Abstract: A wheelchair frame assembly and method including a plurality of hollow frame members (22-26, 28, 29, 31) connected together at joints and having a configuration suitable for use as a wheelchair frame (21). Selected ones of the frame members (23, 24) are formed with bracket mounting sites designed to accommodate bracket mounting clamping assemblies (49, 56) that will not crush the tubular frame members (23, 24). At one bracket mounting site (62), a clamping assembly (49) includes a fastener assembly (73) with a force limiting element (74) that prevents over-clamping of the hollow frame member (23). At another clamping site, a groove (91) is provided which cooperates with a locking pin (108) in the clamping assembly (56) to resist rotation of the clamping assembly (56) about the frame member (24) without the need to create high transverse clamping forces.

Abstract: On a sprung bicycle (10), provision is made for a rear wheel (26) of the bicycle (10) to be mounted by way of a knee lever (34). A spring mechanism (42) is articulated to the knee lever (34) and exhibits an inhibiting device (50). The locking device (50) is actuated by way of a driving-force sensor (52), which permits automatic locking as increasing force is exerted on the pedals.

Abstract: A user-propelled vehicle has a wheelchair embodiment and a three-wheeled skateboard embodiment. In the wheelchair embodiment, a foldable frame has a seat for supporting the user and a propulsor movably attached to the frame for allowing the user to pump the propulsor. The propulsor is engaged with both rear wheels of the wheelchair through independent ratchet-clutch mechanisms for permitting torque to be transferred to one or both wheels when the propulsor is pumped to propel and steer the wheelchair. In the three-wheeled skateboard embodiment, a frame has two wheels mounted in tandem near the front of the frame and a third wheel mounted on the centerline of the frame behind the front wheels. Two pedals are hingedly mounted side-by-side on the frame and are ratchetably engaged with the rear wheel. Each pedal is movable between a thrust position, wherein the front portion of the pedal is raised from the frame, and a rest position, wherein the pedal is flush with the frame.

Abstract: The invention concerns an off-highway motor vehicle for paraplegic handicapped persons. It comprises a frame (1) whose base (1') has a U shape open towards the front, the paraplegic sitting on his wheelchair (3) being installed between the branches of the frame. The branches of the U are extended by two box plate girders (2) rotary-joined onto the frame and each including two wheels (8). The vehicle comprises a tubular frame (4) cooperating with two shoes (5) for embarking, disembarking, and storing away the wheelchair. The frame and shoes are rotary-joined (B,C) to the frame and interconnected by a rocker bar (6). A kinematic chain transmits the movement of the drive train (7) to four driving wheels (8). The controls of the drive train and of the vehicle are provided on the frame (4).

Abstract: A travel restricting device for use with a wheelchair of the type having a frame, a seat attached to the frame and wheels mounted for rotation on opposite sides of the frame. The device includes arms having longitudinally opposing outer ends, and hooks at the outer ends of the arms for engaging the wheels. The arms can be extended to move the hooks away from each other or retracted to move the hooks toward each other. A spring biasing the arms toward a retracted position secures the hooks in the wheels such that the device is supported by the wheels for movement with the wheels. The device as secured to the wheels engages the frame upon rotation of the wheels in a first direction for restricting travel of the wheelchair in the first direction and engages the surface supporting the wheelchair upon rotation of the wheels in a second direction for restricting travel of the wheelchair in a second direction.

Abstract: An exercise trailer for a handicapped person comprising a two-wheel bicycle trailer for towing behind a bicycle with one of the bicycle wheels driving a crank with pedals and stirrups to which the user's feet are attached. The rotation of the bicycle drive wheel as the two-wheel bicycle trailer is towed behind a bicycle rotates the crank to thereby forcibly exercises the person's legs while he or she is riding in the bicycle trailer.

Abstract: A steering wheel position compensator of a fully hydraulic steering device for working vehicle, etc.

Abstract: The tractor mounts a passive damping constraint system and a fifth wheel brake between the fifth wheel and tractor frame. The fifth wheel is secured to the trailer for rotation therewith relative to the tractor. The constraint system passively resists rotary movement of the trailer and tractor about the kingpin. Upon reaching a predetermined angular relation indicative of a jackknife condition, the fifth wheel brake system is actuated and the driver alerted. Upon manual braking, the fifth wheel brake and passive damping constraint systems are deactuated. Where hard braking is required, the fifth wheel braking system is again activated to assist the driver to prevent the jackknife condition. The fifth wheel braking and passive damping constraint systems are deactivated upon actuation of the turn signals.

Abstract: A front fender mount for a motorcycle, having a fork and double struts, which maintains the fender at a constant spacing from the wheel axle regardless of the movement of the fork and struts relative to the axle. The mount includes a bracket fixed to the fender, one linkage pivotally interconnecting the bracket and the fork, and another linkage pivotally interconnecting the bracket and the struts. A brake caliper mounting interconnects the bracket and the motorcycle wheel axle.

Abstract: In a hybrid vehicle in which the front or rear set of wheels is driven by an engine (7) and the other set of wheels is driven by a motor (8), a traveling mode deciding unit (4) is provided with a table for deciding engine throttle opening and motor output, with driving force being distributed in accordance with the engine throttle opening and motor output decided by referring to the table. The table decides the traveling mode based on signals from a detector (2) which detects the remaining life of a battery, a vehicle velocity sensor (1) and an accelerator opening sensor (3). By deciding the traveling mode using such a table, it is possible to distribute driving efficiently in dependence upon the remaining life of the battery.

Abstract: A load extension axle assembly for extending the load distribution of a tractor-trailer includes a load transfer beam with a front end connected by a horizontal trunnion to the trailer chassis and a rear end carried on a tag axle to trail behind the trailer. The trunnion is fixed to the trailer chassis above and between the tandem axle of the trailer. A first log bunk mounted on the tractor supports the front portion of a load of logs. A second bunk mounted on the load transfer beam between the trunnion and the tag axle supports a rear portion of the load. A vertical pivot in the load transfer beam aft of the second log bunk allows the tag axle to swing relative to the trunnion independently of the load to track behind the tandem axle during turns. A sliding sleeve arrangement between the pivot and the tag axle enables adjusting the length of the load transfer beam. A clamp and actuator coupled to the brake system enables the driver to extend or retract the beam.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pair of truck trailers, the first of which mounts on the fifth wheel of a pull-truck and has a single axle at the rear end and the second of which has a front axle and a rear axle and connects to the rear of the first trailer. Each of the pair of trailers is convertible from a flat-bed configuration for hauling units of finished lumber into a gondola configuration for hauling wood chips. Each trailer has a body consisting of a pair of upstanding, oppositely disposed sidewalls which are hinge mounted in a frame on the trailers and move from a vertical position forming the sides of a gondola body to a flat-bed condition wherein the sidewalls pivot upwardly into an over-lapped horizontal condition and form a flat-bed body with a top over the flat-bed.

Abstract: In a four-wheel-drive motor vehicle of transversely-disposed engine type, an engine and a transmission are disposed so as to be longitudinally offset from each other and to locate a gravitational center thereof in a rearward position of an axle of front wheels, and in addition an output shaft of the transmission and a center differential are disposed coaxially. With this arrangement, imbalanced weight distribution of the vehicle body on front wheels can be corrected, and a longitudinally-compact layout of the power transmission device can be obtained. Further, a height of a bonnet can be lowered.

Abstract: A boat trailer having elongated bunk units for engagement with a portion of the hull of a boat, the bunk members rockable about a normally horizontal axis longitudinally of the boat for automatic nesting engagement with the boat hull, accommodating the improved hull engaging bunk units for a variety of various designed craft hulls.

Abstract: A bicycle wherein at least one portion of the tubular frame is constructed as an air pump portion (1) with an air outlet (4) in the front part of the air pump portion, and in which there is an air piston (5) on an air piston rod (6) which ends in a pump handle (7) disposed outside the air pump portion (1).

Abstract: An improved tow bar assembly and attaching system for use of heavy vehicles eighing in excess of 50 tons. The invention reduces shock to the two bar assembly though a hook and loop attaching means between the tow bar and the towed vehicle. Reinforcing composite windings about the midpoint of the tow bar reduce the overall weight of the tow bar while increasing strength and rigidity in critical areas.

Abstract: A dicycle includes a pair of parallel wheels, a crankshaft to whose end portions the wheels are attached, upwardly extending control rods connected to and pivotable about the axles, and lever members which extend downwardly and contact the ground at a point which differs from the point of intersection of the vertical to the axles and the ground. When riding the dicycle, a turn can be accomplished easily by pulling a control rod and thereby raising a wheel from the ground.