US-12617489-B2 - Staggered axis sidecar

Abstract

Apparatus and associated methods relate to a multi-axial offset side car. In an illustrative example, the side car may include a wheel with an axis of rotation along an axis adjacent to and between a front wheel axis of rotation of a vehicle and a rear wheel axis of rotation of the vehicle. Some embodiments may include a configuration where the axis of rotation of the wheel is centered below a center of a rear wheel axis of rotation of the vehicle. The sidecar frame may be coupled to a vehicle frame by at least three arms. The configuration of the placement of the axis of rotation of the side car wheel between the axis of rotation of the front and back wheel of the vehicle may advantageously prevent tipping and instability. Various embodiments may improve the suspension of the vehicle-side car system.

Inventors

• Dor Korngold

Assignees

• V-CYCLE GLOBAL, LLC

Dates

Publication Date

20260505

Application Date

20240229

Claims (20)

1. 1 . A side car comprising: a wheel with an axis of rotation along an axis adjacent to and between a front wheel axis of rotation of a vehicle and a rear wheel axis of rotation of the vehicle, wherein the axis of rotation of the wheel is centered below a center of the rear wheel axis of rotation of the vehicle; a sidecar frame that is coupled to a vehicle frame by at least three arms such that the vehicle tilts relative to the sidecar frame, wherein: at least one of the at least three arms terminates in a multi-axis rotatable socket, at least one of the at least three arms is adjustable in length, and at least two of the at least three arms are lower arms positioned lower than at least one of the remaining at least three arms; and a bracket configured to couple to the vehicle and to the each of the at least three arms such that the sidecar frame is releasably and entirely coupled to the vehicle via the bracket.
2. 2 . The side car of claim 1 , wherein the at least two lower arms extend from the side car frame along a first axis for a first distance, and then along a second axis, intersecting the first axis, for a second distance, such that, for the second distance, the at least two lower arms angle upward toward a mounting point on the vehicle.
3. 3 . The side car of claim 1 , wherein the vehicle further comprises an accessory mounting rack configured to be coupled to a frame of a cycling vehicle, the accessory mounting rack comprising: a multi-modal rack defining a flat surface; and, a mounting plate comprising a plurality of keyhole apertures aligned to operably engage in a single direction, wherein the multi-modal rack is configured to be operated into: a cargo mode to receive a load; an accessory mode in which an auto-locking protrusion is configured such that, when corresponding multiple mounting studs of a mountable accessory are brought into register with and inserted through entry points of the plurality of keyhole apertures, the multiple mounting studs are operated in the single direction for a distance, where at least one of the plurality of keyhole apertures is shorter than a length of the multi-modal rack, then the auto-locking protrusion registers with and is urged into locking engagement with a corresponding locking feature such that decoupling of the multi-modal rack from the mounting plate is resisted.
4. 4 . The side car of claim 3 , wherein the accessory mounting rack further comprises a second locking protrusion configured such that, when the auto-locking protrusion is engaged with the corresponding locking feature on the mounting plate, then the second locking protrusion is selectively key-operable into a locked mode in which the second locking protrusion engages a corresponding second locking feature of the mounting plate such that the accessory mounting rack is prevented from being operated in a direction opposite the single direction.
5. 5 . The side car of claim 1 , wherein the side car is releasably coupled to the vehicle frame.
6. 6 . The side car of claim 1 , wherein the vehicle is an electric motor vehicle.
7. 7 . The side car of claim 5 , wherein the vehicle is configured to be received into a charging station.
8. 8 . The side car of claim 7 , wherein the charging station comprises: a pedestal defining a stowage cavity; a power outlet disposed in the stowage cavity; a door hingedly coupled to the pedestal and configured to selectively close up the stowage cavity; and, a locking mechanism comprising: a first protrusion extending from the pedestal in a first plane and defining a first aperture; and, a second protrusion extending from the stowage cavity in a second plane and defining a second aperture, wherein, when the door is closing the stowage cavity, the first aperture and the second aperture are aligned and the first plane is parallel to the second plane; and a third protrusion hingedly coupled to the pedestal along a different axis of rotation then the door defining a third aperture is configured such that, when the door is closing the stowage cavity, the first protrusion, and the second protrusion project through the third aperture substantially against opposite sides of the third aperture such that, when a lock is passed through the first and second aperture, the third protrusion is prevented from being hingedly operated sufficiently to permit hinged operation of the door sufficient to open the stowage cavity.
9. 9 . A side car comprising: a wheel with an axis of rotation along an axis adjacent to and between a front wheel axis of rotation of a vehicle and a rear wheel axis of rotation of the vehicle, wherein the axis of rotation of the wheel is centered below a center of the rear wheel axis of rotation of the vehicle; and, a sidecar frame that is coupled to a vehicle frame by at least three arms such that the vehicle tilts relative to the sidecar frame, wherein at least one of the at least three arms terminates in a multi-axis rotatable socket.
10. 10 . The sidecar of claim 9 , wherein at least one of the at least three arms is adjustable in length.
11. 11 . The sidecar of claim 9 , wherein at least two of the at least three arms are lower arms.
12. 12 . The side car of claim 11 , wherein the at least two lower arms extend from the side car frame along a first axis for a first distance, and then along a second axis, intersecting the first axis, for a second distance, such that, for the second distance, the at least two lower arms angle upward toward a mounting point on the vehicle.
13. 13 . The side car of claim 9 , wherein the side car is configured to be a pet carrier.
14. 14 . The side car of claim 9 , wherein the side car is fixedly coupled to the vehicle frame.
15. 15 . The side car of claim 9 , wherein the side car is releasably coupled to the vehicle frame.
16. 16 . The side car of claim 9 , wherein the vehicle further comprises an accessory mounting rack configured to be coupled to a frame of a cycling vehicle the accessory mounting rack comprising: a multi-modal rack defining a flat surface; and, a mounting plate comprising a plurality of keyhole apertures all aligned to operably engage in a single direction, wherein the multi-modal rack may be configured into: a cargo mode to receive a load, and an accessory mode in which-an auto-locking protrusion is configured such that, when corresponding multiple mounting studs of a mountable accessory are brought into register with and inserted through entry points of the plurality of keyhole apertures, the multiple mounting studs are operated in the single direction for a distance where at least one of the plurality of keyhole apertures is shorter than a length of the multi-modal rack, then the auto-locking protrusion registers with and is urged into locking engagement with a corresponding locking feature such that decoupling of the multi-modal rack from the mounting plate is resisted.
17. 17 . The side car of claim 16 , wherein the accessory mounting rack further comprising a second locking protrusion configured such that, when the auto-locking protrusion is engaged with the corresponding locking feature on the mounting plate, then the second locking protrusion is selectively key-operable into a locked mode in which the second locking protrusion engages a corresponding second locking feature of the mounting plate such that the accessory mounting rack is prevented from being operated in a direction opposite the single direction.
18. 18 . The side car of claim 9 , wherein the vehicle is an electric motor vehicle.
19. 19 . The side car of claim 18 , wherein the vehicle is configured to be received into a charging station.
20. 20 . The side car of claim 19 , wherein the charging station comprises: a pedestal defining a stowage cavity; a power outlet disposed in the stowage cavity; a door hingedly coupled to the pedestal and configured to selectively close up the stowage cavity; and a locking mechanism comprising: a first protrusion extending from the pedestal in a first plane and defining a first aperture; and, a second protrusion extending from the stowage cavity in a second plane and defining a second aperture, wherein, when the door is closing the stowage cavity, the first aperture and the second aperture are aligned and the first plane is parallel to the second plane; and a third protrusion hingedly coupled to the pedestal along a different axis of rotation then the door defining a third aperture is configured such that, when the door is closing the stowage cavity, the first protrusion, and the second protrusion project through the third aperture substantially against opposite sides of the third aperture such that, when a lock is passed through the first and second aperture, the third protrusion is prevented from being hingedly operated sufficiently to permit hinged operation of the door sufficient to open the stowage cavity.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a Continuation-in-Part and claims the benefit of U.S. Design Application Ser. No. 29/930,076, titled “Bicycle Sidecar,” filed by Dor Korngold on Feb. 27, 2024, which application and this application are each a Continuation-in-Part and claim the benefit of U.S. Design Application Ser. No. 29/876,869, titled “Add-On Side Car,” filed by Dor Korngold on May 11, 2023. This application also claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/496,625, titled “Electric Bicycle System,” filed by Dor Korngold on Apr. 17, 2023. This application incorporates the entire contents of the foregoing applications herein by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD Various embodiments relate generally to vehicles, side cars, and vehicle accessories. BACKGROUND Sidecars are a fascinating blend of functionality and heritage, providing a unique solution to expand the utility of two-wheeled vehicles like motorcycles, bicycles, and e-bikes. They serve as a bridge between the solitary experience of riding and the need for carrying additional passengers or cargo, without significantly compromising the original vehicle's agility and performance. This addition transforms a standard bike or motorcycle into a versatile transport option, suitable for a range of activities from daily commutes to adventurous explorations. Electric bikes, also known as e-bikes, are bicycles equipped with an integrated electric motor which can offer pedal assistance or full electric propulsion, making them a versatile option for commuting, recreational cycling, and mountain biking, as well as an eco-friendly solution to reduce carbon footprint. They can be broadly categorized into pedal-assist, where the rider must pedal to activate the motor for additional power, and throttle-controlled e-bikes, which allow motor activation without pedaling. SUMMARY Apparatus and associated methods relate to a multi-axial offset side car. In an illustrative example, the side car may include a wheel with an axis of rotation along an axis adjacent to and between a front wheel axis of rotation of a vehicle and a rear wheel axis of rotation of the vehicle. Some embodiments may include a configuration where the axis of rotation of the wheel is centered below a center of a rear wheel axis of rotation of the vehicle. The sidecar frame may be coupled to a vehicle frame by at least three arms. The configuration of the placement of the axis of rotation of the side car wheel between the axis of rotation of the front and back wheel of the vehicle may advantageously prevent tipping and instability. Various embodiments may improve the suspension of the vehicle-side car system. In some embodiments, one of the at least three arms may, for example, terminate in a rotatable socket. One of the at least three arms may be adjustable in length. Two of the at least three arms may be lower arms. The at least two lower arms may extend from the side car frame along a first axis for a first distance, and then along a second axis, intersecting the first axis, for a second distance, such that, for the second distance, the lower arms angle upward toward a mounting point on the vehicle. Apparatus, associated methods and systems relate to an accessory rack. The accessory rack may, for example, be configured to the vehicle couple to the side. The accessory mounting rack may be configured to be coupled to a frame of a cycling vehicle. The accessory rack includes a multi-modal rack defining a flat surface. The accessory rack includes a mounting plate including a plurality of keyhole apertures all aligned to operably engage in a single direction. The multi-modal rack may be configured into a cargo mode to receive a load. The multi-modal rack may be configured into an accessory mode having an auto-locking protrusion configured such that, when a corresponding multiple mounting studs of a mountable accessory is brought into register with and inserted through entry points of the multiple keyhole apertures, the studs are operated in a single direction for a distance where at least one keyhole slot is shorter than a length of the rack, then the auto-locking protrusion registers with and is urged into locking engagement with a corresponding locking feature on the mounting plate. In some embodiments, the accessory mounting rack may, for example, further include a second locking protrusion configured such that, when the auto-locking protrusion is engaged with the corresponding locking feature on the mounting plate, then the second locking protrusion is selectively key-operable into a locked mode in which the second locking protrusion engages a corresponding second locking feature of the mounting plate such that the accessory mounting rack is prevented from being operated in a direction opposite the single direction. The accessory rack may, for example, advantageously allow a user to configure a bag to the rear of their vehicle. The vehicle may, for example, be co