Abstract: A curved structure for a work vehicle includes a first curved support extending a length, a second curved support extending a length, the second curved support spaced apart a width from the first curved support, and a curved windshield positioned between and connected to the first and second curved supports.

Abstract: A method for preventing a forward flip-over or a flip-over about the vehicle transverse axis of a single-track motor vehicle, during a braking action of its front wheel. In the method, a lift-off indicator parameter is ascertained, which represents the flip-over hazard by a rear wheel at risk of lifting off or already having lifted off the ground surface, and the braking force at the front wheel is reduced as a function thereof to prevent a flip-over.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a frame, and at least one front and rear wheel. The total number of front and rear wheels is at least three. The vehicle includes a mechanism for driving at least one of the front and rear wheels, a seat for a driver, and at least one fall prevention element to prevent, in a closed position of the fall prevention element, a driver from falling off the seat. In an open position of the fall prevention element, a driver can freely take a seat from the outer side of the vehicle via the space which, in the closed position, is occupied by the fall prevention element, or can step out of the vehicle; the fall prevention element slides between the open and closed positions.

Abstract: A safety stop is provided for stopping a movable member having at least one set of opposed wheels for gripping a rail. The stop has a track on each of opposite sides forming a wedge shape of a narrow end progressively widening to a wide end in a direction of travel of the movable member. With the opposed wheels of the movable member respectively at opposite sides of the wedge shape member, the tracks of the wedge shape member engage and impart a spreading strain to the opposed wheels as the movable member moves in the direction of travel. The opposed wheels of the movable member comprise a deformable material to absorb the kinetic energy of the movable member. The tracks of the stop additionally may have undulating features comprising concave and convex surfaces in the direction of motion.

Abstract: A safety stop is provided for stopping a movable member having at least one set of opposed wheels for gripping a rail. The stop has a track on each of opposite sides forming a wedge shape of a narrow end progressively widening to a wide end in a direction of travel of the movable member. With the opposed wheels of the movable member respectively at opposite sides of the wedge shape member, the tracks of the wedge shape member engage and impart a spreading strain to the opposed wheels as the movable member moves in the direction of travel. The opposed wheels of the movable member comprise a deformable material to absorb the kinetic energy of the movable member. The tracks of the stop additionally may have undulating features comprising concave and convex surfaces in the direction of motion.

Abstract: This invention relates to gravity reactive braking systems. According to the invention there is provided a brake system to control speed in a forward direction for descending inclined surfaces and a brake system for controlling rollback when ascending an inclined surface. The speed pacer braking assembly includes a downhill activator for selectively engaging a disc brake system when a predetermined inclined is reach. The anti-rollback assembly comprises a pair of graded brake cam structures operatively disposed adjacent wheels wherein the natural pull of gravity and the configuration of the cams operate to allow passage of wheels in both directions when on flat surfaces and in only a single direction when on an incline. When on an incline, gravity operates to dispose cams relative to the wheels such that rotation of wheels in one direction is hindered by a thickening of cam body caused by rotation of cam about its axis.

Abstract: A one-way clutch includes a chamber containing a roller that moves in response to changes in the angular position of a component relative to an axis, such as in response to the slope of a surface on which a wheel is supported, to engage and disengage alternately a one-way drive connection between a non-rotating component and a component that rotates with the wheel. The wheel is prevented from rolling backward on an inclined surface due to this engagement and is free to ascend the inclined surface due to the disengagement.

Abstract: To provide a technique capable of detecting lifting of a rear wheel of a two-wheeled vehicle correctly and rapidly. An estimated vehicle speed is generated by selecting the larger one of wheel speed Vf, Vr of a rear wheel and a front wheel, and attention is paid to an estimated vehicle deceleration which is computed based on the estimated vehicle speed and it is judged that lifting of the rear wheel has occurred when a degree of lowering of the estimated vehicle deceleration is a predetermined value or larger.

Abstract: An automatic braking system for wheelchairs which prevents rearward, downhill motion of wheelchairs while having no effect on horizontal or uphill motion. The braking system is made up of circular ratcheted plates which are attached to the axles of the driving wheels of the wheelchair and L-shaped members slightly in front of and beneath the ratcheted. The L-shaped members are rotatable about axles located in their angles. The long leg of an L-shaped member is directed downwardly by gravity and maintains the short leg in a substantially horizontal position. The short leg forms a pawl which engages the ratchets of the plate when the wheels start to roll backwards when the wheelchair is directed upwardly, thus automatically stopping the wheelchair.

Abstract: A transportation and launching device for boats which can be handled by one person and which is carried with the boat during overland transportation, launching, and water operation of the boat. The device remains completely external to the boat during operation and storage and may be equipped for manual or automatic adjustment of the wheel axles to the longitudinal center of gravity of the boat to accommodate loading changes affecting the center of gravity. The device is typically used with the boat in an upright position but may be adjusted to move the boat in an inverted position as an aid in maintenance. The device is removable for compact storage and may be adjusted to fit on boats of various sizes.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to devices which are designed to prevent loss of shopping carts from shopping center parking lots or other areas where use thereof is expected. More specifically, it relates to a particular wheel design which locks when removal is attempted and thereby provides a braking action under certain circumstances, namely when removal of the shopping cart from a given area is attempted. This locking of the wheel occurs when the longitudinal axis of the cart to which the wheel is attached, which is normally horizontal, is tilted away from the horizontal in order to negotiate curbs or when traversing a sloped surface such as a driveway and the like.

Abstract: A safety device for lawn mowers includes an elongated frame assembly having a pair of laterally spaced leg elements connected by a bight section. A plurality of ground anchoring elements depend from the bight section and are adapted to be selectively affixed in the ground to prevent rolling of the mower. The device includes clamping plates for fixedly securing the assembly to the handle of a lawn mower in angular relation thereto such that the ground anchoring elements are out of contact with the ground during normal operation of the mower and the mower is pivotable upon its rear wheels in an emergency to thereby shift said leg elements into a position substantially perpendicular to the ground and drive the ground anchoring elements into the ground to prevent rolling of the mower.