Abstract: A wheel chair has a rear swing axle pivotally connected to the seat frame and a spring shock absorber controls the relative movement therebetween. A front suspension is connected to the seat frame separately from the rear suspension and includes a floating beam carrying the front castor wheels and pivotally connected to the seat frame by four link control arms. Three shock absorbers acting between the front of the seat frame and the floating beam allow controlled vertical movement of the floating beam. A second embodiment has the rear wheels each connected by a separate swing arm pivotally connected to the seat frame at their front end and each swing arm also connected to the rear of the seat frame by a pair of control arms and spring shock absorber.

Abstract: A fork blade packing structure including a socket mounted in a bicycle fork blade at the top, a push block threaded onto a screw rod in the bicycle fork blade and supported on a spiral spring therein and moved vertically to adjust the spring force of the spiral spring, a connector mounted within the socket and having a threaded bottom end threaded into a top center screw hole on the push block and a top end extended out of socket through a hole thereof, a knob fixedly fastened to the top end of the connector outside the socket and adapted for turning the connector by a hand tool to force the push block upwards or downwards, and a guide wire mounted in an annular groove around the socket and having a guide top inserted through a radial through hole in the socket into a longitudinal sliding groove on the push block for guiding the movement of the push block.

Abstract: In a power steering apparatus comprising a pump, a reservior, a power cylinder having two opposite chambers, and a rotary control vale, the rotary control valve consists of a first control portion which communicates between the pump and the reservior, and a second control portion which communicates not only between the pump and the reservior but also with the power cylinder. In the first control portion, each of four underlapping variable orifices is so provided as to take the form of underlap in itself. In the second control portion, two underlapping variable orifices are provided on the side of the pump, and besides each of two overlapping variable orifices is so provided as to take the form of overlap in itself on the side of the reservior. In this manner, while a steering wheel is operated within a predetermined angle, an opening area of the overlapping variable orifice changes little.

Abstract: A bicycle frame includes a body and a rigid or vertical suspension and an interchangeable triangular rear assembly. The body includes three pultruded profile sections interconnected by three overmolded housings made of a thermoplastic material comprising a semi-aromatic resin matrix. The interchangeable triangular rear assembly may be mechanically secured to the body via bosses and an output coupling. The frame has vibration damping properties. A method for making and assembling the same is also disclosed.

Abstract: An electric drive assembly for driving a bicycle includes an electric power pack containing a battery or batteries, an electric motor, a drive wheel, a control circuit, a recharger and an electric switch in a common housing. A rack is installed about the rear wheel of the bicycle to support the power pack either with an operating orientation or backwards in a non-operating orientation for transportation. When the power pack is supported in its operating orientation, the drive wheel is engaged with the rear tire of the bicycle so that the drive wheel may frictionally drive the rear wheel of the bicycle; and the electric switch is aligned with and engagable by a switch actuator mounted on the rack. A control lever, which is mounted on the handlebar of the bicycle, may be operated to cause a control cable to pivot the switch actuator into engagement with the electric switch to close the circuit between the battery or batteries and the electric motor.

Abstract: A detachable motorized wheel assembly for a golf cart has a support framework removably attachable to the rear section of a golf cart of the type having oppositely disposed and spaced apart wheels. The assembly includes a motor driven wheel positioned between and rearward of the spaced apart wheels of the golf cart. The assembly further includes a golf bag support device having a number of support loops. Each loop having a first section outwardly disposed from the top of the support framework. Each loop further having a second section disposed upwardly from the first section to form an obtuse angle between the first and second sections.

Abstract: An inflatable air bag (10) inflates to restrain a vehicle occupant (13) during a vehicle collision. The air bag has an opening (16) for venting inflation fluid from the interior (14) of the air bag. A panel (20) lies on an outer surface (40) of the air bag and is fixedly secured to the outer surface of the air bag. The panel comprises a single continuous piece of elastic material overlying at least a part of the opening. The elastic material is stretchable from an unstretched condition in which a central portion (36) of the elastic material blocks at least a part of the opening to a stretched condition in which the central portion of the elastic material is stretched and moved away from the opening to unblock the opening. When the opening is unblocked, inflation fluid is vented through the opening.

Abstract: A unit-type electric power steering system comprises a steering mechanism having a first shaft and a second shaft. The first shaft has an input shaft for connection to a steering shaft, and an output shaft connected to the input shaft for angular displacement relative thereto and for connection in driving engagement with the second shaft. The second shaft is disposed in a case for displacement therein. A torque sensor detects a steering torque of the steering mechanism, and an electric motor outputs a steering assist force to the first shaft in response to the steering torque detected by the torque sensor. The first shaft, the torque sensor and the electric motor define components integrated into a single unit for removable connection to and disconnection from the second shaft and the case as a single unit without independent connection and disconnection of any one of the components.

Abstract: A separable tandem bicycle includes a front bicycle frame, a rear bicycle frame, and a connecting member which interconnects a front seat tube of the front bicycle frame and a down tube of the rear bicycle frame. The connecting member is detachable from the front seat tube and is foldable over the down tube. A handle bar is detachably mounted to the connecting member. Due to the separable and foldable construction, the tandem bicycle can be put in a package with a reduced size and can be easily stored or transported conveniently.

Abstract: A method of assembling either an electric motor powered car or an internal combustion engine powered car along a single assembly line. The method comprises providing a car chassis having a general block shaped drive system receiving area and, selecting a drive system from a group consisting of an electric motor drive system and an internal combustion engine drive system. The method then comprises connecting the selected drive system to the chassis in the drive system receiving area.

Abstract: A user powered vehicle which can be propelled upon an ice surface by applying force in repetitive power stroke movements in a rowing manner. The vehicle includes a main framework (10), a forward facing seat (64), a plurality of attached ice runners (14, 16) adapted to support the vehicle for efficient forward movement upon the operating surface, a movable propulsion wheel assembly (18) including at least one propulsion wheel (38) adapted to provide forward thrust when engaged with the operating surface, a rowing assembly (74) and footrest assembly (66) operable for converting rowing motions into propulsion force, and means (86) for transfer of weight from ice runners to propulsion wheel for increased traction during rowing power strokes and for re-transfer of weight to ice runners for improved efficiency between power strokes. The vehicle is adaptable for use on snow or land by replacing ice runners with skis or wheels respectively.

Abstract: A modular steering headset for use on a bicycle having a frame with a head tube secured thereto and a fork with a tubular upper extent, the steering headset including a pair of annular cups with each cup secured to an end of the head tube; an upper and lower pair of rigid annular raceways secured within the cups around the upper extent of the front fork to create an upper annular channel and a lower annular channel; a pair of bearing cages disposed around the upper extent of the fork and within the channels; and an adjusting nut threadably coupled to the upper end of the front fork and tightened to secure the bearing cages between adjacently located raceways, thereby rotatably coupling the fork to the head tube.

Abstract: A controllable slide car for controllably simulating oversteer and understeer conditions in a moving automobile. The controllable slide car comprises a rear steering linkage assembly that attaches to the rear wheel mounting assemblies of an automobile and a controller for controllably steering the rear steering linkage assembly. The controller is powered by the battery of the automobile and manually controlled by a control unit to steer the rear wheel mounting assemblies.

Abstract: A folding, pedal-driven vehicle having a universal joint transmission system is provided. A human-powered ground vehicle having a motive power input assembly that includes foot pedals to drive a front-wheel of the vehicle through a universal joint drive gear system is also provided. Folding, recumbent vehicles for one or two riders are also provided and each includes a transmission system having a pedal-drive power input assembly pivotally connected to a universal joint which in turn is pivotally connected to a drive connection for driving a front wheel of the vehicle.

Abstract: An improved rear wheel suspension device for motorcycles is provided. A rectangular open-ended tracking assembly is mounted to the lower aspect of a motorcycle frame or motorcycle engine. The side walls of the tracking assembly have elongated slots. A shock absorber shaft is passed through the open end of the tracking assembly, and two elongated pull rods having bolt eyes at their opposite ends are placed against the exterior of the tracking assembly side walls. The pull rods and shock absorber shaft are movably fixed to the tracking assembly by placing a bolt through the tracking assembly slots. The opposite end of the shock absorber is mounted to a downwardly reflecting bracket fixed to the bottom of the motorcycle frame at predetermined distance from the tracking assembly. The opposite ends of both pull rods are then mounted to the downwardly reflecting vertical portion of an essentially "T"-shaped swing arm.

Abstract: A power assist apparatus which includes a battery powered motor which is mounted on a manually operated vehicle such as a bicycle, which is to be selectively usable by the rider of the bicycle to not only assist in the manual operation of the bicycle but can be used as a sole source of operation of the bicycle. The power assist apparatus is normally fixedly mounted on the bicycle and is carried with that bicycle at all times. The power assist apparatus includes a housing and exteriorly mounted on that housing is a handle. Movement of the handle to various positions locates the power assist apparatus in either a disengaged position relative to a support wheel of the bicycle or to an engaged position relative to the support wheel of the bicycle.

Abstract: A stand-on sulky device to be attached to the rear of a self-propelled power mower or other self-propelled vehicle. The sulky includes first, second, and third pivots to provide improved maneuverability of the two-wheeled sulky platform during operation. The first and third pivots are arranged substantially parallel to the ground during sulky operation and are vertically spaced from one another thereby resulting in improved sulky performance. According to certain embodiments, the sulky includes a design allowing for a more compact storage position wherein the platform is hung from the mower handle bars with the upper or foot receiving surface of the platform facing away from the mower and the first arm being received in an optional recess defined in the bottom of the mower so as to restrict swinging movement of the platform while in storage.

Abstract: A bicycle frame which includes a strategically-located frame member which is basically a rigid member but which elastically deflects in limited amounts in one direction as it is subjected to increasing compressive forces applied along said direction especially during rough riding conditions but remains rigid and does not deflect when forces normally encountered in the handling and use of a bicycle are applied in other directions to such member. The frame member thus cushions the ride and improves traction while not adding weight or complexity to the frame. In the disclosed embodiment, the frame member is advantageously part of the seatstay and is thus between the seat tube and the rear drop-out. The seatstay incorporating the frame member elastically deflects or deforms under the imposition of sufficient oppositely directed forces of rider weight and ground reaction to absorb part of the force and to maintain traction between the wheel and the ground.

Abstract: A manually propelled, two-wheel supported hand truck for use in transporting products has a frame normally supported by the wheels in generally vertical inclination and comprises connected side rail members, and a fixed frame handle surface near its upper end. The frame supports a forwardly extending, load supporting nose plate. An axle, coupled to and extending crosswisely rearwardly of the frame journals the wheels. Supports on the frame side rail members journal a laterally extending pivotal brake applying rod having spaced apart brake shoes in a first position out of brake applying engagement with the wheels but aligned therewith, the rod being pivotal to move the shoes to a second position into braking engagement with the wheels. Fixed to the brake applying rod is a lever arm connected to a generally vertically extending rigid member.

Abstract: A rotation transmission device has a driving member and a driven member rotatably mounted one inside the other. A plurality of engaging elements are mounted between the driving member and the driven member so as to engage with the driving member and the driven member when the driving member and the driven member rotate relative to each other in either direction. A cage is mounted between the driving member and the driven member for keeping the engaging elements apart from one another by a predetermined distance. A turning force imparting mechanism is coupled to the cage for moving the engaging elements to an engageable position by turning the cage in one direction relative to the driving member, and a locking mechanism is provided between the cage and the driven member for detachably coupling the cage to the driven member and remote-controlled through a cable connected to the locking mechanism and extending out of the rotation transmission device.