the flatbed section, and the third-section is in alignment with a left-side of the flatbed section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Inventor: Steven T. Estrada
  • Patent number: 10881929
    Abstract: An auxiliary storage compartment for a golf car, wherein the auxiliary storage compartment comprises a storage receptacle disposed on a rear deck of a body of a golf car behind and accessible from a seating structure of the golf car. In various instances, the storage receptacle comprising at least one sidewall that defines an interior storage space of the storage receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: Textron Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Morgan
  • Patent number: 10214259
    Abstract: An all-terrain vehicle includes a plurality of ground-engaging members and a frame supported by the plurality of ground-engaging members and having a front end and a rear end. The all-terrain vehicle further includes a straddle seat coupled to the frame and an attachment rack supported by the frame. The attachment rack has a first portion which defines an outer surface of the attachment rack and is comprised of a first material and a second portion which is positioned at least partially inward of the first portion and is comprised of a second material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Scott D. Taylor, Richard D. Ripley, Roy A. Sunsdahl
  • Patent number: 9884647
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a frame assembly extending along a longitudinal axis of the vehicle and including a rear frame portion. The rear frame portion includes at least one upstanding member, at least one longitudinal member, and at least one coupling member coupled to the at least one upstanding member and the at least one longitudinal member. The vehicle also includes at least one front ground-engaging member supporting the frame assembly, at least one rear ground-engaging member supporting the frame assembly, a drivetrain assembly operably coupled to the front and rear ground-engaging member, and a rear suspension assembly. The rear suspension assembly includes at least one radius rod operably coupled to the at least one rear ground-engaging member and angled less than 90° relative to the at least one longitudinal member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Shawn D. Peterson, Austin L. Houkom
  • Patent number: 9776481
    Abstract: The present invention relates to all terrain vehicles having at least a pair of laterally spaced apart seating surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron D. Deckard, Andy T. Ives, Austin L. Houkom, Shawn D. Peterson, Gordon J. Steinmetz, Daniel L. Goffman
  • Patent number: 9033073
    Abstract: The invention provides a motorized portable mobility device configured expressly for use by those who have undergone leg amputation. A generally rectangular wheeled base platform with a U shaped niche positioned on the rear of the device easily traverses both carpeted and solid flooring. A circular rotating plate enables a user to quickly adjust directional positioning. Two feet and adjustable height legs terminating in integrated support socks are mounted to the rotating plate. Adjustable height vertical supports terminating in handles and having a horizontal cross member are mounted to the front of the device. A control panel is mounted to a handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Inventors: Ninfa Garcia, Wilfredo Garcia
  • Patent number: 8955632
    Abstract: A tubular frame structure is provided for a three-wheeled motor vehicle with an top upper frame extending in the vehicle longitudinal and vehicle transverse direction, and with a lower frame extending in vehicle longitudinal direction and vehicle transverse direction, which is structurally connected with the upper frame via several connecting tubes extending substantially in the vehicle vertical direction, to form at least one energy absorption structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Thorsten Schurna, Curd-Sigmund Boettcher
  • Patent number: 8869929
    Abstract: A vehicle body frame of a utility vehicle comprises: a main frame supporting an engine; and a pair of side frames attached to the main frame by a coupling member on respective left and right sides of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Teruaki Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 8844668
    Abstract: A combined heat shield and wire-holding structure for a saddle-type vehicle, where the vehicle includes a pair of right and left frame sections extending in a vehicle longitudinal direction, and a fuel tank disposed above the vehicle body frame sections. The combined heat shield and wire-holding structure comprises a heat shield, which is disposed below the fuel tank and which extends between the right and left body frame sections. The combined heat shield and wire-holding structure includes a wire-holding portion which extends in the vehicle longitudinal direction outside of the vehicle body frame, and the wire-holding portion holds a wiring harness routed through an inside portion of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tadashi Oshima, Masayuki Hojo
  • Patent number: 8839898
    Abstract: In an electric three-wheeled vehicle, a centrifugal clutch transmits rotary driving power to a counter shaft when the revolution speed of a motor exceeds a prescribed value. The clutch is coaxially located at one end of a motor output shaft. A counter shaft is located inside the outside diameter of the motor in a side view of the vehicle. The motor output shaft, counter shaft, and axles are arranged from a vehicle forward side in the order of mention. The axis center of the counter shaft is located below a line connecting the axis center of the motor output shaft and the axis center of the axle in a side view of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahide Mimura, Shin Nabeya, Keiichiro Niizuma, Hitoshi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 8820454
    Abstract: A motorized wheelchair includes a frame, a battery support assembly that supports a battery box and is connected to the frame, first and second power drive assemblies disposed on each lateral side of the wheelchair, first and second rear wheels driven by the power drive assemblies, and first and second castor wheels that are pivotally connected to said frame. The battery support assembly is pivotally connected to the frame by a first connecting arrangement, so that said battery support assembly can pivot around a first longitudinal axis. The battery support assembly is pivotally connected to the first connecting arrangement by a second connecting arrangement, so that the battery support assembly can pivot around a second lateral axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Invacare International SARL
    Inventors: Peter Jost, Ralf Ritter
  • Patent number: 8783720
    Abstract: Various embodiments of reduced-size vehicles such as all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and utility vehicles (UVs) are disclosed herein. In at least some embodiments, the vehicles include frames that are wider near the front and rear sections of the vehicles than within the mid-sections of the vehicles. This, in combination with the use of shock-absorbers that are substantially vertically oriented, allows for the opening-up of large interior cavities within the front and rear sections of the vehicles within which can be positioned large front and rear internal compartments that can provide storage/carrying capacity as well as added buoyancy for the vehicle, among other things. Also, in at least some embodiments, the vehicles can include special cooling and/or exhaust systems having components that are positioned substantially within the mid-sections of the vehicles, thus further increasing the amounts of space available for the cavities/compartments within the front and rear sections of the vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: American Off-Road Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Eric A. Davis, Brian P. Davis, Richard A. Davis
  • Patent number: 8746393
    Abstract: An engine unit 5 is arranged in the middle of the vehicle body frame 2 with respect to the widthwise direction of the vehicle and rearward of the steering shaft 28, and the fuel tank 10 with a built-in fuel pump 11 and the rear gear unit 31 comprising a wet brake 45 are arranged rearward of the cylinder head 20b of the engine unit 5 and such that at least a portion of the fuel tank 10 and of the rear gear unit 31 is located in the middle with respect to the widthwise direction of the vehicle, and the power steering unit 47 comprising an electric motor 49 is arranged forward of the cylinder head 20b and such that at least a portion of the unit is located in the middle with respect to the widthwise direction of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignees: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha, Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Corporation of America
    Inventors: Harold Bolich, Christopher Gervais, William McClendon
  • Patent number: 8695746
    Abstract: A three wheeled vehicle is disclosed having a vehicle frame with a frame sidewall providing a substantially flat surface, with recesses in the flat surface. Alignment arms have inner ends and outer ends, where the inner ends are mounted to the frame sidewall, and the outer ends mount a wheel hub. The inner ends have couplings with pivotal portions and fixed portions, the pivotal portions being at least partially positioned within the recesses, and the fixed portions being attached to the substantially flat surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: James A. J. Holroyd, Gustavo A. Aramayo, Jason J. Hohenstein, Mathew Bradley Wiest, Jeffrey D. Bennett, Mark Alan Ziliak
  • Patent number: 8684119
    Abstract: A battery is arranged so as to be located between left and right frame members in plan view of the vehicle and to the rear of the cylinder with respect to the front-back direction of the vehicle and so as to overlap at least a portion of the transmission case with regard to the location of at least a portion of the battery in the front-back direction of the vehicle, the long side of the battery being furthermore oriented in the front-back direction of the vehicle and the short side of the battery being oriented in the widthwise direction of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignees: Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Corporation of America, Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Andrew Metzger, Bryan Harper
  • Patent number: 8505973
    Abstract: A forward mount is disclosed which is secured to the frame of an off-road vehicle to enable the rearward ends of a push-tube assembly to be secured thereto. The forward mount of this invention may be attached to the main frame of off-road vehicles of different manufacturers in various ways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Inventor: Curt J. Hill
  • Patent number: 8408598
    Abstract: An anti-tip system is provided for improving the stability of a powered vehicle, such as a powered wheelchair. The vehicle includes a drive-train assembly pivotally mounted to a main structural frame. A suspension system biases the drive-train assembly and its connected anti-tip wheel to a predetermined resting position. The drive-train assembly bi-directionally rotates about a pivot in response to torque applied to or acceleration forces on the vehicle. A linkage arrangement is provided and is characterized by a suspension arm pivotally mounting to the main structural frame about a pivot at one end thereof and an anti-tip wheel at the other end. The linkage may further include at least one link operable to transfer the bi-directional displacement of the drive-train assembly to the suspension arm. The link may include a bell crank member and/or may be resiliently compressible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Pride Mobility Products Corporation
    Inventors: James P. Mulhern, Ronald Levi, Christopher E. Grymko
  • Patent number: 8403095
    Abstract: A new type of motorized, four wheeled, utility vehicle that provides for the driver to operate the vehicle from a standing position on a rear platform facilitating step on-step off movements and incorporating an automatic braking mechanism and adjustable weight distribution mechanism for enhanced safety. The vehicle further includes a fully suspended chassis, automatic transmission, forward, reverse and neutral gearing, oversized tires and total payload in excess of 400 pounds making it suitable for a wide variety of work activities and terrain conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Inventor: Bryce A. Ecklein
  • Patent number: 8366128
    Abstract: A heavy vehicle comprising at least four mounted assemblies, intended to draw machinery. The properties of the vehicle satisfy the relationship: ( ? ? - ? · ( 1 - ? ) ) 2 + ( ? - h ? · ? 2 ) 2 > ( h ? · ? 2 ) 2 , where, ??=?/L, ? being the turning radius of the vehicle and L being the wheelbase of the vehicle, K is the proportion of the total vertical stiffness under the front axle with respect to the sum of the total vertical stiffnesses under the front and rear axles of the vehicle, ? is the ratio between the forward offset of the center of gravity and the wheelbase, h? is the ratio between the height of the draft line above the level of ground that forms a horizontal plane and the wheelbase of the vehicle, ? is the ratio between the longitudinal component of the resistive force applied by the drawn machinery to the vehicle, and the weight of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignees: Compagnie Generale des Etablissements Michelin, Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A.
    Inventor: Dominique Dessevre
  • Patent number: 8262111
    Abstract: A suspension for a motorized rear wheel driven tricycle which can lean into turns includes a planar central upright frame which is mounted coaxially to the main frame of the tricycle. Upper and lower control arms are hinged to the central upright frame and extend to the left and to the right to connect to wheel bearing knuckles. An inverted rocker member is hinged to the central frame, pivotable about the front and rear ends of the central frame at about the midpoint between the top and bottom of the frame. The rocker member provides connection points for shock absorbers which interconnect the rocker member with each link member of the lower control arm on each side of the central frame. Drive members are supported on the central frame to continuously drive the rear wheels as the tricycle leans into turns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Inventor: Steven W. Lucas
  • Patent number: 8251401
    Abstract: A personal transport cart is disclosed. The cart is provided with a collapsible steering mechanism to lock the steered wheels for allowing alignment of the cart during the loading and unloading of the cart on a transport vehicle. Furthermore, the rear wheel can be locked against movement during the transportation of the cart on the transport vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Inventor: James J. Miller
  • Patent number: 8191930
    Abstract: Various embodiments of reduced-size vehicles such as all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and utility vehicles (UVs) are disclosed herein. In at least some embodiments, the vehicles include frames that are wider near the front and rear sections of the vehicles than within the mid-sections of the vehicles. This, in combination with the use of shock-absorbers that are substantially vertically oriented, allows for the opening-up of large interior cavities within the front and rear sections of the vehicles within which can be positioned large front and rear internal compartments that can provide storage/carrying capacity as well as added buoyancy for the vehicle, among other things. Also, in at least some embodiments, the vehicles can include special cooling and/or exhaust systems having components that are positioned substantially within the mid-sections of the vehicles, thus further increasing the amounts of space available for the cavities/compartments within the front and rear sections of the vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: American Off-Road Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Eric A. Davis, Brian P. Davis, Richard A. Davis
  • Patent number: 8181992
    Abstract: An anti-tip system is provided for improving the stability of a powered vehicle, such as a powered wheelchair. The vehicle includes a drive-train assembly pivotally mounted to a main structural frame. A suspension system biases the drive-train assembly and its connected anti-tip wheel to a predetermined resting position. The drive-train assembly bi-directionally rotates about a pivot in response to torque applied to or acceleration forces on the vehicle. A linkage arrangement is provided and is characterized by a suspension arm pivotally mounting to the main structural frame about a pivot at one end thereof and an anti-tip wheel at the other end. The linkage may further include at least one link operable to transfer the bi-directional displacement of the drive-train assembly to the suspension arm. The link may include a bell crank member and/or may be resiliently compressible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Pride Mobility Products Corporation
    Inventors: James P. Mulhern, Ronald Levi, Christopher E. Grymko
  • Patent number: 8177257
    Abstract: A wheelchair base including a base frame and a pair of pivot arm assemblies each including a first pivot arm and a second pivot arm, pivotally coupled to each other for pivotal movement about a transverse pivot axis. The pivot arms defining first and second auxiliary wheel attachments opposed to the transverse pivot axis for attaching first and second end auxiliary wheels. Each pivot arm assembly including a link pivotally coupled to the second pivot arm intermediate the transverse pivot axis and the second auxiliary wheel attachment for pivotal movement about a link axis substantially parallel to the transverse pivot axis forming a drive wheel attachment intermediate the auxiliary wheel attachments. The pivot arm assemblies are mounted to the base frame substantially laterally opposed to each other through the link and first pivot arm such that the pivot arm assemblies are independently pivotable relative to the base frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Inventors: Eric Dugas, Carmon Landry
  • Patent number: 8042636
    Abstract: A water-cooled engine mounted on a vehicle wherein a mass concentration keeps the center of mass at a low position. In a saddle-ride type four-wheel vehicle, a radiator and a fuel tank are supported on lower frames, and are arranged, side by side, so as to be distributed respectively on the right-hand side and on the left-hand side so as to overlap each other when viewed from a side. In addition, the fuel tank and the radiator are disposed at the rear of a front suspension arm and at the rear of an engine. As a result, the concentration of mass and the keeping of the mass at a lower position are achieved. Moreover, the fuel tank and the radiator are allowed to stretch outwards beyond the upper frames. Consequently, the fuel tank can have a larger capacity and a ventilation path that leads to the radiator can be secured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seiji Hanafusa, Akihiro Yamashita, Takuya Yamada
  • Patent number: 7984781
    Abstract: An underseat structure of a road vehicle which protects an occupant from engine heat while enhancing the maintenance property of a vehicle which includes an engine supported on a vehicle body frame, and an engine oil supply pipe and an oil level gauge mounted on the engine, wherein the engine is disposed below at least one seat. An inner cover is disposed between the at least one seat and the engine and a maintenance lid is provided for allowing maintenance of the engine oil supply pipe and the oil level gauge formed on the inner cover with the inner cover being detachably mounted on the vehicle body frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Naoki Nozaki
  • Patent number: 7954853
    Abstract: Various embodiments of reduced-size vehicles such as all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and utility vehicles (UVs) are disclosed herein. In at least some embodiments, the vehicles include frames that are wider near the front and rear sections of the vehicles than within the mid-sections of the vehicles. This, in combination with the use of shock-absorbers that are substantially vertically oriented, allows for the opening-up of large interior cavities within the front and rear sections of the vehicles within which can be positioned large front and rear internal compartments that can provide storage/carrying capacity as well as added buoyancy for the vehicle, among other things. Also, in at least some embodiments, the vehicles can include special cooling and/or exhaust systems having components that are positioned substantially within the mid-sections of the vehicles, thus further increasing the amounts of space available for the cavities/compartments within the front and rear sections of the vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: American Off-Road Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Eric A. Davis, Brian P. Davis, Richard A. Davis
  • Patent number: 7942447
    Abstract: Various embodiments of reduced-size vehicles such as all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and utility vehicles (UVs) are disclosed herein. In at least some embodiments, the vehicles include frames that are wider near the front and rear sections of the vehicles than within the mid-sections of the vehicles. This, in combination with the use of shock-absorbers that are substantially vertically oriented, allows for the opening-up of large interior cavities within the front and rear sections of the vehicles within which can be positioned large front and rear internal compartments that can provide storage/carrying capacity as well as added buoyancy for the vehicle, among other things. Also, in at least some embodiments, the vehicles can include special cooling and/or exhaust systems having components that are positioned substantially within the mid-sections of the vehicles, thus further increasing the amounts of space available for the cavities/compartments within the front and rear sections of the vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: American Off-Road Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Eric A. Davis, Brian P. Davis, Richard A. Davis
  • Patent number: 7931300
    Abstract: An anti-tip system is provided for improving the stability of a powered vehicle, such as a powered wheelchair. The vehicle includes a drive-train assembly pivotally mounted to a main structural frame. A suspension system biases the drive-train assembly and its connected anti-tip wheel to a predetermined resting position. The drive-train assembly bi-directionally rotates about a pivot in response to torque applied to or acceleration forces on the vehicle. A linkage arrangement is provided and is characterized by a suspension arm pivotally mounting to the main structural frame about a pivot at one end thereof and an anti-tip wheel at the other end. The linkage may further include at least one link operable to transfer the bi-directional displacement of the drive-train assembly to the suspension arm. The link may include a bell crank member and/or may be resiliently compressible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Pride Mobility Products Corporation
    Inventors: James P. Mulhern, Ronald Levi, Christopher E. Grymko
  • Patent number: 7931106
    Abstract: All terrain vehicle including front wheels, rear wheels, vehicle body frame, first roof supports, second roof supports, roof members, seat, front panel, front gear case, front suspensions, vehicle body cover, radiator, and head light units. The vehicle body frame includes upper frames, lower frames, and front frames. The first and second roof supports are each provided at lateral sides of the vehicle body frame. The right roof member connects upper portions of the right first and second roof supports. The left roof member connects upper portions of the left first and second roof supports. The radiator is positioned rearward of the front frames, forward of the front suspensions, and in a transverse center of the vehicle. The head light units are positioned above and longitudinally overlapping with the radiator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Suzuki, Kouji Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 7926607
    Abstract: A three-wheel vehicle is provided, and includes a single upper frame element having left and right upper spars that each have a downward-extending portion. Left and right lower spars are connected to the upper spars. Left and right rear spars are connected to the left lower spar and the right lower spar, with a second end connected to a rear section of the single upper frame element. A rear suspension sub-frame is coupled to the rear spars, with a wheel rotatably coupled thereto, and a front suspension assembly is coupled to the upper spars, with a left and a right wheel rotatably coupled thereto. A seat is coupled to the rear suspension sub-frame, with the seat located so that when an operator is straddling the seat, a perineum of the operator is located below a plane defined by an upper-most point of each of the three wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Inventor: Paul Seiter
  • Patent number: 7905305
    Abstract: Improved blow-molded wheels, methods for producing the same, and children's ride-on vehicles including the same are disclosed. The blow-molded wheels may include a blow-molded wheel body that is configured to rotate about an axis and has a tread surface that extends circumferentially around the wheel body and may have a circumferential profile that is defined as the locus of points at which the radial distance from the axis to the tread surface is greatest at each position around the circumference of the tread surface. The radial distance from the axis to the circumferential profile may change from a first radius to a second radius that is larger than the first radius at a plurality of spaced-apart positions along the circumferential profile. The method for producing the blow-molded wheels may include providing a mold with pinch-off rings that have an opening configured to form the circumferential profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher F. Lucas, John Rhein, Gerald P. Sitarski, Steven R. Drosendahl
  • Patent number: 7854460
    Abstract: A receiver rack includes a main framework piece that is attached to a mounting surface of the personal recreational vehicle. The main framework may be flat and may be fashioned generally in the image of a cargo rack. The main framework may have mounting flanges for facilitating its connection to the recreational vehicle. The main framework includes at least one coupler mounted thereon. The coupler enables the main framework to be joined to one or more auxiliary frame pieces that contain at least one coupling member that mates with the coupler of the main framework. The coupler may also be used for joining a variety of seating and cargo units to the main framework.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: Arctic Cat Inc.
    Inventors: Ole E. Tweet, Kenneth Q. Kalsnes, Ryan Hughes, Douglas Wolter, Tim Michalke, Ronald G. Solberg
  • Patent number: 7828098
    Abstract: A battery arrangement structure for a vehicle that concentrates a mass of a vehicle body while effectively making use of a space in the vehicle body. The engine of the vehicle is mounted on a vehicle body frame, an intake device which includes a throttle body is connected to the engine, and a battery is arranged inside a pair of left and right upper frames which constitute the vehicle body frames. The throttle body is arranged on either one of left and right sides with respect to a vehicle body center line which extends in the longitudinal direction of a vehicle body, and the battery is arranged on anotheer side with respect to the vehicle body center line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takao Yamamoto, Shigeto Inami
  • Patent number: 7815008
    Abstract: The invention relates firstly to a frame construction for a road vehicle, comprising a main frame of, for example, a motorcycle. This main frame is on the front edge provided with a fork head. A front frame is also provided, which is suspended from the fork head. In addition, the front frame is fastened to the main frame by means of further, separate front suspension means. Further, a rear frame can also be provided, which is provided with rear suspension means standardly present on the main frame. The rear frame can possess a drive train having a differential, the housing of which can be driven by means of a chain or pulley transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Inventor: Sandy Augustinus Maria Poglavec
  • Patent number: 7806215
    Abstract: A straddle-type three-wheeled vehicle has a frame having an upper frame member, a lower frame member, a forward cross member interconnecting a forward portion of the upper frame member with a forward portion of the lower frame member, and a rearward cross member interconnecting a rearward portion of the upper frame member with a rearward portion of the lower frame member. A strut extends diagonally from the forward cross member to the lower frame member. The vehicle has an engine mounted to the frame. An air box of the vehicle has at least a portion thereof disposed above at least a portion of the engine. A fuel tank of the vehicle is disposed rearwardly of the air box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Bombardier Recreational Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce Codere, Brian Mastine
  • Patent number: 7802800
    Abstract: A vehicle with lean control has a frame with a steering assembly. An arm assembly is connected to the frame. A pair of first and second shock absorbers is mounted between the frame and the arm assembly on opposite sides of the frame. Each shock absorber has a fluid-filled chamber and floating piston. A load sensor is mounted to the steering assembly for detecting changes of pressure on the steering assembly. The load sensor has a housing, a pressure sensing area disposed in the housing, and provides an electrical signal in response to the pressure sensing area. The load sensor detects pressure applied to the top plate of the housing. An electronic control unit is coupled to the electrical contact of the load sensor. A motor and pump assembly is responsive to the electronic control unit for transferring fluid between the chambers of the first and second shock absorbers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Inventor: Thomas W. Melcher
  • Patent number: 7802816
    Abstract: A vehicular frame assembly is provided and includes a pair of control arm support brackets. Each of the control arm support brackets define a pair of recesses. The first control arm support bracket and the second control arm support bracket are substantially identical and are configured to be positioned along a vehicular frame such that one of the pairs of recesses defined by a control arm support bracket receives forward legs of right and left suspension support members and the other of the pairs of recesses defined by the other of the control arm support bracket receives rearward legs of right and left suspension support members. A vehicle is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Company Ltd.
    Inventor: Jeremy T. McGuire
  • Patent number: 7789174
    Abstract: A transporter for transporting a subject over a surface that may be irregular. The transporter includes a support platform for supporting a load, the loaded support platform defining fore-aft and lateral planes and characterized by a load distribution. A plurality of ground contacting elements are coupled to the support platform such that the transporter is statically stable with respect to tipping in the fore-aft plane. At least one of the plurality of ground contacting elements is driven by a motorized drive arrangement. A sensor module generates a signal indicative of the local distribution. Based at least on the load distribution, a controller commands the motorized drive arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Dean L. Kamen, Richard Kurt Heinzmann, John David Heinzmann, Robert R. Ambrogi, Christopher C. Langenfeld, J. Douglas Field
  • Patent number: 7771299
    Abstract: A V-belt continuously variable transmission (CVT) for a straddle-type vehicle includes a measurement plate for a rotational speed sensor for detecting a rotational speed of a primary sheave shaft to control a speed change ratio. The measurement plate is disposed on an opposite end of the primary sheave shaft, to one end of which a driving force of an engine is input, with respect to a primary sheave.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shigehiro Mochizuki, Kazuhiko Izumi