Props And Steadying Devices Patents (Class 280/293)
  • Patent number: 11939018
    Abstract: A motor is coupled to a rocker switch. A threaded shaft is mechanically coupled to the motor. A threaded fitting is coupled to the threaded shaft. The threaded fitting has a first leg and a second leg positioned substantially opposite the first leg. A first foot is coupled substantially perpendicular to the first leg. A second foot is coupled substantially perpendicular to the second leg. The peg brace is coupled to the first leg and the second leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Inventor: Kim Andrew Sadberry
  • Patent number: 11878760
    Abstract: A tilt warning device is operable to alert a two-wheeled vehicle operator of potential dismount or accident. The warning device comprises of a warning rod that is operable to generate sparks when the two-wheeled vehicle undergoes excessive tilt when driving around corners at higher-than-normal speeds. When undergoing excessive tilt, the sparks generated by the warning rod direct the operator to move the two-wheeled vehicle upright from its current orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Inventor: Joe Acree
  • Patent number: 11465701
    Abstract: A training wheel assembly for assisting a physically disabled user with riding a bicycle includes a pair of brackets that is each mountable on opposite sides of a rear wheel of a bicycle. A pair of shock absorbers is each integrated into a respective one of the brackets such that each of the brackets is compressible and expandable. A pair of rollers is each of rotatably coupled to a respective one of the brackets to roll along a support surface when the bicycle is ridden. Each of the rollers is positioned on opposite sides of the bicycle to inhibit the bicycle from tipping thereby assisting a physically disabled user with riding the bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Inventor: Katherine Soza
  • Patent number: 11291065
    Abstract: A wireless communication device for a human-powered vehicle comprises a wireless communicator and a controller. The wireless communicator is configured to wirelessly transmit a connection demand signal to establish a wireless connection between the wireless communicator and an additional wireless communicator. The controller is configured to control the wireless communicator to wirelessly transmit the connection demand signal at first frequency for a first period. The controller is configured to control the wireless communicator to wirelessly transmit the connection demand signal at second frequency which is different from the first frequency after a passage of the first period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Shota Inoue, Yoshiyuki Kasai, Makoto Usui, Masako Itsukashi, Akihiro Nozaki
  • Patent number: 11090543
    Abstract: A bicycle trainer has a stand, a resistance generating mechanism carried by the stand, and a decoupling hub assembly carried on the stand. The decoupling hub assembly has a torque coupler operably connected to the resistance generating mechanism. The torque coupler has a coupling portion configured to engage a coupling part of a drive body assembly on a bicycle. The coupling portion is exposed to an exterior of the stand engages the drive body assembly, which is rotationally driven by the drive train of the bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: SRAM, LLC
    Inventors: James Meyer, Christopher Shipman, Kevin Wesling
  • Patent number: 11066115
    Abstract: A training wheel system is provided that can improve packaging, shipping, and installation. The training wheel system includes a bracket for maintaining the orientation of a training wheel arm. In one form, the bracket can nest within a channel of a portion of the training wheel arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: Kent International Inc.
    Inventor: Scott Kamler
  • Patent number: 10780931
    Abstract: A kickstand assembly for a motorcycle includes a motorbike and a housing. The housing defines an interior space and is coupled to an end of a frame of the motorbike. A plurality of rods is positioned in the interior space. Each rod is selectively extensible from a bottom of the housing. An actuator is coupled to the housing and is positioned in the interior space. The actuator is operationally coupled to the plurality of rods. The actuator is positioned to selectively urge the rods to extend from the housing so that a terminus of each rod contacts a surface upon which the motorbike is positioned. The motorbike is stabilized on the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Inventor: Ronald Siwicki
  • Patent number: 10723411
    Abstract: A torque detection device of a rear frame of an electrically assisted bicycle includes two displacement detection units and a processing unit. The displacement detection units are installed at upper and lower fork arms of the rear frame respectively for detecting and converting displacement into force. Through mechanical analysis and mathematical operations, the processing unit processes signals obtained by the displacement detection units to remove any force perpendicular to a road surface and obtain a rider's treading torque while pedaling a pedal crank module. The displacement detection units are mounted onto the upper and lower fork arms without requiring any rotary joint. The displacement detection units are displacement detection devices applying different physical and chemical methods, such as strain gauges, piezoelectric sensors, electromagnetic sensors, capacitive sensors, or optical sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: National Cheng Kung University
    Inventors: Sen-Yung Lee, Cho-Yin Lee
  • Patent number: 10689045
    Abstract: An acceleration detector is placed on a side stand portion attached to the main body of a side-stand-equipped vehicle. The acceleration detector has a CPU. In a side stand state detection mode, the CPU detects the state of the side stand portion according to a detection signal from the acceleration detector. In an orientation detection mode, the CPU detects the orientation of the main body of the side-stand-equipped vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: ALPS ALPINE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kyozo Saito
  • Patent number: 10675204
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a powered exoskeleton. The powered exoskeleton includes a leg connection rod and a stabilizing structure. The stabilizing structure is mounted on the leg connection rod. The stabilizing structure is switched between a folded state and an unfolded state in such a manner that the stabilizing structure is folded on the leg connection rod when the stabilizing structure is in the folded state, and the stabilizing structure is suitable for being in contact with the ground and supports the leg connection rod in a tilted upward direction when the stabilizing structure is in the unfolded state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD
    Inventors: Ying Zhang, Yifei Zhang, Kai Zhao, Yu Gu, Hongli Ding
  • Patent number: 10589145
    Abstract: A swingable exercise bike includes a base having a first pivot portion for a bike body to be pivotally connected to the first pivot portion so that the bike body can swing left and right relative to the base. Left and right sides of the first pivot portion are provided with first connecting rods. The first connecting rods each have one end pivoted to the base and another end extending in a height direction and pivoted to a second connecting rod. The second connecting rod is further pivoted to the bike body. When the bike body swings left and right, the first and second connecting rods are pivoted. The two second connecting rods are connected with a cushion device disposed in a horizontal direction, which can generate a damping effect when the two second connecting rods are pivoted by the bike body, thereby cushioning the swing of the bike body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: BH Asia Ltd.
    Inventor: Fu Hai Lin
  • Patent number: 10577039
    Abstract: A stabilizing apparatus for a bicycle is disclosed. The stabilizing apparatus includes a vertical member configured for coupling to a distal end of a rear hub of the bicycle, a horizontal member hingably attached at a proximal end to the vertical member, a wheel attached to a distal end of the horizontal member, the wheel configured for laterally supporting the bicycle, a preloaded strut hingably attached at a top end to the vertical member, and hingably attached at a bottom end to the horizontal member, and an adjustable device located on the preloaded strut, the adjustable device configured for adjusting a rest compression state of the preloaded strut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Inventor: Khalil Khouri
  • Patent number: 10167030
    Abstract: Devices, apparatus, systems and methods for using a magnet retractable support platform for kickstands for use with two wheeled vehicles that include motorcycles, mopeds and bicycles. While a two wheeled vehicle is parked, a kickstand support, such as a puck, can be magnetically attached to a lowered kickstand on a two wheeled vehicle by a magnet in the kickstand support. A tether line can have an end attached to the kickstand support and an opposite end tethered to a mounted retriever assembly that can be clamped to handlebars of the two-wheeled vehicle. A spring in the retriever assembly can activated by a switch to retract the tether line and allow for the kickstand support to be attached again to the mounted retriever assembly when the kickstand support is not being used. A clip and/or a second magnet on the retriever assembly can also releasably attach the kickstand support to the retriever assembly when the kickstand support is not being used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Inventor: Cindy Smith
  • Patent number: 10137956
    Abstract: Provided is an inverted pendulum vehicle including a display unit for providing a guide on an operation for putting the vehicle body into the tilted position from the upright position or into the upright position from the tilted position according to a state of the vehicle. In particular, the display unit indicates a direction in which the vehicle body is required to be moved when placing the vehicle body from the tilted position to the upright position and from the upright position to the tilted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takeshi Echizenya
  • Patent number: 9868028
    Abstract: Provided is a virtual reality indoor bicycle exercise system using a mobile device, which includes a cycle unit; a main controller controlling a load granted to the cycle unit and collecting information on various sensors attached to the cycle unit; a mobile device accessing the main controller to provide information such as physical exercise resistance, and the like and generated in an actual traveling path and receiving exercise information generated by various sensors from the main controller; and a main server wirelessly communicating with the mobile device and storing, updating and managing user information, exercise amount information, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: CONSIDERC INC.
    Inventor: Jaehyun Shin
  • Patent number: 9475532
    Abstract: Variable-attitude systems used with training wheels for children's bicycles and mini-motorcycles are provided, which include a metal arm, mounted on a bicycle or mini-motorcycle frame, by a second metal arm and by a hinge joint, wherein elastic elements are provided, housed around the joint which, through the two arms thereof, imparts a pressure which may be modulated on the second arm which supports the training wheels to adhere to the sliding plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Inventor: Andrea Di Vitto
  • Patent number: 9045184
    Abstract: A removable handle for a motorcycle stand that can be removed/replaced to face forward or rearward and on left or right side of motorcycle. When installed the handle is indexed at a precise angle to provide the correct angle for lifting the motorcycle. The handle is capable of being removed easily by removal of a single screw and when installed it is held tight by virtue of the mating male/female members that contain a star-shaped key section, a tapered/conical section and a cylindrical section. When the handle is removed from the motorcycle stand it is compact for shipping and/or storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: Pit Bull Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles Van Valkenburgh
  • Patent number: 9022425
    Abstract: An inverted pendulum control type moving body includes: a first driving portion capable of driving in all directions on a movement plane; a frame portion rotatably supporting the first driving portion; a second driving portion rotatable about the rotation center of the first driving portion via a link portion; a first restriction portion restricting rotation of the link portion in a first direction about the rotation center; a second restriction portion restricting rotation of the link portion in a second direction about the rotation center; and a supporting portion supporting the frame portion in an uncontrolled state. An operation portion operates: a first operation which separates the supporting portion from the movement plane and increases a distance between the first and second restriction portions; and a second operation which brings the supporting portion into contact with the movement plane and reduces the distance between the first and second restriction portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinji Kawatani, Hiroshi Iwakami, Makoto Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 9010793
    Abstract: An adapter kit for motorcycles, particularly touring motorcycles moves the operator's foot pad forwardly and downwardly to increase the included angle between the upper leg and lower leg at the knee, as well as the angle at the ankle for operating the respective brake and shift controls. The kit includes adapter brackets to move the foot pads forwardly and downwardly relative to the position of the footpad as originally assembled. The kit also includes modified linkages to maintain a correct relationship between the respective control levers and the footpads. The linkage for the shift lever is modified to provide a pivot to accommodate the change in location, and yet maintain easily operated shifting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: The Trike Shop, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas A. Lindholm, Michael P. Nielsen
  • Publication number: 20150035251
    Abstract: An anti-fall device for a two-wheeled vehicle intended to prevent the vehicle and the rider thereof from falling when the camber angle reaches the limiting angle corresponding to the limit of grip of the tires, for a given circular trajectory and a given coefficient of grip, while enabling this limiting angle to be measured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2011
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventors: Yves Potin, Eric Durand, Daniel Beaulaton
  • Patent number: 8944453
    Abstract: A training wheel apparatus for learning to ride a bicycle includes a lift activation assembly. The training wheel apparatus further includes a wheel mount assembly configured to operatively connect to a wheel. The training wheel apparatus further includes a cable configured to operatively connect to the lift activation assembly and the wheel mount assembly. When activated, the lift activation assembly is configured to use the cable to change an elevation of the wheel between a first position and a second position while the wheel is in motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Inventor: Peyton Webb Robertson
  • Patent number: 8864161
    Abstract: A tricycle may be operable between a first mode of operation steerable by a tricycle rider, and a second mode of operation steerable by an individual pushing the tricycle. A rider handle, in the first mode, may be configured to be rotationally coupled with the stem in a manner permitting a tricycle rider to exert forces on the rider handle and thereby turn the fork, and the rider handle in the second mode, being configured to be rotationally uncoupled from the stem, preventing forces on the rider handle from turning the fork. At least one rotation restrictor may be included for preventing the frost wheel from turning to a position where the front wheel axis leads the fork axis, and for maintaining the front wheel axis in a position trailing the fork axis both when the tricycle is propelled by a tricycle rider in the first mode and when the tricycle is pushed from behind in the second mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Smart Trike MNF Pte Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoram Baron
  • Publication number: 20140265236
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a stand bracket 100 including a mounting portion 102 and a body portion 106. The mounting portion 102 is arranged so that the stand bracket 100 can be connected to a bicycle. The body portion 106 includes a connector for connecting with an item. The item and the stand bracket 100 when connected establish a stand for standing the bicycle in a generally upright position. In a preferred form, the connector is arranged to connect with a first end of a bicycle pump 150.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: HARRIS TOOLING INTERNATIONAL PTY. LTD.
    Inventor: Shane Antony Harris
  • Publication number: 20140265235
    Abstract: A manual stabilizing device is designed to be used and operated by a person positioned adjacent a bicycle being ridden by another person, such as a child. The inventive device includes an elongated handle and an engaging jaw that allow a user to grab or connect with an element of a bicycle frame at the time of use without previously adding or permanently securing any other device to the bicycle. An operator controlled handle or lever controls the engaging jaw to capture or release a portion of the bicycle frame to allow the user to apply stabilizing forces to the bicycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Douglas G. Staab
  • Patent number: 8801024
    Abstract: An extension or towing handle for use with a child's scooter or other children's mechanical, wheeled vehicles, with a rigid, extension handle that affixes to the horizontal handlebar of the children's mechanical, wheeled vehicle by a clamshell-shaped plastic moulding, a metal bracket and various nuts and bolts, or by U-shaped bolts, a bracket and a back plate, or by a bracket. The handle may alternatively be somewhat flexible rather than entirely rigid, and may be telescopic. The handle pivots for a wide, vertical range of motion, to enable comfortable towing by an accompanying adult when in a raised position, as well as stowing in a lowered position when not in use. The handle has little or no horizontal range of motion, so that the accompanying adult may help the child to steer, and may include a finial allowing the user to grip it firmly and comfortably.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Inventor: Holly J. Grainger
  • Patent number: 8783695
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to control according to a vehicle height an auxiliary device provided in a vehicle. A motorcycle 1 having a damper 10A interposed between a vehicle body and an axle includes vehicle height detection means 80 for detecting a vehicle height, with this vehicle height detection means being provided in the damper 10A in an auxiliary manner. The optical axis of a headlight 210, which is an exemplar auxiliary device provided in the vehicle, is controlled based on a detection signal from the vehicle height detection means 80.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Showa Corporation
    Inventors: Yosuke Murakami, Tadashi Hachisuka, Takahiro Kasuga, Fumiaki Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 8764041
    Abstract: A tricycle may be operable between a first mode of operation steerable by a tricycle rider, and a second mode of operation steerable by an individual pushing the tricycle. A rider handle, in the first mode, may be configured to be rotationally coupled with the stem in a manner permitting a tricycle rider to exert forces on the rider handle and thereby turn the fork, and the rider handle in the second mode, being configured to be rotationally uncoupled from the stem, preventing forces on the rider handle from turning the fork. At least one rotation restrictor may be included for preventing the front wheel from turning to a position where the front wheel axis leads the fork axis, and for maintaining the front wheel axis in a position trailing the fork axis both when the tricycle is propelled by a tricycle rider in the first mode and when the tricycle is pushed from behind in the second mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Smart Trike MNF PTE Ltd
    Inventor: Yoram Baron
  • Patent number: 8689923
    Abstract: A saddle riding vehicle includes a vehicle body frame, a front wheel, a rear wheel, a power unit, a shift actuator, and an actuator guard. The power unit has a transmission and a shift mechanism for the transmission. The shift actuator is to actuate the shift mechanism and is attached to a lower portion of a side face of the power unit. The actuator guard is to protect the shift actuator from an obstacle and includes a guard frame and a guard member. The guard frame extends in a forward and backward direction of the saddle riding vehicle below the shift actuator. The guard frame is connected to the vehicle body frame. The guard member is connected to the guard frame and covers a lower face and an outer side face of the shift actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Keisuke Kishikawa
  • Patent number: 8662211
    Abstract: An omnidirectional vehicle 1 includes: a main wheel 3 which is able to be driven in all directions; a base 2 which supports the main wheel 3; and a sub wheel 4 which is connected to the base 2 via an arm 15 and is grounded at a position apart from the ground contact point of the main wheel 3. The sub wheel 4 is attached so as to circularly move about the center of rotation of the main wheel 3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nozomi Kamiyama, Yusuke Mutoh
  • Patent number: 8636295
    Abstract: A two-wheel vehicle for carrying out tire grip measurements. The vehicle is equipped with three spars fitted onto one side of the vehicle, the ends of the spars forming a plane approximately parallel to the circumferential plane of the rear wheel of the vehicle and the distance between said plane and the circumferential plane of the rear wheel of the vehicle being greater than 350 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignees: Compagnie General des Etablissments Michelin, Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A.
    Inventors: Jean-Francois Roziere, Claude Martinroche
  • Patent number: 8602427
    Abstract: A two-wheeled vehicle includes a front wheel mounted for rotation to a front end of a frame and an opposed rear wheel mounted for rotation to a rear end of the frame. A framework assembly is carried by the frame of the vehicle between the front and rear wheels and has end portions disposed adjacent to respective sides of the frame. A stabilizer is carried by each of the end portions of the framework assembly to interact with the ground over which the vehicle is driven along the sides of the frame proximate to the front and rear wheels of the vehicle. A frangible area is formed in the framework assembly providing a point at which the framework assembly will break so as to break away one of the stabilizers from the framework assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Inventor: William G. Trout
  • Patent number: 8596656
    Abstract: A vehicle assembly includes a two-wheeled vehicle including a frame having opposed sides, opposed front and rear ends, and a front wheel mounted for rotation to the frame proximate to the front end of the frame positioned in front of an opposed rear wheel mounted for rotation to the frame proximate to the rear end of the frame and that is substantially in-line with respect to the front wheel. A member is carried by the frame of the vehicle between the front and rear wheels and has end portions disposed adjacent to the respective sides of the frame. A wheeled stabilizer assembly is carried by each of the end portions of the member to wheelingly interact with the ground over which the vehicle is driven along the sides of the frame proximate to the front and rear wheels of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Inventor: William G. Trout
  • Patent number: 8517343
    Abstract: The motorcycle stand is capable of lifting the front of a motorcycle from either below the front axle or from the hollow steering stem of the motorcycle with no reconfiguration. The modular design also allows components to be removed or omitted to make it capable of lifting from one location or the other with less weight and a lower purchase cost. It's unique and innovative pivot axis uses the outside diameter of two co-linear tubes to lift from the steering stem. The inside diameter of the same tubes serve as pivots for swivel components that lift from below the front axle. A unique method of index-able, height adjustability allow the user to tailor to his/her preference for leverage or to adapt to a specific motorcycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Pit Bull Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles N. VanValkenburgh
  • Patent number: 8480059
    Abstract: An adjustable motorcycle prop jack comprised of a hinging device with an over-center locking action for lifting and holding in place a motorcycle's rear wheel by lifting the motorcycle's right side over the pivot line formed between the tip of its side stand and the contact point of the front tire to facilitate maintenance requiring the rear wheel to spin freely. The invention is comprised of a base and lifting arm, and a pin and spacers inserted between the two to form a hinge. The motorcycle is lifted by placing the base of the invention perpendicular to, and on the ground, and the lifting arm under a lifting point on the rear right side of the motorcycle with the invention forming an obtuse angle. Upon engagement, the invention lifts the rear of the motorcycle off the ground and locks in an over-center position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Inventor: Gregory Hunt
  • Patent number: 8480111
    Abstract: An improved enclosed motorcycle (310) is taught, having an electric motor (324) and an improved handlebar assembly (326) employing a torque arm (358) with spherical rod ends (360). The foot brake pedal (328) is improved by attached rigidly to the frame (320) and the bench seat (330) is now slideably attached and the back portion of the bench seat capable of tilting providing the requisite adjustment. The landing wheels (332) are now individually mounted on a support arm (372) hinged on the frame retained by a spring loaded take-up rod assembly (374) allowing stabilizing on uneven surfaces. The entrance doors upper half windows each have vent window (386) hinged independently on a front edge with the hinge including a locking head (392) secured to the window frame for ventilation. The leg doors (340) are hinged horizontally onto the entrance doors (338) and open at a predetermined speed before the motorcycle has stopped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Inventor: Ming C. Kuo
  • Publication number: 20130140790
    Abstract: A cycling trainer which includes a wheeled body with a rear wheel centred on an axis and a support on each side of the wheel to provide lateral support to the rear wheel and therefore the trainer, wherein each support may have at least one circular zone of relative weakness about which the respective support flexes, bends, deflects or breaks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Inventor: Richard George Gladwin
  • Patent number: 8439385
    Abstract: A tricycle may be operable between a first mode of operation steerable by a tricycle rider, and a second mode of operation steerable by an individual pushing the tricycle. A rider handle, in the first mode, may be rotationally coupled with the stem in a manner permitting a tricycle rider to exert forces on the rider handle and thereby turn the fork, and the rider handle in the second mode, may be rotationally uncoupled from the stem, preventing forces on the rider handle from turning the fork. At least one rotation restrictor may be included for preventing the front wheel from turning to a position where the front wheel axis leads the stem axis, and for maintaining the front wheel axis in a position trailing the stem axis in the first mode and in the second mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Smart Trike MNF Pte Ltd
    Inventor: Yoram Baron
  • Publication number: 20130113179
    Abstract: A stabilised wheelchair configured for a user suffering lower extremity weight loss comprising: a frame that supports a seat and which is moveable over the ground surface by a set of manually operable rear propulsion wheels and one or more forward steering wheels. The stabiliser assembly comprises a weight device that is releasably secured to the frame of the wheelchair by a mounting assembly at a position forward of the rotation axis of the rear propulsion wheels of the wheelchair and which has a weight that is sufficient to counterbalance the user's lower extremity weight loss to maintain fore-aft stability of the wheelchair in use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Inventor: Andrew Laurence O'Sullivan
  • Publication number: 20130099463
    Abstract: In one aspect the present invention is directed to a device for parking a first two-wheeled vehicle (10) upright, the device comprising: a connector (2), for connecting, during the parking, the first two-wheeled vehicle (10) to a side member selected from a group including: a second two-wheeled vehicle (32), another object (32a); wherein the supporting point (4) of the side member being disposed above the ground level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Inventor: Benny Tobie
  • Patent number: 8424895
    Abstract: A portable auxiliary jackstand for a two-wheeled vehicle which provides the vehicle with additional stability when parked is disclosed. The stand comprises a ratchet or detent mechanism which provides a means for adjusting and locking its length. An upper end accommodates various interchangeable adapters intended to engage the frame, foot peg or other structural member of the vehicle. A lower end accommodates various interchangeable feet designed to provide the necessary friction against the prevailing texture of the ground surface. The stand can be applied to either side of the vehicle and is designed to allow the user to select the configuration which is best suited to the conditions of the parking space ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Inventor: Daniel P. Stokes
  • Patent number: 8408576
    Abstract: Disclosed is an improved all terrain vehicle (ATV) trailer hitch system, comprising a first and second pivotal joint connected by an elongated driveshaft for navigating uneven terrain and maneuvering through tight turns without joint binding or trailer tipping. The driveshaft comprises a length adjustable member having a first end connecting to a lead vehicle via a first pivotal joint that statically supports the joint and allows pitching of the driveshaft. The driveshaft second end attaches by way of a second pivotal and rotatable joint to a trailer attachment assembly. The trailer attachment assembly provides connection to the trailer and for receiving an elongated drive screw member that establishes a rotational joint. The second pivotal joint therefore provides yaw and roll capability for the trailer. The system provides a multiple joint connection separated by an elongated driveshaft between a vehicle and a trailer for reduced binding and off-road maneuvering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Inventor: Don Volk
  • Patent number: 8382139
    Abstract: A bicycle riding training device, or torsion seat-handle, attaches directly to the seat frame of a bicycle allowing the rider to receive immediate physical feedback from the instructor. The rider can “feel” the instructor's corrections through the seat, allowing the rider to more quickly learn how to balance the bicycle. The torsion seat-handle extends rearwardly and upwardly from the seat of the bicycle, such that it may be grasped by an instructor to provide physical corrections the rider. Additionally, the angular deployment of the torsion seat-handle can be adjusted to account for the height of the instructor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Inventors: Damian Schexnayder, Mohamed Elgamal, James Duncans
  • Patent number: 8376384
    Abstract: A wheel safeguard assembly installed on a bottom of a main body of a two-wheeled vehicle includes: two guide columns attached on respective sides of a rear end of the main body; a base disposed across the rear end of the main body and behind a rear wheel of the vehicle; two rollers pivoted on respective sides of the base; two rotatable linkages, one end of each linkage pivoted to the respective side of the rear end, and another end of each linkage pivoted to the respective side of the base adjacent to the rollers; two guide slots formed in the respective sides of the base and the guide columns disposed in respective guide slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Inventor: Hui-Te Tsai
  • Patent number: 8371598
    Abstract: The leverage device is intended to be installed on motorcycle stands that currently use a hex head machine screw for width adjustment. It consists of a) a female hex portion to mate with the hex head of the machine screw, b) a lever portion to be actuated by the user and c) a flat bottom to keep it captive to the machine screw. The device allows the user to loosen the screw slightly for width adjustment then re-tighten it without the use of tools. The low profile device is installed on the motorcycle stand to become a permanent part of the stand, unlike a wrench that is separate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Innovation First, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles N. VanValkenburgh
  • Patent number: 8360190
    Abstract: A two-wheeled motor vehicle prevents a belt from slipping in a continuously variable transmission even when support by a center stand is released and a rear wheel thus lands while spinning. The two-wheeled motor vehicle includes a hydraulic continuously variable transmission that transmits torque via a belt, and a control device includes a stand position obtaining unit that obtains position information about the center stand, and an add-at-support-position unit that increases oil pressure generated in a primary oil chamber and a secondary oil chamber by a predetermined amount when the center stand is at the support position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yuji Watase
  • Patent number: 8333397
    Abstract: A vehicle assembly includes a two-wheeled vehicle including a frame having opposed sides, opposed front and rear ends, and a front wheel mounted for rotation to the frame proximate to the front end of the frame positioned in front of an opposed rear wheel mounted for rotation to the frame proximate to the rear end of the frame and that is substantially in-line with respect to the front wheel. A member is carried by the frame of the vehicle between the front and rear wheels and has end portions disposed adjacent to the respective sides of the frame. A wheeled stabilizer assembly is carried by each of the end portions of the member to wheelingly interact with the ground over which the vehicle is driven along the sides of the frame proximate to the front and rear wheels of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Steelhead Innovations, LLC
    Inventor: William G. Trout
  • Patent number: 8313117
    Abstract: A child's riding vehicle such as a tricycle has a secondary steering column through which the parent walking behind the tricycle may steer the tricycle. The secondary steering column is coupled to the first steering column by a pair of rods that are attached at their respective ends to a first flange around the primary steering column and a second flange around the secondary steering column. The steering rods also act as steering limiters by contacting the wheel fork tube at a predetermined maximum steering angle and resisting further rotation of the flange. The mechanism lies entirely within the hollow frame of the tricycle for safety. The child's steering handle can be disengaged from the fork tube to allow the parent to completely control the steering without interference from the child.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: MGA Entertainment, Inc.
    Inventors: Samir Khare, Yuval Caspi
  • Patent number: 8302984
    Abstract: A side stand attaching structure for a motorcycle includes a stand attaching part of a body of the motorcycle, a stand bracket, and a connector. The stand bracket rotatably connects a base end part of a levelable side stand to the stand attaching part. The side stand is provided on one side at a lower part of the body. The connector connects the stand bracket to the stand attaching part. The connector is inclined to extend upward as the connector extends outwardly in a width direction of the motorcycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takashi Kudo
  • Patent number: 8286985
    Abstract: An architecture is presented that provides a double hinged tow hitch. The tow hitch is attached to a tow vehicle and allows full traction to the ground and complete control of steering. The tow hitch comprises two hinges secured together by a pin positioned at an upper portion of the hinges and a pin positioned at a lower portion of the hinges. The pins secure the hinges together and allow the hinges to flex in two positions. Additionally, the tow hitch comprises springs positioned on either side of the hinges and rubber positioned between the hinges to act as a shock absorber. When pressure is applied to the tow hitch, the springs will collapse into either the upper or lower portions of the hinges, causing the hinges to flex in two positions and pressing against the rubber between the hinges, thus acting as a suspension system for the tow hitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Inventor: David Frocklage
  • Patent number: 8251390
    Abstract: This invention provides a stabilizing system and method for two-wheeled vehicles that affords the rider no restriction on the full range of movements (banks, leans, etc.) common to bicycles, but that provides greater stability during turns and other maneuvers so that an unintentional bank or tilt (potentially causing a fall) is less likely, even at relatively slow speeds and startup. A rotating mass of predetermined mass-value and radial mass-distribution is provided coaxially with the front axle. The mass is supported on bearings so as to freewheel with respect to the rotation of the front wheel. As such it can be induced to spin significantly faster than the front wheel thereby generating a gyroscopic effect at the front wheel about the axle. This gyroscopic effect influences the steering of the wheel by the rider. Due to precession, the wheel tends to follow any excessive bank by the vehicle, ensuring that the rider can “steer-out-of” an unintended tilt or bank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: The Gyrobike, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniella Reichstetter, Sascha M. Retailleau, Charles S. McCall, Nathan Sigworth, Brian Q. Huppi, Peter E. Von Behrens, Scott Whitman, Hannah Murnen, Deborah Sperling, Augusta Niles