US 4,046,211 AGranted

Wheel-support structures for vehicles

OwnerCarling D. Alleninventor

Life of this patent

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Abstract

A balance suspension system for three-wheel vehicles wherein such system is applicable in particular to the oppositely-reciprocating related wheels of the vehicle. The system is designed such that the vehicle tends to maintain an essentially horizontal position, relative to its transverse axis, even though wheels may pass over bumps or dips or the vehicle itself may be traversing sloping terrain. Structure is provided such that a vertical movement in one of the oppositely-reciprocating wheels is offset by an opposite movement in the remaining wheel whereby the transverse axis of the vehicle is essentially maintained on a horizontal axis. Such precludes the vehicle from dipping or spilling. Further provision is made so that, as the vehicle is cornering, the transverse orientation of the vehicle dips inwardly, tending to oppose centrifugal force and thereby maintain the integrity of vehicle travel. Power balancing is also supplied.

Claims4

Dependent claims

In a vehicle having a motor, a transmission coupled to said motor, a differential having oppositely extending axle shafts and coupled to said transmission, axle shaft housing means encasing said axle shafts and nominally horizontal when said vehicle is erect, a pair of opposite wheels, and side-opposite lever structures pivotal with respect to said axle shaft housing means for supporting said wheels and also for operatively coupling said wheels to said axle shaft;

an improvement comprising intercoupling means intercoupling said side-opposite lever structures for effecting corresponding counter-movements in said lever structures and said wheels, and power balance means coupled to said intercoupling means and responsive to any tilt from the horizontal of said axle shaft housing means for actuating said side-opposite lever structures to reorient said wheels such as to reorient to an essentially horizontal position said axle shaft housing means, and means for selectively disengaging said power balance means, and wherein said intercoupling means includes a pair of gear elememts mutually pivoted together and provided with shock absorbing resilient means disposed between said gear elements.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 05/693,845Filed 8 Jun 1976 · continuation in part
Priority: 29 Jan 1975
Granted: 6 Sep 1977
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification6 codes

B60G 17/01916
Acceleration or inclination sensors: mercury-switch type devices
B60G 21/05
Mechanically: between wheels on the same axle but on different sides of the vehicle, i.e. the left and right wheel suspensions being interconnected
B62D 61/08
With only three wheels: with single front wheel
B60G 2204/83022
Mechanical: using cables, wires, belts or chains