Abstract: The invention consists of a three-sided trailer for transporting flattened car bodies or other bulky cargo. The sides are constructed of steel H-beam uprights and expanded metal. Steel beams fastened to the floor of the trailer hold the load of flattened vehicles off the metal floor and enable easy pick up of the load by a forklift from the open side of the trailer.

Abstract: A wheel spinner nut adapter for a wheel assembly, the wheel assembly being of the type that utilizes a hub adapter, the hub adapter being of the type which has a first end for engaging a wheel and a wheel axle assembly, and a second end with external threads which are typically used for engagement with internal threads of a wheel spinner. The wheel spinner nut adapter of the present invention includes a first hollow end portion and a second end portion. The first hollow end portion includes a substantially smooth outer surface being tapered on at least a section thereof. The outer surface has a circular cross section. A threaded inner surface of the first hollow end portion has a circular cross section and substantially constant diameter. The threaded inner surface is for engagement with external threads on a second end of the hub adapter.

Abstract: An open-top vehicle rear cross car beam body support arrangement for an open-top vehicle having a passenger compartment defined in part by a front floor pan ending in an elevated rear floor pan together with right and left rear inner wheelhouse panels. The beam arrangement includes forming each wheelhouse panel upper inboard portion with a recessed step defining opposed upstanding riser portions each having a lower edge terminating in an inboard extending tread portion. An upper horizontal gusset panel of the beam is welded to upper portions of spaced apart front and rear downstanding gusset panels, while lower flanges of the front and rear gusset panels are welded to the rear floor pan forming a closed section cross beam. The outboard ends of the upper gusset panel terminate in connector portions, each formed with an upstanding shroud having a top panel defined by fore and aft downstanding side walls together with an inboard wall.

Abstract: A fastening device for a decorative or cover strip for gaps in motor vehicle bodies, has a holding body which can be inserted and wedged into the gap and which holds the decorative or covering strip. The holding body made of several parts includes lateral bracing elements, which can be braced against lateral walls of the gap via a spreading element. The spreading element is provided between the bracing elements and is displaceable in the longitudinal direction of the gap. The decorative or cover strip can be fixed on the spreading element. In this manner, the decorative or cover strip can always be fastened centered, regardless of tolerance-related fluctuations of the gap width.

Abstract: A quick-release bicycle axle fastener for standard hollow axles and standard safety drop-outs, comprising a control rod through the axle; a mount attached to one or both ends of the control rod; a cam lever attached to each mount; a washer with a finger grip, slidably mounted on the control rod inboard of the mount, shaped to engage the safety drop-out when pressed against it; and a spring urging the washer against the drop-out at all times. The cam forces the washer inward against the drop-out for clamping attachment of the wheel axle to the drop-out. When cam pressure is released, the interlock washer continues to be urged against the drop-out by the spring for safety until the washer is pulled outward by the fingers of a user. When the wheel is re-installed, the washer automatically shifts into engagement with the coupling surface of the drop-out, providing an automatic, undefeatable safety backup for the cam.

Abstract: An axle assembly for a motor vehicle of the type including a rigid drive axle and a rigid axle tube extending between a drive axle differential to the axle wheel end. The axle tube features a radial flange defining an outboard facing bearing retention shoulder. A bearing carrier unit is bolted onto the axle tube flange to trap the bearing outer race. The axle shaft engages the bearing inner race which is trapped between a flange on the axle shaft and a nut threaded onto the axle. This wheel and system provides improved wheel run-out characteristics which are advantageous for disk brake applications and facilitates the use of anti-lock braking system wheel speed sensors.

Abstract: A tailgate barrier to be suspended between the sidewalls of a pickup truck includes a flexible barrier having stiffeners at the side edges. At least two connecting members attach the edge stiffeners to the truck sidewalls, allowing horizontal movement of the barrier. Biasing members attached to the connecting members force the edge stiffeners towards the respective sidewalls. The biasing members are preferably compression springs. The tailgate barrier eliminate out-of-plane sag. The tailgate barrier is also easily installed and removed without being subjected to wear.

Abstract: A front hub assembly of a bicycle wheel having an improved cone nut locking mechanism includes a hub body having a bore therethrough and an axle extending through the bore having threaded ends. The axle includes first and second resistance portions formed adjacent respective threaded end to offer resistance to a cone nut being threaded onto the threaded end. The magnitude of the resistance of the first resistance portion is greater than the magnitude of resistance of the second resistance portion such that a first cone nut can be threaded onto the resistance portion a first predetermined distance and located and a second cone nut may subsequently be threaded onto the second resistance portion a second predetermined distance and locked without rotating the axle and further threading the first cone nut onto the first resistance portion.