Abstract: An aluminum extruded node for interconnecting a longitudinal frame rail and a lateral frame member of a vehicle frame. The extruded node having a pair of longitudinal side walls received within an interior volume defined by the longitudinal frame rail and a pair of transverse side walls received within an interior volume defined by the lateral frame member. Interior wall portions extend between each of the pairs of longitudinal and transverse side walls to define closed cells for increasing the stiffness and structural integrity of the node. The longitudinal frame rail is peripherally welded around an end thereof to the node. The lateral frame member is peripherally welded around an end thereof to the node.

Abstract: A cradle assembly for a motor vehicle comprises a pair of spaced side frame members, a front cross frame member and a rear cross frame member. The front cross frame member is connected with front ends of the side frame members. The rear cross frame member extends between rear ends of the side frame members. The frame members are formed from tubular metal blanks by a hydroforming process in which each blank has fluid pressure provided internally thereto and thereby radially expanded so that the frame members have a peripheral configuration modified with respect to an original peripheral configuration of the associated blanks.

Abstract: A combined engine cradle and cross member structure for use with a vehicular body and frame assembly is lighter in weight than known structures. The engine cradle is formed from tubular stock material using mechanical bending and hydroforming techniques to have a generally U-shaped configuration including a central portion having a pair of leg portions extending therefrom. The cross member is also formed from tubular stock material using hydroforming techniques and has a pair of end portions. The end portions of the tubular cross member are secured to the leg portions of the tubular cradle to form the combined engine cradle and cross member structure. To accomplish this, the end portions of the tubular cross member may have notches formed therein which receive the leg portions of the engine cradle therein. The end portions of the cross member may be secured to the leg portions of the engine cradle in any conventional manner, such as by welding.

Abstract: An improved vehicle chassis for motor homes and busses is provided. According to the invention, the chassis has a front frame chassis subcomponent, a rear chassis subcomponent and a center floor rail system. Each subcomponent has contained within it the appropriate subcomponents associated with the chassis; the front subcomponent, for example, has a suspension unit and steering apparatus while the rear subcomponent has transmission, motor and suspension.The front and rear frame chassis subcomponents have longitudinally extending frame rails which connect to one another via a plurality of longitudinally extending floor rails and perpendicular steel plates found in the center floor rail system.The inventive device integrates the chassis and superstructure. Incorporating the superstructure into the chassis lowers vehicle height, and therefore, the center of gravity. This results in better handling and ride characteristics for the finished vehicle.

Abstract: A structural assembly at a front or rear of a vehicle frame includes a longitudinal member extending in a longitudinal direction of the frame. The longitudinal member has a part that extends at an angle to such longitudinal direction. A transverse member extends transversely of the longitudinally direction and includes a straight central part and an end part extending at an angle to the straight central part and at an angle to the longitudinal direction of the frame that is substantially equal to the angle of the part of the longitudinal member. The part of the longitudinal member and the end part of the transverse member are aligned and joined to form a nested joint that extends at the angle to the longitudinal direction of the frame. A side member extends in the longitudinal direction of the frame, and the nested joint is joined to the side member, thus forming a triple joint connection between the longitudinal, transverse and side members.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided herein for resistance exercise of the major muscle groups in the legs and gluteal areas. The apparatus is in the form of a four-wheel push cart comprising (a) a vertical frame structure having a front spaced pair of wheels and a back spaced pair of wheels operatively affixed to the frame structure at the lower end thereof, the wheels rollable along a supporting surface; (b) a transverse handlebar affixed to the frame structure at its upper end; and (c) a free-weight holder affixed to the frame structure, preferably in the form of a bar, for installing and removing free weights. In the practice of the invention, following installation of the desired amount of free weight onto the push cart, one would grasp the handlebar and push and pull the cart so that it rolls back and forth across the supporting surface. The push cart offers a simple and effective form of resistance exercise.

Abstract: A manually operated cart that is specifically designed for loading, hauling and unloading long and heavy objects such as pipe, wood poles and heavy construction members without requiring the user to manually lift the objects for either loading or unloading and a method for loading, transporting and unloading a wheeled manual cart of this nature. For loading a long and heavy object, the cart manipulation handle is positioned in a lateral handle receptacle and is used by a worker to roll the cart over to an inverted position on top of the long and heavy object to be lifted and transported and after being bound to the object, is rolled back to its wheel supported position with the object so attached.

Abstract: A supporting structure for a lightweight vehicle has a central cross tube (10) extending across the vehicle under driver's and occupant's seats. The tube has an enclosed volume formed from a floor plate (14), a top plate (11), a front wall (12) and a rear wall (13). The ends of the cross tube are fixedly attached to longitudinal support members (21, 22), forming a lightweight, rigid and safe structure. The cross-section of the central cross tube is made large (at least 15.times.25 cm) to absorb side impact forces and can contain traction power batteries which results in good weight distribution. Side rings define door openings and are rigidly attached to the cross tube and longitudinal support structure and to transverse roof struts to form a complete passenger enclosure.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for lifting and moving large rolls of material, such as sheet material, which define a central core. The apparatus includes a wheeled frame, and a pair of guide ways that extend parallel to one another and across the frame. A lifting arm defines a lifting flange at one end, is rotatable about an axis oriented generally parallel to the guide ways, and is coupled at an end opposite of the lifting flange to one of the guide ways. An actuator couples the lifting arm to the other guide way, and rotates the lifting arm about the axis oriented generally parallel to the guide ways in order to move the lifting arm between raised and lowered positions. The lifting arm is slidable along the guide ways to permit the lifting flange to be positioned in a hollow core of a roll. Sliding movement of the lifting arm along the guide ways is selectively permitted by a brake mechanism including a brake pad in selective engagement with a guide way.

Abstract: A truck containing air cylinders and associated pressure control and delivery apparatus for use in supplying breathing air and air for tool operation in remote rescue operations. The truck is shielded for protection of its equipment against damage due to impact. Separate breathing air and tool air regulation and delivery channels are incorporated.

Abstract: A mobile impact wrench carriage is provided for holding a heavy duty impact wrench aloft for operation in a generally horizontal disposition. The impact wrench caddy of the invention has particular application to the removal and reinstallation of lug nuts holding a large vehicle wheel to a vehicle wheel mount. The impact wrench carriage employs a platform supported by at least three casters and a hoist mounted on the platform. The hoist preferably employs a boom having a first end coupled to the platform by way of an upright stanchion and an opposite, cantilevered end that is vertically movable relative to the platform. An impact wrench carrier is secured to the cantilevered end of the boom. The impact wrench carrier preferably is in the form of a cable forming a noose that captures and suspends the impact wrench. A biasing mechanism, such as a shock absorber, urges the cantilevered end of the boom upwardly.

Abstract: A scuba tote provides a wheeled based and a cover having form-fitted recesses on its outer surface for storing scuba tanks. The recesses include shelves for maintaining the position of the scuba tanks on the cover as the scuba tote is moved from one location to another. Straps are also employed to maintain the position of the scuba tanks within the recesses during transportation. An airtight seal is employed to maintain atmospheric pressure within the body of the scuba tote. A locking mechanism restricts entry into the scuba tote. Wide wheels are used so that the scuba tote can readily traverse sand or other soft surfaces. A retractable handle is used to pull or push the scuba tote.

Abstract: A system for transporting, storing and installing flexible gymnasium floor covering is provided. The system includes a spindle for supporting a roll of floor covering, and a transporting device having a longitudinal frame, casters attached to the frame, lifting arms for lifting the spindle, linear actuators for raising and lowering the lifting arms, means for powering and controlling the linear actuators and means for storing unused spindles. A method for transporting flexible floor covering is also provided and includes the steps of placing a spindle along an unrolled piece of floor covering and rolling the floor covering up around the spindle, moving a transporting device into position so that the bearing surfaces of the lifting arm are aligned with the arms of the spindle, lifting the spindle, moving the transporting device to the desired location and lowering the spindle.

Abstract: A hand truck for fire fighting stores and transports SCBA air bottles. The highly stable hand truck is designed for efficient manipulation by one or two firefighters. It readily traverses obstructed areas, inclined stair cases and the like. The frame comprises a pair of rigid, spaced apart side rails extending between a lower, load-supporting toe-plate and an upper handle. Vertically spaced apart cross bars reinforce the frame. Dolly wheels are mounted adjacent stair climbers, thus enabling passage of the hand truck up and down stairways, over curbs and fire hoses and other obstacles. A container stores accessories. A retractable support system stabilizes the hand truck and enables it to assume an inclined, horizontal orientation for loading and unloading. Frame rail runways with outer rubber liners frictionally contact the air bottles. Bottles are confined within a transportation zone of generally triangular dimensions.

Abstract: A device for transporting workpieces to be machined and worked having a base housing or frame which may be moved on wheels and a bed which holds workpieces. The bed is connected with the base frame via a scissors mechanism and can be raised by the scissors mechanism. The scissors mechanism comprises arm braces wherein one arm brace at one end is pivotally connected to the base housing and the other arm brace on one end is pivotally connected to the bed wherein the arm braces are connected to each other at approximately the center thereof via a shaft. The wheels are mounted on the shaft which connect the arm braces and the wheels are pushed out of the base housing as the bed is lowered. The arm braces on the other end opposite the pivotal connections have a free end comprising a sliding foot which slides on the housing floor. In the resting position, the sliding foot engages under a cross rod lying above the housing floor.

Abstract: An implement carrier and organizer is provided, including a hollow body with a top closure from which are suspended upwardly opening wells for storage of tools inverted with the handles downward within such wells. Both deeper wells for long handled tools, and more shallow welts for short handled tools, are provided. Casters are attached to the bottom of the carrier and organizer so that it may be easily trundled from one place to another, and rotated when in cramped storage space areas for easy access to particular tools.

Abstract: A slider frame adapted to be slidably mounted on a semi-trailer having a pair of transversely spaced longitudinally extending body rails on the underside thereof. The slider frame includes a pair of longitudinally extending side rails of C-channel shape. Suspension hangers are fastened to the C-channel rails. A reinforcing pan is mounted in each C-channel rail above each suspension hanger. Tubular cross-members extend between the cross-rails and are attached to the reinforcing pans and the side rails. The reinforcing pans box-in and connect the C-channel rails to the suspension hangers.

Abstract: A holder for attachment to the underside of a vehicle bodywork for use as a suspension seating. The holder consists of a twin-chambered, extruded aluminum section, which is generally L-shaped in cross-section, and includes a first substantially upright box section which forms the support arm, and a second substantially horizontal box section which forms the support seating surface. The upright support arm is secured, preferably by welding, to a longitudinal support member of the vehicle bodywork. The L-bend region of the support arm includes an internal connecting ridge member which further stiffens the holder in the direction of loading. The bottom seating surface is provided with a relief portion for receiving the protruded end associated with a car jack, a straightening bench, a transport frame, etc. In accordance with the method aspect of the invention, the holders are cut at predetermined section widths from a single extrusion such that both left side and right side holders are made from one extrusion.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a seamless gutter as it is being formed has a frame with two clamps longitudinally spaced apart in the direction of travel of the gutter and two ground engagement wheels longitudinally positioned between the clamps and laterally positioned on opposite sides of the gutter so as to support the gutter on the ground as the apparatus travels with the gutter being formed. Preferably, the apparatus is foldable to a collapsed storage position.

Abstract: A carriage for displacing a cylindrical body into a winding machine, comprising two support elements (9) defining therebetween a space for receiving the body (2) and being adjustable with respect to each other in a transverse direction of the elements; fixed support plates (10) attached to the support elements for supporting the body; and a machinery for lifting and lowering the support plates. To measure the size of the body and to be able to adjust the winding machine in advance, the carriage comprises sensors (15, 18) for measuring the width and diameter of the body while the body is supported by the support plates; and a transmitter (24) for transmitting the measuring results to the winding machine.

Abstract: A mobile support device for supporting a concrete-spreading hose includes a single piece support structure formed of rigid metal and including a pair of wheel attachment members and a central U-shaped hose supporting member. Longitudinally offset caster wheel assemblies are secured to the wheel support members. The U-shaped hose supporting member supports a concrete-spreading hose therein and extends downwardly below the rotational axes of the caster wheel assemblies thereby imparting a stabilizing low center of gravity to the mobile support device. A keeper element releasably locks the supported concrete-spreading hose in the U-shaped hose supporting member, and handle engaging elements on the mobile support device facilitates manual movement thereof by a worker manipulated hand tool.

Abstract: A convertible cart for a paint sprayer alternatively supports a sprayer pump assembly in either a horizontal or an upright position. When used in the upright position, the pump assembly is positioned for use with a smaller sized paint container, and the container can be securely moved about with the cart. When used in the horizontal position, the pump assembly is positioned for use with a larger sized paint container, and alternatively flexible suction and return hoses permit suction from larger paint containers.

Abstract: A cart apparatus for lifting and moving aircraft chair units is described. The cart comprises a U-shaped frame with two sets of swivel-mounted casters on the bottom of the frame for mobility. A pair of upright support tube members with angle support members at their ends extend above the frame to support the rear stretcher bar of the chair unit. The baggage bar of the chair unit is held in place by a stop at the end of each leg of the U-shaped frame. A releasable retaining device for holding the baggage bar against the stop is also provided. The cart enables a single person to easily place the chair unit on the cart and move the cart and chair unit from place to place.

Abstract: A structure of a vehicle includes a cross member which constitutes a part of a vehicle body. A rear suspension unit mounted on the cross member has two front and two rear suspension-supporting insulators and a transverse leaf spring. A spring support member for supporting the transverse leaf spring is secured to the vehicle body and positioned below the cross member. Two rear suspension-supporting bolts have upper end portions secured to the cross member, lower end portions secured to the spring support member, and middle portions secured to the rear suspension-supporting insulators of the rear suspension unit.

Abstract: A tree transport includes a main base having a handle at one end thereof and a tree base spacer at the other end thereof. A carriage having an axis extending generally parallel to the axis of the main base is used to support a tree during transport thereof. At least one axle has wheels thereof for supporting the tree transport with respect to the ground. Support rods are used to interconnect the axle and the main base.

Abstract: A wheeled transporting device for use in carrying large five-gallon bottled water containers uses an improved frame configuration that cradles one or more of the bottles between appendages that extend outwardly, horizontally of the frame when the frame is vertically positioned.

Abstract: A movable die support cart with a frame structure supported by spaced axles consisting of continuous beams extending parallel to the axles and continuous plate members extending normal to the beams and beneath the beams. Each plate member is configured with an upwardly curved arch between its end portions. The beams and plate members are attached together by welds to define an upwardly convex die support surface in the unloaded condition and a flatter surface in the loaded condition.

Abstract: A carriage for the transportation of a cable reel, comprising two parallel support elements (2, 3) which form a space between them for a reel (6) and are displaceable with respect to each other in the transverse direction (B) of the support elements, and reel supports (10) mounted on the support elements for the reel. In order to transport the reels with their central axes (A) transversely to the driving direction of the carriage so that the axes of the reels are positioned, irrespective of the size of the reels, at a constant distance from a fixed reference point (12) in the carriage, the support elements are provided with vertically displaceable carrier wheels (7) and with displacing wheels (9), the axes (C) of which extend in the longitudinal direction of the support elements. When the support elements are lowered, the displacing wheels contact the underlying surface (11) only after the reel has made contact with the surface and the reel supports have released the reel.

Abstract: A cart for hauling brush and logs is provided. The cart consists of a pair of wheels, a crossbar spanning the distance between the wheels, side brackets and a pull handle. The side brackets are slidably adjustable over the ends of the crossbar to accommodate various size loads of brush to be piled on the cart. The ends of the branches are secured by tying to the pull bar. A V-shaped brace member is also provided to slidably fit over the pull handle to serve as a support for logs when the cart is so used.

Abstract: A transporter carriage upon which a jet ski is securely placed and related methods. The transporter carriage comprises rails forming part of a framework, the rails being shaped to compatibly receive the jet ski, and releasibly interchangeable support systems which provide carriage support and mobility.

Abstract: A truck chassis frame is constructed to provide storage space for a loading ramp between the longitudinal frame members. A transverse frame member positioned beneath the longitudinal frame members is connected to the longitudinal frame members by brackets secured to end regions of the transverse member and to the outer face of the C-shaped longitudinal members. The space above the transverse member including the open regions of said longitudinal members is open to provide the storage space.

Abstract: A chassis frame crossbeam assembly for a four wheel drive motor vehicle comprising a lower crossmember and an upper bridge member fixed thereon. The crossmember intermediate portion being downwardly depressed formed with a thinned valley section. The bridge member having a hollow-section including an intermediate bifurcated portion in the form of fore and aft upwardly arched branch sections with end extensions welded on either side of the crossmember thinned valley section. The vertically opposed bridge member branch sections and crossmember depression combine to define a through passage for a longitudinal drive shaft for driving the rear wheels. The bridge member branch sections define a free open channel therebetween adapted to receive a transverse tube portion of the steering assembly therethrough arranged with its principal axis orthogonal to the principal axis of the subjacent longitudinal drive shaft.

Abstract: An off-road vehicle comprises a vehicle frame, a pair of front wheels rotatably supported on a front portion of the vehicle frame, a pair of rear wheels rotatably supported on a rear portion of the vehicle frame, and a framework on each of lateral sides of the vehicle frame and including upper and lower pipes inclined upwardly in a forward direction and substantially parallel to each other. Each of the front wheels is rotatably mounted on the framework by means of a front wheel suspension mechanism comprising knuckle arm supporting the front wheel, a V-shaped upper arm having a base pivotally mounted on an upper portion of the knuckle arm and front and rear ends pivotally attached to the upper pipe at front and rear positions thereon, and a V-shaped lower arm having a base pivotally mounted on a lower portion of the knuckle arm and front and rear ends pivotally attached to the lower pipe at front and rear positons thereon.

Abstract: A vehicle frame for a four wheeled buggy having a steering wheel operated by a driver seated, comprises a main frame having a narrower front portion, a support frame for supporting a steering apparatus, a flat floor support portion, a pair of step frames, a seat frame, an engine supporting frame, an oblique frame supporting the engine supporting frame, and an accommodating space for accommodating a driving apparatus.

Abstract: An axle beam for supporting drivetrain and steering components of a motor vehicle comprises a first elongated channel member having a substantially hat-shaped cross section including first and second sidewalls, a bottom wall having a longitudinal edge at one edge of each of the sidewalls, and side flanges extending outwardly from the other edges of the sidewalls. A second elongated member includes surface portions registering with and bonded to the side flanges of the first member. An end plate is secured at each longitudinal end of the beam and is configured to support a wheel spindle support knuckle. Additional steering structure including the steering control assembly can be mounted on sidewalls of the beam. Additional reinforcement can be provided to the axle beam by corrugated web panels inserted within the longitudinal channel as well as by flanged apertures formed in the sidewalls of the first elongated member.

Abstract: A bale rack comprises an elongate horizontal frame mounted on wheels for movement along the ground, and a pair of bale supports extending along opposite sides of the frame. The bale supports are pivotable relative to the frame between a raised position, in which the bale supports serve to retain bales on the frame, and a load release position, in which the bale supports are downwardly and laterally inclined from the frame to allow a bale to roll from the frame to the ground. Latch mechanisms are provided for releasably retaining the bale supports in the raised positions, and counterweights are provided for urging the bale supports from the lowered positions to the raised positions, thus avoiding the use of springs, hydraulic devices or other relatively complicated mechanisms for this purpose.

Abstract: A vehicle body comprises a stiffener which is arranged in a floor tunnel and has a front end received in a closed section structure formed by a dash lower panel and a dash lower cross member. A rear mounting bracket is secured to the dash lower cross member together with the front end portion of the stiffener and extends forwardly from the dash lower cross member to engage an engine to limit the extent of engine roll.

Abstract: A cavity forming structural support assembly for a chassis element of an internal combustion engine incorporates an elongated member made of metal or fiber reinforced plastic material having a peripheral wall with a plurality of internal longitudinally extending wall portions defining a longitudinally extending cavity and further including a plurality of secondary longitudinal cavities at least partially surrounding the primary cavities. The elongated member is capped by a material different than that of the elongated member to form a respective end thereof and to include transverse walls forming cavities within the elongated member and enclosing the secondary longitudinal cavities. The respective caps include a portion extending inside the walls of the hollow section chamber and in pressing engagement therewith. A support member extends transversely into the primary cavity and is connected to the inner wall portion of the cap.

Abstract: A unit for modifying the automobile frame of a Volkswagen, VW, Super Beetle to accommodate a standard Volkswagen, VW, ball joint torsion bar front assembly including the wheel mounting assembly thereon. The unit includes a rearwardly directed clamping structure which includes a pair of spaced apart clamp plates for clamping about the tunnel portion of the VW, Super Beetle framework and a forwardly directed clamping assembly for mounting the standard assembly thereon by providing spaced apart clamping elements to receive and clamp the torsion bar housings of the front axle assembly therein.

Abstract: A nose construction spanningly connects the front ends of a pair of generally parallel linearly extending vehicle frame members. The construction comprises a tube extending from the front end of one to the front end of the other of the frame members and a pair of gusset structures unitarily formed of the tube, one adjacent each end thereof, each extending along the frame members towards a rear end thereof. The tube is affixed to the frame members. The gusset structure is also affixed to the frame members.

Abstract: A push frame assembly for a scraper bowl is provided with a tubular structural member extending between, and being rigidly fastened directly to, the side walls of the push frame. A push block and a spreader tube are, likewise, connected between the side walls to produce a relatively rigid frame assembly. In one form of the invention, the tubular structural member has a transverse sleeve therethrough through which an ejector cylinder passes, while in another form of the invention, the tubular structural member has provision for receiving a differential and has reinforced mounts on the one side thereof for connection of ejector cylinders thereto. A method of making a push frame assembly is provided wherein a pair of side walls are fastened directly to a tubular member with a spreader tube and a push block framework connected to the side walls to produce a stronger push frame assembly.