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.), while providing greater stability during turns and other maneuvers so that an unintentional bank or tilt (potentially causing a fall) is less likely, even at 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 and freewheels with respect to the rotation of the front wheel. It can be induced to spin significantly faster than the front wheel thereby generating a gyroscopic effect at the front wheel about the axle. The gyroscopic effect limits the rider's ability to execute excessive steering, thereby preventing jackknife movements. The mass can be an electric-motor-driven flywheel within a shell housing that includes a drive tire battery, control system and drive motor.
Type:
Application
Filed:
August 27, 2012
Publication date:
December 20, 2012
Applicant:
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
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
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:
Application
Filed:
October 5, 2009
Publication date:
April 15, 2010
Applicant:
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