Sidecar Type Patents (Class 280/203)
  • Patent number: 11180215
    Abstract: A suspension system is provided for a sidecar of a motorcycle, which includes a sidecar frame and a wheel with an axle. The suspension system can include, a support frame pivotally secured to the sidecar frame, and a trailing link pivotally secured to the support frame at a leading end of the trailing link. A trailing end of the trailing link can be configured to trail behind the leading end of the trailing link relative to a direction of forward motion of the sidecar. The trailing end of the trailing link being configured to rotatably support the axle of the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Inventor: Jason Breazlan
  • Patent number: 11142277
    Abstract: A multifunctional sidecar for a motorcycle comprises a frame detachably provided at a side of the motorcycle and having a main wheel at a side thereof, a base plate rotatably coupled to a first side of the frame and folded in an upright position or unfolded to overlap a top of the frame, a side plate rotatably coupled to a second side of the frame and folded in an upright position or unfolded to extend from the second side of the frame, a rear plate rotatably coupled to a rear portion of the frame and folded in an upright position or unfolded to extend from the rear portion of the frame, supports supporting the side plate and the rear plate when the side plate and the rear plate are in the unfolded positions, and a coupling device connecting the sidecar with the motorcycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Inventor: Woojin Chang
  • Patent number: 10933942
    Abstract: A mobility device includes a sidecar and a tilting vehicle including a two-wheeled bicycle, and may further include: an articulated link member including multiple link arms configured to link a vehicle body of the tilting vehicle and a body of the sidecar. In particular, linkage movements of the respective multiple link arms provide upward and downward movements, and leftward and rightward tiltings of the sidecar when a center of gravity of the vehicle body moves leftward and rightward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jungnam Choi, Sung Dae Lim
  • Patent number: 10882575
    Abstract: A vehicle for variably sized transportation may include a vehicle basis and exterior elements coupled to the vehicle basis. At least some exterior elements may be collapsible or movably coupled to the vehicle basis at a first set of positions or a first set of extended or collapsed states to form a first operational configuration, or at a second set of positions or a second set of extended or collapsed states to form a second operational configuration. The first or second operational configuration may provide for a first or second shadow and a first or second passenger or cargo space for the vehicle. The first and second shadows and the first and second passenger or cargo spaces may differ in at least their longitudinal dimensions or in latitudinal dimensions. Other embodiments may also be described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Avi Priev
  • Patent number: 10632811
    Abstract: A structure of rocking lock operation part for a saddle riding vehicle, the structure of rocking lock operation part includes a rocking lock mechanism configured to lock lateral rocking of a vehicle body and a lock operator configured to switch between locking and unlocking of the rocking lock mechanism, wherein the rocking lock mechanism and the lock operator are disposed on the vehicle body, and, when seen in a side view, a gripping section of the lock operator is disposed in front of a position overlapping a pivot support member configured to pivotably support the steering handle in the vehicle body and disposed in rear of a headlight disposed in front of the pivot support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yotaro Mori
  • Patent number: 9926036
    Abstract: This device is a reverse mechanism for a motorcycle with a sidecar. It is related to a motorcycle conversion assembly whereby the sidecar is outfitted with a mechanism to allow the motorcycle and sidecar combination apparatus to move in a rearward direction. The device is comprised of a retractable wheel, a drive system, a control mechanism, a battery power source and a structure to removably connect the drive and wheel to both the motorcycle and sidecar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Inventor: Joseph Donald Manor
  • Patent number: 9789894
    Abstract: A riding board apparatus configured to be mounted to a stroller is provided. The riding board apparatus includes a platform, at least one mounting arm extending from the platform, and a seat mounted onto the platform and is configured to be convertible between a sitting configuration and a stowable configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Inventors: Esther Weber, Samuel Weber
  • Patent number: 9776069
    Abstract: A stroller-attachable skateboard apparatus comprises a skateboard, a connection rod and and an adjustable mounting bracket. The connection rod includes a board engagement portion, a stroller engagement portion and a rod axis. A rod securement interface of the skateboard receives the board engagement portion and rigidly retains it therein by way of an actuatable locking pin such that the rod axis extends laterally of the skateboard's longitudinal axis. The stroller engagement portion is axially receivable by a rod receiving element and releasably axially locked therein by way of a first spring-biased actuator element. The rod receiving element may be provided as part of the adjustable mounting bracket or as a pre-existing wheel axle end from which a stroller wheel has been removed. The mounting bracket facilitates highly-adjustable mounting of the skateboard to a frame member of a standard, unmodified stroller. The connection rod may also be adjusted for extension length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Inventor: Travis Mckay
  • Patent number: 9764790
    Abstract: A transportation device includes a frame foldable between a bicycle configuration and a personal transporter configuration. A sensor configured to sense when the frame is in at least one of the bicycle configuration and the personal transporter configuration. A first wheel and a second wheel are each rotatably coupled to the frame. A first motor is coupled to the first wheel and a second motor is coupled to the second wheel. A controller is programmed to instruct the first motor to rotate in a first direction in response to a signal from the sensor that the frame is in the bicycle configuration, and to instruct the first motor to rotate in a second direction opposite the first direction in response to a signal from the sensor that the frame is in the personal transporter configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Enrique Granell Peniche, Luis Soni Gutierrez, Francisco Ronquillo, David Castro Duran
  • Patent number: 9764787
    Abstract: A child's ride-on toy comprising a push rod and a removable cart connected to the child's ride-on toy is described. The push rod of a child's ride-on toy typically extends upward and rearward from a connector at the rear of the frame of the child's ride-on toy to a handle at a height that may be easily manipulated by an adult. The push rod may be manipulated by an adult to control the speed and direction of the child's ride-toy or removed and connected to the cart for use of the cart independently of the ride-on toy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: Kettler International, Inc.
    Inventor: Joachim Kettler
  • Patent number: 9643672
    Abstract: A child's ride-on toy comprising a push rod and a removable cart connected to the child's ride-on toy is described. The push rod of a child's ride-on toy typically extends upward and rearward from a connector at the rear of the frame of the child's ride-on toy to a handle at a height that may be easily manipulated by an adult. The push rod may be manipulated by an adult to control the speed and direction of the child's ride-toy or removed and connected to the cart for use of the cart independently of the ride-on toy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: KETTLER INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventor: Joachim Kettler
  • Patent number: 9085335
    Abstract: An all terrain vehicle is disclosed having a frame and ground engaging members supporting the frame. A driver's seat is supported by the frame, and extends along a first longitudinal axis. A passenger's seat is supported by the frame and extends along a second longitudinal axis, where the first and second longitudinal axes are laterally spaced apart. The passenger seat may also be movable to a second location to allow for the vehicle to support a gurney, which extends in a front to back orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventor: David A. Foss
  • Publication number: 20150104281
    Abstract: An apparatus for a wheelchair caddy to be attached to a disabled rider adapted cycle or scooter that may include connectors connecting the caddy and cycle, a rear or double rear axle attached to the base of the caddy frame, a handle for the user to grip while pulling the wheelchair onto the caddy, a rod as an emergency brake, a ratcheting strap or straps and bungee cord for securing the wheelchair in the caddy, walled footwells for the securing the passengers feet, a secured foam rubber middle console, a fitted, padded back rest, thigh restraining straps, lower ribcage restraining straps and other features.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventor: Roy E. Day, JR.
  • Patent number: 7857324
    Abstract: A motorcycle sidecar is provided which includes a wheel positioned a given distance from wheels of a motorcycle, a wheel supporting assembly supporting the wheel in a manner that enables the wheel to be rotated, and absorbing road shocks, a stabilizer assembly connecting the wheel supporting assembly to a body of the motorcycle to enable the wheel supporting assembly to be leaned when the motorcycle is leaned, and a main body installed on the stabilizer assembly, for transporting a passenger or a thing. When the motorcycle is leaned to the right or left during driving, the wheel is leaned to the right or left at the same angle with the ground as the motorcycle. Thus, the motorcycle can be safely driven without reducing the speed to the considerable degree, when it goes around a curve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Inventor: Hi-Yun Yun
  • Publication number: 20100090421
    Abstract: A motorcycle sidecar is provided which includes a wheel positioned a given distance from wheels of a motorcycle, a wheel supporting assembly supporting the wheel in a manner that enables the wheel to be rotated, and absorbing road shocks, a stabilizer assembly connecting the wheel supporting assembly to a body of the motorcycle to enable the wheel supporting assembly to be leaned when the motorcycle is leaned, and a main body installed on the stabilizer assembly, for transporting a passenger or a thing. When the motorcycle is leaned to the right or left during driving, the wheel is leaned to the right or left at the same angle with the ground as the motorcycle. Thus, the motorcycle can be safely driven without reducing the speed to the considerable degree, when it goes around a curve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2008
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Inventor: Hi-Yun Yun
  • Patent number: 7677585
    Abstract: An auxiliary seat (1) attachable to a pushchair (2) to enable it to accommodate two children seated side-by-side. The seat comprises a frame (10) having a backrest (22) and a base (21) and a wheel (30) in contact with the ground in an operative position. A child seated on the base is supported with their back against the backrest (22). The frame (10) is configured so that the backrest (22) and the base (21) fold substantially flat when the auxiliary seat is not in use. The auxiliary seat (1), including the base (21) and backrest (22), can pivot relative to the pushchair (2) to be folded against the side thereof in a storage position with the wheel (30) off the ground, once the base (21) and the backrest (22) of the seat have been folded substantially flat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Inventor: Stephanie Rohl
  • Patent number: 7316437
    Abstract: A funeral vehicle (1) comprises a sidecar (2) in the form of a hearse having a chassis (4) carrying a wheel (6) and a superstructure (8) mounted on the chassis and defining a reception area (10) for a coffin (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Inventor: Paul Sinclair
  • Patent number: 7232141
    Abstract: A bicycle side chair apparatus includes a frame assembly that further includes a base having a front edge, a rear edge, a first side edge and a second side edge. A seat assembly is attached to and extends upwardly from the base. A wheel is rotatably coupled to the base. The wheel is positioned adjacent to the second side edge. A front bracket is attached to the frame assembly and is configured to removably secure the frame assembly to a bicycle frame between a seat and a pair of handlebars of the bicycle. A rear bracket is attached to the frame assembly and is configured to removably secure the frame assembly to the bicycle frame adjacent to a seat of the bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Inventor: Benjamin Russell
  • Patent number: 6874448
    Abstract: A guard assembly that is mountable to a bicycle so as to maintain a dog in position alongside the bicycle when riding it. A U-shaped, rearwardly opening enclosure is defined by a lateral support extending from the bicycle frame and a plurality of rearwardly extending bars mounted to the outer end of the lateral support. An attachment for a short leash is provided on a middle portion of the lateral support, so that the dog will remain within the enclosure while walking or running alongside the bicycle. The rearwardly extending bars are spaced apart vertically so as to extend longitudinally past different parts of the dog's body. The upper and lower bars are spaced inwardly so as to be relatively close to the dog and therefore confine it against outward movement, while the middle bar is offset outwardly to accommodate motions of the dog's shoulders and hips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Inventor: Claudette Fleck
  • Patent number: 6830258
    Abstract: A sidecar assembly includes a support body assembly for releasable attachment to a bicycle or other mobile device. The attachment is provided by a rear actuator arm assembly, a front actuator arm assembly, and a rear stabilizer assembly, each attachment assembly having at least one hinged connection to allow for movement of the sidecar relative to the mobile device. The sidecar further includes a support body with a rear wheel and a front caster wheel assembly configured such that most of the mass of the support body and sidecar passenger lies over the wheels and is not coupled to the mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Inventor: Michael John Foley
  • Publication number: 20040026889
    Abstract: A sidecar assembly includes a support body assembly for releasable attachment to a bicycle or other mobile device. The attachment is provided by a rear actuator arm assembly, a front actuator arm assembly, and a rear stabilizer assembly, each attachment assembly having at least one hinged connection to allow for movement of the sidecar relative to the mobile device. The sidecar further includes a support body with a rear wheel and a front caster wheel assembly configured such that most of the mass of the support body and sidecar passenger lies over the wheels and is not coupled to the mobile device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventor: Michael John Foley
  • Patent number: 6565106
    Abstract: A wheeled vehicle with a front wheel drive system and a low profile operator seat that is positioned forward of the rear fork. The rear portion of the frame is telescopically connected to and selectively movable with respect to the front portion of the frame to provide a convenient adjustment that accommodates riders of all sizes. The wheeled vehicle also includes a releasably attached sidecar that can be quickly attached to or released from the vehicle frame by mating engagement of a slotted bracket with a rod, and a locking pin with a spring biased socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Inventor: Zenon Lopez
  • Patent number: 6561532
    Abstract: A bicycle sidecar includes a frame. A protective skin covers the frame. A wheel is connected to the frame. A connector system is used to attach the frame to a bicycle. A seat is and a grab bar are connected to the frame. A pedal assembly is mounted to the frame. A transmission system is connected to the pedal assembly. A pedal adapter assembly connects the transmission system to the bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Inventor: John W. Mixer
  • Publication number: 20030057674
    Abstract: The invention is a wheeled vehicle with a front wheel drive system and a low profile operator seat that is positioned forward of the rear fork. The rear portion of the frame is telescopically connected to and selectively movable with respect to the front portion of the frame to provide a convenient adjustment that accommodates riders of all sizes. The wheeled vehicle also includes a releasably attached sidecar that can be quickly attached to or released from the vehicle frame by mating engagement of a slotted bracket with a rod, and a locking pin with a spring biased socket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventor: Zenon Lopez
  • Patent number: 6508483
    Abstract: A sidecar steering aid. A coupling mechanism is provided for coupling the sidecar to a steering member of a vehicle to which the sidecar is attached. The coupling mechanism includes a spring adapted to provide resistance to compression and tension about a neutral position of the spring. The neutral position is biased with respect to the turning wheel so that the wheel is “cocked” a predetermined amount by the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Inventor: Gerhard Frank
  • Publication number: 20020074763
    Abstract: A bicycle sidecar includes a frame. A protective skin covers the frame. A wheel is connected to the frame. A connector system is used to attach the frame to a bicycle. A seat is and a grab bar are connected to the frame. A pedal assembly is mounted to the frame. A transmission system is connected to the pedal assembly. A pedal adapter assembly connects the transmission system to the bicycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventor: John W. Mixer
  • Patent number: 6311997
    Abstract: A sidecar for a bicycle comprises a wheeled frame formed of a single U-shaped tube adapted to be readily attached to a bottom portion of the bicycle frame via a single bracket. The bracket includes an elongated horizontal portion projecting forwardly of the power train of the bicycle for slidably receiving thereon a first end portion of the U-shaped tube. A circumferential slot is defined in the first end portion of the tube for receiving a pin rigidly secured to the elongated portion of the bracket, thereby allowing limited rotational movements of the bicycle frame relative to the sidecar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Inventor: Joël Lepley
  • Patent number: 5297808
    Abstract: The sidecar/stroller (200) includes a first wheel support assembly (222) which is movable between two positions. When the wheel support assembly (222) is in its first position, the apparatus is usable as a sidecar for bicycles, with upper and lower connections extending between the bicycle and the sidecar/stroller (200). When the wheel support assembly (222) is in its second position, forward of its first position, a rear wheel assembly (278) is secured to the sidecar/stroller and the apparatus is then useful as a stroller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1994
    Inventor: Terence R. Ellard
  • Patent number: 5292142
    Abstract: A sidecar for a bicycle comprised of an accessory rear mounting frame, four elongated mounting members an attachment for sidecar wheel and a framework for supporting a load. The accessory rear mounting frame extends from the rear axle of the bicycle to the seat post or the seat tube of the bicycle. Two elongated mounting members extend from the load supporting frame to the accessory rear mounting frame. Two more elongated mounting members extend from the load supporting frame to the forward structural tubing of the bicycle frame. And an attachment member, on the opposite side of the load supporting frame, and located forward of a line formed by extending the rear axle of the bicycle, comprises a support for an axle for the sidecar wheel. In one preferred embodiment each elongated mounting member and the accessory rear mounting frame has adjustments which allow the sidecar to be attached to various sizes of bicycle frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1994
    Inventor: Art Vitarelli
  • Patent number: 5248158
    Abstract: The sidecar (12) includes a sidecar frame assembly (14) which is joined by two connecting assembles (76, 77), one near the lower end of the sidecar frame assembly (10) and one near the upper end thereof, such that there is defined a parallelogram-like structural arrangement. Swivel connections are provided at each connection point, so that the sidecar (12) is free to follow the action of the bicycle (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1993
    Inventor: Terence R. Ellard
  • Patent number: 5238258
    Abstract: A side car for a motorcycle, wherein the side car box overlies the side car wheel directly thereabove. The lateral coupler between the side car and the motorcycle biases the side car wheel to incline interiorly of a curve, together with the motorcycle wheels, upon the moving vehicle taking a curve on a road. The side-car frame and box axially roll with the wheel, whereby the side-car center of gravity remains continuously within the plane of its wheel. As the motorcycle wheels progressively axially roll, their angular value relative to the vertical plane will increase relative to a second angular value corresponding to the roll of the side-car wheel relative to the vertical plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1993
    Inventor: Ghislain Michaud
  • Patent number: 5033762
    Abstract: A suspension system for a sidecar-type motorcycle which operates to maintain the motorcycle in a level, vertical disposition irrespective of uneven terrain being traversed by the motorcycle. The sidecar wheel is mounted on a beam which is pivotally mounted at one end on the sidecar frame. The lower end of a shock absorber is pivotally connected to the other end of the beam and the upper end of the shock absorber is connected to a lever which is pivotally mounted on the sidecar frame and which is operated by an extensible motor. The extensible motor may comprise a screw jack, an air cylinder, or a hydraulic cylinder. The extensible motor is operated either automatically by a level sensing device carried by the motorcycle or manually by the operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1991
    Inventor: Carl F. Rakowski
  • Patent number: 4840420
    Abstract: A convertible top for a motorcycle sidecar has a rigid collapsible frame which folds onto the rear of the sidecar when not in use. The frame has a pair of spaced clamps for securing the frame in an erected condition to the windshield of the sidecar. A foldable fabric top is disposed over the collapsible supporting frame and is attachable to the sides and windshield of the sidecar by snaps. The fabric top may be provided with portholes and windows, which may be secured in a closed position by hook and loop fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1989
    Inventor: Darrell A. Weber
  • Patent number: 4819956
    Abstract: A device which is convertible between a motorcycle trailer, a motorcycle sidecar and a snowmobile trailer. The device is provided with brakes when used in conjunction with a motorcycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1989
    Inventor: John M. Campbell
  • Patent number: 4580652
    Abstract: A motorcycle sidecar apparatus attaches to a motorcycle. The sidecar has an independent reverse drive and is controllable in the forward and reverse directions from either the motorcycle or the sidecar. It is particularly adapted for the use of wheelchair-bound handicapped persons. The invention also includes a suspension mechanism which cushions the ride and a hand-operated gear shift which facilitates operation of the vehicle from the sidecar. Finally, the sidecar incorporates a new type of wheel mounting assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1982
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1986
    Inventors: Thomas J. Turner, David R. Ankers
  • Patent number: 4548419
    Abstract: There is disclosed a motorcycle sidecar which has a single wheel on a king post, a load supporting tray which may optionally form a mudguard for the wheel, and a framework. The framework supports at least each end of the tray and consists of two vertically disposed parallelogram linkages between the motorcycle and the wheel. The top member of the front parallelogram linkage is connected to the top member of the rear one, as are the lower members and the king post is attached to these connecting members. When the motorcycle is leaned into a corner, the king post leans at a similar angle while the wheel remains on the ground and the tray remains substantially horizontal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1983
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1985
    Inventors: Keith R. Pigott, Michael J. Macartney, Alan S. Young
  • Patent number: 4477097
    Abstract: A non-rigid motorcycle side car chassis having a rigid lock device. The side car frame is pivotally connected to the motorcycle frame, so that when the motorcycle is turning left or right, the side car will not hinder or impede such turning. A locking device is diagonally disposed between the motorcycle frame and the side car frame, and is locked when the vehicle is parked or moving at a slow speed, to thereby orient the respective frames in orthogonal relation to one another. The wheel of the side car is pivotally mounted so that it turns toward the direction of travel as the motorcycle turns, and an elongate bias means serves to limit the travel of such wheel and to dampen the turning action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1982
    Date of Patent: October 16, 1984
    Inventor: A. K. Bobo Hayes
  • Patent number: 4415056
    Abstract: A motorcycle/sidecar apparatus, the sidecar designed and constructed to accommodate therein a wheelchair and wheelchair occupant, the sidecar further outfitted with controls for operation of the throttling, braking and steering functions of the motorcycle by the wheelchair occupant in the sidecar who has only minimal elbow-flex motion capabilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1981
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1983
    Inventor: Frederick A. Smith
  • Patent number: 4385770
    Abstract: There is disclosed a sidecar having a self-adjusting castering wheel located forwardly of the rear wheel of the associated motorcycle and which, together with the sidecar, is connected by a parallelogram linkage to the frame of the motorcycle so as to lean in substantial union with the motorcycle and the sidecar body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1981
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1983
    Inventor: Wallace F. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 4378121
    Abstract: This disclosure depicts a novel sidecar for use with a bicycle. The sidecar comprises a sidecar frame having at least three attachment ends, a sidecar wheel and axle attached to one of the attachment ends of the sidecar frame, a holding means attached to the sidecar frame, and first and second securing means for attaching the sidecar frame to the bicycle. The first and second securing means are in alignment with each other such that the sidecar wheel remains in contact with the ground when the bicycle is tilted from side to side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1981
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1983
    Inventor: Monte Rans
  • Patent number: 4350359
    Abstract: A side car attachment for a motorcycle including a wheeled frame which is attached to the motorcycle frame forward of the engine by a single or primary hitch coupling. The wheeled frame extends laterally outward from the hitch coupling and then rearwardly on one or both sides of the motorcycle frame. The coupling hitch permits the motorcycle to lean when making turns without any corresponding lean of the side car attachment. The hitch coupling also permits the motorcycle to have its longitudinal axis turn about a vertical axis by a limited amount to give the driver a feeling of independence in spite of the presence of the side car in that the turning radius and leaning are not significantly restricted. The hitch coupling also permits a user to rapidly connect or disconnect the side car from the motorcycle without tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1980
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1982
    Inventor: James J. Van Gompel
  • Patent number: 4254965
    Abstract: A motorcycle side car apparatus having a motorcycle support frame pivoted about the center line of the motorcycle wheels and about the center line of an outboard support wheel and a linkage means pivotally connected about the center line of the motorcycle wheels and about the center line of the support wheel for maintaining the side car support frame substantially level and the inclination of the support wheel at the same inclination of the motorcycle wheels and to distribute load forces at the center lines of the support wheel and the motorcycle wheels to avoid slippage and sliding of the wheels during turns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1979
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1981
    Inventor: George B. Kobel
  • Patent number: 4229018
    Abstract: An apparatus of torsionally resilient sidecar structure and resilient structure for connecting it to any type of a two-wheel land vehicle, be it pedal-powered, motor-driven or any combination of propulsion; the sidecar operatively attachable to the two-wheel vehicle by a plurality of torsionally resilient connecting members, each of them bent to form a longer mid-portion and two shorter end-portions, the longer mid-portions positioned substantially horizontally and transversely between the frame of the two-wheel vehicle and the sidecar, thus determining the overall width of the combined vehicle, and their shorter end-portions operatively attached on one side to the structural members of the two-wheel vehicle and on the other side to the structural members of the sidecar assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1977
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1980
    Inventor: John J. Chika
  • Patent number: 4221276
    Abstract: A motorcycle sidecar securely accommodates a handicapped driver seated in a wheelchair. Handlebars are mounted directly in front of the driver for steering the motorcycle. Other controls, including a throttle, a front brake lever, and a clutch lever are mounted on the handle bars. A rear brake lever and a gear shifting control are conveniently located in the sidecar for manipulation by the handicapped driver. A retractable ramp is provided for permitting the driver to roll his wheelchair into the sidecar. Brackets are provided for securely attaching the sidecar to a conventional motorcycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1978
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1980
    Inventors: John C. Mitchell, Thomas N. Terning
  • Patent number: 4079956
    Abstract: A camping sidecar and trailer assembly designed for use in conjunction with a motorcycle. It comprises an elongated body with a wheeled suspension. The camper includes utility features such as storage space, a water reservoir, sink, cold storage, and cooking means. A cover encloses the top and one side of the camper and is movable to expose access to utility features of the camper and protects the utility features while in transit. The cover provides wind and rain protection for the utility features when in use and additionally provides partial support for an enclosing tent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1976
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1978
    Inventor: Marion Leon Headington, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4078815
    Abstract: A motorcycle sidecar frame composed of five elongate struts secured together at their respective ends into a shape substantially conforming to that of a tetrahedron. In one embodiment, a portion of an elongate frame member found on a motorcycle comprises the sixth edge of the tetrahedron. Two of the vertices of the tetrahedral frame are respectively located at two spaced points of the frame member. The remaining two vertices of the tetrahedron are respectively secured to a sidecar suspension system. One of the vertices is secured to the top of a shock absorber, which extends downwardly to the axle of the sidecar wheel, and the other vertex is pivotally secured to the end of an arm, the other end of which is secured to the sidecar wheel axle. In an alternative embodiment of the basic tetrahedral frame, the function of the five elongate struts of the first embodiment and the sixth strut is provided by the edges or corners of a tetrahedron formed by suitable sheets of metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1976
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1978
    Assignee: Vetter Design Works, Inc.
    Inventor: Craig W. Vetter
  • Patent number: 4073503
    Abstract: A motorcycle sidecar mounting bracket has means which permit the motorcycle to tilt relative to the sidecar. Two bracket members which connect the sidecar with the motorcycle are pivotally mounted on the underside of the motorcycle. As the motorcyclist leans the motorcycle into a turn, the brackets remain horizontal while the motorcycle tilts independently of the sidecar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1976
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1978
    Inventor: David H. Hokans
  • Patent number: 4022483
    Abstract: A frame for attaching a side car to the frame of a motorcycle. The attachment frame includes parallel upper and lower rails which are connected at their front ends to the motorcycle frame by a parallelogram linkage for simultaneous tilting movement of the front portions of the attachment and motorcycle frames. The rear portion of the attachment frame is pivotally connected to an auxiliary wheel which is disposed beneath the attachment frame directly adjacent to the motorcycle. The attachment frame carries means for connecting a side car outwardly from the attachment frame and auxiliary wheel. The connection between the rear portions of the frames comprises a roller mounted for movement along a normally vertical track to provide independent movement of the frames and form an axis for tilting movement of the attachment frame. An air cylinder provides adjustable support for the load carried by the attachment frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1975
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1977
    Inventors: Clarence H. Wallick, Ghraydon Lynn Wallick
  • Patent number: 3994507
    Abstract: A coupling assembly adapted for releasably connecting a sidecar to a motorcycle includes a first coupling member attached to the motorcycle and having a ball-shaped portion with a first lateral dimension adjacent to second portions with a second lateral dimension greater than the first lateral dimension. A second coupling member is attached to the sidecar and has a bell-shaped configuration. Retaining means for engaging the ball-shaped portion of the first coupling member includes a plurality of fingers resiliently expandable to the second lateral dimension to receive the ball-shaped portion and contractable to the first lateral dimension to substantially enclose the ball-shaped portion. Screw means extending through the second coupling member draws the retaining means into the second coupling member. In this position the second coupling member prevents the expansion of the fingers from the first lateral dimension to the second lateral dimension thereby coupling the sidecar to the motorcycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1975
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1976
    Assignee: Spirit of America, Incorporated
    Inventors: Ronald Lloyd Doll, Robert Arthur Peterson
  • Patent number: 3960391
    Abstract: Apparatus comprising a part of a shock absorbing wheel suspension system of a motorcycle sidecar which is adjustable for securing the sidecar wheel at both different toe-in positions and offset positions. The suspension system includes an elongate swing arm that is pivotally secured to the sidecar frame at one end and carries the wheel assembly at its other end. In one embodiment, the swing arm comprises two elongate members that may be secured together at different relative angular positions corresponding to different sidecar wheel toe-in positions. Means are also provided so that the wheel-carrying one of the two members may be secured at different locations along the length of the other elongate member corresponding to different wheel offset positions. The means provided for securing the members together at different angular positions also functions to secure them together at different relative longitudinal positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1975
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1976
    Assignee: Vetter Design Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig W. Vetter, John R. Doyle, Henry P. Tate