Abstract: A method of forming a vehicle accessory embodying the present invention includes the provision of a fabric or other upholstery material in the shape of a container which when filled with an amorphous filler material defines an accessory such as a visor, introducing an amorphous material such as a mixture of expandable chemicals into the container so formed and allowing them to expand and cure while constraining the major sides of the container during curing thereby forming an accessory core and integral cover. Visors embodying a preferred embodiment of the present invention comprise an integral cover and structural core of an amorphous material introduced to fill the cover and which is bonded thereto. In a preferred embodiment, the cover is formed from a butterfly pattern which is folded and has edges joined with the exception of an opening at one corner and which is subsequently inverted to define the visor-shaped container.

Abstract: A switch assembly includes a housing with facing mounting surfaces on which opposed facing switches are mounted. In one embodiment, three spaced generally planar mounting members extended between end supports with actuating levers extending in the two spaces between each of the horizontally extending mounting members. Mounted in facing relationship on opposing surfaces are switches such that an actuating lever extending into a space between the opposing surfaces engage a first switch when moved in a first direction and a second switch when moved in a second direction. The actuating levers are, in the preferred embodiment, pivotally coupled by axles means to end walls supporting the switch mounting members so that they can be moved in first and second directions for actuating the associated first or second switch with each of the levers.

Abstract: A method of forming a vehicle accessory embodying the present invention includes the provision of a fabric or other upholstery material in the shape of a container which when filled with an amorphous filler material defines an accessory such as a visor, introducing an amorphous material such as a mixture of expandable chemicals into the container so formed and allowing them to expand and cure while constraining the major sides of the container during curing thereby forming an accessory core and integral cover. Visors embodying a preferred embodiment of the present invention comprise an integral cover and structural core of an amorphous material introduced to fill the cover and which is bonded thereto. In a preferred embodiment, the cover is formed from a butterfly pattern which is folded and has edges joined with the exception of an opening at one corner and which is subsequently inverted to define the visor-shaped container.

Abstract: A vehicle accessory such as an armrest includes a core to which there is positioned a collapsible member extending outwardly from at least one edge of the core at a side thereof and which upon receiving a lateral force in a direction toward the core, expands by collapsing and to increase its height. A cushioning material is positioned over the collapsible member which can be covered by a suitable upholstery material.

Abstract: An assist strap is made of a flexible exoskeleton of a tubular shape which overlies a high density foam core to provide a strong yet cushioned strap. Opposite ends of the strap are held by clamps which in turn are secured to a vehicle for attaching the strap to a vehicle.

Abstract: The shot cylinder mechanism is moved from a position for receiving molten metal to an injection position wherein the molten metal is injected into the die cavity of the die casting machine, and vice versa. The shot cylinder mechanism is swung in open space from one position to the other as it is guided by a linkage system having a geometry that takes advantage of the constant speed of the cylinder to give faster, non-linear motion in moving from one position to the next and then at the end of the injection position, the proper force is exerted on the shot cylinder mechanism to provide a seal between the shot sleeve and the opening leading to the die cavity.

Abstract: A shatter resistant mirror includes a frangible mirror material for reflecting an image which has a coating of an elastic adhesive material which bonds a rigid backing material to the frangible mirror body. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the adhesive was one of a water-based synthetic polymeric material or a hot melt pressure sensitive adhesive. The rigid support member preferably is a fiberboard material. In some embodiments of the invention, the composite mirror structure includes multiple layers of composite fiberboard material to provide spacing for mounting the mirror in a particular application.

Abstract: A game racket is provided with an elastic shock-absorbing body, which is attached to the front end of hand grip of the racket and has a tapered body with an axial hole dimensioned to receive therein the bottom end of the shaft of the racket. The shock-absorbing body further has a receiving portion of annular profile extending therefrom in a direction toward the hand grip so as to wrap the front end of the hand grip of the racket. The elastic shock-absorbing body provides the game racket with a greater power of striking a ball and with a better capability of absorbing the shock generated by impact of a ball.

Abstract: A visor includes an integral, focussed and recessed lamp assembly positioned at a corner of the visor and inclined and directed away from the driver's eyes to provide courtesy and map illumination with a minimal of distraction to the driver. The visor provides directable illumination for use as a maplamp or floorlamp by movement of the visor position.

Abstract: A vehicle headliner includes a preformed headliner substrate which can be of molded construction and which includes an upper surface facing the roof of a vehicle. Attached at a plurality of locations on the upper surface of the headliner are magnets bonded to the upper surface of the headliner and positioned for engaging contact with aligned metallic vehicle roof structure once installed. In one preferred embodiment, the magnets are flexible extruded magnetic strips positioned to at least partially surround a relatively large aperture formed in the headliner such as one defining a sunroof opening. In a preferred embodiment of the invention also, the magnetic strips are attached to the headliner using a cushioning material such as a foam to provide acoustical damping for the headliner.

Abstract: A vehicle control system includes a microcontroller based switch programmable module which allows a variety of different vehicle options to be selectively actuated by different vehicle users. In one embodiment a remote transmitter provides a unique user code and the control system includes the capability of programming the transmitter code to allow use of multiple transmitters with different codes for different users.

Abstract: A container holder for a vehicle is integrated in an armrest which is operably mounted adjacent a seat. The container holder is rotatably mounted to the front end and includes an aperture for receiving and holding a container. The container holder is rotatable between a use position in which the aperture faces vertically so that the aperture can operably receive and hold a container, and a second position in which a surface of the container holder mates with the top of the armrest so that a person can comfortably rest their arm on the armrest.

Abstract: A visor mount for mounting a visor panel to a vehicle roof includes a first member which extends from an edge of the visor panel and a second member which is secured to a roof of the vehicle. The first and second members are pivotally interfit with one another for rotational movement of the visor panel between a raised stored position against the vehicle roof and a lowered use position.

Abstract: A container holder is provided including a receptacle member adapted for mounting in a vehicle. A container holder member is pivotally mounted in the receptacle, and a pair of arms are pivotally mounted on the container holder member. One of the arms includes a downwardly extending protrusion that engages a catch on the receptacle member so that the arm is moved between an extended position and a retracted position as the container holder member is moved between an open use position and a closed storage position, respectively. The second arm is operably interconnected with the first arm so that it operates in tandem with the arm as the one arm is moved. A push-open latch, spring, and damper are operably attached to the container holder member so that the container holder member automatically opens in a smooth and aesthetic manner when the container holder member is pressed and released.

Abstract: A container holder includes a container supporting platform with an aperture for receiving a container therein. A rim is formed under the platform and adjacent the aperture and supports a wire having a plurality of rollers operably mounted to legs of the wire formed in chordal segments of the aperture for engaging the sides of a container and holding a container centrally in the aperture.

Abstract: A container holder for a vehicle includes a holding member shaped to hold a container therein, and a pair of brackets with inwardly facing clips for attaching to the exterior surface of the sidewalls of a vehicle component such as an armrest. The holding member includes laterally extending legs for slideably engaging the brackets for movement between an extended use position in which the holding member is exposed for holding a container, and a retracted storage position in which the holding member folds into a compact storage position adjacent the armrest front wall.

Abstract: A vehicle armrest includes a core having a pair of spaced generally parallel edges which receive fastening clips for attaching a strip of upholstery material to the core. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the core includes a forwardly facing opening for receiving a drawer which includes a container holder.

Abstract: A visor mounting system for mounting a visor to an aperture within a vehicle roof which includes a visor with a visor body and a pivot rod assembly including a pivot rod and a torque fitting mounted on the pivot rod. The assembly includes a torque collar providing a predetermined rotational torque between the torque collar and the torque fitting and a retainer assembly lockably receives the pivot rod assembly and includes a bayonet clip for locking the retainer assembly and visor pivot rod assembly attached thereto within an aperture formed in a vehicle roof.

Abstract: A sports racquet, preferably a squash racquet, has a Y-joint joining a head profile and a shaft. The Y-joint includes a pair of arms for receiving the ends of the head profile, and a base for receiving the shaft. The arms and base each include an outwardly open, annular channel, preferably formed by a pair of concentric sleeves, in which the tubular ends of the head portion and shaft are secured.