Abstract: The disclosure relates to a means of coupling a trailer to an automobile comprising a self-aligning and shock-absorbing coupling means. The coupling means uses a fifth wheel and spring-loaded roller-detent means to maintain alignment in yaw between the vehicle and the trailer. A speed-responsive means reduces the "stiffness" in yaw between the automobile and the trailer when the vehicle speed is below a predetermined value.

Abstract: A chassis for a heavy duty vehicle is disclosed herein having an elongated box frame supported on an undercarriage of articulated wheel sets. The undercarriage includes a front wheel set carried on one end of the frame by a pivoting torque box having trailing pivotal arms for rotatably supporting the front wheels. A pair of rear wheel sets include a pair of wheel axles carried on trailing arms and controlled by a walking beam assembly and having shock-absorbers and an air cushion device interconnecting the beam assembly with the frame. The pivot coupling at the front wheel torque box with the frame and the beam assemblages interconnecting the frame with the rear wheel sets constitute a three point suspension for the frame. A progression steering mechanism is provided including an eliptical sprocket and chain arrangement which intercouples the rear wheel set with the steering for the front wheel set via a drive shaft operably extending therebetween.

Abstract: A bicycle frame of relatively large diameter tubing formed of a light weight, high strength metal tubing, such as titanium, is provided with integral stiffeners at the top of the seat tube, the bottom of the down tube and the top of the fork blades. In larger sizes of frames, stiffeners may also be included at the bottom of the seat tube and at the top of the down tube. The placement of stiffeners at these selected locations results in overall frame stiffness characteristics not previously considered achievable without substantial increase in the weight of the frame. As an additional feature, the enlarged diameter of the down tube is reduced at appropriate locations to enable standard gear shift lever and control cable fittings to be used.

Abstract: An outer bearing race is mounted in a bore defined in a support member and an inner bearing race is universally mounted in the outer race to form a ball and socket connection therebetween. An annular retainer is secured in the bore on each side of the outer race to retain an annular lip seal therebetween. A flexible lip of the seal extends radially inwardly into sealing contact with a convex spherical surface formed on the inner race.