Abstract: A semiconductor photomask set for producing wafer alignment accuracy in a semiconductor fabrication process. The photomask set produces an alignment mark that is accurate for subsequent fabrication after undergoing a dual field oxide (FOX) fabrication process. Prior arts methods have traditionally covered the alignment marks with layers of oxide material.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sensing touch between a compression mold and a workpiece located in the compression mold including a mold cavity and a mold closure movable relative to the workpiece. The apparatus may include at least one touch sensor pad positionable to signal touch between the mold closure and the workpiece. The touch sensor pad may be in communication with a touch sensor monitor for indicating touch between the workpiece and the mold closure. The touch sensor pad may also be embodied in a touch sensor assembly.

Abstract: A composite component is produced with a foamed surface. A substrate part having a surface to be coated is placed into a mold, a layer of an unfoamed or merely pre-foamed, foamable material is applied to the surface of the substrate part at a first temperature, and the foamable material is expanded at a second temperature or a sequence of temperatures that are higher than the first temperature. The expansion is effected with a chemical blowing agent or a blowing agent mixture, so that the foamable material in the expanded state fills an intermediate space between the surface of the substrate part and a molding surface of the mold and, on the one hand, bonds with the surface of the substrate part and, on the other hand, comes to bear against the molding surface.

Abstract: A process of producing relatively large, dense, free-standing silicon carbide articles by chemical vapor deposition is enabled by the provision of specially designed isolation devices. These devices segregate silicon carbide deposits on the intended portions of substrates, thereby alleviating the need to fracture heavy silicon carbide deposits in order to remove, or otherwise move, the substrate, with the heavy deposit thereon, from the deposition furnace. The isolation devices enable the use of more efficient vertically extended vacuum furnaces. The isolation devices also enable the commercial production of relatively dense, large, thin-walled, silicon carbide shells.

Abstract: A method of forming a fastener is provided, including (a) forming, from a thermoformable material, a preform product having a sheet-form base and an array of preform stems integrally molded with and extending from the base to corresponding terminal ends; (b) heating the terminal ends of the stems to a predetermined softening temperature, while maintaining the sheet-form base and a lower portion of each stem at a temperature lower than the softening temperature; and (c) contacting the terminal ends with a contact surface that is at a predetermined forming temperature, lower than the softening temperature, to deform the terminal ends to form heads therefrom that overhang the sheet-form base. Fasteners and other methods of forming them are also provided.

Abstract: A tread band for vehicle tires is manufactured by conveying a primary elastomer material (4) through an extrusion path (11, 15) defined by a preforming channel (15) followed by an extrusion outlet (11) formed in a die (10). The preforming channel (15) is defined in a preforming device (9) comprising a drawer (12) operatively engaging a preformer (13). Formed in the drawer (12) is an auxiliary channel (17) the end length (17b) of which opens at right angles into the extrusion path (11, 15), close to the extrusion outlet (11). An auxiliary elastomer material (5) conveyed to the auxiliary feeding channel (17) is homogeneously distributed by a coating effect under the lower surface of the tread band (4a) crossing the extrusion outlet (11).

Abstract: A method of shaping polymeric structures by coating a support structure with a bond-preventing agent to attain a particular shape and subsequently coating the shaped structure of the bond-preventing agent with a polymeric bonding composition is provided. Such shaped polymeric structures can have one or more cavities which can be fluid-filled or gel-filled. Also provided is a hand-actuating retention female urinary catheter having an inner tube and an outer overcoat layer encircling the tube with an elastomeric collar with a shroud. A cavity containing a fluid is interposed between the tube and the overcoat layer. The cavity includes a balloon portion and a reservoir portion. The shroud encircles the reservoir section to inhibit the ballooning of the reservoir section when the reservoir section is squeezed to force fluid from the reservoir portion to the balloon portion through the sleeve portion of the cavity. The overcoat layer and the collar with a shroud are made of soft resilient material.

Abstract: In the method, after the pattern-bearing film is fed to the female mold, the distal end of the film is fixed under a lower portion of the female mold, and at the same time the film is retreated by a force from the film supply portion. Thus, this tightens up the film so that the slacks or wrinkles cannot be formed on the film. Therefore, the film can be fortunately spread around the parting surface of the female mold. In the apparatus, the film suppressing frame is pressed to the female mold through the sliding rod arranged in the female mold, in such a manner that the female mold embraces the frame. Thus, the pressing of the frame is performed by a simple structure, and the film is accurately positioned to the internal surface of the female mold. Also, the film suppressing frame is constituted to advance from and retreat to the female mold. Thus, this causes a space between the both molds and an outside standby position to be useless. A space around the apparatus can be effectively utilized.

Abstract: In the method, after the pattern-bearing film is fed to the female mold, the distal end of the film is fixed under a lower portion of the female mold, and at the same time the film is retreated by a force from the film supply portion. Thus, this tightens up the film so that the slacks or wrinkles cannot be formed on the film. Therefore, the film can be fortunately spread around the parting surface of the female mold. In the apparatus, the film suppressing frame is pressed to the female mold through the sliding rod arranged in the female mold, in such a manner that the female mold embraces the frame. Thus, the pressing of the frame is performed by a simple structure, and the film is accurately positioned to the internal surface of the female mold. Also, the film suppressing frame is constituted to advance from and retreat to the female mold. Thus, this causes a space between the both molds and an outside standby position to be useless. A space around the apparatus can be effectively utilized.

Abstract: A method of overmolding a heat pipe includes providing an injection mold apparatus having a cavity, an input gate, a bleed off overflow gate in communication with the cavity and a tubular heat pipe charged with phase change media which is capable of being collapsed by imparting an external collapsing pressure. The tubular heat pipe is placed into the cavity in the injection mold apparatus. A net shape moldable thermally conductive material is introduced into the cavity and around the tubular pipe. The bleed off overflow gate is set to open at a predetermined pressure which less than the external collapsing pressure which would damage the heat pipe to be overmolded. Pressure is relieved in the cavity of the mold apparatus through the bleed off overflow gate when pressure in the bleed off overflow gate reaches the predetermined pressure. As a result, delicate heat pipes can be overmolded in an injection mold apparatus without damage to the heat pipe during the molding process.

Abstract: An intra-aortic balloon catheter having an ultra-thin stretch blow molded balloon membrane. The balloon membrane is made from thermoplastic elastomeric and/or semicrystalline materials such as but not limited to polyurethane and polyetheramid.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a multilayer ceramic device includes forming first and second glass-ceramic green sheets from a ceramic material containing glass by laminating the material to form a green sheet laminate having a cavity with an open surface at one surface thereof. Then, shrinkage-suppressing layers which are formed with shrinkage-suppressing inorganic material having a higher sintering temperature than the ceramic material are applied over the surfaces of the green sheet laminate. Thus, a composite laminate is obtained. Then, the composite laminate is pressed in the laminating direction such that the bottom portion of the cavity receives the same amount of pressure as the surrounding region of the cavity via an opening. Then, the composite laminate is fired, and the shrinkage-suppressing layers are removed.

Abstract: Direct smelting plant for Producing molten metal from a metalliferous feed material induces a smelting vessel 11 to hold a molten metal and slag bath beneath a hot gas space. Solids injection lances 27 extend downwardly and inwardly through side walls of the vessel and hot oxidising gas is directed downwardly into the gas space by a central vertical gas injection lance 26. The plant layout is divided into four functional zones spaced circumferentially around vessel 11 and radiating outwardly from the vessel. Zone 1 contains an overhead hot gas delivery duct 31 supplying gas to lance 26 and an offgas duct 32; Zone 2 contains a forehearth 19 and forehearth tapping launder 34; Zone 3 contains slag notches 45 and slag launders 46; and Zone 4 contains a primary slag drain taphole and launder 48. This layout minimises the potential for interference between the transport of the hot gases, the metaliferous feed material, and the molten metal and slag.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vibration damper, in particular for a helicopter rotor, the damper comprising both a driving element and a rigid element and including a damper assembly functionally interconnecting the driving element and the rigid element, the damper assembly comprising firstly a hydraulic damper device disposed in at least one viscous fluid cavity and a laminated flexible device. The hydraulic damper device comprises first and second sets of interleaved plane vanes. In the invention, the hydraulic damper device also has at least one damper element which is disposed in one of said viscous fluid cavities and which is secured to the driving element, said damper element presenting an outer outline which tapers going away from a base situated beside one axial end of the damper towards an apex situated beside the sets of plane vanes.

Abstract: A work surface with a cutting plate of a plastic material and an approximately congruent plate of heat-resistant glass arranged at a distance from the cutting plate. The plates are, for example with a double sided adhesive tape, in connection regions, connected to one another at a distance so that between the plates there is an air gap. The work surface according to this invention combines the advantages of the known plastic chopping boards with those of known underlays of heat-resistant glass.

Abstract: A clamping device for securing a draw-in bolt on a machine table, a base plate, or the like has a piston that is arranged axially displaceably in a recess of the machine table and is hydraulically actuable. There is a cover secured to the machine table in order to close off the recess. The piston and/or the cover form a receptacle into which the draw-in bolt can be inserted through the cover by a clamping mechanism, actuable by displacement of the piston. Inserted into the recess is an integrally configured bushing in which the piston is held displaceably for forming a pressure chamber. The cover is attached on one hand to the bushing and on the other hand to the machine table. The attachment to the machine table is accomplished by way of multiple bolts passing axially through the bushing. The bushing and/or the cover have sintering services for positioning on the machine table.

Abstract: A delivery apparatus for sorting a single stream of signatures into two or more streams, the apparatus includes two counter-rotating bucket assemblies. Each bucket assembly includes a plurality of buckets spaced from one another along a common axis. The respective common axis of each bucket assembly is disposed parallel to the common axis of the other. Each of the buckets of one of the bucket assemblies is disposed adjacent to and in a respective common plane with a respective one of the buckets of the other of the bucket assemblies. Further, each of the buckets includes a plurality of blades, the tips of the blades of each bucket defining a circumference. A respective circumference of one bucket overlaps the circumference of the other bucket disposed in the common plane. Two neighboring blades have respective surfaces defining a slot therebetween.

Abstract: The present invention is made in consideration of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a sheet conveying apparatus which can monitor a sheet conveying condition even with small sheet interval, an image forming apparatus having such a sheet conveying apparatus, an image reading apparatus having such a sheet conveying apparatus, and a sheet processing apparatus having such a sheet conveying apparatus.

Abstract: A sheet feeder includes a cassette for storing a stack of sheets and pushing up the sheets, a main body case having a port through which the cassette is detachably attached, and a feeding mechanism for feeding each sheet in a feeding direction. The feeding mechanism includes a roller shaft disposed above the cassette attached to the internal place of the port and extending perpendicularly to the feeding direction from a side wall of the case, a pickup roller rotated for taking out the uppermost sheet, and a rise-spoiling member attached to the roller shaft, for spoiling a rise of the sheets when the cassette is withdrawn from the port. Particularly, the rise-spoiling member extrudes downward to a position below an upper edge of the port and extends from the pickup roller to the vicinity of the side wall of the case.

Abstract: A device for separating or singling sheets, which have been piled up to form a stack, in a feeder of a sheet-processing machine, having a transport element with a guide edge, includes a device for matching the shape of the guide edge to the contour of the topmost sheet at a front side of the stack, as viewed in a sheet transport direction.

Abstract: In order to minimize the amount by which a sheet material must be moved for positioning, using a small number of sensors, and to achieve improvement of the operation and stabilization of the positioning accuracy, the size of the sheet material is recognized in advance, a sensor, which requires the smallest amount of movement of the sheet material for positioning the sheet material at a predetermined position, is selected from a plurality of sensors based on the recognized size, and the sheet material is detected by the selected sensor.

Abstract: A device for braking sample and defective sheets of a machine for processing sheet-like printing materials includes a sheet-guiding part for guiding a sheet therealong, a roller resting on the sheet-guiding part and being movable at least in a vertical direction, for braking a sheet guided between the sheet-guiding part and the roller; and a machine for processing sheet-like printing material, such as a printing machine, including the braking device.

Abstract: A paper discharge device which can temporarily stock paper in the device before the paper is discharged from a discharge port, without a fear of wrinkling or folding the paper during the stock, and without a limitation on the kind and length of paper which can be stocked is disclosed, a paper discharge device comprises a first conveyance path (31) for guiding paper from an input side (16) to between a driving roller (2) and a driven roller (3), a second conveyance path (32), an initiating end thereof being joined to the first conveyance path (31) at a point nearer to the input side than the driving roller (2) and a terminating end thereof being connected to a discharge port (17), a paper stock space (8) provided on an opposite side to the input side (16) with a contact point (P1) of the driving roller (2) and the driven roller (3) being sandwiched therebetween, and a third conveyance path (33) for guiding the paper (60) from the contact point (P1) of the driving roller (2) and the driven roller (3 to the pape

Abstract: A method and apparatus for holding recording media against a media support surface of an imaging system using an arrangement of variable cross-section vacuum grooves. Each vacuum groove has a continuously decreasing cross-section along its length. Each vacuum groove has a maximum cross-section adjacent a vacuum port and a minimum cross-section at a distal end of the vacuum groove.

Abstract: The specification discloses a multi-wheel game-of-chance having at least two groups of spinning wheels, wherein each group includes at least two concentric spinning wheels having a viewable surface face thereon. A plurality of indicia are positioned on the peripheral of the viewable surface face of each wheel such that all indicia on each wheel is viewable to the user. Bet areas are positioned at various locations around at least a portion of each group of wheels; along a line joining the center of any two groups of wheels; and/or a junction between various radially positioned lines extending from the center of two or more groups of wheels. Each bet area represents a possible payline with various pay ratios depending on the probability of various predetermined combinations.

Abstract: A novel game and board or surface is played in combination with two sets of playing pieces consisting of three dice each, one set being visibly distinguishable from the second set and wherein in one embodiment all bets are placed on the board or surface before the first set of dice is throw to speed up the method of play and payoffs for each bet are set by the house. Optionally, the house may set and take additional bets between a throw of the first set of dice and a throw of the second set of dice. In another embodiment of the invention, players use the two sets of dice in sequence wherein winning bets are related to poker hands such as open numbers from 3-35; 3 of a kind; 4 of a kind; 5 of a kind, straight; any 3 pair; 6 of a kind, and six sixes (but specifically excluding two of a kind to provide decisive winning odds for the house) and where the payoffs for each bet are 2 for 1, 3 for 1, 4 for 1, 5 for 1, 8 for 1, 8 for 1, 12 for 1, and 20 for 1, respectively, for example.

Abstract: Brush for a brush seal, having a plurality of ceramic fibers, which are held with a part of their length in an integrally continuous material in a matrix forming a solid. The matrix is made at least extensively of carbon, which is made by pyrolysis of a synthetic resin (precursor resin).

Abstract: The adjustable suspension system for cargo vehicles of this invention includes of a cargo bed, at least two coaxial wheels and an adjustable suspension member equipped with a pneumatic system. The adjustable suspension member includes a pivotal axle parallel to the wheel axis, a rigid plate mounted under to the cargo bed, a movable support attached to the pivotal axle, an actuating member located between the movable support and the plate, lateral arms essentially perpendicular to the axle and attached at one of their extremities to a respective end of the axle and at the other extremity to a spindle connected to each wheel. The basic mechanism of these components allows for controlled change of the air pressure in the actuating member to position the cargo bed in a transport or a loading position with greater efficiency and maneuverability while leaving the greatest clearance possible under the cargo bed.

Abstract: A wheel assembly for a roller skate includes a pivotal seat having a first end secured to a base of the roller skate, a wheel seat having a first end pivotally connected to a second end of the pivotal seat by a pin, and a wheel rotatably mounted to a second end of the wheel seat. A first elastic member has a first end attached to the pivotal seat and a second end attached to a mounting member on the wheel seat for biasing the wheel seat to a storage position in the base. A stopping member includes a first end mounted to the pin and a second end through which the mounting member is extended. A second elastic member is mounted around the pin for biasing a stop of the stopping member to a position for releasably engaging with the wheel seat to prevent the wheel seat from moving into the storage position in the base when the wheel seat and the wheel are extended beyond the base for skating.

Abstract: A roller skate includes an upper 1112, including a substantially non-rigid upper portion 1120 secured to a base 1118. A frame 1114 secured to the base carries a plurality of wheels 1116. The substantially non-rigid upper portion is reinforced by a substantially rigid internal heel counter 1134. An ankle support cuff assembly 1110 is pivotally secured to the internal heel counter 1134. The ankle support cuff assembly includes a substantially rigid ankle support cuff 1142 that is pivotally secured on lateral and medial sides to the internal heel counter. Ankle pad 1144 lines the interior of the ankle support cuff 1142. Ankle support cuff 1142 is fastened by a selectively securable fastener 1148 about the skater's ankle. The ankle support cuff assembly pivots freely in the forward and aft direction relative to the internal heel counter 1134.

Abstract: A mechanism that improves the steering characteristics of molded plastic skis is provided that employs the use of a flexible carbide steering cleat. This flexible carbide steering cleat is made up of a plurality of carbide tipped steering members that are attached individually to the lower surface of a plastic one piece snowmobile ski. Each of the individual cleat members is equipped with a mounting plate that has indentations on either side which, when a series of the cleats have been placed in the keel in succession, creates a space between them. This space allows the cleat members to flex independently of one another in response to the flexing of the ski without binding on one another. Therefore, the flexing ability of the present invention allows the individual cleat members to maintain the maximum contact with the snow surface, regardless of how much the ski itself flexes during its use.

Abstract: A shopping cart including a basket and a basket support frame on which the basket is mounted. The basket support frame includes a base frame mounted on a pair of rear wheel assemblies and a pair of front wheel assemblies. The base frame has a front framing member defining the front end of the base frame and two side framing members, the front framing member forming a corner with each side framing member. The basket support frame further includes a mounting plate associated with each front wheel assembly to securely mount the same onto a respective corner of the base frame, each mounting plate having one side secured to the front framing member of the base frame and another side secured to the corresponding side framing member. These plates enable the front wheel assemblies to be securely, easily and inexpensively mounted to the base frame of the shopping cart.

Abstract: There is provided a suspension frame construction capable of increasing rigidity when a braking load, a lateral load, or an engine mounting load is applied to a suspension frame. In a suspension frame construction comprising an upper plate and a lower plate joined to each other to form a suspension frame; and front- and rear-side suspension arm support portions provided at both ends, right and left, of the suspension frame, the lower plate 9 is made up of a pair of side plates 111 and 112 each provided with a support portion for supporting at least a rear-side arm of a suspension arm 101, 102 and a center plate 12 for connecting the side plates 111 and 112 to each other.

Abstract: To provide a link type front suspension structure that makes it difficult for a bending moment to act on a push rod conveying expansion and contraction of a front fork to a shock absorber. An upper arm rotatably bridges between an upper end of a push rod and the front fork, and the length of this upper arm is equal to the length between a linking point of a lower end section of the push rod of the axle support arm and a linking point of the arm holder, and is substantially parallel with this length. As a result, a parallelogram link is formed by the front fork, the push rod, the upper arm and part of the axle support arm.

Abstract: A snowboard (110) includes a body (22) formed from a primary core (130) reinforced by a structural layer (132, 134) that wraps the primary core. A secondary core formed from first and second binding lifter plates (120) is disposed above the body and adhered thereto with an elastomeric layer (142). A top layer (136) overlies the secondary core and the exposed portions of the body to integrate the secondary core into the snowboard. The snowboard further includes a bottom layer (138) reinforced with edge strips (140). The integrated modular lifter plates provides additional leverage and vibration dampening at selected regions of the snowboard without significantly impacting the torsional and longitudinal flexibility of the center section (112) of the snowboard.

Abstract: An assembly consists of a first component and of a second component. The first component is provided with at least one opening and with at least one holding projection which is associated with the opening The second component consists of sheet metal and is provided with at least one holding tongue which has a cross-piece and a head. The cross-piece extends through the opening in the first component and is bent around such that the head lies against the side of the holding projection facing away from the opening.

Abstract: A structure for the placement of a head protecting air bag body which is provided from a front pillar to along a roof side rail and expands into a curtain-like form, comprising: an opening trim which is fixed to a mounting portion of a vehicle door opening portion at which the opening trim is mounted to the vehicle door opening portion; and an air bag body expansion guide means which guides the expanding of the air bag body such that the air bag body expands without contacting the mounting portion of the vehicle door opening portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to an airbag apparatus for motor vehicles, in particular to a side airbag apparatus comprising a gas generator (11) and a gas filling tube (12) which is connected thereto, which preferably consists of metal, which preferably is or can be laid respectively along the roof strut of the motor vehicle, which is provided along its length at predetermined distances with individual or pair-wise adjacently arranged gas outflow openings (13) and which is connected to an inflatable gas bag which extends at least over a greater portion of its length and preferably consists of individual cells, each of which is preferably associated with the or a pair of gas outflow openings (13) respectively, with the gas outflow openings (13) being formed by incisions (17) in the wall of the gas filling tube (12) which are preferably made by means of a planar tool such as a saw, and by indentations (18) of the tube wall material on one side of the incisions (17) and extending at an angle to the tube axis (16), with

Abstract: A head-protection bag in which stress to be applied to circular connected portions during the inflation of the bag can be absorbed so as to prevent gas leakage at the circular connected portions is provided. The head-protection bag includes a window-side sheet, a cabin-side sheet, and a chamber which is formed between the sheets and by superposing the sheets on each other and sewing the sheets together. The sheets are connected to each other by line-shaped connected portions extending around their peripheries, line-shaped connected portions for subdividing the chamber, and circular connected portions for reinforcing areas around ends of the line-shaped connected portions. Each of the circular connected portions has a circular opening formed at the center thereof by cutting out the sheets.

Abstract: A vehicle frame assembly includes a structure that absorbs energy during a collision. The energy absorbing structure can include a nose cap having a first portion secured to the vehicle frame assembly and a second portion extending from the first portion. The second portion has an outer size that is larger than the outer size of the first portion so as to define a first shoulder therebetween. The nose cap further includes a third portion that extends from the second portion and has an outer size that is somewhat smaller than the inner size of the second portion so as to define a second shoulder therebetween. If a relatively large force is exerted against the outermost end of the third portion of the nose cap, the second shoulder will bend, allowing the third portion of the nose cap to move telescopically inwardly relative to the second portion.

Abstract: A coupon manager is provided including a front end, back end and a central processor for facilitating the processing and settlement of coupons. The coupons are received from customers at the front end which may include a cashier register. The cashier scans a bar code on the coupons and the scanned information may be supplied to the back end. The received coupons are delivered to the back end for imaging and processing. The back end determines whether the coupons are valid. Valid coupons are destroyed and sent to a destruction bin, and invalid coupons may be sent to one of a number of other bins. The processed information is forwarded to the central processor which collates the information from a number of stores and reports the information to manufacturers for settlement. The present invention also provides a booklet having a listing of discounted items identifiable by a single bar code.

Abstract: A data package assembly includes at least one data card having a first substrate with opposite faces, and indicia correlated with a prepaid account. A package has a second substrate separate from the first substrate, the data card being detachably connected to the second substrate. Personal identifying indicia correlated with the account are concealed by the package. In addition, first account verification indicia on the card, and second account verification indicia on the package, both different from the personal identifying indicia and both correlated with the same account, are visibly exposed, the package including an aperture visibly exposing the first account verification indicia.

Abstract: A postal item such as an envelope or courier pack. The postal item has a sheet providing an outer surface. The sheet is provided with removable tags that when removed provide openings in the sheet. A backing sheet or sheets close the opening so formed.

Abstract: A tube connecting structure C1 including a gasket member 10 having annular, tub recesses 12, 13 tube members 20, 30 having folded edge portions 22, 32 formed by folding ends thereof over the outer circumference so that convex ends 23, 33 are brought into tight contact with the annular recesses of the gasket member, outer rings 40, 50 mounted onto the outer circumference of body portions 21, 31 of the respective tube members 20, 30 so that front ends 41, 51 are located behind the convex ends of the folded edge portions and rear ends 42, 52 are out of the folded edge portions, presser members 60, 70 having contact sections 61, 71 with the gasket member and outer ring pressing sections 62, 72 for pushing the rear ends of the outer rings toward the mating outer ring, and a clamp member 80 for compressing the respective presser members together with the gasket member.

Abstract: An automotive alternator is driven by an internal combustion engine via a one-way clutch. When the internal combustion engine is in an idling condition, the power generation amount of the automotive alternator is increased during the engaged state of the one-way clutch and is reduced during the disengaged state of the one-way clutch, thereby adequately suppressing the fluctuation of engine speed without increasing the size and weight of the one-way clutch equipped automotive alternator installed on the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A motor vehicle storage module that is movable between an extended position and a retracted position, situated beneath the vehicle. The module has as at least one compartment enabling articles other than a spare wheel to be stored, is accessible from outside the vehicle, and it is closed at the rear by a rear facade arranged to constitute an element of bodywork when the module is in the retracted position.

Abstract: A luggage compartment structure allows detachable placement of a tray on any of a floor surface of the luggage compartment on which a luggage mat is spread, hung from the undersurface of an upper back panel of the luggage compartment, or accommodated in a recessed storage portion provided in a floorboard member. As a result, the tray can be effectively placed on, over or under the luggage mat of the luggage compartment as required to accommodate various luggage loading configurations.

Abstract: A sun visor (10.1) for a vehicle, having a holding unit (12.1) which can be fastened to the interior, and an antidazzle unit (14.1) which is arranged on the holding unit (12.1), has a visor body (16.1) of essentially planar design and can be moved, for antidazzle purposes, from a retracted position into a functional position, the sun visor being arranged in particular between a driver's sun visor and a front-passenger's sun visor, is distinguished in that the visor body (16.1) has at least one moveable surface unit (18.1) which increases the surface of the visor body (16.1), when the visor body (16.1) is moved from the retracted position to the functional position, and conversely reduces the surface of the visor body (16.1) when it is moved from the functional position into the retracted position.

Abstract: An apparatus for adjustably attaching a cover to an open-topped vehicle enclosure including a cover attachment member, a plurality of cover attachment clip members and a plurality of rail members attached to the top of a side wall of the enclosure by any suitable means. A cover attachment member affixed to a peripheral element of a cover is engageable with the cover attachment clip members, which are engageable with the rail members. The cover attachment member may be attached to the rail member in various different positions to accommodate variations in the cover dimensions and to allow for variation of the cover tension as installed.

Abstract: A visor 10 which can be installed over an automobile windshield and a visor housing 20 which can house the visor 10 on a roof 31 of an automobile 30 are employed. A pair of visor holders 40 connected to the front end of the visor 10 protect the visor 10 from the air pressure created when the automobile 30 is in motion.