Abstract: A load handling apparatus particularly suited for incorporation into a vehicle for lifting and transporting heavy loads such as steel slabs, comprising a main frame for straddling a load, pivoting lift frames to provide the lifting capacity of the apparatus, suspended load engaging and clamping members and hydraulic cylinders to actuate the lift frames and the load engaging and clamping members. In the illustrated embodiment, a control system is provided for the cylinders which includes provision for synchronously extending and retracting the lift cylinders and for accommodating any necessary adjustment of the length of the clamping cylinders as the load engaging and clamping members, with a load engaged and suspended therebetween, move transversely relative to the main frame, changing the distance between the points of connection of the cylinder.

Abstract: A "rental" type of bumper hitch assembly is disclosed which includes a drawbar having a coupling mechanism attached to each end thereof, each coupling mechanism provides two points of attachment to the upper edge of a bumper of a towing vehicle, and one point of attachment to the lower edge of the bumper, the upper points of attachment include a chain having hooks on each end with the chain passing through a curved passageway in the bumper hitch, the lower point of attachment is accomplished by a chain connected to a tensioning bolt which bears against the bumper hitch.

Abstract: A mud flap mounting bracket mounts the mud flap assembly onto a truck frame. A mud flap assembly has a seat member, a face plate rotatably seated against the seat member and an arm attached to one end thereof to the face plate. A tension spring has one end connected to the arm and another end connected to a chain which is in turn attached to the seat member through a U-bolt for retaining the face plate seated against the seat member. The seat member has attached at an opposite face a bight section of a first U-shaped bracket. A second U-shaped bracket has its bight section fixably mounted to the frame of the vehicle. Each U-shaped bracket has legs extending outwardly from its bight section. The first U-shaped bracket has a rod rigidly connected to and extending between the leg portions. The leg portions of the second bracket has slots downwardly extending from the side edge of the leg portions. The rod member and slots are sized so that the rod snugly fits within the slot.

Abstract: Systems for anchoring a load or container on a flatbed and particularly adapted to be used with existing containers without alteration thereto and which systems are simple and readily and safely anchor a container on a flatbed. Such load anchoring system comprises a beam secured on the flatbed, a slideway formed in the beam, an anchoring member slidable in the slideway and having a prong engageable endwise into an aperture in the corner post of a container, and a lever pivoted relative to the prong to register with the anchoring member in the path of displacement thereof to block the prong against retraction from the aperture in the corner post.

Abstract: A conducting rail hanger construction comprising a conducting rail member, an insulating channel-like sheath jacketing the member and having portions extending along opposite sides thereof, and a spring clip also of channel-like configuration. The sheath has oppositely disposed longitudinal groove formations, each of the formations providing a pair of exterior facing shoulders. Leg portions of the clip extend into the groove formations of the sheath and engage the shoulders thereof. In addition, the leg portions have abutments providing sharp, cut edges which can bite into one shoulder of each pair to thereby prevent the sheath from pulling out under the action of an excessive transverse load or force applied to the rail. Broad surfaces on the leg portions limit the penetration of the cut edges into the sheath, thereby preventing distortion and destruction of the latter. Improved reliability and safer operation result, since there is eliminated loosening of the rail from the clip.

Abstract: A crash detector is provided for controlling actuation of an actuator such as a release mechanism for seat belts, an air bag or the like. A main body such as a ball is located in a bore in a housing and retained by a first, relatively weak spring. A firing pin having a portion for actuating the actuator is axially movable in the housing bore. A second spring biases the firing pin towards an inoperative position. The firing pin is moved to an actuating position when the deceleration force acting on the vehicle, and hence the mass body, exceeds a predetermined magnitude.

Abstract: A bicycle safety accessory for preventing tipping over when the rider is executing a "wheelie" maneuver, the safety accessory utilizing a third wheel which is positioned directly behind the rear wheel of the bicycle and normally out of contact with the ground. The auxiliary wheel is carried by rearwardly extending support arms which are attached to the rear wheel and framework of the bicycle by special purpose bracketry such that the auxiliary wheel is substantially vertically adjustable.

Abstract: Containerized freight is loaded onto a vehicle by attaching an elongated pod frame to one end of the freight container, applying a lift force to the other end of the container to reposition the container above the plane of the bed on the vehicle, backing the vehicle into the space beneath the container, and lowering the container onto the vehicle bed for transport to another location.

Abstract: A suspension device for front wheels in automotive vehicles having front drive shafts of mutually different shaft length, in which unbalanced rotatory moment to be imparted to the king pin means at the left and right sides of the wheels caused by a difference in the angles of inclination at the left and right drive shafts is compensated by providing a difference in the center offset quantities at both left and right wheels.