A transporter for transporting a load over a surface. The transporter includes a support platform for supporting the load. The support platform is characterized by a fore-aft axis, a lateral axis, and an orientation with respect to the surface, the orientation referred to as an attitude. At least one ground-contacting element is flexibly coupled to the support platform in such a manner that the attitude of the support platform is capable of variation. One or more ground-contacting elements are driven by a motorized drive arrangement. A sensor module generates a signal characterizing the attitude of the support platform. Based on the attitude, a controller commands the motorized drive arrangement.

Sulky apparatus for use behind a self-propelled operator controlled machine such as lawn mowers that includes a sulky riding platform, a sulky boom having an inner end and an outer end for connecting the sulky riding platform to the self-propelled machine that is to tow the sulky riding platform, a pivotal connecting system for pivotally connecting the sulky riding platform to the outer end of the sulky boom and an adjusting system for adjusting the pivotal connecting system. The adjusting system for adjusting the pivotal connecting system is particularly useful in properly connecting the sulky apparatus to self-propelled machines that have different height frames. In another embodiment of the sulky apparatus invention for use behind a self-propelled machine that has operator control handles that includes a sulky riding platform, a sulky boom having an inner end and an outer end for connecting the sulky riding platform to the self-propelled machine that is to tow the sulky riding platform the invention includes a storage system for storing the sulky riding platform below the operator control handles of the self-propelled operator controlled machine. The storage system also includes an important brake system for preventing swinging or similar movement of the stored sulky riding platform.

An apparatus controller for prompting a rider to be positioned on a vehicle in such a manner as to reduce lateral instability due to lateral acceleration of the vehicle. The apparatus has an input for receiving specification from the rider of a desired direction of travel, and indicating means for reflecting to the rider a propitious instantaneous body orientation to enhance stability in the face of lateral acceleration. The indicating may include a handlebar that is pivotable with respect to the vehicle and that is driven in response to vehicle turning.

A ground maintenance vehicle that includes: front steering wheels; rear drive wheels; a frame with a first and second pivot point; a single lever steering assembly with a single lever steering control, where the single lever steering assembly is coupled to the first pivot point; multi-axis articulating joint coupled to the second pivot point; a front caster steering assembly coupled to the multi-axis articulating joint; and where the front caster steering assembly and the multi-axis articulating joint simultaneously provide articulating and caster steering proportional to lateral movement from the single lever steering control.

Outdoor power equipment includes a chassis, a blower housing, a discharge housing, and a deflector assembly. The blower housing is supported by the chassis. The discharge housing is coupled to the blower housing and is defined by a first discharge chute and a second discharge chute that extend in opposite directions. An impeller is received within the blower housing and is configured to rotate within the blower housing to direct air from the blower housing toward the discharge housing. The deflector assembly is supported by the chassis and includes an actuator and a deflector. The deflector is movable within the discharge housing in response to movement by the actuator to selectively direct flow from the blower housing through the first and second discharge chutes.

A stand-on terrain working vehicle may include a control tower coupled to a frame, a steering lever coupled to the control tower and configured to move between a first position and a second position, a blocking bar coupled to the control tower and configured to move between a blocking position and an unblocking position, where the blocking bar in the blocking position limits movement of the steering lever to movement from the first position to an intermediate position between the first and second position, and where the blocking bar in the unblocking position does not limit movement of the steering lever between the first position and the second position. A locking bar may be coupled to the blocking bar and a locking bracket may be coupled to the control tower, where the locking bar and the locking bracket may act to hold the blocking bar in a desired position.

Motorized hub assemblies for use with platforms and the corresponding motorized platforms are presented. At least one of the hub assemblies can be a motor and can contain an internal motor to propel the platform when activated. In some embodiments, the motorized platform has two sets of motorized wheels or two sets or motorized treads for differential rate maneuvering. In some embodiments, different base platforms are mounted to a single set of wheels or a single tread to provide a sporty style ride. A handlebar can also be implemented for greater stability. In all cases, there is no requirement for an electronic stabilization platform.

Disclosed is a personal tracked vehicle comprising a platform mounted on top of a housing, the platform having central body, front flat members and rear flat members and a central axis. The platform is pivotally mounted to housing along the axis and pivotally movable between a first position and a second position. A pair of parallel right and left tracks is mounted to the housing below the platform, the right track being coupled to a right track drive and the left track being coupled to a left track drive. The track drives are operatively coupled to the platform such that when the platform is pivoted towards its first position, the left track is driven faster and the right track is driven slower, and when the platform is pivoted towards its second position, the right track is driven faster and the left track is driven slower.

A blower includes a chassis, a blower housing coupled to the chassis, a discharge housing including a first discharge chute having a first chute exit and a second discharge chute having a second chute exit, an impeller received within the blower housing and configured direct air from the blower housing to the discharge housing, and a deflector assembly. The deflector assembly includes an actuator, a deflector movable within the discharge housing, wherein movement of the actuator in a first direction rotates the deflector a first position to direct the air flow through the first discharge chute, and wherein movement of the actuator in a second direction rotates the deflector to a second position to direct the air flow through the second discharge chute, and a damper configured to oppose rotation of the deflector to the first position and rotation of the deflector to the second position.

Motorized hub assemblies for use with platforms and the corresponding motorized platforms are presented. At least one of the hub assemblies can be a motor and can contain an internal motor to propel the platform when activated. In some embodiments, the motorized platform has two sets of motorized wheels or two sets or motorized treads for differential rate maneuvering. In some embodiments, different base platforms are mounted to a single set of wheels or a single tread to provide a sporty style ride. A handlebar can also be implemented for greater stability. In all cases, there is no requirement for an electronic stabilization platform.