Abstract: A improvement to a snow scooter having a longitudinal axis, a stand-on area, a back portion rearward of the stand-on area, a handle, and at least one gliding surface having a flat portion defining a plane. The improvement includes a brake plate, operable with a foot of a rider, mounted at an aft end of the scooter. The brake plate is oriented transverse to the longitudinal axis, and is affixed to the scooter with a pivot transverse to the longitudinal axis in the back portion rearward of the stand-on area. Further, the brake plate is retained above the plane of the flat portion of the gliding surface by a spring until depressed with a force that overcomes the spring allowing the brake plate to pivot downwardly to protrude below the plane of the flat portion of the gliding surface.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for conveying a user across snow, sand, or similar media. The apparatus may include a snowskate or snow scooter comprising an elongated glide plate having an upper surface with a stand-on area for receiving the feet of a user and a lower surface for slidingly but controllably engaging snow. The glide plate also may have front and back portions that are rounded and/or bent upwards. The apparatus also may include wheels, a handle, and/or a brake.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for conveying a user across snow, sand, or similar media. The apparatus may include a snowskate or snow scooter comprising an elongated glide plate having an upper surface with a stand-on area for receiving the feet of a user and a lower surface for slidingly but controllably engaging snow. The glide plate also may have front and back portions that are rounded and/or bent upwards. The apparatus also may include wheels, a handle, and/or a brake.

Abstract: A tailgate for a pickup truck includes three elongate, rectangular panels or louvers having an airfoil-shaped cross section pivotally mounted in a U-shaped tailgate frame conformed to be mounted on a pickup truck in place of the conventional tailgate. The louvers are linked to each other for coordinated pivotal movement about respective horizontal axes extending along the leading edge of the airfoil section between a closed position and an open position wherein the louvers project rearwardly from the frame to accommodate a substantially unrestricted flow of air through the tailgate. A reversible electric motor controlled from the cab drives the louvers in pivotal movement through a worm gear drive which will hold the louvers at any selected position. An airfoil section wing is mounted at the rearward end of the truck cab in spaced relationship to the cab roof and sidewalls to reduce turbulence in air flowing toward the tailgate.