CA1260842A - All terrain vehicle attachment - Google Patents

All terrain vehicle attachment

Info

Publication number
CA1260842A
CA1260842A CA000520691A CA520691A CA1260842A CA 1260842 A CA1260842 A CA 1260842A CA 000520691 A CA000520691 A CA 000520691A CA 520691 A CA520691 A CA 520691A CA 1260842 A CA1260842 A CA 1260842A
Authority
CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
attachment
vehicle
wheels
pair
cross member
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired
Application number
CA000520691A
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
George Tatarczuk
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to CA000520691A priority Critical patent/CA1260842A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of CA1260842A publication Critical patent/CA1260842A/en
Expired legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62KCYCLES; CYCLE FRAMES; CYCLE STEERING DEVICES; RIDER-OPERATED TERMINAL CONTROLS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CYCLES; CYCLE AXLE SUSPENSIONS; CYCLE SIDE-CARS, FORECARS, OR THE LIKE
    • B62K5/00Cycles with handlebars, equipped with three or more main road wheels
    • B62K5/01Motorcycles with four or more wheels
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62JCYCLE SADDLES OR SEATS; AUXILIARY DEVICES OR ACCESSORIES SPECIALLY ADAPTED TO CYCLES AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, e.g. ARTICLE CARRIERS OR CYCLE PROTECTORS
    • B62J27/00Safety equipment

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Automatic Cycles, And Cycles In General (AREA)

Abstract

ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
An attachment for a lightweight all terrain vehicle. The vehicle has at least three wheels and a rear axle joining a pair of rear wheels. The attachment has a pair of brackets to attach to the rear axle. One limb extends forwardly from each bracket. A cross member joins the limbs and is raised above the ground when the all terrain vehicle is level. If the vehicle tips rear-wardly, the cross member contacts the ground to prevent further tipping.

Description

~2~0~34;~

This invention relates to an attachment for light-weight all terrain vehicle.
~ 11 terrain vehlcles typically have small wheels fitted with large balloon tires. They usually have at least three wheels and, almost invariably, two drive wheels at the rear and one or two steering wheels at the front. Quite small engines are used, typically air-cooled motorcycle engines upto 350 cc capacity with sophisticated five and six-speed transmissions and hydraulic or, occasionally, pneumatic suspension.
~ 11 terrain vehicles have achieved considerable popularity in recent years. They make parts of the country that previously were only accessible on foot easy to reach. They have considerable leisure uses, for peoF)le who simply wish to travel in deserted areas or for hunters, but they also permit access by maintenance men, by ~!ngineers and by doctors to areas previously very dif-ficult to reach.
The obvious desirability of such maahines has been reduced by an unfortunate tendency to tip rearwardly when climbing slopes, particularly when power is applied on the slope and when the vehicle is loaded at the rear.
~lthough the vehicles are light substantial injuries have been inflicte,d on a considerable number of riders of : ' ~;~60~

these machines by the machlnes tipping backwardly onto the riders.
These accidents have resulted in court cases that may well call into question the desirability oE
selling these devices.
The present invention seeks to provide a simple safety device that greatly increases the safety of all terrain vehicles.
~ elated prior art known to applicant lncludes United States patents Nos. 2,465,037 to Ream 3,305,244 to Flagg; 447,606 to Gardner; 1,327,864 to Everingham:
1,076,555 to Dillon: 1,125,227 to Weaver: 2,402,322 to Flynn; and 2,485,312 to Powell.
The above prior art devices generally show trailing arms safety devices, for use on a variety of machines, for example children's carriages, golf carts, automobile jacks and lawn mowers but despite the publi-city concerning accidents on all terrain vehicles no device analogous to the present invention has been used on such vehicles to render them safe from tipping rear-wardly.
The present invention therefore provides an attachment for a lightweight all terrain vehicle, the vehicle having at least three wheels and a rear axle joining a pair. of rear wheels, the attachment comprising a pair of brackets to attach to the rear axle; one limb .-2-. .

extending ~orwardly from each bracket; a cross member joining the limbs and raised above -the ground when the all terrain vehicle is level, whereby, if the vehicle tips rearwardly, the cross member contacts the ground to prevent fllrther tipping.
~ spects of the invention are illustrated, merely by way of example, in the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of an all terrain veh.icle modiEied according to the present invention;
Figure 2 is a side elevation of such a vehicle illustrating the use of the present invention;
Figure 3 is a side elevation of an attachment according to the present invention;
Figure 4 is a plan view of the attachment of Figure 3;
Figure 5 is an isometric view of a further embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 6 is an isometric view oE a further embodiment;
Figure 7 illustrates a detail of an embodiment useful with, for example, the embodiment of Figure 5;
and Figure 8 illustrates a means of attaching the safety attachtnent to a vehicle hitch on an all terrain ~` .,' , "' " ' 126084~Z

vehicle.
The safety attachment oE the present invention is generally applicable to an all terrain vehicle, shown in Figures 1 and 2. These vehicles are well known and need not be discussed in detail.
They comprise a frame 2 includlng handle bars 4 for steering, front forks 6, an air cooled engine 8 and may include a rear rack lO and a front rack 12, as shown in Figures l and 2, and a chain driven final drive 14 mounted in a rear axle 16 and driving wheels 18 fitted with large 'balloon tires 20. A11 the above is conven-tional.
The attachment according to the present inven-tion comprises, in the embodiment of Figures 3 and 4, a pair of brackets 22 to attach to the rear axle 16 (shown in broken lines in Figures 3 and 4). ~ pair Oe limbs 24 extend outwardly from each bracket 22 and there is a cross member 26 ~oining the limbs 24 and, as shown par-ticularly in Figure 2, raised above the ground 28 when the all terrain vehicle is level.
In the illustrated embodiment:s of Figures 3 and 4 each bracket 22 comprises a plate having a leading edge 30 attached to the axle 16 and a trailing edge 32. There is a first opening 34 generally adjacent the leading edge 30 and a plurality of openings 36 at the trailing edge 32 of the plate. Each limb 24 has a first opening 38 (see ` ;-.. , .. : ' . :' ~ ~ ' . ' ;. .::

..
, ;

1;26()~

Figure 5) to align with a first opening 34 in a bracket22 and a second opening 40 to aliqn wi-th a previously selected one of the plurallty of openings 36. As shown partlcularly in Flgure 3 thls ensures -that the angle oE
the limbs 24 can be varied relative to the bracket 22.
Generally, as shown in Figure 2, the limbs 24 extend upwardly rearwardly. Bolts 42 and 43 extend through aligned openings 36 and 40 and 34 and 38.
A pair of wheels 44 is mounted on the cross member 26. The wheels can be mounted with relatively small in-flal:ed tires 46. The tires 46 need not be heavy duty tread as, of course, they are not drive wheels but simple freely rotatable on the cross member 26., As shown particularly in Figure 4 the cross membler includes spacers comprising outer flanges 48 and inner flanges 50, mounted on the end oE an intermediate distance piece 52 to position the wheels 44 on the cross member 26.
The cross member 26 may be attached to the limbs 24 by providinq threaded portions 54 at the end of each limb 24 to engage internally threaded angle pieces 56. Similarly the ends of the cross piece 26 are threaded at 58 to engage the internally threaded angle pieces 56.
The embodiment of Figures 3 and 4 function as follows. The brackets 22 are, of course, welded to the . , . ~
, ~ .
:, . , ~lZ~0~4~

rear axle 16 to form a permanen-t part of the all terrain vehicle. If the vehicle is being ~sed on Elat terrain there is no necessity to attach the limbs 24 a~d the brackets 22 do not in any way interfere with the normal operation of the vehicle and have a negligible effect on the appearance of the vehicle. ~owever in hilly terri-tory the limbs 24 are attached to the brackets 22 by bolt 42. ~ nut may be then placed flnger tight on the bolt 42.
The limbs 24 are then moved upwardly or down-wardly, at the discretion of the user, until a bolt 43 can be inserted through a pair of aligned openings 36 and 40 and a nut placed on that bolt 43. The four nuts and bolts may then be tightened to provide a rigid installa-tion of the limbs 24. The vehicle will then be as in Figure 2. That is the safety attachment of the present invention projects rearwardly, typically with the small wheels 44 on the attachment having a narrower track than the drive wheels 18 of the vehicle. They do not inter-fere with the normal operation of the vehicle. However if a vehicle is being driven up a hill and if power is applied, dangerous conditions in the prior art machines, the machine will rear backwardly. However this motion will be stopped when the tires 46 on wheels 44 contact the ground. Crushing of the driver is thus avoided.
Figure 5 illustrates a variation of the inven-~ 6 ~, ~2608~

tion that is, in e~fect, simply the embodiment of Figures3 and 4 but without the wheels 44 and tires 46. It is desirable to provide a tube 60 that is a rotatable fit on the cross member 26. The attachment and operation of the device is precisely as in the Figures 3 and 4 embodiment.
The ernbodiment of Figure 6 has a single bracket 22 to which both limbs 24 attach. The limbs are attached, typically by welding, to a cross member 26 and wheels are mounted using the flanges 48 and 50 as in Figure 6 but two spacing tubes 62. Again the operation of the device is precisely as for Figure 3 and 4.
Figure 7 illustrates an aspect of the invention that is useful if a tire of the all terrain vehicle punc-tures. The bracket 64 shown in Figure 7 attaches to the rear of the all terrain vehicle as shown in Figure 1. It may be bolted using bolt holes 66 and drilling, if necessary, corresponding holes in the Erame 2. This device is used as follows. If a tire 20 is punctured the safety attachment is removed from the vehicle. Assuming the right rear tire 20 is punctured, then the device is moved to the right on the axle so that the leEt limb 24 is attached to the right bracket 22 on the axle 16. The right limb 24 then pivots upwardly by turning threaded angle member 56 on threaded cross member 26 so that the right limb extends upwardly. It fits with a sliding fit over downwardly extending limb 68 of the bracket 64.

,, , .,,', ~.Z~;084~

Bolts (not shown) may then be inserted through openings 70 in limb 68 and openings 38 and 40 in righ-t limb 24, and by selecting the appropriate position of the wheels o~ the saEety attachment, using openings 36 as appropriate, the vehicle can be supported, even though the drive wheel may be removed from the vehicle, and still driven.
Figure 8 illustrates an aspect of the invention that is attachable to the trailer hitch common on these vehicles. The device o Figure 8 comprises a second cross member 72 to attach to the trailer hitch. srackets 22 are located at the end of the second cross member 72.
Although not shown in Figure 8 limbs 24 as shown in Figure 3, 4 and 5 are attached to the brackets 22.
The present invention thus provides a simple but effective sa~ety attachment for an all ter~ain vehicle that makes the use of these useful vehicles safer.

:
:

,

Claims (14)

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:
1. An attachment for a lightweight all terrain vehicle, the vehicle having at least three wheels and a rear axle joining a pair of rear wheels, the attachment comprising:
a pair of brackets to attach to the rear axle;
one limb extending forwardly from each bracket:
a cross member joining the limbs and raised above the ground when the all terrain vehicle is level, whereby, if the vehicle tips rearwardly, the cross member contacts the ground to prevent further tipping.
2. An attachment as claimed in claim 1 in which the brackets are provided with means to vary the angle of attachment of the limbs.
3. An attachment as claimed in claim 2 in which each bracket comprises a plate having a leading edge attached to the axle and a trailing edge;
a first opening generally adjacent the leading edge;
a plurality of openings at the trailing edge of the plate;
a first opening in each limb to align with a first opening in a plate;
a pivot to extend through each aligned pair of first openings; and a second opening in each limb to align with a predetermined one of said plurality of openings whereby the inclination of the limbs can be varied.
4. An attachment as claimed in claim 2 in which the limbs extend upwardly rearwardly.
5. An attachment as claimed in claim 4 including a pair of wheels mounted on said cross member, the lower surface of each wheel being above the ground when the vehicle stands level whereby the vehicle tips rearwardly the wheels contact the ground to prevent further tipping.
6. An attachment as claimed in claim 5 having a pair of wheels located behind the rear wheels of the vehicle but having a narrower track than the rear wheels.
7. An attachment as claimed in claim 5 in which the wheels generally align with one rear wheel of the all terrain vehicle, whereby they provide support to that wheel if that wheel be damaged.
8. An attachment as claimed in claim 7 including a third bracket attached to the vehicle frame and extending outwardly of the all terrain vehicle side the third bracket extending at its outside edge downwardly rearwardly to engage a limb of the attachment to enable mounting of said safety wheels behind a drive wheel of the all terrain vehicle.
9. An attachment as claimed in claim 6 including spacer means on the cross member to position the wheels.
10. A safety attachment for an all terrain vehicle having at least three wheels and a rear axle joining a pair of rear wheels, the safety attachment comprising:
attachment means to attach to the all terrain vehicle;
a pair of limbs extending rearwardly from the attachment means;
a cross member attached to the distal end of the limbs to be spaced from the ground when the vehicle is on level terrain whereby, if the vehicle tips rear-wardly with the safety attachment in place the cross member contacts the ground to prevent further tipping.
11. A safety attachment as claimed in claim 10 in which there is a single bracket attached to the axle of the all terrain vehicle.
12. A safety attachment as claimed in claim 11 in which the bracket comprises a plate having a leading edge to attach to the all terrain vehicle and a trailing edge;
a first opening generally adjacent the leading edge; and a plurality of openings at the trailing edge whereby a corresponding pair of openings in the limb can be pivotally engaged with a preselected pair of openings in the bracket, that preselected pair including the opening adjacent the leading edge, to determine the angle of inclination of the limbs.
13. A safety attachment as claimed in claim 12 including a pair of wheels attached on the cross member.
14. A safety attachment as claimed in claim 10 including a second cross member to attach to a trailer hitch on the all terrain vehicle;
a pair of limbs extending rearwardly from the brackets on the second cross member.
CA000520691A 1986-10-16 1986-10-16 All terrain vehicle attachment Expired CA1260842A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA000520691A CA1260842A (en) 1986-10-16 1986-10-16 All terrain vehicle attachment

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA000520691A CA1260842A (en) 1986-10-16 1986-10-16 All terrain vehicle attachment

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
CA1260842A true CA1260842A (en) 1989-09-26

Family

ID=4134162

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CA000520691A Expired CA1260842A (en) 1986-10-16 1986-10-16 All terrain vehicle attachment

Country Status (1)

Country Link
CA (1) CA1260842A (en)

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5316328A (en) * 1993-06-14 1994-05-31 Amigo Mobility International, Inc. Bumper mounted anti-tip stabilizers for chair-mounting vehicles utilized by physically disadvantaged persons and others desiring mobility assistance, and methods of stabilizing such vehicles
USD786741S1 (en) 2015-11-16 2017-05-16 Amigo Mobility International, Inc. Lateral stability wheel
USD800410S1 (en) 2015-11-23 2017-10-17 Amigo Mobility International, Inc. Material handling cart
USD805004S1 (en) 2015-07-01 2017-12-12 Amigo Mobility International, Inc. Brake release handle

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5316328A (en) * 1993-06-14 1994-05-31 Amigo Mobility International, Inc. Bumper mounted anti-tip stabilizers for chair-mounting vehicles utilized by physically disadvantaged persons and others desiring mobility assistance, and methods of stabilizing such vehicles
USD805004S1 (en) 2015-07-01 2017-12-12 Amigo Mobility International, Inc. Brake release handle
USD786741S1 (en) 2015-11-16 2017-05-16 Amigo Mobility International, Inc. Lateral stability wheel
USD800410S1 (en) 2015-11-23 2017-10-17 Amigo Mobility International, Inc. Material handling cart

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
CA1194804A (en) Saddle riding type motorcar having four wheels
US6860512B2 (en) Utility motor vehicle with carrier
US4706769A (en) Conversion unit for all terrain vehicles
US4886294A (en) Anti-tip device for a vehicle
US4247030A (en) Rack for all terrain vehicle
CA1196936A (en) Child's chariot
US5211376A (en) Motorcycle jack
CA1287654C (en) Foot protector apparatus for multi-wheeled recreational vehicles
US6752447B2 (en) Windshield assembly for an all terrain vehicle
US5388656A (en) Endless belt traction device for vehicles
US20080012266A1 (en) ATV trailer
US4618015A (en) Rear swing arm assembly for three or four wheeled off-the-road vehicle track conversion unit
US5794976A (en) Safety shield for all terrain vehicles
US3570616A (en) Rear wheel device for snowmobiles
US6059496A (en) All-terrain vehicle safety rack system
US4768799A (en) Motorcycle footguard
AU2024201866A1 (en) Brush harvesters operable by hand and by a vehicle
CA1260842A (en) All terrain vehicle attachment
US20100013187A1 (en) Bicycle Utility Bracket
US3542145A (en) Two-wheeled vehicle having balloon tires
DE69827626T2 (en) SUSPENSION SYSTEM FOR CYCLING VEHICLE
US4055229A (en) Frames for motorcycles
US2865656A (en) Side car arrangement for golfing vehicle
US4809798A (en) Transport carrier apparatus
US6454039B1 (en) ATV transmission control layout

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
MKEX Expiry