Abstract: A three-wheeled vehicle is provided to operate from a source of power constituted by two batteries which constitute approximately one-third of the weight of the unloaded vehicle. The batteries are so positioned as to locate the center of gravity of the vehicle relatively low. The vehicle is provided with a superstructure which is relatively light so that the center of the gravity is not greatly affected thereby. The superstructure provides protection for the passenger or passengers who are sheltered thereby. The passengers are seated at a relatively high position relative to the ground traversed so that they obtain a feeling of security and confidence and can readily see because their relatively high position with respect to other vehicles or obstacles in the vicinity. The additional weight of the batteries is accommodated by the provision of a compound braking system consisting of mechanical and electro-magnetic braking elements.
Abstract: A luggage carrier for a three-wheel motorcycle is disclosed which forms a portion of a modification of the motorcycle, which is of a type generally known as an ATC, all-terrain cycle. The luggage carrier provides a generally rectangular flat-bed area and a pair of fenders, suspended over the rear wheel area of the cycle. A supporting frame of the flat-bed includes a forward extension to overlie the normal seat position of the cycle. The seat is unlatched from its normal position and is fixed atop the forward extension, after a pair of latch brackets have been removed from the bottom of the seat and remounted to a bottom portion of the forward extension in a compatible relation to a mounting and latch means conventionally provided in the seat mounting area of the cycle.
Abstract: The invention relates to a rack for a vehicle. The rack comprises a seat for holding goods or a person and side walls for containing the goods or the person on the seat. Carriers for a gun or the like are connected to the side walls. A device is also connected to the side walls for allowing the person to rest his or her leg thereon and also for guarding rear tires of the vehicle from having mud and the like splashed thereon. The rack is mounted to and, preferably, used in combination with an all-terrain type of vehicle.
Abstract: A three-wheeled, motor-driven, pedal-started vehicle which comprises a tubular frame supporting the wheels in triangular relationship. A seat is provided on the frame covering a trunk or receptacle relative to which the seat is pivotable in order to uncover the trunk or receptacle. A motor and pedal arrangement is provided on the frame for driving one of the wheels. A kickstand is provided to elevate this wheel selectively from the ground to facilitate the starting of the vehicle without the need for driving the weight of the same. A demountable canopy is detachably connected to the tubular frame and provides a transparent shield for the driver of the vehicle. The seat is such as to be able to accommodate the driver and at least one passenger in side by side relationship. A steering arrangement is provided having a jog therein to accommodate the offset relationship of the driver to the central axis of the vehicle when a passenger is accommodated.
Abstract: An apparatus for producing or measuring omni-directional motion of the apparatus upon a relatively smooth but not necessarily planar surface and/or for producing or measuring omni-directional movement of the surface relative to the apparatus. The transport device includes a frame and at least two wheels having peripheral rollers. The wheels rotate about non-parallel axes. Any desired movement of the device relative to a given surface can be achieved by appropriate rotational inputs to the wheels. Movement of the device in all directions can be achieved without incurring significant sliding of the device relative to the surface. This relatively slip-free motion is achieved by means of the peripheral rollers which allow a given wheel to be moved in a direction parallel to its axis of rotation without sliding. In this manner motions of the device upon the surface are essentially completely reversible by merely applying a rotational input to the wheels opposite of the initial rotational input.
Abstract: Power steering mechanism for a vehicle having a pair of front driving wheels and a rear steerable guide wheel assembly including a vertical pivot shaft pivoted on the vehicle frame, the steering mechanism including an actuating arm attached to the pivot shaft and a double acting hydraulic cylinder with a double ended piston rod, the body of the cylinder being pivotally mounted on the actuating arm and one end of the piston rod being pivotally attached to the vehicle frame.
Abstract: A motorcycle sidecar securely accommodates a handicapped driver seated in a wheelchair. Handlebars are mounted directly in front of the driver for steering the motorcycle. Other controls, including a throttle, a front brake lever, and a clutch lever are mounted on the handle bars. A rear brake lever and a gear shifting control are conveniently located in the sidecar for manipulation by the handicapped driver. A retractable ramp is provided for permitting the driver to roll his wheelchair into the sidecar. Brackets are provided for securely attaching the sidecar to a conventional motorcycle.
Abstract: A hydraulic power pack having a prime mover, at least one hydraulic pump, a reservoir and associated valving and hydraulic circuitry, in which each of the components is mounted on one of two parts of a frame. The two parts of the frame are hinged together at one side, thereby enabling the frame to be opened to allow access to the components for maintenance.
Abstract: A motorized tricycle for deliveries, comprises a load carrying box on the rear of the tricycle between the two rear wheels of the tricycle and extending down below the axis of those wheels. The rear wheels are supported from a crosspiece of the frame of the tricycle which is forward of the box, and the support members extend below the box between the wheels for supporting the box. One of the rear wheels can be driven and in fact can be part of a conventional two-wheeled motorcycle unit with the front wheel removed. The crank of this motorcycle unit can be connected to the pedals of the tricycle. The box is releasably locked in place on its support.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 4, 1977
Date of Patent:
January 8, 1980
Assignee:
Institute de Recherches et d'Etudes de Techniques Specifiques
Abstract: Relates to a lightweight electric battery powered motor vehicle which is divisible into separable front, middle and rear sections. The front section includes a pair of steerable road engaging wheels, the middle section includes a seating compartment for two or three persons, and the rear section includes a single road engaging drive wheel driven by an electric motor. The basic supporting structure of the vehicle is served by a double set of longitudinally extending main frame members each preferably of tubular cross-section and extending through the middle section and into the front and rear sections of the vehicle. The hollow interiors of the tubular frame members are substantially filled with resiliently compressible and deformable balls which are compressibly engagable with one another when external forces are applied against either bumper in the direction of the vehicle and transferred to the balls by the push rods associated with each bumper.
Abstract: A tricycle including a front frame, front wheel provided on the front frame, a rear frame provided with two adjacent and parallel wheels coupled to the front frame such that the center of the front frame is offset to one side of the tricycle relative to the center of the rear frame. Furthermore, if the tricycle is motorized, the motor is coupled to the rear frame such that the center of gravity of the motor is offset to another side of the tricycle relative to the center of the rear frame.