Abstract: A method of operating a leaning vehicle is described. The method includes: determining a steering torque exerted on a steering assembly; determining a speed of travel of the vehicle; determining a leaning angle of a frame of the vehicle with respect to a reference angle; and exerting a leaning torque on the frame relative to a pivotable frame member about a pivot axis in a first direction using an actuator in response to a steering torque exerted on the steering assembly in a second direction opposite the first direction when a speed of travel of the vehicle is above a threshold speed, thereby causing the vehicle to turn in the first direction.

Abstract: Enhanced vehicle handling is achieved by the improved suspension systems constructed in accordance with aspects of the present invention, in which not only do the roll couple and jacking couple oppose each other, thereby causing the body roll to counteract the jacking effect, but also the pitch couple and the pitching couple oppose each other, thereby causing the body pitch to counteract the pitching effect. This results in the improvement of the cornering traction of the vehicle, the braking traction of the vehicle, the acceleration traction of the vehicle (especially in a front-wheel-drive vehicle), the simultaneous cornering and braking traction of the vehicle, and the simultaneous cornering and acceleration traction of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a frame having a front portion and a rear portion, an operator's seat coupled to the frame, a front wheel steerably coupled to the front portion of the frame, a first rear wheel coupled to the rear portion of the frame, a second rear wheel coupled to the rear portion of the frame, an engine coupled to the rear portion of the frame and configured to drive the first rear wheel, and a wheelchair platform located at least partially between the first rear wheel and the second rear wheel and configured to accept a wheelchair placed in a position at least partially straddling the engine. The front portion of the frame may be rotatably coupled to the rear portion. The vehicle may further include a body, a lean angle limiting system, and/or an active lean angle system.

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. An actuated lock locks the frame to the shock tower and prevents relative movement between the frame and the shock tower about the frame leaning axis.

Abstract: A suspension for a motorized rear wheel driven tricycle which can lean into turns includes a planar central upright frame which is mounted coaxially to the main frame of the tricycle. Upper and lower control arms are hinged to the central upright frame and extend to the left and to the right to connect to wheel bearing knuckles. An inverted rocker member is hinged to the central frame, pivotable about the front and rear ends of the central frame at about the midpoint between the top and bottom of the frame. The rocker member provides connection points for shock absorbers which interconnect the rocker member with each link member of the lower control arm on each side of the central frame. Drive members are supported on the central frame to continuously drive the rear wheels as the tricycle leans into turns.

Abstract: By bending and stretching a link mechanism, both left and right wheels of a vehicle can be inclined toward inside of cornering to generate a camber thrust as a lateral force, i.e. an increase in cornering force. Further, by bending and stretching the link mechanism, the passenger compartment can be inclined in accordance with inclination of a connecting link, and thus the center of gravity of the vehicle can be moved toward its inner wheel during cornering. By preventing lifting of the inner wheel during cornering, cornering performance is improved. Because the passenger compartment is inclined toward the inner wheel during cornering, centrifugal force is less likely to be felt by the occupant.

Abstract: A vehicle that includes a vehicle body and a vehicle support assembly. The vehicle body has a longitudinal axis and is configured for supporting a rider thereon. The support assembly includes first (421A) and second (421B) tilting wheels disposed respectively at different lateral positions with respect to the longitudinal axis, a tilt-mechanism (452) supportively associating the vehicle body from the tilting wheels to enable the vehicle body to tilt through a first tilt range with respect to a surface on which the tilting wheels are disposed, and a tilt-limiter (456) operably associated with the tilt-mechanism (452) to restrict the tilting of the vehicle body to less than the first tilt range, and releasable to allow the tilting through the first tilt range.

Abstract: A leaning vehicle has a frame that pivots relative to a pivotable frame member about a pivot axis. A torque exerted on a steering assembly in a first direction causes the frame to pivot relative to the pivotable frame member in a second, opposite direction at least when the speed of the vehicle is above a first threshold speed, to steer the vehicle in the second direction. An actuator urges the frame toward an upright position when the frame is in a leaning position and a speed of the vehicle is below a second threshold speed. A method is also described, in which a torque is exerted on the frame in the direction opposite the steering torque when the speed above the first threshold speed. The torque exerted by the actuator is opposite the leaning angle when the speed of travel is below the second threshold speed.

Abstract: A leaning vehicle suspension. Preferred embodiments have two transversely-mounted steerable front wheels and a single rear wheel, but the vehicle suspension of the present invention may be used with two-wheeled vehicles or four-wheeled vehicles, and front and rear coupled vehicle suspensions may be employed. Two preferred embodiments of the vehicle suspension of the present invention are described. Both have a transverse leaf spring, left and right rotary dampers, and independent left and right parallelogram transverse control arms movably mounting left and right wheel mounting members to the vehicle's frame. A rocker member, to which the rotary dampers and leaf spring are mounted, is pivotally mounted to the vehicle frame by a central pivot bearing, permitting the rocker member to pivot about a longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The parallelogram geometry holds the front wheels at even camber throughout the suspension travel.

Abstract: When a vehicle turns, a body and a left and a right wheel are inclined inward of a turning circle. Consequently forces are exerted to an operator in an up-down direction, which leads to reducing discomfort felt by the operator. In addition, since a gravity center of the vehicle is moved inward of the turning circle, a turning stability of the vehicle is improved.

Abstract: A mechanically-controlled, 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.

Abstract: A body leaning control system includes a support mechanism arranged to support at least a pair of traveling members that contact a traveling surface and are provided at opposite sides of the vehicle body to be movable up and down relative to the vehicle body, a resistance applying mechanism arranged to apply to the support mechanism a resistance to up-and-down motions of the pair of wheels, a lean information detecting device arranged to detect information on a lean amount of the vehicle body, and a controller arranged to perform control, based on detection results received from the lean information detecting device, to set the resistance of the resistance applying mechanism to a first resistance when the lean amount of the vehicle body is increasing, and to set the resistance of the resistance applying mechanism to a second resistance smaller than the first resistance when the lean amount of the vehicle body is decreasing.

Abstract: A frame has rear, upper and front components. A rear wheel and two laterally spaced spindles with wheels are supported by the front frame component. A steering assembly includes a steering shaft, a handle bar and horizontal steering rods. The steering shaft has an upper end, a lower end and a central extent. The shaft is rotatably supported in the front frame component. The handle bar is coupled to the upper end of the steering shaft. The horizontal steering rods pivotally couple the lower end of the steering shaft to the steering rods. In this manner steering purposes is facilitated. A suspension assembly includes an upper and lower wishbone subassemblies. Each wishbone subassembly has front and rear wishbone arms. Two outboard carriers are provided. The carriers are adapted to function as parallelograms while riding.

Abstract: A land vehicle, according to various aspects of the present invention allows the driver to lean with a frame that supports the driver and that pivots on a base. Motion of the frame is coupled to the wheels to adjust a camber of the wheels. The wheels are coupled to the base that provides a reference for independent wheel suspension mechanisms. As a result, banking of the vehicle does not affect the suspension of the wheels. Hydraulic assistance to counteract the forces of the suspension systems is unnecessary.

Abstract: A 3 wheeled motorcycle in which the vertical axis of all 3 wheels remains parallel, capable of counter-steer/lean when making a turn.

Abstract: A suspension system for a vehicle may include a torsion beam disposed along width direction of the vehicle and including an attaching portion formed to an end portion thereof, a trailing arm disposed to the attaching portion of the torsion beam and aligned along length direction of the vehicle, wherein one end portion of the trailing arm is coupled to a wheel and the other end portion of the trailing arm is connected to a vehicle body, and a stiffener connecting the attaching portion of the torsion beam and the trailing arm disposed between the stiffener and the attaching portion of the torsion beam.

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.

Abstract: A suspension assembly includes an axle and a resilient member. The axle includes a first end and a second end and is movable with respect to a vehicle's frame between an unloaded position and a loaded position. The resilient member is configured to be spaced from at least one of the axle and the frame when the axle is in the unloaded position. The resilient member is also configured to selectively progressively bias the axle towards the unloaded position. A vehicle including a suspension assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A frame and suspension for a vehicle provides automatic lean and alignment. The lean is determined by force sensors, the speed and/or the angle of turn and is provided by actuators in the suspension in accordance with a predetermined protocol in an electronic control unit (ECU). The protocol also provides shock absorption by rapidly tracking a contour of a surface on which the vehicle rides. The suspension is provided by a plurality of arm assemblies each including a lower arm, an upper control arm, and an actuator motively connected to the lower arm and to the upper control arm. The arm assemblies are pivotally connected to the frame on a common axis. The arm assemblies generally form parallelograms and are actuated in concert to remain generally parallel to each other through a range of angles to adjust the lean of the vehicle. The arm assemblies are also actuated independently of each other to accommodate variations in the contour.

Abstract: A three wheeled vehicle that has an improved dual front wheel integrated steering and suspension system that allows the vehicle to be maneuvered by a combination of arm and leg steering movements coupled with front end leaning that shifts the center of mass of the vehicle down and toward the inside wheel. This transfer of mass counteracts a conventional cornering vehicle's tendency to fling its mass to the outside wheel and lift the inner wheel off the ground as well as changing the angle of the line of force exerted through the tires, and enhancing the vehicles's grip on the ground. The vehicle has a reduced amount of sliding and potential of flipping when turning sharply. The steering system is compatible with traditional ACKERMAN steering geometry wherein the inner wheel turns in a smaller diameter circle than the outer wheel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle which can tilt in turns, and comprises a three-wheeled vehicle, which has a rear wheel (6) which is arranged on the longitudinal axis of the three-wheeled vehicle as well as two front wheels (3, 4) which are arranged at a distance from one another and can be steered indirectly by means of a steering element with intermediate connection of a steering column (2), wherein the two front wheels (3, 4) and the frame (1) of the three-wheeled vehicle can be inclined proportionally as a function of the direction of rotation of the steering column (2).

Abstract: A leaning vehicle has a frame that pivots relative to a pivotable frame member about a pivot axis. A torque exerted on a steering assembly in a first direction causes the frame to pivot relative to the pivotable frame member in a second, opposite direction at least when the speed of the vehicle is above a first threshold speed, to steer the vehicle in the second direction. An actuator urges the frame toward an upright position when the frame is in a leaning position and a speed of the vehicle is below a second threshold speed. A method is also described, in which a torque is exerted on the frame in the direction opposite the steering torque when the speed above the first threshold speed. The torque exerted by the actuator is opposite the leaning angle when the speed of travel is below the second threshold speed.

Abstract: A suspension system for a vehicle is provided that allows for the vehicle body to be tilted wherein the tilt is controlled by the operator's legs in a manner that greatly enhances the stability of the vehicle while producing a fun vehicle to operate. Generally a hub is provided for use ad the vertical members in a four-bar suspension linkage that includes an inboard side and an outboard side such that the tilting pivots are positioned inboard and the steering pivots are positioned outboard. This arrangement allows for the optimum placement of the pivot axis for steering as close to the wheel as possible, even directly within the rim of the wheel, while the pivot point of the suspension linkage is optimally positioned a few inches inboard relative to the wheels thereby increasing the lever arm used to control the relative tilt of the wheel.

Abstract: A vehicle with lean control has a frame with a steering assembly. An arm assembly is connected to the frame. A pair of first and second shock absorbers is mounted between the frame and the arm assembly on opposite sides of the frame. Each shock absorber has a fluid-filled chamber and floating piston. A load sensor is mounted to the steering assembly for detecting changes of pressure on the steering assembly. The load sensor has a housing, a pressure sensing area disposed in the housing, and provides an electrical signal in response to the pressure sensing area. The load sensor detects pressure applied to the top plate of the housing. An electronic control unit is coupled to the electrical contact of the load sensor. A motor and pump assembly is responsive to the electronic control unit for transferring fluid between the chambers of the first and second shock absorbers.

Abstract: A Progressive Compression Suspension is disclosed. The suspension operates to provide floating opposed mounting points for each end of the suspension's shock absorber. The bottom end of the shock absorber pivotally attaches to the lower suspension arm, and the upper end of the shock absorber pivotally attaches to a compression linkage. The compression linkage is pivotally attached to the vehicle frame or chassis, such that it rocks back forth when the suspension engages rough terrain and the top of the shock absorber works in opposition to the bottom of the shock absorber. The rocking of the compression linkage is created by an actuating linkage interconnecting the compression linkage and an eccentric arm extending inwardly towards the frame from the pivot point of the lower suspension arm.

Abstract: A three wheeled vehicle that has an improved dual front wheel integrated steering and suspension system that allows the vehicle to be maneuvered by a combination of arm and leg steering movements coupled with front end leaning that shifts the center of mass of the vehicle down and toward the inside wheel. This transfer of mass counteracts a conventional cornering vehicle's tendency to fling its mass to the outside wheel and lift the inner wheel off the ground as well as changing the angle of the line of force exerted through the tires, and enhancing the vehicles's grip on the ground. The vehicle has a reduced amount of sliding and potential of flipping when turning sharply. The steering system is compatible with traditional ACKERMAN steering geometry wherein the inner wheel turns in a smaller diameter circle than the outer wheel.

Abstract: Enhanced vehicle handling is achieved by the improved suspension systems constructed in accordance with aspects of the present invention, in which not only do the roll couple and jacking couple oppose each other, thereby causing the body roll to counteract the jacking effect, but also the pitch couple and the pitching couple oppose each other, thereby causing the body pitch to counteract the pitching effect. This results in the improvement of the cornering traction of the vehicle, the braking traction of the vehicle, the acceleration traction of the vehicle (especially in a front-wheel-drive vehicle), the simultaneous cornering and braking traction of the vehicle, and the simultaneous cornering and acceleration traction of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle having a chassis, front wheels each having an axis of rotation, and a suspension assembly for connecting the front wheels to the chassis. The suspension assembly is adapted to allow the front wheels to move transverse to their axes of rotation, but in opposite directions, in order to tilt the chassis. The suspension assembly includes a wheel orientation defining rod coupled to at least one of the front wheels, and a unit for pivotably coupling the wheel orientation defining rod to the chassis. The coupling unit ensures that a wheel orientation of the front wheel defined by the wheel orientation defining rod is essentially independent of movement of the front wheel transverse to the axis of rotation thereof.

Abstract: A four wheeled motorcycle vehicle, comprising: a frame (1), two pairs of two spaced apart swing arms (2FR, 2RR) pivotally mounted thereon at both ends on swing pivot axes (21F, 21R), wherein each swing arm (2FR, 2RR) bears a front (3FR) or rear (3RR) wheel at its other end on a wheel axis (31FR, 31RR); balancer beams (6F, 6R) rotatably mounted on rotation axes (61F) on the frame (1) near their centre, and a pair of at least two linking rods (7FR, 7RR), each linking rod (7FR, 7RR) being pivotally connected to one end of a balancer beam (SF, 6R) at one end and being pivotally connected to one of said swing arms (2FR, 2RR) at its other end. In the upright position of said vehicle one end of each of said linking rods (7FR, 7RR) is positioned below the swing plane extending through both swing pivot axes (21F, 21R) and both wheel axes (31FR, 31RR) of each pair of swing arms (2FR, 2RR), and the other end of each of said linking rods (7FR, 7RR) is positioned above said swing plane.

Abstract: A suspension system for a tilting vehicular chassis based on more than three wheels separates a tilting component of the chassis from a non-tilting component. The non-tilting component provides a means for powering the vehicle with automotive-type engine and drive train options, while the tilting component provides the turning stability necessary for a narrower wheel base. The narrower wheel base benefits fuel economy. The multiplicity of wheels, and the breadth of platform thus enabled, permits shelter and comfort features for the occupant not otherwise available on a typical two-wheel chassis.

Abstract: A chassis system for a motor vehicle has a device for roll stabilization and a device for wheel camber adjustment. The device for roll stabilization and the device for wheel camber adjustment have one or more hydraulic actuating devices. The device for roll stabilization and the device for wheel camber adjustment are coupled to one another by a common hydraulic system. Accordingly, a link is provided between the roll stabilization arrangement and the camber adjustment arrangement in the motor vehicle. An active camber adjustment arrangement is realized by using the hydraulic power supply and the valves of the roll stabilization arrangement.

Abstract: A three wheeled vehicle that has an improved dual front wheel steering system that allows the vehicle to be maneuvered by a combination of arm and leg steering movements coupled with front end leaning that shifts the center of mass of the vehicle down and toward the inside wheel. This transfer of mass counteracts a conventional cornering vehicle's tendency to fling its mass to the outside wheel and lift the inner wheel off the ground as well as changing the angle of the line of force exerted through the tires, and enhancing the vehicles's grip on the ground. The vehicle has a reduced amount of sliding and potential of flipping when turning sharply. The steering system is compatible with traditional ACKERMAN steering geometry wherein the inner wheel turns in a smaller diameter circle than the outer wheel.

Abstract: A mechanical assembly which enables multi-track vehicles to lean into turns and return to a neutral position thereafter.

Abstract: A 3 wheeled motorcycle in which the vertical axis of all 3 wheels remains parallel, capable of counter-steer/lean when making a turn.

Abstract: This invention relates to wheeled vehicles and particularly to motorised road vehicles. The wheeled vehicle (10) includes two frames (12) for carrying road wheals (18, 20), the frames (12) being laterally spaced apart. A pair of road wheels (18, 20) are mounted on each frame (12) for supporting that frame (12) on the ground, the wheels (18, 20) of each pair being mounted for rotation about operatively more or less horizontal rotational axes which are spaced apart along the associated frame (12). A motor (36) is connected by a drive train (48, 28, 30, 32) to a rear wheel (20) on each of the wheeled frames (12). The wheeled frames (12) are connected together for synchronous tilting relative to the vertical, so that the camber angles of all the wheels (18, 20) change in response to lateral tilting of the frames (12).

Abstract: A suspension system for a vehicle is provided that allows for the vehicle body to be tilted wherein the tilt is controlled by the operator's legs in a manner that greatly enhances the stability of the vehicle while producing a fun vehicle to operate. Further, the bottom member of the suspension system is structured in a manner that provides storage capacity for installation of heavy items such as battery banks in order to preserve a lowered center of gravity for the vehicle. The tilting suspension may be used in the context of three-wheeled vehicle having a single rear drive tire and two forward wheels, but apply equally to a four wheeled vehicle as well as to water craft operating on pontoons or snow vehicles operating on skis.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Abstract: An automatic slowing down system for a vehicle taking a bend includes a computer that integrates a series of instructions to process at least one of first, second and third signals according to kinematic control laws of vehicle displacement to deliver signals for a forward motion actuator and a steering actuator, a forward control and a steering control that supply the first signal representative of a forward motion data and a steering data to the computer based on an operator's requirement, a linear speed sensor and a yaw speed sensor that supply the second signal to the computer, and a unit that supplies the third signal relating to road grip to the computer.

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.

Abstract: A suspension system for a tilting vehicular chassis based on more than three wheels separates a tilting component of the chassis from a non-tilting component. The non-tilting component provides a means for powering the vehicle with automotive-type engine and drive train options, while the tilting component provides the turning stability necessary for a narrower wheel base. The narrower wheel base benefits fuel economy. The multiplicity of wheels, and the breadth of platform thus enabled, permits shelter and comfort features for the occupant not otherwise available on a typical two-wheel chassis.

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.

Abstract: Four-wheeled vehicle (1) of the type equipped with two steered front wheels (2, 3), a frame (13), handlebars (16), two rear wheels (4, 5) and a front suspension group (6) that acts upon the two front wheels (2, 3). The front suspension group (6) allows the rolling of the vehicle (1).

Abstract: A twist axle suspension for an automotive vehicle comprises first and second trailing arms, each having a front end and a rear end joined by an intermediate portion providing a weld site. The front ends of the trailing arms have pivots pivoted to the body of the automotive vehicle and the rear ends of the trailing arms support spring and damped rear wheels of the automotive vehicle. A perforated twist axle having first and second end sections abuts and is welded to the trailing arms at the weld sites. An arcuate apex portion joins the perforated walls to provide the twist axle with a V-shaped cross section having a shear center line disposed above the arcuate portion, the shear center being spaced a selected distance H above the axes about which the trailing arms pivot.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to an aerodynamic means to stabilize and tilt a three-wheel vehicle for cornering that is speed dependant and automatic in operation. Having a wing with movable control surfaces enables use of the wing to provide a tilting force utilized in cornering. If also connected by any of several means to the suspension system, the present invention also provides a vertically stabilizing force to counteract the pitching forces found in land vehicles due to surface irregularities encountered by the tires or wheels.

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.

Abstract: In this vehicular chassis system, the vehicle's passenger compartment and wheels incline toward the turning center side in such a manner, that the wheels can be tilted independently from steering. This vehicle has a steering apparatus controlling the steering, and a separate apparatus controlling the lateral leaning. The lean is controlled mechanically using a pendulum, and forced lateral leaned using a control unit, or manually with the transfer of body weight using several pinions with a set ratio to control the passenger compartment lateral lean in conjunction with the wheel lateral lean. An electric DC servo gear motor can be used to control the lateral lean, that in turn moves a pinion, which moves a rack and lateral movable cross member, while controlling the lateral leaning wheels and pulling the tilt support bar pivotally attached to a passenger compartment in the same leaning direction.

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.