Lean-compensating motorcycle with channel wheels
First Claim
1. A single track two-wheeled motorcycle configured for balancing a user, the motorcycle comprising:
- a lower frame having the two wheels;
an upper frame having a user support;
a pivot structure coupled to the lower frame and coupled to the upper frame, the pivot structure set on an axis substantially parallel to the motorcycle'"'"'s axis of travel for allowing pivoting movement of the lower frame relative to the upper frame;
a pivot drive coupled to the lower frame and coupled to the upper frame, the pivot drive controlling pivoting movement of the lower frame relative to the upper frame about the pivot structure; and
a control system causing the pivot drive to maintain the upper frame in a substantially vertical position.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A lean-compensating motorcycle for balancing a user includes a lower frame with wide wheels and an upper frame supporting a rider. The lower and upper frames pivot on an axis substantially parallel to the motorcycle'"'"'s line of travel, and a pivot drive governs pivoting movement. The pivot drive is controlled by a level-sensing control system that adjusts the pivot drive to maintain the upper frame upright by applying force against the lower frame, the lower frame counterbalancing the pivoting motion against the wide wheels. The wheels ideally include a central channel sized to accommodate raised pavement markers, such as dots and reflectors, to provide for smooth travel. The upper frame includes a housing in which the user sits, in a manner similar to a conventional automobile since propping the motorcycle up with the user'"'"'s legs is largely unnecessary.
76 Citations
17 Claims
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1. A single track two-wheeled motorcycle configured for balancing a user, the motorcycle comprising:
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a lower frame having the two wheels; an upper frame having a user support; a pivot structure coupled to the lower frame and coupled to the upper frame, the pivot structure set on an axis substantially parallel to the motorcycle'"'"'s axis of travel for allowing pivoting movement of the lower frame relative to the upper frame; a pivot drive coupled to the lower frame and coupled to the upper frame, the pivot drive controlling pivoting movement of the lower frame relative to the upper frame about the pivot structure; and a control system causing the pivot drive to maintain the upper frame in a substantially vertical position. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A lean compensating single tracked two-wheeled motorcycle for balancing a user, comprising:
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a pivoting frame having a lower section and an upper section in a pivoting relationship about an axis substantially parallel to the motorcycle'"'"'s axis of travel; the lower section coupled to the two wheels of the motorcycle; the upper section having a housing for protecting the user; the lower section and the upper section connected by a pivot driver; wherein at least one of the two wheels is substantially wider than the lower section, so that when the upper section pivots relative to the lower section, the lower section counterbalances itself against at least one of the two wheels; and a level-sensing control system causing the pivot driver to maintain the upper frame upright whenever the upper frames lists away from vertical. - View Dependent Claims (17)
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Specification