Abstract: A steering axle comprises a steering shaft connected to a wheelhub either directly or through a planetary gear set, and to a shaft joint. The shaft joint includes an external component which is connected to a driven shaft. A boot is affixed to the steering shaft and the external component and collectively with the external component encloses the shaft joint. There is a housing about the shaft joint and affixed to the shafts such that when the shafts are located transversely relative to each other the boot and joint can be laterally removed. A plug in the wheelhub axially locates the steering shaft, and permits withdrawal of the steering shaft.

Abstract: Improved coupling means for connecting a logging truck and a trailer to provide the relative longitudinal movement therebetween to negotiate turns wherein the reachpole of the trailer has a cylindrical sleeve at the forward end thereof and a spring loaded telescopic reach member rotatably mounted therein with its free end connected to the hitch of the truck. These coupling means reduce tight turning and danger of load binding on sharp curves, where most of the accidents happen due to trucks not being able to get around sharp corners. This compensator is easy to maintain, due to fewer moving parts. It remains attached to the trailer, reducing replacement costs of truck, with truck replacement needed twice as often as trailer's. It can also be removed from an old trailer and be re-assembled on a new unit.

Abstract: A hitch for elongate implements such as a grain drill, the hitch including a draft frame with a dogleg shape, and a diagonal brace connected to the implement, a cable interconnecting the draft frame and diagonal brace and coordinating motion thereof, a spring-operated latch mechanism connecting and disconnecting the draft frame and diagonal brace, and a swingable connecting link at the forward end of the draft frame and a spring-operated latch mechanism maintaining the connecting link and draft frame in predetermined orientation.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to steerable vehicles, particularly fork lift trucks, which include one or more travel drive motors adapted to be controlled in a predetermined manner, and a steerable swivelled wheel assembly. To increase the safety of such vehicle in operation, an electrically controlled drive control system is provided which is simple and free from elements that are susceptible to wear. For this purpose, two speed sensors are provided on opposite sides of the vehicle and cooperate with respective coaxial road wheels and are connected by a comparator to a switching system for controlling the travel drive, e.g., to a travel control signal generator. Elements for applying at least one additional speed-influencing input signal are associated with the comparator.

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide a bicycle, which starting from a kit of components is very simple to mount, and which in mounted condition in spite of a low price produces a stable bicycle, which is resistant to rough handling and negligence, and which has the requirements for good functioning also after a long time of use.The assembly of bicycle components according to the invention comprises a frame member (1). Furthermore, the assembly comprises a front fork component (2), which is provided with a shank portion (18), which forms axially acting thrust stops (17, 19a) engaging the upper and lower ends respectively of the steering hub, one of the thrust stops being formed by outwards pointing spring pawls (19) adapted to directly or indirectly cam into the corresponding end portion of the steering hub by snap action when the shank portion is being inserted into the steering hub.

Abstract: Power steering system for motor vehicles is proposed, in particular intended for the lower velocity range, which includes a measurement transducer for the steering direction in close relationship with a piston-cylinder unit, which acts simultaneously as the steering damper and as the auxiliary-force apparatus. The measurement transducer may also be integrated in the piston of this unit. The control of the hydraulic medium for the piston-cylinder unit takes place preferably via three-position valves due to desired throttling, in accordance with velocity, of the return flow at a particular time.

Abstract: The disclosure is of a device for connecting the handlebars to the steering fork of a bicycle.

Abstract: A wheel chair, including a frame, with the rear wheels mounted independently, each on an elongated arm, which extends rearward from a torsion bar. The center of the torsion bar is normally gripped against rotation to prevent transmittal of torsion from one end of the bar to the other, but the torsion bar may be turned through an arc to raise and lower the rear wheels, so as to maintain the chair level when going up or down a grade. A leg support panel is mounted on a linkage to enable it to pivot about an axis corresponding to the knee axis of the patient and the back support pivots between upright and horizontal position generally about the hip axis of the person. A padded support extends upward when the back support is lowered from its erect position in order to maintain continued support of the head.

Abstract: A skateboard structure is provided which is formed of a top piece and a bottom piece, the pieces being formed of appropriate injection molded plastic material, such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polycarbonate, "Plexiglass", or other plastic material which is susceptible to injection molding; or aluminum casting or compression molded fiberglass; or any other material which may be molded or cast. The inner surface of each piece is formed with a lattice-work of integral webs, so that when the pieces are fitted together they define a reinforcing honeycomb-like core.

Abstract: A rear driving wheel for a pedal car consists of a ground-engaging portion formed from a plurality of freely rotatable rollers projecting through the circumferential portion of the wheel hub and positioned such that their axes of rotation are at right angles to the axis of rotation of the hub.

Abstract: A front derailleur for a bicycle, which comprises a fixing member, two linkage members, and a movable member having a chain guide. The fixing member comprises a connecting portion for fixing the fixing member to a bottom bracket of the bicycle and an extension extending upwardly from the connecting portion, the extension being provided at its upper end with a pivot portion, so that the linkage members are pivoted to the pivot portion upwardly thereof to thereby position the chain guide above with respect to the fixing member.

Abstract: An automatic two-speed drive system for a vehicle having two drive wheels. A first drive wheel is connected to the drive source through a low-speed hub which is disengaged when the wheel reaches a pre-determined rotational speed. The second drive wheel is connectable to the drive source through a high-speed hub which becomes engaged when the drive source reaches a pre-determined rotational speed.

Abstract: A motorcycle having a number of cooperating protective features to protect riders against injury in high speed crashes or other accidents. A motorcycle of the usual basic configuration, having a pair of wheels in tandem with a motor therebetween connected by a basic frame which supports at least one rider's seat assembly and a steering assembly for steering the front wheel is surrounded by a cage assembly of high strength, light-weight tubing fastened to the frame and forming part of the frame. A body covering covers the cage. At least one door is provided at the side of the rider. When fully open, the door extends outwardly in a manner such that the lower outer end of the door can engage the ground with the motorcycle tilted slightly in that direction to function as a sturdy, stable side stand.

Abstract: A motorcycle has a front frame, and a rear arm pivotally mounted to the frame for mounting the rear wheel. The rear wheel is driven by a propeller shaft that has a universal joint intersected by the axis of a bearing structure which mounts the rear arm. The bearing structure which mounts the rear arm lies inboard of the propeller shaft, whereby to enable reduction of the widthwise dimension of the motorcycle, and to enable a lighter-weight assembly of this portion of the motorcycle to be utilized, because it is unnecessary to bifurcate the bearing structure or to place part of it laterally outside of the propeller shaft.

Abstract: A fork structure for a motorcycle in which the steering column is connected to the wheel axle so that while it is free to move longitudinally on shock mounts, it is constrained against any significant rotatable motion relative to the axle, thereby minimizing bushing wear and providing tighter response in the steering control. The front end forks of a motorcycle are formed by a pair of tubular members which are rigidly attached to the steering column. These tubular members have slots formed near their bottom ends, these slotted portions being fitted over the opposite ends of the cycle axle. Shock mounts are mounted within the tubular members. The shock mounts include a lower cylindrical bushing which is fixedly attached to the axle and a shock absorber mounted above the bushing with one end of the shock absorber being attached to an extension which is attached to the top end of the tubing.

Abstract: A three-wheeled cambering vehicle having a platform for supporting the vehicle operator and having a pair of laterally spaced rear wheels mounted thereon. The vehicle has a centralized tubular frame with a front leg member that supports a steerable front fork and wheel assembly and a rearward seat for the vehicle operator. A lower leg of the frame is supported for turning movement with respect to a longitudinal roll axis by the platform which permits the frame and front fork and wheel assembly to be cambered by the vehicle operator as the platform remains in a predetermined plane with respect to the support surface.

Abstract: An improved engine supporting structure for a motorcycle wherein a power unit is constructed integrally of an engine, a crankcase and a transmission case and is subjected to pivotal motions with respect to the frame together with a rear wheel. The engine is so arranged that its main axis of inertia is substanially horizontal, and the engine constituting a part of the power unit is pivotally connected to the lower end of a link which in turn has its upper end pivotally connected to the frame. The link is so arranged that its upper and lower pivots are substantially in a vertical line, and the rear portion of the power unit supporting the rear wheel is connected to the frame through a shock absorber. In this manner, the transmission of engine vibrations to the frame is restricted, the following characteristics of the rear wheel in the longitudinal direction are improved, and the riding quality is improved.

Abstract: A vehicle passive seat belt system wherein the opening of either the door adjacent to the driver, or that adjacent to a passenger, or both, automatically moves both seat belt systems from a first restraining position to a second non-restraining position. The energy required is obtained from the closing of the doors, and released to activate the mechanism for moving the seat belts to the second non-restraining position when either or both doors are opened. A flexible tape is used to transfer the energy.

Abstract: A passive belt system comprises a shoulder belt leading from a retractor inboard of the seat to an anchor on the upper rear corner of the door and a waist belt leading from a retractor outboard of the seat to a buckle affixed to the shoulder belt at an intermediate point which is inboard of the occupant when the door is closed.

Abstract: A hydromechanical track adjusting and recoil apparatus for use with crawler vehicles and the like. The apparatus automatically adjusts the tension in the track of the vehicle by means of momentary mechanical recoil and hydraulic damper for preventing breaking of an endless track chain and associated elements. The track tension is maintained by adjustment of an idler wheel which is connected to one end of the adjusting and recoil apparatus by the interposition of a reciprocably mounted bearing member for rotatably supporting the idler. The other end of the adjusting and recoil apparatus is fixedly connected to a track frame. The apparatus utilizes recoil springs for accumulating transient force energy and automatically returning the apparatus to the original responsive operating condition in cooperation with a hydraulic damper device.