Having Only Three Wheels Patents (Class 180/210)
  • Patent number: 7699130
    Abstract: An improved wheeled vehicle includes a platform adapted and constructed to support an operator of the vehicle. A plurality of wheels support the vehicle for movement on a surface, the plurality of wheels including at least one front wheel adapted and constructed to steer the vehicle, and at least one rear wheel adapted to be driven to impart motion to the vehicle. A handlebar assembly is connected to at least one of the wheels of the vehicle. The handlebar assembly provides directional control of the vehicle, and extends toward the rear of the platform. A motorized drive mechanism is connected to at least one of the wheels, whereby actuation of the drive mechanism causes the vehicle to move along a surface. A control mechanism actuated by the foot of a user includes at least one pedal, and is used to accelerate and decelerate the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Inventor: Anna Palmer
  • Patent number: 7686114
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an outdoor mobile fitness machine. The outdoor mobile fitness machine of the present invention includes a main frame (110), to which a front wheel (12), a rear wheel (130) that is a drive wheel, and a set of handlebars (140) are mounted. The outdoor mobile fitness machine is moved by rotation of the drive wheel, which is rotated by an electromotor (160). The outdoor mobile fitness machine further comprises a fitness device, which is provided on the main frame (110) and operated by feet of a user; a sensor (195), which determines if the fitness device is in operation and detects an operating speed of the fitness device; and a controller (200), which determines both whether the fitness device is in operation and an operating speed of the fitness device and variably controls an electric current to be applied to the electromotor (160), thus automatically controlling motion and moving speed of the fitness machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Inventor: Ik Nyun Kim
  • Patent number: 7661501
    Abstract: An economically operated low cost wheeled vehicle that accommodates a single driver occupant is propelled by power provided by a controllable combination of pedaling action of the driver, an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. The vehicle is elongated upon a center axis between a front extremity and a rear extremity having a single, axially centered wheel that drives the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Inventor: Joab Jay Perdue
  • Patent number: 7658252
    Abstract: Wheeled riding vehicles, including tricycles, with extremely thin stowed profiles are provided, which in one embodiment, include movable, collapsible tires/wheel axle assemblies, as well as folding frame parts and a unique handle that is removable and stowable within the vehicle frame when not used. The riding vehicle hangs totally flat on the wall, or fits in car trunks easily. One version is pedal powered, and a second embodiment provides for an integrated propulsion linkage providing for battery or motor power to the rear most wheels when they are moved into their operative position. The rear tire wheel assemblies also may be stowed and folded compactly inside a rear storage compartment with a lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Inventor: Richard N. Shapiro
  • Patent number: 7654424
    Abstract: A method of carrying equipment on one side of an ATV having a front top rack, a rear top rack and a foot rest on the one side comprising the following steps: a) attaching a utility box carrying bracket to an outer side portion of the front top rack, the foot rest, and the rear top rack; and, b) mounting a utility box on each of the box carrying brackets. Then equipment may be conveniently carried in and removed from the mounted box. In a preferred aspect of this invention the utility box is generally rectangular in plan view and further comprises a utility box lid hinged to one long top side portion of the box and latched to the other opposite long side portion of the box so that equipment carried in the box is protected from the elements. A lateral side of the mounted box is dimensioned to generally follow the longitudinal shape of the fenders and running board so that the box generally fills the void above the running board and a central portion of the fenders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Inventors: David W. Kramp, Kelly G. Kramp
  • Publication number: 20100018784
    Abstract: A vehicle operated by an electric motor (16) comprises an energy generating unit (11, 12, 16) for generating electric energy for the electric motor (16) and an energy storage device (8, 9) for storing electric energy, wherein the energy storage device (8, 9) is connected to the electric motor (16) for supplying the electric motor (16) with electric energy in addition to the energy supplied by the energy generating unit (11, 12, 16). The maximum power which can be provided by the energy generating unit (11, 12, 16) is higher, but by no more then 15%, than an average motor power in the operation of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicant: CLEAN MOBILE AG
    Inventor: Rudolf Hoebel
  • Publication number: 20100013183
    Abstract: A new and improved stand up type scooter used for traveling across generally flat terrain such as asphalt or concrete. The invention comprises of a three-wheeled scooter manually, gas, or electrically powered. The scooter consists of a frame, floor deck, steering tee handle, pivoting front suspension, two front wheels for added traction, and one rear powered or non-powered wheel. The invention incorporates a center stand for upright storage and a foldable handle for compact transport of the mechanism. Optional quick attach seat system for riding in seated position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Inventor: Rurong He
  • Publication number: 20100012414
    Abstract: A three-wheeled vehicle includes a main frame assembly having a steering head disposed on a front portion of the main frame assembly, a front fork assembly pivotably coupled to the steering head, a front wheel rotatably supported by the front fork assembly, a rear frame coupled to a rear portion of the main frame assembly, a rear axle assembly coupled to at least one of the main frame assembly and the rear frame, a pair of rear wheels rotatably supported by the rear axle assembly, an engine-transmission assembly supported by the main frame assembly and positioned between the front wheel and the pair of rear wheels, and a body including a first mounting portion directly mounted to the main frame assembly, and a second mounting portion directly mounted to the rear frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Applicant: HARLEY-DAVIDSON MOTOR COMPANY GROUP, INC.
    Inventors: Dominic Keogh, Andrew James Ravn, Mark W. Fischer, Michael L. Welliver, Steven P. Pertzsch
  • Patent number: 7648148
    Abstract: A leaning vehicle has a frame pivotally connected to the lower end of a shock tower, the pivotal connection defining a frame leaning axis wherein the frame is adapted to lean to a right side and to a left side relative to the shock tower about the frame leaning axis. The leaning vehicle includes an actuator operatively connected to the frame and to the shock tower which is adapted to impart a leaning motion to the frame relative to the shock tower about the frame leaning axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Mercier
  • Patent number: 7647999
    Abstract: A curve-tilting vehicle, e.g., a three-wheeled vehicle (30), including a laterally tilting device (4) at least one section (5) of the vehicle by a tilting axis (6) that runs substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (3) of the vehicle such that the center of gravity of the vehicle can be displaced perpendicular to the direction of travel when driving, especially in curves or on a sloped or uneven ground. The vehicle includes at least one vehicle seat (8a) that is disposed in the tilting section (5) of the vehicle and is allocated to the driver who steers the vehicle. The vehicle further includes a detector (9a) for detecting a lateral force of the seat, which the body of the driver applies at least to one zone of the vehicle seat (8a) in a lateral direction (10a) extending perpendicular to the direction of travel. The lateral force of the seat may be detected using a pivotal spring-centered vehicle seat (8a).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Inventor: Friedrich Geiser
  • Patent number: 7641207
    Abstract: The present invention offers a front suspension and steering system for cycles and motorcycles. A mainframe with two front wheels and one rear wheel, the front wheels have flat surface tires, a 2-axial hub, having a wheel axle to support the two front wheels and a tilting axis below the wheel axle, a steering arm, having a tilting axle, the tilting axle can rotate in the tilting axis when the steering arm is tilting, the steering arm is connected to the mainframe by two wish bones and can rotate in the steeling axis. During turning, the body and the rear wheel are tilting to the side of turning to keep the center of gravity on the side of turning to balance the centrifugal force, but the front wheels and the 2-axial hub do not tilt, such that it is more stable and safe during turning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Inventor: Wang Li Yang
  • Publication number: 20090321169
    Abstract: An three-wheel vehicle including a modular front structure having a storage compartment therein. The modular front structure is adapted to be mounted onto the chassis of the three-wheel vehicle and to support bodywork elements thereby providing ease of assembly of the vehicle and ease of disassembly for packaging the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Applicant: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventors: Bruno BEDARD, Dany DUVAL
  • Patent number: 7631715
    Abstract: A golf caddy vehicle comprise a seat assembly mounted on a frame of the vehicle at an attachment location ahead of an axis of rotation of a pair of rear drive wheels via at least one spring element. A pair of rear legs of the seat assembly are pivotally coupled to the at least one spring member at a location behind the axis of rotation of the rear drive wheels, and a pair of front legs of the seat assembly are releasably attached to the frame by a pair of frictional fittings which may be formed of vibration damping material. The seat assembly pivots back to allow a golf bag to be loaded onto the vehicle frame and straddled by the seat assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Inventor: Thomas L. Falkiner
  • Publication number: 20090277708
    Abstract: Disclosed is a three-wheeled vehicle with centrally positioned motor and driver's seat. An exemplary embodiment has a frame for supporting a driver and a multitude of mechanical devices. A pair of steerable front wheels are rotatably affixed to the front portion of the frame. A rear wheel is rotatably affixed along the frame's centerline in the rear portion. A motor is affixed to the frame's centerline. The driver's seat is also affixed to the frame's centerline behind the motor and ahead of the rear wheel, so the driver sitting in the driver seat is in both a recumbent and straddle position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventor: Marc Gregory Martino
  • Patent number: 7610979
    Abstract: A rear axle assembly for a vehicle having an engine and a rear wheel including an axle configured to couple to the rear wheel, a compensator bowl coupled to the axle and having a ring gear, and a drive member coupled to the compensator bowl. The drive member is configured to be driven by the engine to rotate the axle in a forward direction. The rear axle assembly also includes a motor selectively engageable with the ring gear. The motor is operable to drive the ring gear to rotate the axle in a reverse direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Harley-Davidson Motor Company Group, LLC
    Inventors: Richard G. Dykowski, Michael A. Newton, Tyler S. Kulig
  • Patent number: 7607673
    Abstract: A running board assembly for a three wheel motorcycle including independent first and second support frame members. Each of the support frame members further includes: i) a substantially U-shaped configuration having a rear lateral section, a longitudinal section, and a front lateral section; ii) a connector on the rear lateral section adapted for connection to a motorcycle frame; and iii) a connector on the front lateral section adapted for connection to a motorcycle engine block. A running board member is connected to each of the support frame members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Inventor: Jeffrey L. Vey
  • Patent number: 7600596
    Abstract: A vehicle provided with at least three wheels, with a first frame part having at least two footboards, and a second frame part. The second frame part is connected to the first frame part in such a way that it can tilt about a tilting axis running in the longitudinal direction. The second frame part includes a control element and a driver's seat. A tilting member is connected to a first and second frame part, in order to exert a tilting force upon the second frame part on the basis of a control signal, a sensor being connected to the first frame part for measuring a force or moment exerted by a driver upon the first frame part and/or to determine a position of the rider relative to the footboard. The sensor is connected to the tilting member and feeds the control signal to the tilting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Brinks Westmaas B.V.
    Inventors: Christopher Ralph Van Den Brink, Hendrik Marinus Kroonen
  • Patent number: 7591337
    Abstract: A vehicle including a frame, left and right wheels, and a leaning suspension system. The frame defines a longitudinal vehicle axis. The leaning suspension system includes a transverse beam, left and right damping members, left and right control arms, and at least one lean actuator. The transverse beam is coupled to the frame and pivotable about the vehicle axis. The left and right damping members are pivotally coupled to the left and right sides of the transverse beam. The left control arm is pivotally coupled to the left wheel and to the frame, and the right control arm is pivotally coupled to the right wheel and to the frame. The lean actuator is pivotally connected between the frame and the transverse beam. The lean actuator is configured to extend and retract to tilt the left and right wheels and to lean the vehicle while cornering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignees: Harley-Davidson Motor Company Group, LLC, Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan J. Suhre, Andrew D. Massignan, Andrew H. Roth, Mark Hutchison, Scott J. Saiki
  • Patent number: 7588110
    Abstract: Disclosed is a three-wheeled vehicle with centrally positioned motor and driver's seat. An exemplary embodiment has a frame for supporting a driver and a multitude of mechanical devices. A pair of steerable front wheels are rotatably affixed to the front portion of the frame. A rear wheel is rotatably affixed along the frame's centerline in the rear portion. A motor is affixed to the frame's centerline. The driver's seat is also affixed to the frame's centerline behind the motor and ahead of the rear wheel, so the driver sitting in the driver seat is in both a recumbent and straddle position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Inventor: Marc Gregory Martino
  • Publication number: 20090218153
    Abstract: A straddle-type three-wheeled vehicle has a frame having an upper frame member, a lower frame member, a forward cross member interconnecting a forward portion of the upper frame member with a forward portion of the lower frame member, and a rearward cross member interconnecting a rearward portion of the upper frame member with a rearward portion of the lower frame member. A strut extends diagonally from the forward cross member to the lower frame member. The vehicle has an engine mounted to the frame. An air box of the vehicle has at least a portion thereof disposed above at least a portion of the engine. A fuel tank of the vehicle is disposed rearwardly of the air box.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2009
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Applicant: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventors: Bruce CODERE, Brian MASTINE
  • Patent number: 7581610
    Abstract: A three-wheel vehicle includes a single rear drive wheel, which is mounted on a suspension subframe located near the rear of the vehicle and extending between rails of the vehicle's chassis. A transfer is also mounted on the suspension subframe and drivingly interconnects the vehicle drivetrain and the rear wheel. A four-wheel to three-wheel vehicle conversion method includes the steps of removing the differential, rear axles and rear wheels of an original drivetrain and replacing them with a subframe mounting a rear wheel and a transfer. The transfer is connected to the original transmission by a drive shaft. The converted vehicle can be certified and licensed based on less stringent governmental regulations than those applicable to comparable four-wheel vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Inventor: Michael S. Ward
  • Publication number: 20090205894
    Abstract: A three wheeled motorcycle is provided with a rear wheel support which pivots as the motorcycle turns. In addition to pivoting, the wheel support allows the frame to lean into the turn, thereby increasing the speed and safety with which a rider may take a turn with the motorcycle. The rotation of the wheel support and angle of lean may be determined manually by a rider or may be automatically programmed to react to changing forces and road conditions as the motorcycle moves through a turn.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventor: Harry E. Eaton
  • Patent number: 7571787
    Abstract: A vehicle comprising a frame, at least one wheel operable to contact a substantially horizontal support surface, a prime mover supported by the frame and in driving engagement with the at least one wheel, a suspension system operable to maintain the frame in an upright position while driving along a straight path and to permit the frame to lean relative to the support surface while cornering, and at least two headlights coupled to the suspension system and arranged in a substantially horizontal configuration, wherein the headlights remain in the substantially horizontal configuration when the frame is in the upright position and when the frame is leaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Harley-Davidson Motor Company Group, LLC
    Inventor: Scott J. Saiki
  • Patent number: 7568541
    Abstract: An auxiliary lean control system is provided for controlling a lean angle of at least a portion of a vehicle. The auxiliary lean control system includes an energy storage device for storing energy to actuate the lean control system, a stabilizing mechanism coupled to the energy storage device and to the at least a portion of the vehicle for applying energy received from the energy storage device to the at least a portion of the vehicle to adjust the lean angle of the at least a portion of a vehicle, and a linkage coupled to the energy storage device and to the stabilizing mechanism for transferring energy from the energy storage device to the stabilizing mechanism. The auxiliary lean control system controls the lean angle of the portion of the vehicle in an absence of control of the lean angle by a primary lean control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignees: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael C. Pfeil, Gary C. Fulks, Timothy A. Haerr, Scott J. Saiki, Andrew H. Roth
  • Patent number: 7552790
    Abstract: A three wheeled vehicle (1) has a front section (10) having a front frame (105), a directionally controllable front wheel (101) and a steering column (104) with a handlebar (1040). A rear section (11) has a rear frame (107) and two rear wheels (102,103). The front section (10) of the vehicle is pivotable about a pivot axis (111) located intermediate the two rear wheels (102,103). The pivot axis (111) includes a pivot bar (401) and a pivot bar housing (402) in communication with a transmission mechanism having a first and second gear pairs (2) (3). The transmission mechanism is releasably connected to the steering column (104) and is capable of pivoting the first section (10) about the pivot axis (111) towards the center-of-curvature of a turn in accordance with the angle of the front wheel (101), thus providing greater stability for the vehicle (1) during a turn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Inventor: James C. Dower
  • Patent number: 7549494
    Abstract: A three wheeled vehicle, suitable for use at highway speeds, having at least one seat and independently suspended rear wheels, each being driven via a sequence of two constant velocity universal joints, there further being a transverse mounted multiple cylinder mid-engine and transmission substantially present between the seat and centers of the rear wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Inventors: Daniel A. Zichek, David A. Zichek
  • Publication number: 20090145696
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a three-wheeled vehicle (10), in particular industrial truck, comprising at least one stabilizing arrangement (28), which comprises a support element (40; 140) which may be fastened or is fastened to the underside of the vehicle chassis (30) of the vehicle (10) on a mounting (36) for the stabilized support of the vehicle (10) on the ground (34), when the vehicle has a tendency to tilt over. According to the invention, it is proposed that the stabilizing arrangement (28) is configured such that the support element (40; 140) may be mounted or/and may be adjusted on the vehicle (10) in a position ready for operation in which the vehicle (10) is located with its wheels (14, 18) on the ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Applicant: Jungheinrich Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Stefan Bergmeier, Carsten Schoettke
  • Patent number: 7543829
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a coaster cycle having a front half which works similarly to a bicycle wherein it has handle bars that turn the front wheels. The front wheel turns left and right and also leans in both a left and right direction. The front wheel leans left to right and is connected to the rear wheels by a frame having multiple pivotal couplings so that the rear wheels lean left or right with exactly the same angle as the front wheels. The leaning of the front and rear wheels in concert gives the frame a unique design which allows it to make left and right high G-force turns in a very stable manner. Additional embodiments are disclosed which comprise twin, internal combustion engines being placed on the rear wheels of the vehicle in order to power the vehicle which also have independent thumb control throttles for controlling the rear wheels individually.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Inventor: Danny Barnes
  • Patent number: 7543673
    Abstract: A vehicle has a straddle seat, a left front wheel and a right front wheel. Each of the front wheels is mounted to the vehicle via a front suspension. Each front wheel has a fender associated therewith. At least one rear wheel is mounted to the vehicle via a rear suspension. A left footrest is disposed on a left side of the vehicle at a location below the straddle seat. A right footrest is disposed on a right side of the vehicle at a location below the straddle seat. A left water deflector is disposed at a location between the left front wheel and the left footrest. A right water deflector is disposed at a location between the right front wheel and the right footrest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Lachapelle, Bruno Bedard, Dany Duval
  • Patent number: 7543672
    Abstract: A straddle-type three-wheeled vehicle has a frame having an upper frame member, a lower frame member, a forward cross member interconnecting a forward portion of the upper frame member with a forward portion of the lower frame member, and a rearward cross member interconnecting a rearward portion of the upper frame member with a rearward portion of the lower frame member. A strut extends diagonally from the forward cross member to the lower frame member. The vehicle has an engine mounted to the frame. An air box of the vehicle has at least a portion thereof disposed above at least a portion of the engine. A fuel tank of the vehicle is disposed rearwardly of the air box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce Codere, Brian Mastine
  • Patent number: 7533751
    Abstract: In a motorcycle or a three-wheeled vehicle which tiltably supports a proximal end portion of a swing arm which pivotally supports a wheel on a vehicle body frame by way of a pivot shaft, the swing arm pivot structure is inexpensive and can be easily assembled without particularly using relatively expensive bearings such as taper bearings. At the same time, the preload adjustment is no longer necessary thus facilitating the assembling operation and the maintenance operation. A proximal portion of the pivot shaft is connected to the swing arm in a state wherein the proximal portion is non-rotatable relative to the swing arm. At the same time, a distal portion of the pivot shaft is fitted in and held by the vehicle body frame in a state wherein the distal portion is rotatable relative to the vehicle body frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Etsumi Handa, Katsumasa Mukai, Hisayoshi Kageyama
  • Patent number: 7530419
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a three-wheeled vehicle comprising a frame with engane, drive gear and at least one driven wheel at the rear, and two front wheels which are used in part to steer the vehicle. The vehicle can also be steered in that the frame with engine, drive gear and the driven rear wheel can be banked over to the side like a motorcycle. The present invention relates in particular to a design which helps to move the centre of gravity when such a vehicle is tilted to the side so that, inter alia, it is easier to right the vehicle. Furthermore, the present invention makes it possible to affect and determine the driving characteristics of the vehicle by varying different design parameters within the scope of the present invention. The invention also relates to a special design for the mounting of footboards on which the driver of the vehicle can place his/her feet when driving the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Brudeli Tech Holding AS
    Inventor: Geir Brudeli
  • Patent number: 7516998
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention include a vehicle having a chassis and an engine supported by the chassis, the engine coupled to a drive train useful for propelling the vehicle. The vehicle may be convertible between a first seating configuration having a first seat disposed generally along the longitudinal centerline of the vehicle and a second seating configuration having a lateral seat disposed laterally of the longitudinal centerline of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Norman O. Berg, Robert C. Aronson, Levi J. McCarroll, Lance L. Anderson
  • Publication number: 20090084623
    Abstract: A vehicle comprising a seat defining a driver seat portion and a passenger seat portion, an electronic stability system, adapted to receive inputs from a load sensor, a wheel rotation sensor and a lateral acceleration sensor, the electronic stability system adapted to provide outputs to at least one of the brake system for braking the vehicle, and the engine control unit to change the power output transmitted to the wheels by the engine, the electronic stability system using a first calibration to determine the outputs when the load sensor is in a non-loaded state and a second calibration to determine the outputs when the load sensor is in a loaded state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Applicant: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventor: Mario Dagenais
  • Patent number: 7487985
    Abstract: A tilting, preferably three-wheeled, vehicle is disclosed that has a tilting mechanism that allows the vehicle to have leaning characteristics substantially similar to those offered by an in-line two-wheeled vehicle, but that does not require complex linkages and/or control systems to operate effectively. A tilting linkage is operably secured to a frame to allow a pair of spaced apart wheels to remain substantially aligned with the plane of the vehicle throughout its range of movement while still allowing the steering axes of each wheel to intersect the substantially vertical centerline of each wheel. The linkage also allows the caster angle of each wheel's pivot axis can be optimized independently of the angle of the vehicle's handlebar steering shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Inventor: Robert Mighell
  • Publication number: 20090000837
    Abstract: A saddle riding type fuel cell vehicle includes a fuel cell that generates power by a chemical reaction between a fuel gas and a reactive gas with radiators that cool cooling water of the fuel cell. The radiators are adjacently arranged in right and left sides of the fuel cell in a vehicle width direction. Each outer end surface of the radiators, outside in a vehicle width direction, is positioned closer to the front side of a vehicle body than each inner end surface inside in the vehicle width direction. Thus, each plane portion, which receives an air flow, is inclined to the inner side of the vehicle body, and air courses, which allow an air flow to be passed to the rear side of the vehicle body, are each formed between the inner end surface of each of the radiators and each side surface of the fuel cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki HORII, Masamoto ITO, Shinji FURUTA, Atsuko NIWANO
  • Patent number: 7469764
    Abstract: A frame assembly is described including a tunnel, an engine cradle disposed forward of the tunnel and connected thereto, and a sub-frame disposed forward of the engine cradle and connected thereto. A forward support assembly extends upwardly from the subframe. An upper column extends upwardly from the engine cradle to connect with the forward support assembly. A rear brace assembly extends upwardly from the tunnel to connect with the forward support assembly and the upper column. In one embodiment, the frame assembly further includes an engine disposed in the engine cradle. An endless track is operatively connected to the engine and disposed beneath the tunnel for propulsion. A pair of skis is operatively connected to a steering device for steering. In another embodiment, the frame assembly further includes an engine disposed in the engine cradle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.
    Inventors: Bruno Girouard, Berthold Fecteau, Jérôme Wubbolts, Anne-Marie Dion
  • Publication number: 20080283320
    Abstract: A motorized vehicle, such as a trike motorcycle, includes a frame having a front end connected to at least one front wheel and having a rear end, first and second spaced swing arm assemblies mounted at the rear end, first and second rear wheel assemblies supported by the first and second swing arm assemblies and defining a space therebetween, and at least one support extending from the frame into the space. The arrangement allows a modular structure such as a wheelchair to be connected to the at least one support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventors: Dean Bowles, Tommy Koen
  • Publication number: 20080217085
    Abstract: A three wheeled scooter comprises a chassis having forward and aft ends with a front wheel non-pivotally mounted to the forward end and a pair of rear wheels coaxially mounted to the aft end. The chassis defines a longitudinal axis and includes a support assembly and a handle assembly extending upwardly from the support assembly. The rear wheels are configured to be angularly yawable relative to the longitudinal axis between a neutral position and a yawed position. Steering of the scooter is thereby effectuated by angular yawing of the rear wheels relative to the longitudinal axis such as by asymmetric loading of one of opposing sides of the support assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2007
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventor: Bradley E. Wernli
  • Patent number: 7419024
    Abstract: A motortrike designed to allow individuals that use a wheelchair to independently operate it. The motortrike comprises a wheelchair frame assembly that secures onto a motorcycle frame, a movable platform assembly a transmission assembly, a power transfer assembly and a rear wheel assembly. An individual in a wheelchair may ride the wheelchair onto the platform assembly and lock the wheelchair thereon. A threshold ramp assembly is mounted to the rear of the platform assembly to minimize the transition from ground level to the platform member. The individual may operate the motortrike as a motor vehicle while transporting the wheelchair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Inventor: Christ Soter Tavantzis
  • Patent number: 7404467
    Abstract: A device for transferring two-wheel motorbike into three-wheel vehicle includes a rectangle frame directly connected to the frame of the two-wheel motorbike and two side frames are connected to two ends of the rectangle frame. Two wing rods ARE connected to the two side frames respectively and an arm is pivotably connected to each of the side rods. A cushion means is connected between the side frame and the arm. A differential frame is connected between the two side frames so as to be connected with a differential which has an input end connected to an output shaft of an engine, and an output end of the differential is connected to two transmitting shafts which are connected to two rear wheels. The rear wheels each have a brake mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Shine Far Metal Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jih-Kuei Cho
  • Publication number: 20080164085
    Abstract: The necessity to get higher degrees of safety through better stabilities of the “Scooter-Cyclemotor-Bicycle-Motorcycle” has made these 2 kinds of assemblies (front and rear). The Front assembly always has forwarding the “2 steering, inclining, shock-absorbing, braking, parallel front wheels” and with the already existent 1 rear-wheel in the rear side, or with the Rear-assembly, that has the “2 inclining, shock-absorbing, braking, parallel rear-wheels” (Page: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7./7). Those 2 kind of assemblies are singularly, or both, suitable to build a vehicle with ‘3, or 4 wheels ’ (with 2 rear-wheels), always determining 3 or 4 points of contact on the ground (not only 2). The vehicle with ‘3, or 4 wheels’ is safer, it's more vertical steady and answers the highest degrees safeties either, with a second passenger on board, or with major loads upon (like heavier accumulators use for electric or hybrid power and/or if it uses major load-structures like new body carriage).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2006
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Inventor: Gianfranco Cecinini
  • Publication number: 20080161158
    Abstract: A controller selects a shift map for deriving the shift timing of an automatic transmission according to output signals from a front seat seating sensor, a pillion seating sensor and a carrier loading sensor. The controller switches the shift map of a standard type to an output-emphasizing type shift map when the seating of the rider is sensed and at least one of the seating of the passenger and the loading on the carrier is sensed. The controller judges the seating of the rider or the loading of the cargo when a load equal to or exceeding a predetermined value is continuously applied to each load sensor for predetermined time or longer. Load sensors that can measure weight are used and a shift map may be also selected based upon a total value of loaded weight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki KOJIMA, Yoshiaki NEDACHI
  • Publication number: 20080135319
    Abstract: A detachable vehicle (100) is configured for quick disassembly so as to be conveniently towed or transported. A front fork assembly (103) is detachable from a chassis (101) and is stowable within the chassis (101). The front fork assembly (103) includes a pair of fork members (106,107) that are pivotally coupled to a steering member (108), which is pivotally coupled to a chassis connecting member (109). A handlebar assembly (104) is also detachable. When the front fork assembly (103) is detached from the vehicle (100) and stored within the chassis (101), the vehicle (100) may be towed by way of a hitch (705) or carried within the bed of a pick-up truck or van.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2006
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventor: Richard Clifford Lynn
  • Publication number: 20080135320
    Abstract: A tilting suspension system is adapted for use with a vehicle having three wheels and a frame. The system has two sets of control arms, each set of control arms being pivotally connected to one side of the frame. An upright is pivotally connected to each set of control arms, each upright having a rotatable hub for allowing one of the wheels to be mounted thereto. Two rocker arms are pivotally connected to the frame, and a control link is pivotally connected to each of the rocker arms, such that pivoting of one rocker arm causes corresponding pivoting of the other rocker arm. A link member operably connects each rocker arm to a corresponding upright, such that pivoting of each rocker arm causes corresponding movement of the uprights. An actuator is configured to selectively pivot the rocker arms, such that actuation of the actuator pivots the rocker arms, thereby causing the frame to rotate about a generally longitudinal roll center and causing each upright to rotate about a generally longitudinal axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2008
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventor: Lawayne Matthies
  • Patent number: 7377549
    Abstract: A saddle ride type all-terrain vehicle includes left and right front wheels supported independently of each other on a vehicle body such that driving power is transmitted to said front wheels by way of a pair of left and right drive shafts extending from a driving source side. The vehicle also includes universal couplings provided at opposite end portions of each of the drive shafts, covered by rubber boots. The vehicle further includes a protector for covering the rubber boots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yosuke Hasegawa, Akio Handa, Masahiro Inoue, Makoto Toda, Hiroaki Tomita, Keita Yagi
  • Publication number: 20080115994
    Abstract: A rolling vehicle (10) with two front steering wheels (16, 18) comprising a frame (14), handlebars (20), at least a rear driving wheel (12) connected to a motor (22), and a steering kinematism of the two front wheels (16, 18), wherein the steering kinematism is longitudinal and comprises two parallel longitudinal arms (36, 38) fixedly connected at one end of a steering control lever (26), connected to the handlebars (20) through a cylindrical hinge (24), and at the other end, through two spherical hinges (32, 34), to two articulated quadrilaterals, also longitudinal with respect to the vehicle (10), which rotatably connect the two front wheels (16, 18) to the frame (14), so as to achieve steering, performed by a user through a rotation of the handlebars (20), of the two front wheels (16, 18) with respect to the frame (14).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2007
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Inventors: Federico Martini, Mario Donato Santucci, Walter Rosellini, Onorino Di Tanna, Valentino Mariotti, Stefano Bartolozzi
  • Patent number: 7374192
    Abstract: A system is provided that permits access to one or more components of the power train of a straddle type vehicle (or another internal component or components) without requiring such component to protrude from the body cover of the vehicle. The system can comprise a foot area that includes a foot platform for placing one's feet, an opening positioned above at least the component of the power train, and a cover for permitting the opening to be opened and closed. This system, for example, allows a user to access the oil filler port of the engine via the opening in the foot area in order to add oil to the engine of the vehicle. The system can also include a foot platform comprising a first level and a second level where the second level is located at a higher elevation relative to the first level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshiyasu Mimasa
  • Publication number: 20080087483
    Abstract: A three-wheel vehicle includes a single rear drive wheel, which is mounted on a suspension subframe located near the rear of the vehicle and extending between rails of the vehicle's chassis. A transfer is also mounted on the suspension subframe and drivingly interconnects the vehicle drivetrain and the rear wheel. A four-wheel to three-wheel vehicle conversion method includes the steps of removing the differential, rear axles and rear wheels of an original drivetrain and replacing them with a subframe mounting a rear wheel and a transfer. The transfer is connected to the original transmission by a drive shaft. The converted vehicle can be certified and licensed based on less stringent governmental regulations than those applicable to comparable four-wheel vehicles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Publication date: April 17, 2008
    Inventor: Michael S. Ward
  • Publication number: 20080023242
    Abstract: A vehicle has a straddle seat, a left front wheel and a right front wheel. Each of the front wheels is mounted to the vehicle via a front suspension. Each front wheel has a fender associated therewith. At least one rear wheel is mounted to the vehicle via a rear suspension. A left footrest is disposed on a left side of the vehicle at a location below the straddle seat. A right footrest is disposed on a right side of the vehicle at a location below the straddle seat. A left water deflector is disposed at a location between the left front wheel and the left footrest. A right water deflector is disposed at a location between the right front wheel and the right footrest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2006
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Applicant: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventors: Daniel Lachapelle, Bruno Bedard, Dany Duval