Abstract: A safety guard is provided for preventing a wheel from coming off the body of a vehicle. The safety guard includes a first attachment releasably secured to the body on one side of the wheel and a second attachment releasably secured to the body on a transversely opposing side of the wheel. A restraining member is removably secured in a transversely slidable engagement with and between the first and second attachments and immediately adjacent an outer face of the wheel so as to prevent movement of the wheel away from the body.

Abstract: A wheel restraint safety system has a frame having a perimeter size to surround a wheel assembly, and mounted for spacing the frame about the wheel assembly. The frame has a pair of sidebars connected to a pair of end gates forming a generally rectangular outline. The end gates are hingedly connected to one of the sidebars and releasably lockable to the other of the sidebars. The gates provide access to the wheel assembly. The frame has a sensor for detecting unbalanced rotation of a wheel of the wheel assembly.

Abstract: Protective apparatus for the sidewall of the bed of a pickup truck equipped with tool boxes is disclosed. An elongate rail is mounted to the top of the sidewall by non-invasive means and one or more skirt members may be selectively, detachably mounted to the rail when desired to overlie the sidewall below the tool boxes. In an alternative embodiment a tool box for the bed of a pickup truck has a detachable skirt member mounted to the sidewall of the tool box and depending downward to overlie the truck's sidewall.

Abstract: A trailer tire retaining rail is provided including a trailer having an axle with at least one inflatable wheel rotatable mounted to each end thereof. A plurality of rail assemblies each have an outboard member mounted to the trailer adjacent to an outboard end of an associated wheel and an inboard member mounted to the trailer adjacent to an inboard end of an associated wheel.

Abstract: In a bumper side supporting structure of the present invention, an outer panel of a wheel house is extended toward the outside of a body beyond an outer panel of a side body, and a bumper side is fastened to the extended portion via a supporting bracket.

Abstract: The invention provides a truck wheel containment frame, for enclosing and containing disengaged wheels of a vehicle within an interior of the frame. The frame includes support posts extending from the truck body and disposed laterally outward of the wheels. Containment bars or sheet metal span between each adjacent post for containing a disengaged wheel within the interior of the frame bounded the containment bars, the vehicular body and a roadway surface. The containment bars are disposed above the roadway a distance less than the thickness of a disengaged wheel. Releasable fasteners releasably connect the containment bars to the support posts. Preferably the truck wheel containment frame includes sensors for sensing the presence of a disengaged truck wheel within the interior of the frame. The invention may be applied to any type of truck such as a truck trailer combination multi-trailer assemblies, cement trucks, dump truck, liquid transport trailers and others.

Abstract: A bumper system for a go-kart has a plurality of bumper sections. The bumper section has a sufficient rigidity that displacement to one bumper section transmits motion to other bumper sections. A plurality of shock absorbers are provided, for example, rubber elements connected between the bumper sections and the frame. Consequently, impact at any one point is transmitted throughout the bumper system so that all the shock absorbers assist in absorbing the impact, rather than just the shock absorbers immediately adjacent the impact point. For the rear bumper system transverse motions guides are provided to support a rear bumper section, and to maintain the various bumper sections about a horizontal plane relative to the frame, while permitting the necessary horizontal motions, both longitudinally and laterally. The bumper sections may be connected together at their ends by pivots. Alternatively, the bumper sections may be continuous.

Abstract: A protective assembly for all terrain vehicles comprising a front end protector dimensioned to protect substantially all of the front end. It also comprises side rails having front and back ends which are parallel to and spaced away from the sides of the all terrain vehicle which tubular side rails are shaped to receive and have mounted thereon auxiliary front and rear fenders. There is also present a debris deflecting running board. Optional features are rear wheel mud guards and a high intensity light mounted on the steering assembly and a flood light on the rear of the vehicle.

Abstract: Protective apparatus for the sidewall of the bed of a pickup truck equipped with tool boxes is disclosed. An elongate rail is mounted to the top of the sidewall by non-invasive means and one or more skirt members may be selectively, detachably mounted to the rail when desired to overlie the sidewall below the tool boxes. In an alternative embodiment a tool box for the bed of a pickup truck has a detachable skirt member mounted to the sidewall of the tool box and depending downward to overlie the truck's sidewall.

Abstract: A buffered guard clearance system for riding and manually pushed powered trowels adapted to allow finishing of a slab surface immediately adjacent an obstacle. The system comprises a movable wing displaceably coupled to the trowel guard cage and a buffer system mounted thereto. The wing is displaceable between a deployed position generally aligned with a lower ring of the cage and a retracted position. When retracted, an unguarded segment of the trowel rotor sweep is established that allows the finishing blades to be deployed immediately adjacent a wall or other obstacle. A displaceable coupling for moving the wing between the deployed position and the retracted position extends from the cage to the wing. The coupling comprises a sliding crossmember mounted on two spaced-apart brackets fixed to the cage. The crossmember supports the wing. The coupling may alternatively comprise electromechanical elements for displacing the wing between deployed and retracted positions.

Abstract: A bumper beam which can be formed easily by simple bending works is provided. The bumper beam is formed into a U-shaped sectional shape having a vertical wall and upper and lower horizontal walls connected to the vertical wall by bending a sheet of metal plate. Each lengthwise end portion of the metal plate is formed with upper and lower tapering horizontal wall extension parts and an intermediate part separated from the horizontal wall extension parts by cut-out spaces. The intermediate part comprises upper and lower horizontal wall remaining parts separated from the horizontal wall extension parts by the cut-out spaces and a vertical wall extension part. The intermediate part is bent toward opening side of the U-shaped section with the horizontal wall remaining parts stacked and welded to the horizontal wall extension parts.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting the side of a vehicle comprises a sheet of impact absorbing material such as foam which is bonded to a sheet of magnetic material, such as magnetic material embedded in a thin flexible polymer matrix. The apparatus is encased in a cover and is cross stitched to form a series of panels which are separated by fold lines.

Abstract: In order to arrange molded parts such as bumpers or their trim for automotive vehicles with maximum integration into the body, i.e. in order to attain a most extensively contour-hugging transition from the sheet-metal to the plastic geometry of the vehicles, the juncture between the topside of the molded part and the body panel located thereabove must be kept as narrow as possible. For this purpose, a guide rail to be attached to the body panel of the vehicle is provided which has an elongated slot formed between two webs. The molded part is inserted with a sliding seat with its strip-shaped projection into the elongated slot. The thickness of the top web determines the dimension of the juncture, i.e. the web serves as a spacer.

Abstract: Safety device for forklift trucks comprises a bumper fixed to a telescopic support fitted to the vehicle chassis, the support being able to traverse and rotate to a limited extent in relation to the chassis. The support is connected to equipment designed to activate devices which stop the vehicle if the movements and/or rotations of the support exceed a preset value.

Abstract: Disclosed is a protective strip assembly for use in protecting walls, cabinets, display stands, and the like from impact by shopping carts and the like in retail outlets. The assembly comprises an elongate base member and an overfitting protective trim member held together by opposed interlocking ridges and notches. The overfitting protective trim member absorbs shock as opposed leg members resiliently spread transversely to the axis of the strip assembly at interfitting sliding surfaces. The base member includes downwardly extending side walls. The base member further includes support members which occupy a space formed between the mounting surface and trim connector portion.

Abstract: A cover which covers the top and glassed area of a vehicle and includes hard, impact resistant panels to cover windows of the vehicle against breakage. The cover may be associated with bars which are stowed beneath the doors of the vehicle and which are movable upwardly to a position outwardly of the sides of the vehicle. When in the upper position, the bars protect the sides of the vehicle and prevent the doors from being opened. Controlling the bars are cables which are motor driven. Brackets extend outwardly from the cables to mount the bars. A locking latch may also ride within slits in the door and door jam to prevent the door of the vehicle from being opened when the system is in the operative position. With the protection bars in the up position, the cover may be attached thereto.

Abstract: Disclosed is a protective strip assembly for use in protecting walls, cabinets, display stands, and the like from impact by shopping carts and the like in retail outlets. The assembly comprises an elongate base member and an overfitting protective trim member held together by opposed interlocking ridges and notches. The overfitting protective trim member absorbs shock as opposed leg members resiliently spread transversely to the axis of the strip assembly at interfitting sliding surfaces. Optional inwardly deformable latching elements may be included in the base member to permit the trim member to be fitted during installation directly adjacent an abutting wall or other obstruction.

Abstract: An engine compartment at the rear of a skid steer loader is enclosed by a rear door fabricated of sheet material and having a generally horizontally extending channel formed near its lower edge. Left and right corner bumper members molded from elastomer material have recesses formed in their back sides and are fastened to the door by bolts. Each bumper member includes a rear section which fits within and extends outwardly from the channel, and a side section which extends outwardly from the side of the door.

Abstract: A spring mounted molding is provided for a vehicle on the body adjacent to a wrap-around end portion of the bumper. The molding and end portion of the bumper have mating cam surfaces. When the bumper moves towards the vehicle upon impact, the mating camming surfaces interact causing the molding to be deflected outwardly and the end portion of the bumper to slide therebeneath thus avoiding damage to the parts. Upon retraction of the bumper to its normal position, the spring mounting causes the molding to return to its normal position lying against the body of the vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus for absorbing and relieving the shock inflicted from outside at the time of collision of a car which covers the majority of the covering portions that may be contacted from outside by tubular air sheets in which pressed air of helium gas is filled. Each of the front and rear bumpers comprises three bumpers members each for low, medium and high pressure shock absorption with different volumes and gas capacity. Each of the front and rear bumpers and the left and right side panels are interconnected by longitudinal and transverse gas circulation pipes that the gase of each air sheet can be dispersed when the shock is inflicted, thereby enhancing the shock absorption effect thereof. The gas circulation tubes are interconnected by a gas circulation controller which controls the circulation of gas.

Abstract: The invention features, either separately or in combination, a mounting member and an elongated strip of resilient material which strip is secured in and partially surrounds the mounting member, where the resilient strip member has a semi-cylindrical body with a pair of circumferentially facing edge portions. The resilient strip also includes a pair of oppositely disposed, radially-inwardly extending latch members, each extending longitudinally of the latch member and located between one of the edge portions and a point away from the mid-line of the semi-cylindrical body. The mounting member includes a web portion having a pair of oppositely disposed web-latch extensions extending across a chord of the semi-cylindrical body, substantially parallel to a tangent to the circumference of the semi-cylindrical body at its mid-line, and at least one leg member extending from the web portion away from the semi-cylindrical body.

Abstract: A bumper facia attachment structure is provided for application to automotive vehicles having a bumper facia unit mounted over a structural bumper. The bumper facia is the type having end pieces extending around the front and/or rear of the vehicle. The end pieces are attached by way of a fastener to a generally C-shaped retainer clip mounted on the lateral sheet metal fenders of the automotive vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle bumper of molded construction and with wrap-around ends is mounted on a vehicle by two push-fit post/socket joints at the front (or rear) of the vehicle and by two side extension connectors which include secure fastenings. The side connectors can have a snap-fit feature for initial location of the bumper, with the snap-fit location being subsequently backed up by insertion of a threaded fastener. The push-fit joints require no additional securing device.

Abstract: A bumper arrangement for vehicles is disclosed, particularly for passenger vehicles and the like. The bumper arrangement includes a dimensionally stable support and an elastic covering forming the end area of the vehicle body. The covering extends at a distance from the support and is fastened locally at the body, a recess being provided at the covering for receiving a license plate. So that the tool costs for the covering are reduced while taking into account specific requirements of different countries and to also ensure that the covering exhibits a good performance, can be mounted easily and is also repair-friendly, the elastic covering comprises several parts that are joined together in transverse direction of the vehicle.

Abstract: The invention features, either separately or in combination, a mounting member and an elongated strip of resilient material which strip is secured in and partially surrounds the mounting member, where the resilient strip member has a semi-cylindrical body with a pair of circumferentially facing edge portions. The resilient strip also includes a pair of oppositely disposed, radially-inwardly extending latch members, each extending longitudinally of the latch member and located between one of the edge portions and a point away from the mid-line of the semi-cylindrical body. The mounting member includes a web portion having a pair of oppositely disposed web-latch extendions extending across a chord of the semi-cylindrical body, substantially parallel to a tangent to the circumference of the semi-cylindrical body at its mid-line, and at least one leg member extending from the web portion away from the semi-cylindrical body.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is a bumper assembly for a vehicle, particularly for a truck or the like. The bumper assembly comprises an elongate main bumper part, a side bumper part bolted to each longitudinal end of the main bumper part at generally right angles, and a reinforcing stay having one end bolted to the main bumper part and the other end bolted to the side bumper part in a manner to form a diagonal beam in building construction.

Abstract: A movable molding is provided for a vehicle on the vehicle body adjacent to a wrap-around end portion of the bumper. The molding and end portion of the bumper have mating abutment walls through which these elements are fastened together. When the bumper moves towards the vehicle upon impact, the molding is thereby caused to move therewith. Slide elements are provided between the molding and vehicle body for sliding of the molding along the body. A fastening element attaches the molding to the bumper end portion. The fastening element comprises a tensioned flexible cable which permits vertical movement of the bumper end portion with respect to the molding.

Abstract: A movable molding is provided for a vehicle on the vehicle body adjacent to a wrap-around end portion of the bumper. The molding and end portion of the bumper have mating abutment walls through which these elements are fastened together. When the bumper moves towards the vehicle upon impact, the molding is thereby caused to move therewith. Slide means are provided between the molding and vehicle body for sliding of the molding along the body. A cam surface is provided in the sliding structure which causes the end of the molding remote from the bumper end porton to move away from the vehicle body and thereby avoid damaging contact with any outwardly projecting vehicle body structure which lies in the path of the molding.

Abstract: A movable molding is provided for a vehicle on the vehicle body adjacent to a wrap-around end portion of the bumper. The molding and end portion of the bumper have mating abutment walls through which these elements are fastened together. When the bumper moves towards the vehicle upon impact, the molding is thereby caused to move therewith. Slide means are provided between the molding and vehicle body for sliding of the molding along the body. Fastening means attach the molding to the bumper end portion. The fastening means aid in easy assembly and permit vertical movement of the bumper end portion while the molding remains stationary.

Abstract: A spring mounted molding is provided for a vehicle on the body adjacent to a wrap-around end portion of the bumper. The molding and end portion of the bumper have mating cam surfaces. When the bumper moves toward the vehicle upon impact, the mating camming surfaces interact causing the molding to be deflected outwardly and the end portion of the bumper to slide therebeneath thus avoiding damage to the parts. Upon retraction of the bumper to its normal position, the spring mounting causes the molding to return to its normal position lying against the body of the vehicle. A spring urged extension is telescopically received in the end of the molding and defines the molding camming surface. The extension takes up any space between the molding and the end portion of the bumper.

Abstract: A movable molding is provided for a vehicle on the body adjacent to the wrap-around end portion of the bumper. The molding and end portion of the bumper have mating abutment surfaces. When the bumper moves towards the vehicle upon impact, the mating abutment surfaces interact causing the molding to be moved against the action of a spring along a slide element thus avoiding damage to the parts. Upon retraction of the bumper to its normal position, the spring biases the molding back to its normal position lying against the body of the vehicle.

Abstract: The bumper system of the present invention is of a modular design wherein two substantially identical, laterally extending members are secured at their laterally innermost ends to define an integrated bumper device and wherein each module includes an energy absorbing hollow core element formed of a relatively rigid, though deflectable, high strength plastic material mounted in front of and upon a relatively stiff transverse support beam member which is, in turn, adapted to be secured to a vehicle frame through a suitable rearwardly extending bracket structure and which energy absorbing element and support beam are encapsulated in an elastomeric outer skin layer.

Abstract: The bumper system of the present invention is of a modular design wherein two substantially identical laterally extending members are secured at their laterally innermost ends to define an integrated bumper device and wherein each module includes a relatively soft and resilient material mounted in front of and upon a relatively stiff, though deflectable, transverse support beam member which is, in turn, adapted to be secured to a vehicle frame through a suitable rearwardly extending bracket structure.

Abstract: The lateral end sections of a bumper each carry a sliding member with a U-shaped cross-sectional profile. The two legs of each are surrounded in fork-like fashion by the legs of a retaining member attached to the vehicle body also having a U-shaped cross-sectional profile. The legs of the sliding member each are provided with an intermediate layer of a rubber-elastic material. On the inside of the legs of the retaining member, inclined surfaces are provided which are inclined in mirror-image symmetry to a plane of symmetry of the U-shaped cross-sectional profile of the retaining member and which extend toward the base. These inclined surfaces respectively include a curvature. A second curvature adjoins this first-mentioned curvature.

Abstract: A bumper bar for a motor vehicle comprises a main body portion 1 of moulded plastics material extending transversely across the motor vehicle and having along at least part of its length two opposed walls 4, 5 connected into a box girder structure, and end portions 2 moulded integrally with the main body portion and projecting from each end thereof to extend along the sides of the vehicle; a first pair of transversely spaced connectors 10 for securing the main body portion 1 to the vehicle; a second pair of connectors 35 for securing respective end portions 2 to the vehicle and each comprising a bracket 36 projecting from the end portion to space the end portion transversely from the vehicle and a fastener 44 for securing the bracket to the vehicle; and a third pair of connectors 56 each for securing a respective end portion 2 to the vehicle and comprising a bracket 61 mounted at a desired level on the vehicle, and a locating part 57 fixed to the end portion 2 and forming a snap engagement with the bracket 61

Abstract: A thermosetting adhesive sheet is described, comprising a thermosetting resin sheet-shaped prepreg with a reinforcing material embedded therein, and a flattened tubular material provided on one side of the prepeg, said flattened tubular material being capable of nearly recovering the original tubular form on heating and being narrower in width than the prepreg. The prepreg may be of the two-layer structure comprising a first thermosetting resin composition layer and a second thermosetting resin composition layer.

Abstract: Disclosed is an energy absorbing bumper formed of curved sections manufactured by pultrusion. The sections have perpendicular borders whose raised edges are connected by closure plates in areas of high stress. The face of the section can be formed with ripples so as to insure that reinforcing wires remain in areas subjected to high stresses.

Abstract: In an automotive door side molding structure including a metallic molding base member provided along the waistline of a door panel, and end caps fitted thereover, the end caps are constructed to prevent the metallic molding base member from being struck by or disposed in direct contact with the door sash, thereby preventing formation of rust which might otherwise be caused, while at the same time providing a good appearance at the ends of the structure.

Abstract: A small snowmobile frame has an upper plate which is pressed down from two side edges to form respective side plates and laterally projecting foot plates. These plates terminate at the rear end of the frame. Dampers made of elastic material include a recess to receive the rear end of at least the respective foot plate and cover the rear ends of the side and foot plates. They can be held to the frame by screws.

Abstract: Guard molding for outer surfaces of a car prevents damage of the finished body due to light contact with other cars and the like. Some end portions of the guard molding are formed as stepped recesses so as not to interfere with adjacent parts or to refine the appearance. A plate-like end cap is adhered on the stepped end surface to prevent exposure of hollow inner space of the molding and the material filled in the space.

Abstract: A retainer assembly for and method of securing a molding strip to an exterior automobile panel which includes a body engaged with the molding strip and having a surface which confronts the automobile panel. A double surface adhesive sheet is on part of the body surface and a liquid bonding agent on another part. The adhesive sheet holds the molding strip on the automobile panel while the liquid bonding agent solidifies. Thereafter, both the adhesive sheet and the bonding agent hold the molding strip in place.

Abstract: The device is provided for improving the guiding of the lateral parts of a bumper and preventing the lateral parts from bearing against the fender of the vehicle, which occurs in conventional devices. The device comprises a case which is fixed to the fender and has a lateral wall which has a shape which conforms to the shape of the corresponding lateral part of the bumper and an inner end. Sufficient clearance is provided between the end of the lateral part of the bumper and the inner end of the case to allow the movement of the bumper inwardly of the case.

Abstract: Integral formation of an elastic layer at the contact surface of a molding to a car body assures a reliable fitting of a molding to a car body avoiding the possibility of said molding becoming detached even though the fitting part of the car body is irregular in dimension and profile and prevents generation of noise from the fitted molding or damage of car body due to the fitting of a molding.

Abstract: A rub rail assembly for a vehicle such as a boat is the subject of the present invention. An extrusion presents a channel that receives a resilient bumper strip. The bumper strip is designed so that deformation of it in an inwardly direction will actually lodge the strip more firmly within the channel. An integral extension of the channel presents a coupling for securing a line to the rail assembly. A second coupling is adapted to be complementally joined with the first coupling for attaching the line.

Abstract: A trim molding strip for a vehicle is provided. The molding strip comprises a synthetic resin body member having a central portion and first and second end portions at the ends of the center portion. A metal foil is bonded to the body member and the metal foil covers the central portion of the body member and at least a part of the first and second end portions. A soft plastic protective layer is bonded to the metal foil only on the portion of the metal foil which covers the first and second end portions of the body member. The protective layer covers at least a portions of the metal foil which cover the part of the first and second end portions of the body, and the protective layer is adapted for forming a protective layer between the metal foil and the surface of the vehicle at the first and second end portions of the body member.

Abstract: A bumper assembly for a vehicle comprises a center section adapted to lie along the width of the vehicle and two side sections connected to respective ends of the center section and adapted to lie along respective sides of the vehicle. Each section has a supporting metal beam and a superposed polyurethane moulding. The center section additionally has a superposed decorative steel finisher connected to the beam in a relatively displaceable manner. The side sections are connected at their ends remote from the center section by spring pivotal radius arms to the vehicle body. In the event of an impact, the side sections pivot away from the vehicle body on their radius arms against the action of the associated springs and the metal beam moves relative to the finisher against the action of a further spring. On removal of the impact force the parts of the assembly return to their original positions under the action of the various springs.

Abstract: A stone guard to protect the outwardly flared, curved edge of the rear fender of an automobile bordering the wheel opening against stone chipping. The stone guard comprises a body section having a cross-sectional configuration to conform to the contour of the portion of the fender bordering the curved edge, and the forward edge of the body section terminates in a flange which is positioned against the door jamb of the automobile. Extending downwardly from the body section is a lower flange which is adapted to be attached to the rocker panel of the automobile. Both the upper and rear edges of the body section are tapered in cross section and are disposed adjacent the curved edge of the fender bordering the wheel opening. Adhesive strips serve to secure the body section to the fender of the automobile.

Abstract: Trim for an automobile characterized in that a thin metal layer is integrally laminated on the surface of a substrate consisting of plastic, and said metal layer is partially or wholly coated with a soft PVC resin composition and thus a trim for an automobile with a matt surface is obtained by setting a specific value of viscometric degree of polymerization in said PVC resin composition.

Abstract: The vehicle of the present invention has an ovular shape and is supported by four wheels which are arranged with one wheel in the forward position, one wheel in the rearward position, and two wheels at the lateral sides of the vehicle. A flexible bumper surrounds the vehicle and is rotatably mounted by bearing means to the vehicle so that the bumper can rotate with respect to the vehicle. The vehicle includes a folding shutter roof and seats which can fold up to form a bed for sleeping. The vehicle includes a tow bar which is retractable, and further includes means associated with the front wheel for minimizing the tendency of the vehicle to dip adjacent the forward end thereof whenever braking occurs.