Abstract: A motorcycle includes a head pipe that supports a steering shaft which is arranged to rotate freely, a body frame connected to the head pipe, and an engine supported by the body frame in a suspended state. The body frame includes a main frame that extends obliquely downward to the rear from the head pipe and a pair of left and right subframes that extend obliquely downward to the rear from the main frame. The engine includes a crankcase and a cylinder that extends obliquely upward to the front from the crankcase. The cylinder is supported by a rear end of the main frame. The crankcase is supported by portions in two places separated to the front and the rear in the respective subframes.

Abstract: A center-closed power steering system provides power steering assistance in engine-off conditions for reduced fuel consumption. The power steering system includes a hydraulic pump mechanically driven by the engine, a high pressure accumulator, a steering gearbox fluidly connected to the accumulator, and a center closed valve mechanically connected to a driver-operated steering wheel. The valve is configured to selectively control flow of pressurized fluid from the accumulator to the steering gearbox to provide power steering assistance. The inner shaft of the rotary center-closed valve is provided with a cavity with V-shaped notches on the transition surfaces on lands configured to sealingly engage the inner surface of the valve outer sleeve, in order to provide a smooth transition in flow for power steering assistance, and a better driver feel.

Abstract: A straddle-type vehicle (e.g., a motorcycle) includes an electrical component accommodating section to protect one or more electrical components from heat generated by an engine, even when the vehicle is stopped. The vehicle includes a head pipe, at least one tank rail extending rearward from the head pipe, and at least one down pipe extending downward from the head pipe. A first joint portion is defined between the head pipe and the tank rail, and a second joint portion is defined between the head pipe and the down pipe. An engine is disposed generally between the tank rail and the head pipe. The electrical component accommodating section houses at least one electrical component and is defined generally between the first and second joint portions. In a preferred mode, at least a portion of the electrical component accommodating section is made of heat insulating material to shield the electrical component from heat generated by the engine.

Abstract: An extension bracket, comprising a front side and a top side, the front side at approximately ninety degrees from the top side; at least two openings on the front side, the two openings at different level from each other, one opening higher or elevated than the other; and, a pivot connector allowing one part to pivot relative to the extension bracket.

Abstract: A motorcycle that discharges air that has passed through a radiator such that the air does not directly impinge on a rider, thereby resolving discomfort. An air guide passage guides air that has passed through the radiator so that the air passes through a gap between a front side cover and a fuel tank to a portion higher than the fuel tank.

Abstract: A hitch pin securing system for receiver mounted accessories. The present invention provides a device for securely clamping a shank tube to a receiver tube. This securing device minimizes the rattling and relative movement of the shank tube and the receiver tube due to the clearance between the shank tube and the receiver tube. The securing device includes a threaded nut or bushing mounted within the shank tube. A hitch pin is inserted through the receiver tube and shank tube and engages the shank tube nut. A locking handle is used to tighten the hitch pin relative to the shank tube nut. Once the hitch pin is tight, the handle is pivoted relative to the hitch pin to cause a cam surface to tighten the shank tube nut against the shank tube which forces the shank tube in tight engagement against the receiver tube.

Abstract: A trailer hitch receiver tube comprising a hollow tubular member adapted to receive a hitch bar, the tubular member including a free end, the free end defining a notch. The tube may be fitted with a lip to create a receiver box. The lip includes a tab which is positioned within the notch and accommodates tightening of an inserted bar within the tube cavity.

Abstract: A multi-mode tandem bicycle includes a frame, a steering wheel, a directional wheel, a first pedaling member, a second pedaling member, a first seat, a second seat, a first transmission unit, and a second transmission unit. By pivoting at least one of the first seat and the second seat on the frame, direction of the first seat or the second seat can be changed and fixed on the aforementioned frame, and at least one of the first seat and the second seat is pointed toward and connected with the steering wheel, thereby resulting in a variety of riding modes.

Abstract: A device and a method for engaging and disengaging a longitudinal differential (10) disposed between a forward wheelshaft (4) and a rear wheelshaft (5) of an articulated vehicle (1) which has a front element (2) and a rear element (3) pivotable about a steering linkage (6) disposed between them and which comprises a distribution box (9) which supplies power from an engine (7) to the forward wheelshaft (4) in the front element (2) via a first shaft (11) and to the near wheelshaft (5) in the rear element (3) via a second shaft (12), wherein the longitudinal differential (10) is disposed between the first shaft (11) and the second shaft (12), whereby a steering angle v formed between the front element (2) and the rear element (3) is detected by a detection means (25a) so arranged that the detection means (25a) causes a differential brake (20) for the longitudinal differential (10) to be kept locked, or braked, when the detection means (25a) detects a steering angle v which is smaller than a predetermined steerin

Abstract: The present invention provides a traction control method for a tracked vehicle such as a military tank. The method includes calculating a track proportionality factor and a vehicle proportionality factor based on predefined attributes of the tracked vehicle. A minimum turn radius of the tracked vehicle is calculated based on the velocity of the tracked vehicle, the maximum coefficient of friction between the tracks of the tracked vehicle and the ground (0.7), and gravitational acceleration (9.80665 m/s2). A sprocket rotational speed is calculated based on the pitch diameter of the tracked vehicle sprockets and the velocity of the tracked vehicle. Based on the preceding calculations, the method of the present invention calculates a required track speed differential configured to turn the tracked vehicle at the minimum turn radius.

Abstract: A motorcycle that maintains sufficient vehicle rigidity with a simple structure. A main frame has an up-and-down extension part in a vehicle width center, side plates disposed apart on the right and left of the up-and-down extension part, and first and second supporting pipes. Both ends of the supporting pipes are attached to the side plates.

Abstract: A snowmobile having a double A-arm front suspension is disclosed. The double A-arm front suspension includes an upper A-arm, a lower A-arm, and a spindle connecting the skis the upper A-arms and lower A-arms, the connection of the upper and lower A-arms to the spindle defines a caster angle, the upper A-arm and the lower A-arm are connected to the front portion of the frame such that the caster angle decreases when the front suspension is compressed. Also disclosed is a snowmobile having a suspension travel of at least 8 inches and a steering assembly having a single pitman arm.

Abstract: A bicycle rear suspension system includes a front part including a top tube, a down tube, a head tube and a seat tube. A rear part of the bicycle rear suspension system includes two seat stays and two chain stays. The seat stays have first ends pivotally connected to the dropouts on the first ends of the chain stays and two second ends pivotally connected to a first end of a connection member at a first pivot point. Two second ends of the chain stays are pivotally connected to a bridge between the down tube and the seat tube. A second end of the connection member is pivotally connected to the top tube. A cylinder has a first end pivotally connected to the bridge and a second end pivotally connected to a mediate portion of the connection member at a second pivot point.

Abstract: An improved power transfer mechanism for use on a human-powered machine, adapted to be drivingly connected to a power take-off device of said machines, includes: a housing adapted in use, to be disposed within a frame of said human-powered machine; at least one crankshaft adapted to be disposed within said housing; respective left-side and right-side crank arms each adapted to be drivingly associated with an end of said at least one crankshaft; and drive transfer means adapted to co-operate with said at least one crankshaft and each associated crank arm, the arrangement being such that a first member of the group comprising and left-side and right-side crank arms and said power take-off device is adapted to be attached to said at least one crankshaft, such that each of the second and third of said members is adapted to be rotatable relative to said first of said members, and each other, only to a limited and controlled degree, whilst not be movable axially or in a longitudinal direction relative to said at le

Abstract: A personal vehicle has a fore section and an aft section. The fore and aft sections each have a frame, a transaxle mounted to the frame, and a wheels attached to the transaxle. The wheels of the aft section are vertically articulated relative to the frame of the aft section. A seat is disposed on the frame of the fore section. A joystick and interface are mounted to the fore section. A motor is mounted to the frame of the aft section. A hydraulic system is operatively connected to the motor. A shaft is operatively connected to the motor. A fender assembly is mounted to the fore and aft sections. A rollover structure is mounted to the fore and aft sections. The hydraulic systems controls the directional movement of the personal vehicle and includes a hydraulic pump, rotovalves, a null valve, a drive cylinder, and a steering cylinder.

Abstract: A child transport vehicle including: a frame, displacement means connectable to the frame, and a transport attachment storage system including one or more engagement devices operable and positioned to store an unused transport attachment in an inoperable position on the vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to suspension systems comprising, in certain embodiments, a pivoting means concentric to a wheel rotation axis so that braking forces can be controlled by placement of an instant force center, and so that acceleration forces can be controlled by a swinging wheel link.

Abstract: A kickstand for a bicycle includes a support stand, a connector detachably mounted on an upper portion of the support stand, and a quick release device releasably mounted on the connector. The quick release device is releasably locked onto a rear wheel axle of the bicycle to attach the support stand to the rear wheel axle. Thus, the kickstand is mounted on and detached from the rear wheel axle of the bicycle easily and quickly by locking and unlocking the quick release device, thereby facilitating a user mounting and detaching the kickstand.

Abstract: A motorcycle including a frame, an engine mounted to the frame, two wheels mounted for rotation to the frame with at least one of the wheels operably coupled to the engine, a rack coupled to the frame, and a storage case. The storage case including a body and a latch. The body defining a cavity and an opening that provides access to the cavity, and the body including a base that has a recess shaped to receive a portion of the rack. The latch is movably coupled to the base and is movable between an open position that provides access to the recess, and a closed position that inhibits access to the recess. The storage case is movable between an attached position where the portion of the rack is positioned within the recess and the latch is in the closed position, and a detached position where the latch is in the open position and the portion of the rack is positioned outside of the recess.

Abstract: To operate a pillion step in one action. The pillion step is formed in a generally L shape and includes an arm portion and a foot rest portion. One end of the arm portion is pivotably secured through an oblique pivot shaft to a side face of a seat rail located under a rider seat and is pivotally moved around the oblique pivot shaft. When the pillion step is to be retracted and is pivotally moved backward, the foot rest portion moves into a gap between the rider seat and a pillion seat and its tip end is received within a grip space formed in a grip.