Abstract: A scooter propulsion mechanism includes a pedal secured to the upper surface of the platform and a rigid link pivotally connected from the pedal to the mechanism components mounted on the bottom surface of the platform. Approximately one-half of the propulsion mechanism is located at one side of the rear wheel, and the other one-half is located at the other side of the rear wheel. The mechanism in one embodiment includes a plurality of gear wheels to increase rotational speed, and in another embodiment a plurality of sprocket wheels joined by chain loops, in both cases to drive the rear wheel and propel the scooter. A slot in the platform allows the larger sprocket wheels or gear wheels to project upwardly therethrough, so that there is sufficient ground clearance for safe riding.

Abstract: A hitch system for interconnecting a trailer to a tow vehicle, wherein the tow vehicle includes a hitch ball centered about a medial axis. The hitch system includes an elongate extension coupling having a proximal end portion rotatably mountable to the trailer and extending toward a distal end portion that is movably mountable to the hitch ball, and an anti-yaw mounting assembly for interfacing the extension coupling to the hitch ball such that the distal end portion is restricted from rotating about the medial axis.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electric power steering apparatus having an electronic control device for controlling motor current based on electric signals inputted from a torque sensor of an automobile and a motor for generating steering power. The electronic control device includes a PCB; a metal substrate formed on a lower side of the PCB in a plate shape while being perpendicular to the PCB; a heating device having a terminal coupled to the PCB and a body coupled to a front surface of the metal substrate; and a radiation plate spaced a predetermined distance from the PCB and having a coupling unit formed on an upper surface of the radiation plate, the metal substrate being coupled to the coupling unit. The body of the heating device is coupled to the metal substrate, which is perpendicular to the PCB, and the metal substrate is coupled to the coupling unit on the upper surface of the radiation plate for improved radiation function.

Abstract: A modular bunk cover apparatus and system for protecting the hull of a watercraft from abrasive contact with a bunk, such as the bunks found on boat trailers, boat lifts, boat storage racks, and the like. The modular bunk cover apparatus and system can be installed on an existing bunk without removing the bunk from the trailer or other structure. The modular bunk cover apparatus and system facilitates easy launching and loading of a boat on a trailer or boat lift. The system is a replacement for carpet systems that tend to degrade over time, eventually falling off the bunk and subsequently creating a hazard for marine life, birds, and mammals.

Abstract: A method for triggering an electromechanical coupling unit having at least two coupling windings, and a steering system for implementing the method, are provided. The coupling unit selectively closes, and in this manner provides a mechanical coupling, only if both coupling windings are no longer supplied with electrical energy.

Abstract: A front suspension arm is formed such that it is less likely to collide with obstacles exposed above the surface over which the associated vehicle is operated. The arm also has a greater strength against impact forces from the front. In one configuration, the front suspension arm has a relatively straight portion that is positioned on a body side and the front suspension arm has a bent portion that is formed on the ground contacting element side. The front suspension arm can have two arms having an oblong or oval shape in cross section.

Abstract: A modular bicycle comprising a first section having a front frame section and a first tire, a second section being couplable to the first section and comprising a central frame, and a third section being couplable to the second section and the first section, with the third section comprising a rear frame section, a second tire, and a handle bar. The bicycle also comprises pedals that are removably securable to the crank arms of the bicycle. The pedals comprise a foot rest, a base section secured to the foot rest, and a locking member pivotally connected to the base section. The locking member is insertable into a through bore located on the crank arm and is pivotally rotatable towards the crank arm, thereby securing the pedal to the crank arm.

Abstract: A convertible motorcycle assembly has a chassis, a driver's seat, and a latch assembly which secures the driver's seat to the forward portion of the chassis. A bracket is mounted on the chassis adjacent the rearward end of the driver's seat, and selectively mounted on the chassis rearwardly of the driver's seat are interchangeable rear components comprising a passenger seat and a storage compartment. The forward end of the interchangeable rear components has at least one forwardly extending tongue engaged with the bracket, and the rear component is secured to the chassis by a second latch assembly adjacent the rear end of the rear component. This latch assembly includes a second releasable latch on the chassis and second key lock on the rear component engaged with the second latch assembly for effecting and preventing release of the second latch assembly.

Abstract: In a steering device 10, the upper side portion of a rubber boot 120 is fixedly fitted on a case outer cylindrical component 41 of a cable case 39, and the lower side portion of the rubber boot 120 is fixed to a dashboard 100 of a vehicle body 14 over the entire circumference thereof. Thus, the case outer cylindrical component 41 can be secured against rotation more firmly compared with a prior art steering device wherein such a case outer cylindrical component is fixed at two portions thereon by means of a wire of a V-letter shape. Further, the problem attendant on the wire of the V-letter shape in the prior art steering device no longer arises even in the car models wherein the case outer cylindrical component 41 and the dashboard 100 are relatively far from each other. That is, it can be realized to secure the case outer cylindrical component 41 of the cable case 39 against rotation relative to the vehicle body 14 even in any car model.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coupling device (1) for tractive vehicles or similar. Said device comprises a frame (2), a coupling ball (3) and a retaining element (4). According to the invention, the frame (2) is equipped with a guide (21) and a carriage element (5) is displaceably mounted in said guide (21). The coupling operation is carried out by a sliding motion of the carriage element (5).

Abstract: A steering connection assembly that interconnects an implement train comprising first and second detachable implements towed by a draw bar of a tow vehicle is provided. The first implement is pivotally attached at the draw bar so as to rotate about a first vertical axis, and the second implement is pivotally attached to the first implement. The steering connection assembly includes a drive linkage pivotally connected at a draw bar so as to rotate about a second vertical axis. A steering linkage interconnects a rearward end of the drive linkage to a wheel assembly in support of the frame of the second towed implement. In response to a turn of the tow vehicle, a hitch coupling member generates a turn signal communicated via the drive linkage so as to cause the steering linkage to steer the wheel assembly of the second implement in a direction opposite a turn direction of the tow vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a vehicle, such as a motorcycle, that is capable of sufficiently absorbing shock applied in the vehicle width direction due to uneven terrain, such as bumps and potholes, on the ground or road during turns. The vehicle, such as the motorcycle, includes a head pipe for supporting a front wheel, a main frame for supporting a rear wheel to which the head pipe is attached for rotation about a torsion axis of a shaft part extending longitudinally, and a torsion spring for absorbing shock as the head pipe rotates with respect to the main frame.

Abstract: A power steering system for a vehicle includes a torque sensor, an electric motor operated according to a detected value detected by the torque sensor, and a power transmission mechanism for transmitting rotational power of the electric motor to the side of a steering wheel or wheels. The power steering system makes it possible to protect the electric motor while reducing the weight through simplification of the vehicle body component members. A cross member that is bent to form a recessed portion is provided in the vehicle body. At least an electric motor of the power steering system is disposed inside the recessed portion. However, the torque sensor, the electric motor and a power transmission mechanism can be disposed inside the recessed portion.

Abstract: An all-wheel-drive vehicle in which flexibility in setting the diameter of a driven gear is increased. In an all-wheel-drive vehicle in which an engine drives a rear wheel and also drives a hydraulic pump, and oil pressure generated by the hydraulic pump is supplied to a hydraulic motor for driving a front wheel. A front wheel hub provided on the front wheel is formed into a cup-shaped hub provided with a recess portion covered by a cover. The hydraulic motor is supported by the cover. A drive gear is provided on an output shaft of the hydraulic motor and a driven gear is provided in the recess portion of the hub with the driven gear being provided on the side of an axle.

Abstract: A hitch for coupling a trailer to a towing vehicle includes a first coupling means for coupling with the trailer at a pivot point and a second coupling means for coupling with the trailer at a towing point. A displacing means is responsive to pivoting of the trailer with respect to the towing vehicle to move the hitch and the pivot point on the towing vehicle toward the rear of the vehicle when turning is effected and to move the hitch and the pivot point on the towing vehicle just forward of the vehicle's rear axle during normal longitudinal movement of the towing vehicle and trailer. The second coupling means is capable of transferring at least the majority of the towing force between the towing vehicle and the trailer.

Abstract: A versatile carrier is provided having the ability to switch from a configuration being towed behind a user to a configuration being carried on the user's back like a conventional backpack. The carrier is comprised of a frame having a front end and a rear end, a linkage member having a front end and a rear end, a harness, and at least one wheel coupled to the rear end of the frame. The front end of the linkage member is coupled to the harness while the rear end is couple to the frame. The coupling allows the front end of the frame to be supported by the linkage member. The coupling also allows the frame to transfer from the towed position to the user's back with ease and without removal of the carrier from the user.

Abstract: The CPU calculates axial force matching external force that acts on a rack bar by combining steering torque MT that acts on a steering shaft with assist torque AT generated by an electric motor. The CPU then determines whether a vehicle is running straight based on a steering angle ?, a vehicle speed V, and the axial force F. Thus, even in a state where a control steering angle midpoint is deviated and a driver applies torque so as to return a turning position of a steering wheel to a neutral position, whether the vehicle is running straight can be accurately determined by making a determination by using the axial force F that acts on the rack bar. The CPU can set a considerably accurate control steering angle midpoint by calculating a smoothed steering angle midpoint by using an instantaneous steering angle midpoint in an accurately determined straight-running state.

Abstract: The present invention provides a locking device for a hinged, body and cap trailer coupler to prevent unauthorized use of an unattended and unattached trailer. The device consists of a cylindrical bar member joined to an elongated tongue member. The elongated tongue member is sized for insertion between the body and cap portion of a trailer coupler in the open position such that the cap portion is forced against the sliding collar of the trailer coupler, preventing the trailer coupler from closing on the ball of a tow vehicle. The elongated tongue member provides a slotted hole portion to receive the shackle of a padlock to lock the system in place.

Abstract: A mechanism for controlling the movement of a zero turning radius power mower includes a single control arm movable in a forward direction and a rearward direction, and pivotable in a clockwise direction and in a counterclockwise direction. The control arm is connected via a pair of control linkages to a right hydraulic pump and to a left hydraulic pump such that when the control arm is moved in a forward direction the two hydraulic pumps power the drive wheels forward, and when the control arm is moved in a rearward direction the two hydraulic pumps power the drive wheels rearward. When the control arm is pivoted in a clockwise direction the left hydraulic pump powers the left drive wheel forward and the right hydraulic pump powers the right drive wheel rearward. When the control arm is pivoted in a counterclockwise direction the right hydraulic pump powers the right drive wheel forward and the left hydraulic pump powers the left drive wheel rearward.

Abstract: A windshield for bicycles and scooters. The windshield includes a media player, such as a compact disc player, that may be operated while riding a bicycle or scooter.