Abstract: An access hatch reinforcement module and a method of assembling an access hatch to an existing engine compartment hood of a vehicle. The access hatch reinforcement module includes a wall engagement component for engagement to the hood outer wall of the engine compartment hood. The access hatch reinforcement module further includes a door engagement component for engagement to a hatch door of the access hatch. The wall engagement component and the door engagement component of the access hatch reinforcement module are directly fixedly engaged to one another by temporary fixed engagements. The wall engagement component and the door engagement component are also indirectly engaged to one another through operational door connecting components such as a hinge component.

Abstract: This invention relates to a hub mounted shock absorber suitable for use in the wheels of in-line skates or other small wheel transportation devices such as scooters, street skis, etc. and to in-line skates utilizing wheels with such hub mounted shock absorbers. The hub mounted shock absorbers include an outer tube with an elastomer, preferably a low durometer elastomer between the outer tube and the axle of the wheel. The elastomer is prefereably sandwiched between the inner and outer tube with the axle passing through the inner tube. Openings may be selectively provided in the outer tube to further reduce the stiffness of the elastomer and flexure or other appropriate mechanism may be included which result in minimum stiffness for the shock absorber in the vertical direction only.

Abstract: A vehicle hood assembly includes a hood support having a top section joined to left and right side sections and to a front section. An outer panel assembly includes a finished top panel mounted on the top section, a finished front panel assembly mounted on the front section, a finished left side panel mounted on the left section, and a finished right side panel mounted on the right section. Each panel and its respective section form and enclose an air space therebetween. Thus, the inner support and the air space is interposed between the finished panels and the heat from the engine. As the hood is raised, the lower portions of the side panels engage a wear strip and are deflected laterally outwardly and away from each other. As the hood is lowered, the lower portions of the side panels move past the wear strip, and they move laterally inwardly and towards each other.