Abstract: A wheelchair motorizing apparatus which is mounted to a wheelchair frame utilizing a guide. The guide is oriented in a generally upright configuration. A support is movable along the guide for positioning upwardly and downwardly relative to the existing wheels of a wheelchair. A driven wheel is connected to the support and engages the ground surface when the support is moved into the downward position.

Abstract: A package operable to provide power assist to a pedal operated vehicle having a rear wheel, the vehicle movable longitudinally, comprises: a) a carrier b) a ground engaging drive wheel supported by the carrier and at least one electric battery and an electric battery operated drive supported by the carrier to rotate the drive wheel, c) the carrier coupled to the vehicle for up and down pivoted movement about a generally lateral axis in close association with the vehicle rear wheel, d) the battery or batteries and at least part of the drive being located vertically above the drive wheel so that the weight of the carrier, the battery or batteries, and at least part of the drive bears downwardly on the drive wheel to urge the wheel into ground engagement.

Abstract: In a wheelchair which comprises a pair of drive wheels mounted to a body frame and a front caster wheel and a rear caster wheel mounted to the body frame to the front and rear of the drive wheels so as to allow the wheelchair to turn at a stationary position, a link member extends between the body frame and the drive wheels, and includes one end pivotally connected to an upper part of the body frame and another end rotatably supporting the drive wheel, a rotary shaft of the drive wheels being placed behind a point of connection between the body frame and the link member at least before the front caster wheel abuts a stepped portion of a floor surface.

Abstract: Power assisted pull cart adapter unit is useful for converting a standard golf club bag pull cart into a power assisted golf club bag cart. The adapter unit can include (1) a frame including a vertical arm having upper and lower ends; and, directly or indirectly pivotally attached to the vertical arm below its upper end, a lower arm having a proximal end which is so attached to the vertical arm and a distal end; an upper clamping mechanism for securing an upper portion of a frame of the golf club bag pull cart, which is attached about the upper end of the vertical arm; a lower clamping mechanism for securing a lower portion of the frame of the golf club bag pull cart, which is attached about the distal end of the vertical arm and which can pivot with respect to the lower arm; (2) a power unit attached to the frame; (3) a wheel set having an axle, attached to the frame and drivable by the power unit; and (4) a power unit controller in communication with the power unit.

Abstract: A power operated vehicle, of the type guided by a walking attendant, for conveying a plurality of nestable carts. The vehicle has a main body portion and is supported by a front rotatable caster and two rear drive wheels mounted on an axle. The drive wheels are in differential and are driven by a motor connected to a power supply. A control handle is offset to the side for controlling the operation of the vehicle. An adjustable hitch is attached to the rear for accepting the lead nestable cart. The adjustable hitch pivots at a point proximal the axle. The adjustable hitch pivots independent of the movement of the vehicle.

Abstract: A clutch for altering the direction of a drive unit of a transportation device between a first direction of travel and a second direction of travel, the drive unit having at least one drive wheel connected to a shaft, the shaft being rotatably mounted with respect to the transportation device between at least a first position, corresponding to the first direction of travel, and a second position, corresponding to the second direction of travel, the clutch comprises a housing to receive a portion of the shaft, a lock having a first preset locked position corresponding to the first direction of travel and a second preset locked position corresponding to the second direction of travel and, a connecting member connected to the shaft and the lock for alternately locking the shaft in one of the directions of travel.

Abstract: A stretch mounting unit includes a unit body detachably mounted on a stretcher, a drive device attached to the unit body for providing an output, a center shaft for receiving the output of the drive device, a coupling that couples the drive device and the center shaft for transmitting the output of the drive device to the center shaft, a roller pressed on the center shaft to produce torque, a carrier swingably disposed on the center shaft, a pair of wheels rotatably mounted on the carrier and rotated by the torque of the roller, and a friction clutch provided rotatably on the center shaft and associated with the carrier for swinging the carrier until one of the pair of wheels touches the ground.

Abstract: An ice shanty mover includes a frame on which a motor and traction wheel are mounted. A series of chains and gears connect the traction wheel to the motor such that the traction wheel rotates when the motor is activated. A control cable extends forwardly from the motor to allow a user to control the speed of the motor while walking in front of the ice shanty. A front plate on the ice shanty mover engages a skirt on the ice shanty and pushes against the skirt causing the shanty to move. Steering is accomplished by a tow rope attached to either the shanty or the shanty mover.

Abstract: A computerizable robotic automated bogie is provided including a drive motor and a main drive shaft extending downwardly from the drive motor. A rotatable plate is rotatably coupled to a bottom of a platform and further rotatable with respect to the main drive shaft. A gear mechanism is operatively coupled to the drive shaft. At least one wheel has an axis coupled with the gear mechanism thereby effecting rotation of the at least one wheel about a horizontal axis upon the actuation of the drive motor. The axis about which the at least one wheel rotates is fixed with respect to the rotatable plate. Further included is a rotating mechanism operatively engaged with the rotatable plate for selectively rotating the horizontal axis about which the at least one wheel resides.

Abstract: A drive unit capable of being coupled to a wheeled body to form a vehicle. The drive unit includes a construction having a frame with two opposite edges parallel to the forward direction, the frame supports a driving power source and is in turn supported along said opposite edges by a pair of side walls that are respectively supported on at least one wheel-like member and define a housing for transmission connecting the driving power source to the wheel-like members, each of the side walls has two opposite surfaces perpendicular to the forward direction, and coupling/un-coupling devices provided on the surfaces for releasably engaging the wheeled body.

Abstract: In a wheelchair, a rear wheel part with a pair of rear wheels is assembled to the rear side of a frame in detachable state. The frame is constituted in foldable state. The rear wheel part and the rear side of the frame are provided with a locking member and a receiving member which can be coupled with each other and are arranged corresponding to these. The receiving member is provided with a concave locking surface at the side remote from the locking member. The locking member is provided with an insertion recess in which the receiving member can be inserted, and with a hook which can lock a locking surface of the receiving member inserted in the insertion recess. In the wheelchair, the rear wheel part can be simply assembled to or detached from the frame by the operation of the hook. Also the frame can be folded. Therefore even the wheelchair of heavy weight can be easily housed in a vehicle with a narrow housing space. Also the wheelchair can be simply assembled by the operation of the hook.

Abstract: A motor vehicle comprising a first vehicle having a vehicle body defining a first inner space and a first drive for driving the first vehicle, and a second vehicle having a second vehicle body defining a second inner space and having a second drive for driving the second vehicle, the vehicles being substantially identical with one another, and elements for connecting the vehicles with one another, the first and second vehicle bodies having openable and closeable parts which close the first and second inner spaces of the first and second vehicles correspondingly and are formed such that the parts can be closed, the connecting elements disconnected and the vehicles can be used separately, and also the parts can be opened so as to communicate the first inner space with the second inner space, the connecting parts connect the first and the second vehicles with one another, so that the first and second vehicles form a joint motor vehicle for joint driving.

Abstract: A rear-drive, ride-on tractor propulsion unit is provided for articulation with manually steerable utility vehicles wherein a hydrostatic trans-axle transmission couples a gasoline motor to individual ones of two drive wheels about which the propulsion unit framework is pivoted. The drive wheels rotate about fixed axially aligned non-rotatable axles, and are independently driven by belts from the two axles of the transmission. In this manner, equal torque drive to the respective wheels is applied in one drive mode to maintain a preferred straight line drive path for the propulsion unit. For manual steering over a curved path the tractor unit permits a steerable three or four wheel utility vehicle to be pivoted about its rear wheels. A hydrostatic trans-axle transmission drive provides forward and reverse gears and braking. A low center of gravity provided by small wheels is made feasible by faster rotation speeds than the transaxle speeds afford.

Abstract: A wheelchair combination includes a hand-propelled wheelchair (1) having two large drive wheels (3), at least one front support wheel 950 and a seat for the wheelchair occupant, wherein the combination also includes a separate drive unit (2) having at least one electric drive motor and the requisite batteries therefor. The hand-propelled wheelchair and the drive unit are provided with mutually coacting coupling means and the wheelchair occupant is able to activate the coupling means to couple the wheelchair to the drive unit while seated in his/her seat, so as to obtain a functional motor-driven wheelchair. According to the invention, the drive unit (2) is intended to be coupled to the hand-propelled wheelchair (1) from behind, so that when the unit is connected, it will be located at least partially between the two large drive wheels of the hand-propelled wheelchair (1).

Abstract: A working vehicle includes an engine in the rear of a passenger seat, and a working machine vertically movably disposed in the rear of the engine, wherein an upper end of the working machine which is lifted to the highest position is set lower than an upper end of the engine. As a result, a ventilation in the vicinity of the engine is improved and a cooling effect of the engine is enhanced. Also, a maintenance of the engine can be conducted without being interfered by the working machine. Further, with this arrangement, a center of gravity of the working machine is low, thereby enhancing a stability of the working vehicle, and a driver or a passenger of the vehicle can visually check backward much easier.

Abstract: A powered golf bag cart (10) including a frame assembly (20), a free wheel assembly (22), a drive wheel assembly (24), a power delivery assembly (26), a steering assembly (28), and a control assembly (30). For compact storage, the frame assembly (20) of the cart (10) has nestably collapsible base portion (32), central portion (34), and handle portion (36). The power delivery assembly (26) includes a drive motor (128) and a power train assembly (138) for rotatably motivating the drive wheel assembly (24). In this manner all control and motive force is applied via a single ground contacting surface in the drive wheel assembly (24).

Abstract: A detachable motorized wheel assembly for a golf cart has a support framework removably attachable to the rear section of a golf cart of the type having oppositely disposed and spaced apart wheels. The assembly includes a motor driven wheel positioned between and rearward of the spaced apart wheels of the golf cart. The assembly further includes a golf bag support device having a number of support loops. Each loop having a first section outwardly disposed from the top of the support framework. Each loop further having a second section disposed upwardly from the first section to form an obtuse angle between the first and second sections.

Abstract: An industrial truck, in particular a fork-lift truck, has a driving axle which is fixed to the industrial truck at two mounting locations at least. A rotor of an electric propulsion motor is disposed within an axle housing (3a, 3b, 3c) of the driving axle. At least at one end, the rotor of the propulsion motor is mounted rotatably on a bearing bracket (17) fixed to the axle housing. The bearing bracket (17) is detachably fixed to the axle housing (3a, 3b, 3c) and the mounting locations (1, 13) are disposed on the axle housing (3a, 3b, 3c). In one embodiment of the invention, the bearing bracket (17) exhibits an offset form and in the axial direction the area of the bearing bracket (17) fixed to the axle housing (3a) is a greater distance from the rotor (10) than the area of the bearing bracket (17) on which the rotor (10) is mounted.

Abstract: A trailer motor carriage configuration that is easily detachable from a bicycle or multi-wheel vehicle. A maneuvering mechanism attaches the carriage to the rear of the vehicle. The mechanism prevents interference of the carriage with the vehicle while maneuvering around corners and on uneven surfaces. The configuration is constructed to support a heavy payload under adverse conditions. It has an axle and two wheels rotatably mounted thereon. A motor mounted on the carriage produces rotational energy, and a clutch and throttle transmit rotational energy to the wheels. So equipped, either the vehicle or carriage can propel the other.

Abstract: Improved paint striper control, speed and quality is achieved by articulating a motor driven push tractor unit to a steerable walk behind paint striping unit. In a preferred embodiment, a two wheeled rear push tractor unit supporting a drive motor and driver's seat is coupled through a quick release ball-socket pivot joint behind a three wheeled handlebar steered push-to-paint manual striping unit. The articulation joint with help of a hydrostatic trans-axle transmission in the tractor unit produces a sharp turning eighty degree radius. Also the transmission unit functions to drive the assembly in straight lines. The user controls steering to deviate from a straight line at the handlebar grips in substantially the same manner as if walking behind the paint striper. Thus the user rides quickly along the striping path with a good view at the paint spray jets to monitor performance and achieve higher output volume and quality.

Abstract: A self-propelled handtruck including a frame and having at least one driven wheel and at least one non-driven wheel such that the handtruck may be selectively positioned in either a self-propelled position or an operator-propelled position. The frame includes a vertical frame member. A drivetrain mounting structure is secured to the vertical frame member. The drivetrain mounting structure preferably provides for selective positioning of the same along the vertical frame member so that the center of gravity of the handtruck may be varied as desired. A drivetrain is secured to the drivetrain mounting structure, the drivetrain being operable to drive the driven wheel. Preferably, the driven wheel is mounted on the frame of the handtruck by at least one wheel mounting plate. The wheel mounting plate includes one end which is fixedly secured to the vertical frame member. Moreover, the wheel mounting plate may be mounted for selective positioning of the wheel mounting plate along the vertical frame member.

Abstract: A steerable, self-powered device for use in towing and guiding a plurality of shopping carts attached together in a line from one location to another is disclosed which has a pair of electrically driven wheels located in the rear thereof, and a single wheel located in the front thereof for use in steering the towing and guiding device. The towing and guiding device is small and low to the ground, and includes a retaining mechanism which may be attached to the line of shopping carts by connection to the bottom front cross-bar of the front-most shopping cart in the line of shopping carts. The towing and guiding device is powered by one or more batteries, and in the preferred embodiment includes a battery charger and a retractable cord to supply power to the battery charger.

Abstract: A four wheeled powered hand truck for transporting logs in confined spaces over rough and inclined terrain is shown. A hand fork assembly is pivotally mounted on the front end of the powered hand truck adapted to move from a vertical load/unload position to a reclined load carrying position. A gasoline engine, transmission, clutch, differential,safety latch and controls are shown.

Abstract: A lawn edger utilizes an engine with a vertical drive shaft. The edger includes a frame mounted on wheels. A handle extends upward from the frame for pushing the frame on the wheels. The engine mounts to the frame with its drive shaft extending vertically downward. A drive pulley mounts to the output shaft. The blade carrier locates at the forward end of the edger and carries a blade on a blade axle. The driven pulley mounts to the blade axle. A drive belt extends between the drive pulley and the driven pulley, twisting as it extends around the pulleys.

Abstract: A power system for wheelchairs is described, in particular for wheelchairs of the foldable type with quick-release wheel axles 1, the power system having two compact drive units, which are affixable and removable without the use of tools. The drive units connect vertically to complementary mounting brackets fixed to the wheelchair frame. The drive system also includes a control unit 51 for controlling power supply to each drive unit from batteries 41 held in underslung battery tray 42. The power system is retrofittable to existing wheelchairs, and is designed for easy removal.

Abstract: A powered pusher vehicle for moving a train of nested shopping carts, the vehicle having a main body portion with a central drive wheel powered by an electric motor through a worm gear transmission. Caster wheels support one end of the vehicle for ease of steering and easy manipulation of the pusher vehicle when it is not connected to the carts. A pair of normally raised wheels, on each side of the drive wheel, may be lowered to raise the drive wheel from the ground. A remote control allows the operator to manually guide the lead cart while controlling speed of the pusher vehicle with the remote control. The vehicle includes a pair of latch members for automatically connecting the front of the vehicle to a rearmost one of the nested carts. The arrangement permits a single person to manipulate a long train of nested shopping carts with ease.

Abstract: A tow vehicle system which includes a vehicle chassis, a vehicle drive mechanism and a power actuating mechanism for driving a wheel member in frictional engagement with a base surface. The tow vehicle system includes a pair of batteries which are mounted on opposing sides of a drive axle of wheel member. A motor member is mounted in vertical aligned relation with respect to drive axle to maintain a longitudinally balanced weight relation of the tow vehicle system about drive axle. In this manner, maneuverability and control of tow vehicle system is optimized.

Abstract: A wheelchair (20) including a wheelchair frame (22) and a seat assembly (24) carried by the wheelchair frame (22). A detachable power drive assembly (32) having power driven wheels (40, 40') is releasably coupled to the wheelchair frame (22) and is mounted for selective removal of the drive assembly (32) as a unit from the wheelchair frame (22). Wheel mounting ports (76, 76') are also provided in the wheelchair frame (22) for releasably receiving a pair of manually-operable drive wheels (34, 34'). An anti-tip suspension (80) is also provided and includes a suspension arm (84) which is mounted to resist rearward tipping of the wheelchair by a non-linear restoring force. A wheel lock (108) is mounted for movement between a deployed operable position and a stored inoperable position. In the deployed position, the wheel lock (108) extends laterally outwardly of the wheelchair frame (22) for engagement with and braking of manually operable drive wheels (34, 34').

Abstract: Nearly everyone who drives an automobile has experienced engine failure or other problems with the transmission, cooler lines, drive shaft, differential or electrical components or has run out of gas at one time or another. The disabled car is immobilized until the driver is fortunate enough to obtain outside help to tow or push the car to a place for repair. The present invention comprises an accessory which can be carried in the vehicle trunk and which, when connected to the rear of the vehicle, will push the vehicle to safety. It comprises a motorized wheeled unit controllable from the disabled vehicle which fastens to the rear bumper or to a trailer hitch (if the vehicle has one) or to a temporary, removable type trailer hitch of the disabled vehicle and pushes it while the driver steers in a normal manner.

Abstract: The invention is a two-wheeled, battery powered, trailer dolly that may be coupled to a boat or other vehicle for facilitating the movement of such vehicles. A deep-discharge, marine battery powers a winches which operates the axle of the dolly. The axle has an inner collar at each end with abutment portions that interact with similar abutment portions on an outer collar in connection with the wheels. The use of the inner and outer collar arrangement provides for separate turning of each wheel through turns. The dolly utilizes a trailer ball in order to allow a rotatable coupling of the trailer at the ball and not on a trailer jack as shown in prior art.

Abstract: Apparatus for motorized transport of the hospital bed and care cart docks to the head end of the bed and has a drive wheel, a motor propelling the drive wheel, a joy stick type potentiometer for controlling the speed and direction of the drive wheel and handles for grasping the apparatus and maneuvering the apparatus and the hospital bed. Gas springs are actuated by the bed when the motorized transport apparatus and bed are docked together for exerting a downward force on the drive wheel to reduce the tendency of the drive wheel to slip. The apparatus falls within the footprint of the bed.

Abstract: A motor-driven propulsion device (10) can be attached separately to a surface-cleaning machine (1), which has a drive (2) for a rotor drum and is equipped with a handle supporting deck (3) for manual propulsion. For this, the device (10) is connected mechanically to the handle supporting deck (3) and secured to the axle (5) of the surface-cleaning machine (1) with a swivel hook (34) and a two-pronged fork. In this position, at least one motor-driven frictional wheel (11) presses on the running wheels (6) of the surface-cleaning machine (1). The frictional wheel (11) is driven by a separate motor in the housing (12) of the propulsion device (10), which, if necessary, uses a separate power supply or the same power supply as the drive motor of the rotor drum of the surface-cleaning machine (1).

Abstract: The invention concerns an off-highway motor vehicle for paraplegic handicapped persons. It comprises a frame (1) whose base (1') has a U shape open towards the front, the paraplegic sitting on his wheelchair (3) being installed between the branches of the frame. The branches of the U are extended by two box plate girders (2) rotary-joined onto the frame and each including two wheels (8). The vehicle comprises a tubular frame (4) cooperating with two shoes (5) for embarking, disembarking, and storing away the wheelchair. The frame and shoes are rotary-joined (B,C) to the frame and interconnected by a rocker bar (6). A kinematic chain transmits the movement of the drive train (7) to four driving wheels (8). The controls of the drive train and of the vehicle are provided on the frame (4).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an individual vehicle usable in a manual or a motorized version, in particular a wheelchair or a tricycle, including a chassis (1) provided at the rear with two bearings designed to receive removable wheels (2). According to the invention, this vehicle is able to be equipped with a self-contained propulsion unit (12) comprising driving wheels (13), a structure (14) for rotationally driving the driving wheels, a support suitable for supporting the bearings when the removable wheels (2) are removed, a locking device suitable for cooperating with a retaining device (11) provided on the chassis (1) when the bearings rest on the support, and a control (17) for moving the locking device between an active and an inactive position.

Abstract: The invention is a driving assembly that can be attached to an existing trailer, manufactured with the trailer, or retrofitted onto a trailer in place of the front part of the trailer. The driving assembly comprises a housing attached to the trailer with a column disposed vertically through the housing. A cranking assembly engages the column and can vertically move the column. At least one drive wheel is attached to the column and is engageable with the ground. A hydraulic motor mounted on the wheel propels the trailer. A platform around the housing allows for the operator to be on the trailer while driving the trailer to impart weight to the drive wheel to increase traction.

Abstract: A power-assisted wheelchair is disclosed that is particularly well suited for use by a person capable of exerting some hand/arm force in attempting to propel the wheelchair while seated therein, but incapable of exerting sufficient force, at least in some instances, to achieve satisfactory overall non-assisted operation of the wheelchair. Power-assist is provided by an electrical power unit that includes a motor for driving each main wheel of the wheelchair, with the power unit being removable to facilitate folding of the wheel chair when not in use. Motor energization is initiated when the user exerts force on the hand rims, connected with the drive wheels, in an attempt to propel the wheelchair. Displacement of the handrim relative to the associated drive wheel caused by the user exerted force is sensed and an electrical signal is produced to cause motor energization, with structure and feedback circuitry also being included for enhancing the efficiency of the power assist thus provided.

Abstract: A power unit is provided for attachment to a non-motorized golf cart. The power unit converts the cart to a motorized golf cart of the type used to support and carry a golf bag. The power unit includes a motor, drive wheel assembly and battery support, all attached to a single leg which, in turn, is attachable to the frame of the golf cart by means of a releasable coupling which permits the leg to be oriented selectively, at different angles, relative to the golf cart frame. The releasable coupling also allows the leg to be folded against the frame when the cart is collapsed for transport and storage. A pair of relatively closely-spaced drive wheels, mounted on a unitary axle, supports the forward end of the cart and power unit. The drive wheels contact the ground and a reversible motor pushes or pulls the cart in the direction selected by the user. A control box is mounted on the handle of the golf cart to control the speed and direction of the motor.

Abstract: The bicycle power pack consists of a frame mounting a motor and transmission mechanism, ground engaging wheels carried by an axle journaled to the frame and a hitch assembly extending forwardly from the frame and attachable to the bicycle rear axle. In order to prevent weight transfer from the power pack to the rear axle of the bicycle, the center of gravity of the power pack is located directly above the axle, thus improving the stability and maneuverability of the bicycle and power pack combination.

Abstract: A power supplying accessory that can readily be retrofitted to an unpowered skateboard includes a leaf spring having a front end and a rear end; the front end including holes sized and spaced to fit on the threaded fasteners that attach the rear truck to the body of the skateboard; the leaf spring being secured between the rear truck and the body of the skateboard; the rear end of the leaf spring being attached to a drive assembly that includes an internal combustion engine, a drive wheel and a speed reducer; the leaf spring, in its unloaded condition, holding the drive wheel below an imaginary ground plane tangent to both the front and rear wheel of the skateboard, so that when the skateboard is loaded, the leaf spring preloads the drive wheel against the ground while the use of the rear truck of the skateboard permits the skateboard to retain its steering characteristics, thereby making it easy to learn to use.

Abstract: An electric drive attachment for a wheelchair. The drive includes an electric motor constituting the input member of the drive, a wheel adapted to touch the ground and to drive the wheelchair by frictional contact with the ground, and the wheel constituting the output member of the drive. The input member and the output member constitute an integral unit carried by a sleeve-like member slidably mounted to a first position of a mounting member attachable to the wheelchair, and first means are provided to allow the unit to be shifted to, and arrested at, at least two different positions along the first position of the mounting member. In the first position the unit is closer to a reference point on the wheelchair and in the second position the unit is more remote from the reference point.

Abstract: A personal mobility vehicle including rear and front frame sections which are quickly and easily engageable and disconnectable one to another. The rear frame section has a pair of coaxial rear spaced wheels and a pair of locator pins laterally extending preferably from each side margin adjacent each forward corner of the rear frame section. These locator pins engage with a locking bar rearwardly extending from and adjacent each rear corner of said front frame section. Each bar has a notch formed into its lower and upper margins adapted to engage the locator pins in a pivotal motion to guide the front and rear frame sections into abutting generally coplaner assembled relationship, thus preventing fore and aft and vertical movement therebetween. A latch-type connector preferably centrally positioned releasibly secures this coplaner relationship during use of the vehicle.

Abstract: A transport vehicle, particularly for shopping carts in trading establishments, includes a base frame having a U shape as seen in a plan view for embracing a shopping cart at a height substantially equal to that of the lower frame of the shopping cart. The base frame has members with free front ends and a transversely oriented rear drive section. Pivotable brackets are each disposed at a respective one of the free front ends. Guide wheels are each guided in a respective one of the pivotable brackets. A driving wheel is centrally and non-pivotably guided in the drive section. The driving wheel has an integrated mobile driving device.

Abstract: A vehicle having a length, a front end and a substantially opposing rear end useful for propelling an implement pivotably coupled thereto at or near the front end. The vehicle comprises two driven wheels located at or near the rear end and positioned to rotate in a direction generally parallel to the length of the vehicle; a power system acting to provide power to rotate the two driven wheels; at least one non-steered wheel located at or near the front end, the non-steered wheel being rotatable about an axis which axis is at least partially rotatable; and a seat acting to provide a location at which a human being can sit on the vehicle and control the vehicle. The vehicle is sized so that the human being sitting in the seat is capable of directly steering the pivotably coupled implement.

Abstract: A drive unit (D) including a front axle (18) with front axle shafts (20, 22) rotatably supported therein, an electric motor (24), and a reduction gear unit operatively connecting the electric motor to the front axle shafts. A housing (26) for the reduction gear unit fixes the electric motor (24) to the front axle (18) and a pair of brackets (28, 30) connect opposite end portions (18c) of the front axle (18) to the opposite front side frame members (10, 12), respectively, so that the housing (26) with the electric motor (24) is swingable about an axis of the front axle shafts (20, 22). Bosses (38, 40) are formed on the housing (26) and on one of the brackets (28), respectively, and a bolt (42) is inserted through the holes (38a, 40a) in the bosses for detachably fixing the housing (26) with the bracket (28), to thereby fix the electric motor (24) to the front side frame member (10) via the bracket (28).

Abstract: A wheeled platform towable behind a snowthrower to apply a downward force on the traction wheels of the snowthrower. The person operating the snowthrower stands on the platform so that a portion of his/her weight is applied to a towbar that extends from the snowthrower to the platform. The front end of the towbar exerts a downward force on the rear end of the snowthrower.

Abstract: A wheelchair has a removable seat, removable battery containers and a body which can be separated into two major parts, one having a pair of ground-engaging wheels and the other having a single, steerable wheel. The body parts incorporate respective parts of a two-part coupling. One coupling part has recesses for receiving horizontal pins on the other coupling part. Lower pins serve as pivots during coupling. A pair of lower recesses are placed over co-axial lower pins and the body parts are then rocked about these pins to bring upper pins into their respective recesses. The pins are then locked in their recesses.

Abstract: A safety control for a baby's walker comprising a typical baby's walker having a horizontally extending peripheral frame supported on four peripherally spaced apart legs having rollers or wheels and a seat secured to and extending downwardly from the peripheral frame for the baby to sit in, the seat having two apertures for the baby's legs to extend through and to reach the floor when the baby stands and begins to walk, moving the walker as he goes and using the walker as a support and restraint to keep from falling, the walker in accordance with this invention having a motor connected to drive one or more wheels on command to move the walker and the baby in it away from a location of danger such as a electrical outlet, the head of a stairs, an open window, a hot stove, a whirling fan and the like.

Abstract: An articulated shopping cart-tractor unit with a seat is provided for the handicapped. The tractor unit is connected to a conventional shopping cart by a bracket and coupling.

Abstract: A demountable sulky, which may be readily coupled and uncoupled to a steerable, motor-driven front wheel assembly, incorporates a T-bar which is disengageably latched at its front end to the front wheel assembly and disengageably latched to separate wheel supporting frames at its rear ends. The wheel frames demountably support a seat and are held in rigidly spaced apart position in a safe and secure manner by a unique demountable brace system which also is used as a spoke system holding demountable wheel segments in assembled relation.

Abstract: A vehicle having a length, a front end and a substantially opposing rear end useful for propelling an implement pivotably coupled thereto at or near the front end. The vehicle comprises two driven wheels located at or near the rear end and positioned to rotate in a direction generally parallel to the length of the vehicle; a power system acting to provide power to rotate the two driven wheels; at least one non-steered wheel located at or near the front end, the non-steered wheel being rotatable about an axis which axis is at least partially rotatable; and a seat acting to provide a location at which a human being can sit on the vehicle and control the vehicle. The vehicle is sized so that the human being sitting in the seat is capable of directly steering the pivotably coupled implement.