Abstract: A right side discharge mower mounted on a tractor having a rear, clockwise-turning power take off shaft is provided with a belt drive including a drive pulley on the power take off shaft, a pair of upper idlers above the drive pulley, a pair of lower idlers below the drive pulley and an endless belt entrained about the lower side of the drive pulley and having its advance and return runs extending upwardly around the upper idlers, downwardly rearward of the drive pulley to the lower idlers, and forwardly to loop around the clockwise-turning mower input pulley.

Abstract: A backrest device for a motorcycle rider that may be positioned forward to provide a backrest for one rider who is the operator of a motorcycle, and may be swingably repositioned to provide a backrest for a passenger who rides in tandem with the operator on the seat of the motorcycle. The backrest device has a cushioned backrest and a single pair of arms pivotally secured at opposite ends to the backrest and to an upright of a sissy bar. In a forward or extended position, a snubber prevents further backward tilt of the backrest. In a rearward or collapsed position, locking means secures the arms to the upright of the sissy bar.

Abstract: The suspension comprises a steering framework mounted on the frame of the vehicle. An arch-shaped pivotal suspension arm carries at one end the spindle of the front wheel of the vehicle and extends around the front wheel. The pivotal arm is pivoted to the steering framework. A shock-absorbing system having a variable flexibility comprises at least one shock-absorber. The shock-absorber is connected to a pivotally mounted link to damp movements of the link. The link is connected to the pivotal arm by a hydraulic or mechanical transmission.

Abstract: An inflatable impact cushion for passengers of a motor vehicle, which in case of an accident is adapted to be selectively filled with the available gas by the increasing pressure by means of several sequentially triggerable ignition stages depending on the strength of the deceleration; in the starting condition, a portion of the protective cushion is separated off by a seam or the like, while the seam or the like is destroyed by the increasing pressure in such a manner that in the end condition the entire volume of the protective cushion is available.

Abstract: Flutter and weave instability of a motorcycle front fork assembly is substantially reduced by achieving an overall lateral stiffness of the fork assembly mounts of at least 1000 lbs./in. This is done by providing an assembly including a pair of fork legs, each having a minimum flexural rigidity of 10.8.times.10.sup.6 lbs.-in.sup.2 ; a pair of rotational bearings attached to the base of each leg, each bearing carrying a suspension link having a minimum flexural rigidity of 3.8.times.10.sup.6 lbs.-in.sup.2 ; a wheel spindle having a minimum rigidity of 1.9.times.10.sup.6 lbs.-in.sup.2 ; and resilient suspension means. The fork legs are substantially parallel to each other and extend downwardly from a steering head. The rotational bearings have negligible radial clearance. The suspension links extend forwardly from the rotational bearings and are mounted to the associated leg of each. The wheel spindle is rigidly clamped and extends between the free ends of the suspension links.

Abstract: An inflating type occupant restraint device is disclosed which includes an air bag holder. A gas generator is inserted and arranged in an air bag which is formed at its central part with an opening having a diameter smaller than the outside diameter of the gas generator. An inner peripheral edge around the opening is formed with a plurality of radially extending slits and protrudes inwardly beyond the end of an inner edge of a retainer for mounting the air bag, whereby the shearing resistance of the air bag in an area surrounding the gas generator is increased.

Abstract: A push frame assembly for a scraper bowl is provided with a tubular structural member extending between, and being rigidly fastened directly to, the side walls of the push frame. A push block and a spreader tube are, likewise, connected between the side walls to produce a relatively rigid frame assembly. In one form of the invention, the tubular structural member has a transverse sleeve therethrough through which an ejector cylinder passes, while in another form of the invention, the tubular structural member has provision for receiving a differential and has reinforced mounts on the one side thereof for connection of ejector cylinders thereto. A method of making a push frame assembly is provided wherein a pair of side walls are fastened directly to a tubular member with a spreader tube and a push block framework connected to the side walls to produce a stronger push frame assembly.

Abstract: A tricycle apparatus utilizes a chassis having a housing disposed surrounding the midregions of the rear axle of the tricycle. Each rear wheel is provided having a child carrying seat secured to a fender-like covering therefor. The rear axle is provided having two portions concentrically aligned with one another and each being locked to each other utilizing a removeable locking pin therefor. In a manual mode of operation, both portions of the rear axle, when locked together, are caused to rotate, operating the rear wheels by the conventional pair of bicycle pedals journaled to the tricycle frame. A double output shafted gear head motor, utilizing a pair of slip clutches is coupled individually to each portion of the rear axle so as to enable a battery, carried by the housing, to operate the motor, provided operating power for the tricycle when such motor, slip clutches and battery are added to a mounting within the housing.

Abstract: A motorized tricycle for deliveries, comprises a load carrying box on the rear of the tricycle between the two rear wheels of the tricycle and extending down below the axis of those wheels. The rear wheels are supported from a crosspiece of the frame of the tricycle which is forward of the box, and the support members extend below the box between the wheels for supporting the box. One of the rear wheels can be driven and in fact can be part of a conventional two-wheeled motorcycle unit with the front wheel removed. The crank of this motorcycle unit can be connected to the pedals of the tricycle. The box is releasably locked in place on its support.

Abstract: A tractor with two engines arranged in tandem, each carried by a frame portion pivotable relative to the other about a vertical axis under the rear engine. The body of the tractor is narrow forward and to the rear wherein axles for front and rear sets of ground engaging wheels extend laterally and mount six wheels each. The front engine and rear engine extend forward of the respective front and rear sets of ground wheels. The front frame portion is turnable axially relative to the rear frame portion and steering is accomplished by the relative pivoting of the portions about the aforesaid vertical axis. A fuel tank forms a guard over the rear set of wheels and includes a depression for an operator's seat. The fuel tank has a central partition and is optionally hinged in its outer portions whereby the width of the tractor is reduced by removing the outer wheels and pivoting the outer portions of the fuel tank to the rear. A lifting device extends aft between the central rear wheels.

Abstract: An occupant restraint cushion made of a single sheet of woven material and having an upper compartment that is adapted to engage the windshield of a vehicle and be guided thereby rearwardly when deployed so that subsequently a lower compartment extends downwardly from the upper compartment and is inflated in a position between the driver and the steering wheel.

Abstract: A front-wheel suspension is disclosed, especially for two-wheeled vehicles such as motor-assisted bicycles and motor-scooters, in which the usual swinging front fork is replaced by a single goose-necked stiff arm capable of overhangingly carrying the vehicle front wheel and pivotally connected, at its bottom end, to the wheel axle by the intermediary of a swingable link. A springing and shock-absorbing telescopable member is pivotally connected, at its top, to an intermediate portion of said arm and, at its bottom, to the wheel axle. A brake device is rigidly connected to the shock-assembly member. The construction is much simplified over the prior art and the costs are significantly reduced: a favorable distribution of the stresses throughout the entire system is also achieved.

Abstract: An automobile includes a main front air screen generator having a curved wall member extending rearwardly and upwardly to a crest. A central deflector plate develops an air screen in front of the vehicle and a low pressure pocket behind the curved member. The surfaces of the automobile include minute wave-shaped flutes, each including a trough which extends upwardly and rearwardly to a relatively sharp crest and then breaks downwardly and forwardly into the next trough such that any impactive air moves over the surface with engagement only at the crest portions. A screen covers the flutes on the back surfaces and curved vances extending rearwardly and upwardly may optimize the pressure condition.

Abstract: A triggering system for a passenger protective installation in a motor vehicle with a sensor-controlled device which, in the presence of predetermined criteria, supplies a pulse for triggering a primer operating preferably on pyrotechnical basis; the primer is thereby accommodated shielded, preferably inside a housing surrounding the sensor-controlled device, while at least one fuse cord, adapted to burn at high velocity, leads from the primer to an energy source, such as a pyrotechnical charge, instantaneously transferring the passenger protective installation into its effective operating position.

Abstract: A gas generator including a combustible composition is covered with a guard member, which is adapted in shape to the gas generator and has slits, notches or folds arranged such that the member is locally extended outwards upon actuation of the gas generator to prevent contact of the bag with the heated gas generator.

Abstract: A connecting element for attaching fingers of a hovercraft skirt to its loop is formed from two identical pieces of elastomer-coated fabric which are bonded together over part of their faces to form a portion to which adjacent side faces of adjacent fingers are secured and which are left unbonded over part of their faces to provide a pair of flaps which are out-turned in mutually opposite directions at right angles to the bonded portion to be secured to the material of the loop.

Abstract: A ground effect vehicle of the type supported by a cushion of gas and especially adapted for use within specially constructed roadways providing guidance along a plurality of axes. The application describes vehicles having skirts with lower margins adapted to conform to the cross sections of the roadways, with the roadways preferably being of arcuate cross section whereby sustenance of the vehicle is accomplished by maintaining an air cushion between the skirt and the bottom portion of the roadway, and whereby turning of the vehicle is accomplished by the banking of the vehicle in combination with the reaction to a curvilinear roadway sidewall, or in response to thrust having a lateral vector, or both.

Abstract: An electric drive unit for vehicles which are normally rider propelled, such as bicycles and tricycles, has a wheel driven by an electric motor for propelling the vehicle by frictional engagement with the front wheel tire. A control lever mounted on the handlebar is manually actuated to exert a pull on a cable which is slidably encased in a flexible sheath which is incapable of contracting. A support for the lever provides a fixed abutment for an upper end of the sheath, so that the motor mounting bracket, against which the lower end of the sheath abuts and which is yieldably supported, is displaced downwardly, by distortion of the sheath, to move the friction wheel into engagement with the vehicle tire.

Abstract: A truck comprises a frame with a driver's cab fixed on the frame and a load carrier which is normally fixed on the frame but is frictionally slidable longitudinally of the frame in the event of a longitudinal impact exceeding a predetermined value. A first hydraulic unit connected between the frame and the load carrier comprises a cylinder and piston of which one is fixed to the frame and the other to the load carrier. A front bumper is mounted on the front of the frame with a second hydraulic unit and a rear bumper is mounted on the rear of the frame with a third hydraulic unit. The second and third hydraulic units are connected with the first hydraulic unit so that fluid pressure is transmitted to the first hydraulic unit in the event of impact with either bumper.

Abstract: The inflatable apparatus, such as an air bag for a vehicle, includes an inflatable body structure which is folded along predetermined lines into a compact shape and volume when the body structure is collapsed or deflated. The valve means is operably connected to the inflatable body structure to facilitate inflation of the apparatus. The inflatable structure is formed and folded in such a fashion that upon operation of the valve, the body structure inflates in a manner wherein the folds puff up simultaneously effecting an even, smooth inflation of the structure to a very large shape and volume which is much greater than the compact predetermined folded shape and volume. One version of the air bag is utilized for the driver of the vehicle, and a second version of the air bag is utilized to accommodate two passengers simultaneously.