Suspension and drive arrangement for three wheel vehicle

Abstract

Several embodiments of improved three wheel vehicles particularly adapted for off the road use. In each embodiment, the rear wheels are suspended by a suspension system that includes a suspension element that has its line of action is disposed at a relatively shallow angle to the horizontal so as to provide a long suspension travel. A trailing arm assembly is provided in each embodiment for suspending the rear wheels. The trailing arm assembly includes a pair of spaced apart arm members that are pivotally supported by a frame at their forward end. The pivot points of the arm members on the frame are transversely spaced apart a distance substantially equal to the width of the vehicle so as to improve stability. In some embodiments, a shaft drive is incorporated that passes through one arm of the arm members. In some embodiments, the suspension element is offset from the longitudinal axis of the vehicle toward the side opposite that on which the shaft drive is located. A trailer hitch is disclosed in one embodiment that is carried by the trailing arm so that the weight of the trailer will be carried by an unsprung portion of the vehicle. The engine incorporates an integral transmission and is disposed so that the drive shaft of the engine and the primary and secondary shafts of the transmission extend transversely to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.