Roll-related reactive system

• US 7,143,853 B1
• Filed: 02/18/2004
• Issued: 12/05/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 02/18/2004
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Bombardier Recreational Products Incorporated (Bombardier Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Bombardier Recreational Products Incorporated (Bombardier Incorporated)
• Inventors: Biron, Remy, Mercier, Daniel, Berthiaume, Yves, Massicotte, Alain
• Primary Examiner(s): Ilan, Ruth
• Application Number:
  US10/779,878
• Time in Patent Office: 1,021 Days
• Field of Search: 280/88, 280/264, 180/210, 188/350, 303/9.62, 303/9.68, 303/9.71, 303/125, 303/28, 303/61
• US Class Current: 180/210
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 2300/122 Trikes
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 2400/0511 Roll angle
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 2800/215 by applying a braking action on each wheel individually
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 2800/22 Braking, stopping
• CPC Class Codes: B60T 2230/03 Overturn, rollover
• CPC Class Codes: B60T 8/1706 for single-track vehicles, e.g. motorcycles
• CPC Class Codes: B60T 8/17554 specially adapted for enhancing stability around the vehicles longitudinal axle, i.e. roll-over prevention road vehicle drive control systems for roll-over prevention otherwise than by controlling a particular sub-unit B60W30/04
• CPC Class Codes: B60T 8/243 for roll-over protection
• CPC Class Codes: B60T 8/261 specially adapted for use in motorcycles
• CPC Class Codes: B60T 8/52 Torque sensing, i.e. wherein the braking action is controlled by forces producing or tending to produce a twisting or rotating motion on a braked rotating member
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 61/065 with single rear wheel
• CPC Class Codes: B62K 5/027 Motorcycles with three wheels specially adapted for disabled riders B62K5/023
• CPC Class Codes: B62K 5/05 characterised by a single rear wheel

Abstract

A three-wheeled vehicle having a pair of front wheels and a single rear wheel is provided with a roll-related reactive system. The roll-related reactive system provides braking of at least one of the front wheels independent of braking initiated by an operator of the vehicle.

Claims

1. A three-wheeled vehicle, comprising:

a frame having a front portion and a rear portion defining a longitudinal axis;

an engine supported by the frame;

a seat supported by the frame;

a front suspension connected to the front portion of the frame;

two front wheels supported by the front suspension and laterally spaced from one another, each wheel having a tire mounted thereon that is suitable for road use;

a rear suspension connected to the rear portion of the frame;

one rear wheel supported by the rear suspension and operatively connected to the engine, the rear wheel having a tire mounted thereon that is suitable for road use and being centered with respect to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle;

a braking system operatively connected to the wheels, the braking system comprising two front brakes operatively connected to the two front wheels, a rear brake operatively connected to the rear wheel, and a brake actuator;

a steering assembly supported by the frame and operatively connected to at least one of the front wheels to transmit steering signals from an operator thereto, the steering assembly comprising at least one tie rod and at least one knuckle operatively connected to the tie rod and the front wheel; and

at least one self-braking device operatively connected to the steering assembly and the braking system, the self-braking device being disposed between the tie rod and the knuckle and configured to cause actuation of the brake actuator when a compressive force encountered by the tie rod exceeds a predetermined level.

2. The three-wheeled vehicle of claim 1, wherein the self-braking device comprises a resilient member configured to hold a pre-load of more than about 50 lbs.

3. The three-wheeled vehicle of claim 2, wherein the resilient member comprises a spring.

4. The three-wheeled vehicle of claim 2, wherein the resilient member is selected from a group consisting of a pneumatic cylinder and a hydraulic cylinder.

5. The three-wheeled vehicle of claim 2, wherein the self-braking device further comprises a pressure reservoir in fluid communication with at least one of the front brakes and a plunger operatively connected to the tie rod and the resilient member, the plunger being configured to increase the pressure within the pressure reservoir when the compressive force encountered by the tie rod exceeds approximately 50 lbs.

6. The three-wheeled vehicle of claim 1, wherein the self-braking device is in fluid communication with the brake actuator.

7. The three-wheeled vehicle of claim 1, wherein the self-braking device is mounted to the knuckle.

8. The three-wheeled vehicle of claim 7, wherein the steering device further comprises a pivoting lever that is operatively connected to the tie rod and the self-braking device.

9. The three-wheeled vehicle of claim 8, wherein a resilient member is disposed between the pivoting lever and the self-braking device.