Abstract: A method and apparatus for a hand-operated, adjustable, braking or restraining device for effectively restraining the movement of wheeled carts such as shopping carts, flat carts, medical carts, and the like, comprises an engagement lever; an engagement rod; a lever-operated common axle; a pair of operating rods and a pair of eccentrically displaced, sliding, cam-operated braking or restraining mechanisms. The engagement lever has a locking position and a free position and when rotated to its locking position, moves the operating rods thereby engaging the braking or restraining mechanisms. The braking or restraining mechanisms are mounted near the rear wheels of the cart and each is configured to have a cam-operated, eccentrically displaced, sliding brake shoe or pad member which frictionally engages each the rear wheel thereby restraining or preventing the rotation of same.

Abstract: A brake device for use with wheelchairs of the type having a main frame and a pair of spaced apart large diameter driving wheels, such as rear wheels. The brake device is to be engaged by a secondary operator of a wheelchair and comprises a bracket or other mounting element for mounting to the wheelchair handles and a brake arm which is shiftable to a wheel locking position to move an actuator tube and attached stopper into engagement with the rear wheel of a wheelchair to lock the wheel against further rotation. The brake arm is also capable of being shifted to a reverse or non-locking position so that it moves the actuator tube and attached stopper out of engagement with the wheelchair driving wheel to a position where it can not be engaged with the driving wheel to permit free-wheeling movement thereof.

Abstract: An automatic braking apparatus for inclusion with a user-propelled grocery cart, luggage cart or the like is provided which automatically brakes at least one of the cart wheels when not in use and which allows easy, convenient, and automatic release of the braking mechanism by the user during operation. The preferred apparatus includes a braking mechanism shiftable between a braked position for braking at least one cart wheel and a released position for releasing the wheel and including a spring for biasing the mechanism toward the braked position, an intermediate structure pivotally coupled adjacent the cart handle and interconnected with the brake mechanism; and an operating member pivotally coupled with the handle and intercoupled with the intermediate structure including a handle portion for grasping by the cart user.

Abstract: A caster brake assembly simultaneously brakes separate caster wheels, one swiveling and one non-swiveling, of a movable caster-wheel supported article. It includes a bracket mounted to the bottom of the article, a longitudingal frame assembly vertically slidably mounted to the bracket, brake shoes mounted at the ends of the frame assembly, and a cam member pivotably mounted to the frame assembly and operable against the bracket to force the frame assembly downward relative to the bracket and to brakingly engage the brake shoes against the wheels.

Abstract: A child's foot-assisted scooterlike locomotion device is provided which is adapted for use with wheels on improved hard surfaces and for use with skids for use on snow-covered surfaces. Turning of the device is accomplished, irrespective of whether the device is equipped with wheels or skids, by a shift of weight on the device in the direction in which turning is to occur.

Abstract: In order to immobilize the small rear wheels of a motorized chair during transit of the chair and occupant in a van or other conveyance, the chair is backed into the device and a lever is shifted by the occupant. The lever is connected to a linkage train including an overcenter toggle linkage and a pair of arcuate wheel clamping plates spaced apart to overlie the rear wheels. In one position of the lever, the plates clamp down on the wheels and lock the wheels in place. In the other position of the lever, the wheels are disengaged and allow the chair to move out.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for mounting a brake shoe (2) at a wheel (8) which is to be braked by the brake shoe (2), and for switching the brake shoe from a braking position to a release position, a lever (1) being mounted on a frame portion (7) in order to be pivotal about a mounting shaft (6) and carrying the brake shoe at its other end. A further arm (9) is moreover pivotal about the shaft (6) and carries a crank (10) at its opposing end, whose proximal end in relation to the brake shoe (2) is spring-connected to the lever (1), while the opposing end is connected to an operating member for the desired switching of the brake shoe (2).

Abstract: A wheel stopping device for a baby carriage has a a pair of base members secured to the rear legs for rotatably supporting the rear wheels. A lever support (5) is journalled at (6) to at least one base member. A brake operating lever (7) is journalled at (8) to the lever support and at (10) to a brake rod (11) extending between and connected to the pair of base members. Each end of the brake rod is connected to its base member and the brake rod is so bent as to when the brake operating lever is activated. When the operating portion of the lever is stepped on, the journal points (6, 8, 10) lie substantially in a line for providing a self-locking toggle type action pressing the brake rod strongly against the rear wheel rims to thereby inhibit the rotation of the rear wheel.

Abstract: A readily releasable parking brake for a bicycle includes a housing to be secured to the underside of the down tube of a bicycle frame, and a generally U-shaped spring wire form which has the ends of its leg portions received in a recess in the housing and turned out for pivotal mounting in a pair of aligned holes in the side walls of the housing providing for movement of the wire form through approximately 90.degree. between the back and bottom walls of the recess. Aligned grooves in the side walls of the housing adjacent their junctions with the back and bottom walls of the recess act as keepers for the legs of the wire form, and the head of the screw by which the housing is mounted on a bicycle is proportioned to spread the form legs into interfitting relation with these grooves, so that engagement and disengagement of the spring form with respect to these grooves is with a snap action.

Abstract: There is described a connecting assembly for a light weight vehicle having mutually engageable hook and latch portions wherein the hook portion comprises engaging hooks to engage and lift the latch means, the engaging portion further including a shoulder to cause the subsequent disengagement of the latch and engaging portions, support hooks to receive the latch portion upon its disengagement from the engagement hooks, and a levered handle actuatable to cause disengagement of the latch portion from the support hooks.

Abstract: A braking arrangement adapted for use in connection with a rollable cart employed in commercial airplanes includes a longitudinal base plate, which has relatively narrow end portions of a predetermined width, and two roller pairs mounted on the base plate. At least one brake mechanism is mounted on the base plate, and acts on a corresponding roller pair. The brake mechanism includes a brake rod in parallel with an axle of the roller pair, a mounting plate for the brake rod located between the rollers, which has a recess on its lower side, and a rotary disc mounted within the recess of the mounting plate, which, in turn, has a downwardly projecting portion provided with two entrainment lugs. A guide for the brake rod is mounted on the mounting plate for restraining lateral movement of the brake rod, while permitting a movement of it along a substantially vertical direction.

Abstract: There is described a connecting assembly for a light weight vehicle having mutually engageable hook and latch portions wherein the hook portion comprises engaging hooks to engage and lift the latch means, the engaging portion further including a shoulder to cause the subsequent disengagement of the latch and engaging portions, support hooks to receive the latch portion upon its disengagement from the engagement hooks, and a levered handle actuatable to cause displacement of the latch portion from the support hooks.

Abstract: In a pallet lift truck having a base, an upright axle shaft, a wheel fork and a transverse axle mounting a pair of spaced resilient wheels, and a normally upright steering handle pivoted at one end to the base. A mechanical brake assembly comprises a brake housing with downwardly opening slots positionable over and removably mounted upon the axle between the wheels. An upright brake arm extends into and is pivotally mounted upon the brake housing and includes a brake bar projecting therefrom overlying and spaced from the wheels and normally biased to an inoperative position. A brake actuator boss upon the steering handle on downward pivoting thereof operatively engages the brake arm moving the brake bar into operative compressive frictional engagement with the wheels.

Abstract: A wheel is rotatably journalled in a supporting fork which is swivable about a substantially vertical axis. A disc is freely mounted over the wheel in a manner to straddle the fork substantially concentric with the vertical axis. The disc is provided with a brake shoe, centrally of its lower surface, in opposition to the surface of the wheel and the disc is movable, by a lever, operated by a pedal or manual assembly, into contact with the wheel.

Abstract: A universal spreader comprising a hopper; a cable by which the speading of fertilizer/chemical/seed/pesticide/etc., in the hopper may be inititated or terminated; a rotatable, driven agitator which distributes and controls the amount of the fertilizer; an adjustable width drive for the agitator; a series of moveable fertilizer delivery tubes or "fingers" for delivering the fertiziler from the hopper to the ground which allows spreader to be fit on lawnmowers of most sizes with handles of different and varied configurations; and a guide securing device which also assists in spreading the fertilizer from the "fingers" while also serving to provide a base for anchoring and adjusting the width of the "fingers" to coincide with the swath of the lawn cut by the blades of the mower.

Abstract: An agricultural machine has at least one movable tool, such as a cultivating rotor, mower or raking member, spreader disc, or other driven member such as a tractor wheel or freely rotatable roller, which parts are interrupted in movement by a protective mechanism. The mechanism can be a pawl device associated with an overload coupling in the drive train that is actuated by a mechanical or electrical monitor to overload the device. The monitor can be a pivoted cover that partly overlies a rear roller or space adjacent same with projections that intercept the roller or a trip bar with contacts that opens or closes a circuit in a system that interrupts the drive to the moving parts responsive to contact with an external object. In another variation, the circuit can have sensors such as infrared or photoelectric cells to detect the presence or lack of presence of a human operator and these sensors can be placed in a tractor cab.

Abstract: A variable, easily actuated braking system for roller skates. A fixture carrying a hinged brake pad support is mounted on a conventional roller skate with the pads movable between a spring-assisted disengaged position and a sleeve and cable actuated engaged position. The cable is attached to the hinged support and the sleeve end to the fixture. Inner and outer actuator rings are attached to the other ends of the cable and sleeve, respectively. When the sides of the rings away from the attachment points are manually squeezed together, the pads are brought into braking engagement with the wheels. Strap means are provided for holding the ring actuators in easily reached positions along the outer upper thighs of the wearer. A self-aligning attachment is provided between the cable end and the brake pads to assure uniform, even braking.

Abstract: An improved system for actuating wheel engaging ring brakes for a hospital stretcher, bed, or the like. The brake includes an elongated rotational member extending longitudinally along the stretcher to actuate pivot arms adjacent one front wheel and one rear wheel to prevent the wheels from rolling. A separate elongated rotational member extends the length of the stretcher and actuates a bullet pin latch to lock a nonbraked wheel against swivel action. Thus, a single nurse can easily push and manipulate the stretcher about a hospital even when loaded with a patient.

Abstract: An improved roller skate braking apparatus for applying frictional braking action to the rear wheels of modern roller skates. Insertable brake linings are held in a brakeshoe that is forced against the rear surface of the rear roller skate wheels by means of fulcrum action when the roller skater applies rearward pressure against an elongated C-shaped applicator that is adjacent to the lower portion of the skater's calf area and that is connected to the remaining brake mechanism by a lever. Upon release of the rearward force by the roller skater on the braking applicator when braking is no longer desired, springs, compressed during braking, extend back to their nominal length forcing the brake shoe and linings away from the rear wheels to automatically terminate the braking action.

Abstract: A wheelchair with two large rear wheels, two swiveling front wheels and an open front has handgrips located vertically above the two rear wheels. A connecting rod pivoted to a handle attached to each of the handgrips extends downward to a plunger slidably located within a sleeve removably connected to the frame. An adjustable arm extends from the plunger through a slot in the sleeve to a position proximate yet not contacting each of the rear wheels. When a lever on the handle and each handgrip are squeezed the lever pivots and forces the rod and plunger downward within the sleeve. The arm on the plunger contacts each wheel and brakes the wheelchair.

Abstract: A brake mechanism for hand operated lift trucks in which two brake shoes are pivotally mounted on the lower end of the handle assembly so that contact between one or the other shoe and the brake drum is accomplished by either upward or downward movement of the handle. The pivotal mounting of the shoes makes them self-adjusting. A spring is used to return the handle to a brake applied position when the handle is released by the operator.

Abstract: A safety apparatus that holds wheelchairs in place as they are being transported in a motorized vehicle such as a van. The apparatus includes a rigid shaft that extends from the floor of the vehicle to several inches above one wheel of the wheelchair. A frame attaches to the shaft and holds it perpendicular to the floor of the vehicle. Also, a collar is provided which slides on the shaft. A yoke, having a rectangular opening that faces the floor of the vehicle, is attached to this collar. In operation, the top portion of one wheel on the wheelchair is placed within the opening of the yoke. A manually operated clamping mechanism stops the collar from sliding on the shaft during transportation of the wheelchair.

Abstract: A stabilizer system for a rear dumping vehicle, which system includes an independently operable stabilizing member mounted on each side of the vehicle chassis. Each stabilizing member is urged downward by the ram of a hydraulic cylinder against the tires of the dump body. Hydraulic control is applied to each hydraulic cylinder through a hydraulic conduit which interconnects the respective cylinders with a source of hydraulic pressure. The hydraulic pressure is applied by opening an electrically actuated valve in each conduit. The valves are preferably controlled by limit switches which are actuated by pendulum means oriented to swing transversely of the vehicle chassis. In one arrangement, a manually operated switch operates the hydraulic valves in the conduits to actuate the rams of both cylinders, thereby substantially fixing the position of the chassis with respect to the wheeled rear axle.

Abstract: A trainer handle and brake for removable attachment to a skateboard comprises a handle strut, a handle bar fastened to one end of the strut, a clamp secured at the other end of the strut for clamping the strut to the front end of a skateboard in upstanding relation thereto, the clamp having an upper jaw extending substantially perpendicular to the strut, a lower jaw underlying the upper jaw, and an actuator for moving the jaws together and apart for securing and releasing the jaws relative to the front end of the skateboard, a pair of brake shoes pivotally supported beneath the lower clamp jaw having ends adapted to overlie the front wheels of the skateboard, a lever arm connected to the brake shoes, a brake handle pivotally supported to the handle strut adjacent the handle bar, and brake operating linkage connecting the brake handle with the lever arm for pivoting the brake shoes against the top of the front wheels when the brake handle is actuated.

Abstract: The present invention is a brake for free-wheeling ground engaging vehicles, in particular skateboards. The brake includes a bracket which can be easily mounted to the bottom surface of the skateboard. Pivotally mounted to the bracket is a lever to which is secured brake shoes. The lever is biased by gravitational force to a first position in which the brake shoes are disengaged from the wheels. The lever is positioned for actuation by the rider of the skateboard such that the lever will be rotated to a second position in which the brake shoes engage the wheels.

Abstract: An improved runnerless roller sled comprises a bed; a longitudinal, laterally flexible support member discontinuously attached to the bed beneath the bed center line; a front pair and a rear pair of roller wheels attached to the front and rear sections, respectively, of the support member; a steering bar attached to the front section of the support member; and a pair of braking means for separately or simultaneously braking the rear pair of roller wheels and comprising pairs of brake levers, brake rods, brake rocker arms and brake shoes.

Abstract: A brake for locking a dolly caster wheel against rotation in either direction; the brake including a pair of parallel, spaced apart jam rollers each of which is carried on a frame, the frame being movable by means of a single push button so to move both rollers selectively in or out of a position wherein the rollers are jammed or wedged between the wheel periphery and a stationary bracket that forms a rigid part of the caster assembly.

Abstract: A skate board vehicle comprising a platform for supporting the user of the vehicle, and including front and rear wheel-and-axle supports in which at least one of the wheel-and-axle supports includes a supporting bearing block reciprocatingly supporting a slide element carrying a pivot pin pivotally mounting a steerable axle-and-wheels, the pivot pin having mounted thereon an axle-support sandwiched between a pair of resilient elements, and a brake assembly incorporating a hairpin-spring type element having braking arms normally urged onto the outer circumference of a pair of spaced wheels, and a coil spring interposed between the slide and an abutment projecting from the undersurface of the skate board vehicle platform, so that the skate board vehicle has shock-absorbing characteristics, is steerable, and the brake assembly is weight-responsive so that when a user's weight is imposed on the platform of the skate board vehicle, the brake is released and the skate board vehicle is used in a conventional manner,

Abstract: A skate board including a body and a pair of trucks located fore and aft with a friction brake pivotally mounted with respect to the board body to bring a pair of brake shoes into engagement with each of two rear wheels of the rear truck. An operator arm extends from the truck upward above the level of the board whereby the foot of the rider may be used to pivot the brake shoes into engagement with one or the other or both of the truck wheels. The brake arm and shoe assembly is pivotal about a transverse horizontal axis to bring the shoes into engagement with the surface of the wheels and likewise is pivotal around a longitudinal axis to selectively engage one or the other of the two wheels for steering. The operator arm may be operated by either the rear foot of the rider or by his hand in certain cases when the rider is crouched upon the board.

Abstract: A brake is provided which is completely separate from the ground wheels of the skateboard. A ground engaging brake wheel is swingably supported relative to the skateboard so that it may be swung into rolling engagement with the ground and with the braking surface. The brake may be cantilevered from the rear end of the skateboard or may be positioned centrally of the skateboard between the two pairs of ground wheels.

Abstract: A skateboard having front and rear wheel assemblies and a control unit coupled with one of the assemblies for applying braking forces to the wheels of said one assembly. The control unit includes a frame having a pair of spaced sides, and means pivotally mounting the frame for movement in a direction permitting the sides to move into braking relationship to the adjacent wheels. A stub shaft extends through the skateboard and is in a position to be depressed by the foot of the user when the frame is to be pivoted to cause the sides thereof to engage the wheels. Several embodiments of the control unit are disclosed.

Abstract: This invention is a method, and apparatus for performing the method, for safety braking of skateboards wherein the method is practiced by the activation of a friction device to one pair of wheels of a skateboard in such manner that one using such a skateboard may bring the board to a controlled stop.

Abstract: A body motion actuated, bicycle seat brake comprises a seat resiliently mounted on the seat tube of a bicycle such that at least the forward end of the mounting member may be deflected downwardly by the action of a rider shifting his weight forwardly relative to the mounting member forward end. A brake member is pivotably mounted at one end thereof to the forward end of the mounting member and is slidably mounted at an intermediate location thereof to at least the seat tube of the bicycle such that the distal end of the brake member is disposed in spaced proximity to the rear wheel when the forward end of the mounting member is in an undeflected position, and is urged into abutting, braking relationship with the rear wheel when the forward end of the mounting member is deflected. The seat may also be slidably mounted on the resilient mounting member.

Abstract: An invalid walker comprises a lightweight, rigid frame having improved steerability derived from a combination of uniquely steerable front casters having upwardly and forwardly slanted swivel shafts together with non-swiveling rear wheels that are independently and separately controlled by separate right and left-hand brakes. Simple, effective brakes for each wheel embody a tubing section held in place solely by a return spring and the hand-operated brake cable.

Abstract: A pair of upright post-like brake shoes extend down through apertures in a skateboard body member in slidable relation directly over a pair of the wheels, and the shoes are secured at their upper ends to a top cross plate arranged to be pushed downwardly by the skateboard operator to move the bottom ends of the shoes into engagement with the surface of the wheels for applying the brakes. A resilient retracting member holds the brake shoes normally above the wheels in a nonbraking position.

Abstract: A cart having a spring biased wheel lock, handle actuated release means for the lock, automatic lock release means actuated by a nested cart, and an intercart coupling means.

Abstract: A skate board wheel brake assembly is shown having a foot activated, resilient brake arm secured near the rear end of a skate board with the arm having a first portion having brake shoes thereon and formed to be in close proximity to the rear wheels of the skate board and a second extended portion having a brake depressor formed at the end thereof, so that downward pressure by the user on the brake depressor causes the brake shoe to apply braking force to the rear wheels of the assembly. In one embodiment, the skate board wheel brake assembly may be mounted to a skate board having conventional wheels mounted thereon. In a second embodiment, the skate board wheel brake assembly includes the rear wheels and is attached to the rear end of a conventional skate board. In a third embodiment, the brake assembly is molded to be integral with the skate board.

Abstract: A material handling vehicle having a deadman brake resiliently suspended from a load receiving receptacle of the vehicle. Brake shoes of the brake normally frictionally engage center wheels of the vehicle and restrain the vehicle from movement. Grasping of a handle of the brakes together with a fixed handle provided on the vehicle cause the brake shoes to disengage from the center wheels and permit free movement of the vehicle.

Abstract: A manually propelled material handling vehicle comprising a vehicle frame, at least one wheel carried by and supporting the frame, and an elongate, rearwardly extending handle bar carried by the frame remote from the wheel and adapted to be gripped by an operator in propelling and guiding the vehicle. Brake means are provided and are responsive to operator resistance to the natural tendency of the vehicle to increase speed and move away from the operator on a decline for controlling the speed of the vehicle in such manner that the operator may maintain the vehicle under control at all times. The brake means comprises a brake operatively associated with the wheel for applying a braking force thereto and actuating means operatively associated with the handle bar. The actuating means is responsive to operator resistance to an increase of speed of the vehicle on a decline for controlling the application of braking force to the wheel.

Abstract: A universal spreader comprising a hopper; a cable by which the speading of fertilizer/chemical/seed/pesticide/etc., in the hopper may be initiated or terminated; a rotatable, driven agitator which distributes and controls the amount of the fertilizer; an adjustable width drive for the agitator; a series of moveable fertilizer delivery tubes or "fingers" for delivering the fertilizer from the hopper to the ground which allows spreader to be fit on lawnmowers of most sizes with handles of different and varied configurations; and a guide securing device which also assists in spreading the fertilizer from the "fingers" while also serving to provide a base for anchoring and adjusting the width of the "fingers" to coincide with the swath of the lawn cut by the blades of the mower.