US3712400A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Three-wheel vehicle
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1971-03-15
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Granted: 1973-01-23
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Expires: 1991-03-15
Abstract
Abstract A three-wheeled motor vehicle adapted for a wide range of competitive and recreational motor sports activities. A multicylinder internal combustion engine having a large displacement relative to conventional three-wheeled vehicle engines is mounted on the rear axle with its center of weight acting behind the center of rotation of the two rear driving wheels. A statically balanced weight distribution is achieved with respect to the driving wheels whereby the total effective vehicle weight is applied just ahead of the rear wheels to obtain maximum traction. A lightweight tubular frame supports the rider at an extended distance forward of the rear axle in order to utilize the weight of the rider to oppose the upward force on the single front steering wheel resulting from the dynamic torque of the engine. The dynamically balanced weight distribution keeps the vehicle front wheel on the ground at all times and provides stability and maneuverability even during periods of maximum torque and acceleration.
Inventors
- 👤 C Barnes
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 17:11
CPC Classifications
B; B62; B62D; B62D61/00; B62D61/06; B62D61/08
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
212 words
In a three-wheeled motor vehicle having engine means, a rear axle operably connecting a spaced pair of driving wheels to said engine means, a seat adapted to support a rider, and a single steering wheel assembly supporting the front of said vehicle, the improvement comprising: means mounting said engine on said vehicle for projection rearwardly of said axle to position the center of weight of said engine behind said axle; an open tubular frame mounted on said axle and projecting forwardly therefrom to position said steering wheel assembly at a sufficiently extended distance forward of said axle to permit the weight of said frame and steering wheel assembly extending forwardly of said axle to statically counterbalance the weight of said engine means extending rearwardly of said axle and to locate the effective center of weight of said vehicle immediately forward of said axle, said seat being mounted on said frame at an extended distance forward of said axle and toward said steering wheel assembly to permit the effective weight of said rider to be applied near the front wheel so as to oppose the upward force on said front wheel resulting from the dynamic torque of said engine and to thereby maintain said steering wheel in contact with the vehicle supporting surface.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
212 words
In a three-wheeled motor vehicle having engine means, a rear axle operably connecting a spaced pair of driving wheels to said engine means, a seat adapted to support a rider, and a single steering wheel assembly supporting the front of said vehicle, the improvement comprising: means mounting said engine on said vehicle for projection rearwardly of said axle to position the center of weight of said engine behind said axle; an open tubular frame mounted on said axle and projecting forwardly therefrom to position said steering wheel assembly at a sufficiently extended distance forward of said axle to permit the weight of said frame and steering wheel assembly extending forwardly of said axle to statically counterbalance the weight of said engine means extending rearwardly of said axle and to locate the effective center of weight of said vehicle immediately forward of said axle, said seat being mounted on said frame at an extended distance forward of said axle and toward said steering wheel assembly to permit the effective weight of said rider to be applied near the front wheel so as to oppose the upward force on said front wheel resulting from the dynamic torque of said engine and to thereby maintain said steering wheel in contact with the vehicle supporting surface.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
186 words
A chassis for a three-wheeled motor vehicle having an internal combustion engine, two spaced driving wheels at the rear of said vehicle operably connected to said engine by an axle and a single steering wheel assembly supporting the front end of said vehicle, comprising: means mounting said engine on said vehicle for projection rearwardly of said axle to position the center of weight of said engine behind the center of rotation of said driving wheels; an open tubular frame mounted on said axle and projecting forwardly therefrom to position said steering wheel assembly aT a sufficiently extended distance forward of said axle to permit the weight of said frame and front wheel assembly extending forwardly of said axle to counterbalance the weight of said engine extending rearwardly of said axle and to locate the effective center of weight of said vehicle immediately forward of said axle; and a riders seat mounted on said frame at an extended distance forward of said axle to permit the weight of the rider to oppose the upward force on said steering assembly resulting from the dynamic torque of said engine.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
186 words
A chassis for a three-wheeled motor vehicle having an internal combustion engine, two spaced driving wheels at the rear of said vehicle operably connected to said engine by an axle and a single steering wheel assembly supporting the front end of said vehicle, comprising: means mounting said engine on said vehicle for projection rearwardly of said axle to position the center of weight of said engine behind the center of rotation of said driving wheels; an open tubular frame mounted on said axle and projecting forwardly therefrom to position said steering wheel assembly aT a sufficiently extended distance forward of said axle to permit the weight of said frame and front wheel assembly extending forwardly of said axle to counterbalance the weight of said engine extending rearwardly of said axle and to locate the effective center of weight of said vehicle immediately forward of said axle; and a riders seat mounted on said frame at an extended distance forward of said axle to permit the weight of the rider to oppose the upward force on said steering assembly resulting from the dynamic torque of said engine.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
203 words
A three-wheeled motor vehicle comprising: engine means; a spaced pair of driving wheels operably connected to said engine means; an axle connecting said driving wheels and said engine means; means mounting said engine on said vehicle for projection rearwardly of said axle to position the effective center of weight of said engine behind said axle; a steering wheel assembly supporting said vehicle at its forward end; an open tubular frame mounted on said axle and projecting forwardly therefrom to position said steering wheel assembly at a sufficiently extended distance forward of said axle to permit the weight of said frame and steering wheel assembly extending forwardly of said axle to counterbalance the weight of said engine means extending rearwardly of said axle and to locate the effective center of weight of said vehicle immediately forward of said axle; means for steering said steering wheel; and, a seat adapted to support a rider and being mounted on said frame at an extended distance forward of said axle to permit the weight of said rider to oppose the upward force on said front wheel assembly produced by the dynamic torque of said engine whereby said steering wheel is maintained in contact with the supporting surface.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
203 words
A three-wheeled motor vehicle comprising: engine means; a spaced pair of driving wheels operably connected to said engine means; an axle connecting said driving wheels and said engine means; means mounting said engine on said vehicle for projection rearwardly of said axle to position the effective center of weight of said engine behind said axle; a steering wheel assembly supporting said vehicle at its forward end; an open tubular frame mounted on said axle and projecting forwardly therefrom to position said steering wheel assembly at a sufficiently extended distance forward of said axle to permit the weight of said frame and steering wheel assembly extending forwardly of said axle to counterbalance the weight of said engine means extending rearwardly of said axle and to locate the effective center of weight of said vehicle immediately forward of said axle; means for steering said steering wheel; and, a seat adapted to support a rider and being mounted on said frame at an extended distance forward of said axle to permit the weight of said rider to oppose the upward force on said front wheel assembly produced by the dynamic torque of said engine whereby said steering wheel is maintained in contact with the supporting surface.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
18 words
The vehicle of claim 3 and wherein said engine means comprises a multicylinder automobile type internal combustion engine.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
27 words
The vehicle of claim 3 further comprising a pair of wide deep treaded automobile tires having a high traction surface mounted on each of said rear wheels.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-01-23 | 1976-07-24 | 1977-01-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-01-23 | 1980-07-24 | 1981-01-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-01-23 | 1984-07-24 | 1985-01-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |