Abstract: A roller skate swing brake includes a support pivotably attached to the axle of the rear wheel of a skate and containing a brake pad. The support is spring activated to keep the brake pad from contacting the skating surface in the open position in front of the rear wheel, When braking is desired, the skater raises the front wheel of the skate, which action brings a roller, contained by a pivot member located back of the rear wheel, into contact with the skating surface. By linkage, the brake pad is swung down in front of the rear wheel where the movement of the skate and further pivoting of the pivot member will bring the brake pad to its full braking position underneath the rear wheel of the skate. At this point, the skater lowers the front wheel onto the skating surface so as to brake the skate while maintaining the wheels of both skates level on the skating surface. The braking force may be regulated by the shift of the skater's weight over the skate.

Abstract: An improved snow chain system for wheeled vehicles that can be rapidly deployed and rapidly retracted, includes a rotatably-mounted friction drive disc having a circumferential edge that is pressure biased against the sidewall of a tire. Multiple arcuate chain attachment plates, which interlock much like a laminar puzzle, are placed end-to-end to form a ring-shaped unit. The ring-shaped unit is held together and to a planar surface on the friction drive disc by a plurality of bolts, each of which passes through a single attachment plate and through the friction drive disc. Each arcuate attachment plate has either one or two chain segments attached thereto. In the case where only a single chain segment is attached, a U-shaped anchoring chain link is welded to the attachment plate. In the case of attachment of a pair of chain segments, a M-shaped anchoring link is employed.

Abstract: Attachment for an in-line skate of the kind having a plurality of linearly-aligned wheels comprising chocks which arrest rotational movement in adjacent wheels at the front of the skate and at the back of the skate. An elastomeric member biases the chocks in operative alignment and joins them so that they can be spaced from each other to receive a selected number of wheels in-between. The elastomeric member has first and second end loops which are fastened to respective ends of the associated skate.

Abstract: A wheeled vehicle can be positioned in a garage by a positioning device that includes a mounting bracket attachable to the garage floor, or garage wall near the floor, an elongated arm structure pivotably attached to the mounting bracket for swinging motion between an operating positioning along the floor and a stored position against the garage wall, and a tire-engageable ramp affixed to the elongated arm structure remote from the mounting bracket. The arm structure has an adjustable length for varying the spacing of the ramp from the garage wall.

Abstract: A wheel chock assembly for wedging beneath a pair of wheels of a vehicle to prevent the vehicle from moving. The wheel chock assembly includes an elongate rod having a pair of opposite ends and a pair of wheel chocks each having a bore therethrough. The rod is extended through the bores of the wheel chocks. One of the wheel chocks is positioned towards one of the ends of the rod and the other of the wheel chocks is positioned towards another end of the rod.

Abstract: A wheel chock contains a first wheel-restraining member, a frame with a gear rack attached to the first wheel-restraining member, a second wheel-restraining member, a gear assembly attached to the second wheel-restraining member, and an elongated handle member. The gear assembly has a gear housing with an opening through which the frame passes and also has a releasably ratcheting pinion gear that engages the gear rack. A user holding the handle member from a standing position can restrain a wheel by moving the wheel chock into position on the wheel and then reducing the distance between the first and second wheel-restraining members so they touch the wheel, and can release the wheel by increasing the distance between the first and second wheel-restraining members and then removing the wheel chock.

Abstract: A combination of a mechanically driven chock and a truck trailer including a wheel chock having a bottom face, a top face, a slanted front face, and an arcuate rear face, the front face having a plurality of threaded bores formed therein, wherein a width of the wheel chock is equal to that of two wheels of the truck trailer in side-by-side relationship; and an air cylinder having a fixed portion coupled to an outer face of the mounting plate via a pair of brackets and situated at an angle of 45 degrees with respect to the horizontal and a movable portion having a length equal to that of the fixed portion and an inboard end slidably situated within the fixed portion and extendible rearwardly and downwardly only upon the actuation thereof, the movable portion of the air cylinder further including a square planar plate coupled at a central extent thereof to an outboard end thereof in perpendicular relationship therewith, the plate being screwably coupled to the front face of the chock, wherein a portion of the m

Abstract: A movable container which includes a body with a lower portion, a middle portion, and a top portion. The top portion includes a cup, and at least one wheel is rotatably mounted on the lower portion of the body. The wheel contacts a support surface and rotates relative to the body causing the cup to move along the support surface. A brake system is mounted on the body adjacent the at least one wheel for engaging the at least one wheel and restricting rotation the wheel.

Abstract: A traction enhancement system includes an electronic controller, first and second pneumatic tire and wheel assemblies, a first wheel brake, a second wheel brake, a source of pressurized air, an air pressure sensor, and a vehicle speed sensor. The first and second pneumatic tire and wheel assemblies each define a pneumatic chamber having pressurized air therein. The first wheel brake operably resists rotation of the first tire and wheel assembly. The second wheel brake likewise operably resists rotation of the second tire and wheel assembly. The source of pressurized air is connected to the tire and wheel assemblies. The air pressure sensor is located and configured to monitor the pressure of the pneumatic chambers, and is electrically connected to the controller. The vehicle speed sensor is electrically connected to the controller as well.

Abstract: Vehicles without their own brakes carry wheel chocks, which are releasably fixed in a holder which can be fastened on the vehicle.

Abstract: A toe activated braking system for inline roller skates. A slidable plate is positioned under the wearer's toes. When the wearer bends his toes downwardly and rearwardly the plate moves rearwardly and moves an arm which is linked to a brake pad. As the toes are bent downwardly the brake pad is moved into contact with one or more of the inline rollers.

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 pair of wheel safety chocks for blocking the rear wheels of a vehicle having a boat trailer or the like in tow, the safety chocks being connected together by a rope which, in use, is positioned so that it passes over the trailer hitch and between it and the vehicle bumper. So positioned, the rope is long enough to allow the chocks to block both rear wheels simultaneously. Moreover, without anyone repositioning either the chocks or the rope, the rope interacts with the vehicle bumper, as the vehicle is being driven forward, releasing the safety chocks and pulling them out of the path of the wheels of the oncoming trailer.

Abstract: A brake for remotely decelerating a roller skate. The inventive device includes a brake assembly for engaging and frictionally retarding a wheel of a skate and a ground surface. A cable assembly extends from the brake assembly and terminates in a hand-held actuating assembly for operating the brake assembly through the cable. Securing straps are coupled to the cable assembly for securing the cable to portions of an individual wearing the skate.

Abstract: An accessory device for a roller skate is disclosed, for use to block the wheels of this roller skate. This device comprises a plurality of elongated members that are made of non-slippery material and sized to snugly fit transversely between two of the wheels. These members are linked together, preferably by an elastic rope which is forming a closed loop. The device can be secured to the frame of the roller skate whenever required by placing each member between two of the wheels to prevent the same from rotating. This device is very advantageous because it is inexpensive and very simple to install on a roller skate. It is also very light in weight and compact, thereby making it easy to carry.

Abstract: An emergency brake system for wheeled vehicles includes a deformable brake wedge for each tire on one of the vehicle's axles. The brake wedges are constructed and arranged to transfer substantially all braking forces to the vehicle through the vehicle's tires. The system also includes releasable mechanism for allowing the brake wedges to move between inoperative and operative positions and an electrically-controlled pin for retaining the brake wedges in those positions.

Abstract: A wheel lock device including a shoe. The shoe has sides, a top with a central aperture wherethrough a wheel strut may extend. The shoe has a generally planar bottom with an anti-slide portion that precludes the wheel lock device from sliding along the supporting surface. The shoe has dimensions such that a strut-mounted wheel assembly of a vehicle may be enclosed therein. The shoe is separated vertically into two equal hingedly connected parts which allow it to be opened for receiving the wheel assembly, or closed for encasing the wheel assembly, whereby precluding free rotation along the supporting surface. Included is a lock that allows the two parts of the shoe to be releasably secured in the closed position. Locking the two parts prevents removal of the shoe from the wheel assembly. Removably connected to the lock is a key. The key is rotated in the lock by a user for release of the lock to permit the shoe to be opened for removal from the wheel assembly.

Abstract: A collapsible wheel chock apparatus having a main body member with a preferably concave wheel engaging surface and a swing arm member pivotally secured to the main body member which includes a locking slot located therein with preferably a locking tab extending into the slot. A cross bar member is pivotally secured to the main body member and is movably secured and retained within the slot defined in the swing arm member. The cross bar member is adapted to be locked adjacent one end of the locking slot by a spring bias locking mechanism to facilitate holding of the wheel chock in the raised position for abutment against a vehicle wheel. The cross bar member is movable to the opposite end of the locking slot to allow the swing arm member and cross bar member both to be collapsed against the main body member for storage in this collapsed position.

Abstract: An emergency brake device for stopping the rear wheels of a vehicle comprises a wedge assembly including a frame and a resilient wedge carried by the frame operably secured to the underside of the vehicle. The wedge assembly is movable from a stored position to an operative position such that the wedge is disposed between the rear wheel and the ground thereby to stop the vehicle. The wedge is substantially triangular formed by an inclined arcuate surface for engaging against the wheel and horizontal and vertical planar surfaces. The arcuate surface and the vertical planar surface terminate into a longitudinal projection portion at an upper end portion of the wedge adapted to engage the wheel when the wedge assembly is in the operative position.

Abstract: An emergency brake system for wheeled vehicles includes a deformable brake wedge for each tire on one of the vehicle's axles. The brake wedges are constructed and arranged to transfer substantially all braking forces to the vehicle through the vehicle's tires during emergency braking. The system also includes releasable device for allowing the brake wedges to move between inoperative and operative positions and electrically-controlled device for retaining the brake wedges in those positions. While the brake wedges move from the inoperative position to the operative position, a control system temporarily applies the vehicle brakes associated with the tires that engage the brake wedges during emergency braking.

Abstract: A brake wedge for rail-mounted cabinets which allows the movement of the cabinets to be automatically or manually prevented. The cabinet includes a number of wheels which are guided by floor-supported rails. The brake wedge has a curved profile and is operably connected to an actuating mechanism. The wedges are positioned adjacent each wheel of the cabinet and slightly above the rails. When the actuating mechanism is engaged by an object, one or more of the brake wedges are forced toward the wheels, causing the curved profile of the brake wedges to frictionally engage the wheels and thereby prevent further rotational movement of the wheel. A spring biases the actuating mechanism to an outward or normal position. The actuating mechanism, which defines an outer surface or portion of the base section, is preferably at or slightly above floor level and is thereby engaged and operated by virtually any object on the floor, such as a box or a person's foot.

Abstract: A ground-mobile implement parking brake lock which can be set to engaged and disengaged positions relative to the braking mechanism of the implement, along with setting the implement in the engaged or disengaged power drive mode for the ground wheels. This is done with three surfaces on a lock lever.

Abstract: A reel chock for releasably securing to a support surface a heavy reel provided with terminal flanges includes a base and outer and inner side plates defining between them a recess which freely receives one of the reel flanges. Chock flanges releasably secure the chock to the support surface. At least one set screw is mounted in one of the side plates, and releasably bears against the reel, holding it in position. The chocks preferably are used in two opposed pairs, one pair on each reel flange.

Abstract: A blade sheathing device for loading bales of an agricultural product, e.g. silage, into an elongated, flexible bag, comprises a framework movable along the ground and supporting an open-ended drum that has an outer surface for supporting the bag in a compressed condition. The device has pads connected to the framework that can be lowered to a location underlying the wheels of a vehicle that is used to load a bale through the drum and into a space in the bag beyond the drum. The result is to immobilize the device during the loading operation by virtue of the weight of the vehicle on the pads. The same vehicle can be used between bale loading operations to pull the sheathing device forwards to a new location to dispense a portion of the bag from the surface of the drum and hence create a space in the bag to receive the next bale.

Abstract: Am emergency braking arrangement for trucks characterized by the provision of selectively releasable brake pads typically mounted in front of the rear wheels of a truck trailer at a normal non-use condition and movable to a position beneath the truck wheels at a braking condition. The arrangement is particularly useful in controlling and/or braking the movement of a truck traveling on a downhill grade when the installed air brake system fails. The brake pads are selectively and individually controlled by the truck operator and, normally, each is restrained from unwanted movement by a plate which extends downwardly from the undersurface of the truck frame assembly. Each of the brake pads is reinforced to afford maximum durability.

Abstract: An emergency braking device is attached to the vehicle body and is shiftable between an inoperative position and an operative position upon the occurrence of an emergency braking situation. The braking device is provided with a vacuum shroud which engages the roadway to form a substantially enclosed cavity. The shroud is shifted between the operative and inoperative position by a shifting mechanism. A pump is provided to evacuate air from the enclosed cavity to cause the vacuum shroud to be urged toward the roadway. An attachment device temporarily couples the vacuum shroud to the vehicle wheel causing the normal load of the wheel on the roadway to be increased, enabling the vehicle brake to decelerate the vehicle at an increased rate.

Abstract: A locking chock which is of the character of a ground brake for the fore and aft wheels of a tandem axle vehicle makes use of a separate chock or blocker for each wheel. Each chock has a flat, ground-engaging face and an oblique wheel-engaging face. There is an initially retacted threaded shaft extending between the chocks which, once the chocks are in proper position, is extended to push the chocks into blocking engagement against the corresponding opposite wheels.

Abstract: The invention relates to emergency braking of a tractor trailer or other automotive vehicle especially in a final panic situation prior to total loss of control. The present invention relates to a mechanical skid which is carried below the body of a tractor trailer just forward of the rear wheels. If the trailer wheels should lose traction or if the braking system should fail, the skid is dropped onto the roadway immediately in front of the rear wheels. The tractor's rear wheels roll onto the skid where they make contact with a vertical barrier which is part of the skid. The skid is then forced to slide along the road surface with the trailer's wheels on top of it until coming to a halt. The skid acts to provide a substantial increase in stopping power over that available through the brakes and tires alone. The bottom surface of the skid provides a much larger surface area in contact with the road than is provided by the tires.

Abstract: An anti-skid device for preventing slippage of a wheel is disclosed. The anti-skid device comprises a cylindrical expandable member disposed on a tread portion of a tire, and compressed fluid supplying means. The expandable member has anti-skid members implanted at a radially outer portion of the expandable member, and the expandable member is formed with a hole at a radially inner portion thereof. The compressed fluid supply means is connectable to the hole of the expandable member. The expandable member is expanded upon supply of compressed fluid into the hole, and is shrunk upon discharge of the compressed fluid therefrom.

Abstract: The device comprises a body which is adapted to receive and hold the disabled vehicle tire. Wheels or other rolling devices enable the body to ride on a hard surface. A ramp is provided to enable to drive the disabled vehicle tire onto the body to rest thereon. Two braking systems are provided to prevent any movement of the body while mounting and dismounting the disabled vehicle tire onto and from the body. Finally, the body can be connected to the automobile by means of an attachment, such as a chain after having mounted the disabled tire onto the body. In this manner, the driver of the automobile will be able to drive his car while pulling the body while the disabled vehicle tire is carried by it.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automatically self-locking chock for semi-trailers parked in a truck loading yard having: A freely movable dolly platform above a load support member; at least one pair of pivoted chock plates at a distance from the platform such that the dolly support for the forward end of the trailer will rest on the platform when the chock plates are positioned next to the wheels of the trailer; a lever member connecting the platform to the chock plates, constructed such that when the platform carries a load and is pressed against the load support member the chock plates are pivoted upward against the treads of the trailer wheels by mechanical magnification of the downward movement of the platform; and a positioning member for holding the lever member, when the platform is unloaded, in a position such that the chock plates are parallel to and approximately in the plane of the roadbed on which the trailer rests and the dolly platform is positioned above and away from the load support member.

Abstract: Anti-skid device for vehicles including a chain provided pulley (1) arranged rotatable on an arm (4) journalled on a shaft (5). The shaft is connected with an eccentric pulley. Cables (7,7') extend around the eccentric pulley and are also fastened to the eccentric pulley. The two cables are in flexible pipes led to an air cylinder (8) and an air spring (9) respectively and movement of arm and chain provided pulley (1) from parking position to working position is achieved by the air cylinder pulling in the cable that in turn turns the pulley and the connected arm (4). A shelf (15) is arranged below the parking location of the chain provided pulley (1). When the chain provided pulleys are parked the chains are drawn over the edge of the shelf (15) and they are thus pulled up from possible contact with the ground. In this way it is possible to use necessary chain length together with a very low mounting of the device.

Abstract: A vehicle braking apparatus includes a braking mat assembly, a mounting unit for securing the mat assembly to the vehicle chassis, and a shock absorbing unit. The mat assembly includes a drum mounted on a shaft and a braking mat. The braking mat has a first portion secured to and wound around the shaft, an apron portion and a second portion intermediate the apron portion and the first portion. The apron portion forms an extension which has a free end secured by a restraining member to normally maintain the mat in an inoperative position. A release unit enables the retaining unit to release the mat from its inoperative position so that the mat can be unwound from the shaft and moved to its operative position between the vehicle wheels and the road surface. The shock absorbing unit includes a stop member extending parallel to and spaced from the shaft.

Abstract: A wrecker for towing disabled automobiles and the like has attachment fittings on the rear bumper each for securing a scotch block chain and a snatch block to the bumper at the same location on the bumper. When an automobile is being winched into towing position, buckling forces exerted on the bumper by tension developed in the scotch block chains are counterbalanced by forces exerted on the bumper by tension developed in the winching cable which is passed around pulleys on the snatch blocks.

Abstract: An emergency braking apparatus for use with vehicles or trailers having dual coaxial wheels on either side thereof. The brake comprises a belt, one end of which is attached to the chassis at a suitable location so that the other, free, end when released, is run over by the inner of the dual wheels. The outer wheel remains in contact with the road, thus skidding is avoided.

Abstract: An improved traction device for assisting vehicles when stuck in sand, snow, bog, or the like, incorporates a rigid plate having opposed upper and lower gripping ribs and an appended chain structure having transverse angle iron pieces spaced lengthwise thereof.

Abstract: A wheel chocking assembly for a vehicle or vehicle trailer. The chocking assembly includes apparatus mounted to the underside of the vehicle and the chock positioning assembly expands to place the chock in position and contracts into a protected position when not in use. Air actuated pistons operate to expand and contract the chocking assembly.

Abstract: An auxiliary braking device for bringing a highway tractor-trailer vehicle or the like to a sudden safe stop is provided. The device has an elongated metal plate member covered with a replaceable non-adherent elastomeric sheet having a surface of high coefficient of friction bolted to the plate member to form a drag shoe. The drag shoe is supported on the frame of the trailer transversely across the trailer in front of the rear wheels by an assembly of pivotally connected metal bars for folding the assembly to form a folded stored configuration below the frame above the road surface and for permitting the assembly to unfold and drop the drag shoe to the road surface where it is rolled on by rear wheels of the trailer upon activation of the support assembly by the operator of the moving vehicle. The folded drag shoe supporting assembly not only drops the drag shoe to the road surface when it is released but also guides the drag shoe into the path of the rear wheels.

Abstract: A wheeled body member is arranged to be attained to the bow of a boat and such body member has two positions one of which holds the wheeled support in a raised position allowing normal operation of the boat and the other of which holds the wheeled support in a lowered ground engaging position. The body member has a hitch so that it can be releasably secured to a towing vehicle. A brake mechanism is provided to prevent rearward rotation of the wheel when desired. In one embodiment, mounting arms are employed having releasable ball-type connectors which permit them to be readily removed from the boat. This embodiment has adjustments adapting it to different sizes and shapes of boats.

Abstract: This invention relates to an anti-skid device for motor vehicles, which device is of the known kind at which a friction pulley abuts a drive wheel and the pulley is provided with chain links, the free ends of which are thrown in between the tire and the ground. The invention is characterized in that the friction pulley (8,19) is supported on one end of an arm (6), which at its other end is supported pivotally about a journal (5) rigidly connected to the vehicle or the spring system thereof, and pneumatic means (10) are provided by action of a control means in the driver's cab to swing the arm (6) with the pulley (8,19) from a protected non-operative position to a pneumatically resilient contact against the tire (23).

Abstract: A tractor/trailer safety device includes a control mounted in the cab for operation by the driver, when he feels the trailer beginning to jackknife, to disconnect the trailer from the tractor. The control connects a source of pneumatic pressure to a piston which, when operated, lifts a bearing pin to separate the trailer from the tractor. Momentarily afterward, a pair of skid plates attached by chains are released and guided to drop in front of the front wheels of the trailer and the emergency brakes are applied to bring the trailer to a fast halt. Simultaneously, a warning flasher and distress signal system on the trailer is actuated to warn traffic and summon assistance.

Abstract: The emergency brake comprises an elongated flexible skid member which is held within a tray-like support member above the wheels of a vehicle upon which it is used. During an emergency situation, the tray is dropped to a position proximate the vehicle wheels and a free end of the skid is fed out of the tray under the power of an electric motor which is engaged with the skid. The skid then becomes entrapped between a wheel and its support surface. A stop member on the skid abuts a cooperating stop member on the support tray at which time further advance of the skid from the tray is halted. Hardened steel tips are included on the skid pointing in a direction away from the vehicle wheel and into the support surface of the vehicle wheel. These hardened steel tips dig into the support surface and, together with the cooperating stop elements, cause cessation of the forward movement of the vehicle.

Abstract: Vehicular road traction apparatus feeds a traction portion of an endless chain between a tire and the road surface and a recirculating portion of the chain is picked up aft of the tire and fed into a conduit which conducts it back to a point fore of the tire where it is fed continuously under the tire as the traction portion. The conduit is supported in position by arms and pivot pins so that the conduit may be moved between the aforesaid feeding position to a non-feeding position where the chain is held away from the tire. A cable moves the conduit between the two positions. The conduit may be hinged midway in its length so as to move its feeding and pick-up ends farther apart to stretch the chain taut in the non-feeding position. The conduit may be located outside or inside the tire. When located inside the tire, a skid plate and guide bar assist the supporting means to locate the feeding end of the conduit in proper feeding position.

Abstract: A device for mechanically placing wheel chocks against the wheels of a truck-like vehicle as it is parked on the apron of a loading dock. The chocks are remotely controlled from a point of vantage by the dock attendant and certain provisions readily preclude the commencement of any loading and/or unloading operation involving the parked vehicle prior to the vehicle being properly chocked in place, and moreover, structure is included which precludes the likelihood of inadvertent movement of the vehicle away from the dock prematurely before the actual completion of the loading and/or unloading operations, thus avoiding fork lift accidents and personel injuries common in the industry.

Abstract: An aircraft landing gear assembly includes a strut and tire arranged for load-bearing contact with an underlying surface. A weight transfer shoe interposed between the tire and support surface at touchdown and arranged to pivot to a clear position after touchdown cushions the impact between the tire and the support surface to extend the service life of the tire.

Abstract: The stair-climbing device is suitable for transporting a load up or down a flight of steps. The device includes a frame on which the load is seated and a number of load-bearing shoes which engage successive steps in the flight of steps to produce displacement of the device along the flight of steps. The shoes are pivotally connected to sprocket chains which are activated by a reversible electric motor. An arm is pivotally connected to the frame and is provided with a sensing head disposed forward of wheels on which the device rolls. As the device rolls forward on the tread of a step, the sensing head contacts the tread until it is beyond the forward edge whereupon the head falls with resulting pivotal movement of the arm.

Abstract: A restraint device which can be quickly and easily installed in a vehicle to restrain wheelchairs from moving in any direction. A base of the device bolts to the floor of a vehicle used to transport the physically handicapped. A pair of vertically inclined rods connected to the base are positioned on either side of a space for a wheelchair. A clamping member slidably mounted on each of the inclined rods rests against the top of a large wheel of the wheelchair to clamp the wheel between the clamping member and a horizontal rod connected to the base of the restraint device. The clamping members can be easily locked in position and unlocked by a patient in the wheelchair using very little pressure and requiring very little dexterity. The device prevents forward, backward, upward and sideways movement of a wheelchair which has thus been locked in position.

Abstract: A riding vehicle, such as a lawn mower, has a flexible apron positioned behind the rear wheels with a lower edge of the apron above the ground. The mower can back up without impediment from the apron, unless an object is encountered. In that case, the object contacting the apron pushes it against the rear wheels and the apron is pulled under the tires where it abruptly snubs the tires and prevents further backing motion. To achieve this, the apron is supported by the mower through yieldable means which holds the apron above the ground until it contacts the wheels. The apron is also anchored to the mower to limit the extent of downward movement of the apron. In a preferred form, the yieldable supporting means for the apron also is resilient so that the apron can be returned to the original position after it is released from the rear wheels, as by driving the mower forwardly again. The apron is capable of stopping the mower securely and abruptly and reliably does so in a fixed, relatively short distance.

Abstract: Bale loading apparatus for loading and stacking hay bales in combination with a wagon, which is drawn therebehind and has a pluarality of longitudinal stripping fingers on the front end thereof, comprising a mobile frame adapted to be drawn forwardly by a draft vehicle, a bale support rack on said frame provided with a plurality of open ended openings in longitudinal alignment with the wagon stripping fingers and being movable between a raised bale stack receiving position and a lowered bale depositing position, lost motion draft bar connection means coupling said wagon to said frame for forward movement therewith when the frame is moved forwardly and for limited movement relative thereto when the frame is moved rearwardly and means for vertically moving the bale support rack between the raised and lowered positions when the frame is moved rearwardly to transfer the row of stacks from the rack to the wagon supported stripping fingers.