VEHICLE SUSPENSION SYSTEM
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A suspension system for a tilting vehicular chassis, comprising:
- a non-tilting frame of longitudinal extent having a first axis and a plurality of first horizontal members, the first horizontal members rotatably attached in oppositely-disposed pairs about the first axis at least at each end, the non-tilting frame supporting at least a means for motorizing;
a tilting frame of longitudinal extent rotatably attached to the non-tilting frame about the first axis, the tilting frame having a second axis parallel to the first axis and a plurality of second horizontal members, the second horizontal members rotatably attached in oppositely-disposed pairs about the second axis, each second horizontal member rotatably attached to a corresponding first horizontal member by a vertical strut, the tilting frame supporting at least one occupant;
a plurality of road-contact wheels rotatably attached to the vertical struts, at least one wheel of which is connected to the means for motorizing; and
a means for suspending the paired first horizontal members to ride level with the road while providing for a smooth ride by absorbing road surface irregularities in the articulating recoil of individual wheels.
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Abstract
A suspension system for a tilting vehicular chassis based on more than three wheels separates a tilting component of the chassis from a non-tilting component. The non-tilting component provides a means for powering the vehicle with automotive-type engine and drive train options, while the tilting component provides the turning stability necessary for a narrower wheel base. The narrower wheel base benefits fuel economy. The multiplicity of wheels, and the breadth of platform thus enabled, permits shelter and comfort features for the occupant not otherwise available on a typical two-wheel chassis.
53 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A suspension system for a tilting vehicular chassis, comprising:
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a non-tilting frame of longitudinal extent having a first axis and a plurality of first horizontal members, the first horizontal members rotatably attached in oppositely-disposed pairs about the first axis at least at each end, the non-tilting frame supporting at least a means for motorizing; a tilting frame of longitudinal extent rotatably attached to the non-tilting frame about the first axis, the tilting frame having a second axis parallel to the first axis and a plurality of second horizontal members, the second horizontal members rotatably attached in oppositely-disposed pairs about the second axis, each second horizontal member rotatably attached to a corresponding first horizontal member by a vertical strut, the tilting frame supporting at least one occupant; a plurality of road-contact wheels rotatably attached to the vertical struts, at least one wheel of which is connected to the means for motorizing; and a means for suspending the paired first horizontal members to ride level with the road while providing for a smooth ride by absorbing road surface irregularities in the articulating recoil of individual wheels. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A suspension system for a tilting vehicular chassis, comprising:
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a non-tilting frame of longitudinal extent having a first axis and a plurality of first horizontal members, the first horizontal members rotatably attached in oppositely-disposed pairs about a first pair of offset axes, offset by a preferred distance to each side of, and parallel to and co-planar with, the first axis at least at each end, the non-tilting frame supporting at least a means for motorizing; a tilting frame of longitudinal extent rotatably attached to the non-tilting frame about the first axis, the tilting frame having a second axis parallel to the first axis and a plurality of second horizontal members, the second horizontal members rotatably attached in oppositely-disposed pairs about a second pair of offset axes, offset by the preferred distance to each side of, and parallel to and co-planar with, the second axis, each second horizontal member rotatably attached to a corresponding first horizontal member by a vertical strut, the planes of first and second offset axes remaining parallel to each other constantly, the tilting frame supporting at least one occupant; a plurality of road-contact wheels rotatably attached to the vertical struts, at least one wheel of which is connected to the means for motorizing; and a means for suspending the paired first horizontal members to ride level with the road while providing for a smooth ride by absorbing road surface irregularities in the articulating recoil of individual wheels. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification