Abstract: A landing gear assembly for supporting a trailer. The landing gear assembly having first and second legs and a connecting member. Each leg is configured to selectively extend and retract in length. The connecting member operatively connects the first and second legs and is rotatable about an axis relative to the trailer and is axially movable between a first position and a second position. The first and second legs are each configured to extend in length a first amount per revolution of the connecting member about the axis of the connecting member when the connecting member is in the first position. The first and second legs are each configured to extend in length a second amount per revolution of the connecting member about the axis of the connecting member when the connecting member is in the second position. The first amount is greater than the second amount.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stabilizer support system and a method for stabilizing or supporting heavy equipment in general. The system may comprise a support structure such as a conventional A-frame that is configured to support a crane or heavy equipment. The system and method are designed to provide an adapter to support the structure by distributing weight and load onto, for example, a rail or similar transportation system while still allowing movement of the structure along the rails or other transportation system.

Abstract: An arrangement of a motor on twin landing gears is described. The landing gears are interconnected via a connecting shaft and can be telescoped by starting up the motor. To minimize damage to the motor and at the same time to ensure cost-effective production, it is provided that the motor with its driveshaft engages with the connecting shaft and is supported on a component that is fixed relative to the motor.

Abstract: A supporting leg for a vehicle that transports exchangeable containers comprises two telescopic tubes and a pneumatic drive for retracting and extending one of the tubes. Thread-type or annular bearing parts comprising a horizontal bearing surface are configured on the inner extendable tube. An engagement part with horizontal bearing surfaces, which interacts with the bearing parts, is located on the outer tube. The engagement part is pre-stressed in its displacement from the disengaged position to the engaged position in a spring-loaded manner and is fixed to the outer tube with a non-positive fit.

Abstract: A dual mode A-frame outrigger for a boom truck or the like is provided wherein the outrigger may be operated in conventional fashion or which may be pinned to the side of the boom truck or the like so that the outrigger assembly may be used to stabilize or level the boom truck without being swung outwardly from the side of the vehicle as in typical A-frame outrigger assemblies.

Abstract: A system for automatically moving a stabilizer of a work vehicle is disclosed. A joystick is connected to an electronic controller, which in turn, is connected to valve drivers to drive stabilizer raising and lowering valves. In one mode of operation, the controller is programmed to move the stabilizers up or down at a rate that is proportional to the deflection of the joystick from a neutral position. If the operator holds the joystick in a certain position or range of positions, the controller enters a second mode in which it automatically raises the stabilizers even if the joystick is released. The stabilizer can be placed in a third mode of operation by moving the joystick rapidly back and forth. When the operator does this, the controller is configured to reduce the ramp rate or damping of its response to joystick movement.

Abstract: A wheel mechanism is adapted to move between a stored condition and a use condition on a snowmobile. The wheel mechanism is located adjacent to the front end of the vehicle so the ski runner elements on the front end of the vehicle can be lifted off the terrain when the wheel mechanism is deployed. This will permit the vehicle to be operated on both snow and/or ice covered surfaces and on dry surfaces, such as roads. The wheel mechanism can be altered to adapt to the particular terrain.

Abstract: An improved wheelbarrow includes a pair of legs that are each configured as four-bar linkages and are collapsible. The wheelbarrow includes a frame assembly, a wheel, a tray, and a pair of handles. The frame assembly can be assembled by the manufacturer. The wheelbarrow can then be assembled by the retailer or the consumer by simply attaching the wheel, the tray, and the handles to the frame assembly.

Abstract: A motorcycle crash bar lift for lifting a motorcycle using a rotating crash bar having a bottom side, a top side, a left side and a right side. A mounting collar is connected to the crash bar bottom side. A mating gear is connected to the mounting collar and is rotatably connectable to a conventional motorcycle frame. A worm gear is in meshing contact with the mating gear, for driving the mating gear to rotate the mounting collar to rotate the crash bar to lift a conventional motorcycle. The worm gear is rotatably connectable to the conventional motorcycle frame.

Abstract: An improved wheelbarrow includes a pair of legs that are each configured as four-bar linkages and are collapsible. Each of the legs includes an advantageously simple lock for releasably locking the leg in extended and retracted positions. The wheelbarrow includes a frame assembly, a wheel, a tray, and a pair of handles. The frame assembly can be assembled by the manufacturer, and the wheelbarrow can then be provided as a kit in accordance with the present invention that can be assembled by the retailer or the consumer by simply attaching the wheel, the tray, and the handles to the frame assembly. A support block is disclosed which facilitates assembly and strengthens the legs.

Abstract: An apparatus for operating a reciprocating arm vehicular safety device with a magnetized element for preventing inadvertent deployment of the reciprocating arm. The apparatus has a magnetized element on the arm and an electromagnet on a vehicle bumper, the magnetized element and electromagnet disposed so as to engage the arm in a retracted position. When the reciprocating arm is moved to an extended position, current is passed through the electromagnet to repel the magnetized element, thereby allowing the arm to move to the extended position by a motor.

Abstract: An improved wheelbarrow includes a pair of legs that are each configured as four-bar linkages and are collapsible. The wheelbarrow includes a frame assembly, a wheel, a tray, and a pair of handles. The frame assembly can be assembled by the manufacturer. The wheelbarrow can then be assembled by the retailer or the consumer by simply attaching the wheel, the tray, and the handles to the frame assembly.

Abstract: A center motor driven stabilizer jack having a motor driven slip differential which drives a left and a right thread screw lowering attached stabilizer legs which adjust and compensate for uneven terrain at the same time. The stabilizer jack slip differential, motor and the thread screws are mounted horizontally providing a low profile. The center drive system creates a beam style support the stabilizer legs to be moved further out for greater stability.

Abstract: An apparatus for operating a reciprocating arm vehicular safety device with a lock for preventing inadvertent deployment of the reciprocating arm. The apparatus has a rotor provided with retaining fingers for engaging the reciprocating, rotatable between locked and unlocked positions. When the reciprocating arm is retracted the rotor rotates to the locked position, and drive circuitry deactivates the device in response to stalling of the rotor drive motor.

Abstract: A valve and a device for actuating the rotation of a stand (4) of a motorcycle (2) comprising an hydraulic actuator (1) operating an actuating member (7) between a first and a second position bringing the stand (4) from a rest position (A) to a supporting position (B). A flow control hydraulic circuit (12-25) is provided allowing the return stroke of the actuating member (7) to the first position leaving the stand in the supporting position (B), whereby the stand can be brought to the rest position (A) independently from the actuating member (7). The device has the advantages that in case of lack of pressure in the hydraulic circuit the movement towards the rest position in which it remains is free as if the device does not exist. Moreover, it can be operated by a single drive and its encumbrance is minimal. Its installation on the vehicle, moreover, is not complex, and it does not have the drawback of the existing electromechanical systems.

Abstract: A latch mechanism for securing a backhoe loader stabilizer arm in a stowage position. The latch mechanism has a first portion attached to the machine frame and a second portion attached to the stabilizer arm. The first portion is a receptacle having two parallel members of a resilient material. The second portion is a probe having a head and a shank. The latch mechanism automatically engages and disengages as the arm approaches or departs the stowage position by the force applied in moving the stabilizer arm. The latch secures the stabilizer arm in the stowage position from external forces insufficient to disengage the latch.

Abstract: Telescopic lifting vehicle comprising a support frame having a central longitudinal axis of development at the two sides whereof are mounted a control cab and an engine. The engine and the cab identify between them a housing open superiorly and developing along the central longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The vehicle is also provided with a telescopic arm pivotally engaged to a rear portion of the frame, able to be inserted at least partially in the housing, and having an operative end able to be associated to an operative organ. A lifting cylinder, positioned below the telescopic arm, allows the actuation of the telescopic arm, and can be inserted into a vertical opening obtained in correspondence with at least a part of the housing, when the telescopic arm is inserted in the housing itself.

Abstract: A latch mechanism for securing a backhoe loader stabilizer arm in a stowage position. The latch mechanism comprises of a first portion attached to the machine frame and a second portion attached to the stabilizer arm. The first portion is a receptacle having two parallel members of a resilient material. The second portion is a probe having a head and a shank. The latch mechanism automatically engages and disengages as the arm approaches or departs the stowage position by the force applied in moving the stabilizer arm. The latch secures the stabilizer arm in the stowage position from external forces insufficient to disengage the latch.

Abstract: An actuating device (1) for the rotation of a stand (4) of a vehicle, such as a motorcycle or scooter, between a standing position and a rest position, and allowing also the reverse maneuver in order to rotate the stand from the position of vehicle on the stand up to that in which the vehicle lowers spontaneously. At least one hydraulic actuator (1) is provided that operates, between a first and a second position, an actuating member (7) or piston rod that engages with the stand (4) up to bringing it respectively from the rest position to the standing position. A flow control hydraulic circuit delivers pressurized liquid to the actuator (1) for moving the actuating member (7) from the first to the second position, and allows the back stroke of the actuating member (7) to the first position when the flow of the liquid ceases, whereby the stand (4) can be brought back to said rest position independently from the actuating member (7).

Abstract: A mechanism is disclosed for controlling the vertical position of the transport trailer floor of a heavy trailer bearing vehicle having a pivoting air spring suspension system such that the transport trailer floor maintains a fixed position level to an adjacent dock platform when parked for loading or unloading. The mechanism comprises various embodiments of a locking system that disables the pivotal movement of selected pivoting suspension elements in any one of a plurality of possible fixed positions such that the transport trailer floor, when parked, resists downwardly imposed forces and maintains a fixed elevation equal to the elevation of an adjacent loading dock platform.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically leveling a vehicle including four legs mounted to the vehicle adjacent corners of the vehicle, each leg being adjustable between a stowed position and an extended position wherein the leg engages the ground, a level sensor mounted to the vehicle for sensing the pitch and roll of the vehicle, the level sensor producing an orientation signal representing the vehicle pitch and roll, and a controller coupled to the legs and the level sensor including a memory for storing data representing a reference level plane, a microprocessor for interpreting the orientation signal to determine the present pitch and roll of the vehicle relative to the reference level plane, and outputs driven by the microprocessor for actuating the legs to reduce the difference between the present pitch and roll of the vehicle and the reference level plane, thereby leveling the vehicle.

Abstract: An outrigger assembly having a mounting portion mountable directly to a dump trailer suspension system. In one embodiment, the mounting portion is mounted directly to leaf springs of a suspension system. Two stabilizing arms are pivotably attached to the mounting portion. A driving mechanism is connected to the stabilizing arm and configured to move the stabilizing arms between an inward, stowed position, and an extended, stabilized position. The stabilizing arms being shaped and sized to engage the ground outboard of the dump trailer wheel base to increase the effective width of the dump trailer's support base, thereby stabilizing the dump trailer from tipping.

Abstract: A pothole protection mechanism for a lift machine includes a frame that is securable to the lift machine, a pothole protection bar movably coupled with the frame via a support linkage, and an actuator coupled between the frame and the pothole protection bar. The actuator is sized for a force sufficient only to lift the pothole protection bar. The support linkage includes a coupling bar driven by the actuator that is connected between two pivot joints secured between the frame and the pothole protection bar. In the extended or deployed position, the pivot joints are pivoted to an over-center position and the coupling bar is abutted against a stop. As such, when a vehicle to which the pothole protection mechanism is attached falls into a pothole or off a curb or the like, the weight of the machine is supported by the pothole protection bar and support linkage and not by the actuator.

Abstract: A stretcher for transporting a patient along a floor includes an elongated frame, a patient-support deck carried by the frame, and an elongated shaft having a longitudinally-extending axis of rotation. The shaft is coupled to the frame for rotation about the axis of rotation between a first orientation and a second orientation. The stretcher also includes a wheel supported relative to the frame and movable relative to the frame in response to rotation of the shaft. The wheel is in a first position engaging the floor when the shaft is in the first orientation and the wheel is in a second position spaced apart from the floor when the shaft is in the second orientation.

Abstract: The present invention stabilizer apparatus is used on a work machine and includes a stabilizer assembly removably connected with an axle of the work machine. Additionally, the stabilizer assembly is pivotally connected to a frame of the work machine at a distance from the axle so that the stabilizer assembly may move automatically in response to shifting of the axle during leveling of the frame. The present invention is a simple and efficient method of automatically moving of the stabilizer assembly correspondent with the movement of the axle.

Abstract: A stabilizing jack for vehicles comprises a pair of legs advanceable between retracted and extended positions by a drive assembly including a drive screw having left and right hand threaded sections. The drive screw is mounted on a slide frame which is slidably mounted to a base frame securable to a vehicle. Each leg is pivotally secured at a first end thereof to a screw follower threadably secured to a respective threaded section of the drive screw. When the legs are extended on uneven ground, one leg will engage the ground before the other preventing that leg from further downward advancement but causing the drive assembly to drive the slide frame in an opposite direction while the other leg continues to advance downward until it engages the ground.

Abstract: A pothole protection mechanism for a lift machine includes a frame that is securable to the lift machine, a pothole protection bar movably coupled with the frame via a support linkage, and an actuator coupled between the frame and the pothole protection bar. The actuator is sized for a force sufficient only to lift the pothole protection bar. The support linkage includes a coupling bar driven by the actuator that is connected between two pivot joints secured between the frame and the pothole protection bar. In the extended or deployed position, the pivot joints are pivoted to an over-center position and the coupling bar is abutted against a stop. As such, when a vehicle to which the pothole protection mechanism is attached falls into a pothole or off a curb or the like, the weight of the machine is supported by the pothole protection bar and support linkage and not by the actuator.

Abstract: Automatic and simultaneous retraction of a pair of stabilizer legs for a backhoe loader machine 10 is beneficial for the operator when operation of the backhoe loader is complete. Instead of retracting the stabilizer legs by manually holding a pair of control switches continuously in a control position, the operator may simply push an auto-up switch with a single, “one-touch” contact. Once the auto-up switch has been activated by the “one-touch” contact, a timer relay is enabled. The timer relay acts independently of the auto-up switch to control the simultaneously retraction of the stabilizer legs without any further contact to the auto-up switch. When the timer relay is enabled, it sends a signal to activate the control switches for a preselected time. The activation of the control switches actuates a pair of solenoid valves which control the movement of the stabilizer legs from any one of a plurality of extended positions to a fully retracted position within the preselected time.

Abstract: Aerial work platform apparatus comprising a vehicle, a work platform, a lift on the vehicle for elevating and lowering the work platform, and a stabilizer for inhibiting tipping over of the apparatus when the work platform is elevated. The stabilizer is mounted on the vehicle for movement between a raised retracted position and a lowered position for engagement with the surface traversed by the vehicle should the apparatus start tipping. A mechanism moves the stabilizer between its raised and lowered positions.

Abstract: A vehicle leveling assembly for supporting the weight of a vehicle on a ground plane having a leg extendable to same. A housing is provided adjacent a bracket and the leg to support the weight of the vehicle. In addition, a gear in operable communication with the leg is configured to move along the edge of a side panel thereby moving the leg relative to the bracket between stowed and use positions.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to rotational stabilizer pads for stabilizer arms of vehicles. The stabilizer pads include first and second ground contact faces for contacting respectively a smooth ground surface and a rough or gravel ground surface. In embodiments of the present invention, the stabilizer pads include a reversible resilient pad coupled to a first flange and a second flange. The first and second flanges may include grouser points for engaging the rough ground surface. In embodiments of the present invention. The stabilizer pads are rotated about 135 degrees to change the ground contact face of the stabilizer pad from one of the first and second ground contact faces to the other.

Abstract: Automatic and simultaneous retraction of a pair of stabilizer legs for a backhoe loader machine 10 is beneficial for the operator (not shown) when operation of the backhoe loader is complete. Instead of retracting the stabilizer legs by manually holding a pair of control switches continuously in a control position, the operator (not shown) may simply push an auto-up switch with a single, “one-touch” contact. Once the auto-up switch has been activated by the “one-touch” contact, a timer relay is enabled. The timer relay acts independently of the auto-up switch to control the simultaneously retraction of the stabilizer legs without any further contact to the auto-up switch. When the timer relay is enabled, it sends a signal to activate the control switches for a preselected time.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to rotational stabilizer pads for stabilizer arms of vehicles. The stabilizer pads include first and second ground contact faces for contacting respectively a smooth ground surface and a rough or gravel ground surface. In embodiments of the present invention, the stabilizer pads include a reversible resilient pad coupled to a first flange and a second flange. The first and second flanges may include grouser points for engaging the rough ground surface. Further features include a releaseable latch mechanism and offset pad construction.

Abstract: A suspension system with an oscillating, rigid axle, particularly for tractors, is described; the axle is supported on a sub-frame with oscillating arms which in turn can be mounted for oscillating on a load-bearing structure of the tractor by suspension means interposed between the axle and the load-bearing structure, the sub-frame comprising at least two pairs of arms arranged so as to form a so-called pantograph-like kinematic linkage.

Abstract: The mobile working machine has a chassis (10) comprising at least four wheels (30) arranged in pair-wise associated with wheel axles (32) and connected to a frame (36) by interposed wheel springs (34) pre-tensionable by the effect of a load exerted on the frame. Two support legs (22) are also provided laterally one opposite the other on the sides of the frame, associated with one of the wheel axles (32), preferably the back axle, which have a foot-part (26) which can be extended downward and supported on the ground thereby lifting the chassis. At least one blocking mechanism is also provided to selectively release or block the spring path of one of the wheel springs (34). In order to ensure reliable and safe manipulation during blocking of the axle, the blocking mechanism (38) automatically moves in the blocking direction when the foot-part (26) is pulled out and automatically moves in the release direction when the foot-part (26) is retracted.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to rotational stabilizer pads for stabilizer arms of vehicles. The stabilizer pads include first and second ground contact faces for contacting respectively a smooth ground surface and a rough or gravel ground surface. In embodiments of the present invention, the stabilizer pads include a reversible resilient pad coupled to a first flange and a second flange. The first and second flanges may include grouser points for engaging the rough ground surface. In embodiments of the present invention, the stabilizer pads are rotated about 135 degrees to change the ground contact face of the stabilizer pad from one of the first and second ground contact faces to the other.

Abstract: A mobile machine having a machine frame with a first side and a second side. A stabilizer leg is located at each of the first and second sides of the machine frame, and is movable between a first ground-engaging position and a second ground-engaging position. The stabilizer leg includes a first linkage, a second linkage, a third linkage, and a fourth linkage. A first end portion of the first linkage is pivotally connected to the machine frame, and a second end portion of the first linkage is pivotally connected to one end portion of the second linkage. A first end portion of the third linkage is connected to the machine frame via the fourth linkage, and a second end portion of the third linkage is connected to the one end portion of the second linkage. A recessed area of the third linkage is adapted to receive the first linkage when the stabilizer leg is in the first ground engaging position.

Abstract: An anti-creep device for a trailer includes a support arm adapted to be mounted to a trailer frame proximate a trailer axle for rotational movement between a retracted position and an extended position. An actuator is associated with the support arm for rotating the arm at least to the extended position to thereby lock the frame at a selected height when the frame is raised with respect to the axle. A sensor switch is mounted to the frame in the vicinity of the support arm for sensing the position of the support arm and an indicator is operably connected to the sensor for indicating when the support arm is in the extended position.

Abstract: A wheeled carriage for supporting a patient in a substantially horizontal position, which wheeled carriage has thereon a patient support having head and foot regions and a pair of lateral side regions and a wheeled base supported at least by three floor surface engaging and castered wheels spaced from one another at locations defining corners of a theoretical polygon. An auxiliary wheel and a support structure therefor are suspendedly mounting the auxiliary wheel to the wheeled base. The auxiliary wheel is oriented inside a boundary of the theoretical polygon and includes an axle about which the wheel rotates. A control structure includes a first manually manipulatable member at at least one of the pair of lateral side regions and a second manually manipulatable member at at least one of the head end and the foot end so that an attendant can operate a selected one of the manually manipulatable members to effect a movement of the auxiliary wheel and the support structure therefor.

Abstract: A system for supporting a vehicle frame, preferably of a forklift, on a base surface includes a pair of linkages attached to the frame. Each linkage includes a base link having a first end attached to the frame and a second end. A contact link is rotatably attached to the base link second end and has a contact surface engageable with the base surface. A drive link has a first end connected with the frame and a second end connected with the contact link. The drive link is configured to move the contact link in a first direction, such that the contact surface moves into engagement with the base surface, and alternatively in a second direction such that the contact surface moves generally away from the base surface. The drive link has a first portion connected with the frame and including the drive link first end and a second portion connected with the contact link and including the drive link second end.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for limiting rotation of a stabilizer flip pad assembly in a support assembly for a work vehicle to prevent undesired flipping of the stabilizer flip pad assembly, where the support assembly includes a support leg assembly and the stabilizer flip pad assembly, and the stabilizer flip pad assembly is rotatably attached to the support leg assembly. The apparatus includes a locking pin assembly and a restraint arm supported by the support leg assembly, where the restraint arm is rotatable at a rotation axis proximate a first end of the restraint arm. The restraint arm includes a slot configured to receive a locking pin of the locking pin assembly, and a restraint protrusion proximate a second end of the restraint arm and extending perpendicular to a plane of rotation of the restraint arm.

Abstract: A powered landing gear drive system for a trailer for selectively extending and retracting the landing gear legs of the trailer. An electric motor is powered by a battery carried by a tractor or by the trailer and provides the power for an electric motor. A control system is provided as a security measure to permit limited, coded entry access to the system, and motor operating parameters are sensed to prevent exceeding operating limits of the system. The powered landing gear system can be provided as original equipment, or it can be retrofitted to existing trailers to permit powered landing gear operation.

Abstract: A stabilizing jack for vehicles comprises a pair of jack legs advanceable between retracted and extended positions by a single drive screw having left and right hand threaded sections which is mounted on a slide frame which is slidably mounted to and below a base frame. The base frame is securable to the frame of a vehicle such as a recreational vehicle for use in stabilizing the vehicle when parked. The drive screw has a screw follower or trunnion secured to each threaded section. Each leg is pivotally secured at a first end thereof to one of the screw followers. Struts or leg braces are pivotally connected at one end to each leg, medially thereof, and are pivotally connected at opposite ends to the base frame at the ends closest the respective leg.