Abstract: A wheel blocking device includes a pressure foot which is attached to one end of a pressure foot arm. The other end of the pressure foot arm is pivotally connected to either the frame or an axle of the vehicle. One end of an actuator is connected to the pressure foot arm and the other end is connected to either the frame or an axle of the vehicle. When the actuator actuates, the pressure foot is forced into engagement with a tire of the vehicle. The pressure foot indents the tire to a predetermined degree, thereby providing a positive mechanical lock to prevent rotation of the tire. A control system allows the vehicle's driver to actuate the wheel blocking device while seated in the vehicle's cab.

Abstract: A parking pawl is pivotally mounted on a transmission housing for selective engagement with a park gear which is rotatable with a transmission output shaft disposed along a longitudinal axis in the transmission housing. The pawl is moved into engagement with the park gear by an axial face cam which is disposed for rotation on an axis supported transversely of the transmission housing.

Abstract: In a wheel and brake assembly for a wheeled cart, such as a shopping cart or a luggage cart, a horn is mountable to the cart so as to extend downwardly from the cart. A wheel defining a wheel axis and including a hub is journalled to the horn at the hub. A pin projects from the hub but clears the horn when the wheel is rotated. A bracket is mounted pivotably to the horn so as to be pivotable over a limited range, between an inoperative position and an operative position, with a tang projecting axially from the bracket. The tang is arranged to engage the pin so as to brake the wheel against further rotation in one rotational sense, once the bracket has been pivoted to the operative position, if the wheel is rotated by less than one full revolution in the same rotational sense. The pin is arranged to engage the tang so as to pivot the bracket from the operative position, and so as to release the wheel, if the wheel is rotated by less than one full revolution in the opposite rotational sense.

Abstract: A parking lock mechanism for use in a vehicle drivetrain subassembly having an electric motor coupled to a reduction gear set with the gear set including a rotatable output member having a plurality of circumferentially spaced locking holes. The mechanism comprises a locking pin movably mounted in an end cover structure of the drivetrain subassembly and a cam rotatably mounted in the end cover structure and having an inner portion in contacting engagement with the locking pin. An actuator assembly is provided for applying a torsional load to the cam which urges the locking pin into contacting engagement with the output member when the locking holes are circumferentially misaligned with the locking pin and causes a predetermined rotation of the cam about its longitudinal axis from a released position to an actuated position when one of the locking holes is circumferentially aligned with the pin.

Abstract: A wheel includes a hub having a number of teeth formed on one end. A cam is rotatably supported on one end of the hub. An axle is rotatably engaged in the hub and has one end engaged with the cam. A spring biases the axle to engage with the cam. A coupler is rotatably engaged on the axle and includes a key for engaging with the teeth of the hub when the spring biases the axle toward the cam, and the key is disengaged from the teeth when the axle is moved against the spring by the cam. The wheel can be applied to push carts or applied to motor vehicles.

Abstract: A transaxle assembly for small-scaled, self-propelled machines of a relatively simple structure includes an axle-locking mechanism which is housed in an axle casing (19). The locking mechanism comprises left and right rotors (47L, 47R), each having teeth (47a) thereon and mounted fixedly on left and right wheel axles (20L, 20R), and left and right locking members (49L, 49R) each having at least one pawl (49a) engageable with the teeth. The locking members are mounted on a control shaft (50), which extends parallel to the wheel axles, such that these members are moved rotationally by a rotational displacement of the control shaft so as to cause locking engagement between the pawls and teeth. A torque spring (53) is preferably employed for causing lock-operating movement of the locking member by the control shaft. The transaxle and locking mechanism can be handled as a unit in a self-propelled machine so that assembling of the machine is made easier.

Abstract: A lightweight wheel assembly intended primarily for use on wheelchairs including an injection-moldable fiber-reinforced plastic push rim, injection-moldable fiber-reinforced plastic wedge-bottom spokes, and a lockable static in-hub brake. Important advantages of the invention include very light weight compared to prior art wheel assemblies while achieving the high component strength desired, shock absorption qualities beneficial to wheelchair users not provided by other wheel assemblies, a convenient and easy-to-operate positive-engaging static brake, and components which may be made from the inexpensive injection molding process.

Abstract: A countershaft type power transmission has a plurality of selectively engageable friction clutches for establishing a plurality of forward drive ratios and a reverse drive ratio between meshing gear members on an input shaft, a countershaft and an output shaft. One of the power paths established by the meshing gears includes a gear member rotationally fast on the output shaft. A parking pawl member is selectively engageable with this gear member to prevent output shaft rotation when parking is desired. The pawl has teeth formed thereon having a profile which permit continuous simultaneous engagement between two teeth on the pawl and two teeth on the gear member regardless of the rotational bias imposed on the output shaft during parking.

Abstract: In combination, a hand truck having a unidirectional wheel control ratchet and an adjustable length stair ramp are operable for transporting heavy loads of cargo up flights of stairs. A ratchet wheel and pawl assembly is attached to the wheels of the hand truck to limit the direction of rotation of the wheels to a backward rotation. The stair ramp includes two telescoping U-shaped ramp channels which are spaced so that the wheels of the hand truck can roll within the channels and the ramp further includes upper and lower footing cross members which are pivotally connected to the upper and lower ends of the ramp channels. When the ramp is in place on a flight of stairs the telescoping and pivoting qualities of the ramp allow the channels to rest on the apices of the stair steps. The wheel control ratchets permit a heavily loaded hand truck to be pulled up the stairs along the ramp channels without fear of the hand truck rolling forward and down the ramp.

Abstract: In a wheel and brake device for a transportation vehicle with pivotal wheels, a particularly simple brake operation may be achieved by placing a brake activating structure at each end of the vehicle and connecting it to a brake lever. The device comprises only one pedal at opposite ends. The pedals are arranged to be activated in only one direction irrespective of whether a braking or a releasing operation is to be performed. Each pedal is connected to a swinglebar by brake levers, the swinglebar also being connected to a cam follower. The cam follower runs along a cam track defining two fixed resting positions for the cam follower. In one of the resting positions, tabs on a brake block will engage with teeth firmly connected to the wheels.

Abstract: A lightweight, optionally foldable wheelchair which allows the user maximum control over both travel direction and seat position. The wheelchair is driven manually by an arrangement of drive gears, which are actuated by a drive gear selector and operated by rotating a pair of opposed handwheels, one of which is contacted by each of the occupant's hands. One of four or more different gears may be selected, including a "Forward Only" and a "Reverse Only" gear, which allow travel only in the direction selected. A dual function shift lever supports the drive gear selector and may be activated to disengage the drive gears and engage a seat positioning gear. When the seat positioning gear is engaged, rotation of the handwheels by the wheelchair occupant will activate a seat raising mechanism which moves the seat from a horizontal sitting position to a substantially vertical position toward the rear of the wheelchair.

Abstract: A canoe toting apparatus which enables an individual to manually mount and transport a canoe or similar marine craft over reasonable distances includes a pair of large diameter wheels rotatably mounted on opposite ends of an adjustable length axle. Wheel stabilizers, coupled to the axle, may be pivoted into interfering engagement with the wheels to prevent the wheels from rotating while the marine craft is positioned on the toting apparatus. A pair of resilient guide members are slidably mounted over the axle and adapted to receive the underside of the marine craft. An adjustable length strap, coupled to the axle, is securable about the gunwales of the craft to secure the craft against the toting apparatus.

Abstract: An automatic braking wheelchair having an automatic braking assembly which automatically locks one or both wheels of a wheelchair when the patient attempts to rise. The automatic braking assembly includes a movable seat, a locking bar connected to the movable seat having a cavity therein for receipt of the axle, and a locking member rigidly connected to the hub of the wheel which is received in the cavity of the locking bar to selectively lock the hub and wheel in a stationary position.

Abstract: A toothed wheel, driveably connected to an output element of the transmission, has a spring loaded parking pawl engaged between the teeth of the wheel. The pawl carries a roller contacted in top-dead-center position by a surface of a locking cam biased by a spring into contact with the roller. The locking cam is connected to a gear selector position lever positively in one rotary direction and non-positively in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A carriage lock selectively enables and prevents a mobile carriage from moving along rails embedded in a building floor. The mobile carriage includes a shaft on which are rotatably mounted a driver sprocket, a hub, and a handwheel. The hub mates with the driver sprocket. A chain and sprocket mechanism connects the driver sprocket with the carriage wheels such that rotation of the handwheel and hub causes the carriage to move along the rails. A locking knob is loosely captured between the hub and handwheel for being manually rotated through a predetermined angle relative to the hub and handwheel. A pin is translatable within the hub parallel to the shaft longitudinal axis. The pin has a head that is received within a selected one of two angularly spaced depressions in a cam formed on the locking knob. The depressions are also spaced apart in the direction of the shaft longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A mobile carriage is movable along rails by manual rotation of a handwheel. The mobile carriage comprises a visual indicator that instantly informs a person of the locked or unlocked status of the mobile carriage. The visual indicator comprises at least one ridge on the handwheel and another ridge on a locking knob. The locking knob is loosely captured between the handwheel and a hub for selective rotation relative thereto between first and second end positions. The locking knob has a cam that slides a pin within the hub between first and second positions whereat the pin disengages and engages a stationary lock plate. When the locking knob is manually rotated to the first end position thereof, the pin disengages from the lock plate to enable handwheel rotation and carriage movement. Manually rotating the locking knob to the second end position thereof causes the pin to engage the lock plate and prevent handwheel rotation and carriage movement.

Abstract: An improved parking brake is provided for use on a movable machine, in particular a lift truck with an elevating platform. A pin-type brake is provided with a buffered slide mechanism which engages and disengages a slotted disc mounted on a wheel to brake the machine while not in use. The buffered slide mechanism provides a delay for the slide mechanism when the slide and apertures in the slotted disc are not in precise alignment, and automatically engages or disengages the brake when the slide and disc apertures are in alignment. The brake also reduces wear on the internal cylinder components by providing a slide supported at its ends by guides and pivotally linked to the cylinder mechanism.

Abstract: A vehicle road-wheel securing device comprising a structurally rigid latch (1) being positionable from its mounting (2) to a substantial portion of the vehicle by the direct and/or indirect effects of the activation of a solenoid unit (3) to effect an anchoring of the disc brake rotor (4) through intersection or the predisposed intersection of the latch by the influence of transfer spring (5) with the heat-sink recesses (6) of that disc brake's rotor to secure the position of the wheel therein involved. Further preferably providing an electromechanical timer circuit (7). While being charged through the operation of the vehicle's ignition switch, the electromechanical timer circuit provides for automatic solenoid activation at the termination of a specific timeframe from the point in time when the vehicle is shut off by the use of the ignition switch. Therein reversal of the solenoid's influence by the use of an override switch is facilitated.

Abstract: Wheel-locking device, in particular for a pram, which includes at least one wheel unit (4) and a wheel-locking member capable of being displaced substantially parallel to the axle of the wheel and of coming into contact with the wheel rim in order to lock its rotational position, wherein the wheel unit (4) is linked to the frame of the pram by means of a vertical linking sleeve (12) and in that the locking member includes a movable finger (14a, 14b) actuated by a control shaft (15) which moves vertically inside the linking sleeve. A single action on the flexible rod 18 therefore simultaneously locks the two pivoting wheel units of the axle beam 3 in terms of rotation. In one embodiment, the same wheel units may be locked in a fixed direction by means of locking parts (32, 33) interacting with the notches (30) of the linking sleeve (12).

Abstract: A caster-supporting device for a stroller includes a caster-mounting member for extension of a caster axle therethrough, a connector secured to the bottom of the stroller body and having a cylindrical lower portion journalled on the caster-mounting member, and a control body mounted pivotally on the caster-mounting member. Normally, the connector can rotate relative to the caster-mounting member. When the control body is moved to a first position, the key of the control body is inserted into the keyway of the connector, so as to prevent rotation of the connector relative to the caster-mounting member, thereby setting the direction of the caster. When the control body is moved to a second position, the gripping rod of the control body moves to a position between two adjacent spokes of a spoke member which is secured to the caster, so as to prevent any rolling of the caster.

Abstract: The wheel braking device comprises a chassis mounted by a suspension on an axle common to a pair of wheels and a brake member operated by a brake pedal and adapted to brake the rotation of at least one wheel. The brake pedal is mounted for rotation with the axle. The suspension member is mounted near the wheel, about an eccentric fastened to the axle, and is provided with a brake member. The wheel is provided with a brake drum fastened to the wheel and adapted to cooperate by its periphery with the corresponding brake member when the axle is turned in a first direction through action on the brake pedal, thus bringing the brake member towards and into contact with the periphery of the brake drum. The same action is controlled simultaneously on the other wheel on the axle.

Abstract: A twin wheel caster with a brake assembly formed as an integral part of the caster housing. The housing has a central body defining a notch therein and a resilient braking arm integrally formed with and extending downwardly from the central body movable between an unlocked position, whereby the caster wheels are permitted to rotate, and a locked position, whereby the wheels are prevented from rotating.

Abstract: A park locking mechanism for a four-speed automatic transmission in which the rollers have oversized bores to reduce the reaction loads transmitted to the carrier pins so as to increase the service life of the carrier pins and rollers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mechanism which can be selectively operated by a wheelchair occupant to insure that the wheelchair will not roll backwards when on an upsloping ramp when the occupant releases both hands from the driving wheels and which mechanism can either be incorporated in a new wheelchair or easily added to an existing wheelchair.

Abstract: An end of a shaft member which is displaced and actuated in conjunction with a shift lever of a transmission presses and displaces a latch which is arranged in such a way as to be able to be displaced in an opposing direction against a cam surface of a cam which is formed on a fixed member to function like a wedge which wedges itself between said cam surface and latch, thereby making the latch engage teeth which are drivingly coupled to an output shaft of the transmission in a parking mechanism of a transmission. A cylindrical support portion is continuously extended from the cam surface so as to guide the end of the shaft member at the time when the end of the shaft member is disengaged from the area between the cam surface and latch.

Abstract: A parking lock for an automatic transmission for motor vehicles, having a parking gearwheel mounted rotationally and rigidly on the output shaft of the transmission, includes a pivotable parking pawl adapted to engage the parking gearwheel, and actuating rod with a sliding sleeve (5) displaceable relative to the actuating rod against the force of an engagement spring, the parking pawl being adapted to be moved by the sleeve into an operative position, the actuating rod (8) being shaped by upsetting to form a thickened piston portion (11) which is received in the sleeve.

Abstract: A parking device for an automatic transmission wherein a parking gear provided in a transmission for the automatic transmission comprising the transmission disposed at a rear stage of a torque converter is locked at the time of parking; characterized by that a leaf spring, which urges a locking arm apart from a parking gear when a driving mode is selected to a range other than P-range, is provided on a push rod moving the locking arm which locks the parking gear toward the parking gear; a pin serving as a fulcrum of the leaf spring is held to a housing of the transmission at a position where a spring force of said leaf spring functions so as to part the locking arm from the parking gear when the driving mode is selected to a range other than P-range; and the leaf spring is formed into such a shape that the leaf spring does not contact with the pin as the driving mode is shifted from R-range to P-range.

Abstract: The invention concerns a trolley comprising a trolley top supportable on a foldable trolley base, for transporting heavy objects particularly between a first support surface and a vehicle and then from the vehicle to a further support surface. The base is foldable between an erected condition in which the sides are spaced apart and upright portions project upwardly from support portions and a folded condition in which the sides are juxtaposed and the upright and support portions lie adjacent one another.In the erected condition a locking pin, at each side, carried by the support portion projects into an aperture in the base of an upright portion to lock the two portions together. When the sides are moved to their juxtaposed positions a release pin attached to the locking pin causes withdrawal of the locking pin from the aperture to allow the upright and support portions to be relatively pivoted to the folded condition.

Abstract: The lightweight caster assembly, when used on aircraft food and drink-dispensing push carts and other aircraft furniture, in place of conventional caster assemblies, reduces the overall weight of the aircraft furniture, thus resulting in a considerable fuel saving. Moreover, the caster assembly is inexpensive to make and install and is durable. It includes a caster wheel of lightweight metal or plastic and a generally inverted U-shaped support bracket or yoke. The wheel has transverse cut-out portions as well as transverse passageways through which metal or plastic reinforcing rods are inserted. The wheel axle passageway is lined with removable lightweight metal or plastic reinforcing and aligning sleeves. A lightweight metallic braking plate with a notched outer periphery may be releasably secured to one side of the wheel, against which a braking mechanism connected to a push cart can releasably bear to brake and stop the wheel from turning and to lock the wheel in the stationary position.

Abstract: A parking lock system for a vehicle having an automatic transmission, a cover being secured to a case of the automatic transmission. The system comprises a shaft bridging to the case and the cover, a parking pawl rotatably mounted on the shaft, a cam for rotating the parking pawl to engage it with a parking gear secured to an output shaft of the transmission, and a spring for biasing the parking pawl to disengage it from the parking gear. A guide plate is engaged with the shaft at an end thereof and engaged with the case of the transmission at the other end. The spring is so arranged to bias the parking pawl toward a stopper of the guide plate to hold the parking pawl in disengagement from the parking gear.

Abstract: A caster is provided which makes use of a wheel that has discrete notches and that is rotatably mounted to a housing, a locking pin that is movably mounted to the housing to engage (or to disengage from) any one of the notches, and an actuator for use by a user in moving the locking pin into engagement (or disengagement). The housing also has a distinct notch into which the locking pin moves when it engages any of the wheel notches, so that locking force is borne by the housing rather than by the actuator. The notches are preferably defined in an internal surface of the wheel. Advantageously two identical wheels are used in opposition, for optimum strength and appearance.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is an improved arrangement of a park lock device for use with an automatic transmission, by which the transmission casing can be constructed simple and compact in size. The park lock device comprises a parking gear secured to the output shaft of the transmission to rotate therewith; a parking pawl pivotally connected to the casing to lock and unlock the parking gear, the pawl including first and second wing portions which extend in the opposed directions from the pivoted portion of the pawl, the first wing portion being formed with a tooth lockably engageable with a tooth gap of the parking gear; and an actuating mechanism having a cam member which is slidably engageable with the second wing portion to pivot the parking pawl in a direction to achieve the locking engagement between the tooth of the parking pawl and the tooth gap of the parking gear. The actuating mechanism is positioned essentially inboard of the parking pawl with respect to the transmission casing.

Abstract: A novel parking brake for motorized vehicles is disclosed. The parking brake is designed to be an integral feature of an essentially conventional drive axle housing. The novel parking brake comprises a sliding clutch shaft attached to a clutch element that, when actuated, engages a complimentary clutch element attached to the drive axle ring gear. Additional gear means prevent the engaged clutch shaft from rotating, and so, prevent the drive axle ring gear from rotating, in effect, securing the vehicle.

Abstract: A parking lock mechanism for a vehicle having an infinitely variable transmission provided with a synchronizer for engaging a forward gear train and a reverse gear train with a main shaft of the transmission. A parking lock position in a shift pattern of a selector lever is located adjacent a reverse position so that the selector lever can be shifted to the parking lock position passing through the reverse position. This means that the selector lever can not be shifted during forward driving of the vehicle.

Abstract: A side stand of a motorcycle is disclosed, which is equipped with an auxiliary wheel at an end portion thereof which is selectively locked by an operation of a clutch lever of the motorcycle.

Abstract: An actuator assembly has two actuators mounted back-to-back such that their actuator rods are displaced in opposite directions. Each actuator has a spring embracing the rod between two slidable collars. The spring urges the collars apart towards stops on the rod and stops on the actuator housing, so that, on failure of the actuator, the rod is displaced to a central position. The rod is driven by a motor which also rotates two discs of different diameters. Each disc has a notch in its edge which align only at the central position of the rod and allow a roller to drop into the notch. When the actuator fails, a solenoid releases a locking arm which engages the rollers, keeping them in the notches thereby preventing rotation of the discs and displacement of the rod.

Abstract: An automatic transmission locking mechanism for parking, including a cam rod provided in the front portion thereof with a cam of a predetermined shape and interlocked at the rear end thereof with a manual shift lever, a sleeve supporting and guiding the cam rod for smooth axial movement and a pawl provided with a detent which made to engage with the parking gear of an automatic transmission by the axial movement of the cam rod when the manual shift lever is shifted to place the automatic transmission in the parking range.

Abstract: An automatic transmission locking mechanism for parking, comprising a detent lever interlocked with and adapted to be turned by a manual shift lever, a rod adapted to be advanced or retracted by the detent lever, a cam slidably mounted on the rod and adapted to push a pawl having a detent to the operating position where the detent engages with a parking gear when the automatic transmission is placed in the parking range, a bracket on which the cam runs and a spring for disengaging the detent from the parking gear and for retaining the pawl at the released position. The spring is disposed in the vicinity of the free end of the pawl and within a plane in which the pole turns, with one end thereof engaged with the free end portion of the pawl and with the other end thereof fixed in a finished hole formed in a stationary part.

Abstract: An automatic transmission locking mechanism including a lever rotatively interlocked with a manual shift lever, a rod adapted to be advanced or retracted by the lever, a parking gear, a pawl with a detent having a detent to be engaged with the parking gear, a cam mounted on the rod for pushing up the pawl in shifting the manual shift lever to the parking position, a bracket on which the cam runs and a spring for releasing the pawl from the parking gear and for retaining the pawl at the released position, wherein the pawl is rotatably supported on a shaft of a reduced length and the spring is disposed near the free end of the pawl within a plane in which the pawl is turned on the shaft and thereby the locking mechanism is formed in a compact construction and is suitably applicable to a front-engine front-drive vehicle.

Abstract: Theft-prevention apparatus for a shopping cart of the type having a carriage body, a plurality of wheels and a plurality of wheel support yokes secured to the carriage body for rotatably supporting the plurality of wheels, including a pin extending from one of the wheels; a ball movable between a first inoperative position and a second operative position at which the ball is engageable with the pin; a plate secured to the respective wheel support yoke and having a cut-out section defining an aperture; a ball support cage having an inclined surface for supporting the ball at the first inoperative position out of alignment with the aperture such that said ball rests against the plate; and a solenoid secured to the plate for moving the ball support cage to a position adjacent the aperture in response to movement of the shopping cart in the proximity of a predetermined magnetic field to cause the ball to move from the first inoperative position through the aperture to the second operative position, such that the

Abstract: Sudden accidental or unintended movement of an automatic transmission into reverse with the engine running is prevented by substituting for the usual unitary control rod a two part arrangement, one being movable by the shift lever and the other being movable by a spring separator from the shift lever but arranged to exert a force only in the direction of a parking pawl and never in the reverse direction against any member connected to the detent plate. Thus it is impossible for a yielding cam spring to ever drive the linkage unexpectedly into reverse should a driver carelessly position a shaft lever between its reverse and park positions.

Abstract: This exercise bicycle includes a frame having a front fork portion supporting a pair of handlebars and mounting a rotatable wheel; a rear ground-engaging support portion, and an intermediate portion supporting the seat and mounting a pedal sprocket. A coin-operated drive resistance assembly is mounted to the rear of the frame, the assembly including a shaft having a sprocket connected thereto by a torque limiter device which sprocket is drivenly connected to the pedal sprocket and the front wheel; a disc brake on the shaft and a hand control for setting the brake for predetermining the resistance of the shaft to rotation; a lock for the shaft including a member rotatable with the shaft, and a coin-operated timer switch for actuating a solenoid to deactivate the lock for unlocking the shaft, the unlocked period being determined by the timer.

Abstract: A rolling invalid walker has normally locked wheels and one or more hand controls for disengaging the locks to permit unlimited rolling. A preferred embodiment comprises a walker frame with four legs and wheels. The two front wheels are normally locked, and a pair of hand controls are provided for disengaging the locks with minimal pressure. The hand controls are coupled together by a horizontal tie rod so that the wheels can be unlocked by either or both controls and so that emergency pressure on either control will lock the wheels.

Abstract: A parking brake mechanism for an automatic transmission having a parking gear and a parking pawl, the latter being pivoted on a transmission housing, a cam plate and a detent plate journalled rotatably on a support shaft, for rotation to preselected angular positions determined by the detent geometry, a cam surface on the cam plate registering with the pawl and forcing the pawl into engagement with the gear, preloaded spring means joining said cam plate and said detent plate together and accommodating relative displacement thereof upon rotation of said detent plate when the pawl is out of registry with a space between adjacent teeth on said gear.

Abstract: An agricultural machine has at least one movable tool, such as a cultivating rotor, mower or raking member, spreader disc, or other driven member such as a tractor wheel or freely rotatable roller, which parts are interrupted in movement by a protective mechanism. The mechanism can be a pawl device associated with an overload coupling in the drive train that is actuated by a mechanical or electrical monitor to overload the device. The monitor can be a pivoted cover that partly overlies a rear roller or space adjacent same with projections that intercept the roller or a trip bar with contacts that opens or closes a circuit in a system that interrupts the drive to the moving parts responsive to contact with an external object. In another variation, the circuit can have sensors such as infrared or photoelectric cells to detect the presence or lack of presence of a human operator and these sensors can be placed in a tractor cab.

Abstract: A lock arrangement for application to a brake disc of a motorcycle wheel.

Abstract: A hand brake for a wheeled vehicle comprises an operating shaft carried within a sleeve affixed to the frame of the vehicle to accommodate axial displacement and rotation of the shaft attendant to shifting the brake between respective braking and non-braking positions. A locking lug on the shaft is adapted to engage and secure a receiving member mounted on one of the vehicle wheels upon rotational and axial movement of the shaft into the braking position, and stops on the shaft cooperative with the sleeve to releasably secure the shaft in the respective braking and non-braking positions.

Abstract: A hand truck is disclosed including unique wheel assemblies for supporting the truck and permitting it to move heavy loads up and down a flight of stairs. Each assembly having three wheels mounted in an equilateral triangle configuration for providing mechanical advantage in moving a load upstairs and braking action when moving the load downstairs. The axle for the wheel assemblies is rotatably mounted to the downwardly extending leg portions of a generally U-shaped heavy metal shroud which is fixed to the upright frame of the hand truck. The hand truck is provided with a locking mechanism for locking the wheel assemblies in a set position including sprockets having a plurality of locking positions mounted on the axle adjacent each wheel assembly. A spring biased lock bar is mounted in the shroud above the sprockets, and it is released for locking engagement with the sprockets by a handle and control linkage mounted to the truck frame thereby holding the truck in a desired inclined position.

Abstract: A sprocket-actuated bike brake includes a brake shoe swingable against the rear tire by an actuator engaged by the sprocket teeth when the pedal sprocket is rotated in reverse. Using a small number of parts, the brake couples a maximum amount of force from the sprocket to the brake shoe and imparts a drag on the tire which is proportional to the force on the pedals so that the bike has a stop length versus pedal force characteristic which is substantially linear.

Abstract: A boundary responsive wheel lock assembly for a supermarket shopping cart, or the like, or for any other application where a wheeled device is to be boundary responsive, is provided, to prevent the removal of the cart from an authorized area. The assembly includes a roller which is mounted on the distal end of an arm which, in turn, is pivotally mounted to a bracket to be positioned adjacent to one of the wheels of the cart. A spring-loaded plunger is also mounted on the bracket, and the plunger is normally held in a cocked position by the arm as the roller moves along the floor of the supermarket or along the surface of the adjacent parking lot. The parking lot is surrounded by a barrier which extends, for example, one and a half inches above the ground. However, the flexibility of the assembly of the invention enables the assembly to respond to a variety of boundary heights.