Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
330 words
A multi-wheeled vehicle with controlled wheel and body lean comprising: A longitudinal main frame having a seat, and at least one rear wheel; A perpendicular frame having laterally spaced arms extending rearward generally parallel to said main frame; Means for pivotally connecting said main frame to said perpendicular frame for providing pivotal motion of said main frame through an approximately 90 degree arc about a generally longitudinal axis; A pair of levers, each lever pivotally connected to ends of said arms; An axle rotatably mounted in said perpendicular frame; A pair of wheel spindles, each spindle located on opposite ends of said axle; Means for connecting each of said spindles to said axle, providing at least pivotal motion of said spindles relative to said axle; A pair of wheels, each wheel being rotatably mounted on one of said spindles; A pair of leaning tie rods having an axis generally parallel to the axis of said axle for controlling the pivotal motion of said spindles relative to said main frame; Means for pivotally and rotatably connecting outer ends of said leaning tie rods to said spindles, providing for movement through an approximately 45 degree arc about said axle, and lateral movement of said tie rods; Means for pivotally and rotatably connecting inner ends of said leaning tie rods to said main frame, providing for movement through an approximately 45 degree arc about said main frame connection, and lateral movement of said leaning tie rods; A pair of steering tie rods having an axis generally parallel to said arms for controlling the rotational motion of said axle relative to said levers; Means for pivotally connecting said steering tie rods to said axle, providing for movement through an approximately 45 degree arc about said axle, and longitudinal movement of said tie rods; Means for pivotally connecting said tie rods ends to said levers, providing movement through an approximately 45 degree arc about said levers pivotal connection, and longitudinal movement of said tie rods.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
330 words
A multi-wheeled vehicle with controlled wheel and body lean comprising: A longitudinal main frame having a seat, and at least one rear wheel; A perpendicular frame having laterally spaced arms extending rearward generally parallel to said main frame; Means for pivotally connecting said main frame to said perpendicular frame for providing pivotal motion of said main frame through an approximately 90 degree arc about a generally longitudinal axis; A pair of levers, each lever pivotally connected to ends of said arms; An axle rotatably mounted in said perpendicular frame; A pair of wheel spindles, each spindle located on opposite ends of said axle; Means for connecting each of said spindles to said axle, providing at least pivotal motion of said spindles relative to said axle; A pair of wheels, each wheel being rotatably mounted on one of said spindles; A pair of leaning tie rods having an axis generally parallel to the axis of said axle for controlling the pivotal motion of said spindles relative to said main frame; Means for pivotally and rotatably connecting outer ends of said leaning tie rods to said spindles, providing for movement through an approximately 45 degree arc about said axle, and lateral movement of said tie rods; Means for pivotally and rotatably connecting inner ends of said leaning tie rods to said main frame, providing for movement through an approximately 45 degree arc about said main frame connection, and lateral movement of said leaning tie rods; A pair of steering tie rods having an axis generally parallel to said arms for controlling the rotational motion of said axle relative to said levers; Means for pivotally connecting said steering tie rods to said axle, providing for movement through an approximately 45 degree arc about said axle, and longitudinal movement of said tie rods; Means for pivotally connecting said tie rods ends to said levers, providing movement through an approximately 45 degree arc about said levers pivotal connection, and longitudinal movement of said tie rods.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
44 words
The multi-wheeled vehicle of claim 1 , wherein said pivotal connection of said main frame to said perpendicular frame is a collar mounted on center of said perpendicular frame, said collar having a generally longitudinal axis; and said main frame pivots in said collar.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
49 words
The multi-wheeled vehicle of claim 1 , wherein said pivotal connection of said main frame to said perpendicular frame is a pair of spindles mounted on center of said perpendicular frame, said spindles having a generally longitudinal axis, and a pair of pivotal connectors mounted on said main frame.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
29 words
The multi-wheeled vehicle of claim 1 , wherein said pivotal connection of said wheel spindles to said axle is a clevis and pin on opposite ends of said axle.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
27 words
The multi-wheeled vehicle of claim 1 , wherein said pivotal connection of said steering tie rods to said axle is an arm mounted on each said clevis.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
The multi-wheeled vehicle of claim 1 , wherein said pivotal and rotatable connections of said leaning tie rods are swivel tie rod ends.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
The multi-wheeled vehicle of claim 1 , wherein said pivotal connections of said steering tie rods are swivel tie rod ends.