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 Title: |
US3712400:
THREE-WHEEL VEHICLE
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| Country: |
US United States of America
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| Inventor: |
Barnes, Claude Earnest; Salinas, CA 93901
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| Assignee: |
None
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| Published / Filed: |
1973-01-23
/ 1971-03-15
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| Application Number: |
US1971000124385
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| IPC Code: |
Advanced:
B62D 61/08;
Core:
B62D 61/00;
IPC-7:
B62D 61/08;
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| U.S. Class: |
Current:
180/215;
180/055;
280/274;
280/282;
D12/085;
D12/087;
D12/088;
Original:
180/027;
180/027;
180/054.F;
280/274;
280/282;
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| Field of Search: |
180/025,27,54 F,55,56,58,59,62
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| Priority Number: |
| 1971-03-15 |
US1971000124385 |
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| Abstract: |
A three-wheeled motor vehicle adapted for a wide range of competitive and recreational motor sports activities. A multi-cylinder 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.
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| Attorney, Agent or Firm: |
Towsend & Towsend ;
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| Primary / Asst. Examiners: |
Hersh, Benjamin; Paperner, Leslie J.
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| Family: |
None
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First Claim:
Show all 5 claims |
What is claimed:
1. 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.
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| Background / Summary: |
Show background / summary
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| Drawing Descriptions: |
Show drawing descriptions
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| Description: |
Show description
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| Forward References: |
Show 2 U.S. patent(s) that reference this one
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