Single-track vehicle with independently actuable and limited-pivot-angle caster side wheels
US5904218A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 5, 1995 |
| Grant date | May 18, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 5, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB62K2202/00
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A vehicle having a chassis frame and a single front and single rear wheel aligned on the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, and retractable side wheels on opposite sides of the frame. A basic linkage transmits force to the side wheels for extending and retracting them in response to operator activation. The linkage may employ two hanging foot pedal levers and two independently rotatable lateral torque tubes to enable independent actuation of the left and right side wheels. The side wheels further comprise pivotally or caster-mounted side wheels in combination with a mechanism for asymmetrically limiting the range of pivotal side wheel motion, as well as lean compensation springs for controlling caster side wheel position as the lean angle of the vehicle changes. A locking mechanism is further disclosed for locking the caster side wheels in a straight-ahead position.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.