Abstract: In a bicycle frame of the type wherein front and rear portions of the frame are connected together by a flexible spring member, the spring includes at least two laterally spaced, elongated rods extending between opposed mounting blocks in the front and rear portions of the frame, with the ends of the rods being held in the mounting blocks by a clamping mechanism that can be released to permit removal and replacement of the spring members when desired. A replaceable wire management tube is attached to the side of the crossbar of the bike by adhesive tape and extends at least a portion of the length of the crossbar. The bicycle frame can incorporate a folding mechanism that permits the front and rear portions of the bike to be folded together for easy portability of the bike.

Abstract: A spindle assembly for a rotary mower comprises a spindle that is drivingly connected between an output shaft of a hydraulic motor or other rotary power source and a horizontal blade assembly, and a spindle housing that rotatably supports the spindle for rotation and thrust loads. The spindle is formed from conventional steel rod stock and is machined to produce an upper end of reduced diameter. An impeller and thrust washer fits on the narrower upper end of the spindle and is held in place by a tapered snap ring that fits in a tapered groove in the spindle. In at least one embodiment, radial grooves on the washer facilitate oil flow and assist to impel or pump oil or hydraulic fluid outwardly as the washer rotates. In various embodiments, case drain oil pressure or oil pressure produced by the washer causes oil flow over the spindle assembly bearing surfaces. The spindle assembly can include an oil leak detection passageway.

Abstract: A fifth wheel helper is adapted to be inserted underneath a fifth wheel hitch plate to hold it in a horizontal position so that the truck can be pulled forward after the king pin of the trailer has been trapped behind the fifth wheel. The fifth wheel helper comprises a solid piece of material having a tapered first end and a flat second end and an indentation on an underside thereof for engaging a truck frame rail to hold the fifth wheel helper underneath the hitch plate. A safety bolt is provided for locking the fifth wheel helper on the truck frame rail.

Abstract: A game involving simultaneous moves by opposing players comprises a game board having separate lanes extending in discreet steps from starting positions to ending positions. Player controlled linked gates control movement along the lanes. Players simultaneously select lanes and gate positions and then move through all open gates in the selected lane. Each time a player reaches the ending position, he scores a point and starts over. A predetermined total score wins the game.

Abstract: A modular furniture system has a number of variously configured work surfaces, a number of variously configured support members, variously configured hutch units, and a number of couplers. At least two support members and a work surface are arranged and coupled together to construct a work station. The work surfaces have at least three sides with at least two of the sides being adapted to releasably couple with one of the support members. The support members may include leg supports and storage cabinet supports, each of which are adapted to couple with and support a work surface above a floor. The hutches are adapted to removably rest upon a work surface or a storage cabinet support member. Further, the hutches, the work surfaces, and the support members may be provided with cable passages to facilitate use of electronic equipment at a work station.

Abstract: A golf ball marking guide has opposing first and second body portions. Each body portion has opposing front and back ends and opposing top and bottom edges. The body portions also have a drawing slot positioned between the opposing top and bottom edges and extending at least partially between the front and back ends. The body portions also have generally spherical concave inner surfaces. A tab extends from the front of the first body portion in a direction generally away from the body portion back. Another tab extends from the front of the second body portion in a direction generally away from the body portion back. A connector is provided at the back of the first body portion. A cooperating connector is also provided at the back of the second body portion. The two connectors are coupled, one with the other, whereby the two body portions are aligned with each other, their inner surfaces face each other and define a spherical frustum, and the two tabs are aligned with each other.

Abstract: A movable scaffolding for painting or otherwise servicing the sides of a cylindrical tank or like structure comprises a remote controlled, powered truck that is positioned adjacent a peripheral edge of the tank and directed for circular movement around the tank. A tether connects the truck to the tank and constrains the truck to movement in a circular path around the vertical axis of the tank. A vertically raisable platform is attached to an outer side of the truck for vertical movement along outer sides of the tank. In one aspect of the invention, the truck comprises a radially oriented beam, with at least one and preferably two longitudinally spaced wheels rotatably mounted on radially oriented axles.

Abstract: A sailboat spar track cleaner for cleaning a sail track on a mast or other spar comprises a U-shaped housing that fits over the track, with adjustable track cleaners having abrasive contact surfaces extending inwardly from the sides of the housing into contact with the track. An adjustable spacer attached to a back of the U-shaped housing bears against the track and controls the position of the housing so that the track cleaning elements are properly aligned with grooves in the track. The track cleaner is mountable on a track in a sailboat and movable along the length of the track using conventional lines, such as the halyard and a downhaul in the case of a mast.

Abstract: A support hose applicator and method for applying and removing elastic tubular material from a limb of a patient comprises a resiliently expandable support ring having rotatable sidewalls, and a mandrel with elongated sidewalls on which the support ring fits. The hose or tubular material is applied to a patient by first pulling an open end of the hose over the mandrel. The support ring is then placed over the hose and mandrel. The hose is then rolled onto the support ring as the support ring is rolled along the mandrel. The hose is applied to a patient by rolling the support ring along the limb of the patient while holding a free end of the hose in place. The support ring comprises a plurality of ring segments rotatably mounted on a resiliently expandable band that is expandable to make the ring larger.

Abstract: A quick adjustment mechanism for a seat back recliner operated by a lead screw, which is appropriate for use in a restraint safety seat, wherein the recliner comprises pivotally connected upper and lower body members connected respectively to back frame and seat frame portions of the seat. Seat inclination is controlled by a screw drive mechanism having axially spaced fixed and traveling pinions attached to the lower and upper body members. The recliner includes a quick adjustment mechanism wherein the fixed pinion is mounted in a multiple position quick adjustment slot in the body member. The slot desirably has a downwardly facing U-shaped configuration. A mounting pin on the fixed pinion fits in the U-shaped slot. Quick adjustment of inclination is achieved by moving the pin from one slot to the other without disengaging the screw drive.

Abstract: A test fixture for rapidly checking the measurements of identical parts at various points on the parts comprises a mounting mechanism for mounting the part securely in a predetermined position; a rail or track defining a guide path that extends past selected points on the part; a car that is positioned on the guide path for movement past the selected points on the part; and an indicator mounted on the car for detecting the position of selected points on the part relative to selected locations on the guide path.

Abstract: A collapsible cargo container is useful in combination with a cargo compartment or the like of a vehicle, which a cargo floor upon which cargo is carried, a first wall extending generally upward from the cargo floor, a second wall extending generally upward from the cargo floor, and a corner that is defined by an intersection of the first and the second walls. The cargo container comprises a first partition, a second partition, and a pivot that interconnects the first and second partitions. The first partition has a first end and an opposing second end, with the first end hingedly connected with the cargo compartment, so the first partition hinges between an open position in which the first partition extends generally away from the first wall, and a closed position in which the first partition extends generally along the first wall from the first end to the second end toward the corner.

Abstract: An energy absorbing device is formed of natural or synthetic resin material or composite material, wherein energy absorption is provided by a plurality of cup-shaped cells having a thin-walled construction with a circular cross section. The absorber is useful for automotive bumper impact and also for other applications, including automotive padding and general cushion applications.

Abstract: A push-back storage rack comprises a frame defining at least one storage bay having a depth sufficient to accommodate a plurality of separate storage units; and a track-mounted carriage assembly mounted in the bay. The carriage assembly comprises at least two articulated carts connected together end-to-end for pivotal movement about a transverse horizontal axis. The carts ride on a track that has an upper track section, a lower track section, and an arcuate front section that joins the upper and lower track sections. The track guides the carts for movement between the front and the rear of the bay on the upper track section and directs the carts downwardly and then rearwardly on the lower track section in an inverted position as the carts move forwardly at the front end of the upper track section. The carts are thus stored underneath the upper track section and are brought upwardly to the upper track section as the carts are filled and moved rearwardly in the upper track section.

Abstract: A furniture unit comprises a closed-front credenza that folds out to form an L-shaped desk. The unit comprises a stationary desk having a partially open front, with a kneehole opening forming at least a portion of the open front. A moveable return pivotally mounted at on one side of the desk comprises a vertical face panel and a work surface mounted at a rear side of the face panel. The return is pivotal between a closed position, wherein the face panel covers the open portion of the front of the desk and the return work surface is concealed behind the face panel, and an open position, wherein the face panel is pivoted outward from the front of the desk, exposing the kneehole opening in the desk. The return work surface extends forward from the desk alongside the kneehole opening when the return is opened. The face panel is configured so as to create the impression that the furniture unit is a credenza with no kneehole opening when the return is closed.

Abstract: A computer cabinet with extending light has a front and an opposing back. The computer cabinet includes opposing first and second side panels, a door, a first drawer, a second drawer, and a lamp. The first and second side panels are spaced apart from and generally parallel with one another, and further extend generally vertically upward from a supporting floor. The first drawer is slidably connected with one of the first and second side panels, whereby the first drawer slides between extended and retracted positions. The first drawer extends out the front of the computer cabinet in the extended position and is retracted into the computer cabinet in the retracted position. The first drawer also has a drawer front. The second drawer is slidably connected with the first drawer, whereby the second drawer slides between extended and retracted positions. The second drawer extends out the front of the first drawer in the extended position and is retracted into the first drawer in the retracted position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vacuum cleaner operable in an on-floor mode and an above-floor mode. The filtration system of the vacuum cleaner is selectively fluidly connected to a brush housing directed toward the floor for the on-floor mode and, in an alternative orientation, selectively fluidly connected to an auxiliary hose for the above-floor mode. The auxiliary hose is stored in its entirety within the hollow tube of an upright handle, the upright handle being pivotally connected to a base of the vacuum cleaner and the hollow tube being removably connected to the pivotal connection for use as a wand in the above-floor mode. The vacuum cleaner includes vacuum and brush motors that are selectively activated in accordance with the position of the upright handle, the vacuum and brush motors being activated the on-floor mode and the vacuum motor alone being activated in the above-floor mode.