Shifting assembly and mobile carrier comprising same
AssigneePiaggio Fast Forward Inc.
InventorMitchell Weiss
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A linkage-based shifting assembly comprises first and second arms, having a first wheel rotatably coupled to a proximal end of the first arm and a second wheel rotatably coupled to a proximal end of the second arm. A shifting assembly is configured to couple to a chassis, wherein the shifting assembly is coupled to distal ends of the first and second arms and configured to cause a relative shifting motion between the chassis and the first and second wheels. The linkage-based shifting assembly can form part of a vehicle. The vehicle can be a two-wheeled vehicle. The vehicle can be a mobile carrier. The mobile carrier can be a two-wheeled vehicle.
Claims18
A linkage-based shifting apparatus, comprising:
- first and second arms;
- a first wheel rotatably coupled to a proximal end of the first arm;
- a second wheel rotatably coupled to a proximal end of the second arm;
- and
- a shifting assembly configured to couple to a chassis, the shifting assembly operatively coupled to the first and second arms to cause a relative shifting motion between the chassis and the first and second wheels,
- wherein the shifting assembly further comprises:
- a shifter motor configured to drive a capstan configured to couple to the chassis via a belt or rope;
- and
- at least one gear coupling the shifter motor to the capstan, including:
- a first gear driven by the shifter motor;
- and
- a second gear driven by the first gear, wherein the second gear is configured to rotate the capstan.
A mobile carrier system, comprising:
- a body having a chassis;
- a first wheel rotatably coupled to a first side of the chassis;
- a second wheel rotatably coupled to a second side of the chassis;
- a cargo volume defined within the body and between the first and second wheels;
- a shifting assembly coupled to the chassis and the first and second wheels, the shifting assembly operatively configured to cause a relative shifting motion of the chassis relative to the first and second wheels;
- a plurality of motors configured to independently drive the first and second wheels, including a first drive motor and a second drive motor;
- a first pulley system between the first wheel and the first drive motor;
- a second pulley system between the second wheel and the second drive motor;
- a shifter motor configured to drive a capstan configured to couple to the chassis via at least one belt or rope;
- and
- at least one gear coupling the shifter motor to the capstan.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.