Abstract: A lifting and placement device for seabed mats. The device has a frame made of a first and second support beam each of which have a release shaft located adjacent thereto. The release shafts are rotatably engaged to a central actuation shaft that when turned cause the release shafts to rotate thereby removing displaceable support pins from retaining supports. Once the support pins are released from the supports, a seabed mat which is supported below the device is released on all sides of the frame. The device has the ability to connect a plurality of frames in end to end relationship allowing a single rotational force applied to an actuation lever to be transmitted along the conjoined frames.

Abstract: A plastic monocoque body useful with small vehicles, such as lawn and garden tractors. A lower fiberglass reinforced plastic frame member is bonded to two upper body members to form a monocoque body. The assembly incorporates attaching, pivot and support structures for the engine, transaxle and drive wheels, steerable front wheels, steering mechanism, clutch and brake pedals and control linkages, shift and throttle controls and linkages, adjustable mower deck, adjustable seat and battery. Through utilizing the net shape manufacturing process, no metal skeleton is required, thereby reducing the expense and complexity of manufacture, assembly and paint operations.

Abstract: A horizontally extending plate-like member having a power source, transaxle and belt arrangement coupled thereto. The member mounts the power source, transaxle, and belt arrangement to a vehicle frame, and establishes a lever arm between first and second coupling means for transferring relatively small concentrated loads to the vehicle frame. The power source, transaxle, belt arrangement and member can be removed from the vehicle frame for service as a single unit or module.

Abstract: A seat mechanism including a deflectable latch flap mechanism formed integrally with a first seat pan member. The latch flap engages an indexing means for selectively securing the seat in a desired longitudinal position. A guide mechanism is provided for longitudinally guiding foot portions coupled with the seat mechanism during seat position adjustment. Mating portions are provided that generally prevent the guide mechanism from shifting laterally with respect to the seat mechanism under the weight of the operator.

Abstract: A seat mechanism including a switch flap mechanism formed integrally with a first seat pan member made of a plastic material. When an operator sits on the first seat pan member, the switch flap deflects downwardly under the weight of the operator. The switch flap deflects downwardly to engage a plunger switch mounted with a second seat pan member. When the plunger switch is depressed the vehicle components are shifted to an operative mode. An operator presence function is thereby served.

Abstract: A seat assembly is provided for a lawn and garden tractor wherein a fuel tank is an integral component of the seat. A plastic fuel tank is sandwiched between an inner and an outer seat shell to provide a fuel tank which is easily accessible for maintenance and/or replacement. A fuel inlet is provided at the top portion of the seat back facilitating easy and convenient refueling of the tank. The elevated position of the fuel tank provides a head of fuel for vehicles not equipped with fuel pumps, reducing the likelihood of starvation as the vehicle is operated on hillsides and inclines.

Abstract: A rack and pinion steering mechanism for use with a vehicle having a frame, an operator station and steerable ground engaging wheels. The mechanism provides a steering wheel, a steering column, a pinion gear coupled with the steering column, and a rack gear plate member having an opening for receiving the pinion gear. The opening has a laterally extending toothed portion engagable with the pinion gear, and has laterally outward end portions engagable with the pinion gear for limiting the lateral shifting of the rack gear plate member. A support plate is coupled with the frame and is abuttable with the rack gear plate member for securing the rack gear plate member between the support plate and frame for maintaining the rack gear teeth in operative engagement with the pinion gear.