Abstract: A snow ski or runner on which the user stands with both feet juxtapositioned and parallelly arranged with the longitudinally axis of the ski. Both hands of the user grasps and manipulates in a cyclic manner a movable handle. Each foot of the user controls a foot pad for causing a portion of the foot pad to penetrate and extend from the bottom of the ski for steering purposes when foot pressure is applied to the foot pads.

Abstract: A luge sled having features which enhance performance and safety characteristics of the sled. The sled generally comprises a support structure for supporting a sled rider, at least two runners, a cavity, a mounting boss, and an elastomeric bushing positioned between the cavity and the mounting boss and including a body portion which substantially encloses the side surfaces of the mounting boss around the perimeter thereof. The elastomeric bushing may further include an end portion which substantially encloses the end surface of the mounting boss. The runners are molded from glass-reinforced plastic and are formed into an I-beam section. The runners also include a plurality of reinforcing ribs protruding from a side surface thereof. The runners include a front segment having a front surface which is generally vertically disposed. The sled includes front and rear bridge supports which are molded from glass-reinforced plastic and also include reinforcing ribs in a lower surface thereof.

Abstract: A propeller driven vehicle for traversing snow and ice covered terrain with improved steering response and stability. The vehicle has a motor driven propeller providing motive force to sustain forward motion of the vehicle regardless of terrain conditions. The vehicle rides on four skis which greatly enhance the stability of the vehicle and prevent the likelihood of tipping during sudden and severe turning. A parallelogram suspension system provides maximum contact between the skis and the terrain while allowing the skis to respond to vertical undulations in the terrain. A foot operated drag brake is mounted in the rear of the vehicle to decelerate the vehicle.

Abstract: A snowmobile steering ski or skis, which may be equipped with a ski liner to prevent undue drag on a snowmobile snow, includes a integral fin that enhances steering control in turning or resisting sidehill slippage of the snowmobile particularly in traversing powder or hard packed. The ski liner fin is integral, or replaceable, and extends outwardly along the outer edge and downwardly over a central portion of the ski. The fin contacts the snow on the inner side of either a flat turn, or the uphill slope of a sidehill run, because the forward end of the snowmobile ski is cambered so as to tip downwardly toward the steered direction of a turn.

Abstract: A system for guiding an apparatus including a forward and rear runner over a surface includes an elongate beam connecting the two runners and forward and rear strut assemblies for causing a deviation from a horizontal plane at the same time that a deviation from a longitudinal axis is introduced to the apparatus. The system allows the user to guide the device while at the same time providing the necessary tilting or weight shift needed to enhance the turning of the apparatus.

Abstract: A device for snow sports is characterized in that the rear of a forward steering skid (2) is rounded, while a widest part of the bearing skid (1) is about 2/3 as wide as the widest part of the steering skid and is its length is approximately twice that of the steering skid (2). Also, a tip of the bearing skid is turned up higher than that of the steering skid.

Abstract: In a ride-on snow sled of the steerable type, a pair of support side runners are fixedly attached to fore and aft vertically oriented legs. The legs are adapted to slide up and down within hollow tubular frame members. The upper ends of the front legs of each runner are attached to one another by a non-compressible and non-extendible cable member. Similarly, the rear pair of legs are connected through a rear tubular frame. Thus, a shift of weight causing the right ski to extend downwardly from the frame causes a proportional lift or rise in the left ski such that the legs on the left ski retract into the frame. With the skis at different heights proportionate to the slope of the hill, an edging effect is created, permitting the operator to traverse the hill without sliding in much the same manner as a skier traverses a hill.

Abstract: A flexible sled and slide construction (10) wherein both the sled unit (12) and the slide unit (11) are fabricated from hinged cardboard panels (30) and (20) which are provided with hard wax coatings (31) and (21) to allow the bottom (38) of the sled unit (12) to slide easily over the top (24) of the slide unit (20).

Abstract: Wear protectors for snowmobile skis are provided which comprise a relatively narrow strip composed of a wear resistant material, and wherein the strip is provided with one or more holes which are aligned with and accommodate the passage of bolts extending from a wear rod, whereby the strip may be secured to the bottom of a snowmobile ski by the wear rod.

Abstract: A vehicular snow ski is disclosed having an ultra high molecular weight polymer material for extended wear and an adjustable curvature tip end. The tip end is adjustable using a variable length turnbuckle for controlling the curvature and tension of the curved tip end. The radius of the curved tip end is changed to meet varying snow conditions encountered by an operator. The under side of the ski includes a plurality of concave surfaces extending longitudinally therealong for compacting snow and lifting the ski in the snow when moving therein. Two concave surfaces are recessed from a center concave surface to form two vertically oriented steering surfaces for controlling the direction of the ski in opposite directions. A wear bar with carbide inserts extends beyond the center concave surface for running on ice and other hard surfaces. Attached to the top surface is a shoe for mounting the ski to the suspension of a vehicle such as a snowmobile.

Abstract: A towed vehicle includes a button actuated release for releasing the vehicle from a tow rope. The vehicle can be either a snow sled or a water sled, and the release can be automatic as well. The vehicles also include steering systems, and the manual release button is located in the steering element.

Abstract: An improved suspension arrangement for the front steering assembly of a snow-bike, and the snow-bike incorporating the improved suspension arrangement. The steering assembly for which the suspension is intended includes a steering column having a steering device such as a handlebar at its upper end and a ski at its lower end. The suspension arrangement includes an intermediate arm journalled with respect to the steering column and extending longitudinally of the snow-bike. A rear portion of the intermediate arm is journalled with respect to the ski. A suspension assembly, such as a piston-cylinder and spring assembly, is connected between the intermediate arm and the steering column.

Abstract: A steering post for a snowmobile is positionable in more than one position and includes a bearing which has a two part bearing block and a two part bearing. The bearing includes a generally spherical body with axially aligned oppositely extending cylindrical extensions and a bore substantially the same diameter as the steering post axially aligned with and extending through the spherical body and extensions. The bearing body includes openings axially aligned and communicating with a cavity adapted to receive the spherical body therein. The openings include an encircling chamfered area engagable by the extensions on the spherical body such that when the steering post is out of alignment that it does not engage the bearing body and bind.

Abstract: An improved riding lawn mower comprises a frame having steerable front wheels and rear traction wheels. Each rear wheel is independently driven by a separate transmission. A steering wheel is used to turn the front wheels to control the direction of movement of the rider. Linkage assemblies connected to the steering assembly declutch the rear wheel on the inside of a sharp turn to give the mower near ZTR turning ability. However, the declutched rear wheel freewheels to avoid tearing the turf and the mower does not speed up during the turn.

Abstract: A vehicular snow ski is disclosed having an ultra high molecular weight polymer material for extended wear and an adjustable curvature tip end. The tip end is adjustable using a variable length turnbuckle for controlling the curvature and tension of the curved tip end. The radius of the curved tip end is changed to meet varying snow conditions encountered by an operator. The under surface of the ski includes a plurality of concave surfaces extending longitudinally therealong for compacting snow and lifting the ski in the snow when moving therein. Two concave surfaces are recessed from a center concave surface to form two vertically oriented steering surfaces for controlling the direction of the ski in opposite directions. A wear bar with carbide inserts extends beyond the center concave surface for running on ice and other hard surfaces. Attached to the top surface is a shoe for mounting the ski to the suspension of a vehicle such as a snowmobile.

Abstract: An improved spindle arrangement for a suspension system for supporting skis of a snowmobile induces a steering bias in each of the respective skis. A spindle is attached to respective upper and lower linkages of unequal dimensions by ball joints. The ball joints attached at each respective spindle are offset from the longitudinal axis of the spindle in a manner such that a bias is induced in each respective ski causing it to toe-out. Accordingly, the bias induced in the skis creates a situation wherein the snowmobile will give the rider much more confidence and a more comfortable ride when operating the snowmobile at high speed by eliminating the disconcerting feeling that can be generated when the skis tend to toe-in.

Abstract: A suspension system for the skis of a snowmobile controls the movement of a projected steering point associated with each ski such that the steering points move substantially parallel to a vertical plane containing the longitudinal axis of the snowmobile during deflection of the suspension system. The linkage for each ski includes a spindle arrangement, the chassis, an upper suspension linkage, and a lower suspension linkage.

Abstract: Ski device having two ski members interconnected to a support. The connection is realized by at least two pivot arms, a front one and a rear one. The front pivot arm is shorter than the rear one while the front pivot point is nearer to the axis of the vehicle than the rear pivot point of each ski member.

Abstract: A dicycle includes a pair of parallel wheels, a crankshaft to whose end portions the wheels are attached, upwardly extending control rods connected to and pivotable about the axles, and lever members which extend downwardly and contact the ground at a point which differs from the point of intersection of the vertical to the axles and the ground. When riding the dicycle, a turn can be accomplished easily by pulling a control rod and thereby raising a wheel from the ground.

Abstract: A snow glider with a body shell having a convex bottom with reference to the surface. At least two skids are attached along the bottom so that according to the inclination angle of the snow glider the available skids in contact with the snow steer the snow glider with a weight shifting of the operator as the snow glider assumes a curve.

Abstract: An anti-sway system for a steerable vehicle of the type employing a torsion bar suspension system. Operatively coupled to the torsion bar for each of the vehicle's steerable wheels or skis is a mechanism for increasing the effective spring rate of the suspension upon cornering over that prevailing when steering a straight line course.

Abstract: A snowmobile including a body a pair of rear wheels with tires a motor for driving the rear wheel, an axis connected to a handle originally for a front wheel, and skid member mounted on the axis. The skid member comprises a skid, extending in the longitudinal direction of the body, bent upward in its front part, support members protuberantly provided on the upper surface of the skid, and rotatably connected to the axis and at least one fin, protuberantly provided on the under surface of the skid, extending front to rear from a position beneath the above mentioned support member, located at the substantial center in its longitudinal direction of the skid, and the length of the fin is set in a range of 40 to 60% of the length of the skid.

Abstract: A ski suspension strut for a snowmobile comprises: upper and lower telescopically arranged members guided for a predetermined range of relative axial movement but constrained against relative rotation. The lower member is of cylindrical profile and is rotatably supported in a fixed generally upright orientation by mounting means in the snowmobile. One end of the lower member is connected to a snowmobile ski and the second member is connected to a steering mechanism in the snowmobile to be rotated thereby in effecting steering movement of the ski. Damper means is located interiorly of the lower member and operatively connected to both members to dampen relative axial movement thereof. Linear bearing means are mounted in the lower member in sliding engagement with a section of the upper member that is of constant square profile over a suitable length.

Abstract: A snowmobile power steering system on a snowmobile having a body with a chassis and a pair of laterally spaced steerable skis includes a source a hydraulic pressure including a reservoir for storing hydraulic fluid, a hydraulic cylinder which is mounted to the snowmobile body and has two chambers and at least one end rod, a steering column, and a linkage arrangement including interconnected connecting rods and pivotal members which together transmit force from the steering column to the skis. The linkage arrangement is operably connected to the hydraulic cylinder end rod so that movement of the end rod rotates the skis. A selected connecting rod includes a valve which selectively directs hydraulic pressure to one hydraulic cylinder chamber to move the end rod so the skis rotate in the first direction when the selected connecting rod transmits a tensile force.

Abstract: The vehicle toy includes a split central roller with end rollers on either side of it, a platform between the segments of the split central roller, side members along the ends of the rollers, and vertical members leading to handrails above the rollers to be grasped by the person standing on the rollers to manipulate the vehicle. The central roller is positioned below the end rollers and the vehicle is symmetrical, allowing either end roller to be selectively engaged with the supporting surface, along with the central roller.

Abstract: An anti-sway system for a steerable vehicle of the type employing a torsion bar suspension. Operatively coupled to the torsion bar for each of the vehicle's steerable wheels or skis is a mechanism for increasing the effective spring rate of the suspension upon cornering over that prevailling when steering a straight line course.

Abstract: The mobile standing air has a rectangular base with two main wheels near the rearward portion of the base and two main caster wheels mounted on upward, forward and outward extensions near the front of the frame. Two rearward extensions mount smaller caster wheels to prevent rearward tipping. The standing aid has four members which extend vertically from the base. Horizontal pieces between the members form side and front walls which extend upward to an upper high area of a user. The rear of the machine is closed with a pivoted butt pad support which clamps a user in the machine along with forward relatively large thigh pads, a smaller horizontal lower knee pad and a horizontal heel or Achilles pad at the rear. Side pads are positioned adjacent the heel pad and halfway up the side portions at the knee area of a user. The effect of the pads is to firmly splint legs in place. Hand wheels on opposite sides drive sprockets and chains and pinions attached inside the main wheels.

Abstract: An anti-sway system for a steerable vehicle of the type employing a torsion bar suspension system. Operatively coupled to the torsion bar for each of the vehicle's steerable wheels or skis is a mechanism for increasing the effective spring rate of the suspension upon cornering over that prevailing when steering a straight line course.

Abstract: A hand-powered toy vehicle with a pair of levers coupled to independent rear wheels. The levers can be operated together to accelerate forward movement of the vehicle, as well as to brake it. The levers also can be used to rotate one of rear wheels faster forwardly than the other in order to turn the vehicle. Each lever is connected to one of the wheels through disengagable drive and driven gears with a saw-tooth configuration which permits forward rotation of the drive gear to be transmitted to the driven gear and the wheel to accelerate forward rotation of the wheel. To brake forward rotation of the wheels, the levers can be used to rotate the drive gears rearwardly and force the drive and driven gears to mesh and lock.

Abstract: A hand-propelled wheeled device for children comprises a substantially circular frame which is assembled from two U-shaped tubular pipes, two side wheels which are rotatably mounted inwardly along two opposite and parallel sides of the frame, each side wheel having a hand grip provided thereon for manually propelling and steering the device, a seat supporting member disposed longitudinally within the frame and parallel to the two side wheels and a footrest, a seat, and an auxiliary wheel mounted to the supporting member.

Abstract: A vehicle primarily intended for use as a recreational vehicle is disclosed having a pair of laterally spaced drive wheels and a pair of longitudinally spaced wheels mounted on the frame. A gasoline engine provides power to the drive wheels. Control levers are provided, one for each drive wheel, to simultaneously brake and disengage the drive power to one drive wheel. Two kinds of rotating vehicle motion is achieved. Rotation about a braked disengaged wheel occurs where the other wheel is not braked and fully engaged. Rotation about the vertical center-line of the vehicle occurs when one wheel is first braked, its power disengaged, and then its brake is released but its power remains disengaged where the other wheel is not braked and is fully engaged.

Abstract: A vehicle, especially an amusement vehicle, in which a frame having a seat adapted for seating two occupants is located within the radial confines of a pair of relatively large coaxial spaced wheels. The frame includes rollers mounted thereon and distributed circumferentially about the inwardly facing annular surfaces of the larger wheels and engaging the same so as to rotatably support the frame within the wheels. A pair of relatively large chains are mounted circumferentially on the respective wheels within the radial confines thereof concentrically with the common axis of the wheels and are driven by crank driven sprockets carried by the frame to thereby propel the vehicle. The center of gravity of the frame, including any occupant therein, is below the common axis of the wheels so that when the sprockets are driven, the frame will first move within the wheels to create an unbalanced condition in the vehicle and the wheels will then commence rotation thereby causing the vehicle to move.

Abstract: A wheelchair specially adapted for use in wheelchair sports is provided. An adjustable linking member between the wheelchair support struts is provided for permitting selective adjustment of the camber of the wheels and for permitting a "sway bar" action for greater stability. Further features provide adjustable positioning of the wheels and the casters for a selective preferred balance of maneuverability and stability.

Abstract: There is disclosed a wheeled type ridable amusement device adapted to be driven and steered by man power, comprising a frame constructed of a metal or synthetic resin pipe shaped into an annular form, two opposed main wheels mutually independently and rotatably mounted on opposite sides of the frame, handles for independently manually driving the respective main wheels for rotation, a seat with its backrest secured to the rear region of the frame, a footrest disposed in the front region of the frame in front of the seat with a predetermined space defined therebetween, and a small swiveled auxiliary wheel.

Abstract: A toy car adapted to caper about, having a seat, a backrest and large wheels with inwardly-extending handles supported on the wheel rims. The wheels are supported on the ends of arms which are supported just to the rear of the seat and the ground-engaging bumper attached to the front of the vehicle supports the front of the car when it is occupied and tips forward.

Abstract: The present wheel chair has a hydraulic jack for raising and lowering a seat. The frame of the chair has spaced opposite sides and a jack-supporting horizontal platform at the bottom. At the back, the frame of the chair is open above this platform so that the user enters and leaves the chair (getting on and off the seat) from the back.