Stub Axle Patents (Class 280/269)
  • Patent number: 10864961
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a steering assembly for a vehicle, comprising two rotatable rods, oriented vertically and having a wheel attachment on one end wherein wheels can be rotatably secured. The rods are connected to a first cross bar in such a way that enables the steering assembly to be attached to the vehicle frame and allows the rods to rotate. The rods are also rotatably attached to a second cross bar on the opposite end of the rod in such a way as to allow the rods to rotate. The rods are also attached to a steering mechanism in a manner that enables them to be manually rotated in unison and which in turn pivots the wheels and steers the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: Sun MicroMobility, LLC
    Inventor: Robert M. Cotter
  • Patent number: 10206831
    Abstract: A steering attachment for a wheelchair includes an arm assembly configured to engage a wheelchair fork comprising two outer bars connected to a shorter center member, thereby defining a gap on one end of the arm assembly to engage the fork. Attachment apertures extend through the outer bars and center member configured to receive attachment members to adjustably assemble the arm assembly to accommodate a particular fork blade. A link pivotally is connected to an opposite end of the bar assembly, and is hinged to move between an extended position and a folded position. A foot support is pivotally connected to an upper wall of the link and configured to pivot about an axis perpendicular to the pivot axis of the link. The steering attachment is connectable to a wheelchair with a single pull pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Inventor: Glen R. Wooldridge
  • Patent number: 9771119
    Abstract: A reverse trike attachment is provided. The reverse trike attachment includes a motorcycle connector frame operable to secure to a front end of a motorcycle frame. A rotating fork joint is secured to and is rotatable relative to the motorcycle connector frame. The rotating fork joint is operable to secure to a motorcycle fork. A wheel assembly includes a first and second wheel mount spindle secured to opposing sides of the motorcycle connector frame. A first wheel is pivotally secured to the first wheel spindle and a second wheel is pivotally secured to the second wheel mount spindle. The first and second wheels each pivot about a vertical axis. The first ends of a first and second tie rod are secured to the rotating fork joint and the second ends of the first and second tie rods are secured to the first and second wheel spindle respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Inventor: Darrell Jay Whitmore
  • Patent number: 9545969
    Abstract: A conversion scooter is adapted for use as a sit to ride scooter in a first configuration and a stand to ride scooter in a second configuration. The conversion scooter has a frame, a steering assembly and a seat removably coupled to the frame. The steering assembly can be steered by a user in the first and second configurations. The frame has a first end portion and a second end portion, and a foot platform extending between the first end portion and the second end portion. In the first configuration a seat surface of the seat is generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the frame, and in the second configuration the seat is coupled to a first end portion of the frame and the seat is generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of the frame. Seat securing members secure the seat in the first and second configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Radio Flyer Inc.
    Inventors: Emily Byrne, Ian Grout
  • Patent number: 9174693
    Abstract: A three-wheeled cycle is provided that can be ridden in an upright position. The cycle can have a suspension system for traversing rough terrain and for traction when turning. The front wheels can have a steering assembly comprised of a two-piece steering arm that clamps the handlebar to the front fork and connection rod with linkage pins. Furthermore, the design of the cycle can be favorable for transport of additional cargo loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: Standard Bearer Machines, LLC
    Inventor: Peter Godlewski
  • Patent number: 9067632
    Abstract: Wheeled vehicle, comprising of one front wheel, two side wheels and one rear wheel, configured on a chassis frame in a symmetrical rhombus (diamond) layout. The non-steered front wheel is turned by pedals using human power, similar or exactly in bicycle use design, or with electric motor power. The two parallel side wheels in one axis are perpendicular to the chassis frame, allowing them to swivel in unison for steering the vehicle without elaborate axle pivoting apparatus. The rear wheel is powered by an electric motor, hybrid motor or liquid fuel motor. The rear wheel is attached longitudinally with the center of the chassis frame so that it swivels also in unison for steering with the side wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Inventor: Albert Edward Mroz
  • Publication number: 20140353940
    Abstract: Motorcycles are provided which include a frame, two front steering wheels, a steering pipe rotatably connected to the frame and rigidly connected to two supporting assemblies, one for each front steering wheel and a steering group consisting of two pairs of transversal arms—upper front, lower front, upper rear and lower rear—arranged inverted at the opposite sides of a central steering pipe and laterally connected through two lateral posts. On each of the supporting assemblies the fixed portions of two telescopic elements may be constrained. Each pair of telescopic elements may be cantilever-mounted with respect to the steering wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventors: Stefano Bartolozzi, Luca Bernardi, Marco Profeti, Walter Rosellini
  • Publication number: 20140346753
    Abstract: The present invention provides a road holding ability mechanism applied to a motorcycle with two wheels in front. The mechanism may be configured on a three-wheeled motorcycle which has two front wheels and a single rear wheel or on a four-wheeled motorcycle with two front wheels as well as two rear wheels. Under any operating condition, the mechanism enables the two front wheels to offer great road holding ability, that is, to remain stable when moving so as to ensure the motorcycle against rollovers. The present invention includes a simple and innovative structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: AEON MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Huei-Huay HUANG, Chin-Chi LIN
  • Publication number: 20130168944
    Abstract: Motorcycles are provided which include a frame, two front steering wheels, a steering pipe rotatably connected to the frame and rigidly connected to two supporting assemblies, one for each front steering wheel and a steering group consisting of two pairs of transversal arms—upper front, lower front, upper rear and lower rear—arranged inverted at the opposite sides of a central steering pipe and laterally connected through two lateral posts. On each of the supporting assemblies the fixed portions of two telescopic elements may be constrained. Each pair of telescopic elements may be cantilever-mounted with respect to the steering wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: PIAGGIO & C. S.p.A
    Inventors: Stefano Bartolozzi, Luca Bernardi, Marco Profeti, Walter Rosellini
  • Publication number: 20130056950
    Abstract: A device, comprising a planar element with a first wheel supported about a first rotary axis, a handle support, and a folding joint connecting the handle support to the planar element pivotal about a first pivotal axis such that in an operating state the handle support is aligned to a planar element at an angle, is provided. At least one second wheel is supported about a second rotary axis, at the distal end of the planar element. The second wheel is pivotal about a second pivotal axis and coupled to the handle support via a mechanism which converts a pivotal motion of the handle support about the first pivotal axis into a pivotal axis of the second wheel about the second pivotal axis such that the second rotary motion of the second wheel shows in the idle state a greater angle to the planar element than in the operating state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventor: Gregor Von Bismarck
  • Patent number: 8328218
    Abstract: Disclosed commuter vehicles include a chassis that includes a frame, opposed first and second steerable front wheels, a trailing rear wheel, and a linear-input steering mechanism for controlling an orientation of the first and second steerable front wheels. The commuter vehicles also include a drive-train for transmitting rotational motion and torque from a power-input source to rotational motion of the trailing rear wheel, and a body defining a cockpit and being supported by the chassis. An outer-most lateral dimension of the body corresponds to a maximum outer-most lateral dimension of the commuter vehicle. Embodiments of linear-input steering mechanisms compatible with commuter vehicles being so dimensioned as to fit through an open door are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Columbia Cycle Works, LLC
    Inventor: Philip A. Rush
  • Patent number: 8100425
    Abstract: A wheeled vehicle, which may be a bicycle, having independent front and rear wheel steering, and rear wheel propulsion from a pedal assembly. The rear wheel is pivotally mounted to enable steering. The rear sprocket transmits torque to a jointed drive shaft which drives the rear wheel at any degree of steering. Rear steering is actuated by a frame mounted control lever, which draws a flexible cable which extends through the hollow frame. Indicia indicates the degree of rear steering. The control lever has a locking feature to prevent inadvertent steering. The rear wheel is pivotally mounted to the frame to enable clearing obstacles in the road.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Inventor: Maurice Raynor
  • Patent number: 8016311
    Abstract: A vehicle with front and rear steering is disclosed. The vehicle can be a cycle. The cycle includes a front wheel steered by a front hand-steering mechanism, and two back wheels steered by a back hand-steering mechanism. The back wheels are dual inclined casters with full rotational movement. A drive train forward of the front wheel drives the front wheel, while a rider is inclined in a seat in a recumbent orientation. The front and rear steering provides unlimited maneuverability and turning capabilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Inventors: Tyler Hadzicki, Joseph Hadzicki
  • Patent number: 7871095
    Abstract: A two wheel steering bicycle with two steering controls and rider positioned facing an angle greater than zero and less than ninety degrees with respect to the direction of motion. A frame member connects the rear head tube to the front head tube. The rear fork can rotate within the rear head tube. A rear steering handle is connected to the rear fork. The front fork can rotate within the front head tube. A front steering handle is connected to the front fork. A seat tube member attaches to the frame member. A bicycle saddle is attached to the seat tube member in such a way as to position the rider facing an angle greater than zero and less than ninety degrees with respect to the longitudinal axis of the frame member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Inventor: Michael Killian
  • Publication number: 20100283218
    Abstract: An agricultural harvester rear axle arrangement for an agricultural harvester (10) having a body (12), the arrangement comprising left and right rear wheels (18, 20); means for supporting the wheels for rotation about a generally vertical steering axis (38, 40, 78, 94) and for supporting the wheels for extension and retraction from the body of the combine (26, 28, 30, 90); actuator means for steering the wheels (38, 40, 70, 72, 94) and for extending and retracting the wheels (34, 36, 70, 72); an electronic controller (50) coupled to the actuator means to steer, extend and retract the wheels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Inventors: Bruce Alan Coers, Daniel James Burke, Ryan Patrick Mackin
  • Patent number: 7731213
    Abstract: A bicycle attachment comprises a pair of spaced rotatable wheels for engaging with a support surface, a connecting portion extending between and secured to the wheels, and a securing portion hinged relative to the connecting portion such that the securing portion is able to pivot relative to the connecting portion. The securing portion is adapted to be secured relative to a fork of a bicycle such that swiveling the fork relative to a frame of the bicycle also swivels the wheels and the connecting portion relative to the frame, and such that pivoting the securing portion relative to the connecting portion also pivots the fork relative to the connecting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventor: Neil Saville
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7044252
    Abstract: A method of interconnecting the front and rear wheels in two-wheeled vehicles and a vehicle produced in accordance with the method is characterized in that, in order to prevent opposing couples being generated in the respective wheels and acting on the steering column of the vehicle, bringing about disequilibrium thereof, the steering column is dispensed with and a module attached to the rotation axle of the front wheel is connected to an upwardly inclined member which is further extended downwardly and is articulated at its other end to an end of a transverse bar for connection to the rear wheel of the vehicle, this rear wheel taking part in deflections which the steerable wheel may perform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Inventor: Juan Elizalde Bertrand
  • Patent number: 6763905
    Abstract: A motor-vehicle has at least a rear driving wheel and two front rolling and steering wheels connected to each other by a linkage mechanism that is provided with a suspension system that comprises at least a pair of shock-absorbing struts and rocking levers associated therewith. An interconnecting latticework extending along a median plane of the vehicle supports an axis of pins of the rocking levers so that the axis is caused to lie on the median plane and parallel to axes of fulcrum pins of cross bars of the linkage mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Aprilia S.P.A.
    Inventors: Gaetano Cocco, Andrea Raffaelli, Leandro Scomazzon
  • Patent number: 6709013
    Abstract: There is disclosed lever steering apparatus for a land vehicle with steerable and independently suspended front wheels having left and right steering levers at the driver position. The left and right steering levers are coupled by lever mechanisms and an elongated rod to move in opposite directions. Left and right fore and aft links extend from the left and right steering levers to the left and right front wheels to transmit steering motion displacement to the steerable front wheels causing rotation of the axles of the wheels about a vertical axis. A controller arm connected to each wheel stub axles is connected to the forward end of a fore and aft link for steering motion of a front wheel. The control arm fore and aft link combination causes each wheel steering motion to have a predetermined relation to motion of the corresponding link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: University of Arkansas
    Inventors: David A. Renfroe, Joe Partain
  • Patent number: 6663122
    Abstract: A stroller frame has a steering device, two front wheel support rods, and two front wheels. The steering device is disposed on the front wheel support rods. The steering device has a positioning device, a front base seat, a shock absorbing device, and a pair of shock absorbers. The positioning device has two positioning blocks, two sleeves, and a connection bar. The front base seat has two side link devices, a center block, two front protruded blocks, a connection rod, and two lugs. Each lug is disposed on an end of the corresponding side link device. The connection rod is disposed between the lugs. The shock absorbing device is disposed between the connection bar and the center block. Each shock absorber is disposed between the corresponding sleeve and the corresponding front protruded block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Inventor: Wan-Hsing Lin
  • Patent number: 6557873
    Abstract: A replacement front wheel assembly (2) for a rollerboard having a footboard (48) provided in the rear end portion thereof with at least one wheel and in the front end portion thereof with a steering head bearing (4) for connection of a front wheel assembly (2) and a steering rod (54) connected to the front wheel assembly (2), characterized in that the front wheel assembly (2) comprises a connecting member (6) for connection to the steering head bearing (4) as well as two front wheels (8; 10) that are each offset towards a respective side of the longitudinal axis of the roller board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Euro-G.E.M. GmbH
    Inventor: Moamar Nardone
  • Patent number: 6542261
    Abstract: A method and apparatus which sends an encrypted FAX document to a receiving party. The encrypted FAX is printed out by a receiving FAX with an unencrypted heading, indicating who the intended recipient of the received encrypted FAX is, and a body of the FAX in an encrypted format. Once the intended recipient receives the encrypted FAX document, the document can be scanned and decoded after the intended recipient provides a decode code. The decoded document can be printed by or viewed on a computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Montgomery C. McGraw
  • Patent number: 6402174
    Abstract: Three-wheeled vehicle with an adjustable leaning and steering mechanism, permitting operator-controlled wheel and body lean as the vehicle is making a turn. The vehicle (100) has a leaning main frame (20) that carries the pedals (21) and crank assembly (22), recumbent seat (30) and rear wheel (40). Towards the front of the vehicle (100), a perpendicular axle housing (42) mounted with pivotal collar (44) allows the main frame (20) to lean right or left. Axle housing (42) carries the cantilevered steering arms (46) and adjustable steering levers (48). An axle (56) runs through the axle housing (42) and a spindle (60) and control arm (58) is pivotally connected to each end of the axle (56). Wheels (70R and 70L) are mounted on each spindle (60). Swivel tie rods (72) connect the control arms (58) of both front wheels (70R and 70L) to the main frame (20) so that when the main frame (20) is leaned, all wheels (70R, 70L and 40) lean laterally, producing simultaneous wheel and body lean.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Inventor: Alan Maurer
  • Patent number: 6102420
    Abstract: A riding apparatus includes a frame; a front wheel assembly, being rotatably mounted to the frame and having a substantially vertical front rotation axis; a rear wheel assembly, being rotatably mounted to the frame and having a substantially vertical rear rotation axis; a front steering link connected to the front wheel assembly; a rear steering link connected to the rear wheel assembly; and a pivoting device; the front steering link and rear steering link being connected to the pivoting device in such a way that the pivoting device translate an angular movement of the front wheel assembly around the front rotation axis into a deflection of the rear wheel assembly around the rear rotation axis in the opposite sense, thereby diminishing the steering radius of the riding apparatus; and a saddle mounted on the frame by a saddle pin, the saddle pin being rotatably mounted to the frame and having a substantially vertical saddle rotation axis, the pivoting device being fixedly coupled to the saddle pin, thereby ena
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Archimedec Handelsonderneming V.O.F.
    Inventor: Wietse Hoeksta
  • Patent number: 5544906
    Abstract: An improved human powered recumbent vehicle is provided. The vehicle includes a frame that comprises a central keel. The keel comprises four tubes that are spaced equidistant from a central longitudinal axis. Outrigger arms are disposed approximately halfway along the longitudinal axis of the keel and extend forwardly and outwardly therefrom. The angle that each outrigger arm forms with the keel, provides an access area that allows a rider access to the seat without having to step over any portion of the invented vehicle, for easy mounting and dismounting. Outboard ends of the arms terminate in pivotable connectors that may be provided for wheel bearing yokes. A rear section of the keel is wide enough to accommodate a wheel. The keel has a prow that terminates in a single plane, so that the vehicle can be placed on its prow for storage in an upright position, to minimize storage space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Inventor: Lawrence D. (Jake) Clapper
  • Patent number: 5236060
    Abstract: The invention is a conversion kit for converting a two-wheeled motorcycle into a three-wheeled motorcycle providing for increasing both the lateral and longitudinal stability of a conventional motorcycle while maintaining the conventional positioning of the motorcycle rider. The invention replacing the front wheel with a pair of opposed wheels connected to the conventional front fork by an elongated kit frame. The kit frame is narrow and does not provide for enclosing the driver within the frame. The elongated frame provides for greater longitudinal stability and the opposed front wheels provide for greater lateral stability. The kit frame is directly mounted to the conventional motorcycle front fork, requiring limited modification to the conventional motorcycle and eliminating special connectors required by prior designs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1993
    Inventor: William D. Huber
  • Patent number: 5209506
    Abstract: The rider powered vehicle has two steerable front wheels, each with a turning arm, and a single rear drive wheel. Power transmission means is provided between the rear wheel and a single push-pull and steerable handlebar mounted in a column assembly supported to oscillate about a lateral pivot axis. The handlebar is connected to a steering arm, and two steering links are connected at respective inboard and outboard pivotal connections between the steering arm and the two turning arms. Handlebar rotation causes the inboard pivotal connections to trace an arcuate path, and the lateral pivot axis is located to intersect the arcuate path generally at two spaced locations. This geometry provides a propulsion and steering mechanism that has substantially no interaction between the push-pull power strokes of the handlebar, for vehicular propulsion, and the handlebar rotation, for vehicular steering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1993
    Inventor: King L. Klopfenstein
  • Patent number: 4903857
    Abstract: A three wheeled vehicle, with two steerable front wheels and a driven rear wheel which may be either rider- or motor-powdered, includes steering/coupling linkage disposed adjacent to the lower end of a steering column having a handlebar attached to its upper end. The steering/coupling linkage pivotally couples a forward frame to a rear frame which supports the rider and includes the rear wheel and its means for propulsion. The steering/coupling linakge includes a pivot shaft, a bearing housing and a mechanical connection for leaning the rear frame in the direction of a turn so as to compensate for centrifugal force encountered in turning the vehicle. The mechanical connection causes the rear frame to lean in a controlled relationship to the amount of rotation of the steering shaft, within rotational limits, to emulate the leaning action of a conventional bicycle when making a turn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1990
    Inventor: King L. Klopfenstein
  • Patent number: 4828284
    Abstract: A multi-wheeled vehicle powered via a twin treadle-acting drive train. An upright front steering assembly including a pair of tie rod coupled front wheels and steering bar-mounted gear shift and hand brake assemblies facilitate operator control of a chain-driven rear wheel. The drive train incudes left and right treadles which, via an interconnected chain and crossover sprockets, drive a rear wheel housing supported stub shaft having a pair of end-mounted, over-running sprocketed clutches, a drive sprocket and a non-reversing clutch. A derailleur-controlled drive chain transfers power from the drive sprocket to the rear wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1989
    Inventor: John A. Sandgren
  • Patent number: 4787470
    Abstract: An improved powered off the road three wheel vehicle comprised of a pair of front wheels and a single rear wheel carried by a frame that supports the saddle type seat adapted to seat a single rider. The track of the front wheels is equal to the wheel base between the front and rear wheels and a wider tire is carried by the rear wheel. The rear wheel has a footprint with the surface that is equal to the sum of the footprints of the front wheels. The rider is positioned midway between the front and rear wheels and is seated in such a way that he may shift his weight to aid in the maneuverability of the vehicle. In addition, the rear wheel, even though it is wide, is sized so that it will pass between the legs of a rider if he desires to permit the vehicle to ride out from beneath him.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1988
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: William J. Badsey
  • Patent number: 4740004
    Abstract: A tricycle having two front steering wheels and a rear drive wheel has a frame for accommodating the rear wheel and a mount pivotally connected to the front of the frame carrying a pair of front steering wheels. Handle bars are connected with a tie-rod assembly to the supporting forks for the front steering wheels. The mount has a parallel linkage which allows the frame and the front wheels to bank to facilitate the turning of the tricycle. A basket is suspended below the mount between the front wheels. A lock connected to the beams holds the beams in fixed relation relative to each other. The lock can be released to limit the angle of the bank of the tricycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1988
    Inventor: Wayne W. McMullen
  • Patent number: 4699234
    Abstract: A four-wheel drive vehicle having straddle-type seating. A power train is located beneath the seat and between the footpegs of the vehicle, the engine employs parallel output shafts located on either side of the crankshaft to drive power transmission means to the front and rear axles. A speed change mechanism is contained within the engine case along with the output shafts and includes a first transmission shaft between the crankshaft and one of the output shafts. The arrangement of the frame is such that the upper portion of the frame is narrower than the lower portion of the frame for appropriate rider comfort and footpeg location. The wheels are located such that the front and rear tracks are substantially the same and diagonals between the wheel centers cross close to the center of gravity of the vehicle. The cushion assemblies of the vehicle are inclined to increase cushion stroke and the steering assembly is arranged with crossing tie bars for maximum steering control with minimum mechanical complexity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1987
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takashi Shinozaki, Takeshi Kawaguchi
  • Patent number: 4674762
    Abstract: A four-wheel human powered vehicle including a frame for supporting the operator of the cycle in a substantially recumbent position, rear wheels mounted on the sides of the frame, two arms mounted on the frame and extending forwardly and outwardly therefrom, and each mounting a front wheel, steering means connected to the front wheels and controllable by the operator, and a crank boom extending forwardly from the frame and supporting a crank mounting foot pedals, and a drive attached thereto for transferring the power to one of the rear wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1987
    Inventors: Terrence L. Nelson, Thomas J. Kraker
  • Patent number: 4667765
    Abstract: A four-wheel vehicle having an upper frame, a lower frame and a pipe frame connecting the upper and lower frames at the forward end of the vehicle. A steering shaft extends from a steering handle through the pipe frame to steering linkages for controlling the front wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1987
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Nagashima Tomoyuki
  • Patent number: 4650203
    Abstract: A steering apparatus for a four-wheel motorcar of the saddle-ride type having two front wheels and two rear wheels, each wheel being fitted with a balloon tire, a front axle steerably supporting the front wheels, a car body connected together in an integral manner by a support frame, a steering shaft connected to the front wheels through a linkage mechanism, and a bearing portion in a head pipe rotatably supporting the upper end portion of the steering shaft integral with said support frame, the lower end portion of the steering shaft being rotatably supported by the front axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1987
    Assignee: Suzuki Motor Company Limited
    Inventors: Shinobu Tsutsumikoshi, Akira Goto
  • Patent number: 4634137
    Abstract: A pedal drive for a tricycle having a single driven rear wheel and two steerable front wheels. There are a pair of matched, laterally spaced sprockets mounted on a transverse shaft and a pair of matched, laterally sprockets rotatably mounted forwardly of the sprockets on said shaft. Each of the forward sprockets is aligned in a common plane with a corresponding sprocket on the transverse shaft. An endless chain extends about each pair of corresponding sprockets. Two elongate arm members, each with a foot pedal mounted on its bottom end, are pivotally mounted on a frame member of the tricycle. Two connecting links join the arm members to the endless chains. A third endless chain transmits power via a third sprocket on the transverse shaft to the rear wheel. The preferred tricycle is tiltable in order that it can maneuver corners quickly. Spring means are provided to bias the tricycle towards a desired tilting or non-tilting position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1987
    Inventor: George T. Cocksedge
  • Patent number: 4620715
    Abstract: In a vehicle in which a front swing frame is suspended vertically swingably from the front of a body frame and in which right and left side front wheels are journaled to both right and left sides of the swing frame in a steerable manner, a steering apparatus is coupled to a steering handle for steering operation of the front wheels, having a steering linkage and a steering shaft coupled to the steering handle as well as to the steering linkage through a lower steering joint, the center of the lower steering joint being disposed on a longitudinal axis of pivot shafts which support the swing frame on the body frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1986
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hirotake Takahashi
  • Patent number: 4588200
    Abstract: A four wheel off the road vehicle having a pair of dirigibly supported front wheels each carrying a respective brake. The front wheels are steered by a centrally journaled steering shaft that carries a handlebar at its upper end with a brake actuator. A brake equalizing device is disposed adjacent the longitudinal center line of the vehicle adjacent the steering shaft and transmits braking forces from the brake actuator to the front wheel brakes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1984
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1986
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takashi Kanamori
  • Patent number: 4526392
    Abstract: A rear steered vehicle with improved handling and stability described by having a single front driven wheel and a pair of steered rear wheels. Cornering ability is improved while maintaining a narrow overall width by allowing the rider, front wheel, and frame to lean "into" turns thereby shifting the vehicle's center of gravity to the inside of a turn. Stability at all speeds is improved over other rear steered vehicles by the steering design which rotates the two rear wheels on separate steering axes and the lack of mechanical connection between "leaning" and "steering." This allows the correct ratio of steering and leaning at all speeds. In practice, the rider will "lean" into a turn at any speed and the rear steering geometry will react to the weight transfer and steer the correct amount to maintain stability without additional input from the rider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1982
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1985
    Inventor: David E. Berkstresser
  • Patent number: 4497502
    Abstract: A recumbent tricycle including a frame, twin rear wheels pivotally mounted to the frame and steerable by a pair of levers pivotally mounted to the frame on either side of a passenger seat. The rear wheels are oriented substantially vertically and are attached to hubs inclined inwardly toward the frame to create a cambered effect which maintains the rear wheels in a forward-facing position as the tricycle moves in a rectilinear path. The single front wheel is preferably driven by a pedal crank assembly mounted rearwardly of the front wheel and forwardly of the passenger seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1983
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1985
    Assignee: Huffy Corporation
    Inventors: Robert C. Forbes, John VanderKam
  • Patent number: 4469344
    Abstract: A three-wheeled vehicle in which the frame of a two-wheeled vehicle is pivotally interconnected with an assembly comprising two laterally positioned, steerable front wheels. In addition to causing the front wheels to turn, the rotational movement of the steering shaft having an integrally constructed spiral track simultaneously causes the frame to tilt by utilizing one end of an arm pivotally connected to the front wheel axle and the other end pivotally connected to tracking means for following the rotatable spiral track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1982
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1984
    Inventor: Stanley F. Coil
  • Patent number: 4460190
    Abstract: A three wheeled wheelchair wherein two of the wheels are leading wheels with the single wheel being a trailing wheel. The wheelchair is propelled through the use of a chain drive assembly which is to be manually operated through the use of a handle assembly. Adjacent the handle assembly is a seat which is to support the occupant of the wheelchair. The seat is cushionly supported by a shock absorber assembly. The handle assembly is attached to a steering mechanism which, through lateral movement of the handle assembly, causes the leading wheels to be turned in respect to the frame of the wheelchair. A separate turning wheel assembly is to be manually movable to an extended position to cause the trailing wheel to be spaced from the supportive surface thereby permitting three hundred and sixty degree turning of the wheelchair about a single point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1982
    Date of Patent: July 17, 1984
    Inventor: Erick M. Spiess
  • Patent number: 4456277
    Abstract: Human-powered, front-wheel drive tricycle of a 2DS-1IS (2 driven, steerable-1 independent suspension) format having two steerable front wheels in a fully engineered front end, a multi-triangulated space frame and a single trailing rear wheel mounted in an independent swing-arm type suspension. A chain drive system (21+speeds) includes a crank assembly mounted on a prow ahead of the front wheels driving a transfer gear and differential to the split front axle. A transfer gear caliper/disc braking system ahead of the differential provides braking force equally distributed to both front wheels regardless of road conditions, resulting in anti-skid properties. Track/wheelbase ratios above 0.45 provide stability and excellent handling; FWD provides excellent traction. Preferably, all wheels are of the same 20" diameter. Rider is in a semi-recumbent, supine position with handlebars, having shift and braking controls, mounted beneath a rigid seat. Shoulder harness and seat belt system are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1982
    Date of Patent: June 26, 1984
    Assignee: Cyclodynamics of Colorado, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan E. Carpenter
  • Patent number: 4451064
    Abstract: A tricycle is disclosed having a pair of laterally spaced rear wheels and a front wheel which has a central hub and which is mounted for free rotation on the front end portion of the frame. Rider operable means for driving at least one of the rear wheels comprises a chain drive mechanism including a driven sprocket operably connected to said at least one rear wheel, and a drive sprocket journalled for rotation independently of the front wheel about a horizontal axis which is disposed through the hub of the front wheel. The axle of the drive sprocket is provided with foot pedal cranks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1982
    Date of Patent: May 29, 1984
    Inventor: Robert D. Perkins
  • Patent number: 4373740
    Abstract: A three-wheel velocipede includes a relatively stiff frame having a base portion with converging and diverging side rails for supporting wheels and a seat and a superstructure of triangular components. A pedal crank for powering the velocipede is positioned on the superstructure in front of the seat at a height approximately the height of the seat. A back rest is provided so that a rider pushes against his back as he pedals. In addition, provision is made for pedaling the velocipede backwards so that it will move in reverse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1980
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1983
    Inventor: Willie J. Hendrix
  • Patent number: 4360224
    Abstract: A tricycle having two spaced fore wheels and a single rear wheel connected to a frame structure. The fore wheels are connected to the frame by a longitudinally extending shaft. A double wishbone suspension comprised of a pair of upper arms and a pair of lower arms connected by vertical links at their outer ends join the fore wheels to the frame and longitudinal shaft. The upper arms are pivotally connected to the frame while the lower arms are pivotally and separately connected to the longitudinal shaft by a shock absorbing cushion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1982
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Sato, Nobuyuki Kanno
  • Patent number: 4341279
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a mobile, motor-transportable x-ray apparatus comprising a carriage and wheels; in the illustrated embodiment, a rear wheel assembly is both driven and steerable. The steerable wheel, or the steerable wheels, are connected with a rearwardly extending manually operable steering device which is to be turned to the left or right to direct the apparatus to the left or right, respectively, as it is driven in the forward direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1980
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1982
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Hans Waerve
  • Patent number: 4332395
    Abstract: A wind or pedal propelled sail vehicle for land travel and particularly well adapted for highway travel. This invention relates to non-motorized land vehicles and more particularly to land sailing craft in which a sail is the principle propulsion means. This invention is comprised of a collapsible, metal tube frame of generally triangular configuration, which has attached thereto, three wheels and an occupant propelling means to facilitate locomotion over a hard surface. A conventional sailing rig extends above the frame and a novel rear steering means facilitates navigation. This invention is in no way a boat or sailboat using floats, or an iceboat using runners or skis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1980
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1982
    Inventor: Leonard E. Zech
  • Patent number: 4277078
    Abstract: A conversion kit for converting a two-wheel conveyance, such as a bicycle, into a three-wheel conveyance includes a connecting member which provides two wheel fork assemblies equally spaced on opposite sides of the plane of the rear wheel, a center steering member having two arms arranged in a "V" shape and being attached to the center post of the bicycle and supporting the handlebars, and two four-bar linkage arrangements each including an arm, a rod member and a link member, one such four-bar linkage being coupled to each wheel fork assembly. The two linkages couple turning movement of the handlebars into turning movement of the front steering wheels wherein the front steering wheel to the inside of the turning path of the conveyance is turned through a greater angle than the front steering wheel to the outside of the turning path for the same amount of turning movement of the center steering member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1979
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1981
    Inventor: Myron A. Root