Motor vehicles – Special wheel base – Having only three wheels
Patent
1981-03-01
1984-11-27
Pekar, John A.
Motor vehicles
Special wheel base
Having only three wheels
280112A, B60G 1700, B62D 6106
Patent
active
044846487
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to motor vehicles for use in congested traffic conditions.
THE PRIOR ART
Cycles and motor cycles travel through a congested traffic zone more easily than conventional four wheeled vehicles whereby the width of a vehicle is an important factor amongst causes of congestion in traffic. However, a grave practical disadvantage when using two wheeled vehicles is that they do not provide the user with all round weather protection and usually require special clothing. A further disadvantage is the lack of user protection in comparison with a four wheeled enclosed vehicle in the event of an accident.
Even though the relatively narrow width of two wheeled vehicles enables them to manoeuvre relatively easily through congested traffic a serious disadvantage is their low speed instability. Whilst the tricycle as known avoids such instability it not only has high speed instability but also lacks all round weather protection.
Presently known closed-in vehicles usually have a width of one and one half meters upwards, with the minimum width usually being governed by reasons of safety so that the width cannot be readily reduced.
Tricycles having articulated chassis constructions and arrangements for enabling relative tilting between such articulated sections are known.
Spring arrangements acting between the wheel suspension arrangements and the remainder of the vehicle for producing relative movements there between such that the vehicle always tends to return to its upright position are also known.
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
An object of the invention is to provide a closed-in vehicle which has a width which is relatively narrow as compared with the widths of vehicles commonly used at the present time.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to the invention there is provided a road vehicle characterised by a chassis supported by road running wheels, a closed-in body structure providing accommodation for at least one person and all round weather protection for such persons, a tilt enabling connection between the body structure and at least a part of the chassis whereby relative tilting movement can take place between the body structure and a road surface on which the vehicle rests, the tilting being along a tilting axis extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and means for enabling variable selection of the amount and sense of said relative tilting movement.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
For a better understanding of the invention reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings in which;
FIG. 1 schematically shows a first embodiment of a chassis structure of a vehicle incorporating features of the invention, the vehicle body structure being omitted.
FIG. 2 is a side view of FIG. 1,
FIG. 3 schematically shows a second embodiment of a chassis structure of a vehicle incorporating features of the invention, the vehicle body structure being omitted,
FIG. 4 is a side view of FIG. 3,
FIG. 5 schematically shows a first embodiment of a tilt control hydraulic system for use with the arrangements of the previous Figures,
FIG. 6 schematically shows a second embodiment of a tilt control hydraulic system for use with the arrangements of FIGS. 1 to 4,
FIG. 7 is a schematic side view illustrating a first position for the pivotal axis between the major sections of the chassis,
FIG. 8 is a schematic view similar to that of FIG. 7 illustrating a second position for the pivotal axis,
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a pivot arrangement between the two major sections and also of a drive means for the vehicle,
FIGS. 10 and 11 are schematic views of a possible body structure of the vehicle,
FIG. 12 schematically shows an embodiment of a pivoted transverse arm construction for use with a vehicle incorporating features of the invention,
FIG. 13 illustrates the transverse arm construction of FIG. 12 when in a second operational setting,
FIGS. 14 and 15 are views similar to FIGS. 12 and 13 of a second transverse arm construction,
FIGS. 16 and 17 are li
REFERENCES:
patent: 4003443 (1977-01-01), Boughers
patent: 4020914 (1977-05-01), Trautwein
patent: 4064957 (1977-12-01), Parham
patent: 4065144 (1977-12-01), Winchell
patent: 4126322 (1978-11-01), Mika
patent: 4368796 (1983-01-01), Patin
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