Abstract: A watercraft propulsion system has a driveshaft, an impeller or a propeller, an overrunning clutch, an electric motor and an internal combustion engine. The overrunning clutch has a first race and a second race. The first race is one of an inner race and an outer race. The second race is an other one of the inner race and the outer race. The first race is connected to the driveshaft for driving the driveshaft. The electric motor has a motor output shaft operatively connected to the first race. The internal combustion engine has an engine output shaft operatively connected to the second race. The overrunning clutch is connected to the motor output shaft and the engine output shaft such that the electric motor is able to selectively rotate the first race at a higher speed than the second race. A watercraft having the propulsion system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A tractor steer-by-braking pedal arrangement. The pedal arrangement has a central brake pedal connected on one side to a right side pedal, and on the other side to a left side pedal. The central brake pedal acts on a brake system to produce the desired braking action. Each of the two side pedals when foot-operated by the driver, generates an activating signal to activate an electronic brake system, which only activates the brake required to steer-by-braking in the desired direction.

Abstract: A tractor braking system (10) having independent brake circuits (L,R) for each of a left and a right wheel is provided. Each circuit is activated by a respective brake pedal (16,17). The system comprises a releasable locking mechanism (25) to lock the two pedals together and sensors (50) to detect depression of the respective pedals (16,17). In response to a detection of only one pedal being depressed, warning means are provided to indicate to a driver that the pedals are in an unlocked state. A sensing of simultaneous depression of the pedals may be used to indicate that the pedals are in a locked state.

Abstract: A land sail-propelled vehicle includes a one-piece molded body defining a seat in a top surface thereof. At least one tubular rear axle guide is bonded to, or molded into, a rear portion of the body. A rear axle assembly, including at least one rear axle, is removably insertable into the at least one rear axle guide. A tubular port is bonded to, or molded into, a front portion of the body. A steering assembly is removably insertable into the port. Tires, ice blades, or the like are attachable to the ends of the rear axle assembly and steering assembly so as to engage an underlying solid surface. A sail assembly is detachably connected to the steering assembly to propel the vehicle.

Abstract: A drive device for an industrial truck includes a pivoted bolster rotatable around a vertical axis (V), two drive wheels (4, 5) mounted on the pivoted bolster and a device located axially between the drive wheels (4, 5) to generate a differential action between the drive wheels (4, 5). A vertically oriented motor (6) can be provided above the drive wheels (4, 5) and a mechanical differential (7) can be coupled with the motor (6) and the drive wheels (4, 5). Alternatively, each drive wheel (4 or 5) can be coupled with its own motor (8 or 9). Alternatively still, a double rotor electric motor (10) having two rotors (10c, 10d) and a common stator (10b) can be located between the drive wheels (4 or 5) and coupled with a neighboring drive wheel (4 or 5).

Abstract: The following invention is directed to a pedal powered two wheel scooter. The invention discloses a scooter having a steerable front wheel assembly, a rear wheel assembly and a frame linking the front and rear wheel assemblies. The scooter has a drive mechanism comprising front and back crankshafts rotatably attached to the frame and attached to left and right pedals. The front crankshaft transmits power to the rear wheel by means of a front sprocket gear, a continuous chain and a rear sprocket gear. In another embodiment the drive mechanism comprises a front crankshaft rotatably attached to the frame that is also attached to the right and left pedals by means of a freewheel ratchet mechanism with the other end of the right and left pedals attaching to a see-saw bar that pivotally engages the frame in a position between the left and right pedals.

Abstract: A steering assist apparatus, a vehicle using the steering assist apparatus and a method for steering are provided. The steering assist apparatus assists a rider with steering a vehicle, such as a motorcycle or trike. The feet and/or legs of the rider are used as an assist to effect movement of handlebars normally controlled only by the hands and/or arms of the rider. The steering assist apparatus may reduce the amount of work required to steer the vehicle.

Abstract: An exercising cart structure. The structure includes a cart body, a front wheel steering unit, a driving wheel unit, a chain and a rear wheel unit. The front wheel steering unit is installed on a front section of the cart body. The driving wheel unit is installed on a middle section of the cart body. The rear wheel unit is mounted on a rear section of the cart body. The rear wheel unit via the chain is drivingly connected to the driving wheel unit. The driving sprocket of the driving wheel unit and the transmissions gears are mounted on the main and subsidiary supporting racks of the cart body. The chain is connected between the driving sprocket and the driven sprocket of the rear wheel unit.

Abstract: A foot driven vehicle utilizing a platform. The platform is motivated on a surface utilizing a foot pedal connected to a crank. The crank further includes an endless surface which is linked to a first wheel supported directly to the bottom of the platform. An element which is engageable by a foot or gripable by a hand, is linked to a second wheel supported by the bottom of the platform. The element is movable to turn the second wheel for the purposes of steering. A brake is also included in the present invention for arresting the turning of the first and/or second wheels. The brake includes a flange which is also operated by the foot of the user. A ratchet may also be used in the first wheel to bias rotation of the same.

Abstract: A foot driven vehicle utilizing a platform. The platform is motivated on a surface utilizing a foot pedal connected to a crank. The crank further includes an endless surface which is linked to a first wheel supported to the bottom of the platform. An element which is engagable by a foot, is linked to a second wheel supported by the bottom of the platform. The element is movable to turn the second wheel for the purposes of steering. A brake is also included in the present invention for arresting the turning of the first and/or second wheels. The brake includes a flange which is also operated by the foot of the user. A ratchet may also be used in the first wheel to bias rotation of the same.

Abstract: A foot driven vehicle utilizing a platform. The platform is motivated on a surface utilizing a foot pedal connected to a crank. The crank further includes an endless surface which is linked to a first wheel supported to the bottom of the platform. An element which is engageable by a foot, is linked to a second wheel supported by the bottom of the platform. The element is movable to turn the second wheel for the purposes of steering. A brake is also included in the present invention for arresting the turning of the first and/or second wheels. The brake includes a flange which is also operated by the foot of the user.

Abstract: A human-powered vehicle includes a folding front axle with front wheels, at least one rear wheel, and rear castors. The vehicle may stand upright on the castors and the rear wheel in order to reduce the parking area. The vehicle driver reciprocates a manual lever to drive the rear wheel through a roller chain which runs from the lever to a tensioning means through a free-wheel hub on a rear wheel shaft. The driver's feet are used to steer by pushing against the front axle assembly. The front axle assembly has two half-axles and a central member to which they are hinged. The assembly is locked into a rigid configuration for running the vehicle, and when unlocked, the half-axles and the central member fold up into the shape of an "N" to reduce the axle length. The combination of standing upright and folded axle make the parked "footprint" very small.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for propelling a bicycle. In a preferred embodiment a crank and a sprocket are included which are rotatable relative to one another and have a common center of rotation. A guide fixedly attached to the sprocket constrains a sliding member having a hole through which an arm of the crank passes, such that rotation of the crank relative to the sprocket urges the sliding member along the guide. A compression spring disposed between a shoulder on the guide and the sliding member is compressed as the sliding member is urged along the guide. Hence, during a power stroke, an applied force on the crank causes the crank to advance rotationally ahead of the sprocket position during the first half of the stroke, urging the sliding member along the guide and compressing the spring. The spring stores the work of compression during the first half of the stroke as potential energy. During the second half of the stroke the spring releases the stored potential energy to the sprocket.

Abstract: A chain-propelled vehicle is driven forward by pulling a spring-biased lever to which the chain is attached. The vehicle is steered by feet of an operator and has a steering-box geometry which imparts camber to a rear wheel when the vehicle negotiates a turn.

Abstract: A non-motorized cart for carrying a rider who supplies propelling energy for the cart, including: a frame having an H-shaped form, a front end and a rear end; two front wheels and two rear wheels; a crank mechanism connected to the rear wheels for rotating the rear wheels in response to energy supplied by the rider; front wheel support members connecting the front wheels to the front end of the frame for pivotal movement in order to steer the cart; and a steering mechanism for steering the front wheels, including a steering lever pivotally mounted to the frame and having control members located to be engaged by the feet of the rider, and steering rods connected between the steering lever and the front wheel support members for pivoting the front wheels in response to pivoting movement of the steering lever.

Abstract: A wheeled land vehicle propelled by a rowing or sculling motion of a rowing member pivotally extending from the frame thereof which is in operative connection with the rear drive wheel. Front wheels are journalled from each side of the frame and are steeringly connected to each other and operatively connected to foot pedals mounted on the frame.

Abstract: A self-propelled wheeled wagon having cargo and seat sections. The user transmits a reciprocating movement, through a propelling mechanism, to the on of the rear wheel. The steering is achieved by directly moving the pivoting front wheels axle with the user's feet. The front wheels axle is provided with an axle stopper mechanism that prevents the axle from moving beyond a predetermined angle thereby minimizing the probability of injuring the user.

Abstract: This invention provides a tricycle having a simple frame that is shaped to provide an efficient low profile, lever actuation, which is adapted to be hand-operated for enjoyable, interesting and efficient training purposes, including efficient propulsion, and interesting and enjoyable arm-hand training and coordination. The frame also has low profile steering from a sitting or leg-outstretched position, which is comfortable, provides a low center of gravity and enhances the efficiency, enjoyment, training and coordination provided by the hand-operation. Still further, the frame is shaped to provide a strong, simple and effective coupling system for connecting more than one tricycle in a train for purposes of education, enjoyment, efficiency, training and coordination.

Abstract: An exercise tricycle comprises a rear wheel, a one-way forward wheel, a front steering wheel and a brake mechanism which together provide the user with excellent exercise results. One of the user's feet is placed on the front wheel pedal, while the other foot is placed on the pedal between the two rear wheels. The user's two hands may pull two ropes to actuate the one-way forward wheel to drive the spindle and the rear wheels to cause the tricycle to move forwards. Steering and brake functions are performed by operating the front pedal assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a sailing vehicle with a collapsible frame comprising two longitudinal supports, a plurality of identically constructed transverse struts detachably connected to the longitudinal supports, at least one sail mast, at least one seat, two rear moving elements, and one forward moving element, the latter being steerable via a steering suspension, and a cross arm which is detachably connected to the rear end of the longitudinal supports. The mast, the seat, the forward moving element, and the steering suspension are supported by separate ones of the transverse struts and at least the transverse strut supporting the seat is connected to the longitudinal supports for adjustment lengthwise thereof.

Abstract: A wheelchair having a turntable rotatably mounted on one footrest thereof. The turntable is operatively connected to the mounting fork of a steering caster by means of an extended link and a lever bar whereby rotational movement of the turntable by the foot of the chair occupant will cause a change in the direction of movement of the chair. An adjustable stop means is arranged to act against the link to prevent the chair from moving into an uncontrollable position and further acts to prevent the mechanism from unduly twisting the occupant's leg in the event the steering caster strikes an obstruction or the like.

Abstract: A steering system for a personnel carrier of a relatively slow moving type, useful for carrying farmers through grain fields performing manual weed-removal functions. The steering system utilizes a foot movable pallet conveniently positioned for engagement by feet of a seated, carried person. Drive cables from a shaft supporting the pallet to anchor positions connecting with the carrier frame are provided so that turning the pallet may turn a steerable wheel or wheels of the carrier.

Abstract: The disclosure is of a sporting vehicle which is the combination of a frame mounted on at least three ground wheels two of which are steerable, a driving engine on the frame, a foot board tiltable about a transverse axis for controlling the speed of the engine and also tiltable about a longitudinal axis for steering the steerable wheels.

Abstract: A two wheeled, rider propelled vehicle having both wheels pivotably mounted upon a medial principal frame. The pivotable rear wheel frame supports pedal mechanism propelling the rear wheel and may be steered by the feet of the user. Mechanical biasing means communicate between the pivotable rear wheel frame and main frame to bias motion and a latching mechanism allows fixed positioning of the two members. A vertically adjustable seat is fixedly carried by the principal frame and the forward portion of the vehicle provides a traditional manually steerable, pivotably mounted front wheel frame.