Abstract: The apparatus is provided with a unidirectional motor operatively coupled to the hinged sign through an eccentric drive by a link arm which incorporates a pre-loaded helical compression spring to prevent damage to the link arm should an attempt be made to forcibly swing the sign. Two normally-closed limit switches are associated with the link arm whereby in the course of a motor operating cycle, the stop sign is caused by the link arm to swing out to its outstretched position, at which point one limit switch opens, and then to return to its retracted position, at which point the other limit switch opens. The limit switches are included in a control circuit which supplies power to the motor. The control circuit is responsive to a door switch associated with the bus door so that when the door is open, the door switch is then closed, and power is supplied to the motor through one limit switch until the sign reaches its outstretched position, at which point this limit switch is opened to cut off the motor.

Abstract: A vehicle parking guide for use on a supporting surface disposed in a preselected travel path. The vehicle parking guide includes a plate adapted to be fixedly mounted on the supporting surface. It also includes lateral vehicle positioning members for ensuring proper lateral vehicle positioning to coincide with the preselected travel path as the vehicle approaches the supporting surface. It further includes a longitudinal vehicle positioning member for ensuring proper longitudinal vehicle positioning to coincide with a preselected stopping point as the vehicle is stopped near the supporting surface. The vehicle parking guide is also provided with at least one fastener capable of fixedly mounting the plate on the supporting surface. With these features, the vehicle parking guide is adapted for properly positioning a vehicle in a preselected position as it is parked.

Abstract: Reflective and refractive apparatuses are provided for reflecting or refracting light from the vehicle rear tail light so that it may readily be viewed by bystanders and through the use of the rear view mirror of the vehicle. The refractive apparatus includes a translucent body having an opening communicating with a cavity therein and adhesive on a rim portion surrounding the opening. The translucent member is attached to the vehicle tail light with the adhesive and light travels through the opening and cavity and out through the translucent member. The reflective apparatus includes a ferroalloy bracket and a mirror pivotally attached thereto through the use of a plate. The bracket is selectively detachably attached to a ferroalloy portion of the vehicle with a magnet.

Abstract: A safety alert for water skiers attachable to a tow boat and automatically actuated by a regulated release of tow line tension to elevate a flag to warn other boats that a skier is "down". An elastic member is operatively connected to a reciprocal flag standard and a tow line whereupon the memory of the elastic member elevates the flag into visible position when the tension on the tow line is released from the elastic member by the release of the skier therefrom. An intermediate member circumscribes a pull rope connected to the tow line and coacts with an obstructive member or knot disposed therein to regulate the actuation of the alert and prevent false messages from being transmitted thereby.

Abstract: A telescopic rod includes a hollow-pipe handle having a longitudinal slit, an alignment coupler slidably moving along the longitudinal slit of the handle and operatively retained on the top of the handle adapted for aligning a display sheet with the slit, a reel pole prewound with a display sheet selected form a flat cloth or other flexible display sheets and operatively retained on the coupler for outwardly extending the pole and the display sheet for display purpose, and operatively retracted into the handle for reeling up the display sheet on the pole for its convenient handling and storage.

Abstract: A brake control apparatus for a vehicle includes a brake apparatus of the drum brake type; an electromagnetic valve arranged in a conduit between a wheel cylinder and a master cylinder; and a detector for detecting one directional movement of the brake friction members of the brake apparatus due to a backward rotational force of a wheel and another directional movement of the brake friction members due to a forward rotational force of the wheel when the brake friction members are pressed to the frictional surface of the rotator. The brake friction members being able to move within a predetermine range in accordance with the torque of the wheel. The detector includes a slide anchor slidably fitted to a through hold in a stationary anchor, the brake friction members being engaged with the slide anchor, and an electrical switch for detecting the movement of the slide anchor. The valve being closed and opened by the detecting output of the electrical switch.

Abstract: A device for use on ski boats is disclosed which provides a warning to other boats in the area that a downed water skier is in the water by using a motorized electrical device to raise a flag, either automatically when a skier falls and the tow rope is released, or manually when triggered by the motor boat operator or passenger. The device electrically raises the warning flag, and maintains it in an upright position until the skier grasps the tow rope handle, or until the operator releases the manual trigger switch, at which time the flag is returned to a lowered position by a spring. The system of the present invention may be used with one or more water skiers, and uses a positive switch indicator rather than depending on the degree tension in the tow rope.

Abstract: A transmission shift position indicator has a rotatable drum with a cam track formed in the outer periphery thereof. A cam follower is disposed in the cam track and operatively connected to a housing through a base portion for linear movement thereon in response to rotation of the drum. The base portion has a pointer connected thereto which is alignable with indicia imprinted on the housing to indicate the selected transmission operating condition. The cam track has portions thereof formed oblique to the longitudinal axis of the drum which cooperate with the follower to cause the linear movement of the base portion and circumferential portion transverse to the longitudinal axis interconnected by adjacent oblique portions for permitting the pointer to dwell at selected indicia position during rotation of the drum.

Abstract: Control apparatus for a hinged stop sign mounted on the side of a school bus to cause the sign to swing out to an outstretched position when the bus door is opened to load or unload passengers and to return the sign to its retracted position when the door closes. The apparatus is provided with a unidirectional motor operatively coupled to the hinged sign through an eccentric drive by a link arm having associated therewith two normally-closed limit switches, whereby in the course of a motor operating cycle, the stop sign is caused to swing out to its outstretched position, at which point one limit switch opens, and then returns to its retracted position, at which point the other limit switch opens. The limit switches are included in a control circuit which supplies power to the motor.

Abstract: An inclined seat indicating device for a baby carriage is part of a seat support member of the baby carriage. The angle of inclination of the seat support member is adjustable relative to a fixed member which is fixed in a position so that the seat support member overlaps the fixed member. Either the seat support member or the fixed member is provided with a mark device for distinguishing the inclined state of the seat support relative to the fixed member. The respective other member is provided with a window through which the relative position may be observed.

Abstract: A corner pole device for vehicles comprises a drive mechanism by which a pole assembly vertically telescopically movable with respect to a housing thereof disposed at a corner part of a vehicle body is driven to expand and contract between an expanded position and a housed position. The corner pole device further comprises a control means for automatically controlling the drive mechanism to thereby drive the pole assembly into a telescopic action, depending on a detection signal from a mechanism which detects the travelling condition of vehicle.

Abstract: A target and aiming method with apparatus for accurately lining up a towing vehicle to a tow-type recreational vehicle or trailer for easy hook-up. Attachable components for accurate alignment of the trailer tongue to the towing vehicle hitch ball through use of a pointer and a target strip on the rear window of the towing vehicle is detailed in the specification and illustrated in the drawings.

Abstract: A mnemonic system for identifying one object out of many substantially like objects. The system includes an elastomeric adhesion device proportioned for placement upon a horizontal surface of the object to be identified. Also included is an elongate resilient linear member having a first end and a second end, the member secured, at the first end to the adhesion element, in a vertical orientation relative to the surface of the object to be identified. Also provided are several resilient uniplanar elements, each of the elements having several holes, each of the holes proportioned to permit the slideable passage of the second end of the linear member through a selected pair of such holes after a bending of the uniplanar element has occurred. Such holes are proportioned to frictionally contact the linear member after the passage of the linear member therethru, thereby maintaining said uniplanar elements in a resiliently deformed co-action with the linear elememt.

Abstract: The flagstaff described herein comprises a hollow flag holding unit or sleeve preferably cylindrical in shape, capped at one end and having a longitudinal slot running at least a substantial portion of the length of the flag holding unit adapted to have a stiff, stitched or raised edge of a flag inserted into the holding unit with the flag extending through the slot with the major portion of the flag extending outside the holding unit. With flag in position the capped holding unit is positioned on a vertical staff with the cap resting on the top end of the staff. The flag edge will be retained in a straight line and the holding unit will rotate as the wind direction changes so that the flag will not wrap around the supporting means.

Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating the alignment of a trailer hitch socket with the ball mounted on the towing vehicle is provided wherein a couple of interfitting masts are used. The first mast mounts atop the socket on the trailer tongue and extends vertically upward high enough to the point which it is visible from the towing vehicle. The second mast has a collar to engage it on the ball of the trailer hitch attached to the towing vehicle. It also extends upwardly to a height at which it is visible from within the towing vehicle. As the vehicle backs up toward the trailer, the driver can see the two masts and steer such that they will come closer and closer together and finally nest together when the socket is directly over the ball.

Abstract: A sign support structure, such as for supporting a distress flag or any other information-carrying flag. The structure comprises an elongated main shaft which is secured at a lower end to a support base having a magnet therein. A flat support surface is provided under the support base whereby the base can be attached to any metal surface such as the roof top or door of a car. A coupling element is removably secured to an upper end of the main shaft and has a transverse support shaft secured thereto. The coupling element also has an axial bore opening in a lower end thereof to receive a free end portion of the upper end of the main shaft. Furthermore, the coupling element has a second bore disposed transverse to the axial bore and above a base of the axial bore and above the axial bore and below the transverse support shaft for receiving the free end portion of the main shaft when the support structure is in a storage position.

Abstract: A crossing arm unit for use on the front of school buses and the like to protect children walking in front of the school bus, the crossing arm unit including a frame attached to the front bumper of the school bus, and a movable arm pivotally mounted in the frame for movement between a retracted position along side the bumper and an extended position projecting outwardly from the bumper.

Abstract: Apparatus facilitating the alignment of hitch elements on tractor and trailer vehicles includes elongated telescoping members, one of which is rotatably and adjustably connected to one vehicle. The apparatus projects longitudinally of the vehicle in a generally horizontal plane and carries a signal element at its free end. The signal element is pivotal on the free end and has a visual indicator that moves into view when the signal element contacts a target surface on the other vehicle. The telescoping members may be indexed so that their respective orientations are reproducible.

Abstract: A headlights on reminder apparatus provides a motorist with a convenient arrangement of apparatus to hold his or her ignition key, with or without other vehicle and/or household keys, for convenient temporary storage in his or her pocket or purse, or at a place in his or her office or home. Then when operating his or her vehicle, with the headlights on, a tethered hook of this arrangement of apparatus is placed about a vehicle component, while the tether remains secured to the ignition key holder and the ignition key remains in the ignition switch. Upon leaving the car, the motorist must release the hook, thereby remembering to turn off the headlights. In one embodiment the tether extends directly between the hook and the ignition key holder, and in another embodiment the tether, in extending between the hook and the ignition key holder, forms a changeable size loop, by utilizing a receiving and guiding body. The tether is preferably made of a resilient stretchable retractable material.

Abstract: A flagstaff for alternative uses includes an elongated pole with fasteners for attaching a flag to the pole and a bracket for use in selectively attaching the flag to an automotive vehicle. The bracket has a flange to fit about the upper edge of an automobile window and a latch which positively locks the pole to the bracket when operatively connected. The bracket also has a notch to fit about a nail or other fastener on a wall. Alternatively the pole may be removed from the bracket and carried by hand.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a control unit, especially for setting heating, oling and/or ventilation systems in motor vehicles. Sliding members are guided between two end positions in an oblong body. Setting members, e.g., louvers or motors, are adjusted by means of these sliding members via transmission means. A step-down unit is provided as the transmission means, which consists of a first toothed rack molded onto the sliding member and of a second toothed rack molded onto the body, and a gear which is mounted rotatably between the two toothed racks and moved when the sliding member is moved. The gear is connected to an adjusting means, e.g., a rod, which in turn operates the setting member.

Abstract: A skid detector is mountable for rotation with a vehicle wheel to enable a driver of the vehicle, especially a tractor trailer, to observe a condition wherein the tire is skidding. The detector comprises a strip mountable to a hub of the vehicle and includes a pair of legs projecting outwardly beyond the plane of the tire side wall so as to be observable when the tire is viewed in a direction transversely of the rotary axis thereof. The legs carry a light reflecting substance so as to be visible at night. A fastener is provided which enables the strip to be mounted in a central hole of the vehicle hub. The legs are configured so as to be deformed in response to engagement with an annular wall of the wheel so as to assume a condition parallel to the rotary axis of the wheel.

Abstract: A help summoning device for a disabled motor vehicle includes a base housing securable to the vehicle and defining a battery compartment and a first pin socket mast mounting member electrically connected to the battery. A telescopically extendable mast having two sections axially collapsible to substantially the length of one section but remaining elongated once extended is hollow and includes a second pin socket in its base which can be coupled to the first pin socket to assemble the device. A bulb socket is secured in the upper end of the mast with electrical wires extending through the mast and being of sufficient length to extend between and interconnect the bulb socket and the second pin socket. A brightly colored rigid flag is secured to the upper mast section with a portion of the flag relieved around the bulb socket which receives a flasher bulb and a lens surrounding the bulb and engaging the upper end of the mast in the relieved portion of the flag.

Abstract: A support for removably mounting a signal on the roof of a vehicle comprises a body connected at one end to the signal and having legs at its opposite end for removable accommodation between a pair of hinged members. One of the hinged members is fixed to the vehicle and the other is spring biased toward the fixed member. The legs of the body have retainers removably accommodated in openings formed in the movable one of the hinged members.

Abstract: A device for attaching an identifying display to the antenna of a car in a parking lot has a threaded rod with a lengthwise channel that fits over the stem of the antenna, a lower nut that confines the stem in the channel, an upper threaded sleeve that fits over the enlarged tip of the antenna, and a screw that fits into the top of the sleeve. A ribbon or flag can be tied through a vertical slot in the top of the screw or a rigid display member can be threaded onto it.

Abstract: The invention relates to improvements in trailer alignment and hook-up systems which are used with conventional hitching and hitch elements. The system comprises a fork-like sighting member attached to the towing vehicle and a flexible sighting pole assembly attached to the trailer hitch. The vehicles are properly aligned when the hitching element bumps the base or tail of the sighting pole causing it to vibrate while being viewed within the fork-like sighting member.

Abstract: A pressure releasable safety antenna for off-road vehicles comprising an antenna mounted within the upper portion of a pressure releasable mounting assembly, the lower portion of the assembly being mounted on the vehicle and the upper portion being snapped within the lower portion, the upper portion releasing from within the lower portion upon the application of a lateral force on the antenna.

Abstract: A device for visually setting the spring force of a seat suspension for use in an automotive seat according to the weight of an occupant of the seat includes a display section formed of a light reflecting body and disposed on an inside lining of an automotive door for indicating the proper height of the automotive seat, and a visually confirming function section disposed in the seat for enabling the seat occupant to visually confirm the above-mentioned display section when the height of the seat is set at a predetermined level by adjustment of the spring force of the seat suspension. When the spring force of the seat suspension is properly set and thus the height of the seat is set at a predetermined level, the visually confirming function section enables the occupant while remaining seated to visually confirm the display section located in the door lining at a position where the occupant can easily observe it.

Abstract: A signal flag or pennant for use at sporting events consisting of an elongated flag staff on which is attached a hollow transparent flat envelope such as a plastic envelope into which is inserted a flag or pennant. A semi-circular spring-loaded clip having a diameter slightly smaller than the flag staff frictionally retains the plastic envelope to the staff. The flag or pennant can be removed at will from the plastic envelope and different flags or pennants can be inserted, depending upon the sporting event attended. The plastic envelope prevents rain or moisture from damaging the flag or pennant during its use.

Abstract: In a light wand assembly for bicycles, motorbikes, snowmobiles, wheelchairs or a person including a frame support member thereon, an electrical component case, a clamp on the case secured to the support member, an electrical power source, a socket arm upon the case, a tubular flagpole projected into the socket arm, the improvement which comprises a circuit board having a solid state printed circuit thereon positioned within the case and connected to the power source. The circuit includes a plurality of individually operable sequencer generating circuits, and an on/off sequencer selector control switch on the case for selective connection to any of the sequencer generating circuits. A transparent tubular light wand projects into the flagpole, and a series of longitudinally spaced bulbs are nested within the wand along its length.

Abstract: A flag and flag mounting, the flag being formed from a strong durable material and mounted on a supporting rod clipped into a handle, the flag being retained between the handle and a knob on the rod. The handle can be inserted into a mounting block adapted to be retained between the window glass and upper frame of a vehicle door, or be attached to a mounting suction cup.

Abstract: A distance safety stick for a bicycle and the like is provided and consists of a guard arm and mounting device for supporting the guard arm in a horizontally disposed position at one side of the bicycle from which position the guard arm may be swung upwardly into a vertically retracted position. The guard arm has an arrow shaped reflector portion to indicate the bicycle presence to vehicles approaching from the front and rear. In a modified form the guard arm is adjustable.

Abstract: A device for supporting a display board above a vehicle. The device includes a channel shaped formation which is sandwiched between an upper edge of a side window of the vehicle and the window surround and a spigot which is pivotal relatively to the formation and which is insertable into a downwardly facing socket at one side of the display board. Two of the devices are used to support the board, the devices being positioned at opposed sides of the board.

Abstract: There is provided an improved method and apparatus for enabling one to easily hitch a trailer to a motor vehicle. The apparatus includes a rod mounted vertically a predetermined distance from the ball receiving cavity of the hitching tongue on a trailer. A second rod is mounted to the motor vehicle at or near a ball on its trailer hitch. A third rod having a guide at one end is mounted on either the first or the second rod, with the guide being the same distance from the rod upon which it is mounted as the first mentioned predetermined distance.

Abstract: This invention is a sporting events flag, that includes a fabric flag attached to a flagstaff shaped like numeral "1", and a structure for supporting it, in use, on an automobile.

Abstract: A portable, temporary, emergency distress signal capable of being collapsed and carried in the dash compartment of an automobile or quickly erected and placed on the outside of a stranded vehicle includes a telescopable, rod type staff, a magnet base and a fabric flag. The flag is rollable into a small roll, but held outstretched in use by a three section, pivot jointed, rod fitted into the edge seams. The telescopable staff is pivoted to the magnet base so that the staff may be vertical on top of the vehicle or at right angles, on the side of the vehicle. A sleeve lock slides over the pivot to hold the staff vertical, a sleeve lock stop holds the sleeve lock out of the way when the staff is at right angles to the magnet and the sleeve lock is threadedly secured.

Abstract: An economical driving indicator device for an automotive vehicle with an internal combustion engine, of the type indicating the instantaneous consumption of the vehicle per unit of distance traveled. The device monitors continuously the characteristics of the vehicle and transmits the monitored characteristics to a processing unit which determines the instantaneous real unit consumption, and the theoretical optimum unit consumption; and displays this information on a dial in the form of lighted areas composed of bar segments and an index indicating optimum consumption. The invention assists the driver in obtaining as economically as possible an optimum driving speed.

Abstract: A web or band is attached to the sliding actuator or lever of a slider control at the control panel of an automotive vehicle to prevent the passage of light and dust through a slot in the control panel traversed by the actuator. The ends of the web may be free or, alternatively, attached to the actuator to form an endless or continuous band.

Abstract: An electrically-powered school bus sign and crossing arm apparatus mounts on the school bus body. A uni-directional DC motor and associated linkage and limit switch controls are used to deploy and retract the stop sign blade and crossing arm.

Abstract: A device for raising a warning flag in the rear of a boat pulling a water skier if the skier falls, is disclosed. The device comprises a pivot member in which the flag pole is mounted and which is spring biased towards a position in which the flag pole is vertical. A retaining device normally holds the pivot member in a position in which the flag pole is lowered. When the skier falls the retaining device is released either manually or automatically to allow the pivot member to move under the spring-bias to raise the flag pole.

Abstract: A device for assisting the driver of a towing vehicle to maneuver the vehicle toward a vehicle to be towed to position the hitch members of the vehicles in precise alignment. The device includes a vertically extending sighting rod carried by an articulating arm assembly mounted on the towed vehicle and a stop member mounted on the towing vehicle. The sighting rod is aligned with the vertical axis of the cooperating hitches and is viewed by the driver during backing with respect to an index marker so that the cooperating hitches can be maneuvered into precise alignment. Additionally, the sighting rod permits the driver to accurately judge the closing distance between the vehicles.

Abstract: A combined indicator and blocking assembly structured for mounting on the ground or surface within a designated parking space wherein the assembly includes a head portion selectively positionable upwardly from a base mounted on the surface of the parking space to the extent that the head portion and attendant supporting structure serves as a barrier in preventing unauthorized vehicles to enter the parking space. A sign or other indicator structure may be mounted on the interior surface of a lid element which is attached to the head portion and provided with proper informative indicia. The base is structured to house the head portion therein in a compact assembly when not in use, wherein the assembly has a height sufficient to pass underneath authorized vehicles parking in the space.

Abstract: This invention provides a combination ornament and identification device for vehicles formed so as to be fixedly secured to the radio antenna of a vehicle. The device includes a pair of engageable marker members, each being formed having a longitudinal channel to encompass the antenna, and including an enlarged recess disposed as part of the channel so as to receive the enlarged tip end of the antenna therein. An adhesive material is provided on the inner mating surfaces of the marker members so as to fixedly secure the markers in position about the antenna. The outer surfaces of the marker members are provided with identifiable indicia, either printed thereon or integrally formed as part of the surface, thus establishing an identifiable ornamental device that can be readily viewed or seen from a distance.

Abstract: A plexiglass or similar plastic windvane that has beveled peripheral edges or is otherwise provided with surface markings from which light rays impinging thereon exit from the plexiglass causing illumination of the edges or markings, whereby the windvane is effectively used at night or under conditions of diminished visibility to designate wind direction.

Abstract: A display device for use on automobiles and the like which includes a bracket having a vertical bore extending therethrough for supporting a staff upon which a flag is carried. The bracket is attached to an automobile and the staff can be readily removed from the bracket for waving the flag by hand.

Abstract: A device and method for its use for storage of a boat plug when it has been removed from the drain hole in the bottom of a boat in such a way as to remind the boat user to replace the boat plug in the drain hole before launching the boat, and to remove the boat plug from the drain hole to permit drainage of the boat when the boat is out of water. A boat plug storage receptacle may be attached to the boat, and a reminder flag may be attached to the receptacle by installation of the boat plug in the receptacle. A flexible connecting member is used to connect the reminder flag to a portion of apparatus such as a boat trailer used to support the boat while it is out of water, preferably connecting the flag to a portion of the supporting apparatus which must be disconnected from the boat before the boat can be launched or otherwise removed from the supporting apparatus. Removal of the connecting member from the boat requires loosening of the boat plug from the storage receptacle.

Abstract: A kit for motorists in distress comprises a container which includes one or more furled distress signal flags, a flag staff, including one or more suction cups, journalled on a terminal portion of the staff, and rotatable from an inwardly-directed storage position to an outwardly-directed position for attachment to an external vehicle surface. An instruction sheet is enclosed to show how the flags are assembled; and an identification tag and writing instrument are enclosed for attachment to the flag in use. Each of the distress flags bears a different insignia, indicating that the car is disabled or out-of-gas, or that medical assistance is needed.

Abstract: A device for generating warning signals consisting of sound waves at frequencies between 14 and 26 kHz, preferably intended to be mounted on a motor vehicle so that the device will be actuated by the wind. The device operates similar to a flue pipe and generates a subatmospheric pressure behind the sharp edge of the flue pipe. The subatmospheric pressure is created by a passage continuing to a resonant chamber, open at its rear end, the passage being larger in cross-section than the resonant chamber. The passage is formed in a body which has substantially the shape of a frustum of a cone and is formed with longitudinal through slots which extend from the passage. With this design, a subatmospheric pressure is generated which excites the pipe to vibrate even in a relatively slow wind.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a dual visual indicator vehicle parking aid comprising a base, a first readily deflectable parking limit visual warning member suspended from an upper portion of a bendable second parking limit visual warning member by a flexible means joining said second warning member to said first warning member, wherein said second warning member is bendable to a fixed position and is activated by contact with a bumper on said vehicle whereas said first warning member is activated by contact with the front or rear end thereof so as to give two visual warnings independently of one another.

Abstract: In the operation of a dump truck (10) it is often desirable to have an indicating means (24) provided to indicate to the operator when the truck body (14) of the vehicle is in its elevated or dumping position. It has been common practice to attach an indicator to the truck body that is visible to the operator when the truck body is down, however, this fails to provide a warning, as such, unless the operator remembers to take note of its absence before he drives away should the truck body fail to return properly. Also electrical indicators have been provided to indicate the position of the truck body, however, they rely on switches and other rather delicate componentry which is subject to damage due to the harsh environment which exists in the operation of the dump truck.