Dual-pivot steering system and method

Abstract

A system for guided travel over a surface between parallel guide rails includes a first frame including at least one rotatable element for travel over the surface; a first pin connected to the first frame, for rotation of the first frame thereon; a second frame including at least one rotatable element for travel over the surface; a second pin connected to the second frame, for rotation of the second frame thereon; and a base connected to the first pin and the second pin. The first frame and the second frame each include guide wheels for tracking along the respective guide rails and between them. The base can provide transit for people or products.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention generally relates to transport vehicles and, more particularly, relates to guided mass transit vehicles having dual-pivot steering mechanisms. [0002] Mass transit trains and other guided transit vehicles, such as subways and the like, operate in certain large cities and metropolitan areas in the U.S. and throughout the world. Additional locations would, no doubt, be benefited by mass transport services. Costs are quite substantial to acquire land, build tracks and infrastructure, and operate transport vehicles. Thus, many locations forego, or do not have the ability and resources required to implement and provide, transit services. [0003] Prior mass transit systems have typically been built in underground tunnels (e.g., as subways), as overhead railways, or as street-operated buses. Each of these systems is problematic because of expense. Moreover, each of the systems has certain requirements and peculiarities for construction...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Thus, many locations forego, or do not have the ability and resources required to implement and provide, transit services.

Each of these systems is problematic because of expense.

Moreover, each of the systems has certain requirements and peculiarities for construction and operations that make it physically and technically impractical, if not impossible in many cases.

Additionally, although most locations have railway and surface street facilities and access in place, the prior transit systems have only been capable of limited cross-use of the facilities and access.

The buses can be unwieldy and, in any event, further clog the normal vehicular traffic.

These rail systems typically are limited to certain portions of cities or areas; therefore, the rails can not themselves provide general transit system access.

However, these systems require special and costly infrastructure because of the dedicated usage, including land and space availability concerns.

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