Abstract: An operating method for a hybrid vehicle which has an electric motor for driving the vehicle and an internal combustion engine for power generation. Upon completion of the activation of a catalyst, the engine is operated in warm-up mode with a small throttle valve opening, and when the output of a water temperature gauge thereafter reaches a predetermined value and the warm-up operation has completed, the engine is operated with a large throttle valve opening for the power generation. Thus, the hybrid vehicle can enjoy improved exhaust gas characteristics and increased cruising range and power performances.

Abstract: A single runner ski-sled is provided wherein the main structure is adapted for one piece molding techniques with sufficient strength for effective use. The runner is designed to be rigid. The device of the invention also includes a seat attachment structure that allows for easy installation and removal yet can withstand strong pressures.

Abstract: A new vehicle layout in which one or more electric driving motors are located to the rear of the vehicle's rear axle, and connected to a drive shaft that drives the vehicle's rear axle through a rearwards facing differential. This arrangement leaves the entire underside of the vehicle running from the front axle available to accommodate batteries or other large bulky devices.

Abstract: A jogging stroller includes a tricycle wheeled frame adapted for the installation of an existing vehicle child safety seat therein. Most such seats include clips which are attachable to a metal rod structure, as found in the typical grocery shopping cart, and the present stroller includes such structure providing for the rigid clipping of such seats to the stroller frame. Alternatively, the seats may be strapped to the frame if desired. Preferably, the frame structure is formed of steel tubing for strength and durability. The wheels are relatively large, preferably being of fifteen inch diameter, in order to provide for ease of movement over uneven terrain, and are quickly and easily removable without need for tools in order to provide for compact storage. The handles are foldable over the remainder of the structure when the seat is removed, for further compact storage. The handle grips are forwardly angled, for optimum ergonomics for a person pushing the stroller.

Abstract: An automotive air intake system for sealing against a hood having a shear closure movement. A striker assembly having a rigid striker plate and a flexible conduit attaches to the interior of the hood. A stationary air cleaner plate having a planar sealing surface surrounds an air cleaner opening. The striker plate strikes the air cleaner plate and compresses the conduit when the hood is moved to a partially closed position. The bellows opening mates with the air cleaner opening when the hood is moved to a closed position.

Abstract: An integrated power transmission has an internal combustion (IC) for engine power input, an electrical motor power input and a combining planetary transmission coupled with both power inputs. The power transmission also includes a multi-speed transmission input. The combining planetary transmission can be driven by the electric motor input only with a one-way device providing a reaction path for the combining planetary transmission and a stationary power input at the IC engine. A friction clutch member is provided to selectively establish a drive path including both power input members in a multi-speed transmission input. This clutch permits both power sources, electrical and internal combustion, to provide power to the combining planetary and also permits starting of the IC engine while the vehicle is in motion.

Abstract: A motorized assistance device for use on an elevator wheelchair for handicapped persons includes a supporting cradle intended to be fitted on the chassis of the wheelchair; a motorization unit mounted on the cradle and including a mobile member, with reversible displacement, operatively connected to a transmission; at least one articulated system actuated by the transmission and including a first set of levers intended to act on articulated structure of the wheelchair, and a second set of levers actuated by the first set of levers and intended to act on a maneuvering assembly; and a unit for controlling operation of the motorization unit. The device is particularly applicable to manually controlled wheelchairs.

Abstract: A flat bed cart includes a molded resin load carrying bed having longitudinally spaced ends, a generally planar upper side and a bottom side that includes a plurality of ribs, a pair of spaced, longitudinally extending slots and first, second and third sets of integrally molded fastener mounted pads that are located adjacent the first and second ends of the bed and intermediate the ends respectively. The slots receive a pair of longitudinally extending reinforcing bars that carry at their ends upright handle receiving mounts. The handle receiving mounts include members arranged in recesses spaced about the periphery of the bed at the first and second ends thereof. At least one handle is provided which is adapted to be selectively positioned within a respective pair of the upstanding handle receiving mounts.

Abstract: A nestable shopping cart is comprised of a main containment basket supported elevated by a frame which is displaceable on casters. A handle bar is secured rearwardly spaced from a rear wall of the basket by spaced side attachment members at opposed ends thereof. A restraining open area is defined between the rear wall of the shopping basket, the handle bar and the space side attachment members. A secondary containment basket is secured between a pair of rear frame members in a lower section of the frame and has at least a portion of a top open end thereof aligned substantially on a vertical axis passing through the restraining open area. The secondary basket is secured spaced inwardly of the pair of rear frame members by nesting support brackets.

Abstract: A blade roller skate having a sole plate supporting multiple rollers or wheels from its underside in downwardly depending relationship and with front rollers in linear alignment along the central longitudinal axis of the plate and rear rollers arranged in tandem separated by the central longitudinal axis. The front rollers are mounted on axles incorporating shock absorbing devices while the rear rollers are movably carried on separate axles connected to a truck which includes shock absorbing devices associated with each axle. The truck mounts the separate rear roller axles to permit independent lateral movement in response to tilting or angling of the sole plate during use of the skate.

Abstract: A brake mechanism for an in-line roller skate, the skate having a base plate the upper portion of which mounts a boot and a lower portion of which mounts a plurality of wheel assemblies, the brake mechanism including a support member depending downwardly from one side of the base plate, and a brake element having a lower end to which is attached a brake pad having a generally flat brake surface, the brake element mounted to the support member for adjustable movement relative to the support member along an arcuate path, and the brake pad surface maintained in alignment with a plane extending from a longitudinal axis through the lower ends of the plural wheels. A clamping mechanism can releasably hold the brake element stationary relative to the support member, and when the skate is tilted about the longitudinal axis through the wheel lower ends, the brake pad surface will be brought to lie flat against the ground.

Abstract: A sports conveyance is disclosed having a frame mounted on a pair of spaced front wheels and also supported by rear wheel means, the front wheels having interconnecting means whereby they may be turned in unison to either side of the longitudinal center line of the conveyance, a board mounted on the frame to support a rider and adapted to be depressed at a respective side of the longitudinal center line of the conveyance, said board being adapted to be disposed in a substantially horizontal position with the front wheels unturned but so connected to the interconnecting means of the front wheels that depression of the board by body weight of the rider at a respective side of the board causes turning of the wheels in unison in the respective direction upon movement of the board.

Abstract: A foldable hand truck apparatus having 1) a main support frame assembly; 2) a support wheel assembly connected to the main support frame assembly which resembles a conventional hand truck structure; 3) an extendable handle assembly having a handle support tube which is anchored to the main support frame assembly; and 4) a dual foldable load assembly pivotally connected to the main support frame assembly. The extendable handle assembly includes a handle member telescopingly mounted within the handle support tube and movable from a compact storage position laterally of the handle support tube to a locked usage position. The dual foldable load assembly includes a luggage or large article support frame and a load support plate, both pivotally connected to a lower portion of the main support frame assembly. The load support plate is first pivotal to a position 90 degrees perpendicular to the main support frame assembly for carrying smaller loads thereon or gripping an edge portion of an article to be moved.

Abstract: A door-activated retractable step for a truck includes at least one step cavity disposed within a side wall structure of the truck in proximity to a door thereof. An extendable cover for the step cavity housing, when closed, creates an aerodynamic continuation of the side wall structure containing the step cavity. The cover is pivoted about a horizontal hinge in response to the truck door being opened to form a continuation of the tread surface, creating a wide step.

Abstract: A foldable walking stabilizer device to assist movement of a physically disabled person, having a base with horizontally aligned opposed arms joined by a connecting arm, rotatable wheel assemblies adapted for rotation responsive to movement by a disabled person, one wheel assembly arranged on each of opposed base arms, upright members extending from each opposed arm above a wheel assemblies, supporting the disabled person between the base arms, and means for regulating movement of the device. The device has a novel spring loaded caster assembly for clearing obstacles, and a braking and tension system which permit the device to be stopped or slowed down.

Abstract: A front jaw for a safety binding comprising a lower part (3) of a housing, which lower part can be fastened to a ski, and an upper part (2) of a housing having at least one adjustable release spring (4) and two pivotal sole holders (14a, 14b) biassed by this release spring, with the upper part (2) of the housing being pivotal in the position of use of the front jaw about a transverse axis (Q) extending essentially normally with respect to the central longitudinal axis (L) of the front jaw, and the swivelling capability of the upper part of the housing relative to the lower part of the housing being limited by a locking piece (15, 115) having at least one stop surface (32a.sub.1, 32b.sub.1, 32a.sub.2, 32b.sub.2, 32a.sub.3, 32b.sub.3, 32a.sub.4, 32b.sub.

Abstract: A hand-pulled wagon comprises a horizontal bed supported on a frame to wh are attached ground support wheels. The axles of the wheels are attached to sleeves which extend downwardly from the frame. Upper ends of the sleeves are hollow to receive mounting posts affixed to removable side walls. The sleeves extend upwardly no higher than the bed, so that when the side walls are removed, access to the bed is not obstructed by the sleeves. A manual pull rod is attached to the wagon and includes a generally arrow-shaped pull handle designed to minimize discomfort to the user while pulling the wagon.

Abstract: A seat arrangement of a forklift truck includes a hood for covering an engine, a seat mounted on the hood, a seat slide mechanism and a supporting member. A seat cushion of the seat is pivotally secured at its front end portion to an upper rail of the seat slide mechanism. The supporting member has a first end which is pivotally secured to an upper surface of the hood and a second end which is engageable with an engaging portion of the seat. When it is necessary to open the hood, the seat positioned at a certain position in a fore-and-aft direction is swung forwardly, then the second end of the supporting member is brought into engagement with the engaging portion of the seat to keep the seat at a certain angle defined between a bottom surface of the seat cushion and the upper surface of the hood, and then the hood is opened.

Abstract: A base frame assembly for suitcase trucks, including a base frame equipped with a pair of wheels and having two longitudinal sleeves; two first tubes respectively slidably coupled to the sleeves; two tubular stop members respectively fastened to the outer ends of the first tubes on the inside; two second tubes respectively slidably inserted through the tubular stop members into the first tubes, each second tube having an inner end fixedly mounted with a plug cap, which is stopped in place by one tubular stop member when the second tubes are extended out of the first tubes; two stands respectively fixed to the outer ends of the second tubes; and a transverse connecting bar connected between the stands.

Abstract: A tread or cover for an in-line skate provides a walking surface to enable the skater to traverse unpaved areas, stairs, or steep grades. The cover is formed like a sheath which stretchably fits over the in-line skate wheels. The cover is at least slightly elastic and flexible, preferably having rubber walls. A tread pattern on the bottom surface of the cover increases traction. A strap on the cover is used to better secure the cover over the skate wheels.