Abstract: A hinge assembly includes an upper hinge section having a circumferential wall structure and a top plate and a lower hinge section having a circumferential wall structure and a bottom plate, the upper and lower hinge sections fitting together to form a single cylindrical hinge structure. A hinge bracket includes a generally flat plate and upper and lower bracket cylinders mounted thereto, the hinge bracket operative to pivotably connect the upper and lower hinge sections. The upper and lower bracket cylinders are arranged on the plate such that when the lower bracket cylinder is pivoted about a lower hinge pin mounted in the lower hinge section, rotational movement of the hinge bracket is restricted by contact of the hinge plate with a forward edge of the lower hinge section. The hinge assembly may be mounted on the frame of the vehicle and to the tilt-forward hood of the vehicle to permit freer access to the engine compartment of the vehicle than that previously available in the prior art.

Abstract: A bicycle storage frame for storing fluids includes a hollow fluid-tight frame section having a wall structure and an internal fluid chamber and at least one liquid fill opening formed in the wall structure accessing the internal fluid chamber of the frame section. At least one gas fill valve extends through the wall structure to access the internal fluid chamber for inputting of pressurized gas into the frame section and at least one liquid release valve extends through the wall structure accessing the internal fluid chamber for release of liquid held within the frame section. At least one gas release valve extends through the wall structure accessing the internal fluid chamber for releasing pressurized gas from within the frame structure and a gas transfer device such as an air chuck is connected to the gas release valve externally of the frame section for transferring gas from within the internal fluid chamber to a tire for inflation thereof.

Abstract: A detachable stabilized intermodal container dumping apparatus for removable mounting on an intermodal container transport vehicle includes a container support frame having forward and rearward ends, a lower frame section and an upper frame section. The upper frame section is constructed of at least two upper section long sill members and at least two upper section crossbeam members mounted on the upper section long sill members. The lower frame section is constructed of at least two lower section long sill members and at least two lower section crossbeam members mounted on the lower section long sill members. The upper frame section is hingedly connected to the lower frame section adjacent the rearward end of the container support frame along a hinge pivot axis extending generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the container support frame such that the upper frame section may pivot relative to the lower frame section, thus permitting dumping of an intermodal container situated thereon.

Abstract: A towel having an integrated pocket includes a sheet of fabric material having two spaced-apart vertical folds formed in the sheet. The folds divide the sheet into first and second folded sections and an unfolded section intermediate the first and second folded sections. The first and second folded sections are connected to each other along at least part of the first and second folded sections adjacent the upper part of the sheet of fabric material. The first and second folded sections are connected to the unfolded section along a line extending generally horizontally and contacting the lower end of the connection of the first and second folded sections such that the sections cooperate to form an integrated pocket having an interior volume, a top opening and walls defined by the first and second folded sections and unfolded section. Finally, a closure device such as a hook and loop fastener is mounted on the sheet adjacent the top opening of the pocket for securing items within the pocket.

Abstract: A protective liftgate cover for covering and protecting the ground-engaging lower face of a liftgate platform includes a generally rectangular plate of a size and shape to fit over and generally complete cover the lower face of the liftgate platform. A lower flange and at least one side flange are mounted on the plate adjacent a respective lower and side edge for contacting the lower and side edges of the liftgate platform, thereby protecting those elements of the platform. At least one ground-engaging foot is mounted on the outer surface of the plate for contacting and engaging the ground surface and the plate is secured to the liftgate platform by one or more fastening devices. The liftgate cover thus provides protection for the lower face of the liftgate platform.

Abstract: In combination, a bicycle having a frame and front and rear wheels and a bicycle gearing system which includes a movable bottom bracket mounted on the frame of the bicycle. A pedal axle is rotatably mounted in the bottom bracket. A chain extends between the front gear sprocket and a selected one of the rear gear sprockets. A rear derailleur is mounted on the frame generally adjacent and forward of the rear gear sprockets, the rear derailleur operative to engage the chain and shift the chain transversely relative to the frame. The chain is of a size and shape such that when the bottom bracket is in a forward position, the chain is tensioned, and when the bottom bracket is in the rearward position, the chain is detensioned. The chain is detensioned and the rear derailleur shifts the chain transversely relative to the frame such that the chain engages a different selected one of the rear gear sprockets.

Abstract: A switch point roller assist apparatus includes an elongated main support structure on which is movably mounted a rail securement clamp for releasably adjustably connecting the main support structure to a railroad rail. An elongated tie bar is adjustably mounted on the main support structure generally perpendicular to the main support structure. A roller support cage is pivotally adjustably mounted on the main support structure, the roller support cage supporting at least one roller rotatably mounted thereon, each roller mounted generally perpendicular to the main support structure. The tie bar is adjustably mounted to the main support structure such that the position of the tie bar is vertically adjustable relative to the main support structure. Finally, the roller support cage is adjustably mounted on the main support structure such that the position of the rollers is vertically adjustable relative to the main support structure.