Patent · US Expired

Three wheeled vehicle

US3958814A · kind A · utility

12Cited by
3References
29Claims
0Family size

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateDec 18, 1974
Grant dateMay 25, 1976
Priority date
Expiry dateDec 18, 1994

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB62K5/10
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

Conventional vehicles such as tricycles have two wheels at the back and a single wheel at the front. Alternatively, they may be constructed with two wheels at the front and one at the rear. In all cases, however, they are of a rigid construction and cannot "lean" on corners in a manner similar to a bicycle. Because of this, turning speed is limited and riding and manoeuvering awkward. The present device has a single rear wheel and a conventional frame and propulsion means. Two front wheels are mounted on an axle and the main frame on which the rider sits is journalled on a bearing secured to the axle so that the rider may lean into the turns. This arrangement also allows the frame and the rider to remain vertical when riding on a side slope and, in addition, provides a smoother ride than does a rigid vehicle. Means are provided, operated by the rider, to lock the device solidly so that no lean is possible, to set the device so that the limited lean is available, and to set the device so that free lean is possible.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.