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: Roller skis have an effective braking system. At least one friction producing braking element, such as a truncated cone of friction producing plastic resin (e.g. polyurethane) or rubber, is mounted to the bottom of a roller ski so that it overlaps the inner edge of the roller ski, positioned along the roller ski generally at the position at which the ski boot is mounted. The braking element may be connected to the roller ski by a separate attachment comprising a channel-shaped element with a screw clamp for connecting the channel-shaped element to the ski, and with the braking element extending downwardly from the channel. When it is desired to stop while practicing Nordic skiing (cross-country skiing) or Alpine skiing, the skier simulates a "snow plowing" maneuver, which brings the braking elements at the inside edges of both skis into contact with the ground, causing the roller skis to stop.

Abstract: A portable concession stand for transporting drinks, snacks, sundry items, and the like across a transport surface from one place to another. The portable concession stand includes a box-like container structure constructed of extruded tubing having composite panels mounted thereon for partially enclosing the container structure. Handles are attached to the portable concession stand for guidance and control thereof. Associated with at least one handle is a brake lever which actuates a brake assembly located on the bottom surface of the portable concession stand. When the brake lever is released, the brake assembly moves from a retracted position to an intermediate braking position under the influence of a spring biasing element, which causes the brake assembly to limit movement of the portable concession stand. The brake lever can be moved to a lower-most position for causing the brake assembly to assume an extended locking configuration for preventing further movement of the portable concession stand.

Abstract: In order to increase the efficiency of space utilization in a palletized goods store in which loaded pallets (1) are arranged in rows (2, 3) with alleys (4) therebetween, each loaded pallet (1) is carried on a wheeled trolley (7A). Where it is required to introduce a loaded pallet (1A) into a space (10) present anywhere along each row (2), the wheeled trolleys are arranged to move transversely of a row whereby the loaded pallet (1A) can first be transported by a fork lift truck (11) down an alley (4) opposite to said space (10), and then moved transversely on a wheeled trolley (7A) into said space (10). In this manner, it is unnecessary for the truck (11) to effect a quarter-turn in the alley (4) whereby the latter can be of a much smaller width than normal. Where the store is to be operated on a first-in, first-out basis, the wheeled trolleys in a row are arranged for movement longitudinally of the row.

Abstract: A safety brake for a child's walker is constructed of a braking bar pivotally mounted to the base of the walker for rotation between a nonbraking position above the wheels and a braking position whereby a straight section of the bar extends below the wheels to lift the wheels out of contact with the floor. A releasable catch on the walker base retains the braking bar in the nonbraking position, and a spring urges the bar into the braking position upon release thereof from the catch.

Abstract: The brake construction is comprised of first and second U-shaped leg means which are pivotally attached to the bottom surface of the creeper platform and interconnected by means of a tie rod. A manually operated handle is attached to one of the leg means to effect pivoting motion of both leg means between a brake engagement position and a brake release position. When the leg means are in the brake engagement position, they define a generally divergent angle which tends to lock the brake construction in the brake engagement position.

Abstract: A roller skate comprises a pair of adjacent rollers which are mounted on a shaft which in turn is mounted on two bracket plates extending downward from an intermediate portion of a pedal plate. A lever is pivotally mounted on the bracket plates above said rollers. The lever has an arched portion which extends over the rollers and has a distal end extending adjacent to the front side of the roller. The lever then extends rearward and holds a brake block substantially below the heel portion of the pedal plate. A spring is employed between the pedal plate and the lever to push the lever against a projection formed on one the bracket so as to prevent the lever from swinging. The skate is put in the braking position when the heel portion is depressed. The skate may further include front rollers substantially below the toe portion of the skate and a front brake block substantially at the front of the toe portion.

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: A rolling contact suction system for vehicle braking and adhesion, in one embodiment comprising a suction cylinder adapted to be mounted on a vehicle for rolling contact with the surface upon which the vehicle moves; a plurality of suction disks contained in a surface layer of, and positioned within the profile of, the suction cylinder, the surface layer being made of a resilient material; and passageway within the suction cylinder for allowing the passage way of air from inside each suction disk, operable only when the internal volume of the suction disk is decreased.

Abstract: An improved carriage incorporates an automatic braking system that detects and reacts to the presence of a ledge and substantially inhibits movement of the carriage over the ledge. The carriage includes three rolling units pivotally coupled to a base in spaced relation about the periphery of the base. Each rolling unit includes a pair of wheels. A high friction pad is mounted on the base and presented toward the underlying surface for frictional engagement therewith. Movement of any one of the wheels over a boundary edge of the underlying surface causes the rolling unit supporting such wheel to pivot from a normally horizontal rolling position to a pivoted position. Such pivoting movement acts to collapse the carriage thereby lowering the high friction pad into frictional engagement with the underlying surface. A warning system is desirably provided for indicating engagement of the high friction pad and the underlying surface following collapse of the carriage to alert nearby persons of such collapse.

Abstract: Apparatus for sensing the tension in a cable and for maintaining the tension between a minimum tension and a maximum tension value comprises a rocker carrying a pulley about which the cable is passed, the rocker being pivotally supported for rotation between first and second rotational positions and being biased toward the first rotational position. Upon tension being applied to the cable, the rocker pivots away from the first position by an amount proporational to the cable tension. Spring biased plungers and associated switches sense the rocker being respectively at the first and second rotational positions and control the tension applied to the cable so as to maintain the tension between the selected minimum and maximum values.

Abstract: A newspaper insert cart including a braking assembly which allows the cart to be stopped and rotated for convenient unloading of various sections. The braking assembly structure is specially designed for reliability, durability and a positive braking action. It also results in an overall system which is much less likely to cause injury to the cart user than systems heretofore known in the prior art.

Abstract: Disclosed is a positive lock mechanism for use with a moving board to move an object up or down stairs by sliding such moving board over the crests of the stairs. The positive lock mechanism comprises a shaft, spade element and torsion spring. The moving board freely mounts the shaft which carries the spade element and torsion spring. The torsion spring biases the spade element to a retractable positive lock position for engagement with a stair tread whereby the moving board and its load can remain in a free standing position of rest on the stairs. The moving board may be slid up or down over the crests of several steps before the spade element is allowed to engage a stair tread in positive lock position, or the movers may take one step at a time by allowing the spade element to engage each step successively.

Abstract: A shopping cart disabling device features the use of pressurized gas from a container for actuating a piston in a cylinder therefor so as to provide a ground contacting probe that serves to disable the cart, the gas container being located in the piston cylinder and the gas being released by a magnetically actuated mechanism that includes a pin for penetrating a seal of the container and a spring loaded hammer mechanism which through a sear is operatively connected to a magnetic triggering assembly.

Abstract: The invention includes a mechanic's creeper having a bowed frame and a method for constructing the frame. The frame comprises a pair of parallel longitudinal rails of rectangular metal tubing bowed to form an arch for increased strength against vertical loads resting on the creeper. A plurality of metal cross members are welded to the underside of the longitudinal rails to form the frame. A creeper bed formed by wood or metal sheet, a headrest and castors for movement are attached to the frame. To construct the creeper frame, the longitudinal rails are fixed parallel to each other and the cross members welded in a predetermined sequential order across the underside of the frame. The sequential welding causes the metal of the underside of the longitudinal rails to expand as it is heated and then to contract as it cools to a length less than its original length to bow the rails lengthwise.

Abstract: An arrest device for a wheeled cart, such as a supermarket shopping cart. The device includes a hook and structure mounting the hook on the cart for swinging thereon in a front-to-back direction. The region where such swinging occurs is shiftable between lowered and raised positions to permit the hook to "walk" over surface irregularities by a compound swinging/shifting movement. In one embodiment, the mounting structure includes a leg pivotably attached at one end to the cart and at its other end to the hook. In another embodiment, the hook and connecting structure are formed as a unitary member having a slot which accomodates both swinging and vertical shifting of the hook with respect to the cart. In still another embodiment, the connecting structure takes the form of a spring which is continuously flexible in a front-to-back direction with respect to the cart.

Abstract: A tractor or similar vehicle which cannot traverse an uphill slope exceeding a certain critical angle of attack. The center of gravity of the vehicle is chosen so that the vehicle is in tipping equilibrium at a certain critical angle of attack which is substantially less than the maximum slope which the vehicle otherwise can climb. A tail plate is mounted behind the rear axle of the vehicle to contact the travel path and limit the maximum amount of tipping, so that the front end of the vehicle can rise no more than a limited amount. A limited extent of tipping thus occurs whenever the vehicle operator attempts to exceed the critical angle of attack, providing a relatively limited and non-violent tipping action which forces the vehicle operator to reduce the angle of attack.

Abstract: A cargo restraining device for a palletized load including a platform for receiving a pallet with a load of cargo thereon, and a vertical frame at one end of the platform. A handle is pivotally secured to the frame and connected to a horizontally-extending member which is movable to place it in frictional contact with a floor or supporting surface. When the pallet is placed on the platform, it can be locked in place by a serrated member which engages a cross-tie of the pallet. To lock the pallet and platform to the floor, the handle is pushed downwardly while at the same time pushing the frame toward the load. Movement of the handle, which pivots about a hinge pivotally connected to the frame, moves the horizontally-extending member into contact with the supporting surface and at the same time lifts and tilts the platform, which adds an augmented downward force on the horizontally-extending member in contact with the supporting surface.

Abstract: A caster to be mounted to a movable object, such as a hoop-shaped walking support for baby, a chair or the like and comprises a basic body turnably mounted at one end and provided at its opposite end with spaced apart axle supports for wheels, a stopper being mounted to the basic body and comprising a bearing portion received between the axle supports, a grounding surface adapted to contact the earth for stoppage of the caster the stopper including, an engaging part for setting the stopper above the lower margin of the wheels, a spring for urging the stopper downward, and a swing limiting projection for limiting the range of the swinging movement of the stopper.

Abstract: A tractor or similar vehicle which cannot traverse an uphill slope exceeding a certain critical angle of attack. The center of gravity of the vehicle is chosen so that the vehicle is in tipping equilibrium at a certain critical angle of attack which is substantially less than the maximum slope which the vehicle otherwise can climb. A tail plate is mounted behind the rear axle of the vehicle to contact the travel path and limit the maximum amount of tipping, so that the front end of the vehicle can rise no more than a limited amount. A limited extent of tipping thus occurs whenever the vehicle operator attempts to exceed the critical angle of attack, providing a relatively limited and non-violent tipping action which forces the vehicle operator to reduce the angle of attack.

Abstract: An outrigger for use in a wheel-type vehicle which can be mounted just behind a front wheel where available height for mounting is very limited. The outrigger comprises a support fixedly secured to an axle of the vehicle, a first and a second link both pivotally mounted to the support and being in parallel to each other, an earth contacting member pivotally connected to both first and second links, the earth contacting member being generally L-shaped when viewed from the bottom, and a hydraulic cylinder pivotally connected to the support and the earth contacting member.

Abstract: In the first embodiment of the apparatus, each end frame of the apparatus has one position at which wheels engage the decking surrounding the pool, and another position at which a braking region engages such deck. In accordance with the method, the operator rolls the apparatus to a desired location when each end frame is in the first-mentioned position, and then tilts each such end frame to the second-mentioned position. He then pulls the pool cover off of the now-stationary frame. In accordance with a second embodiment, each end frame is circular and operates as a wheel when it is desired to move the apparatus. To achieve braking, one edge region of each such wheel is pivoted to expose a chordal braking area. In accordance with the method relative to the second embodiment, the shifting from the rolling mode to the braking mode is effected when the indicated edge regions are at rotated positions such that they do not engage the decking.

Abstract: A ski brake has an operating pedal pivotally connected to a wire braking bar with two braking mandrels. The pedal is pivotal about a first ski fixed axle and the bar is pivotal about a second axle which is parallel to the first axle and supported for movement relative to the pedal in directions substantially parallel to the longitudinally axis of the ski. An upwardly projecting path extender which is disposed in the path of movement of the second axle raises the second axle and the braking mandrels to positions spaced above the surface of the ski, and then lowers the second axle to a position adjacent the surface of the ski as the ski brake moves between its retracted and braking positions. A mechanism is provided for pulling the braking mandrels laterally inwardly as the ski brake approaches the retracted position.

Abstract: A ski brake has a support securable to the upper surface of a ski and forming a longitudinal passage extending in the normal ski displacement direction. A brake element is pivotal on this support about an element axis between a skiing position generally parallel to the ski and wholly above the lower ski surface and a braking position extending downwardly past and transverse to this lower surface. A wire biasing loop is connected between the brake element and the support and urges the element into the braking position. This loop has a pivot section pivoted in the support at a pivot axis perpendicular to the ski displacement direction and parallel to the ski upper surface and a leg extending through the passage and longitudinally displaceable therein between a forwardly advanced position corresponding to the braking position of the element and a rearwardly retracted position corresponding to the element skiing position.

Abstract: A tow wheel attachment for an automobile and which is used in conjunction with an underground conveyor system comprising a tubular metal frame having a base, a pair of legs extending divergently outwardly from the base and a horizontal crossbeam interconnecting the legs intermediate their ends; a wheel rotatably mounted on the base; a pair of brake disks disposed on appropriate sides of the wheel; a pair of mounting brackets affixed to the outer ends of the legs for the purpose of attaching the frame to the lower surface of the automobile; and a hydraulic cylinder connected at one end to the frame and at its other end to the center of the crossbeam for the purpose of lowering and raising the frame.

Abstract: An emergency braking system is operably associated with a vehicle operated on a road surface. The system comprises an anchor device releasably carried by the vehicle for adherence to the road surface. An activation device in the vehicle releases the anchor device from the vehicle. Cable apparatus joins the anchor device to the vehicle for braking the movement of the vehicle when the anchor device is adhered to the road surface. One embodiment of the invention includes a vacuum housing device which acts as an anchor. This embodiment provides a vacuum housing structure which adheres to the road surface by means of a vacuum. A second embodiment employes an explosively driven stud, spike or bolt anchor device for imbedding a stud, spike or bolt anchor into the road surface. A third embodiment discloses a spike which is driven into the road surface by the weight of the vehicle.

Abstract: A braking blade for a ski brake adapted particularly for skiing in deep snow, which blade is arranged at the end of a braking arm of a ski brake, which braking arm consists preferably of a spring wire, and is held secured against a loss, wherein the blade, viewed in the width dimension, is divided by the braking arm into a smaller braking surface which is adjacent the ski and into a larger braking surface which is remote from the ski, which braking surfaces have, in the retracted position of the ski brake, a position which is approximately parallel with respect to the longitudinal axis of the ski and in the braking position of the ski brake are arranged substantially perpendicularly with respect to the longitudinal axis of the ski.

Abstract: An improved, mobile, compartmentalized cart for newspaper inserts or other sheet-type items is provided which includes selectively operable brake mechanism for fixing the cart against translatory movement while at the same time allowing the cart to rotate for providing easy individual access to the respective cart compartments. The cart is preferably provided with a central, elongated, axially reciprocable, spring-biased rod having a floor-engaging brake pad on the lower end thereof, with the cart being rotatable about an upright axis coincident with the rod. A cam latch is secured to the upper end of the rod for selectively raising the pad from the floor-engaging position thereof, and for holding the pad in such position. The cam latch is especially configured for allowing the rod and pad to shift downwardly, under the influence of the biasing spring, to a point where the pad is below the level of engagement between the floor and the cart casters.

Abstract: A tray is attached to the base of an over-the-bed table normally used by bed-ridden patients. This tray provides a convenient and readily available place for the patient to place his or her slippers to prevent them from being shoved under the bed or across the room. It also provides the patient with a convenient footrest when using the table either while sitting on the edge of the bed or in a chair. One version of the tray is pivotable in order that the patient may pivot it with his or her feet to the most comfortable angle. When the tray is pivoted, a method is provided for locking the table such that it will not move away from the patient due to the horizontal force vector resulting therefrom. Another version of the tray may be raised or lowered to suit the comfort of the patient.

Abstract: A ski brake arrangement having a U-shaped spring wire member pivotally secured to the upper surface of a ski about an axis which extends substantially perpendicularly with respect to the longitudinal axis of the ski. Each leg of the U-shaped spring wire has a braking blade thereon. The pivotal support for the U-shaped spring wire is composed of a block having a shaft member thereon, which shaft extends parallel to the aforementioned axis and is received in an opening of a two-arm toggle lever pivotally secured to the ski about a further axis which extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the ski. The innermost arm of the toggle lever is operatively engaged with a pedal pivotally secured to the ski so that during a downward movement of the pedal, the toggle lever will be pivoted about its pivotal support to cause an upward and inward movement of the block member.

Abstract: The caster wheel includes a swivel housing connected to a transportation apparatus such as a shopping cart and supporting a transverse shaft and a downwardly directed braking bracket terminated with a transverse braking shoe. Two separate wheel discs are respectively supported for rotation on the shaft and are slidably interconnected along their periphery by snap-in annular grooves and tongues. Each wheel disc is provided with a radially directed guiding ring which is adapted for engaging a guiding groove on a conveyor belt.

Abstract: A travel attachment for rotary tillers is disclosed. The travel attachment comprises a fulcrum attached to a frame of the tiller, and a control bar longitudinally movable along the fulcrum including a lower end engagable with the ground. The upper end of the control bar is laterally movable by hand, and when the lower end of the control bar is engaged in the ground and the upper end is moved forward, a central portion of the bar engages the fulcrum forcing the fulcrum and tiller forward. A depth attachment attached to a forward end of the frame includes a horizontal foot of planar configuration with a forward portion curving upward in an arcuate manner. The foot is supported on the ground forward of the tiller and a vertical distance between a bottom surface of the foot and the bottom extension of the tiller blade determines the depth to which the earth will be tilled.

Abstract: A ski brake made of spring wire and pivotally secured to a mounting plate which is in turn secured to the upper surface of a ski. The spring wire contains multiple bends therein with the spring wire being pivotally secured to the mounting plate about two axes which are spaced in the longitudinal direction of the ski. One of the pivot axes is centrally located on the mounting plate and movably supports the spring wire therein for movement toward the tip and tail of the ski. The other pivot axis of the ski brake is defined by a pair of laterally spaced axles which are located forwardly from the first-mentioned pivot axle and each are housed in bearing structures which will facilitate a pivoting of the axle about a vertical axis. This pivotal movement about the vertical axis can be by either making the axle housing the spring wire therein loose or by mounting the spring wire in a member which is in turn pivotally secured to the upper surface of the mounting plate.

Abstract: This invention relates to braking devices employed with creepers. Provision of a brake which eliminates or greatly reduces undesirable head, arm and hand, and other body movements required to actuate braking is achieved by this invention. A brake control flap (23) is attached to or formed at the rear of the creeper floor (12, 13). A brake (21) with resilient strip (26) is attached to the underside of the flap (23). Weight placement causes the flap (23) to bend from a straight conformation level with the floor (13) into a downwardly arcuate conformation disposing the resilient strip (26) against the ground.

Abstract: A skateboard including a brake assembly for slowing and stopping the vehicle. A pivotal member on the rear of the board is provided with a depending rubber stop for engagement with the ground surface when the member is tilted by the heel of the shoe of the skater. The member is normally maintained in a raised position by a spring hinge.

Abstract: A brake assembly for a wheeled personal vehicle such as a scooter or the like includes a brake shoe adapted for selective frictional engagement with the ground, and hingedly secured to the rear underside of the vehicle. A flat head plunger is secured at its lower end to a channel formed in the brake shoe, and extends upwardly through a slot in the rear portion of the vehicle. A pedal is hingedly secured to the top rear surface of the vehicle, and is provided with a collar which engages the upper ball end of the plunger. The plunger may be depressed by the foot of the vehicle rider, forcing the brake shoe to frictionally engage the ground surface and slow the vehicle.

Abstract: An economical and effective auxiliary steering system for a vehicle having a relatively low maximum speed in reverse direction. A ground driven pump having an output when the vehicle is going forward is directed to a diverter valve, which valve is responsive to loss of hydraulic pressure in the main steering circuit to direct the said output to the main steering valve. A single spring loaded check valve isolates the main steering valve under auxiliary steering conditions.

Abstract: A roller skate type scooter for improved maneuverability and control. The scooter includes an articulated support platform with pivotally connected forward and rearward footboards. At least one wheel is secured to the underside of each footboard and a steering assembly, such as a semi-cylindrical cab, is mounted upon the front footboard for remotely and arcuately maneuvering the first footboard generally in a horizontal plane about a pivot point. The cab has a semi-cylindrical front surface for substantially protecting the rider and for avoiding puncturing other objects and persons during accidental collision. The cab defines a shield which is constructed and arranged to substantially deflect the flow of oncoming air generally around the body of the rider during propulsion of the scooter. In one preferred form, the scooter is equipped with brake and kickstand assemblies.

Abstract: A subsidiary brake pedal is provided in addition to a conventional brake pedal. It is so arranged that the subsidiary brake pedal is stepped on at the same time when the conventional brake pedal is stepped on. A ski type brake disc is provided between the rear wheels. The brake disc is linked with the subsidiary brake, and is capable of being raised or lowered. When the subsidiary brake pedal is stepped on, the ski type brake disc is pressed against the road surface to provide for emergency braking and for preventing an automobile from slipping sideways.

Abstract: A roller ski comprising a reverse motion-blocking device composed of an articulated pendulum support which engages with the ground during reverse or rearward travel.

Abstract: A skateboard brake includes a heavy brush disposed below the skateboard and secured to a support bracket which is pivotally joined to a lower forward portion of the skateboard. The support bracket extends behind the rear wheels of the skateboard, and a plunger extends vertically from the support bracket through a slot in the rear end of the skateboard. The support bracket is resiliently biased upwardly to maintain the brush out of engagement with the pavement. A pedal is provided on the upper rear portion of the skateboard superjacent to the plunger, so that the skateboard rider may step on the brake, pedal and thereby force the plunger downwardly, the support bracket pivoting on the forward pivot and urging the brush into frictional engagement with the pavement.

Abstract: A mechanism providing both a brake and tie-down mechanism for a cart which utilizes a central support below the bottom of the cart for supporting both the vertically moving brake shoes and the rotating locks of the tie-down mechanism, and foot pedals at opposite ends of the cart for engaging and disengaging the brake shoes with the supporting surface and for rotating the locks to release the cart from the tie-down mechanism, the tie-down mechanism being arranged to receive a tie-down mushroom from either end of the cart.

Abstract: A rolling container assembly has a braking and locking system including a pair of locking levers on shafts positioned to engage opposite sides of a fixed anchor. The locking levers are releasable by separate control levers. Braking spikes are arranged on a pair of further shafts, and are inclined downwardly from their respective shafts and toward the center of the container. Lost motion rods intercouple the locking lever with the braking spikes, so that the braking spikes may be rotated to vertical positions independently of the respective locking levers. The shafts through which the braking spikes are connected are also coupled by a lever, whereby the braking spikes simultaneously rotate in opposite senses.

Abstract: A braking system for ski or float equipped aircraft which is actuated by the conventional brake system of the aircraft. The system permits normal braking operation to activate the additional components which have been added to the ski or float of the airplane. A braking member actuated by a hydraulic cylinder connected to the aircraft's original hydraulic system form the main components of this invention.

Abstract: A skateboard has a guide which allows a vertically elongated plunger to pass through a hole in the board. The guide allows the plunger to move up and down, while preventing rotation thereof. At the lower end of the plunger, below the skateboard, is attached a wooden block. A compression spring pushes the block and plunger upwardly. At the upper end of the plunger is attached a transversely extending cylindrical rod. A pedal is disposed at the upper end of the plunger. The brake is actuated by depressing the pedal.

Abstract: An auxiliary brake system for a motor vehicle including a plurality of suction cups mounted on the chassis of the vehicle which are lowered into contact with a roadway during skids on icy or wet pavement.

Abstract: A skateboard including a brake assembly for slowing and stopping the vehicle. A pivotal member on the board is provided with a depending rubber stop for engagement with the ground surface when the member is tilted by the heel of the shoe of the skater.

Abstract: One or both ends of a skateboard has its effective lower surface of the platform brought nearer to the ground than the remainder of the platform by the addition of a block or blocks which comes into contact with the ground when the rider elects to ride the skateboard on only one of the two sets of wheels. The existence and shaping of this block assists the rider to maneuver and control the board and avoids the wear of an irreplaceable part of the board. The block is moulded plate of suitable material attached to the underside of the board the major opposing sides of the plate being elliptical. For control purposes the shape over a 120.degree. central sector of the major side is significant but for wear factor reasons it is extended to 160.degree.. No part of the radius should be less than 15 mm, or more than 110 mm. and the contact periphery should have a rounded shoulder to provide a satisfactory area of initial contact.

Abstract: A cart construction having improved structure for selectively retaining removable transport containers thereon including brake structure for selectively preventing movement of one or more roller elements supporting the transport container on the cart. The brake structure is biased to lock the rollers and an operator is provided for engagement by the user of the cart to effect release of the brake structure when desired to permit lateral movement of the transport container from the cart. A step structure is provided for permitting ascent by the cart user to facilitate reaching into the bottom of the transport container carried on the cart. A cart locking structure is associated with the step structure to lock the cart against movement while the user is so utilizing the step structure.

Abstract: An improved ground-run/skid-braking and/or maneuvering control system for an aircraft or ground effect machine having an air cushion type undercarriage of the type comprising an elastically retractable inflatable trunk or other air inflatable air cushion confining device fabricated of elastic sheet material. The braking/control system comprises a mechanically actuated multiple spine system disposed interiorly of the trunk fabric; and is operable under pilot control to cause portions of the trunk to curvilinearly project downwardly below the basic footprint level of the trunk when inflated, to provide the desired ground-friction braking/maneuvering effects. The projected portions of the trunk are externally armored by means of wear/tear resistant friction pads which are relatively pleat-folding automatically incidental to elastic contractions of the trunk sheet material, to minimize craft flight drag effects.