Abstract: A waste receptacle includes a housing, and a wheel assembly coupled to the housing. The wheel assembly includes an axle, a wheel secured to the axle and slidable along the axle between an outer position and an inner position, and a spacer. The spacer is removably securable to the axle adjacent the wheel in (i) a first position inward of the wheel to operably retain the wheel in the outer position, and (ii) in a second position outward of the wheel to operably retain the wheel in the inner position.

Abstract: An axle assembly for a vehicle. A movable housing is movably positioned within a closed channel defined by a central housing. The movable housing moves the axle assembly between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration. A mounting assembly may be coupled to and spaced from the movable housing and slidably positioned adjacent the central housing. A steering actuator is coupled to a steering arm and the mounting assembly such that the steering actuator moves as a unit. A track assist bracket may be fixedly coupled to the central housing and define a gap sized to slidably receive a mounting plate of the mounting assembly. A bushing may be disposed on each wall of a telescoping portion of the movable housing. A bellows may be provided to enclose exposed portions of the bushings in the extended configuration. Methods of adjusting the track of the axle assembly are also disclosed.

Abstract: A dual wheel system includes a first wheel, a second wheel, and a transition plate arranged between the first and second wheels. Each wheel includes a rim with a disk positioned transverse to a longitudinal axis. The disk of the first wheel has a first plurality of holes arranged concentric about the longitudinal axis with a first bolt pattern, and the disk of the second wheel has a second plurality of holes arranged concentric about the longitudinal axis with a second bolt pattern. The transition plate includes an outer ring of holes for fastening the wheels to the transition plate via the first and second plurality of holes, and an inner ring of holes for fastening the transition plate to an axle flange of a work vehicle.

Abstract: An undercarriage for an agricultural machine includes a hollow axle, and a stub axle slidably received within the hollow axle. A lock arrangement locks a longitudinal position of the stub axle relative to the hollow axle. At least one shim is positioned at an outboard end of the hollow axle to adjust the distance between said stub axle and said hollow axle.

Abstract: A telescopic axle assembly includes a knuckle housing pivotally mounted to a vehicle frame. The knuckle housing projects therefrom. A rotary drive shaft extends through the knuckle housing and the sleeve. A first wheel hub housing is slidably coupled to the knuckle housing and has a bore which slidably receives the sleeve. A second wheel hub housing is rotatably mounted to the first wheel hub housing. A transmission transmits torque between the drive shaft and the second wheel hub housing. Hydraulic cylinders move the wheel hub housings with respect to the knuckle housing and the drive shaft.

Abstract: An axle adjustment for axles of utility vehicles includes a frame unit, an eccentric element, and an adjustment unit, wherein the eccentric element has a first contour engageable by a select one of the frame unit and the adjustment unit, and the eccentric element has a second contour engageable by the other of the frame unit and the adjustment unit, wherein the first contour is arranged eccentric to the second contour, and wherein the frame unit and the adjustment unit are secured in a predetermined position in an adjustment direction and supported pivotably relative to each other by setting a certain angle of twist of the eccentric element.

Abstract: A variable track width vehicle axle has an outer axle casing (12) which supports two drive shafts (13) which are driven at their inner ends by drive means (23) and carry wheel attachment means (13a) at their outer ends. Each drive shaft including first and second parts (13a, 13b) which are in screw-threaded engagement with each other so that rotation of one part relative to the other changes the effective length of each shaft and thus the track width of the axle. A clutch means (16) is also provided which in a first position connects the two parts (13a, 13b) of each shaft to prevent relative rotation and in a second position disconnects the two parts of each shaft to allow relative rotation therebetween and rotates one of the screw threaded parts relative to the other part (13b) via the drive means (23) to change the effective length of each drive shaft.

Abstract: An extendible axle member (146 or 148) is provided for a pivoting axle of an agricultural harvester (100), the extendible axle member (146 or 148) having an elongate telescopic portion (400) with bearing surfaces for being slidably received in an outer axle member (142 or 144), wherein the elongate telescopic portion (400) is formed integral with and abuts a C-frame for supporting a steering knuckle (158 or 160).

Abstract: An extendible axle member (146, 148) is provided for an agricultural harvester (100), the axle (142, 144) having an elongate telescopic portion (400) with bearing surfaces (254, 256, 334, 336) for being slidably received in an outer axle member (142, 144).

Abstract: An extendible axle member (146 or 148) is provided for a pivoting axle of an agricultural harvester (100), the extendible axle member (146 or 148) having an elongate telescopic portion (400) with bearing surfaces for being slidably received in an outer axle member (142 or 144), wherein the elongate telescopic portion (400) is formed integral with and abuts a C-frame for supporting a steering knuckle (158 or 160).

Abstract: An extendible axle member (146, 148) is provided for an agricultural harvester (100), the axle (142, 144) having an elongate telescopic portion (400) with bearing surfaces (254, 256, 334, 336) for being slidably received in an outer axle member (142, 144).

Abstract: An extendible axle member (146 or 148) is provided for a pivoting axle of an agricultural harvester (100), the extendible axle member (146 or 148) having an elongate telescopic portion (400) with bearing surfaces for being slidably received in an outer axle member (142 or 144), wherein the elongate telescopic portion (400) is formed integral with and abuts a C-frame for supporting a steering knuckle (158 or 160).

Abstract: A supporting member that carries at least 1 wheel and either rotates with the wheel to transmit mechanical power to and from it, and allows the wheel to rotate freely on it. The axle is an invention by itself and there is no prior art which has the axle attached to the housing. The axle and wheels can be removed and is therefore easier to ship. The axle can be used in a tricycle, trailer, caboose or any human or mechanical powered vehicle.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an adjustable width drive axle including: a main axle body including a telescoping portion disposed at each end of the main axle body; a sprocket affixed to each end of the main axle body, the sprocket designed to engage a drive unit; a first spacer removably affixed to the sprocket, the first spacer disposed around the telescoping portion of the main axle body; and a hub removably affixed to an end of the first spacer opposite the sprocket, wherein one or more additional spacers may be interposed between the first spacer and the hub or between the sprocket and the first spacer to adjust the width of the axle.

Abstract: A vehicle axle includes a main axle having an end defining a splined cavity. The vehicle axle further includes a splined shaft coaxial with the main axle, the splined shaft having a configuration that is complementary to a configuration of the splined cavity. The shaft and the main axle are coupled together by the shaft splines and the cavity splines, the shaft being movable relative to the main axle along the axis. The vehicle axle includes a force-absorbing member located inside the splined cavity and being in communication with the main axle and the splined shaft so as to absorb force when the splined shaft moves toward the main axle past an equilibrium point.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an adjustable width drive axle including: a main axle body including a telescoping portion disposed at each end of the main axle body; a sprocket affixed to each end of the main axle body, the sprocket designed to engage a drive unit; a first spacer removably affixed to the sprocket, the first spacer disposed around the telescoping portion of the main axle body; and a hub removably affixed to an end of the first spacer opposite the sprocket, wherein one or more additional spacers may be interposed between the first spacer and the hub or between the sprocket and the first spacer to adjust the width of the axle.

Abstract: An axle extension assembly for extending an axle having a longitudinal axle bore. The axle extension assembly includes a shaft having an axle bore insert portion that is adapted for insertion in the longitudinal axle bore. The axle bore insert portion includes a bore engaging element cooperative between the axle bore insert portion and the longitudinal axle bore for securing axle bore insert portion within the longitudinal axle bore. The shaft also includes an extension portion connected to and extending from the axle bore insert portion of the shaft. The extension portion includes an accessory engaging element.

Abstract: A multi-position track width sensor for agricultural sprayers wherein a piston rod position sensor is connected to each of the adjustable axle members of the front and rear axle assemblies of the sprayer. A display panel is mounted in the cab of the sprayer and includes LEDs which indicate various positions of the piston rods with respect to the respective cylinder.

Abstract: The compact carrier is a compact, lightweight carrier for personal articles such as a child's book bag or backpack. The compact carrier comprises an open base cradle adapted for carrying heavy personal articles. A pair of wheels are disposed on opposing ends of the open base cradle, and a tether is coupled to the base cradle 20 for pulling the compact carrier. The base cradle is formed of two semi-cylindrical half members that are slidably joined together such that the base cradle bay be extended in width for use, or compacted in width for storage. In use, heavy personal articles such as a child's book bag or backpack are placed on or within the base cradle, and secured in place by straps disposed along the tether.

Abstract: A tag axle assembly includes an axle housing having first and second ends. A torque plate is fixed to each of the first and second ends for mounting a braking assembly. The torque plate is attached between front and rear plates of the axle housing. The tag axle assembly is fabricated by forming a substantially rectangular housing having open first and second ends and at least a partially open bottom portion. The torque plate is fixed at the open ends of a tubular housing that extends the entire length of the rectangular housing. The torque plates and the axle housing are secured to the housing and a center portion of the axle housing is cut away to provide for the drive shaft to extend through to the tag axle.

Abstract: A lightweight axle assembly may include a bracket at each end thereof for receiving a mount at one of a plurality of positions thereon. The mount may include a standoff for spacing an actual wheel assembly a suitable distance from the bracket. The axle may be formed to include a beam for suitable cross section including I-beams, channels, or boxes, as well as cylindrical tubes. Wheels may be mounted to spindles rigidly attached, to driving axles contained within the axle assembly, or to kingpins secured to the mounts. The axle may be adjusted to accommodate a broad range of suitable, relative, distances between the mounting surface (top or bottom of the axle end) and the center line of a wheel assembly associated with the axle. Forged mounts may be manufactured to accomplish structural objectives. Meanwhile, areas of less stress may be fabricated from lighter materials of various unconventional configurations.

Abstract: An adjustable wheel and axle assembly has a two piece inner element with inner and outer tapered portions. A wheel hub having a two-tiered tapered interior bore with one tapered portion engaging the inner element while the other tapered portion is radially space outward. A split ring wedge fits between the inner element and the wheel hub and is drawn in by a plurality of bolts extending through the wheel hub to clamp the inner element onto the axle. The taper angle is in the range of 14-16 degrees so that the parts are self releasing. A pinion gear with an integral shaft extending outward is used to move the wheel along the axle for adjusting the wheel position.

Abstract: An adjustable wheel and axle assembly has a two piece inner element with inner and outer tapered portions. A wheel hub having a two-tiered tapered interior bore with one tapered portion engaging the inner element while the other tapered portion is radially space outward. A split ring wedge fits between the inner element and the wheel hub and is drawn in by a plurality of bolts extending through the wheel hub to clamp the inner element onto the axle. The taper angle is in the range of 14-16 degrees so that the parts are self releasing. A pinion gear with an integral shaft extending outward is used to move the wheel along the axle for adjusting the wheel position.

Abstract: A lightweight axle assembly may include a bracket at each end thereof for receiving a mount at one of a plurality of positions thereon. The mount may include a standoff for spacing an actual wheel assembly a suitable distance from the bracket. The axle may be formed to include a beam for suitable cross section including I-beams, channels, or boxes, as well as cylindrical tubes. Wheels may be mounted to spindles rigidly attached, to driving axles contained within the axle assembly, or to kingpins secured to the mounts. The axle may be adjusted to accommodate a broad range of suitable, relative, distances between the mounting surface (top or bottom of the axle end) and the center line of a wheel assembly associated with the axle. Forged mounts may be manufactured to accomplish structural objectives. Meanwhile, areas of less stress may be fabricated from lighter materials of various unconventional configurations.

Abstract: A steering and suspension arrangement for agricultural vehicle includes a horizontal axle transverse to the direction of movement with the ground wheel mounted at each end of the axle. The length of the axle can be adjusted by extending and retracting end portions of the axle relative to a centre section of the axle. Each end of the axle carries a wheel hub on a suspension arrangement defined by an upper plate, a lower plate, a first channel member attached to the lower plate and a second channel member attached to the upper plate with the channel members facing each other and connected by two parallel pivoting links. Between the plates is mounted a gas bag spring. The frame is divided into a front portion and a rear portion which are held against steering movement but can pivot, each relative to the other about a horizontal axis along the direction of travel to accommodate twisting beyond the limited suspension movement.

Abstract: An adjustable-width axle assembly of a work machine. The axle assembly includes an outer tube having a side wall which has a recess defined therein. The axle assembly further includes an inner tube positioned within the outer tube. The inner tube has a side wall. The axle assembly further includes a contact member having an extended position and a retracted position. The contact member is urged into contact with the side wall of the inner tube so as to prevent movement of the inner tube relative to the outer tube when the contact member is positioned in the extended position. The contact member is received into the recess defined in the side wall of the outer tube so as to allow the inner tube to move relative to the outer tube when the contact member is positioned in the retracted position. A method of locking an adjustable-width axle assembly of a work machine is also disclosed.

Abstract: A bouncing roller skate selectively performing a bouncing motion by selective eccentric rotation of the rear wheels and providing a roller skater with thrills and satisfaction. The roller skate has front and rear brackets mounted to front and rear bottoms of an elongated shoe plate, front and rear axles rotatably supported by the front and rear brackets respectively, a pair of eccentric arm members fixed to opposite ends of the rear axle, and the rear wheels fixed to the arm members such that the rear wheels are eccentrically or concentrically rotated relative to the rear bracket and selectively bounce the roller skate up and down while roller skating. The roller skate also has spring-biased speed reduction means for reducing the eccentrically rotating speed of the rear wheel and keeping the rotating force of the rear wheel uniform, thereby maximizing the skater's motion and allowing the skater to skate safely with the greatest thrill.

Abstract: A tie rod assembly for a steering wheel structure for an agricultural vehicle such as a row crop applicator uses hydraulic cylinders to set the track width of the vehicle. The track width may be modulated between a minimum and a maximum track setting and modified until a desired track width is achieved while the vehicle is in motion and negotiating a turn without affecting toe-in settings. Toe-in settings are maintained by a closed loop series hydraulic system which further has the capability to reinitialize any toe-in setting to a preset condition in the event any hydraulic cylinder experiences cylinder drift.

Abstract: A mounting for an axle spindle of an agricultural implement is described which is adjustable between a substantially horizontal travel position and a downwardly inclined field working position. The downwardly inclined position is used in order to enhance performance of the agricultural implement, especially dual wing implements.

Abstract: Adjustable axle or similar telescoping structure includes an outer frame tube of square section which telescopingly receives an inner tube having a top shim-contacting surface, two parallel side surfaces, and a lower wall of inverted V-shaped section defining two additional downwardly directed shim-contacting surfaces. Three flat plates of a polymer material are supported between the three shim-contacting surfaces and the outer frame tube. One pad is attached to the upper surface on the inside of the outer tube. The remaining two pads are connected to a wedge-shaped steel bar and are oriented upwardly by the bar to contact the two shim-contacting surfaces on the inverted V-shaped section. The bottom wall of the outer frame tube is drilled and nuts are welded onto the outer surface to receive bolts which are screwed into the nuts to contact the bottom of the bar. When the bolts are tightened, they force the inner tube upward so it contacts the upper pad.

Abstract: A rear axle auto-tracking system automatically ensures that the rear axle follows the front axle on an agricultural vehicle having adjustable front and rear track assemblies. With the auto-tracking system energized, the vehicle operator simply adjusts the front track while driving and the rear axle automatically adjusts to stay in line with the front track within about .+-.1/2 inch per side. The system can be turned off to allow independent rear track adjustment. If the system is re-energized while driving, the rear track will quickly adjust to follow the front axle setting. As when adjusting the front track, the vehicle must be moving when adjusting the rear axle track.

Abstract: A seed covering apparatus for covering seeds with soil after an agricultural seed planter places the seeds within an open seed trench and before the planter closes the seed trench. The apparatus includes a disk with a center guide hole and a sealed bearing attached within the guide hole. An adjustable mounting assembly fixes the sealed bearing to the planter so that the disk can rotate about the bearing along one side of the seed trench. The mounting assembly orients the disk at an acute angle to the seed trench so that rotation of the disk along the side of the trench transfers soil from the side into the bottom of the seed trench. The transferred soil completely covers the seeds within the trench prior to closure of the trench by the planter.

Abstract: A suspension assembly for attaching wheel assemblies to a frame includes a pair of torsion spring subassemblies adjustably interconnected by a center axle tube to form a unitary axle-like assembly whose torsion spring subassemblies can be adjustably fixed in various desired spaced positions for connection to a selected frame having a particular width. Each torsion spring subassembly includes a torque limiter and further includes an outer tube with a bracket-like mounting member thereon for connecting the outer tube to the side beams on the frame, the bracket member being generally planar in shape and adapted to communicate forces from wheels directly through the torsion spring subassemblies to the frame in a manner that minimizes deformation when the torque limiter engages.

Abstract: A tire pressure-controlling system is provided for vehicles in which the wheel is displaceable on the driven axle, in the axial direction, for adjusting different track widths, for example, for adapting the track width to agricultural requirements. The system includes a flexible conduit for providing pressurized air for the tire and a flexible conduit for providing a control air pressure to operate a valve located on the wheel to control pressurized air flow into the tire.

Abstract: An adjustable gauge steering axle is disclosed which comprises an adjustable length beam and a steering control including a double-acting, dual piston rod hydraulic cylinder. Each piston rod of the hydraulic cylinder is connected to a corresponding steering arm through a respective strut which is adjustable telescopingly in length; a swivel joint intervenes between the rod and the strut.

Abstract: A wheel support structure for a cart, such as a wheelbarrow. The structure includes two separate wheel axis each carrying a wheel. Each wheel axis is mounted on a holding arm, which is pivotable 180 degrees about a vertical frame portion, whereby the pair of wheels can be shifted between inner and outer positions. Upper and lower plate members, forming bearing flange members, are fastened to the vertical frame portion and to a vertical stud portion of the holding arm, respectively, and are selectively securable to each other in order to lock the associated wheel in the respective inner or outer position.

Abstract: A wheel tread adjusting device has a flat plate provided with a plurality of holes. Two of the holes align with the jack screw bores normally present in a tapered sleeve-type hub to mount the plate to the tapered sleeve. A cut-out bore allows the plate to rest flush against the tapered sleeve without interfering with the normally present lug bolts. Two additional bores are positioned radially outside of the tapered sleeve and hold jack screws to unwedge the tapered sleeve from the hub. An adjustment rod is selectively engageable with either of two adjustment bores in the plate. Another portion of the rod can be threaded through a bracket mounted to the end of the axle, or through a lug bolt bore in the hub of an outer wheel, if dual wheels are present. The structure is extremely simple, uses the normally present bores to the maximum extent, and is made predominantly of standard available parts.

Abstract: The subject invention is an improved frame mechanism adapted to be deployed and otherwise integrally affixed on a land based motor vehicle that is adapted to retrofitted with rail wheels in addition to conventional land based wheels, in order to enable the motor vehicle to ride on railroad tracks, in addition to being capable of being driven on non-rail surfaces. The apparatus incorporating the features of the subject invention comprises, in general, a longitudinally extending support system adapted to hold the rail wheels therein, which support system is connected to the motor vehicle base frame in a transverse manner, said support system being constructed to be laterally shortened or elongated to move the wheel members inwardly or outwardly to correspondingly adjust the distance between the rail wheels.

Abstract: A removable wheel tread adjusting device used for facilitating the axial displacement of a tractor wheel assembly is adaptable to the exterior surface of the wheel assembly and can be utilized for the same task on similar wheel assembly structures. Specifically, the removable adjusting device supports a gear which intermeshes with a rack extending lengthwise along the axle and is capable of receiving torque from a tool so as to effect the axial displacement of the wheel assembly relative to the axle.

Abstract: An accessory spindle for boat trailers or the like for mounting onto a damaged wheel mounting axle spindle of the trailer. The accessory spindle has an exterior surface substantially identical to that of the axle spindle, and has an open end opening into a hollow. The hollow has bores formed therein which mirror the exterior surface of the axle spindle so as to be mounted thereon. Threads on the free end of the axle spindle are threadedly received in a threaded bore within the hollow corresponding to that of the axle spindle free end. Set screws may extend from the exterior of the axle spindle into the hollow adjacent the free end for securely gripping the axle spindle.

Abstract: A roller holder for a track steered vehicle consists of functional elements which are detachably joined together, that is to say a head part with a roller height adjustment means, a center part with an annular preferential point of weakness cross section and a connecting part with an arresting means. With its connecting part the roller holder runs on a follower arm for adjustment to track width and the holder is able to be slid along the arm and able to be fixed at any desired position by means of the arresting means within the range of sliding. Furthermore, there is a safety strap in the roller holder which prevents loss of the roller holder if it should break off.

Abstract: A wheel assembly is disclosed for use with a soil compactor device. The assembly includes a wheel journaled about an axle and carrying a plurality of compacting members at the periphery thereof for compressing soil as the wheel rotates about the axle. A member for mounting the wheel assembly to the compactor device is journaled about the axle. The mounting member is adapted for carrying and rotating the wheel while applying compressive force through the wheel to compact soil with the compacting members. A roller bearing assembly couples the mounting member to the axle and is adapted to absorb both radial and axial loading forces exerted by the wheel and the mounting member. Finally, a mechanism for detachably locking the wheel onto the axle is provided.

Abstract: An adapter for facilitating a mounting of one or more wheels on a vehicle wheel hub having plural externally threaded wheel studs of a finite length secured thereon. The adapter has a cylindrical adapter body with plural parallel holes extending therethrough, each of the plural holes being adapted to receive in one end thereof an externally threaded wheel stud. An elongated bolt is snugly received in an end of each of the plural holes remote from the one end, each bolt having an enlarged head intermediate its length and engaging a shoulder on the adapter. An internally threaded opening is provided at one end and is adapted to be threadedly coupled to the wheel stud. An externally threaded stud is provided at the other end. Each bolt further has a recess therein intermediate the one end and the enlarged head. A barrier is fixedly and removably received in the recess.

Abstract: For mounting relatively thick wheels ("mag" wheels, etc.) on the hubs of motor vehicles, a sleeve is provided, internally threaded to screw onto the mounting stud, and externally formed as a smooth cylinder dimensioned to fit snugly in the stud hole of the wheel, the sleeve being of a length to extend only part way (usually about half way) through the thickness of the wheel. The sleeve is screwed onto the stud tight against the hub. When the wheel is placed on the sleeves (one on each stud, of course), the lug nuts are then placed on the studs and tightened as usual. The sleeves are of such length relative to the lengths of the cylindrical shanks of the nuts that there is a slight gap between sleeve and shank. The sleeve supports that portion of the wheel thickness closest to the hub, and the shank of the nut supports that portion farther from the hub.

Abstract: A system for towing of vehicles having automatic or manual transmissions without causing damage to any part of the drive train and for providing enhanced steerability to a towed vehicle. The vehicle towing system includes a tow bearing device for isolating rotation of a wheel and attached tire from a wheel hub coupled to the automatic transmission and the drive train, thereby enabling the vehicle to be towed efficiently and safely on all wheels without damage to the automatic transmission or drive train, while still making use of the suspension/steering system of the vehicle being towed. The vehicle towing system also includes a steer bar device attachable with or without the tow bearing device to the wheel and attached tire, or to the wheel hub, to provide enhanced, affirmative steering to the towed vehicle, responsive to forces generated by a towing vehicle.

Abstract: There is disposed a wheel tread adjusting apparatus for a vehicle having a main axle case supported by a vehicle body and slidable cases mounted in right and left ends of the main axle case, respectively, the slidable cases being slidable transversely of the vehicle toward and away from each other. A fixing plate extends between the main axle case and each of the slidable cases, and is secured to one of the two cases. The fixing plate is positionally adjustably lockable to the other of the two cases.

Abstract: A wheel and hub adapter provides the use of a common wheel structure in either single or dual wheel configurations for a camper, truck or the like. The wheel is reversible for front and rear axle use and includes a large precision sized center aperture with a surrounding plurality of smaller apertures. The hub adapter defines a cylindrical body having an inwardly extending flange which attaches to the conventional wheel studs of the vehicle and an alignment surface on the other end precision fitted to the center aperture of the wheel. A second flange extends outwardly from the adapter body near the precision alignment surface and receives a plurality of fasteners which secure the wheel to the flange. The center aperture and alignment surface cooperate to center the wheel or wheels with respect to the drum.

Abstract: A toy vehicle utilizing a multiple-use shaft which is cylindrical and has a series of longitudinal grooves parallel to the longitudinal axis, each groove having a shape to mate with both gear teeth and keys. The groove edges are radiused to eliminate gouging of bearing surfaces in which the shaft is journaled. Internally splined gears are slidably mounted on the shaft with their splines fitted in driving relation to the multiple-use shaft.

Abstract: A clutch actuator provides a mechanism by which a wheel may be selectively clutched to an axle for rotation therewith. In a preferred form, the actuator is employed in a wheelchair. An axle flange is fixed to each of a pair of rear axles, and an actuator is fixed to reach rear wheel hub for providing selective operative connection between each rear wheel and respective axle flange. Each actuator includes a housing having a detent. A coupling sleeve is axially movable within the housing and includes a bore registrable with the detent. A spring loaded plunger includes a cam disposed for axial movement within the coupling sleeve, and a ball carried within the bore is releasably retained in the detent by the cam of the plunger. The sleeve includes a transversely extending end disposed for engaging the axle flange for clutching the wheel.

Abstract: There is described a connecting assembly for a light weight vehicle having mutually engageable hook and latch portions wherein the hook portion comprises engaging hooks to engage and lift the latch means, the engaging portion further including a shoulder to cause the subsequent disengagement of the latch and engaging portions, support hooks to receive the latch portion upon its disengagement from the engagement hooks, and a levered handle actuatable to cause disengagement of the latch portion from the support hooks.