Abstract: An apparatus for coupling a tag trailer to a towing vehicle includes first and second elongate linkages each having respective first and second ends. The first ends are coupled with respective coupling structures on the towing vehicle, and the second ends are pivotally coupled with a tow support at respective first and second positions such that the first and second linkages are angled with respect to one another to define an instant center of rotation between the towing vehicle and the trailer at a location spaced from the first and second coupling structures on the trailer.

Abstract: A vehicle having a first chassis and a second chassis movable relative to the first chassis includes a mechanism configured for moving the first chassis relative to the second chassis. The mechanism includes first and second connecting members, each connecting member connecting one side of the first chassis with an opposite side of the second chassis, and each connecting member being pivotable relative to the first or second chassis to allow the first chassis to move relative to the second chassis in a first direction about a point on a first side of the second chassis and in a second direction about a point on a second side of the second chassis.

Abstract: A cart transporting apparatus including a hitch assembly and a cart coupling assembly. The hitch assembly may include an elongated body, at least one catch member, and a hitch stop. The hitch stop may be, for example, a rotating hitch stop or a sliding hitch stop. The rotating hitch stop may include at least three flanges configured to abut a cart and may further include a detent mechanism. The cart coupling assembly may include at least a first portion and a second portion. The first portion may be pivotally coupled to the second portion. The first portion may include first and second engagement members. The second portion may include third and fourth engagement members.

Abstract: An architecture is presented that provides a double hinged tow hitch. The tow hitch is attached to a tow vehicle and allows full traction to the ground and complete control of steering. The tow hitch comprises two hinges secured together by a pin positioned at an upper portion of the hinges and a pin positioned at a lower portion of the hinges. The pins secure the hinges together and allow the hinges to flex in two positions. Additionally, the tow hitch comprises springs positioned on either side of the hinges and rubber positioned between the hinges to act as a shock absorber. When pressure is applied to the tow hitch, the springs will collapse into either the upper or lower portions of the hinges, causing the hinges to flex in two positions and pressing against the rubber between the hinges, thus acting as a suspension system for the tow hitch.

Abstract: A transporter for transporting a first person and one or more riders over a surface. The transporter includes a first support platform for supporting the first person, the first support platform having left and right sides and defining a fore-aft vertical plane and a lateral plane. At least one ground-contacting element is coupled to the first support platform such that the first support platform is capable of tilting in the fore-aft plane about a tilt axis. The at least one ground-contacting element is driven by a motorized drive arrangement so as to cause locomotion of the transporter. A controller commands the motorized drive arrangement. The controller is configured so that at least one of fore and aft sustained motion of the transporter is based at least on fore-aft tilting of the first support platform.

Abstract: A towing device for towing watercraft comprising a plurality of arms wherein each of these arms has a first end and a second end. There is at least one stabilizing bar coupled to a first end of these arms, and a coupling connection at the second end of these arms wherein this coupling connection is for coupling to a towed watercraft. To control the longitudinal expansion and contraction of this towing device, a plurality of hinge connections are disposed in a coupling connection between these arms in a region where these arms are coupled to each other. These arms are coupled together in a rotatable manner such as in a scissor like connection. At least one of these hinge connections also connect at a center connection point between at least two of these arms. Thus, these arms rotate around these hinge connections to form a towing device that is adjustable in length wherein these arms are collapsible into a storage platform as well.

Abstract: A method for attaching a carrier, such as a trailer, to a dynamically balanced transporter. The carrier is attached to the transporter with a pivot. The pivot axis of the carrier is coincident with the axis of rotation of the wheels of the transporter. This method of attachment minimizes the impact of the trailer on the ability of the transporter to maintain dynamic balance and control.

Abstract: A transporter for transporting a first person and one or more riders over a surface. The transporter includes a first support platform for supporting the first person, the first support platform having left and right sides and defining a fore-aft vertical plane and a lateral plane. At least one ground-contacting element is coupled to the first support platform such that the first support platform is capable of tilting in the fore-aft plane about a tilt axis. The at least one ground-contacting element is driven by a motorized drive arrangement so as to cause locomotion of the transporter. A controller commands the motorized drive arrangement. The controller is configured so that at least one of fore and aft sustained motion of the transporter is based at least on fore-aft tilting of the first support platform.

Abstract: A trailer for a dynamically balanced transporter that allows leaning of the transporter such as for control of the combination of transporter and trailer. The trailer has a platform and an arm with two ends, one of which ends is coupled to the platform and the other of which is pivotally coupled about a horizontal axis to the transporter. The trailer has a ground-contacting member that may be a wheel, or a ski or a skid. A locking mechanism may lock the pivot in response to a fault condition. The platform of the trailer may support a rider in a seated or standing position and may have a characteristic transverse linear dimension comparable to the shoulder width of the rider.

Abstract: An improved trailer hitch is provided which provides greater control over the towing vehicle and towed vehicle by eliminating swaying of a towed vehicle and permitting the towing vehicle-towed vehicle combination to make sharper turns. The hitch comprises a beam mounted to the parallel side frame members of a towing vehicle. Pivotally attached to the beam are a pair of crossover arms which are also pivotally attached at their opposite ends to a trailer receiver. The receiver includes a traditional trailer attachment for connection to a towed vehicle. The receiver further includes an oscillator mounted on the receiver. This oscillator is operable for moving laterally along a long metal tube which is attached at each end to the frame members of the towing vehicle.

Abstract: According to the invention, the connection between the truck (1) and the trailer (2) consists of a pivoting linkage (13, 19, 37) pivoting about an axle (43) or (26) generally perpendicular to it, forming part of a pivot center (18) attached in overlapping arrangement to the front part of the tailer chassis, and of at least one oblique connecting rod (20, 39, 40) of constant length, extending obliquely in relation to the straight line direction between the truck (1) and the trailer (2). The invention is of interest to vehicle manufacturers, especially trailer manufacturers.

Abstract: A tow bar (10) is disclosed which has first and second arms (34, 40) mounted on a member (16) on the towing vehicle (12). The arms can vary in length between a shortened storage configuration, where they are secured to the first member, to a lengthened towing configuration where they are attached to a second member (70) attached to the towed vehicle (14). The arms are attached to the members for pivotal motion about vertical axes. The arms themselves have horizontal pivot hinges near each end thereof and a hinge permitting each arm to twist. The tow bar provides for efficient backing.

Abstract: Modular element of module (M) for an articulated vehicle formed therefrom. The vehicle must be able to travel over various obstacles (corridors, staircases, level changes). The modules (M) are joined by double hinges (20) and have internal degrees of freedom (flexible chassis, twisting displacement, adjustment of the pitch of the load 69), so that the vehicle is given flexibility and stability. The vehicle is intended to operate in hostile or dangerous environments.

Abstract: A trailer has a coupling by which it is coupled to a towing vehicle. A coupling comprises two crossed-arms one end of each of which is articulated to the trailer and the other end of which is adapted to be hooked to the towing vehicle. The wheels of the trailer are mounted for swivelling movement about upwardly forwardly inclined pivotal axes; and the horizontal axes of rotation of the wheel are disposed to the rear of these pivotal axes so that the tractor wheels follow the path of the vehicle wheels.

Abstract: A stablized, true tracking trailer adapted to be cross-coupled with other true tracking trailers into a train, each trailer having a vehicle body including a cargo bed and having a fixed wheel and two castor wheels supporting the body, thereby providing a stable 3 point contact with the ground, a first and second pivotal connector attached proximate opposite corners of the first end of the body, and a third and fourth pivotal connector attached proximate opposite corners of a second end of the body for use with trailer cross-coupling linkage arms.