Abstract: A head lamp device for a vehicle in which a light distribution can be properly adjusted in response to a state of a road or a running environment and visibility can be improved is provided. The head lamp device for a vehicle capable of adjusting a lighting region in a forward direction of the vehicle comprises proper vehicle position sensing means for sensing a proper vehicle running position in a lateral direction of a road, and control means for calculating a distance from the proper vehicle running position to a center line on the road and adjusting a lighting region of the head lamp in such a way that the lighting region is expanded more and more toward the center line as the calculated distance is longer and longer.

Abstract: A collapsible sled for transporting items having a front section and a rear section pivotally connected to each other so as to be positioned in operable and collapsible positions. The sled includes a runners, each of which includes a V-shaped blade and a pawl and ratchet assembly for automatically locking each runner into an operable position relative to the front and rear sections; a snap lock for locking the front and rear sections into the collapsible position; and a slidable lock for locking the runners to the front and rear sections when the sled is in the collapsible position.

Abstract: A time monitoring device, comprising an elongated strip member which is suspended between posts of a wheelchair that support the wheelchair backrest and includes a graduated time scale printed thereon; a pointer member for indicating a particular time printed on the time scale of the strip member, and which slidably engages with the strip member; a handle member which is connected to the pointer member for manually positioning the pointer member relative to the time scale of the strip member; and a securing mechanism, connected to the pointer member, for substantially preventing the pointer member from moving along the time scale of the strip member while a person is seated in the wheelchair. The time indicated by the pointer member corresponds to the time at which the person was seated in the wheelchair.

Abstract: A portable backrest for a picnic bench or bleacher. The backrest includes a back-engaging member having a substantially U-shaped frame; support posts for supporting the back-engaging member in any of a plurality of upright positions; and a clamping mechanism for urging the two prongs of the U-shaped frame against the bench or bleacher for securement thereto.

Abstract: An ear protecting apparatus adapted to protect children and infants from discomfort and potential hearing damage associated with noisy environments. The apparatus includes an adjustable headband having a pair of noise-attenuating earmuffs provided at opposite ends thereof, respectively. Each earmuff includes an annular member which entirely surrounds the user's ear and a noise-attenuating dome-shaped member which is shaped, dimensioned, and adapted to press against an outer portion of the user's auditory canal to effectively seal same from loud noise. Both the annular member and the dome-shaped member are preferably fabricated of a noise-attenuating foam material. The headband is spring-biased to urge the earmuffs inwardly so that they will be comfortably pressed into position on and around the user's ears.

Abstract: A fastening member for fastening a net to a tubular post has, on the one hand, a holder portion (2) for fixedly retaining the net and, on the other hand, an anchorage portion (1) for fixedly retaining the fastening member in the post. The anchorage portion (1) extends in through a hole in the wall of the post and is provided with barbs (7,9) which snap in place in the fastening member. The anchorage portion (1) has a longitudinal passage (4) in communication with an accommodation space (3) in the holder portion (2). The passage (4) has a funnel-shaped flared mouth portion (5) to facilitate insertion of a wire included in the net in the accommodation space (3). On insertion of the wire, the passage (4) is flared in that the wall (12,13) of the holder portion (2) facing away from the passage (4) is resiliently bendable.

Abstract: An intercommunication system for a vehicle is disclosed including a judging mechanism for detecting whether a corner exists ahead of a subject vehicle in a traveling direction on a road based on outputs from a navigating mechanism and a map information outputting mechanism in a navigation system. It is judged whether the vehicle speed of the subject vehicle is excessive or an overspeed for safely passing through a detected corner. If the vehicle speed of the subject vehicle is an overspeed, the speed of the vehicle is reduced through an automatic vehicle speed control mechanism and/or an alarm means which alerts the vehicle driver of the overspeed condition. A mechanism is also provided for detecting whether another vehicle is traveling through or approaching a detected corner.

Abstract: In a subframe assembly for a vehicle, a front portion of a fuel tank supported on a subframe overhangs forwardly from a front cross-member of the subframe to increase the volume of the fuel tank. In order to compensate the forward displacement of the position of the gravity center due to the overhanging of the fuel tank, an exhaust silencer is supported to overhang rearwardly from a rear cross-member of the subframe, and a rear differential supported by the subframe below a lower surface of the fuel tank is disposed in proximity to the rear cross-member inside the subframe. Thus, the position of the gravity center of the subframe assembly is maintained at a substantially central portion of the subframe.

Abstract: A security device is disclosed for a computer having a controller, a main storage device and a drive for an auxiliary storage device, the security device comprises a first mechanism for electronically connecting the computer controller to the auxiliary storage device drive, a second mechanism operatively connected to the first mechanism for selectively blocking signals passing between the computer controller and the auxiliary storage device drive so that the drive is at least partially disabled, and the second mechanism including a lock which is selectively actuatable by the operator independently of operating the computer for enabling and disabling the second mechanism.