Abstract: An off-road vehicle of the large relatively slow earthmoving type having a rear frame with a set of wheels and having, at its forward end, a front frame, for example in the form of an axle assembly, mounting a set of steerable wheels and with means for driving at least one set of wheels. A suspension coupling in the form of a fore-and-aft extending hinge joint is interposed between the two frames to accomodate relative rolling movement. Such hinge joint is positioned adjacent the front wheels and is angled downwardly so that the hinge axis, when extended, intersects the ground at a position which is substantially centered with respect to the rear wheels, with the result that the steering direction remains substantially constant in spite of engagement of humps and hollows by individual ones of the wheels. Alternate embodiments of the invention utilize different drives, steering gear, and cab location.

Abstract: A sway limiting device for a three-point hitch on a tractor having reversible sway limiting blocks. The sway limiting blocks in one position permit sway of the hitch and implement under field operating conditions and in another position eliminate sway of the hitch throughout the fulllift range of the hitch by interchanging the right and left-hand sway blocks and using the reverse side of the sway blocks.

Abstract: A crawler tracked vehicle of the type including right and left crawler tracks is provided and includes a prime mover drivingly connected to the crawler tracks through a differential, or the equivalent, as well as separate clutch and brake mechanisms interposed in the drive train for the tracks intermediate the differential and the tracks. A single oscillatable control is provided as well as a set of fluid pressure actuators for the clutch and brake mechanisms. A source of fluid under pressure is also provided and a set of fluid flow conduits communicate the source of fluid pressure with each of the actuators, independently, with a set of valves being provided and operatively associated with the fluid flow conduits for selectively controlling the flow of fluid therethrough to the corresponding actuators.

Abstract: A dual hydraulic steering system for a vehicle has two steering circuits each having a pump and a steering valve unit. A first circuit is connected to the main working spaces of the double-acting steering cylinders while the second circuit is connected to the piston rod spaces of the cylinders. The first circuit has an engine driven pump while the second circuit has a ground wheel driven pump and an accumulator. Both circuits are connected to a common tank which is divided below a lowest normal oil level. Pressure switches and electromagnetic valves feed flow from the first circuit to the second in case of low pressure therein. This cross-over is prevented when a level switch detects low tank oil level.

Abstract: A hand truck includes a main load-supporting frame and a temporary load-supporting section at one end thereof slidably supported on the main frame such that pivotal movement of the hand truck about is wheels results in a shifting of the center of gravity of the material loaded on the main frame toward the axes of the wheels.

Abstract: A hitch for use with the rear bumper of a truck or the like. The hitch includes a hollow diamond-shaped housing having a forward end, an open rearward end, top and bottom portions. A horizontally disposed tongue member has its forward end selectively movably received by the open rearward end of the housing and is selectively movable from a towing position to a hitching position. In the towing position, the tongue member has its forward end positioned adjacent the forward end of the housing. In the hitching position, the forward end of the tongue member is positioned towards the rearward end of the housing. The horizontal width of the housing intermediate its rearward and forward ends is greater than the width of the tongue member to permit horizontal swinging movement of the tongue member, relative to the housing, when the tongue member is in its hitching position.

Abstract: This suspension assembly is for a vehicle with a chassis and at least one axle. A front and a rear air spring depend downwardly from the chassis on either side of the axle. A beam extends between the free floating ends of the air springs and provides the mounting location for an axle seat assembly. The axle seat assembly rigidly secures the axle to the beam. A hanger assembly extends downwardly from the chassis and provides the forward mounting location for a radius rod which pivotally connects between the beam and the hanger. A radius rod extends between the axle and the chassis so as to form a parallelogram with the other radius rod.

Abstract: First and second generally horizontal tow bar arm sections are provided and joined together at one pair of corresponding end portions in generally end aligned relation and for relative angular displacement about a horizontal transverse axis. The free end of one of the sections remote from the other section includes first structure for articulated connection to a towing vehicle and the free end of the other section remote from the aforementioned one section includes second structure for stationary attachment to a towed vehicle. In addition, third structure is operatively connected between the arm sections to forcibly effect relative angular displacement of the arm sections to depress the free ends relative to the joined end portions. The first structure comprises a socket hitch member for removable coupling to a ball hitch member of a towing vehicle and the second structure includes a terminal end shank portion for removable anchoring in an endwise outwardly opening socket member mounted on the towed vehicle.

Abstract: A novel multiple hook-up movable axle trailer is disclosed comprising the features of removable track extensions to allow the positioning of slidable axle assemblies at extreme ends of the trailer to thereby attain a maximum bridging distance between axles. A novel slidable kingpin assembly is also disclosed which may be used to facilitate the alternate end hook-up of an appropriately fitted trailer regardless of the absence of a permanent kingpin in that location. Alternatively, the slidable kingpin assembly may be used in combination with a novel pivotal axle assembly which may either be fixed or have a fork attached thereto and be released for steering.

Abstract: A quick detachable bumper hitch for towing a motorcycle employing manually operated means for raising and lowering the front wheel of the cycle to maintain a given relationship with the road surface on which the rear wheel of the motorcycle is being supported.

Abstract: A novel system is disclosed for carrying containerized loads, which system basically comprises at least two trailers, at least one of which may be pulled from either end, such that a novel dolly may be utilized to interconnect said trailers for transport, while at the same time facilitating end loading cargo dock access to a plurality of containers mounted on each trailer. Additionally, a novel dolly is disclosed for coupling two trailers together for hauling, which dolly preferably comprises a plurality of axles, each of which is movable with respect to the frame of the dolly and with respect to each other to facilitate multi-directional trailer hauling, better weight distribution, easy hook-up, and convenient storage. The preferred embodiment dolly comprises means for limiting the pivotal action of the dolly with respect to its associated trailers, particularly during hook-up, loading or unloading operations.

Abstract: The stair-climbing device is suitable for transporting a load up or down a flight of steps. The device includes a frame on which the load is seated and a number of load-bearing shoes which engage successive steps in the flight of steps to produce displacement of the device along the flight of steps. The shoes are pivotally connected to sprocket chains which are activated by a reversible electric motor. An arm is pivotally connected to the frame and is provided with a sensing head disposed forward of wheels on which the device rolls. As the device rolls forward on the tread of a step, the sensing head contacts the tread until it is beyond the forward edge whereupon the head falls with resulting pivotal movement of the arm.

Abstract: A glove compartment for motor vehicles which is adapted to be closed, preferably by a cover arranged in the instrument panel, and which is formed by a housing retained within the area of the instrument panel; the housing is provided with at least one circumferential weakening line which effects a reduction of the depth of the housing in case of a force interaction on the glove compartment directed opposite to the driving direction.

Abstract: A steering mechanism particularly suited for vehicles of the type having a variable width track. The steering mechanism is flexible enabling it to automatically extend and retract laterally along with the track of the wheels of the vehicle. The mechanism acts on steering arms of the steerable wheels of a vehicle to simulate a conventional tie rod type of steering geometry. During turning, the inner wheel turns more than the outer wheel to minimize tire slippage or scrub. A flexible steering linkage assembly is connected between the steering arm ends of the pair of steerable wheels to maintain controlled spatial relationship between them which results in a simulation of tie rod steering geometry.

Abstract: Steering apparatus is provided for a vehicle which has a steering axle assembly which is movable between a first position at which the turning radius in a first direction of the vehicle is at a preselected minimum value, a second position at which the turning radius of the vehicle is infinite, and a third position at which the turning radius in a second direction of the vehicle is at a preselected minimum value. The second position is intermediate the first and third positions. The steering apparatus controls the turning radius of the vehicle in response to a predetermined operational rate by automatically restricting the movement of the steering axle assembly towards the first and third positions while leaving the steering axle assembly free for movement towards the second position.

Abstract: A blocking and damping system for a hinged bus having front and rear sections with a rear drive located in the rear section for the prevention of exceeding a maximum deflection angle between the front part of the vehicle and a single axle trailer when cornering, comprising hinge blocking means, at least one sensing means for sensing the angle of lock and the deflection angle of said hinge which is predetermined upon reaching a maximum steering deflection angle and stop means operative in one direction against enlargement of the deflection angle. The system may also include a damping system for discouraging relative movement between the front and rear sections.

Abstract: A barrel cart for engaging a barrel in an upright vertical position, transporting the barrel and lowering the barrel on its side in a horizontal position so that the contents of the barrel may be removed. The barrel cart and a stand may be used for supporting the barrel in the horizontal position.

Abstract: The apparatus of the invention substantially accomplishes the functions of a so-called "fifth wheel coupler" which provides a pivotal mounting for the forward end of a trailer tow bar on the center line of the towing vehicle and directly above its rear axle. The apparatus includes forward hitch means on the aft portion of the towing vehicle carrying first attachment members at the aft end of the vehicle, and aft hitch means on the forward portion of the trailer carrying second attachment members at the forward end of the trailer.

Abstract: A forward, stowable seat and back has a seat frame, floor frame, and forward and rear sets of upright frames which form a modified parallelogram to allow swingable movement of the seat and back from a cantilevered rear position in which the seat and back are cantilevered or suspended rearwardly of the floor frame and a stowable, forward position in which the seat and back are moved forwardly of the rear end of the floor frame. A collapsible link limits the rearward movement of the seat and back and is releasibly held in position by a hook member which latches onto a latch pin hingedly connecting upper and lower links of a brace. The back is held in its rearward position by an elongated strap that slides in a track on the back. Independent, pivotal movement of the back relative to the seat frame occurs by pressing a button on the rear of the back and pivoting the back forward allowing the upper end of the strap to slide along and be guided in the track.

Abstract: An adjustable trailer hitch includes a mounting plate for attaching the trailer hitch to a traction vehicle, a slide plate movable up and down with respect to the mounting plate by means of a jack screw, and a tongue extending from the slide plate. The tongue includes a hole to receive a shank of a removable hitch member, and a removable pin secures the shank of the hitch member within the hole.