Pivoted Patents (Class 280/301)
  • Patent number: 11772735
    Abstract: The main step structure for the saddle riding vehicle includes a fixing member, a step pin, a main step, and a biasing member that biases the main step in a developing direction. The main step structure includes an operating member supported to be rotatable relative to the main step. The operating member is provided with a contact section that makes contact with the fixing member. An engaging mechanism that can switch between an engaged state and a disengaged state of the main step and the operating member is provided. In the case where the main step is moved to an accommodated position and the operating member is made to make contact with the fixing member, the engaging mechanism puts the main step and the operating member into an engaged state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shimpei Shikanai, Masayuki Hojo, Yoshihito Tokuda, Hiroyuki Sasazawa, Kenichi Misaki
  • Patent number: 11512746
    Abstract: A clutch locking mechanism is a clutch locking mechanism (80) mounted in a saddle type vehicle (1) and includes a clutch (26) which enters an engaged state where power can be transmitted when an actuator (28) is operated and returns to a disengaged state where power cannot be transmitted when the actuator (28) is not operated, and a locking mechanism (100) having an operator (101) which is able to bring the clutch (26) into the engaged state separately from an operation of the actuator (28).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Akira Tokito, Junya Ono, Masahiro Shimizu, Kunihiro Notsu, Go Morita
  • Patent number: 10527220
    Abstract: A monopod includes an elongated housing and a pneumatic actuator having a cylinder bounding a compartment in which a pressurized fluid and/or gas is contained, and an elongated piston having a piston head mounted in the compartment and a piston rod movable along a longitudinal axis through an upper open end of the housing when the pressurized fluid is released. A support for a portable device, such as a camera, is mounted on the piston rod exteriorly of the housing. A foot-operated control is mounted on the housing adjacent its base. The control is movable by pressure exerted by a user's foot to a control position in which the pressurized fluid and/or gas is released to jointly move the piston rod and the support to an adjustable elevation relative to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: The TIFFEN COMPANY LLC
    Inventors: Hans Robert Orf, Francis Kenny, Jarred Land
  • Patent number: 10029753
    Abstract: A device for providing improved safety in using a side stand for parking the two wheeled vehicle is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: STAR ENGINEERS (I) PVT. LTD.
    Inventors: Divya Ramraika, Saurabh Madhu
  • Patent number: 10017220
    Abstract: A foldable training wheel device has an outer tube, an inner tube, a positioning module, and a training wheel. The inner tube is inserted in the outer tube, is rotatable in the outer tube, is up and down moveable in the outer tube, and has a riding position and a folded position. The positioning module is mounted on the outer tube and the inner tube to position the inner tube on one of the riding position and the folded position relative to the outer tube. The training wheel is mounted on a bottom of the inner tube. Therefore, the foldable training wheel device is provided with two using modes for users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Inventor: Tai-Chih Wang
  • Patent number: 9708021
    Abstract: A side stand mounted on a motorcycle includes: a leg portion brought into contact with a ground when the side stand stands; an attaching portion connected to a base end of the leg portion and having a pair of opposed walls; a collar extending through one opposed wall and brought into contact with an inner surface of the other opposed wall; a screw member inserted through the collar from an outer lateral side of the one opposed wall and screwed into a threaded hole of the other opposed wall; and a nut screwed onto a tip end portion of the screw member and tightened to an outer surface of the other opposed wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Koji Ito
  • Patent number: 9151321
    Abstract: A pivot connection with a locking member which includes a first body with a link with a pivot pin passage. A second body has a pair of arms with pivot pint apertures and the second body straddles the link on the first body. A polygonal boss is formed on one of the arms of the second body surrounding the pivot pin aperture. A third body is provided with a polygonal boss receiver, a pivot pin aperture and a shoulder that engages the first body to prevent relative rotation of the first and third bodies. A pivot pin extends through the pivot pin aperture of the third body, the aligned pivot pin apertures of the second body and the pivot pin passage of the first body. A pressure member engages the pivot pin to apply pressure upon the third body to maintain the polygonal boss in engagement with the boss receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Inventor: Kevin Hodgins
  • Patent number: 8944453
    Abstract: A training wheel apparatus for learning to ride a bicycle includes a lift activation assembly. The training wheel apparatus further includes a wheel mount assembly configured to operatively connect to a wheel. The training wheel apparatus further includes a cable configured to operatively connect to the lift activation assembly and the wheel mount assembly. When activated, the lift activation assembly is configured to use the cable to change an elevation of the wheel between a first position and a second position while the wheel is in motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Inventor: Peyton Webb Robertson
  • Publication number: 20140353941
    Abstract: An inverted pendulum type vehicle includes a vehicle body frame having a footstep on which for positioning a rider's feet, a main wheel subjected to an inverted pendulum control, and stand arms pivotally mounted between a standing position and a housing position for supporting the vehicle body frame in a standing state when the inverted pendulum control is not being carried out and the stand arms is positioned at the standing position. The inverted pendulum type vehicle has housing levers that are provided on the vehicle body frame for pivoting the stand arms from the standing position to the housing position. The housing levers protrude upward from a footrest surface of the footstep when the stand arms is positioned at the standing position, and pivot the stand arms to the housing position by being pushed down to the side of the footrest surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yusuke MUTO, Wataru YADA
  • Patent number: 8596649
    Abstract: A riding toy provides a spin-out feature. The riding toy includes a frame, a steerable front wheel mounted to the frame and a rear wheel mounted to the frame. A rear carriage is pivotally attached to the frame so as to pivot about a generally horizontal axis. A caster is mounted to the rear carriage so as to pivot about a generally vertical axis. A lever is pivotally attached to the frame. A link has a leading end pivotally connected to the lever and a trailing end pivotally connected to the rear carriage. As a result, the riding toy may be changed from a traditional configuration, where the rear wheel of the riding toy contacts a riding surface upon which the riding toy is being ridden, to a spin-out configuration, where the caster lifts the rear wheel of the riding toy off of the riding surface, by pulling the lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Radio Flyer Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey Bricker
  • Patent number: 8517408
    Abstract: A side stand switch includes a case member having a fixed contact; and a rotor body having a moving contact that can come into contact with the fixed contact, mounted by tightening a securing bolt, and turned together with a side stand bar with respect to the case member. The rotor body has an engagement pin inserted therein and to be inserted into an engagement hole formed in the side stand bar. A width of the engagement pin in the turning direction of the rotor body is larger at a base portion inside the rotor body than at a tip portion protruding from the rotor body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignees: Alps Electric Co., Ltd., Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akira Miyaji, Hideki Abe
  • Patent number: 8376384
    Abstract: A wheel safeguard assembly installed on a bottom of a main body of a two-wheeled vehicle includes: two guide columns attached on respective sides of a rear end of the main body; a base disposed across the rear end of the main body and behind a rear wheel of the vehicle; two rollers pivoted on respective sides of the base; two rotatable linkages, one end of each linkage pivoted to the respective side of the rear end, and another end of each linkage pivoted to the respective side of the base adjacent to the rollers; two guide slots formed in the respective sides of the base and the guide columns disposed in respective guide slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Inventor: Hui-Te Tsai
  • Patent number: 8333397
    Abstract: A vehicle assembly includes a two-wheeled vehicle including a frame having opposed sides, opposed front and rear ends, and a front wheel mounted for rotation to the frame proximate to the front end of the frame positioned in front of an opposed rear wheel mounted for rotation to the frame proximate to the rear end of the frame and that is substantially in-line with respect to the front wheel. A member is carried by the frame of the vehicle between the front and rear wheels and has end portions disposed adjacent to the respective sides of the frame. A wheeled stabilizer assembly is carried by each of the end portions of the member to wheelingly interact with the ground over which the vehicle is driven along the sides of the frame proximate to the front and rear wheels of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Steelhead Innovations, LLC
    Inventor: William G. Trout
  • Patent number: 8302984
    Abstract: A side stand attaching structure for a motorcycle includes a stand attaching part of a body of the motorcycle, a stand bracket, and a connector. The stand bracket rotatably connects a base end part of a levelable side stand to the stand attaching part. The side stand is provided on one side at a lower part of the body. The connector connects the stand bracket to the stand attaching part. The connector is inclined to extend upward as the connector extends outwardly in a width direction of the motorcycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takashi Kudo
  • Patent number: 8272660
    Abstract: A stand device for a motorcycle includes an interlocking mechanism having a coil-formed stand spring connected to a stand at one end thereof. A spring support member has a spring support portion connected with the other end of the stand spring and is interlocked and connected to an operating element so that the position of the spring support portion can be changed according to a manual operation of an operating element. The position of the spring support portion determined according to the operation of the operating element toward the erect position side is so set that the stand spring is put in the state of urging the stand toward the erect position side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masao Ogawa, Masahiro Akiba
  • Patent number: 8235419
    Abstract: A lateral stabilization system for a vehicle including a leg assembly attached to the vehicle, the leg assembly having a pair of spaced apart, substantially parallel legs extending rearwardly of a forward end of the vehicle, an articulating wheel assembly affixed to a distal end of each leg and a position control device that controls movement of the leg assembly in response to operating parameters of the vehicle. The articulating wheel assembly may be connected with the leg assembly so that it articulates in a first direction that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle and in a second direction that is substantially perpendicular to the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Inventor: Peter Anthony Giarrusso
  • Patent number: 8128114
    Abstract: A vehicle assembly includes a two-wheeled vehicle including a frame having opposed sides, opposed front and rear ends, and a front wheel mounted for rotation to the frame proximate to the front end of the frame positioned in front of an opposed rear wheel mounted for rotation to the frame proximate to the rear end of the frame and that is substantially in-line with respect to the front wheel. A member is carried by the frame of the vehicle between the front and rear wheels and has end portions disposed adjacent to the respective sides of the frame. A wheeled stabilizer assembly is carried by each of the end portions of the member to wheelingly interact with the ground over which the vehicle is driven along the sides of the frame proximate to the front and rear wheels of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Inventor: William G. Trout
  • Patent number: 8025305
    Abstract: A stand for scooters includes a base laterally mounted to a longitudinal frame under a platform of the scooter. A supporting shaft has a first end pivotally mounted to the base and a second end selectively abutting against a support surface/ground for supporting the scooter. A spring plate has two opposite ends respectively engaged to two opposite ends of the base. The wiggle range of the supporting shaft is 180 degrees and temporarily positioned in each 90 degrees due to a restitution force and a shape of the spring plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Inventor: Henkel Lin
  • Patent number: 8006994
    Abstract: An auxiliary wheel structure for kid bicycle includes a mounting bracket fixedly mounted to an end of a rear wheel hub of the bicycle, a lifting arm pivotally connected at an end to an upper through hole on the mounting bracket, and an auxiliary wheel axle pivotally connected at an inner end to a lower through hole on the mounting bracket and fixedly connected at an outer end to an auxiliary wheel. One of the lifting arm and the auxiliary wheel axle is provided with a small hole while the other one of them is provided with a plurality of adjusting holes. A control assembly can be extended through the small hole and one of the adjusting holes to change a pivotal interval between the lifting arm and the auxiliary wheel axle, and thereby adjust an inclination angle of the auxiliary wheel at each lateral side of the rear wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Far East University
    Inventor: Yu-Gang Chen
  • Patent number: 7992885
    Abstract: To operate a pillion step in one action. The pillion step is formed in a generally L shape and includes an arm portion and a foot rest portion. One end of the arm portion is pivotably secured through an oblique pivot shaft to a side face of a seat rail located under a rider seat and is pivotally moved around the oblique pivot shaft. When the pillion step is to be retracted and is pivotally moved backward, the foot rest portion moves into a gap between the rider seat and a pillion seat and its tip end is received within a grip space formed in a grip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuzuru Ishikawa, Kenji Morita
  • Patent number: 7967318
    Abstract: A stand device for a motorcycle includes an interlocking mechanism having a coil-formed stand spring connected to a stand at one end thereof. A spring support member has a spring support portion connected with the other end of the stand spring and is interlocked and connected to an operating element so that the position of the spring support portion can be changed according to a manual operation of an operating element. The position of the spring support portion determined according to the operation of the operating element toward the erect position side is so set that the stand spring is put in the state of urging the stand toward the erect position side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masao Ogawa, Masahiro Akiba
  • Patent number: 7950835
    Abstract: A bicycle or moped lighting system projects light onto a rider's moving legs to make the rider more visible to motor vehicle operators and thereby improve the rider's safety. A single safety light fixture is mounted below the bicycle seat and directs diverging light beams towards the backs of both of the rider's legs. While peddling, the motion of the lighted legs attracts the attention of the motor vehicle operators thereby improving rider visibility. A second light fixture may reside ahead of the rider to direct diverging light beams onto the fronts of the rider's moving legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Inventor: James Carillo
  • Patent number: 7938426
    Abstract: A vehicle assembly includes a two-wheeled vehicle including a frame having opposed sides, opposed front and rear ends, and a front wheel mounted for rotation to the frame proximate to the front end of the frame positioned in front of an opposed rear wheel mounted for rotation to the frame proximate to the rear end of the frame and that is substantially in-line with respect to the front wheel. A member is carried by the frame of the vehicle between the front and rear wheels and has end portions disposed adjacent to the respective sides of the frame. A wheeled stabilizer assembly is carried by each of the end portions of the member to wheelingly interact with the ground over which the vehicle is driven along the sides of the frame proximate to the front and rear wheels of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Inventor: William G. Trout
  • Publication number: 20110089663
    Abstract: A stand device for a motorcycle includes an interlocking mechanism having a coil-formed stand spring connected to a stand at one end thereof. A spring support member has a spring support portion connected with the other end of the stand spring and is interlocked and connected to an operating element so that the position of the spring support portion can be changed according to a manual operation of an operating element. The position of the spring support portion determined according to the operation of the operating element toward the erect position side is so set that the stand spring is put in the state of urging the stand toward the erect position side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Inventors: Masao Ogawa, Masahiro Akiba
  • Publication number: 20110089664
    Abstract: A stand device for a motorcycle includes an interlocking mechanism having a coil-formed stand spring connected to a stand at one end thereof. A spring support member has a spring support portion connected with the other end of the stand spring and is interlocked and connected to an operating element so that the position of the spring support portion can be changed according to a manual operation of an operating element. The position of the spring support portion determined according to the operation of the operating element toward the erect position side is so set that the stand spring is put in the state of urging the stand toward the erect position side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Inventors: Masao OGAWA, Masahiro Akiba
  • Publication number: 20110042918
    Abstract: A wheel safeguard assembly for a two-wheeled vehicle installed on a bottom of a main body includes: two guide columns respectively attached on two sides of a rear end of the main body; a base disposed across the rear end of the main body and behind a real wheel of the two-wheeled vehicle; two rollers respectively pivoted on two sides of the base such that a front wheel and the real wheel of the two-wheeled vehicle and the two rollers are all aligned in one plane; two set of rotatable linkages, one end of each linkage respectively pivoted to the two sides of the rear end of the main body, and another end of each linkage respectively pivoted to the two sides of the base adjacent to the rollers; two guide slots respectively formed in the two sides of the base and each guide column disposed in each guide slot, such that the front wheel and the rear wheel are guided to enable swinging and drive the rotatable linkages to pull the front wheel and the rear wheel back to a center position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2010
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Inventor: Hui-Te Tsai
  • Patent number: 7857340
    Abstract: A stand device for a motorcycle includes an interlocking mechanism having a coil-formed stand spring connected to a stand at one end thereof. A spring support member has a spring support portion connected with the other end of the stand spring and is interlocked and connected to an operating element so that the position of the spring support portion can be changed according to a manual operation of an operating element. The position of the spring support portion determined according to the operation of the operating element toward the erect position side is so set that the stand spring is put in the state of urging the stand toward the erect position side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masao Ogawa, Masahiro Akiba
  • Patent number: 7793962
    Abstract: A main stand for a vehicle (e.g., a motorcycle) includes a bar-like member rotatably disposed on a vehicle body frame of the motorcycle, a lever rotatably disposed on the vehicle body frame, a cam rotated integrally with the lever, and a cam rest disposed on an upper portion of the bar-like member. The cam rest is pressed by the cam as the lever is rotated to bring the bar-like member to an upright position to raise a wheel off a ground. The lever is rotated by an occupant of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ryoji Imai
  • Publication number: 20100213686
    Abstract: A wheeled center stand for motorcycles. The center stand incorporates a spine rotatably attached to a frame, and at least one leg rigidly attached to the spine. The frame is attached to a motorcycle frame cross-member. At least one wheel is rotatably mounted to an extreme of a leg opposite the spine. The center stand may be extended and retracted conventionally, using a foot lever mounted to one of the legs. The wheels may be swiveling wheels or non-swiveling wheels. In the preferred embodiment, each non-swiveling wheel was mounted at a 20 degree offset relative to a stand centerline. When extended, a motorcycle to which the wheeled center stand is mounted may be rotated relative to a surface upon which it rests, such as a garage floor, with a minimum of effort. Nut plates are also taught which facilitate the mounting of the stand to a motorcycle frame cross-member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2009
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Inventor: Lawrence A. MacEachern
  • Patent number: 7722231
    Abstract: A bicycle or moped lighting system projects light onto a rider's legs to make the rider more visible to motor vehicle operators and thereby improve the rider's safety. At least one safety light fixture is mounted to lower portions of bicycle seat stays or rear portions of the bicycle chain stays. The light fixture includes light sources generating light beams directed forward onto rear surfaces of the rider's legs. While peddling, the motion of the lighted legs attracts the attention of the motor vehicle operators thereby improving rider visibility. Additional light beams may be directed inward and upward toward the bicycle frame and/or the rider's buttocks to provide additional visibility to the rider and to allow the motor vehicle operators to more easily identify the bicycle and rider. A second light fixture may reside ahead of the rider to direct light beams onto the front of the rider's moving legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Inventor: James Carillo
  • Patent number: 7641213
    Abstract: A training wheel assembly for a bicycle includes an upright support bracket mounted on a frame, a first pivot arm pivotally mounted on the support bracket, a training wheel rotatably mounted on the first pivot arm, a second pivot arm pivotally mounted on the support bracket, and an adjusting mechanism mounted between the first pivot arm and the second pivot arm to adjust a movable allowance or relative position between the first pivot arm and the second pivot arm. Thus, each of the training wheels is movable upward to leave the ground or downward to contact the ground so that the user needs not to remove the training wheels from the frame of the bicycle when not in used, thereby facilitating the user operating the training wheel assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignees: Shohu Mao Industrial Co., Ltd., Far East Univerity
    Inventor: Yu-Gang Chen
  • Patent number: 7621548
    Abstract: A system for carrying golf clubs on the front of a bicycle with extra wide tires, by dividing the clubs between two enclosures with 7 plastic tubes each to receive 14 golf clubs: one to the left of the bicycle's front fork and handlebar, and one to the right. This combination allows the golfer exercise while maintaining speed of play.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Inventor: David F Weber
  • Publication number: 20090250899
    Abstract: A method and apparatus suitable for stabilizing a two-wheeled motorcycle during operation. The apparatus is securable to a location near the front of the motorcycle engine. At least one arm assembly extends in a rearward direction relative to the motorcycle and outboard of the motorcycle's engine and operator's seat. A wheel assembly is mounted at an rearward end of the arm assembly and includes a wheel engageable with a surface supporting the motorcycle. A biasing assembly biases the arm assembly to rotate upward an adjustable limited distance at which the wheel is not engaged with the support surface. The biasing assembly applies a biasing resistance to downward rotation of the arm assembly over the limited distance for engaging the wheel with the support surface, yet allows the arm assembly to rotate upward farther than the limited distance to a raised position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2009
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Inventor: Carl Rae Nethery
  • Publication number: 20090212532
    Abstract: A side stand attaching structure for a motorcycle includes a stand attaching part of a body of the motorcycle, a stand bracket, and a connector. The stand bracket rotatably connects a base end part of a levelable side stand to the stand attaching part. The side stand is provided on one side at a lower part of the body. The connector connects the stand bracket to the stand attaching part. The connector is inclined to extend upward as the connector extends outwardly in a width direction of the motorcycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Takashi KUDO
  • Patent number: 7575245
    Abstract: A device for connecting a kickstand to a bicycle includes a first connective member, a second connective member and a fastener. The first connective member is connected to a chain stay and a seat stay. The first connective member includes a claw formed thereon for holding a shaft of a rear wheel and a cavity defined therein. The kickstand is pivotally connected to the second connective member. The second connective member includes a block fit in the cavity so that the first and second connective members cannot be rotated with respect to each other. The fastener is used for fastening the first and second connective members to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Inventor: Louis Chuang
  • Patent number: 7556277
    Abstract: A bicycle training aid has dynamically deployable balancing mechanisms that are used when teaching a child to ride a bicycle. The balancing mechanisms can be in the form of deployable training wheels that are actuated when the child becomes unstable on the bicycle. One mechanism for deploying the balancing mechanisms is a remote control, held by an adult supervisor, who can remotely deploy the balancing mechanisms when the adult observes that the child may be losing his or her balance. Alternatively, a pressure sensor may be used to sense when the child's foot comes off a pedal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Inventor: Kimberly M. Lytle
  • Patent number: 7516973
    Abstract: A stand for a two wheeled vehicle having a hollow axle comprising, the stand having a telescoping support assembly having a foot at a first end thereof, the telescoping support assembly being extendable between an unextended position and an extended position and being releasably lockable in the extended position, a latch for releasably maintaining the telescoping support assembly in the extended position, a first member being disposable at first and second angular positions relative to a second end of the telescoping support assembly, the first angular position being coaxial with the telescoping support assembly and the second angular position being a predetermined angle with respect to the telescoping support assembly, the first member being releasably lockable in the second angular position. The stand is configured to fit and be retained within a hollow axle for storage, and to be deployed to provide a side stand using the hollow axle for reference to the two wheeled vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Inventor: Gerardo Mielke
  • Publication number: 20090066057
    Abstract: On a pivot bolt which rotatably and pivotally supports a side stand bar on a vehicle-body-side bracket, a switch unit which is constituted of a base and a rotary made of a resin and detects a rotational position of the side stand bar is mounted. A first engaging mechanism which is constituted of a groove and a projection is arranged between a cylindrical portion formed on the rotary and an engaging shaft and, at the same time, a second engaging mechanism which is constituted of a groove and a projection is arranged between the base and the cylindrical portion. The rotary on which a movable contact formed of a leaf spring is mounted allows a positioning pin which is formed on one end portion thereof to be engaged with a pin hole formed in a pivot portion and hence, the rotary is integrally rotated with the side stand bar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Nakazawa, Takashi Sumada, Hiroyuki Nakajima, Masahiko Takenaka, Shujiro Inui
  • Publication number: 20080296865
    Abstract: A stand device, for a two-wheeled vehicle, including at least one rotatably mobile stand arm and a retractable pin fixed at least indirectly to the stand arm, the stand device being intended to be mounted on the two-wheeler so that the arm is rotatably mobile between a high position and a low position, the pin having an active position in which it can block the course of a pedal arm and a retracted position in which it does not block the course of the pedal arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2006
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventor: Marcel Canetti
  • Publication number: 20080191448
    Abstract: A motor driven stand device for a motorcycle has motors for driving stands for self-sustaining a vehicle body in a parking state in which a rear wheel is lifted and in a stopping state in which the rear wheel is contacted with the ground. A stopping switch actuates the motor for self-sustaining the vehicle body in the stopping state. A parking switch gives an instruction to the motor for self-sustaining the vehicle body in the parking state. The stopping switch is arranged in a right handlebar grip. The parking switch is arranged in a stand step and/or a grab rail. An automatic stopping control unit rotates the stands by a predetermined amount in response to an on operation of the stopping switch in an automatic stopping mode and rotates the stands for the stopping state while an on operation of the stopping switch is maintained in a non-automatic stopping mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventors: Osamu SUZUKI, Kaoru Hatanaka, Syunichi Miyagishi
  • Publication number: 20080157503
    Abstract: A main stand for a vehicle (e.g., a motorcycle) includes a bar-like member rotatably disposed on a vehicle body frame of the motorcycle, a lever rotatably disposed on the vehicle body frame, a cam rotated integrally with the lever, and a cam rest disposed on an upper portion of the bar-like member. The cam rest is pressed by the cam as the lever is rotated to bring the bar-like member to an upright position to raise a wheel off a ground. The lever is rotated by an occupant of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Ryoji IMAI
  • Publication number: 20080143074
    Abstract: A device is disclosed for connecting a kickstand to a bicycle. The device includes a first connective member, a second connective member and a fastener. The first connective member is connected to a chain stay and a seat stay. The first connective member includes a claw formed thereon for holding a shaft of a rear wheel and a cavity defined therein. The kickstand is pivotally connected to the second connective member. The second connective member includes a block fit in the cavity so that the first and second connective members cannot be rotated with respect to each other. The fastener is used for fastening the first and second connective members to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventor: Louis Chuang
  • Patent number: 7303204
    Abstract: A wheeled vehicle includes a frame. A power unit powers the vehicle. The frame supports the power unit. A stand body includes a pair of legs that are transversely spaced apart from each other. The stand body moves between an extended position and a retracted position. The stand body supports the frame on the ground in the extended position. A pivot pin extends substantially transversely through a bottom portion of the power unit and a top portion of the stand body to pivotally couple the power unit and the stand body with each other. A bias member biases the stand body toward the extended position and toward the retracted position. The bias member extends between a side portion of the power unit and a lower portion of one of the legs of the stand body. A top of the stand body and a bottom of the power unit contact each other at first portions thereof. The top of the stand body and the bottom of the power unit are spaced apart from each other at second portions thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Haruhito Takahashi
  • Patent number: 7175192
    Abstract: A foldable bicycle includes a frame. A first foldable device is connected to a top tube of the frame so as to fold a front wheel together with a head tube and a handlebar backward at the first foldable device such that the front and rear wheels are located parallel with each other. At least one assistant wheel is connected to a lower end of a down tube so that the at least one assistant wheel cooperates with the front and rear wheels to form a stable triangle support arrangement and the foldable bicycle can be easily moved by the at least one assistant wheel cooperating with the front and rear wheels. A carry rack is located above the rear wheel, which can be positioned by engaging pivot rods of the carry rack with engaging members on two support rods connected to a hub of the front wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Inventor: I Shyong Lu
  • Patent number: 7140631
    Abstract: An automated side stand for a two wheeled vehicle. A side stand assembly comprises a rotatable strut and an actuator attachable to the frame of a vehicle having two wheels. The actuator operates to rotate the strut between an up position and a down position. In the down position, the strut comes in contact with the ground and maintains the vehicle in a substantially upright position. The side stand assembly may sense when a transmission of the vehicle is in a neutral position and allow operation of the assembly only in neutral. When the vehicle is not in neutral, the actuator moves the strut to the up position and locks the side stand assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Ridley Motorcycle Company
    Inventor: Clay K. Ridley
  • Patent number: 7097191
    Abstract: An adjustable kickstand is constructed from a fixed kickstand body (110) and an extendable leg (150). The extendable leg (150) is effectively lengthened by the use of at least one spacing element (120a–120e). When at the proper length, the kickstand is mounted to a vehicle so as to prop the vehicle up at a predetermined angle, while providing sufficient force on a support foot (152) on a distal end of extendable leg (150) to prevent slippage on a parking surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Inventor: Terrance M. Griggs
  • Patent number: 6964426
    Abstract: A spring stand for motorcycles for making a return spring invisible from the outside to provide a neat appearance. A side stand is installed on a side lower section of a motorcycle body through a stand bracket. The side stand is formed on a pipe-shape in which a return spring and an engaging member which is biased in the projecting direction by the return spring are provided. A roller provided at the top section of the engaging member is caused to mount a mounting section provided on a stand bracket and to selectively engage a second engaging recession or a stand switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kenichiro Kuboshima, Hideaki Yamazumi
  • Patent number: 6918607
    Abstract: To reduce the transmission of vibrations from a body frame to a rotary switch, thereby preventing any trouble in the rotary switch and reliably maintaining the function and performance of the rotary switch. A side stand device includes a side stand bracket mounted on the body frame. A side stand is rotatably mounted through a pivot shaft to the bracket, and a rotary switch is provided in coaxial relationship with the pivot bolt through a securing bolt. A sheet is interposed between the rotary switch and the pivot bolt, and a tube and a sheet are interposed between the rotary switch and the securing bolt. The sheets and the tube are formed from rubber members. A cushion member is interposed between an engaging member of an inner rotor in the rotary switch and a locking hole of the side stand. The cushion member is formed from a rubber member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Nakazawa, Mutsuo Nakajima, Masashi Koyanagi, Norimasa Hattori, Koji Kano, Yoshiyuki Kurayoshi
  • Patent number: 6769708
    Abstract: The invention is a training aid which can be converted from training wheels to a support bar which allows a person to learn the skills necessary to operate the bicycle. The invention allows a rider to be stabilized by the ground in a first position and to allow a non-rider to stabilize the bicycle in a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Inventor: Jack Ackerly
  • Patent number: 6679054
    Abstract: An actuating device (1) for the rotation of a stand (4) of a vehicle, such as a motorcycle or scooter, between a standing position and a rest position, and allowing also the reverse maneuver in order to rotate the stand from the position of vehicle on the stand up to that in which the vehicle lowers spontaneously. At least one hydraulic actuator (1) is provided that operates, between a first and a second position, an actuating member (7) or piston rod that engages with the stand (4) up to bringing it respectively from the rest position to the standing position. A flow control hydraulic circuit delivers pressurized liquid to the actuator (1) for moving the actuating member (7) from the first to the second position, and allows the back stroke of the actuating member (7) to the first position when the flow of the liquid ceases, whereby the stand (4) can be brought back to said rest position independently from the actuating member (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Inventor: Marco Doveri