Vehicles, systems for vehicles, and methods for vehicles all to improve cornering capability

• US 8,651,503 B2
• Filed: 03/08/2010
• Issued: 02/18/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 03/08/2010
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Michael Rhodig
• Original Assignee: Michael Rhodig
• Inventors: Rhodig, Michael
• Primary Examiner(s): ENGLISH, JAMES A
• Application Number:
  US12/719,850
• Publication Number:
  US 20110215544A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,443 Days
• Field of Search: 280/124.103, 280/5.509, 280/5.521, 280/5.52, 280/86.751, 280/86.757
• US Class Current: 280/124.103
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 17/08 Characteristics of fluid dampers adjusting fluid dampers in general F16F9/44 - F16F9/53
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 21/00 Interconnection systems for two or more resiliently-suspended wheels, e.g. for stabilising a vehicle body with respect to acceleration, deceleration or centrifugal forces B60G17/033 takes precedence ; levelling or stabilising systems for tippers B60P1/045; steering deflectable wheels combined with means for inwardly inclining the vehicle body on bends B62D9/02
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 21/007 means for adjusting the wheel inclination
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 9/02 combined with means for inwardly inclining vehicle body on bends
• CPC Class Codes: B62K 5/01 Motorcycles with four or more wheels specially adapted for disabled riders B62K5/003
• CPC Class Codes: B62K 5/08 with steering devices acting on two or more wheels
• CPC Class Codes: B62K 5/10 with means for inwardly inclining the vehicle body on bends

Abstract

A land vehicle, according to various aspects of the present invention allows the driver to lean with a frame that supports the driver and that pivots on a base. Motion of the frame is coupled to the wheels to adjust a camber of the wheels. The wheels are coupled to the base that provides a reference for independent wheel suspension mechanisms. As a result, banking of the vehicle does not affect the suspension of the wheels. Hydraulic assistance to counteract the forces of the suspension systems is unnecessary.

Claims

1. A land vehicle capable of improved traction when following a curve in a road, the vehicle comprising:

a. a base;

b. a frame supported by the base, the frame for supporting a driver of the vehicle, the frame mechanically coupled to the base for allowing motion of the frame with respect to the base about a central longitudinal axis that generally coincides with a direction of travel of the vehicle on the road; and

c. a plurality of assemblies, each assembly coupled to the base to support the base away from the road, at least one assembly comprising;

(1) a vehicle support;

(2) a first arm and a second arm, each mechanically coupled to the vehicle support so that movement of the first arm with respect to the second arm changes camber of the vehicle support, the second arm mechanically coupled to the base at a first elevation from the road to support the base from the vehicle support;

(3) a third arm comprising a top end and a bottom end, the bottom end mechanically coupled to the base;

(4) a shock absorber mechanically coupled to the second arm and mechanically coupled to the base at a second elevation from the road greater than the first elevation; and

(5) a fourth arm that mechanically couples the frame to the top end of the third arm and engages the first arm to facilitate the movement of the first arm with respect to the second arm.

2. The vehicle of claim 1 wherein the vehicle support comprises a wheel for rolling contact with the road.

3. The vehicle of claim 1 wherein the frame further supports an engine for propelling the vehicle along the path of the road.

4. The vehicle of claim 1 wherein the fourth arm engages the first arm at an angle to counteract a tendency of the vehicle to pitch during changes of velocity.

5. The vehicle of claim 1 wherein:

a. the frame is supported by the base at a pivot about the central longitudinal axis; and

b. a third elevation of the pivot from the road is greater than the first elevation.