Having Only Three Wheels Patents (Class 180/210)
  • Patent number: 12054212
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a front chassis system of a tilting vehicle, and a front chassis system of a tilting vehicle. The system includes at least: a front swing arm-left connected to and provided at a vehicle body and a front steering wheel-left, and a front swing arm-right connected to and provided at the vehicle body and a front steering wheel-right; a front shock absorber-left connected to and provided at the front swing arm-left, and a front shock absorber-right connected to and provided at the front swing arm-right; a front tilt bar rotatably connected to and provided at the vehicle body, and connected to and provided at the front shock absorber-left and the front shock absorber-right; at least one front elastic roller provided at the vehicle body; and a steering device linked to and provided at a steering wheel part assembled on the vehicle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2024
    Assignee: HJ MOTO CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hyeong Jin Choi
  • Patent number: 11926389
    Abstract: A tilting vehicle includes a frame unit, a tilting mechanism and two front wheels. The frame unit includes a head tube extending generally along an up-down direction, and a main frame detachably connected to the head tube. The tilting mechanism includes one crossbar pivotally connected to the head tube and extending along a left-right direction, and two connecting rods extending along the up-down direction, being opposite to each other along the left-right direction, and being pivotally connected to opposite ends of the one crossbar, respectively, such that the connecting rods are movable along the up-down direction relative to the head tube. The front wheels are rotatably mounted to the connecting rods, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: Kwang Yang Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Cheng-Hung Huang, Feng-Chih Tsai
  • Patent number: 11906029
    Abstract: A drive sheave assembly of a continuously variable transmission is provided. A fixed sheave of the assembly includes a central recess. A plurality of sheave ramps are located within the central recess. A one-way engagement collar is configured to rotate freely on an end portion of a sleeve when the sleeve rotates in a first direction and lock onto rotation of the sleeve when the sleeve rotates in a second direction. The one-way engagement collar further has a plurality of ramp pockets. A ramp member is received within each ramp pocket of the plurality of ramp pockets in the one-way engagement collar. Each ramp member is configured to engage an associated sheave ramp of the plurality of sheave ramps in the central recess of the fixed sheave and move the one-way engagement collar axially to engage a side of a belt when the sleeve rotates in the second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: TEAM Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian George Eck, Allen Lloyd Olson
  • Patent number: 11895936
    Abstract: Vehicles having the versatility to be used as farm vehicles while also being able to be used as a transportation method, such as a motorcycle, are provided. The vehicles can generally include a three-wheel configuration in which first and second drive wheels are substantially vertically aligned, and the third wheel is offset from the vertically aligned drive wheels. The third wheel can be aligned with the second wheel, or it can be disposed at a location that is between the first and second wheels while still being offset from the vertical alignment. A tool for performing farming actions is also provided. In some instances the tool can be laterally offset from the vertically aligned wheels, located between the drive wheels, while in other instances the tool can be disposed distal of the rear wheel. Many vehicle and tool configurations are disclosed, as are methods for operating the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Guillermo Fabian Diaz Lankenau, Amos Greene Winter, V
  • Patent number: 11572118
    Abstract: A three-wheeled vehicle is disclosed having a vehicle frame supported by front ground engaging members and a single rear ground engaging member. The vehicle includes an engine positioned forward of an operator area and a swing arm coupled to the single rear ground engagement member. The operator area of the vehicle may include seating for a driver and a passenger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: James AJ Holroyd, Gustavo A. Aramayo, II, Brian T. Utter, Jason J. Hohenstein, D. Brett Gass, Mark A. Ziliak, Mathew B. Wiest, Jeffrey D. Bennett
  • Patent number: 11427249
    Abstract: A vehicle of the present disclosure may include at least one pair of opposing wheels coupled to a tiltable central chassis by a four-bar linkage or the like, such that the wheels are configured to tilt in unison with the central chassis. A steering actuator and/or a tilting actuator may be discretely controllable by an electronic controller of the vehicle. The controller may include processing logic configured to maintain alignment between a median plane of the chassis and a net force vector caused by gravity and any induced centrifugal forces. Various control algorithms may be utilized to steer the vehicle along a desired path, either autonomously or semi-autonomously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: Sway Motorsports LLC
    Inventors: Kyle Doerksen, Joseph Wilcox
  • Patent number: 11260927
    Abstract: A tricycle for riding on any type of terrain, improving stability and safety in slow movement, having a structural chassis incorporating a rolling assembly made up of a rear wheel associated to a propulsion system and two front wheels linked to a driving handlebar, wherein the front wheels are incorporated in a height-tilting suspension, made up of articulated quadrilaterals able to be deformed independently with vertical movement depending on the individual resting of the front wheels on irregularities of the terrain, the height-tilting suspension linking to the handlebar, by means of a transmission, which links the height-oscillating movements of the articulated quadrilaterals of the height-tilting transmission with an equivalent lateral tilting of the handlebar, this transmission having a clutch which allows for enabling or disabling the linkage of the movements between the height-tilting suspension and the handlebar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Inventor: Gonzalo Garcia-Atance Fatjo
  • Patent number: 11155218
    Abstract: A utility rack configured for use on a vehicle. The utility rack may include a base, storage surface, and rails coupled to the base via supports. The storage surface may be configured to hold various types of equipment, boxes, and the like. The utility rack may additionally include, on a bottom side of the base, a housing for a storage container and a housing for utility equipment. In at least one example, the storage container may be configured to house liquids, such as gasoline or diesel fuel for the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Inventor: William Richard Morris
  • Patent number: 11135886
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a front wheel, a front wheel mounting portion, a vehicle body, and a roll mechanism. The wheels are disposed in a pair of the left and right and rotatable about the steering shaft as a rotation center. The portion is disposed in a pair of left and right, and the wheel rotatably mounted and includes a suspension. The body includes a seat on which an occupant sits. The mechanism connects the body and the portion. In the upright state, the roll axis of the mechanism is located at a position higher than the vehicle center of gravity when the occupant is not riding. When the body receives a centrifugal force at the time of turning, only the body among the body and the wheel rolls around the roll axis as the rotation center, whereby the body is inclined inward in the turning direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Hiroshi Ishii
  • Patent number: 11124177
    Abstract: A vehicle has a frame, at least two wheels, a motor, a straddle seat defining a driver seat portion and a passenger seat portion at least partially rearward of the driver seat portion, left and right passenger footrests connected to the frame, the left and right passenger footrests each being movable between a stowed position and a deployed position, a passenger footrest position sensor for sensing a position of at least one of the left and right passenger footrests, and an electronic stability system electronically connected to the passenger footrest position sensor for receiving a signal from the passenger footrest position sensor indicative of the position of the at least one of the left and right passenger footrests. An output of the electronic stability system is defined at least in part on the signal from the passenger footrest position sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventors: Nicolas Laberge, Sebastien Lavoie, Bruno Cyr
  • Patent number: 11106917
    Abstract: A surveillance system may comprise a control device and at least one robotic device. The control device is associated with a user and configured to request to connect to the at least one robotic device and in response to being connected, communicate a characteristic of the user to the at least one robotic device. The at least one robotic device comprises a platform to carry the user, and may be configured to in response to the request of the control device, verify identity of the control device of the user; in response to the identity of the control device of the user being verified, connect to the control device; define parameters of the at least one robotic device based on the characteristic of the user; and adjust the parameters of the at least one robotic device according to a riding pattern of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: Turing Video
    Inventors: Fang Wang, Song Cao
  • Patent number: 11065929
    Abstract: A low suspension arm strut coupling is provided for a suspension of an off-road vehicle. The suspension comprises a lower suspension arm that is hingedly coupled between a chassis of the off-road vehicle and a spindle assembly that is coupled with a front wheel. An upper suspension arm is hingedly coupled between the chassis and the spindle assembly. A strut is coupled between the lower suspension arm and the chassis. A lower pivot couples the strut to the lower suspension, and an upper pivot couples the strut to the chassis. The upper and lower pivots provide a lower center of gravity of the off-road vehicle and a relatively smaller shock angle. The lower suspension arm is reinforced to withstand forces due to movement of the front wheel and operation of the strut in response to travel over terrain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Inventor: Robby Gordon
  • Patent number: 11046305
    Abstract: A leaning posture control device controls a leaning posture of a left-right-inclined-wheel-equipped leaning vehicle. The leaning posture control device controls a torque of at least one of a left inclined wheel or a right inclined wheel arranged in a left-right direction of the vehicle so as to suppress a change in a lean of the lean body frame in a left direction or right direction of the vehicle while the lean body frame is leaned, based on a physical quantity concerning side-slip, in the left direction of the vehicle or in the right direction of the vehicle, of the left inclined wheel, the right inclined wheel, and another inclined wheel disposed ahead of or behind the left inclined wheel and the right inclined wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Takaaki Mizutani
  • Patent number: 11039964
    Abstract: Systems and methods for facilitating movement of a patient transport apparatus. The patient transport apparatus has a support structure comprising a patient support surface. A wheel assembly comprises a base wheel having an outer periphery rotatably coupled to the support structure about a base rotational axis. The wheel assembly also comprises a plurality of peripheral wheels disposed about the outer periphery to rotate about a plurality of peripheral rotational axes. The wheel assembly comprises a motion control device configured to selectively control rotation of the peripheral wheels independent of rotation of the base wheel about the base rotational axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Anish Paul, William D. Childs, Kevin M. Patmore
  • Patent number: 10906601
    Abstract: A passenger vehicle provided with a steering handle and configured such that an attitude angle of the driver seat surface relative to a horizontal reference plane is changeable, so that a first attitude changing operation switch and a second attitude changing operation switch for changing the attitude angle are disposed in such positions as to be operable with a thumb of the driver of the vehicle from a steering handle grip of the steering handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: YANMAR POWER TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hideaki Aoki, Kazuma Moriguchi
  • Patent number: 10894458
    Abstract: An electric vehicle includes a frame module carrying an electric motor unit and a suspension including, for each wheel, upper and lower oscillating arms connected to a wheel support by swivel joints which define a steering axis of the wheel. The suspension includes two shock absorber devices arranged in horizontal positions and along directions transversal with respect to a vehicle longitudinal direction, which is carried by the frame module centrally on the vehicle. Each shock absorber cylinder is operatively connected to a respective oscillating arm by an oscillating linkage member. Brake discs are arranged at remote positions with respect to the wheels, on two output shafts at two opposite sides of the motor unit, which, in one example, includes two electric motors and two respective gear reducer units from which project the output shafts carrying the brake discs; the latter connected to wheel hubs by respective drive shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Assignee: FCA Italy S.p.A.
    Inventors: Gaetano Battaglia, Daniele Bruno, Luca Dusini, Fabio Gerbino
  • Patent number: 10882381
    Abstract: A windshield and a vehicle having a windshield are provided. The windshield includes a right-side bulging portion disposed at a right-side lower portion, a left-side bulging portion disposed at a left-side lower portion, and at least one protrusion disposed at an upper edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: Kustom Cycles, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian R. Klock, Daniel R. Cheeseman, Logan S. Homstad, Jennifer N. Bainbridge, Jason P. Hanson, Randall J. Rothlisberger
  • Patent number: 10882558
    Abstract: Arrangement of central load-carrying tube of motor vehicle chassis with integrated rotary electric motor, method of its placement and use, wherein one or more rotary electric motors (1) are placed inside the tubular structure of the central tube (2) of vehicle chassis. Advantageously, the tubular structure of the central tube (2) of vehicle chassis is further fitted with traction components (5), (6) and (7), which, together with the rotary electric motor, form a compact unit. Use of central load-carrying tube (2) according to claims 1 to 6, fitted with rotary electric motor (1) and traction components, as a chassis of the road, commercial and military vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: GI4 S.R.O.
    Inventor: Robin Polden
  • Patent number: 10875595
    Abstract: A vehicle has a vehicle frame, two front wheels, a rear wheel. An engine with at least one cylinder is mounted to the vehicle frame such that a cylinder plane extends generally longitudinally and vertically. At least a portion of the at least one cylinder is disposed forward of a front wheel plane. A transmission assembly disposed longitudinally rearward of the engine. A straddle seat is disposed at least in part longitudinally rearward of the assembly. The engine is entirely disposed between a center of the left footrest and a center of the right footrest in the lateral direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventors: Nicolas Laberge, Emile Maltais-Larouche, Sebastien Hebert, Andre Cote, Emmanuel Rius
  • Patent number: 10800478
    Abstract: A swing arm structure for a saddle riding electric vehicle includes a swing arm pivotably supported by a vehicle body frame at a pivot section and extending rearward from the pivot section to rotatably support a rear wheel, an electric motor that drives the rear wheel, and a speed reduction mechanism that reduces an output of the electric motor and transmit the output to the rear wheel, and a housing installed separately from the swing arm and attached to the swing arm, wherein the speed reduction mechanism and the housing are configured as a speed reduction mechanism unit in which the speed reduction mechanism is attached to the housing and integrated with the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenzo Shimizu, Masahiro Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 10787221
    Abstract: A scooter having a front wheel and a rear wheel. A steering assembly includes a steering tube and a handlebar. A rear foot brake is configured to apply a braking force to at least one of the front wheel and the rear wheel. A deck is configured to support the weight of a person. A frame is configured to support the deck. The frame comprises a plurality of frame members arranged to form at least two or more vertical planes on one or both lateral sides of the scooter. In some configurations, the rear foot brake is linked to a front brake and configured to actuate the front brake of the front wheel and apply a braking force to the rear wheel simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: Bravo Sports
    Inventors: Jack B. Lovley, II, Joseph C. Klingl, Mark Groenhuyzen, Kenneth Edlauer
  • Patent number: 10772776
    Abstract: An embodiment can include a suspension system for a powered wheelchair, the suspension system comprising an arm and an air suspension subsystem. The air suspension subsystem in this embodiment can comprise a coil spring and an air bag surrounded by the coil spring. The arm in this embodiment can be configured to (a) couple a drive axle to a frame of the powered wheelchair and (b) move the drive axle relative to the frame. In this embodiment, a first end of the drive axle can be coupled to a wheel of the powered wheelchair, while the frame is closer to a second end of the drive axle than the first end, and the first end of the drive axle is opposite the second end of the drive axle. A first end of the air suspension subsystem in this embodiment can be coupled to the frame when a second end of the air suspension subsystem is coupled to the arm and the second end of the air suspension subsystem is opposite the first end of the air suspension subsystem. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: EARTHWATCH, LLC
    Inventor: James M. Allen
  • Patent number: 10759486
    Abstract: A human powered vehicle comprises a dual wheel front steering, a single or dual wheel rear drive, three or four wheels, a strong lightweight frame assembly, a steering system, two pedals, and a crank and chain transfer drive system. A driver is seated in an upright position for maximum ergonomic efficiency and minimum propulsion effort. Said position also provides for easy mounting and dismounting on to and off of the vehicle. The steering system is completely adjustable and incorporates Ackermann steering geometry to reduce wheel turning scrub and preserve forward momentum. The invention is further configured with components that can be adapted to various manual drive systems, multiple gear ratio drive mechanisms, or power drive system such as an electric motor or similar device. The invention is more easily operated by children, elderly, and the handicapped than bicycles, traditional tricycles, and other three-wheeled human powered vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Inventor: Frank Louis Botti
  • Patent number: 10752312
    Abstract: A motor vehicle (4) comprising a forecarriage frame (16), a pair of front wheels (10?, 10?) kinematically connected to the forecarriage frame (16) by means of an articulated quadrilateral (20), a steering bar which is mechanically associated with handlebars and wheel support elements of each wheel (10?, 10?) by means of first and second roll hinges and first and second steering hinges, wherein when the wheels (10?, 10?) are straight and parallel to the forward direction, the first and second steering hinges are arranged offset from cross members (24?, 24?) of the articulated quadrilateral (20) in the longitudinal direction such that, with respect to a projection plane parallel to the ground, the straight lines joining the steering axes (S?-S?, S?-S?) of the wheels (10?, 10?) with the first and second steering hinges, intersect at a support point of the rear wheel on the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: PIAGGIO & C. S.P.A.
    Inventor: Andrea Raffaelli
  • Patent number: 10737720
    Abstract: A leaning vehicle includes a vehicle body; a rear wheel; a left arm mechanism; a left steerable front wheel; a right arm mechanism; a right steerable front wheel; a leaning mechanism; a leaning drive mechanism; and a steering mechanism. The leaning drive mechanism is disposed between any one of a left-right arm connection mechanism, the left arm mechanism and the right arm mechanism and the vehicle body. A rear end of the leaning drive mechanism is disposed at a rear side of a lower end of a steering shaft in the front-back direction of the vehicle body. A front end of the leaning drive mechanism is disposed at a front side of an upper end of the steering shaft. At least a portion of the leaning drive mechanism is disposed at a down side of the steering shaft in the up-down direction of the vehicle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Shuhei Kanehara, Tsunero Hamada, Shiro Nakada
  • Patent number: 10730584
    Abstract: A convertible running bike capable of selectively converting from a non-motorized configuration to a motorized configuration may include a front fork rotatably engaged with a front wheel, a handle bar rotatably engaged with the front fork for steering the bike, a frame and a seat connected to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: STACYC, INC.
    Inventors: Robert Ryan Ragland, Eric Johnson, Phillip Charles Burke
  • Patent number: 10723381
    Abstract: The present invention is a hybrid crossover between an automobile and a motorcycle that is able to take tight corners almost like a motorcycle but is driven and handled like an automobile by optionally leaning into turns with one wheel in the front and two wheels in the rear of the vehicle and passenger compartment having an accelerator and brake pedals and steered with a steering wheel and gears that can be selected via a toggle switch gear selector located in the vicinity of the steering or by a floor and/or dash mounted unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Inventor: Andrew Thompson
  • Patent number: 10717449
    Abstract: A monorail vehicle includes a chassis supporting a vehicle body that includes a passenger floor, a first side wall, and a second side wall and first and second propulsion systems. Each propulsion system includes an electric motor and a drive wheel coupled to a rotor of the electric motor. Each electric motor and the drive wheel coupled to the rotor of the electric motor are positioned on both sides of an imaginary plane extension of the passenger floor. First and second shells cover portions of the first and second propulsion system. The first shell is positioned proximate to the first side wall and defines a first space between the second side wall. The second shell is positioned proximate to the second side wall and defines a second space between the first side wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: Bombardier Transportation GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Edward Timan, Hans Peter Trotsch, Martin Bazant, Daniel Martinez-Anon-Perez, Alexander Bauer
  • Patent number: 10632616
    Abstract: Example implementations may relate a robot part including a processor, at least one sensor, and an interface providing wireless connectivity. The processor may determine that the robot part is removablly connected to a particular robotic system and may responsively obtain identification information to identify the particular robotic system. While the robot part is removablly connected to the particular robotic system, the processor may (i) transmit, to an external computing system, sensor data that the processor received from the at least one sensor and (ii) receive, from the external computing system, environment information (e.g., representing characteristics of an environment in which the particular robotic system is operating) based on interpretation of the sensor data. And based on the identification information and the environment information, the processor may generate a command that causes the particular robotic system to carry out a task in the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: Boston Dymanics, Inc.
    Inventors: John Aaron Saunders, Michael Patrick Murphy
  • Patent number: 10632812
    Abstract: The rocking control device for a two front wheels rocking vehicle includes a controller that executes a first rocking control which assists a rocking of the two front wheels rocking vehicle and a second rocking control which assists the two front wheels rocking vehicle so that the two front wheels rocking vehicle self-stands at a rocking balanced position where a rocking moment of the vehicle body is canceled out in a lateral direction, wherein controller is configured to switch the first rocking control and the second rocking control to OFF state, and is configured to operate the first rocking control and the second rocking control in combination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kazunari Iguchi, Yotaro Mori, Yuichi Uebayashi, Shunichi Miyagishi, Tomohiro Kawakami, Hiroyuki Kaneta
  • Patent number: 10625807
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a body frame including a connecting bracket including a unitary connector that connects a front end of a right frame and a front end of a left frame, and an extension that extends to the front of the vehicle from the connector to be welded to a link support at a front end thereof. When the vehicle is seen from the front thereof, a weld between the extension and the link support is located on an imaginary central straight line that passes a middle upper axis and a middle lower axis above or below a turning support in an up-and-down direction of the body frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Ryuta Mitsuoka, Nobuhiko Hirakawa
  • Patent number: 10625771
    Abstract: A vehicle with two front wheels includes an EPS that makes it difficult for a rider to feel a sensation of physical disorder while realizing a vertical angle suppression function. The EPS is configured to apply an assisting force to a steering effort transmission mechanism. The vehicle further includes an EPL configured to apply a turning effort to a cross member of a link mechanism to turn the cross member relative to a vehicle body frame, and a control unit configured to control the EPS and the EPL. The control unit determines an EPS command value that determines a magnitude of output torque of the EPS and an EPL command value that determines a magnitude of output torque of the EPL according to a physical quantity including at least a vehicle speed and a vertical angle, and controls a ratio of the EPL command value to the EPS command value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Nobuo Hara, Yukihide Fukuhara, Takeshi Toyota, Tatsuya Nagata
  • Patent number: 10625808
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a body frame including a main frame, a link support, and a connecting bracket that connects a front portion of the main frame and the link support. The connecting bracket includes a turning support that supports a lower cross member, a connector that connects a front portion of the main frame and the link support and a right reinforcement wall and a left reinforcement wall that extend in an up-and-down direction to connect the turning support and the connector. The connecting bracket including the turning support, the connector, the right reinforcement wall, and the left reinforcement wall is monolithic and unitary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Ryuta Mitsuoka
  • Patent number: 10501119
    Abstract: A vehicle of the present disclosure may include at least one pair of opposing wheels coupled to a tiltable central chassis by a four-bar linkage or the like, such that the wheels are configured to tilt in unison with the central chassis. A steering actuator and/or a tilting actuator may be discretely controllable by an electronic controller of the vehicle. The controller may include processing logic configured to maintain alignment between a median plane of the chassis and a net force vector caused by gravity and any induced centrifugal forces. Various control algorithms may be utilized to steer the vehicle along a desired path, either autonomously or semi-autonomously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Sway Motorsports LLC
    Inventors: Kyle Jonathan Doerksen, Joseph Wilcox
  • Patent number: 10486747
    Abstract: A vehicle including a base frame having three or more wheels; a steering system for steering one or more of the wheels; a propulsion system for driving at least one of the wheels; a front pivot member and a back pivot member longitudinally spaced apart from one another on the base frame; a cabin having a front pivot point and a back pivot point, the cabin being pivotally mounted to the base frame between the front pivot member and the back pivot member, the front and back pivot points defining a longitudinal rotational axis of the cabin that is above a center of gravity of the cabin, the cabin being rotatable around the longitudinal rotational axis in one of a clockwise or a counterclockwise direction; and a seat assembly in the cabin for sitting one or more users, the seat assembly being located below the rotational axis of the cabin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Inventor: Dominic Casgrain
  • Patent number: 10391637
    Abstract: Provided is a self-propelled robot that can prevent damage due to dropping of the self-propelled robot and efficiently perform the operation on a flat surface. A self-propelled robot 1 that self-travels on a structure SP having a flat surface SF to perform operation on the flat surface SF of the structure SP, the self-propelled robot includes: a robot main body 2 in which a moving unit 4 for the self-travel is provided; and a controller 30 that controls movement of the robot main body 2. At this point, the controller 30 includes an edge detector 31 that detects an end edge of the flat surface SF, and the controller 30 has a function of controlling activation of the moving unit 4 such that a distance between the end edge of the flat surface SF and the moving unit 4 is maintained to a given extent or more based on a signal from the edge detector 31.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: MIRAIKIKAI, INC.
    Inventors: Tohru Miyake, Kazuo Morita, Hideto Matsuuchi
  • Patent number: 10369869
    Abstract: A utility terrain vehicle is provided including a vehicle body having an opening. A door is positioned adjacent a first portion of said opening. The door is configured to pivot about a first axis between an open position and a closed position. A window assembly is arranged adjacent a second portion of said opening. The window assembly is rotatable about a second axis between an open position and a closed position. In combination, the door and the window assembly substantially seal said opening of the vehicle body when said door is in said closed position and said window assembly is in said closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: COMMERCIAL SEWING, INC.
    Inventors: David Mazzarelli, Nicholas Cegelka
  • Patent number: 10343742
    Abstract: A bicycle includes a frame having a longitudinal axis, a first member, and a first pivot link assembly including a first link configured to rotate around a first pivot point. The first pivot point may have a first axis of rotation that is non-orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the first frame, and the first frame may be coupled with the first member through the first pivot link assembly. Some examples also include a second pivot link assembly including a second link configured to rotate around a second pivot point having an axis of rotation that is non-orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: Yeti Cycling, LLC
    Inventor: Peter Zawistowski
  • Patent number: 10286970
    Abstract: In a vehicle, a left shock absorber is provided with a left front outer tube, a left rear outer tube, a left front inner tube, a left rear inner tube and a left connector. The left front outer tube and the left rear outer tube are supported on a left bracket. The left front inner tube is connected to the left front outer tube so as to be slidable in an interior of the left front outer tube along a left telescopic axis. The left rear inner tube is connected to the left rear outer tube so as to be slidable in an interior of the left rear outer tube along the left telescopic axis. The left connector connects the left front outer tube and the left rear outer tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kohsuke Ohno, Kazuhisa Takano
  • Patent number: 10189533
    Abstract: A scooter having a front wheel and a rear wheel. A steering assembly includes a steering tube and a handlebar. A rear foot brake is configured to apply a braking force to at least one of the front wheel and the rear wheel. A deck is configured to support the weight of a person. A frame is configured to support the deck. The frame comprises a plurality of frame members arranged to form at least two or more vertical planes on one or both lateral sides of the scooter. In some configurations, the rear foot brake is linked to a front brake and configured to actuate the front brake of the front wheel and apply a braking force to the rear wheel simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: Bravo Sports
    Inventors: Jack B. Lovley, II, Joseph C. Klingl, Mark Groenhuyzen, Kenneth Edlauer
  • Patent number: 10179623
    Abstract: An inner fender includes a cover surface, a left projecting portion, and a right projecting portion. Under a condition that a body frame is in an upright state and that a left front wheel and a right front wheel are not turned, the left projecting portion projects forward from the cover surface behind a rear edge of the left front wheel; the right projecting portion projects forward from the cover surface behind a rear edge of the right front wheel; and a portion of the cover surface between the left projecting portion and the right projecting portion faces a space defined between the left front wheel and the right front wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kaoru Sasaki, Mitsuaki Ohta
  • Patent number: 10144273
    Abstract: A removable panel system for easily and efficiently varying the configuration of a cabin on a vehicle. The removable panel system generally includes a vehicle having a cab defined by a frame. Different panels may be selectively and removably connected to the frame to form various different cab configurations to suit the different needs of different jobs or operators. A roof panel may be removably connected to the frame to form a roof of the cab. A rear window extension may extend from the roof panel to form the rear window of the cab. A door receiver panel and/or door panel may be removably connected to the frame to form one or more doors of the cab. A windshield panel may be removably connected to the frame to form a windshield for the cab. All panels are adapted to be easily and efficiently interchanged without undue effort from the operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Inventor: Paul M. Carlson
  • Patent number: 10131397
    Abstract: A vehicle O, such as a tricycle, has a pair of rear wheels 14 mounted to a first sub-frame 12, and a second sub-frame 16 pivotally coupled to the first sub-frame and arranged to pivot about a first pivot axis 18 relative to said first sub-frame. Relative rotation between the first and second sub-frames is provided, such as by one or more elastomeric couplings or bearings e.g. torsional pivot 98. At least one front wheel 22 is coupled to the second sub-frame via forks and a steering head. A seat 20 for a rider is supported by the second sub-frame. Handlebars 28 are coupled to the steering head via at least one steering member, such as a mechanical link 60 or hydraulic, magnetic or electrical link The cycle is steered by acombination of handlebar and/or lean steer. Steering can be damped by a damper 79. Handlebar steer involves manipulating the handlebars to act on the steering arm which rotates the steering head and therefore also the front wheel(s) to steer the front wheel(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Inventor: Alan Page
  • Patent number: 10118468
    Abstract: A windshield and a vehicle having a windshield are provided. The windshield includes a right-side bulging portion disposed at a right-side lower portion, a left-side bulging portion disposed at a left-side lower portion, and at least one protrusion disposed at an upper edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: Kustom Cycles, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian R. Klock, Daniel R. Cheeseman, Logan S. Homstad, Jennifer N. Bainbridge, Jason P. Hanson, Randall J. Rothlisberger
  • Patent number: 10077091
    Abstract: A leaning vehicle has a frame; a shock tower pivotally connected to the frame; front left and right ground engaging members; front left and right suspension assemblies; portions of the front left suspension assembly, the front left ground engaging member and other components of the vehicle suspended by the front left suspension assembly have a first unsprung mass; portions of the front right suspension assembly, the front right ground engaging member and other components of the vehicle suspended by the front right suspension assembly have a second unsprung mass; a moment of inertia of the shock tower being at least twenty-five percent of a combined moment of inertia of the first and second unsprung masses; a steering assembly; a rear suspension assembly; at least one rear ground engaging; and a motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: BOMBARDIER RECREATION PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventor: Daniel Mercier
  • Patent number: 10040461
    Abstract: A monorail vehicle includes a chassis supporting a vehicle body, that includes a passenger floor and at least one side wall, and an electrical motor supported by the chassis. A drive wheel is coupled to a rotor of the electric motor with a rotation axis of the drive wheel substantially coaxial with an axis of the rotor. Portions of the drive wheel and the electric motor are positioned on both sides of an imaginary plane extension of the passenger floor. The drive wheel and the electric motor are covered by a shell that is integral to one side of the vehicle body and which defines a space between the other side of the vehicle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: Bombardier Transportation GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Edward Timan, Hans Peter Trotsch, Martin Bazant, Daniel Martinez-Anon-Perez, Alexander Bauer
  • Patent number: 10040478
    Abstract: A vehicle body having three or more wheels including at least a steered wheel with a trail and a pair of wheels provided in the vehicle width direction; an operation input part inputting a turning direction; an inclining part inclining the body; and a steered wheel controller controlling the steered wheel steering angle. When the vehicle speed is lower than a predetermined speed, it travels in a first mode in which the steered wheel controller controls the steered wheel steering angle according to an operation input part input, and the inclining part inclines the body according to an operation input part input. When the vehicle speed is equal to or higher than the predetermined speed, it travels in a second mode in which the steered wheel controller makes the steered wheel freely turnable, and the inclining part inclines the body according to an input from the operation input part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: EQUOS RESEARCH CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Munehisa Horiguchi, Akira Mizuno, Masaki Okada, Hitoshi Kamiya
  • Patent number: 9994276
    Abstract: An electric three wheeled vehicle includes a vehicle chassis supporting a vehicle operator seat or saddle. The vehicle chassis defines a storage region beneath the vehicle operator seat or saddle. One or more energy storage devices for powering one or more electric motors of the vehicle are located within the storage region and are supported by the chassis. The storage region and/or the energy storage device(s) each form an elongate three-dimensional volume having a long axis that is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle. A vehicle operator, when seated upon the seat or saddle, sits astride the one or more energy storage devices. A handlebar steering assembly is operatively coupled to a pair of front wheels to provide steering. The vehicle includes a single rear wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: ARCIMOTO, INC.
    Inventor: Mark Douglas Frohnmayer
  • Patent number: 9873468
    Abstract: An off-road chair comprises a U-shaped chassis configured to receive a rider in a wheel chair type (manual or electric); at least one wheel attached to the chassis; and a floor section. The floor section is configured to attach to the bottom of the U-shaped chassis and to provide a floor; be lowered to provide a ramp for the rider to get on the floor section; and be raised to attach to a bottom part of the U-shaped chassis. The U-shaped chassis is configured to receive a wheel chair type (manual or electric) carrying the rider. The off-road chair further comprises a front bumper attached to a front of the U-shaped chassis, wherein the front bumper is configured to swing up with respect to the U-shaped chassis, enabling the rider to get on the floor section; and be lowered to lock to the chassis and protect the rider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: Howe and Howe Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael David Howe, Geoffrey Scott Howe
  • Patent number: 9862425
    Abstract: An ROV (Recreational Off-highway Vehicle) includes a plurality of seats located next to each other in a vehicle width direction, a left shock absorber, a right shock absorber, and a front cover. An opening is provided in the front cover. An upper end portion of the left shock absorber and an upper end portion of the right shock absorber are visible within the opening when the vehicle is seen from above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Suzuki, Masayuki Kubo, Takuhiro Shinozaki