Abstract: An isolation apparatus reduces vibrations and destructive twisting forces otherwise transmitted between an automotive vehicle body and roof. A striker isolator and a roof pivot isolator are provided. Furthermore, a hinge isolator is provided between a pair of foldable roof sections. These isolators are ideally suited for use in combination with convertible roofs.

Abstract: A hinge for a door or hatch of a motor vehicle has two hinge halves (1, 2), one (1) of which has a pivot pin (6) and the other (2) of which has a bearing portion (9) pivotally mounted on the pivot pin (6). The pivot pin (6) has a spherical end portion (11), onto which the bearing portion (9) fits with a complementary shaped cavity, and a narrower neck portion (12). A lock (18) cooperates with the neck portion (12) of the pivot pin (6) and the bearing portion (9) to lock the hinge halves (1, 2) against relative movement in the axial direction of the pivot pin (6). The bearing portion (9) has a bearing sleeve (13) journalled on the pivot pin (6), including the complementary shaped cavity therein. A bearing housing (15) has an inside surface which fits over an outside surface of the bearing sleeve (13), and a fastener (16) detachably fastens the bearing sleeve (13) to the bearing housing (15).

Abstract: There is described an improved hinge including first and second spaced apart tangs, an aperture formed through each of the two tangs to be in axial alignment with one another, and a third tang disposed between the first and second tangs. A resilient grommet is supported by and extends axially through the third tang, spacing it from the first and second tangs. The grommet has a cylindrical aperture formed therethrough for axial alignment with the apertures formed through each of the first and second tangs. A hinge pin is inserted through the aperture in the first and second tangs and the cylindrical aperture through the grommet, thereby interconnecting the first, second and third tangs in hinged relationship about the hinge pin.

Abstract: A pivotal connection between a handle and a housing, where the handle includes a cylindrical opening, and the housing includes a pair of cylindrical openings on opposite sides of the housing and concentric with the handle opening. A sleeve with a central tubular opening is disposed within the housing and handle openings, and has an outer diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the housing and handle openings. A cylindrical pin has an outer diameter greater than the inner diameter of the sleeve tubular opening and is wedged into the sleeve tubular opening to bulge the sleeve outwardly into beveled portions of the handle opening. The connection is formed by first aligning the handle between housing portions so that openings therethrough are disposed substantially concentric to one another. Then, a tubular sleeve is located within the housing and handle openings. Finally, a pin having an outer diameter greater than the inner diameter of the tubular sleeve opening is wedged into the sleeve opening.

Abstract: A hinge assembly means for connecting a float to a base includes a male member means connected to one of the base and the float having a cylindrical outwardly extending boss and a female member means connected to the other of the base and the float having a cylindrical, inwardly-extending recess. A resilient, rubber-like bearing sleeve means encircles and engages the outer circumference of the boss and is of a thickness to fit between the boss and the recess to rotatably attach the recess about the outer circumference of the sleeve.

Abstract: A pivot assembly has a substantial amount of inherent frictional torque. A shaft has a clearance space between itself and a wall of its journal hole. A pliable tubular bushing is axially compressed within the shaft clearance space to create rotational friction between the shaft and the bearing journal. Such an assembly has diverse applications in areas such as the swivel for sailboat tiller extensions, toilet seat lid hinges, and hinged covers for electronic cabinets or other equipment.

Abstract: A radar loaded, hollow yacht mast is disclosed which is pivoted at the bottom to the deck by a tri-sectioned elastomeric torsion spring hinge assembly in which the torsion is produced by relative rotation between the inner section and the two outer sections. The torsional resistance of the hinge assembly prevents the mast from falling when the bolts and stays are removed and the restoring force in the spring elastomer when the mast is pivoted flat to the deck assists in raising the mast back into its upright position. A hollow, flanged mounting connecting the hollow mast to the movable section of the hinge assembly prevents sea water from entering the hollows. Provisions are provided for pre-loading the hinge spring with a torsional stress in either direction when the hinge is closed.

Abstract: A foot propelled land craft is provided with a steering post and body section coupled together by a resilient, elastic length of material which serves as both a hinge for steering and as a shock absorber. The body section has a seat located above a deck. Preferably fenders are provided at either side of the front of the body section to fend off branches or foliage which may project into the path of travel.

Abstract: A hinge structure for automobile hoods, including a first bracket fixedly connected to the automobile hood, a second bracket fixedly connected to an automobile body, a link mechanism rotatably supporting both brackets by a link mechanism, an urging mechanism for urging the first bracket into the raising direction thereof, the hinge structure characterized in that a link connecting member having an elastic portion is fixed to the autobomile body at the rotating position of the link mechanism upon fully opening the automobile hood and the link mechanism is connected to the link connecting member by bending the elastic member.

Abstract: A hinge for doors and the like is provided in which an un-headed hinge pin is held frictionally in the axial passage through a cylindrical plastic retainer which is centrally positioned between, and is aligned with, interlocking bosses which extend toward each other from the two leaves of the hinge. Interfitting locking means are also provided in the two leaves whereby the hinge may be locked in closed position.