450results about "Sidecars" patented technology

Systems for towing a trailer by a towing vehicle and a method for controlling such a system are disclosed. The systems and method are configured to maintain a constant towing load on the towing vehicle as well as optimizing other performance criteria such as fuel efficiency. The system comprises a closed loop controller, a towing arm assembly, a load measuring device, an electric hub motor, brakes, a motor controller and a brake controller disposed on the trailer. In another embodiment, two separate systems are installed, one on each side of the trailer. A load force feeds into a PID controller programmed with preset proportional, differential and integral parameters. The PID controller generates a command signal to either modulate the brakes or motor up or down depending on the sign of the command signal. A process output updates the system which continuously adjusts based on driving conditions.

The present invention relates to systems and methods for vehicles to safely closely follow one another through partial automation. Following closely behind another vehicle has significant fuel savings benefits, but is unsafe when done manually by the driver. On the opposite end of the spectrum, fully autonomous solutions require inordinate amounts of technology, and a level of robustness that is currently not cost effective.

A transporter for transporting a first person and one or more riders over a surface. The transporter includes a first support platform for supporting the first person, the first support platform having left and right sides and defining a fore-aft vertical plane and a lateral plane. At least one ground-contacting element is coupled to the first support platform such that the first support platform is capable of tilting in the fore-aft plane about a tilt axis. The at least one ground-contacting element is driven by a motorized drive arrangement so as to cause locomotion of the transporter. A controller commands the motorized drive arrangement. The controller is configured so that at least one of fore and aft sustained motion of the transporter is based at least on fore-aft tilting of the first support platform. One or more passenger platforms support one or more riders, the passenger platforms coupled to the first support platform such that fore-aft tilting of the first support platform is substantially independent of the one or more passenger platforms.

The present invention is a passenger assembly for a stroller and is adaptable to almost any stroller and is capable of practice in numerous embodiments. The preferred embodiment features a chassis mounted platform with adjustable mounting arms. A mounting mechanism is located at the terminus of each arm and is attachable and removable from the stroller frame with the passenger assembly. A number of potential mounting mechanisms are disclosed. An extension handle is provided to allow users greater control of the stroller from a distance further than normal, as the assembly occupies the position proximate the stroller, where the user ordinarily stands. Modules are capable of addition to the assembly, such as a seat or basket, or a stow strap for securement of the assembly when not in use.

A method for attaching a carrier, such as a trailer, to a dynamically balanced transporter. The carrier is attached to the transporter with a pivot. The pivot axis of the carrier is coincident with the axis of rotation of the wheels of the transporter. This method of attachment minimizes the impact of the trailer on the ability of the transporter to maintain dynamic balance and control.

A two wheeled trailer is attached to a human powered vehicle such as a bicycle or a scooter for carrying load such as children. The trailer is powered by two electric motors and at least one battery. The control of the motor is through a force / pressure meter inserted to the attachment arm between the two wheel vehicle and the trailer. The attachment arm, on the vehicle side is mounted near the rear axle of the vehicle. A coupler that allows free rotation attaches the trailer to the vehicle.

A child's riding vehicle such as a tricycle has a secondary steering column through which the parent walking behind the tricycle may steer the tricycle. The secondary steering column is coupled to the first steering column by a pair of rods that are attached at their respective ends to a first flange around the primary steering column and a second flange around the secondary steering column. The steering rods also act as steering limiters by contacting the wheel fork tube at a predetermined maximum steering angle and resisting further rotation of the flange. The mechanism lies entirely within the hollow frame of the tricycle for safety. The child's steering handle can be disengaged from the fork tube to allow the parent to completely control the steering without interference from the child.

A bicycle configurable for operating using a speed based control system and scheme or a torque based control system and scheme. A speed sensor or a torque sensor may detect an operating characteristic of the bicycle and a controller may determine whether to operate using a speed based control system and scheme or a torque based control system and scheme based on the operating characteristic. A signal from a speed sensor or a torque sensor may be used for determining the mechanical limits of a CVT range and when to incorporate an electric motor.

A foldable trailer that is attachable to a vehicle, particularly an ATV, for hauling a load. The trailer includes a hitch assembly for attachment to the vehicle, a first bed rotatably attached to the hitch assembly, and a second bed rotatably attached to the first bed by a unique hinge. The trailer may be tightly folded to, and carried by, the ATV so that the trailer can be brought through otherwise inaccessible terrain. Moreover, when in the folded position, a rear rail of the trailer may be opened to carry articles. When the trailer is deployed, the first bed is coplanar with the second bed to provide an enlarged area for holding articles. The hinge, joining the first bed to the second bed, allows the trailer to support a significant load.

A convertible trailer and stroller having, a pair of frame blocks mount to a frame member of a jogging stroller, each proximate the two rear wheels of the jogging stroller. The frame blocks are each attached to a wheel block at a wheel pivot that interconnect the frame blocks to their respective wheel blocks. A pair of wheels having hub axle ends are received into a wheel bearing within each of the wheel blocks, and the wheel blocks are rotatable about the respective block pivots to selectably raise or lower each wheel relative to the block pivots. In the lowered wheel, or stroller configuration, a high ground clearance for all terrain operation is provided, while in the raised wheel or trailer configuration, a low and stable center of gravity is provided. The convertible trailer and stroller can also include an upper bar that attaches to the wheel blocks. The upper bar converts from a handle bar position to a roll bar position as functions of the pivotable rotations of the wheel blocks about the frame blocks. The handle bar position provides a push or pull point in the stroller configuration, while the roll bar position operates in the trailer configuration to provide protection to a passenger in a tip over.

An apparatus for providing a secondary power source for an electric vehicle, the apparatus attachable to the electric vehicle and having at least one secondary electrical power storage unit for storing electrical energy for delivery to the electric vehicle as required to replace the primary power source, a power connection assembly to connect the at least one secondary power source to the electric vehicle and a control system to control supply to the electric vehicle.

Methods and apparatus may augment the utility of an electrically powered vehicle. A first electric motor (110a or 110b) may be provided with a first effective gear ratio, a second electric motor (111a or 111b) may be provided with a second effective gear ratio, and additional electric motors may be provided additional effective gear ratios. An electrically powered vehicle may be differentially powered by said electric motors at said different effective gear ratios. A transdisciplinary electrical diagnostic processor (440) may process electrically recondite operation parameters of one or more electrical components to provide transdisciplinary diagnostic output to a user. A standardized modular interface (540) supported on a trailer chassis (510) may be configured to accept multipurposed modular interchangeable trailer tops (560) at an interchange position (550) of said trailer chassis (510). A hand actuated accessory mount may be provided with a quick release interface (322).

A trailer mounted crash attenuation system has an impact head assembly, a bursting tubular trailer frame member, and a breakaway axle assembly. Upon impact by a vehicle, the head assembly is urged forward bursting the tubular frame of the trailer. As the impact continues, the head assembly contacts an axle accelerator rod which results in the disengagement of the axle, trailer tire, and fenders from the trailer frame member. Impact energy is dissipated by the controlled deceleration of the vehicle as it moves forward through the attenuator system.

This invention refers to a trailer, designed to transport at least one child, which can be attached to a stroller and which is equipped with a chassis with at least one wheel, a frame and an attachment assembly for securing the trailer to the stroller, and which is designed so that the trailer is connected to the frame of the stroller, is equipped with a seat, and is fitted with at least one handle, at least one foot rest and a coupling device consisting of an attachment assembly and a first and a second joint.

The invention provides a light transport vehicle useful for transporting children and cargo. The transport vehicle may be used as a bicycle trailer, a stroller, a jogger, a sled or other configuration and may be convertible therebetween. The transport vehicle comprising: a folding mechanism allowing the transport vehicle to easily folds into compact size, a hitch for connecting to a bicycle, an adjustable suspension system for a smoother ride for the occupants and cargo, and an attachment receiver to accept conversion attachments.

A cycle trailer hitch adapter that is connectable to the rear of a vehicle using a receiver hitch connection for towing a motorcycle behind the vehicle. The cycle trailer hitch adapter includes a hitch connecting structure insertable into and lockable in connection with a receiver hitch, a cycle securing assembly in connection with the connecting structure, an adjustable height cycle front tire receiving shoe in connection with the cycle securing assembly, and a tire ramp that is detachably securable to the cycle front tire receiving shoe.

A self-propelled trailer may be attached to a bicycle. The speed of the trailer is adjusted based on a signal from a force gauge which indicates whether the bicycle is pulling the trailer or the trailer is pushing the bicycle. In the former situation, the force gauge indicates a tensile load, and in the latter situation, the force gauge indicates a compressive load. Based on the feedback from the force gauge, the speed of the motor attached to the self-propelled trailer is adjusted so that the trailer and bicycle are moving at the same speed or the bicycle is pulling the trailer.