Abstract: A windscreen is described that is selectively mountable to snow ski poles for use by the skier as a screen against the elements when riding on a ski chair lift. The windscreen sheet is also flexible and may be rolled to a storage condition about one of the ski poles. Fasteners are provided to selectively secure the sheet to the ski poles such that the skier may hold the screen in an expanded, operative orientation. The fasteners may also be released to facilitate rolling of the sheet onto one of the poles and securing the rolled sheet in position on the pole for storage and transport on the downhill run. The fasteners are further provided to selectively secure the sheet to the poles against axial motion thereon.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a warning apparatus with respect to a ski-pole. The warning apparatus is comprised of a device for signaling that does not require the ski-pole to be seen in order for a signal provided by the signaling device to be noticed. The signaling device is in juxtaposition with the ski-pole. Additionally, the warning apparatus is comprised of a device for activating the signaling device. The activating device is in communication with the signaling device. In a preferred embodiment, the activating device includes a device for powering the signaling device and a device for actuating the powering device so the signaling device receives power to produce a signal.

Abstract: An extended trailer to attach to a tractor. The trailer has a main reach able to attach to a tractor. An extension reach extends rearwardly of the main reach. A bridge over the main is rigidly attached to the main reach. There is a forward self steering axle for the extended trailer. Springs extend forward from the bridge to the forward axle. The extension has an intermediate axle and rear axles. A subframe carries the intermediate and rear axles and is pivotally attached to the bridge.

Abstract: An improvement in ski equipment is provided wherein a mirror panel is placed in the upper surface of a snow ski or the like in the area where during use of the ski a ski boot is placed. The mirror panel has a sufficiently abrasion and wear resistant upper surface to insure that the reflective quality of the miror is preserved. By so placing the mirror panel, a skier can view the bottom of her ski boot as it is being placed onto the ski to insure that the ski boot is free from snow and other debris.

Abstract: This invention consists of a ski pole with a handle on which a liquid crystal display (LCD) chronometer is detachably mounted. The chronometer is mounted inside the push button at the top of the ski pole handle and held in place by a lens and four set screws. The push button is located as to be actuable by the thumb of the skier.

Abstract: An apparatus (22) selectively provides passive rear wheel steering in response to lateral forces acting on the rear wheels during turning maneuvers initiated by a front wheel steering assembly (14). A control assembly (24) includes a logic (104) responsive to signals from a front wheel steer angle sensor (102) and a vehicle speed sensor (100), and provides signals to latches (70,72) of apparatus (22) for effecting same and opposite direction rear wheel steering angles relative to the front wheels. The logic prevents opposite direction steering in response to vehicle speeds above predetermined amount.

Abstract: Apparatus for creating aerodynamic lift to a downhill skier is shown as having a harness adapted to be worn by the skier, a left wing structure is operatively carried by the harness, a right wing structure is operatively carried by the harness, the left wing structure has a first longitudinal axis extending generally transversely of the skier, the right wing structure has a second longitudinal axis extending generally transversely of the skier, the left wing structure is selectively rotatable about the first longitudinal axis, the right wing structure is selectively rotatable about the second longitudinal axis, and the left and right wing structures are respectively rotatable about the first and second axes independently of each other by the skier to respective selected positions, and batten-like members are provided to enhance the airfoil configuration of the wing structures.

Abstract: A suspension system incorporating upper and lower torque rods pivotally connected between a hanger and an axle seat. The upper torque rod is preferably a hydraulic cylinder and piston assembly, the length of which is adjustable between extended and retracted conditions. In the extended condition, the upper torque rod pivots the axle to a forward pitch at which it is self-steering when the vehicle is driven forward. In the retracted condition, the upper torque rod pivots the axle to a negative pitch condition in which it is self-steering when the vehicle is operated in reverse. The hydraulic cylinder and piston assembly can be operated by the driver such as when the gears are shifted between forward and reverse. A lift spring is mounted between a plate on the hanger and a plate on the lower torque rod. The lift spring is positioned within a pocket defined on the hanger.

Abstract: An add-on wheel/axle assembly for truck-type vehicles for reducing the effective axle load of the vehicle allowing the carrying of greater payloads without violating Governmentally imposed road restrictions. The assembly includes a hydraulically actuatable articulated arm assembly where one end of a first arm link is pivotally joined to opposed sides of the truck frame proximate its rear end and with wheels mounted on stub axles affixed to the other ends of said arm assemblies. A cross-member offset by a predetermined distance from the stub axles joins the arm assemblies together and a hydraulic cylinder is operatively coupled between the truck frame and the articulated arms for extending and retracting the wheels between a ground-engaging disposition and an elevated disposition. Further hydraulic cylinders also cooperate with the articulated arms to draw the wheels in a straddling disposition relative to the truck frame when the wheels are in their elevated disposition.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic device is disclosed which mounts to the underside of a skateboard. When frictionally engaged with an abrasive surface traveled by the skateboard, the pyrotechnic device emits sparks so as to accentuate stunts being performed by the user.

Abstract: A skateboard having an associated audio entertainment device is disclosed. The skateboard includes a forward truck and wheel assembly and a rearward truck and wheel assembly. A tail skid plate is preferably mounted at the rear of the skateboard on the lower surface thereof. An audio entertainment device, such as a radio receiver, is mounted to the lower surface of the skateboard between the rearward truck and the tail skid plate such that contact with the ground by the audio entertainment device is prevented and possible damage is minimized. The mounting position of the audio entertainment is preferably such that an associated speaker is mounted directly beneath one or more apertures in the skateboard so that the audio output of the speaker is directed upward. An acoustically permeable screen is utilized to protect the speaker and, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a guard plate is provided to further protect the audio entertainment device from inadvertent contact with the ground.

Abstract: A ski pole having a handle on which a liquid crystal display chronometer is detachably mounted. The liquid crystal display chronometer is mounted by means of inserting the chronometer inside the handle of the ski pole which is held in place by a lens and four set screws and so arranged that the push button is located as to be actuable by the thumb of the skier.

Abstract: Seat made up of skis and ski poles, wherein the two parallel skis rest with trailing straight ends on the ground and are connected with the backward-facing forward points, to the top handle ends of corresponding ski poles, while a seat bottom, which is made of flexible material, is accommodated and retained between two bars, of which an upper bar is fixed near each of the ends to the point of a ski and passes through recesses near the top end of the respective ski poles, the poles being placed with their upper ends next to each other and with their lower ends diverging while the lower bar rests with its free ends loosely on the two ski contact surfaces.

Abstract: Apparatus for creating aerodynamic lift to a downhill skier is shown as having a harness adapted to be worn by the skier, a left wing structure is operatively carried by the harness, a right wing structure is operatively carried by the harness, the left wing structure has a first longitudinal axis extending generally transversely of the skier, the right wing structure has a second longitudinal axis extending generally transversely of the skier, the left wing structure is selectively rotatable about the first longitudinal axis, the right wing structure is selectively rotatable about the second longitudinal axis, and the left and right wing structures are respectively rotatable about the first and second axes independently of each other by the skier to respective selected positions.

Abstract: A combination ski pole handle with a hand-operated watch or timing device mounted therein is disclosed, including a molded hand grip for mounting on the top end of a ski pole, a watch protectively mounted within the hand grip thereof and disposed on a rearwardly sloping top portion thereof to be easily viewable by the skier with the ski pole disposed in near vertical fashion which includes a timing function, and a finger-actuated trigger mechanism for controlling the timing function of the watch.

Abstract: A skier's accessory tool including a body in the general configuration of a ski boot having a rear, top, front and sole portion. A first recess is provided in the sole portion and Phillips-type screwdriver is pivotally mounted in the recess and received therein in a closed position. A second recess extends along the top and front of the boot. A second blade is pivotally received in this recess in the closed position. The second blade may be folded out and includes a U-shaped portion for engaging buckles. The outer end of the blade is configured as a flat screwdriver. A section of the blade may also form an ice scraping edge.

Abstract: A bracket assembly for illuminating shoe skates, such as roller skates or ice skates, the bracket assembly comprising one or more bracket units adapted to be detachably secured to the skate, the bracket units selectively containing fittings for mounting light sources, such as multicolored miniature light bulbs, a source of electrical current for the light sources, and switch means for selectively actuating and deactuating the light sources.

Abstract: A ski pole has a handle in which at least one ice-ax blade is pivotally mounted and blocked in a retracted position by a detent which can be released to permit this blade to swing out and lock in an extended position. The pole shank may be formed from two interconnected but separable portions so that the portion joined to the handle can form the shaft of the ice-ax.

Abstract: An improved roller skate assembly in either shoe skate or skate board form is provided which includes a plurality of roller wheels, a frame securing the wheels in spaced relation for rotation and one or more spark generators, each comprising an abrasive surfaced disc or the like connected to a non-load bearing surface of one of the wheels and a sparking element such as a flint or material capable of generating colored sparks releasably held by a resilient flexible holder adjacent the abrasive surface of the disc. The holder vibrates during skating, due to ground shocks transmitted to it through the frame, bringing the sparking element into intermittent contact with the abrasive to intermittently generate sparks for a spectacular unusual effect. The holder preferably includes a metal or plastic coil spring and a fitting which releasably holds the flint and can be adjusted to reposition the flint as it wears.

Abstract: A skate has a wheel rotatably mounted on an axle with a light emitting element mounted on the wheel for making the wheel illuminative when an electrical potential is applied to the light emitting element. The electrical potential can be supplied by a battery installed within the wheel through a switch which can be actuated by rotating a cap movably mounted on the hub of the wheel or contacts actuated by centrifugal force upon rotation of the wheel. The rotor and stator of an electrical generator can be mounted on the axle and wheel to generate the electrical potential in an embodiment which does not require a battery.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement embodied within the construction of a ski. A conductor plate is provided inside the ski and has at least one threaded opening therein for threadedly receiving a screw which facilitates a fastening of a base plate for a ski binding member to the upper surface of the ski. The screw is threadedly received in the opening and the base plate of the ski binding member is clamped between the head of the screw and the upper surface of the ski. The screw is electrically insulated from the base plate of the ski binding member but does provide a metal-to-metal contact with the conductor plate. The base plate of the ski binding member and the conductor plate are electrically conductive so that these two plates can function as components of an electrical circuit embodied within the ski.

Abstract: A tool for closing and opening buckles on ski boots comprising a body having a cavity including first and second spaced apart surfaces and being open at one end of the body to receive a buckle, the tool having an elongated lever attached to the body and extending in a direction generally opposite to the open end of the cavity.

Abstract: A spark-generating mechanism for mounting on, and for use in combination with, a roller skate or roller skateboard. The mechanism includes a support bracket adapted to be attached to the skating device, to carry rotatably a grindstone wheel between two larger actuating wheels and to hold a spark producing element in resilient contact with the grindstone wheel. Positioned to be inoperative during normal skating, the spark-generating mechanism may be actuated at will by the skater's slightly backward tilting of the roller skating device while in motion.

Abstract: A light assembly is provided for securement to a roller skate without requiring any alterations in the structure of the skate itself. The light assembly includes a supporting disc member having an integrally formed strip portion curved into a cradle for supporting the light bulb and reflector within a cylindrical casing. The disc member is provided with a central opening and is dimensioned to be received between the conventional toe stop of the roller skate and the underside opposed frame portion of the skate to which the toe stop is secured. It is thus only necessary to remove the toe stop and insert the disc and then replace the toe stop to provide the proper support for the light. The light assembly is completed by the provision of batteries supported in a simple tray structure.

Abstract: A ski-pole or crutch is provided with a forearm yoke at its upper end and a pistol grip spaced below it. Both the yoke and pistol grip face rearward so that when the pistol grip is held in one hand the yoke can be swung into and out of locking engagement with the upper side of the forearm simply by bending the wrist, thereby providing greater maneuverability of the pole and support of the arm when needed for balance, support of the body and steering by planting the pole or dragging it.