US4540189A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Steering system for motorized cycles
Assignee: Honda Motor Co Ltd
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Filing: 1983-01-25
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Granted: 1985-09-10
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Expires: 2003-01-25
Abstract
Abstract A steering system for a motorized cycle including a vehicle frame, a front suspension steerably supported by the frame, and a single front wheel integrally steerably suspended by the front suspension. The steering system comprises a handlebar, a steering stem formed to be integrally rotatable with the handlebar, another steering stem formed to be integrally rotatable with the front suspension, and a connection mechanism for operatively interconnecting the steering stems with each other. A handlebar is permitted to be selectively set with respect to the mounting position and angle, thus being likewise also capable of being set with respect to the steering position and angle and, moreover, the structure is relatively simplified.
Inventors
- 👤 Norio Tanaka
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 10:15
CPC Classifications
B; B62; B62K; B62K21/00; B62K2202/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
168 words
A steering system for a motorized cycle including a vehicle frame, a front fork steerably supported by said frame, and a front wheel integrally steerably suspended by said front fork, comprising: a handlebar; a first steering stem formed to be integrally rotatable with said front fork; a second steering stem formed to be integrally rotatable with said handlebar; connection means for operatively interconnecting said first and second steering stems with each other; support means for supporting said first and second steering stems relative to said vehicle frame; said support means including a support tube loosely fitted on and supporting said second steering stem, a head tube loosely fitted on and supporting said first steering stem and secured to said vehicle frame, and a stay member having a lower portion thereof secured to said head tube and an upper portion thereof supporting said support tube; said support tube being vertically rockably pivoted to said stay member; and a resilient means interposed between said support tube and said stay member.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
168 words
A steering system for a motorized cycle including a vehicle frame, a front fork steerably supported by said frame, and a front wheel integrally steerably suspended by said front fork, comprising: a handlebar; a first steering stem formed to be integrally rotatable with said front fork; a second steering stem formed to be integrally rotatable with said handlebar; connection means for operatively interconnecting said first and second steering stems with each other; support means for supporting said first and second steering stems relative to said vehicle frame; said support means including a support tube loosely fitted on and supporting said second steering stem, a head tube loosely fitted on and supporting said first steering stem and secured to said vehicle frame, and a stay member having a lower portion thereof secured to said head tube and an upper portion thereof supporting said support tube; said support tube being vertically rockably pivoted to said stay member; and a resilient means interposed between said support tube and said stay member.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
A steering system according to claim 1, wherein: said second steering stem is inclined rearwardly more than said first steering stem.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
48 words
A steering system according to claim 1, wherein: said connection means comprises at least one first universal joint secured to said first steering stem, at least one second universal joint secured to said second steering stem, and a rod member interposed between said first and second universal joints.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
56 words
A steering system according to claim 3, wherein: said connection means comprises a pair of said first universal joints, a pair of said second universal joints, and a pair of said rod members; and said first universal joints and said second universal joints are disposed on both sides of said first and second steering stems, respectively.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
51 words
A steering system according to claim 1, wherein: said support means further comprises a downwardly extending piece secured to the lower part of said support tube and said resilient means comprises a coil spring compressed to be interposed between said downwardly extending piece and said lower portion of said stay member.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
21 words
A steering system according to claim 1, further comprising: a fairing member secured to the front part of said vehicle frame.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
18 words
A steering system according to claim 6, wherein: said fairing member is disposed proximal said first steering stem.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
55 words
A steering system according to claim 7, wherein: said fairing member comprises a fairing proper disposed in front of said handlebar and extending rearwardly at either side thereof, and a wind screen extending upwardly from said fairing proper, said wind screen being located substantially in longitudinal proximity to an extension of said first steering stem.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
98 words
A steering system for a motorized cycle including a vehicle frame, a front fork steerably supported by said frame, and a front wheel integrally steerably suspended by said front fork, comprising: a handlebar; a first steering stem formed to be integrally rotatable with said front fork; a second steering stem formed to be integrally rotatable with said handlebar; connection means for operatively interconnecting said first and second steering stems with each other; said second steering stem being vertically rockably pivoted to said vehicle frame; and said second steering stem being inclined rearwardly more than said first steering stem.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
98 words
A steering system for a motorized cycle including a vehicle frame, a front fork steerably supported by said frame, and a front wheel integrally steerably suspended by said front fork, comprising: a handlebar; a first steering stem formed to be integrally rotatable with said front fork; a second steering stem formed to be integrally rotatable with said handlebar; connection means for operatively interconnecting said first and second steering stems with each other; said second steering stem being vertically rockably pivoted to said vehicle frame; and said second steering stem being inclined rearwardly more than said first steering stem.
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) | 1988-09-09 | 1989-03-11 | 1989-09-10 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1992-09-09 | 1993-03-11 | 1993-09-10 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1996-09-09 | 1997-03-11 | 1997-09-10 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |