Abstract: An improved fuel tank apparatus for use in a vehicle having a filler lid provided in a body of the vehicle includes a fuel tank in which fuel is to be stored, a filler tube connected to the fuel tank for introducing fuel into the fuel tank, a filler cap removably attached to an inlet port of the filler tube, a canister for absorbing and treating evaporated fuel generated in the fuel tank, an evaporation tube connected between the fuel tank and the canister, a check valve provided in the evaporation tube for releasing the evaporated fuel to the canister when pressure inside the fuel tank exceeds a predetermined level due to evaporation of the fuel in the fuel tank, and a mechanism for releasing the evaporated fuel which remains within the fuel tank due to the pressure inside the fuel tank being less than the predetermined level into the canister. The releasing mechanism is operated only when the filler lid is opened under the condition that the filler cap if closed.

Abstract: A container system is provided for storing, transporting, measuring and loading liquid into dispenser equipment. A predetermined quantity of liquid is stored within a first larger container having gradings or markings for visually observing the quantity of liquid in the container. A lower discharge outlet is provided for selectively discharging liquid from the first container. A second smaller container, also including gradings or markings for visually observing the quantity of liquid within the second container, is removably mounted to the outer surface of the first container. A spray nozzle for metering and controlling the quantity of liquid to be discharged from the first larger container may be stored within the smaller second container when not in use. The container system enables a user to transport both a larger and smaller container, and a discharge nozzle, as a single assembled unit.

Abstract: A switching mechanism is provided including a control member and a switching element which is coupled to the control member and by means of a coupling element can be moved between a first and a second position. The switching mechanism includes two coupling elements which are arranged in series in the switching direction, each coupling element being constituted by a hinging V-shaped member, a point of intersection of a V-shaped member being alternately located within range for action thereon by the control member.

Abstract: A drinking reservoir for a bicycle and the like consists of a housing having at least one compartment for storing a drinkable liquid therein, a mechanism for securing the housing to a portion of the bicycle and another mechanism for extracting the drinkable liquid from the at least one compartment in the housing so that a cyclist can consume the drinkable liquid contained therein without removing his hands from the control of the bicycle. A straw and a tube extend from the compartment enabling the cyclist to drink liquid through the straw and to blow into the tube to spray liquid out of the straw to cool off, alternately. One embodiment allows for rapid emptying and cleaning with a brush that can be easily brought into contact with an entire internal surface of the compartment when inserted therein.

Abstract: A liquid and gas tank is provided for operation, in particular, in satellites subject to low acceleration, that utilizes a separation force produced by surface tension to collect liquid in a privileged zone of the tank without allowing gas to escape via the privileged zone. The tank includes an outer first shell element having a curvilinear shape, and having at one end a surface portion S of radius of curvature r which is concave on a side that contacts liquid. The tank also includes an inner second shell element fixed to the first element, being convex in shape on a side that contacts liquid, and curvilinear in shape and including a surface portion S' having a part which is slightly inclined relative to the surface portion S in the privileged zone forming a narrowest zone between the surface portions S and S', the surface portion S' having a radius of curvature r' which is less than the radius of curvature r, wherein liquid is urged into the narrowest zone due to a capillary effect.

Abstract: The stored-spring-energy actuator mechanism (210) for the high-voltage circuit breaker (218) has a spiral spring (216) which can be loaded by means of the loading device (212). The high-voltage circuit breaker (218) can be switched on once and off once with the energy stored in the loaded spiral spring (216). The energy stored in the fluid-pressure accumulator (258) is sufficiently great to charge the spiral spring (216) at least once. The working-stroke movement of the piston rod (242) in arrow direction (A) is transformed via the gear segment (236) into a rotation through 360.degree. of the gear (232) meshing with this gear segment (236). The spiral spring (216) is thereby loaded via the loading lever (230).

Abstract: An improved carrying strap for carrying a long hose such as a corrugated plastic pool vacuum hose has a shoulder loop of unvarying size and a variable size hose carrying loop which may be quickly cinched around multiple turns of a hose to be carried. The strap uses a single rigid connector having a pair of parallel bars around which the continuous strap is wrapped to form the loops.

Abstract: Apparatus for carrying skis on a vehicle having a rear mounted wheel assembly. The wheel assembly projects further away from the rear of the vehicle than the skis held by the apparatus project away from the rear of the vehicle so that the wheel assembly will protect the skis against rear end collision impact.

Abstract: A tray including a flat horizontal surface, positioned within a frame, with the frame tray adaptable to be positioned atop the dashboard of a vehicle, such as an automobile. There is further provided an attachment of one end of the tray to the windshield via suction cups, and for providing a second pair of suction cups which are adjustable in height to be attachable onto the dashboard, so that the tray can be supported flat during use. There may be further included a trash bag support bracket, and holders for receiving a cup thereinto to maintain the cup in a vertically supported position on the tray.

Abstract: A combination watch/waist belt capable of use with interchangeable faceplates, each containing a housing and watch, and having a watch releasable and removable from its housing (case) yet attached thereto wherein the watch housing is readily detachable from an adjacent pair of buckle members attached to front portions of the waist belt in a quickly releasable manner. The wearer removes the watch from its housing by depressing a retainer to observe the time when desired. The watch is connected to its housing by a retainer cord or chain, which is inserted into a rear space in the watch housing upon placement of the watch back into its housing. The watch is retained, viz., held in position, by a clip in the upper central portion of its housing and a locator member in a recess in the bottom central portion of the housing. The watch is mounted on the central portion of the belt at the front of the wearer's waist.

Abstract: A combination watch/waist belt capable of use with interchangeable faceplates and watches having an upside down, flip-up watch face spring hinged in its watch housing for the wearer's release to a time determining position at the wearer's will wherein the watch face can be read right side up by merely a downward glance by the wearer while the watch face is hingedly retained in a position normal to viz., approximatley 90.degree. to, that of its housing. The watch is mounted on the central portion of the belt at the front of the wearer's waist. A quick release device located adjacent the watch housing, permits easy disengagement of a given faceplate and replacement with another thus offering the fashion conscious wearer a variety of belt/watch ensembles for fashion coordination. The present watch/waist belt can be worn by both sexes.

Abstract: A bi-directional clip. The clip includes a generally planar member having an edge and fastener for securing the planar member to a portable wearing device. An elongated slot extends through the planar member from the edge to form a pair of clip members.

Abstract: A switch device includes an insulating base formed of a plastics material which defines upper and lower switch operation spaces, a pair of confronting hinge bosses interposed between the upper and lower switch operating spaces, and a lamp-mounting space. An operation lever having upper and lower ends is pivotally coupled to the hinge bosses such that the upper end extends into the upper switch operation space and a lower end extends into the lower switch operating space. In this manner, the operation lever may be pivotally moved between first and second states. The lower end of the operation lever includes a bridge portion which establishes a hole such that an opposed pair of resilient contact members associated with a U-shaped movable contact are disposed adjacent to the hole and are thereby capable of being resiliently displaced therewithin. A lamp-holding connector is mounted to the base for holding a lamp within a lamp-mounting space.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling bags with bulk material includes a filling device for consecutively charging bags with the bulk material; a traction device leading into and out of a region of the filling device; and a plurality of spaced spreading devices, carried by the traction device, for expanding each bag to facilitate charging thereof by the filling device. Each spreading device has first and second mutually cooperating pivotal spreading fingers having a retracted state and an expanded state.

Abstract: An enclosure for luggage for use on a vehicle cartop luggage rack of the type including either front and rear rails disposed in a spaced, parallel relationship, or else an essentially rectangularly shaped frame, mounted generally horizontally on the cartop. This enclosure utilizes rapidly operated securing devices on its front and back panels when intended for use on a two rail rack, or rapidly operated securing devices on all four of its peripheral panels when intended for use with a luggage rack principally constituted by front, back and side rails. In the latter type rack, the subject enclosure for luggage is insertable into the space defined by the four rails. Flexible, watertight material having front and back surfaces as well as side surfaces is used, and an access opening is provided in an upper part of the enclosure.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing a dust free environment in the filling and discharge of bins and other containers includes a dual seal which seals directly against a gate assembly. The apparatus also provides for the introduction of air between inner and outer seals to prevent contaminants from reaching the product. Dust covers are employed on the fill station and discharge station and also on the fill and discharge ends of the bin.

Abstract: A spare tire carrier for a sport utility vehicle with a drop tailgate is provided with a lock device that allows the spare tire carrier to be secured in position when the drop tailgate is in an open position. The lock device comprises a collar rotatably mounted on the spare tire carrier and a pin biased by a spring through a hole which holds the collar in position. A striker on the collar fits into a keeper in the form of a slot or a latching mechanism on a side of the drop tailgate to secure the spare tire carrier in position when the drop tailgate is in the open position.

Abstract: An equipment rack for vehicles includes a lower support arm extending generally parallel to the rearward bumper of the vehicle and connectable to the vehicle hitch. An upper swinging arm is pivotally connected to the lower arm and includes a horizontally extending portion and a vertical shaft. The upper arm is connected to the lower arm such that the vertical shaft will swing through an arc away from the rearward end of the vehicle. A locking pin is connectable through apertures in the upper and lower arms to lock the upper and lower arms together to prevent swinging movement of the upper arm. Interchangeable brackets are designed for selective connection to the vertical shaft and have supports thereon for various types of equipment.

Abstract: A carrier for attachment to a vehicle, comprising a bracket releaseably securable to a tow bar bracket on the vehicle. A platform is pivotably attached to the bracket and is movable between an upright position for stowage and a horizontal position in which it can receive a load. A pair of extensible arms are connected between the platform and a pair of parallel rods, extending beneath the platform and forming part of the bracket, to control the movement of the platform. The pair of parallel rods are received by channels on a tow bar bracket on the vehicle, and the two brackets can be locked together.

Abstract: An assembly is provided for replacing part or all of a toilet flush valve, which facilitates mounting in a variety of toilets and which enables saving of water. The assembly includes an adapter (30, FIG. 6) for mounting on older types of overflow tubes, which includes a ring member (70) having a gap (72l ) and a leaf spring (80) extending across the gap. After the adapter is moved down along the overflow tube and lies at its base, the spring is pushed in to cause a hook (84) at one end to ride along a ramp (90) from a second tooth (88) to a third tooth (92) and engage the third tooth, to tightly clamp the ring member in place to prevent turning. A closing delay cup (116, FIG. 9) that can be used on a valve member, includes a plurality of holes and at least one plug (126) that is molded to the cup and can be cut off and used to plug one of the holes (120) to adjust the amount of water saved in each flushing. A valve member includes a tank ball having an enlargement (160, FIG.