Land vehicles – Step or abutment ascending type vehicle
Reexamination Certificate
2000-02-07
2001-09-25
Johnson, Brian L. (Department: 3618)
Land vehicles
Step or abutment ascending type vehicle
C280S007150
Reexamination Certificate
active
06293560
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a suspension arrangement for a wheeled or self-laying tracked conveyance. More particularly, the suspension arrangement of the present invention is intended for use in providing substantially smooth transition over uneven terrain for the conveyance on which it is provided. The suspension arrangement of the present invention is further intended most particularly for use on bicycles and motorcycles but is not to be limited thereto.
DISCUSSION OF THE PRIOR ART
A number of attempts have been made previously to provide a gliding or skating sensation when utilising a bicycle or similar conveyance. In this regard reference may be made to U.S. Pat. No. 4,863,182, Australian Patent Application 32359/89 and British Patent Application 2 122 557. Each of these documents discloses a bicycle like conveyance on which the front wheel, forks and handle bars have been replaced by a single pair of small wheels, for example skateboard wheels, mounted transversely on a single axle. This arrangement requires the rider to steer entirely by shifting their body weight which in turn acts on a truck supporting the axle of the pair of wheels. Many riders find this an arrangement that is difficult to operate and may be dangerous as a result.
Another factor contributing to the dangerous nature of the prior art is the inability of the pair of small wheels to ride over even small obstacles. As such, a rider encountering an obstacle at speed may be thrown forward dangerously.
Wheelchairs and other mobile chassis suffer from similar problems in that whilst such can travel well over smooth surfaces there can be problems of instability when transversing even small obstacles, particularly if castor-type wheels are utilised. The suspension systems for such vehicles are often particularly complicated and consequently expensive.
The suspension arrangement of the present invention has as one object thereof to overcome substantially the above problems associated with the prior art.
Throughout the specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention there is provided a suspension arrangement for a wheeled or self-laying tracked conveyance, the suspension arrangement characterised by a mounting member, at least two pairs of wheels and a biasing means, the mounting member supporting thereon in an operable manner the pairs of wheels, the biasing means acting between the mounting member and a remote point so as to cause the mounting member to pivot about a pivot point provided thereon and through which the mounting member is joined to the remainder of the conveyance, wherein the pairs of wheels are preferably spaced apart longitudinally along the mounting member whereby action of the biasing means acts to lift a forwardmost portion of the mounting member and in turn the wheel pair provided thereon.
Preferably, the pairs of wheels are mounted on axles extending transversely with respect to the mounting member.
The pivot point of the mounting member is preferably provided directly or indirectly with respect to a pair of forks or a single piston. The forks or piston are in turn connected to a steering means, for example a pair of handle bars, whereby in normal use the weight of a rider acting downwardly through the conveyance, handle bars and front forks or piston causes extension of the biasing means and results in both wheel pairs on the mounting member contacting a supporting surface. Upon the rider releasing the downward pressure on the mounting member the biasing means acts to lift the forwardmost portion of the mounting member and in turn the forwardmost wheel pair provided thereon. In this manner the rider effectively controls the operation of the suspension arrangement in mounting obstacles. A rider may determine that an obstacle is approaching, pull up on the handle bars and thereby allow operation of the suspension arrangement.
It is to be understood that the suspension arrangement of the present invention may be utilised as at least the forward wheels on a variety of conveyances including bicycles, tricycles, motorcycles, wheelchairs, trolleys, go-carts, prams. scooters and land sail-boards.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3649981 (1972-03-01), Woodworth
patent: 3942821 (1976-03-01), Bock
patent: 4274647 (1981-06-01), Drake, Jr.
patent: 5064208 (1991-11-01), Bibollet
patent: 5655615 (1997-08-01), Mick
patent: 19531804 (1997-03-01), None
patent: 0399615 (1990-11-01), None
patent: 9746443 (1997-12-01), None
Buzz Bike International Pty. Ltd.
Johnson Brian L.
Luby Matthew
Rothwell Figg Ernst & Manbeck
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