Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing counterweight to a vehicle on an inclined surface. In one embodiment, a control unit may engage a motor, which rotates a weight such that it is positioned to act as a counterweight for a vehicle on an inclined surface. In another embodiment, when an inclinometer detects the vehicle is positioned on an inclined surface, logic circuitry engages motor, causing a weight to rotate to a position such that it acts as a counterweight for the vehicle.

Abstract: A load wheel assembly for a materials handling vehicle includes first and second spaced side members, at least one rotatable roller extending between the first and second side members and a retainer for holding the roller in the side members. An interface structure provides a substantially rigid connection between the load wheel assembly and a mounting structure on the materials handling vehicle. The load wheel assembly can be moved vertically or horizontally into a mounted position within the outrigger and at least a portion of the interface structure mates with the mounting structure.

Abstract: A system and method for estimating vehicle states, such as vehicle roll-rate, vehicle roll angle, vehicle lateral velocity and vehicle yaw-rate, for use in rollover reduction. The system includes an extended Kalman filter observer responsive to a steering angle signal, a yaw-rate signal, a roll-rate signal, a speed signal and a lateral acceleration signal that calculates an estimated yaw-rate signal, an estimated roll-rate, an estimated roll angle and an estimated lateral velocity. The system also includes a lateral velocity estimation processor responsive to the roll-rate signal, the estimated roll angle signal, the estimated lateral velocity signal and the lateral acceleration signal that calculates a modified lateral velocity estimation signal when the vehicle is operating in a non-linear region.

Abstract: A chassis structure for a mid-wheel drive power wheelchair includes a pair of restricting racks each having a first restricting plate and a second restricting plate. Each restricting plate has a slot at a central portion thereof. A first fixing member is inserted through one end of the first restricting plate and the slot of the second restricting plate, and a second fixing member is inserted through one end of the second restricting plate and the slot of the first restricting plate, so that the two restricting plates overlap to extend and restrict with each other for maintaining a steady and balancing ride.

Abstract: A stabilizer is disclosed for a three-wheel vehicle having a frame extending between a front portion and a rear portion. The front portion of the frame supports a front steering wheel and with the rear portion of the frame supports plural driving wheels. The stabilizer comprises a right and a left stabilizing wheel mounted on a right and a left side of the frame. The right and left stabilizing wheels are positioned above the supporting surface when the three-wheel vehicle moves in a straight direction on a supporting surface. The right and left stabilizing wheels engage the supporting surface when the vehicle is turned in a right and a left direction respectively for stabilizing the three-wheel vehicle while maintaining steering ability. Preferably, the stabilizer includes a right and a left director for directing the right and left stabilizing wheels in a forward direction when the right and left stabilizing wheels are positioned above the supporting surface.

Abstract: The all terrain vehicle safety attachment includes an adjustable frame having first and second frame portions. Upper ends of the first and second frame portions are pivotally secured to one another by a hinge or the like. The first and second frame portions are selectively, angularly adjustable with respect to one another. The first frame portion is secured to the back end of the all terrain vehicle, and a safety device is releasably and removably secured to the second frame portion. The safety device includes a pair of spaced apart, lower horizontal members. Each of the lower horizontal members has a front portion, a central portion and a rear portion. The rear portions thereof are angled upwardly so that the rear portions form a support base for the all terrain vehicle when a front end of the all terrain vehicle accidentally tips off the ground.

Abstract: An anti-tip system is provided for improving the stability of a powered vehicle, such as a powered wheelchair. The vehicle includes a drive-train assembly pivotally mounted to a main structural frame. A suspension system biases the drive-train assembly and its connected anti-tip wheel to a predetermined resting position. The drive-train assembly bi-directionally rotates about a pivot in response to torque applied to or acceleration forces on the vehicle. A linkage arrangement is provided and is characterized by a suspension arm pivotally mounting to the main structural frame about a pivot at one end thereof and an anti-tip wheel at the other end. The linkage may further include at least one link operable to transfer the bi-directional displacement of the drive-train assembly to the suspension arm. The link may include a bell crank member and/or may be resiliently compressible.

Abstract: A power wheelchair includes a frame, on which a pair of front wheel sets, a pair of middle wheel sets, a pair of rear wheel sets and a pair of elastic devices are provided. Each of the front wheel sets includes a front wheel mount having a first connection portion pivoted to the frame, and a second connection portion connected to a front wheel. Each of the middle wheel sets includes a middle wheel mount having a first connection portion pivoted on the frame, and a second connection portion, connected to a middle wheel. The elastic device are provided between the front wheel mounts and the middle wheel mounts respectively to cushion a swing of the front wheel set and the middle wheel set relative to the frame.

Abstract: A mid-wheel drive power wheelchair for use by handicapped and disabled persons is provided having a frame, a seat supported by the frame, a pair of drive wheels supported on the frame under the seat, drive means for causing rotation of the drive wheels, power means for supplying power to the drive means, a rearward idler wheel, a forward anti-tip device and a resilient suspension supporting the forward anti-tip device, the suspension being attached to the drive means rearward of the front portion of the frame.

Abstract: An industrial vehicle includes a vehicle body, an electric component and a counterweight. The electric component of the industrial vehicle is mounted on the vehicle body. The counterweight is mounted on the vehicle body at the rear end and rearward of the electric component. The counterweight has a recess formed extending forwardly of the vehicle body from the rear end surface of the counterweight and an air passage formed extending upwardly of the vehicle body toward the electric component from an opening formed at the top surface of the recess. The recess has a closed end at a position forward of the opening of the air passage.

Abstract: A suspension system for an agricultural or construction industry vehicle is described. The suspension system comprises two hydraulic cylinders, which support a frame in relation to an axle of the vehicle, the hydraulic cylinders each having a piston-side chamber and a piston rod-side chamber and each of the chambers of the hydraulic cylinders being connectable to one another via connecting lines provided with a switch valve, a first supply line, which can be connected via a switch valve to the piston-side connecting line of the first hydraulic cylinder, a second supply line, which can be connected via a switch valve to the piston-side connecting line of the second hydraulic cylinder, a hydraulic accumulator, in each case connectable to the supply lines via proportionally adjustable orifices, a hydraulic source, a hydraulic tank, a control valve device, and an electronic control unit.

Abstract: An anti-tip system is provided for improving the stability of a powered vehicle, such as a powered wheelchair. The vehicle includes a drive-train assembly pivotally mounted to a main structural frame. A suspension system biases the drive-train assembly and its connected anti-tip wheel to a predetermined resting position. The drive-train assembly bi-directionally rotates about a pivot in response to torque applied to or acceleration forces on the vehicle. A linkage arrangement is provided and is characterized by a suspension arm pivotally mounting to the main structural frame about a pivot at one end thereof and an anti-tip wheel at the other end. The linkage may further include at least one link operable to transfer the bi-directional displacement of the drive-train assembly to the suspension arm. The link may include a bell crank member and/or may be resiliently compressible.

Abstract: An air propulsion device for laterally stabilizing a motorcycle in an upright position when stopped. The device includes a substantially rectangular shaped plate having a top, bottom, first and second opposing sides. A pair of brackets are mounted to the first and second sides of the plate for attaching the device to the motorcycle. An air-flow generator unit is integrally attached to the top of the plate for generating and controlling pneumatic pressure within the air propulsion device, and has a first and second hose attached thereto. A skirting is integrally attached to the bottom of the plate for inflating and deflating.

Abstract: A deployable running board mounted on an automotive vehicle to be laterally extendable so as to engage the ground during a rollover event to increase the rollover resistance of the vehicle. The running boards are connected to a pair of deployment members spaced longitudinally on the vehicle to provide a rapid extension of the running board. Each deployment member includes a telescopic piston that is slidably mounted within a cylinder and that compresses a spring between the piston and the cylinder. A latching mechanism secures the piston in a retracted stated until a rollover event is detected. Releasing the latching mechanism allows the piston to telescope laterally to move the attached running board outwardly of the vehicle to provide a pivot point that increases the static stability factor of the vehicle. The engagement of the extended running board also provides a resistance to the continued motion of the vehicle.

Abstract: A traveling robot includes a body frame having a front wheel; a rear wheel which is disposed on a rear side of the front wheel along a traveling direction; a rear frame which supports the rear wheel and is supported by the body frame so as to move vertically; a driving wheel which is disposed between the front wheel and the rear wheel in the traveling direction; a driving frame which supports the driving wheel and is coupled to the body frame by a hinge whose axis is parallel to an axis of the driving wheel; and a linkage member which is coupled to the driving frame to be contacted with or separated from the rear frame as the driving frame is rotated relative to the body frame.

Abstract: A Safety Attachment which does not allow the All Terrain Vehicles front end to lift off the ground more than a specified distance and eliminate a backwards overturn, when such vehicles are driven by one or more people up an incline of sufficient grade so as to cause the lighter-weighted front end of the vehicle to lift off the ground. There is also an adjustment on the safety attachment to give the invention further clearance from the ground to suit the more rugged terrain but enough clearance so the front end lifts up only within a safe determined distance. This invention, which consists of; 2 frames that are hinged together on the top and an adjustment on the bottom, one side attaches permanently to the back end of the ATV, the other side attaches to a removal safety device which is secured in place by locking pins and within this safety device a gasoline container can be housed.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a motorcycle on all terrains, and more particularly, a means of supporting the tire of a motorcycle in an upright position.

Abstract: A personal ability vehicle (PMV) includes a frame with front and rear subframes. A steering mechanism is mounted on the front subframe and includes a steering front wheel connected to a tiller. The rear subframe includes a suspension mount comprising a pair of rear support legs. An anti-tip suspension includes a pair of trailing arms each mounting a trailing wheel. Each trailing arm is pivotally mounted on a respective support leg whereby the suspension is inevitable through a limited range of motion about a transverse suspension pivotal axis. A pair of spring assemblies are attached to the trailing arms and are adapted for selectively engaging the support legs to provide a counter-rotational torque force around the suspension pivotal axis in order to resist backwards tipping of the PMV, for example, when it is ascending an inclined sloping surface. Relatively uniform proportional, weight distribution on said steering front, main and trailing wheels is maintained throughout a range of loads.

Abstract: A riding lawnmower outrigger (1) having a hollow outer tube (5) secured to a riding lawnmower (2), a telescoping inner tube (6) which locks within the outer tube (5), a vertical tube (11) connected to the inner tube (6), an outrigger wheel housing (16) secured to the vertical tube (11) and a wheel (7) secured within the outrigger wheel housing (16). When utilizing the riding lawnmower outrigger (1) on a ground surface (32) having a slope (31), the riding lawnmower (2) will not tip-over or rollover because the riding lawnmower outrigger (1) acts as a supporting arm to balance the riding lawnmower (2) and prevent tip-over thereof.

Abstract: The method of carrying persons or cargo in the individual vehicles (3) being moved between stations (1) via separate communication corridors (2) on individual trip orders, whilst a transported person, a small group of people or cargo are being carried individually in the adopted individual vehicles (3) along the ordered route, at least, from the starting station (4) directly or nearly directly to the destination station (6) via the communication corridors (2) and also, beneficially, to the starting station (4)and from the destination station (6) on the public roads (5) and, in addition, at least within the communication corridors (2), each of the individual vehicles (3) is driverless, controlled centrally and autonomously.

Abstract: A vehicle provided with at least three wheels, with a first frame part having at least two footboards, and a second frame part. The second frame part is connected to the first frame part in such a way that it can tilt about a tilting axis running in the longitudinal direction. The second frame part includes a control element and a driver's seat. A tilting member is connected to a first and second frame part, in order to exert a tilting force upon the second frame part on the basis of a control signal, a sensor being connected to the first frame part for measuring a force or moment exerted by a driver upon the first frame part and/or to determine a position of the rider relative to the footboard. The sensor is connected to the tilting member and feeds the control signal to the tilting member.

Abstract: The all terrain vehicle safety attachment includes an adjustable frame having first and second frame portions. Upper ends of the first and second frame portions are pivotally secured to one another by a hinge or the like. The first and second frame portions are selectively, angularly adjustable with respect to one another. The first frame portion is secured to the back end of the all terrain vehicle, and a safety device is releasably and removably secured to the second frame portion. The safety device includes a pair of spaced apart, lower horizontal members. Each of the lower horizontal members has a front portion, a central portion and a rear portion. The rear portions thereof are angled upwardly so that the rear portions form a support base for the all terrain vehicle when a front end of the all terrain vehicle accidentally tips off the ground.

Abstract: A personal ability vehicle (PMV) includes a frame with front and rear subframes. A steering mechanism is mounted on the front subframe and includes a steering front wheel connected to a tiller. The rear subframe includes a suspension mount comprising a pair of rear support legs. An anti-tip suspension includes a pair of trailing arms each mounting a trailing wheel. Each trailing arm is pivotally mounted on a respective support leg whereby the suspension is inevitable through a limited range of motion about a transverse suspension pivotal axis. A pair of spring assemblies are attached to the trailing arms and are adapted for selectively engaging the support legs to provide a counter-rotational torque force around the suspension pivotal axis in order to resist backwards tipping of the PMV, for example, when it is ascending an inclined sloping surface. Relatively uniform proportional, weight distribution on said steering front, main and trailing wheels is maintained throughout a range of loads.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lifting device (1) to be mounted in a motor vehicle and intended, in case the vehicle is involved in an accident, to be activated by putting a lifting element (5) being spring-tensioned in the lifting device in motion, wherein the lifting device comprises a locking device (7) intended to cooperate with the lifting element (5) for locking it in a spring-tensioned position, and a release mechanism (9) intended to release the locked lifting element (5) so it can be put in motion under the influence of the spring tension. The invention is characterised in that the release mechanism (9) comprises a striking element (37) intended to release the locked lifting element (5) by means of striking-pin action.

Abstract: The safety guard mechanism for a lifting device is a mechanism that can automatically deploy a safety guard pivotally mounted to the lower surface of the frame of a portable aerial lift device when the lift is raised. By lowering the guard member, the distance between the lower surface of the base and the ground is decreased. The helical screw-based mechanical device includes a mechanical translator coupled with a rotator, the entire assembly interconnecting the guard member and a scissors-type lift so that raising the lift drives the lowering of the guard member. In the lowered position, the guard prevents tipping of the lift should one or more wheels enter a pothole or other depression. A helical screw latch is included to provide a self-locking feature.

Abstract: A rollover inhibitor to help prevent towed vehicles from rolling over while being towed in high winds. The device features a rotatable elongated member having a wheel on a distal end which engages to a frame mount adapted to engage the frame structure of towed vehicles such as mobile homes. When tipped by the wind, the wheel engaged to the member will prevent over rotation of the trailer around its axis and thereby inhibit the potential for rolling over. The wheel is spaced a distance from the road surface so as to only contact it if the trailer tips past a predetermined point.

Abstract: A jointed mechanism of an electric wheelchair is disclosed. The jointed mechanism includes symmetrically arranged front caster assemblies, symmetrically arranged rear caster assemblies, drive wheel assemblies, and a main chassis assembly. The front caster assemblies are bushed to the main chassis assembly and the rear caster assemblies respectively. The rear caster assemblies are fixed to the drive wheel assemblies by pivot arm plate assemblies and bushed to the main chassis assembly and the rear caster assemblies to construct a four-bar linkage, which allows the electric wheelchair to always have contact with the ground with all wheels and to adjust the center of gravity to maintain balance automatically, even when the electric wheelchair is climbing a slope or moving on an uneven surface.

Abstract: The wheelchair attachments are configured for removable attachment to a wheelchair to facilitate use of the wheelchair by occupants and/or attendants. One attachment is a retractable tray spanning the armrests at the front of the chair when deployed and retracting between the chair structure and a wheel for storage. Another attachment is a series of interchangeably installable handgrips or handles removably installable to the front or back of the chair for use by an attendant. At least some of the various handgrips or handle assemblies provide horizontal and/or vertical adjustment. Yet another attachment is an underseat storage compartment, primarily accessible by an attendant from the back of the chair. All of the various attachments may be installed upon and/or used with a wheelchair independently of one another or in combination with one another, or may be adapted for use with other devices as well.

Abstract: A thruster system is provided for a vehicle that can be used to reduce the roll propensity of a motor vehicle. The system utilizes a control system and multiple sets of thrusters which are strategically placed upon the vehicle. The control system is provided for detecting a potential roll condition and activates selected ones of the thrusters to produce a necessary thrust force for counteracting roll forces.

Abstract: A mid-wheel drive power wheelchair for use by handicapped and disabled persons is provided having a frame, a seat supported by the frame, a pair of drive wheels supported on the frame under the seat, drive means for causing rotation of the drive wheels, power means for supplying power to the drive means, a rearward idler wheel, a forward anti-tip device and a resilient suspension supporting the forward anti-tip device, the suspension being attached to the drive means rearward of the front portion of the frame.

Abstract: A method and device for longitudinally balancing an agricultural vehicle, in particular a tractor, whereby at least one sensor, for detecting at least one respective stress affecting a longitudinal attitude of the agricultural vehicle, controls an actuating device of a ballast to move the ballast longitudinally along the agricultural vehicle, which at least partly compensates for the stress.

Abstract: A system (18) for controlling a system or device (44) of an automotive vehicle (10) includes a roll rate sensor (34). A controller (26) determines a lateral velocity of the automotive vehicle (10) in response to the roll rate. The controller (26) also controls the vehicle system or device (44) in response to the lateral velocity.

Abstract: Apparatus for transporting products including a body having ground wheels (22, 122) and support structure (30, 130) for one or more crates or other containers holding products to be carried by the apparatus. At least one ground engageable member (40, 140) fixed to said support structure forms an assembly with the support structure that is mounted to the body for relative movement between a retracted position in which the apparatus is freely moveable on a ground surface by means of the ground wheels and a relatively downwardly extended position in which the ground engageable member engages an underlying ground surface at a predetermined location to stabilise the apparatus against movement from that location on the ground wheels.

Abstract: A riding lawnmower outrigger (1) having a hollow outer tube (5) secured to a riding lawnmower (2), a telescoping inner tube (6) which locks within the outer tube (5), a vertical tube (11) connected to the inner tube (6), an outrigger wheel housing (16) secured to the vertical tube (11) and a wheel (7) secured within the outrigger wheel housing (16). When utilizing the riding lawnmower outrigger (1) on a ground surface (32) having a slope (31), the riding lawnmower (2) will not tip-over or rollover because the riding lawnmower outrigger (1) acts as a supporting arm to balance the riding lawnmower (2) and prevent tip-over thereof.

Abstract: A thruster system is provided for a vehicle that can be used to reduce the roll propensity of a motor vehicle. The system utilizes a control system and multiple sets of thrusters which are strategically placed upon the vehicle. The control system is provided for detecting a potential roll condition and activates selected ones of the thrusters to produce a necessary thrust force for counteracting roll forces. The thrusters are connected to an on-board pressurized gas source that generates the anti-roll thrust force.

Abstract: A pre-impact inflation air bag system for a vehicle having a preselected decreasing distance between the vehicle and an object is disclosed. The system comprises a plurality of nested inflatable air bags. A plurality of inflators are provided for inflating the plurality of nested inflatable air bags, respectively. A collision sensor produces a collision sensor output upon detecting the object with the preselected decreasing distance between the vehicle and the object. A controller receives the collision sensor output for simultaneously inflating each of the plurality of nested inflatable air bags between vehicle and an object. A plurality of pressure relief members are connected to the plurality of nested inflatable air bags for sequentially deflating the plurality of nested inflatable air bags upon sequential impact of the plurality of nested inflatable air bags with the object.

Abstract: A motorcycle swing-preventing device includes a fixing base mounted on the steering shaft of a motorcycle head. A connecting member has its universal bearing pivotally combined with the fixing base. A swing preventer is disposed with a connecting base having a universal bearing secured with the connecting member. A positioning base is fixed on the motorcycle head, and the damping rod of the swing preventer has one end pivotally combined with the positioning base. Thus, the universal bearing on the connecting base is kept immovable and the swing preventer has its fulcrum shifted to the universal bearing of the connecting member for shortening its swing stroke. The swing preventer can also have its fixing base extending outward properly to form a connecting base with a universal bearing pivotally combined with the fixing base.

Abstract: An air propulsion device for laterally stabilizing a motorcycle in an upright position when stopped. The device includes a substantially rectangular shaped plate having a top, bottom, first and second opposing sides. A pair of brackets are mounted to the first and second sides of the plate for attaching the device to the motorcycle. An air-flow generator unit is integrally attached to the top of the plate for generating and controlling pneumatic pressure within the air propulsion device, and has a first and second hose attached thereto. A skirting is integrally attached to the bottom of the plate for inflating and deflating.

Abstract: A vehicle is adaptable to various terrains. The vehicle includes a frame and two rolling sets connected to the frame. Each of the rolling sets includes two legs pivotally connected to the frame, two casters, a pin and a wheel. Each of the legs defines a slot. Each of the casters is connected to one of the legs. The pin is carried by the frame and extends through the slots so that the motor is moved when the legs are pivoted. The wheel is operably connected to the motor so that the casters and the wheel always grip the ground firmly regardless of whether the casters are up or down.

Abstract: A device for stabilizing and supporting wheelbarrows which maintains the balance and increases the resistance of a system (wheelbarrow) including an angled monolithic body which is made up of two arms which define a triangular shape, whose ends have holes for the insertion of affixing means to affix to the leg of a wheelbarrow. In one embodiment, one of said arms makes up an arched area along most of its length which generates two points of support, a first point of support defined on the end of the joint affixing with the leg of the wheelbarrow and a second point of support defined in the area near where the two arms meet to define that angle. The arched area of the arm, positioned substantially horizontally and defining the two points of support, absorbs deformation, and also absorbs the load applied to the element, bringing more stability to the wheelbarrow on flat or irregular surfaces, providing a stabilizer comprised by each leg.

Abstract: A telescopic shaft for steering of a vehicle is assembled in a steering shaft and includes a male shaft and a female shaft that are so fitted as not to be rotatable but to be slidable. Rolling members are fitted through an elastic body for pre-load between at least a pair of axially-extending grooves formed in an outer peripheral surface of the male shaft and in an inner peripheral surface of the female shaft. A slide member is fitted in between at least another pair of axially-extending grooves formed in the outer peripheral surface of the male shaft and in the inner peripheral surface of the female shaft. When a steering toque is equal to or smaller than a predetermined level, the elastic body for the pre-load exhibits a low rigidity characteristic as the elastic body performs pre-load action. When the steering torque is equal to or larger than the predetermined level, the slide member exhibits a high rigidity characteristic as the slide member engages with the pair of axially extending grooves.

Abstract: A vehicle having a chassis (1) and at least two mutually separated wheels arranged on a first side of the chassis and two mutually separated wheels on the opposite, second side of the chassis where the wheels on the first side are rotatable about axes that are substantially fixed in position in a vertical plane relative to the chassis and the wheels (5) on the second side are arranged on a frame part (6) that is pivotably arranged relative to the chassis about a central longitudinal axis (8) running between the first and second sides of the vehicle to create a stability area for the vehicle in the shape of a triangle in the horizontal plane.

Abstract: An anti-tip system is provided for improving the stability of a powered vehicle, such as a powered wheelchair. The vehicle includes a drive-train assembly which is pivotally mounted to a main structural frame. A suspension system biases the drive-train assembly and its connected anti-tip wheel to a predetermined resting position. The drive-train assembly bi-directionally rotates about a pivot in response to torque applied to or acceleration forces on the vehicle. A linkage arrangement is provided and is characterized by a suspension arm pivotally mounting to the main structural frame about a pivot at one end thereof and an anti-tip wheel at the other end. The linkage may further include at least one link operable to transfer the bi-directional displacement of the drive-train assembly to the suspension arm. The link may include a bell crank member and/or may be resiliently compressible.

Abstract: A chassis braking system for braking a chassis includes a braking unit including a braking surface biased toward a road surface on which the chassis runs and having a first state where movement of the braking surface toward the road surface is locked and a second state where the braking surface abuts against the road surface. A control unit releases the lock of the braking unit and shifts the braking unit from the first state to the second state when predetermined conditions are met.

Abstract: A rollover inhibitor to help prevent towed vehicles from rolling over while being towed in high winds. The device features a rotatable elongated member having a wheel on a distal end which engages to a frame mount adapted to engage the frame structure of towed vehicles such as mobile homes. When tipped by the wind, the wheel engaged to the member will prevent over rotation of the trailer around its axis and thereby inhibit the potential for rolling over. The wheel is spaced a distance from the road surface so as to only contact it if the trailer tips past a predetermined point.

Abstract: An anti-tip assembly for a power wheelchair with a frame and has a resilient bracket and a front wheel assembly. The resilient bracket has a mounting bracket, a resilient arm and a resilient wheel connector. The mounting bracket is connected to the frame and has a top edge. The resilient arm is formed on and protrudes forward from the top edge of the mounting bracket and has a distal end. The resilient wheel connector is formed on and extends from the distal end of the resilient arm and has a bottom leg. The front wheel assembly is connected securely to the bottom leg of the resilient wheel connector and has a wheel bracket and an idler wheel. The wheel bracket is connected to the bottom leg of the resilient wheel connector and has two wings. The idler wheel is mounted rotatably between the wings.

Abstract: A linkage arrangement for an active anti-tip system is provided for improving the stability of a powered vehicle, such as a powered wheelchair. The vehicle includes a drive-train assembly which is pivotally mounted to a main structural frame. A suspension system biases the drive-train assembly and its connected anti-tip wheel to a predetermined resting position. The drive-train assembly bi-directionally rotates about a pivot in response to torque applied to or acceleration forces on the vehicle. The linkage arrangement is characterized by a suspension arm pivotally mounting to the main structural frame about a pivot at one end thereof and an anti-tip wheel at the other end. The linkage further includes at least one link operable to transfer the bi-directional displacement of the drive-train assembly to the suspension arm and may also include a bell crank link member.

Abstract: An air propulsion device for laterally stabilizing a motorcycle in an upright position when stopped. The device includes a substantially rectangular shaped plate having a top, bottom, first and second opposing sides. A pair of brackets are mounted to the first and second sides of the plate for attaching the device to the motorcycle. An air-flow generator unit is integrally attached to the top of the plate for generating and controlling pneumatic pressure within the air propulsion device, and has a first and second hose attached thereto. A skirting is integrally attached to the bottom of the plate for inflating and deflating.

Abstract: A side frame assembly for an electric wheelchair suspension includes a supporting frame unit with a rider-supporting frame, a front caster frame, an upper link having a front end connected pivotally to the front caster frame, and a lower link disposed under the upper link and having a front end connected pivotally to the front caster frame. A drive wheel frame has a front lower end connected pivotally to a pivot portion of the supporting frame unit. A connecting frame has an upper pivot portion connected pivotally to a rear end of the upper link, a lower pivot portion connected pivotally to a rear end of the lower link, and a rear pivot portion connected pivotally to the rear upper end of the drive wheel frame.

Abstract: An actuation mechanism is used with the deployment apparatus mounting a running board on an automotive vehicle for laterally outward movement to increase rollover resistance for the vehicle. The actuation mechanism includes a cup with a hollow tube attached thereto to provide a path for the movement of a ball from the cup into engagement with the latching mechanism on the deployment apparatus. The ball is retained within the cup member until the actuation mechanism and the automotive vehicle to which it is mounted tilts to a minimum roll angle, whereupon the ball is released to roll down the hollow tube into engagement with the latching mechanism of the deployment apparatus. In one embodiment, a single cup with a pair of laterally extending tubes directs the ball to the deployment apparatus that requires actuation. In other embodiments, a separate actuation mechanism is provided for each respective deployment apparatus.