Abstract: A ski area trail map holder is provided for use with a ski pole. In one form, the holder comprises a tubular housing having a spring biased roller therein. The housing is attachable to the ski pole at any point along the pole. The ski area trail map is releasably secured to a map cover which is extendable from a retracted position in which it is rolled on the roller, to an extended position in which it is outside of the housing. The map cover comprises two transparent sheets, each of which is attached at one end to the roller and each of which has a free end located outside of the housing. A locking mechanism is provided for securing the map cover and/or map in an extended position. In a second embodiment, the ski pole itself acts as the outer housing for the map holder.

Abstract: An amphibious vehicle having retractable wheels and sliding hull sections. A novel suspension system is disclosed for raising and lowering the wheels on the vehicle. A coil spring/shock absorber is connected to a linkage which moves horizontally by action of a motor and worm gear coupled to the linkage. The lateral movement of the linkage results in vertical movement of the wheel. The amphibious vehicle may be driven directly into the water, and the wheels raised. Sliding hull sections are then positioned over the wheel wells to give the vehicle a streamline outer hull for water-borne travel.

Abstract: An amphibious vehicle is disclosed which is adapted for alternative land and water modes of operation and in which both modes of operation are performed efficiently. The amphibious vehicle includes a vehicle body supported, during land-bound operation, by a front pair of wheels and a rear pair of wheels. Each of the wheels of the vehicle are surrounded by specially-configured fender/sponson units which are rotatable between first and second operational positions through an angle of approximately 180.degree. about the encompassed wheel. In the first operational position, the fender/sponson units function as wheel tenders for land operation. In the second operational position, the fender/sponson units function as sponsons providing floatation to the vehicle and effectively contributing to the streamlined character of the vehicle during traverse through the water by presenting nautical wedges to the water.