Abstract: A warning device suitable for use in conjunction with a disabled vehicle is constructed from one or more flat sheets of a foldable material and includes a base portion, a pair of upright portions secured to each other in back-to-back relationship, and a pair of sloping portions extending upwardly from the base portion to the upright portions. A flap extends downwardly from the base of the warning device for insertion between the body of the vehicle and the opened hood or trunk thereof, the flap serving to anchor the warning device to the vehicle when the hood or trunk is closed. Warning indicia, such as reflective striping, is applied to the outward faces of the upright portions and sloping portions of the warning device. A bi-directional warning light is incorporated within the upright portions of the warning device for added visibility.

Abstract: An air freshener device mountable inside an automotive vehicle for the purpose of refreshing the vehicle air breathed by the vehicle occupants, the device including a hand-shaped container oscilated on a flexible rod attached to a suction cup mountable on the vehichel dashboard, and small dispensing openings at a top of the container so to allow a fine vapor of an air refreshing liquid being dispensed from the container.

Abstract: A gauge mounting device is provided for use in the instrument panel area of a vehicle and includes a pair of frames arranged to fit back to back in mating disposition. The outwardly facing surface of each frame is color, texture and style coordinated with the vehicle interior and to suit the preference of the user. The frames include congruent bezels with at least one gauge mounted against a bezel in one frame with an umbilical sensor connector extending through the corresponding bezel in the opposite frame.

Abstract: A Auta help, is a flag (emergency) attached to a pole in which is part of a complete unit, pole, grip, and handle. This complete unit fits snugly into a cylinder with the flag on it. The grip and handle part fits over the window of a vehicle in which will hold the flag straight out away from vehicle and also will allow to keep window at an opening of 1/2 inch. When window is opened the Auta help flag pole grip and handle will be able to be removed, rolled up, and placed back in cylinder for later use.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for determining vehicular distance per fuel unit, such as the miles per gallon or liter of fuel consumed in driving a car. The vehicle has a fuel gage, and when stopped on, or operating on level road, a reference mark is made where the fuel gage pointer is then located and the odometer mileage reading is recorded. Vehicle operation is continued and when convenient, fuel is then added to the fuel tank to cause the pointer to show a greater quantity of fuel in the tank than is shown by the reference mark. The vehicle is then driven until the fuel gage pointer again returns to the reference mark, and the total distance traversed is also determined. With the knowledge of the amount of fuel consumed and the total distance traversed, the distance traversed per unit of fuel can be calculated.

Abstract: A folding disabled vehicle warning symbol or sign is described which is adapted to be mounted on the side of a vehicle such as a truck or the like. The sign comprises a vertically disposed housing which is mounted on the side of the truck and which has spaced-apart front and back walls, upper and lower ends, and an open outer end. A plurality of elongated flat sign segments are pivotally secured together and are pivotally secured to the housing in a manner so that the segments may be pivotally moved from a superposed stored position within the housing to an operative warning position outwardly of the housing. The pivotal sign segments define a triangular disabled vehicle warning symbol when in the warning position. The front and rear surfaces of the sign segments have light reflective material thereon.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the alignment and coupling of vehicles. Indicators which are viewable from an operating position in one of the vehicles are separately affixed to each of the vehicles. The vehicles are then maneuvered to bring the indicators into alignment and permit the coupling of one vehicle to the other.

Abstract: A waterproof sealed signal light is mounted on a trailer frame. The signal light has two conductive leads with one of the conductive leads being a massive electrically conductive plate-like member which doubly serves as a mounting member. The mounted light is encompassed within an insulating resin-like material.

Abstract: A seat belt assembly provided with belt webbing, a bracket, a buckle, and a tongue co-operable with the buckle, and one of the bracket, buckle, or tongue is provided with a distortion area which is under stress when the assembly is strained to the first stage of overload.

Abstract: Motor vehicle back-up limit gauging methods and apparatus are disclosed which include a pair of line-of-sight indicators affixed to the left side of the vehicle in such positions that the driver of the vehicle when seated in the driving position may establish a line-of-sight by aligning these indicators through the existing rear view mirror, and may then back his vehicle to a safe distance from a building wall or other marker by halting the backward progress of the vehicle when the aligned indicators coincide with the ground line of the wall, or with the marker.

Abstract: A device for reminding an automobilist to turn off the headlights before exiting the automobile which comprises a plug removably attached to the headlight control knob and means for removably attaching the same plug at a point near the door handle whereby the automobilist will be reminded to remove the plug from the headlight knob when operating the knob and to attach the plug to the door handle where it will be sensed when the automobilist grasps the handle in order to open the door.

Abstract: A supporting frame for use on motor vehicles for supporting highway traffic markers of the type having a flat square base and an elongated brightly colored cone extending vertically therefrom (commonly called traffic cones). The supporting frame is characterized by its ability to be installed on the vehicle in almost any position, e.g., horizontally or vertically. The frame comprises rectangular box-shaped framework having an interior shape fitting the periphery of the square bases of the traffic cones. The frame is open at one end for insertion and removal of traffic cones and has two open sides facilitating removal of said traffic cones. The supporting frame has a ring spaced from the base portion thereof and supported on supporting rods. The ring supports the cone portions of the traffic cones and also provides a point of attachment for the supporting frame to the structural member of the vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus for reminding a driver to turn off automobile headlights before locking the automobile door, comprises a sheath member defining an enclosure for concealing an interior automobile door lock actuating post and removably mountable thereover. A cooperating bracket member is mounted to the sheath member and movable relative thereto for engaging an automobile window slot adjacent to the door lock actuating post. Cooperatively, the bracket acts to maintain the sheath member in position so as to conceal the door lock actuating post. Consequently, the apparatus must be physically removed from the door locking post by the driver in order to actuate the post to its locking position, thereby reminding the driver to turn off the automobile headlights before locking the door.

Abstract: The specification discloses a cup top cover having a reflectorized surface and means for securing the cover not only to the top of a cup, but also to a bicycle whereby waste of the normally disposed of cup top cover is minimized and safety is enhanced.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for indicating the removal of lug nuts from the lug bolts on a vehicular hub mounted rim and tire assembly to provide an indication of whether the rim and tire assembly has been removed which includes operatively associating an indicator member with the lug bolt/lug nut connections holding the rim and tire assembly onto the vehicular hub after the lug nut has been tightened onto the lug bolt to mount the rim and tire assembly so that the indicator member is destroyed beyond reuse if the lug nut with which the indicator member is associated is removed, yet the indicator member does not prevent the lug nut from being removed.

Abstract: A device for mounting, displaying and protecting instruments, such as timers, comprised of a water-tight, buoyant case that can be optionally worn on the person or mounted pivotably in a bracket or holder for remote display. Provision is made for manual operation of enclosed instrument without penetration of seals.

Abstract: A wooden block, upon which an automobile wheel can climb, to facilitate tire chain installation, the block including an inclined ramp at one end, and a pair of transverse grooves across its top for receiving the chain; and the block, in a modified design, including a warning bell, so a wheel does not roll off the opposite end of the block.

Abstract: An attachment for objects provides improved safety by affording increased visibility under a wide range of conditions of ambient illumination. The attachment comprises a device mounted on resilient means affixed to an object which can have some independent motion; the motion of the object is transmitted to the device through the resilient means. The device has dark, reflective light-colored, and fluorescent areas. In one embodiment, the dark, reflective light-colored and fluorescent areas are disposed on a lenticular material, the movement of which causes the appearance of exaggerated movement of the object to which the device is affixed.

Abstract: A plastic information and signalling device having a cross-sectional triangular configuration which is adapted to hang over a partially opened vehicle window to communicate to observers the desired information or signal. The device has pockets into which information and signalling signs may be inserted to visibly display the message on these signs. The device is collapsable into a rectangular shape for convenient storage.

Abstract: A tractor-trailer calculator includes several tractor-trailer indicia portions slidably supported on an elongated support structure at positions to simulate a tractor-trailer vehicle. The indicia portions include a tractor cab portion, a tractor tandem axle portion, a tractor fifth wheel and trailer king pin portion, front and rear trailer portions and a trailer tandem axle portion. Each portion is slidably supported on the support structure in overlapping relation to at least one adjacent portion whereby the overall length of the simulated vehicle and the relative positions of the overlapping portions may be varied to conform to predetermined length requirements for a tractor-trailer vehicle. Measurement devices are associated with the pairs of overlapping indicia portions to indicate their relative positions. Another measurement device is adjustably and slidably supported on the support structure adjacent the indicia portions for measuring various lengths of the simulated tractor-trailer vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a highway safety device and in particular to a device which is constructed and arranged to be removably mounted on the window glass of an automobile such that it extends laterally from the automobile so that it may be readily seen by passing motorists. Briefly, the present device comprises a mounting base and a pole extended from the base. A light is mounted on the end of the pole and a fluorescent flag mounted beneath the light whereby passing motorists may easily see that the motorist is in distress and come to his aid.

Abstract: A device used in aiding stranded and disabled automobiles. In being able to communicate with passing motorists while disabled along the highway. The kit will consist of a rod holder, which mounts on the window rod, and a series of numbers visible to passing motorists which will represent the type of automobile problem you have. This will enable a passing motorist if you are disabled, the nature of the problem and also if he can be of assistance. The kit will also be of assistance to Police Departments and Highway Officials in disposing of your automobile while abandoned along the highway.

Abstract: In order to satisfy safety regulations promulgated by the United States Coast Guard (USCG), the present invention provides a hand-powered, top-action pennant assembly permanently mounted to a stationary portion of a boat, such as a foredeck or the like, for allowing a warning pennant attached to a mast of the assembly to be relocated as required to satisfy U.S.C.G. safety regulations.

Abstract: A vehicle safety device, such as for use with a bicycle, adapted to be mounted adjacent the rear end thereof. The device includes an upstanding flexible mounting shaft, preferably made of a polymeric material, detachably connected at one end to the vehicle and at the other end adapted to mount a signal device. The device includes a symmetrical, irregularly shaped body in transverse cross section having a plurality of integral, radially extending blade-like elements for aerodynamically spinning the body about a vertical axis during operation of the vehicle.

Abstract: A parking guide and signaling device for cars and trucks to assist the driver parking a vehicle safely in a designated parking area comprising a housing section with a window therein which is closed by a pane of transparent sheet material through which indicia can be seen only when the indicia is placed in contact with the rear surface of the pane and with the housing having pivotally mounted therein an actuating lever biased so that the upper end of the actuating arm is normally spaced rearwardly of the pane and having secured to the upper end of the arm a plate with warning indicia on the front surface thereof adapted to be moved into contact with said pane and the lower end of the actuating arm extending forwardly below the housing section and adapted to be moved pivotally rearwardly by a vehicle as it moves into a designated parking area and bringing the warning indicia place into contact with said pane.

Abstract: A signal device is provided that includes a signal flag or reflector mounted at one end of an oscillating pole for providing visual identification of a hazard. The signal device is coated with light reflective material and is mountable to, for example, the roof of a disabled car. The device further includes a spring powered motor capable of oscillating the pole for an extended period.

Abstract: An improved cargo box particularly suited for use in transporting compacted cargo, such as refuse. The cargo box is characterized by a pair of vertically oriented side walls disposed in a pair of forwardly converging planes, a floor of a planar configuration inclined rearwardly, a conveyor traversing the floor including a plurality of endless chains, each being characterized by a plurality of mutually spaced T-bars rigidly affixed thereto, a discharge opening disposed in a transverse plane at the rear end of the box, above the conveyor, a drive unit mounted at the rear of the box, beyond the confines thereof, and a pivotal door, for closing the discharge opening, supported in suspension by a cantilevered pivot in a manner such that the door normally gravitates to an open position.

Abstract: This specification discloses a mile post location system particularly useful with a vehicle having a citizens band radio. The system includes a keyboard having switches which are representative of numbered digits, such that the vehicle operator may input an initial mile post designation indicative of the present location of the vehicle. The keyboard further includes switches to enable the vehicle operator to input incrementing or decrementing instructions. A computer circuit is responsive to the operation of the keyboard switches in order to store the initial mile post designation and the incrementing or decrementing instructions. A transducer is responsive to the distance traveled by the vehicle in order to generate and apply signals to the computer circuit. In response thereto, the computer circuit causes the initial mile post designation to be incremented or decremented in accordance with the stored instructions.

Abstract: A trailer hitch guide intended for use in assisting the driver of an automotive vehicle to align, for hitching purposes, a trailer hitch ball, of the type conventionally carried by an automobile or other automotive hauling vehicle, with a trailer hitch socket, of the type conventionally carried on the tongue of a trailer, the guide being comprised of a pair of identical, highly visible and electrically lightable guide members, one of the guide members being adapted to be temporarily attached to the trailer tongue while the other guide member is adapted to be temporarily attached to the rear of the hauling vehicle whereby both guide members are highly visible through the rear window of the vehicle, during dim lighting conditions and at night as well as during daylight hours, to a vehicle driver seated in the driver's seat during the aligning operation.

Abstract: A fold up spring loaded arm pivotally mounted on a vehicle and housing a folded flag tethered to one end of a second arm pivotally mounted on the free end of the spring loaded arm so as to open up, jack-knife fashion, upon release of the spring loaded arm from latched horizontal position in the vehicle to unfurl and display the flag for full view exteriorly of the vehicles, and manually controlled means in the vehicle for releasing the spring loaded arm from latched position. The warning signal also including an electrically illuminating lamp or lamps on the free end of the second named arm for illuminating the flag and for attracting attention to the warning means by on and off blinking of such lamps when the arms are in raised vertical position.

Abstract: An optical warning device has a sign that is mounted on the inner surface of the lid of a vehicle compartment, and a light source that illuminates the sign.

Abstract: This invention relates to a trailer guide for visually assisting the driver in manually operating the steering mechanism of a vehicle-trailer combination during travel in the reverse direction. The indicator comprises a frame for being coupled to the steering mechanism of the car and two spaced pivots coupled to the frame. A first longitudinal indicator is pivotally coupled to the first pivot and a second longitudinal indicator is pivotally coupled to the second pivot. One end of the first longitudinal indicator is movably coupled to an adjacent end of the second longitudinal indicator such that the combination of the first and second longitudinal indicators will predict the movement of the motorized vehicle and the trailer coupled thereto when the combination is moving in a reverse direction and the steering mechanism is operated.

Abstract: A visually detectable warning device particularly suited for use by cyclists in attracting the attention of others, particularly motorists. The device is characterized by a flexible staff adapted to be mounted on a bicycle, a transparent housing rotatably mounted on the staff, and a lamp and reflector mounted in the housing for directing therefrom a sweeping beam of light from the housing. The housing is characterized by an annular array of uniformly spaced vanes which serves to impart to the housing rotary motion in response to an impinging stream of air resulting from motion imparted to the bicycle.

Abstract: A guide to assist a driver to park in an enclosure such as a residential garage. This includes a vertically depending lever which, when contacted by the bumper of the approaching vehicle, simultaneously actuates an audible and a visible signal to apprise the driver of his progress. The audible signal is a bell which is sounded by first cocking and then releasing a spring hammer. The visible signal is a rectangular reflector supported on a shaft which is cam operated to pivot through 90.degree. so that its full face is in front of the driver to indicate proximity to the impending garage wall. The reflector's mounting post also supports a small brightly colored sphere which may be used as a reference to indicate the center of the parking lane to the driver.

Abstract: A sighting device is mounted within the driver's compartment of a vehicle to assist in the accurate driving of the vehicle. A sight member provided with an opening is carried on one end of a telescopically extensible arm. The extensible arm and a swivel connection permit the sight member to be adjusted to a position in which it may be sighted through toward the dividing line of the road to give the vehicle driver an indication of the position of the vehicle relative to the center of the lane in which it is driven. A tinted glass for reducing glare and shimmer is removably mounted to overlie the opening by a clamp device.

Abstract: An arrangement for supporting a reflector on a bicycle includes a special washer and a reflector attaching bracket, the washer and bracket are held between a brake unit and a front fork crown or a seat stay bridge by a center bolt. The special washer is provided with a hole for allowing the center bolt to penetrate therethrough and, on one face thereof, a concave surface is formed complementary to a curved surface on the front fork crown or a seat stay bridge. A lapping portion of the reflector attaching bracket which is brought into contact with the special washer is provided with a cut-out space for allowing the center bolt to penetrate therethrough and the lower end of the same is formed into a folded end adapted to catch the lower edge of the special washer. This makes it possible to assemble the reflector attaching bracket without making any changes in a conventional brake unit, front fork and frame.

Abstract: This invention is a warning flag and holder used as a safety device for motorists on the road.

Abstract: There is disclosed a vehicle indicating mechanism, in the form of a parking guide, for gauging the back clearance of an automobile or similar vehicle. The parking guide includes a hollow, translucent guide rod, which is movable responsive to a motor within a control box, from a substantially horizontal position, adjacent to the back bumper of the vehicle, to a substantially vertical position, extending upwardly from the corner of the bumper. The guide rod is illuminated by a light within the control box when the rod is in the vertical position, thereby also enabling the rod to be viewed by the driver and used as a guide for parking the automobile, at night.

Abstract: The invention relates to an easy-fit signal unit for motor vehicle, this unit being disposed in a bumper section of moulded flexible material comprising a cavity for receiving said unit and means for retaining matching means formed on said unit. In said signal unit, the retaining means comprise male and female snap-action means formed at registering locations on said unit and on a deformable wall of said receiving cavity of said bumper section.

Abstract: A reflective surface for positioning on the frame of a bicycle has at least two sides thereof positioned in closely spaced relationship to the sides of the bicycle frame. The generally planar member is luminescent and has a pattern disposed thereon to further improve its visibility.

Abstract: A protective enclosure and position warning device for the lower drive gear unit of outboard motors carried by boats and for the outdrive portion of inboard/outdrive type boat engines comprises an enclosure formed of water impervious material which is adapted to be fitted about the drive unit of a marine engine for protection of the drive unit from deterioration by water, dirt, dust, etc. The enclosure is provided with closure means that secures the enclosure in assembly with the drive unit and is also provided with a reinforced drain opening that will allow any water that might enter the enclosure to exit by way of the drain. The material from which the enclosure is composed is of a color that is highly visible during the light of day and the material is also light reflective, enabling the protective enclosure to be readily seen when lighted by the light of automotive head lamps at night.

Abstract: This is a lock which can be quickly and easily attached to the locking groove of the king pin of a trailer to block entrance of the king pin into the attaching slot of the "fifth wheel" of a tractor, the lock having a pair of pivotally connected pin-surrounding locking segments with a snap-in lock element to hold the segments in closed position and also incorporating a safety warning sign to indicate the presence of the lock on the king pin and prevent inadvertent damage to the lock or the tractor unit.

Abstract: A parking guide adapted to be mounted alongside the back wall of a garage which includes an elongate member which is pivotally mounted to extend into the path of the forwardmost portion of the vehicle and into full view of the driver so that movement will be imparted to the elongate member in full view of the driver as the vehicle moves to the desired parking position.

Abstract: A device for indicating the presence and distance required to clear a velocipede is provided which is attached easily to the velocipede, for example, a bicycle, on a frame member or a luggage carrier, the luggage carrier being mounted to a suitable structural member of the bicycle. The device includes indicating means and means for providing a storage position for the indicating means. The indicating means may be displayed on either or both sides of the bicycle. The indicating means is designed to be spring mounted to a support member attached to the bicycle frame, or to the end of a standard bicycle luggage carrier on bicycles so equipped.

Abstract: A safety signal device for bicycles and the like includes a shield member which is mounted on an elongate support member and provides a flag type safety warning, visible over hills or the like, of an approaching vehicle. A rotatable reflector, visible from behind the vehicle, is mounted rearwardly of the air shield in such a position that a portion thereof is shielded from the air flowing relative to the device and another portion is in the air flow to cause rotation of the reflector.

Abstract: A simple, inexpensive and easily installed bracket securely mounts a bicycle light reflector to the frame of a bicycle. The bracket, particularly suitable for use with a bicycle having caliper brakes, comprises: a slotted mounting portion adapted to be inserted between a cross member for joining bicycle frame portions and a brake arm bridge of a caliper brake mounted to the cross member by means of a center bolt, an upper forked end portion formed integrally with the mounting portion and substantially normal thereto in a forward direction and adapted to overlie the cross member, a lower arcuate cross-section portion formed integrally with the mounting portion and substantially normal thereto and being adapted to extend rearwardly beneath the caliper brake bridge, and an end portion integrally formed with the lower portion remote from the forked end portion and having means for mounting the reflector in substantially vertical position.

Abstract: A device for attaching to the underside of an internal combustion engine accelerator which is compressed during depressing of the accelerator. A rate of accelerator depression faster than that efficiently necessary causes the device to emit an audible signal indicating excessively rapid accelerator movement such as causes the wasting of gasoline. The device comprises an expansible chamber motor in the form of a bellows having a reed type sound producing element actuated by air forced from the bellows during accelerator depression.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved sign which may be quickly and easily detachably secured to an automobile body by being inserted into the space between the trunk lid or front hood and the fenders of the automobile. The flat rigid sign is between 1/8 and 3/8 inches in thickness and may be formed of a corrugated cardboard panel sandwiched between two flat cardboard panels and covered by a smooth vinyl coating to be resilient to pressure from the side. It is attached to the automobile by being manually depressed into the vertical space until its lower edge abuts on a horizontal portion of one of the members forming the space, in which position it is retained substantially vertically by being resiliently engaged between the sides of the space. In a preferred embodiment, the sign has a flexible lower edge portion provided by the vinyl covering extending downward beneath the cardboard panels, which is bent sideways to engage one of the members defining the space.

Abstract: A bicycle safety device which indicates not only the presence of a bicycle but the minimum distance that should be maintained by other vehicles in passing the bicycle; the safety device includes a vertical member attachable at its bottom end to the frame of a bicycle and a horizontal member attached to, and cantilevered from, the top end of the vertical member, said horizontal member having a marker at its distal end to indicate the recommended minimum distance other vehicles should maintain from the bicycle when passing.

Abstract: A substantial arch; attached to handlebars or front portion of any cycle; having reflective, illuminative, or decorative attachments; the purpose of which is to make the cycle highly visible at a distance, to other vehicular drivers.