Abstract: An automatic balancing stand and a method for supporting a motorcycle in an upright position are disclosed. The stand comprises a motion sensor coupled to a controller housed in an housing that signals a pump when the motorcycle changes speed. The housing is coupled to a hydraulic pump assembly comprising at least a pump, valve mechanism and hydraulic fluid. The stand further comprises a pair of members which are each coupled to a slidable member coupled to a wheel. Another end of the pair of members is coupled to the hydraulic pump assembly. The motion sensor signals the controller, activating the pump when the motorcycle slows to a preset speed, causing the pump to activate hydraulic pistons within each one of the members, extending the slidable members fully when the motorcycle is stationary. The slidable members are retracted when the motorcycle moves above the preset speed.

Abstract: An auxiliary wheel conversion assembly for a motorcycle comprises a frame having side members on opposite sides of a receiving space to receive the rear drive wheel of the motorcycle when connected thereto. The assembly has a pair of wheels having a common axis but each being independently mounted to a side member opposite the receiving space, and the pair of wheels substantially in contact with the ground surface at all speeds and is not adapted to selectively lift the wheels. The frame also is substantially at or below the axis of rotation of the rear wheel of the motorcycle.

Abstract: An improved jack for supporting and moving a horizontally extending trailer tongue above the earth's surface having a longitudinally extending support shaft, a bracket rotatably attaching the support shaft to a trailer tongue by which the support shaft may be pivoted between a horizontal position and a vertical position, a wheel housing affixed to the support, a ground engaging wheel rotatably supported adjacent the wheel housing and having a wheel gear affixed thereto; a crank arm rotatably supported by the wheel housing adjacent an upper end thereof at a height closer to the trailer tongue than the earth's surface, and a rotation transfer system coupling the crank arm to the wheel for moving the trailer tongue, the elevation of the crank arm requiring reduced bending over by an operator standing on the earth's surface.

Abstract: A collapsing device for the third wheel of a golf cart includes a fixing base, a wheel frame, and a pin. The fixing base is U-shaped to form an interior hollow for the sleeve to fit in, having an insert groove respectively in each sidewall. The wheel frame has its bottom assembled with a third wheel, and its top provided with a slide groove at opposite sides and a through hole pivotally combined with a sleeve. The pin is inserted in the slide groove, having both ends protruding out of the slide sleeve and its intermediate portion clasped by a spring, which has its other end connected with a cover member fixedly mounted on the wheel frame. Thus, the pin is pulled by the spring and stuck in the upper or the lower insert groove for stabilizing the third wheel in the collapsed or the expanded condition.

Abstract: An improved jack for horizontally extending trailer tongue including a bracket attached to the trailer tongue, a longitudinal shaft pivotally supported to the bracket and pivotal between a substantially vertical position and a substantially horizontal position, a wheel housing supported at a lower end of the shaft, a wheel rotatably supported by the housing, a lower portion of the shaft being rotatable about a shaft longitudinal axis, a crank arm rotatably extending from said wheel housing and having a drive gear thereon, and a driven gear affixed to the wheel, the driven gear being coupled for rotation when the drive gear is rotated to cause the wheel to rotate for moving the trailer when the wheel is in contact with the earth's surface.

Abstract: This lightweight, compact, two-wheel conversion utility is specifically designed to serve as a dual-purpose device for use with a motorcycle. First, the structural design is such that a removable rail tongue hitch is fitted to the proposed invention allowing the conversion utility to be used as a carrier trailer for the motorcycle until arriving at the desired destination. There, the rail tongue hitch is detached from the frame, the motorcycle is backed between the two wheels of the utility, and is quickly and easily mounted to the rear axle and frame, thus converting the carrier trailer to a stabilizer for the motorcycle giving it a three wheel appearance. This makes it capable of increasing load capacity and less likely to overturn. The wheels are located on the outside of the conversion utility's frame and are laterally spaced apart on opposite sides of the rear wheel of the motorcycle.

Abstract: A caster assembly is constructed and arranged to be coupled to a rear of skid steer loader. The skid steer loader has a pair of front wheels and a pair of rear wheels and a hydraulic system for driving at least the front wheels. The skid steer loader has an auxiliary hydraulic system. The caster assembly includes at least one caster mounted for rolling and swiveling motion and at least one actuator constructed and arranged to be connected with the auxiliary hydraulic system to cause movement of the caster with respect to the skid steer loader from an inoperative position, wherein the front and rear wheels are in a ground engaging position with the caster in a position so as not to engage the ground, to an operative position, wherein the caster and the front wheels are in a ground engaging position and the rear wheels are in a position so as not to engage the ground.

Abstract: The invention concerns a stabilising device (1) for two-wheeled vehicle (2) comprising two struts (3) for stabilising the vehicle laterally by being supported on the ground on either side thereof. The struts are articulated to a support frame (4) and are coupled to a motor mechanism, which actuates them between a support position on the ground stabilising the vehicle and a raised position, spaced away from the ground. Said motor mechanism is associated with control means connected to means indicating the vehicle speed, said control means activating the motor mechanism in a direction lowering the struts when the vehicle speed is less than a critical value below which it is hard or impossible to ensure the vehicle balance and in the lifting direction when the vehicle speed is higher than said critical value.

Abstract: A tractor-mounted forklift comprising a first frame having its rearward end secured to the underside of the tractor and having its forward end secured to the forward end of the tractor about a longitudinally extending pivot axis. A second frame is pivotally secured, about a transverse axis, to the forward end of the first frame and has a pair of ground-engaging wheels mounted at the opposite sides thereof. A hydraulic cylinder is pivotally connected to and extends between the first and second frames to pivot the second frame upwardly and downwardly with respect to the first frame. A materials handling attachment, such as a bale grapple, is mounted on a vertically movable lift which is secured to the forward end of the second frame.

Abstract: A bicycle supportive wheel mounting structure, in which the wheel holder frame, which is fixedly fastened to the seat stays and chain stays of a bicycle to hold a supportive wheel at one side of the bicycle's rear wheel, has two braces connected between the flat mounting base and horizontal bar there and a reinforcing plate welded to the horizontal bar and one supportive wheel coupling fork at the horizontal bar and one of the braces to reinforce the structural strength.

Abstract: An anti-tip mechanism for use with a wheelchair is provided. The anti-tip mechanism has a support frame being adapted to be coupled to the wheelchair. A first and a second wheel support arm extend outwardly from the support frame and are pivotally coupled thereto. A wheel is rotatably connected to each of the support arms. An adjusting mechanism is coupled between the frame and the support arms. The adjusting mechanism is adapted to change the position of the support arms relative to the frame. In this manner, the adjusting mechanism is adapted to raise and lower the wheels. The anti-tip wheels of the wheelchair are thus adjustable to different fixed positions relative to the support frame by operation of the adjusting mechanism.

Abstract: An auxiliary wheel conversion assembly for a motorcycle comprises a quick connect and disconnect structure, including a generally U-shaped frame having side frame members on opposite sides of a receiving pocket to receive the rear drive wheel of the motorcycle when connected thereto, a cross-bar across the rear between the two side frame members, an auxiliary wheel mounted along and to the outside of each side frame member, such wheels being of the same size as the rear drive wheel and substantially in axial alignment therewith when the conversion assembly is connected to the motorcycle. The forward end portions of each side frame member converge inwardly as they extend forwardly. Their forward ends include connecting members for quick releasable connection to corresponding cooperative connecting members secured to the forward and lower portion of the motorcycle frame.

Abstract: A caster assembly is constructed and arranged to be coupled to a rear of skid steer loader. The skid steer loader has a pair of front wheels and a pair of rear wheels and a hydraulic system for driving at least the front wheels. The skid steer loader has an auxiliary hydraulic system. The caster assembly includes at least one caster mounted for rolling and swiveling motion and at least one actuator constructed and arranged to be connected with the auxiliary hydraulic system to cause movement of the caster with respect to the skid steer loader from an inoperative position, wherein the front and rear wheels are in a ground engaging position with the caster in a position so as not to engage the ground, to an operative position, wherein the caster and the front wheels are in a ground engaging position and the rear wheels are in a position so as not to engage the ground.

Abstract: A training wheels apparatus for a motorcycle including a frame assembly which is detachably attachable to the U-shaped members of the motorcycle whereat the motorcycle foot pegs are normally pivotally attached. A pair of wheels are rotatably supported on the frame assembly. When attached, the training wheels apparatus is located generally below the motorcycle seat and between the motorcycle front and back wheels. The foot pegs are pivotally attached to the training wheels apparatus at a location substantially close to where the foot pegs are normally pivotally attached to the motorcycle frame. When the training wheels apparatus is detached from the motorcycle frame, the foot pegs are pivotally reattached to motorcycle frame at their normal in use location.

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 lifting device for lifting the trailing end of a road vehicle and used to laterally displace the same. The lifting device includes a main body including a fixed section adapted to be rigidly secured to the trailing end, a first mobile section essentially vertically movable relative to the fixed section between an elevated non-operative position and a lowered operative position for lifting the trailing end, and a second mobile section being essentially rotatably mounted on the first mobile section.

Abstract: An extendable truck frame includes extended frame rails and interconnecting members. One end of the extended rails includes a connection that can be received by and secured into the back end of truck frame. In one embodiment, the extended rails can be positioned either at the general level of the truck frame to essentially extend the truck frame in the same general plane as the truck frame, but alternatively can be secured to the truck frame at a different, for example lower, position. The extended frame is releasable by interconnecting mechanisms so that extended frame can be selectively used.

Abstract: Towing apparatus for connecting a trailer with a towing vehicle. The towing apparatus is adapted to bear part of the weight of the trailer, thus lessening the load on the towing vehicle. This is accomplished by providing a wheel assembly on the towing apparatus which is operatively connected to an adjustable main spring which supports most of the weight of the trailer which would normally bear on the hitch of the towing vehicle. Unlike conventional towing systems, wherein the trailer tongue is rigidly attached to the trailer, the towing apparatus of the present invention employs a pivotally-mounted trailer tongue which is maintained in a horizontal position by an adjustable secondary spring or springs. The use of main and secondary springs presents a relatively constant load to the trailer hitch, even when the trailer is being towed across rough or uneven surfaces.

Abstract: An auxiliary wheel assembly for temporarily supporting one side of a trailer frame wherein the assembly includes a wheel carried by a support tube and wherein clamping elements are used for securing the tube to and directly beneath the frame without interfering with the structural integrity of the frame. The assembly also includes a flexible reinforcing member which is adapted to extend between frame members on opposite side of the trailer to prevent twisting of the frame.

Abstract: The power wheelchair includes an anti-tip assembly extending from the frame. The anti-tip assembly includes a plate secured to the frame via a dampening mechanism. A first arm extends from the plate and is mounted thereto for a limited amount of relative movement. A grounding engaging wheel disposed on a distal end of the arm is urged toward the ground surface by a biasing spring interposed between the arm and the plate. As the wheelchair begins to tip, anti-tip or resistive forces are generated initially by the biasing spring. This resisting force continues in a linear fashion until relative movement between the arm and the plate ceases. Thereafter, further resistive forces are provided by the dampener as movement of the plate toward the frame is resisted in a linear fashion by the dampener.

Abstract: An apparatus with a tire that is capable of castering 360 degrees replaces the rear wheels of a front wheel powered automotive vehicle to give drivers an educational experience that simulates the effects excessive speed has upon entry into curves and turns. The rear wheels can remain locked in a non-castering position, whereby the vehicle will perform in a conventional manner. However, under the control of an instructor, the lock can be removed to free the casters, causing the rear of the vehicle to move in the opposite direction from the steering input to simulate a rear wheel skid. When the vehicle on which the invention is mounted is being driven in a straight path the freely castering rear wheels will trial in a straight path. When there is a change in lateral position, such as that which occurs when entering a curve or making a turn, the rear castering wheels will continue to travel in a straight direction causing a lateral acceleration resulting in a rear yaw.

Abstract: A single track vehicle having a foot pedal lever activated side wheel extension/retraction mechanism is fitted with a hydraulic system for responding to excessive feedback force imparted to the driver's leg via the foot pedal. The system includes a normally open needle valve installed mechanically in line with a linear actuator to sense the magnitude of the feedback force to the driver's feet. If the feedback force exceeds the amount the driver can counter comfortably, the needle valve is closed as a result of the opposing force vectors between the loaded side wheel and the driver's feet. The system further includes an inertially activated hydraulic valve installed on the vehicle frame. In the event of a head-on crash, the valve closes, freezing a gas strut and thereby holding the foot pedal lever in the aft position, preventing injury to the driver.

Abstract: A vehicle having a chassis frame and a single front and single rear wheel aligned on the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, and retractable side wheels on opposite sides of the frame. A basic linkage transmits force to the side wheels for extending and retracting them in response to operator activation. The linkage may employ two hanging foot pedal levers and two independently rotatable lateral torque tubes to enable independent actuation of the left and right side wheels. The side wheels further comprise pivotally or caster-mounted side wheels in combination with a mechanism for asymmetrically limiting the range of pivotal side wheel motion, as well as lean compensation springs for controlling caster side wheel position as the lean angle of the vehicle changes. A locking mechanism is further disclosed for locking the caster side wheels in a straight-ahead position.

Abstract: An auxiliary wheel conversion assembly for a motorcycle comprises a quick connect and disconnect structure, including a generally U-shaped frame having side frame members on opposite sides of a receiving pocket to receive the rear drive wheel of the motorcycle when connected thereto, a cross-bar across the rear between the two side frame members, an auxiliary wheel mounted along and to the outside of each side frame member, such wheels being of the same size as the rear drive wheel and substantially in axial alignment therewith when the conversion assembly is connected to the motorcycle.

Abstract: An auxiliary wheel assembly for temporarily supporting one side of a trailer frame wherein the assembly includes a wheel carried by a strut which is vertically adjustable relative to a support tube. The assembly also includes clamping elements for securing the tube to and directly beneath the frame without interfering with the structural integrity of the frame.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided with a tiltable loading platform and an engaging device to control the movement of containers onto and off of the loading platform. Auxiliary wheels or rollers attached to a slidable carrier can be lowered into a position in which they contact the surface supporting the vehicle. The auxiliary wheels or rollers may rotate about an axis parallel to the axles of the vehicle and bear a portion of the overall load during loading/unloading, thereby providing additional support for the rearmost wheels and axle. In addition to or instead of such an orthogonal arrangement, auxiliary wheels or rollers may be provided which rotate about an axis which lies at an angle to the vehicle axles. Position corrections of the vehicle can be performed during loading and unloading by moving the vehicle forward or backward with such angled rollers or wheels in contact with the surface supporting the vehicle.

Abstract: A method of preparing a lightweight boat for use by using to advantage the overhang of the boat transom beyond the tailgate of the transporting van to provide a working clearance to attach wheel means thereto, and the floating depth beneath the launched boat to provide a working clearance to unattach the wheel means. While the wheel means are attached, the boat is transported like a wheel barrow a walking distance from a parking lot to a lake or the like.

Abstract: An auxiliary braking system including a brake. A hydraulic arm is secured to a frame of the automobile. The hydraulic arm has a free end secured to the brake. The hydraulic arm has an up line and a down line extending outwardly therefrom. A pump is secured within the frame of the automobile. The pump is coupled with free ends of the up line and the down line of the hydraulic arm. The pump has wiring extending outwardly therefrom to couple with existing brake lines of the automobile.

Abstract: An apparatus with a tire that is capable of castering 360 degrees replaces the rear wheels of a front wheel powered automotive vehicle to give drivers an educational experience that simulates the effects excessive speed has upon entry into curves and turns. The rear wheels can remain locked in a non-castering position, whereby the vehicle will perform in a conventional manner. However, under the control of an instructor, the lock can be removed to free the casters, causing the rear of the vehicle to move in the opposite direction from the steering input to simulate a rear wheel skid. When the vehicle on which the invention is mounted is being driven in a straight path the freely castering rear wheels will trail in a straight path. When there is a change in lateral position, such as that which occurs when entering a curve or making a turn, the rear castering wheels will continue to travel in a straight direction causing a lateral acceleration resulting in a rear yaw.

Abstract: A shock absorbing auxiliary wheel for a mobile home with a set of wheels positioned on a lower surface thereof. Further provided is at least one auxiliary wheel assembly positioned behind the wheels of the mobile home. The wheel assembly is adapted to engage the ground and absorb any shock associated with such engagement.

Abstract: A hitch adapter with integral protective device that is suited for mounting to a conventional sleeve-type hitch. The protective device protects the hitch adapter from damage due to impacts with a ground surface. Depending brackets are fixedly attached to the hitch adapter, the brackets supporting the integral protective device. The periphery of the protective device is offset from the axis of the sleeve which is insertable into a socket of the sleeve-type hitch. A roller is mounted to the depending bracket to provide a contact member that will contact the surface of the ground and prevent the balance of the hitch from coming into contact with the ground. Alternatively, a skid plate is mounted on the dependent bracket to provide a contact member for protecting the hitch adapter.

Abstract: A telescoping trailer adapted for towing by a land vehicle. The trailer includes an outer body supported by wheels and has an opening therein for slidably receiving a telescoping section. A drive assembly is secured to the telescoping section for frictionally engaging a drive wheel with a surface beneath the trailer and rotating the drive wheel to selectively extend and retract the telescoping section. An optional chain drive assembly is provided to the trailer for assisting the drive assembly in selectively moving the telescoping section relative to the outer body.

Abstract: A vehicle having a chassis frame and a single front and single rear wheel aligned on the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, and retractable side wheels on opposite sides of the frame. A basic linkage transmits force to the side wheels for extending and retracting them in response to operator activation. A family of mechanisms for assisting the operator in extending the side wheels is disclosed, including ratchet-and-pawl, linear actuator, and power assist mechanisms. When retracted, the side wheels are positioned to permit a lean angle of 40 degrees or greater up to the optimum tire traction loss lean angle. Control of the vehicle rear suspension is provided to prevent it from interfering with vehicle lean angle.

Abstract: An apparatus with a tire that is capable of castering 360 degrees replaces the rear wheels of a front wheel powered automotive vehicle to give drivers an educational experience that simulates the effects excessive speed has upon entry into curves and turns. The rear wheels can remain locked in a non-castering position, whereby the vehicle will perform in a conventional manner. However, under the control of an instructor, the lock can be removed to free the casters, causing the rear of the vehicle to move in the opposite direction from the steering input to simulate a rear wheel skid. When the vehicle on which the invention is mounted is being driven in a straight path the freely castering rear wheels will trail in a straight path. When there is a change in lateral position, such as that which occurs when entering a curve or making a turn, the rear castering wheels will continue to travel in a straight direction causing a lateral acceleration resulting in a rear yaw.

Abstract: A sheet-supporting stand or easel includes two or more legs, at least one of which is adjustable in length, so as to vary the angle of the stand relative to the ground. A U-shaped mast provides a carriage area for holding one or more sheets, and a pair of clamping devices, mounted to the mast, clamp the sheets from opposite sides. The legs can be collapsed and pivoted around their mounting to the mast, such that the entire assembly can be transported in a generally flat and compact configuration. A wheel may be attached to one or more of the legs, to facilitate movement of the stand along the ground. The wheel may be pivoted and held at any desired angle relative to the leg, such that the wheel may be kept away from the ground while the stand is in use.

Abstract: A wheelchair is made up of a pair of parallel main frames connected to each other on the rear side via a detachable back supporter and on the front side via footplates foldable along a center hinge extending in the longitudinal direction. Large wheels and a seat plate are detachably coupled to the main frames. The seat plate is changeable in level by leverage operation. After detachment of the large wheels, and unlocking of the back supporter, the wheelchair can approach very close to a user lying on a bed. When the large wheels are detached, the wheelchair can go through doors of ordinary sizes. By folding the foot plates together, the main frames can be put together side by side for convenience in transportation.

Abstract: A wheelchair comprises a base frame section with a longitudinal rod carrying at its ends a front wheel and a back wheel, respectively, and a seat frame section for supporting a seat and a back rest. Each back wheel is mounted in a wheel carrier pivotably connected with the corresponding longitudinal rod, wherein a spring is provided between the wheel carrier and the longitudinal rod, the spring extending substantially parallel with the longitudinal rod. Each spring is preferably located below the corresponding longitudinal rod. In this manner the wheelchair described is provided with an elastic back wheel suspension, wherein a compact construction is obtained by the location of the spring.

Abstract: A new and improved spare tire and axle system for a trailer, comprising a spare tire, rim and hub assembly with an attachment plate secured thereto for coupling to a trailer. A handle raises the assembly and attachment plate to a storage position and lowers the assembly to an operative position. Locking components secure the assembly and attachment plate in one position or the other.

Abstract: A vehicle dolly particularly suited for four-point front wheel drive vehicles and employing a telescopic forward stabilizer bar mounting a pair of swivel casters and a pair of pivotable tube-point plates for attachment at first and second points of the vehicle frame. First and second adjustable rear struts are mounted to the forward stabilizer bar by respective U-joints so as to pivot in both the horizontal and vertical planes. Respective connectors or four-point adjusters are mounted to the respective rear struts and are adjustable along the respective axes of the rear struts for attachment to third and fourth points of the vehicle. Apparatus for adapting the dolly to transport three-point vehicles is also disclosed.

Abstract: An attachment for a wheelbarrow adapted to facilitate ease of tilting and manipulating the wheelbarrow while tilted on its sides. The attachment comprises a U-shaped bracket with the bottom portion of the U being positioned orthogonal to the front portion of a wheel of the wheelbarrow and the legs of the bracket extending along and attached to handles of the wheelbarrow. A wheel is attached to each leg of the U-shaped bracket closely adjacent the junction of the legs and the bottom of the U-shaped bracket and adapted to support the weight of the wheelbarrow when the tank of the wheelbarrow is tilted on either side by an operator.

Abstract: A system for laterally stabilizing a two-wheeled vehicle includes a pair of outrigger struts having respective outrigger wheels on opposite sides of the rear wheel, vertically movable between raised and lowered positions relative to a supporting structure, the struts each being connected by a transverse strut shaft for unison vertical movement and extending forwardly of the strut shaft; an electric motor driven actuator mechanism including a rotatably mounted lead screw shaft that is pivotably mounted relative to the supporting structure, a drive nut threadingly engaging the lead screw shaft that is connected to the strut shaft for driving the wheels between the raised and lowered positions in response to rotation of the lead screw shaft.

Abstract: An automatically deployable vehicle stabilization system comprising a pair of stability arms pivotally coupled to a vehicle frame. The stability arms are fixedly coupled to a pivot bar. A drive mechanism interconnecting the pivot arms with a steering column of the vehicle causes the stability arms to pivot into extended positions when the front vehicle tire is turned. The stability arms prevent the vehicle from overturning when in operation. When the front vehicle tire is returned to its normal position, the stability arms retract so they do not bump into low-profile objects in the path of the vehicle. Alternatively, the stability arms can be locked into extended positions, if desired.

Abstract: A lawnmower fifth wheel including a centrally disposed wheel engaging the earth at a site between the operator and the lawnmower rearmost wheels thereby providing sufficient stability to enable the operator to lean heavily upon the lawnmower handles without adversely affecting a mowing operation. A rigid support engaging the centrally disposed wheel and a portion of the lawnmower handle is provided. A lateral brace is also provided to stabilize the centrally disposed wheel and lawnmower handle mechanical system.

Abstract: For picking up and moving containers with corner castings on platforms, railway wagons or ships, two carriages are locked one to each end face of the container. These carriages have sets of wheels, which are vertically movable therein and allow displacement of the carriages in their longitudinal direction. With the wheels of each set at the same height, the carriages are in the lowest position and can be locked by locks in the corner castings of the container. By moving one wheel of each set of each carriage down, the carriage and, if locked thereto, the container are lifted for displacement. Such wheels can bridge gaps between loading surfaces and differences in height between such surfaces. The carriages may also have wheels with a horizontal axis transverse to the other wheels, to allow movement of the carriages with or without a container transversely to their longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A steerable and rackable electrical apparatus system including a wheeled rackable electrical apparatus (10). The system allows steerable movement of an unracked apparatus (10) that has been removed from a switchgear cabinet. The system includes a device (20) with a lifting bracket (22) selectively attachable and detachable from the electrical apparatus (10); and a steerable, wheeled, self-supporting lifting device (30) for lifting a portion of the electrical apparatus (10) to a lifted position and for supporting weight of the lifted apparatus (10) without operator lifting effort. The lifting device (30) may be screw jack with a castered wheel (38) that is coupled to the lifting bracket (22).

Abstract: A vehicle having a chassis frame, a single front and a single rear wheel aligned on the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, and retractible outrigger wheels on opposite sides of the frame. A driver compartment supported by the frame and a driver foot pedal inside the compartment. Connection apparatus including ratchet and pawl instrumentalities connecting the foot pedal to the outrigger wheels to move them up and down in two full depressions of the foot pedal. The first depression lowers the outrigger wheels to a first position about half way to full lowering of the outrigger wheels which is suitable for low speed operation. The second depressions lowers the outrigger wheels to a second fully lowered position which is suitable for stopping. The force of the feet required to fully lower the outrigger wheels in two strokes when the vehicle is leaned over with the weight applied to one of the outrigger wheels being generally half of the force required to fully lower the outrigger wheels in one stroke.

Abstract: A wheelchair arrangement provided with a wheeled base assembly having an upright assembly thereon, the latter including a pair of vertically extendible post arrangements positioned on opposite sides of the wheelchair arrangement. The upright assembly includes a pair of top arm arrangements which are cantilevered rearwardly from the upper ends of the posts arrangements. A seat assembly is removably attached to and positioned between the arm arrangements to facilitate transferring of an occupant, along with the seat assembly, either to or from the wheelchair arrangement. The arm arrangements permit both linear movement of the seat assembly in the front-to-rear direction and horizontal pivoting movement of the seat assembly sidewardly relative to the base assembly so that the seat assembly is oriented transversely relative to the front-to-rear direction.

Abstract: A hitch protector for a vehicle hitch for protecting the vehicle hitch from impacting and rubbing against the surface of a roadway. The hitch protector is end mountable on the receiving socket of the vehicle hitch and is retained by a retention pin. Blocks strategically located on the framework of the hitch protector prevent the hitch protector from pivoting about the retention pin and thus maintain the hitch protector in the installed position. A roller mounted on the framework of the hitch protector is positioned below the hitch upon installation and prevents the end of the hitch from coming into contact with the ground surface. Forces resulting from the roller contacting the ground surface are transmitted to the reinforced end of the receiving socket of the hitch.

Abstract: An easily adjustable anti-tipping device for a wheelchair. The device is arranged so that a knob or lever adjacent the foot of the handicapped person can be turned to rotate the anti-tipping bar to its useful position. The device may be added to the tubular lower rail of an existing wheelchair by extending a rod through the lower rail and attaching it to the anti-tipping bar.

Abstract: A method of preparing a lightweight boat for use by using to advantage the overhang of the boat transom beyond the tailgate of the transporting van to provide a working clearance to attach wheel means thereto, and the floating depth beneath the launched boat to provide a working clearance to unattach the wheel means. While the wheel means are attached, the boat is transported like a wheel barrow a walking distance from a parking lot to a lake or the like.