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.

1 . A system for guided travel over a surface between parallel guide rails, comprising: 
 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.    
   
   
       2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the first frame and the second frame each travel retained between the guide rails.  
   
   
       3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the guide rails are substantially perpendicular to the surface.  
   
   
       4 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein the first frame and the second frame each travel retained between the guide rails.  
   
   
       5 . The system of  claim 4 , further comprising a guide wheel for tracking along the guide rail, wherein the guide wheel is rotatingly attached to the first frame or the second frame.  
   
   
       6 . A transport system for travel over a surface, comprising: 
 a wheel for travel on the surface;    a frame on which the wheel is rotatingly fixed;    a guide fixed to the surface; and    a roller, rotatingly fixed to the frame, for travel in close proximity to and along the guide.    
   
   
       7 . The transport system of  claim 6 , further comprising: 
 a second wheel for travel on the surface, rotatingly affixed to the frame.    
   
   
       8 . The transport system of  claim 7 , further comprising: 
 a second guide fixed to the surface in substantially parallel relationship to the first guide; and    a second roller, rotatingly fixed to the frame for travel in close proximity to and along the second guide.    
   
   
       9 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein the first roller and the second roller travel between the first and second guide rails.  
   
   
       10 . The system of  claim 9 , further comprising a second frame, wherein the second frame includes a first and second roller, each rotatingly fixed to the second frame and traveling along respective ones of the first and second guide rails.  
   
   
       11 . The system of  claim 10 , further comprising: 
 a vehicle structure, connected independently to each of the first frame and the second frame.    
   
   
       12 . The system of  claim 11 , further comprising: 
 a first pin fixedly connected to the vehicle structure, and pivotally affixed to the first frame.    
   
   
       13 . The system  12 , further comprising: 
 a second pin fixedly connected to the vehicle structure, and pivotally affixed to the second frame.    
   
   
       14 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein the first pin and the second pin are centrally locatable between the first and second guides during transit.  
   
   
       15 . A method of transit of a vehicle, comprising the steps of: 
 providing a first guided wheel;    providing a second guided wheel; and    pivoting the first guided wheel and the second guided wheel with respect to the vehicle.    
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the first guided wheel and the second guided wheel travel along substantially parallel to a guide.  
   
   
       17 . A method of transit, comprising the steps of: 
 providing a frame having a first pin and a second pin longitudinally displaced;    providing a first guide, pivotally connected to the first pin; and    providing a second guide pivotally connected to the second pin.    
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 17 , further comprising the steps of: 
 providing a first wheel rotatingly connected to the first guide; and    providing a second wheel rotatingly connected to the second guide.    
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the first wheel and the second wheel travel across a surface during transit.  
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein the first wheel and the second wheel are retained between longitudinally parallel guides along a desired path of the transit; and wherein the first wheel and the second wheel each travel between the guides during transit.