Abstract: A bumper has a bumper frame and an inflatable bladder, which is mounted to the bumper frame to extend exteriorly of the bumper frame. Fluid flow ports extend from the inflatable bladder, in fluid communication with the interior of the inflatable bladder. Inlet valves and pressure relief valves are mounted in the flow ports for sealing air within the inflatable bladder. Two impact members are mounted to the bumper frame, extending outwardly from the bumper frame and interiorly within the inflatable bladder. The impact members are connected to respective ones of the pressure relief valves, such that inward movement of the impact members will open the pressure relief valves to allow fluid flow from within the inflatable bladder. Latch members are located adjacent to the pressure relief valves for securing the valves in open positions after impact.

Abstract: A sidewall extender for a wheelbarrow for increasing the carrying capacity of the wheelbarrow. The sidewall extender for a wheelbarrow includes a flexible sheet of material having a length such that the sheet of material fastens to the side-walls and encloses about the bin and extends the side-walls to a height of approximately 3 feet with the sheet of material being made of canvas or some other type of vinyl; and further includes a plurality of fastening members securely attached along the first and second end edges and bottom edge of the sheet of material and also along top edges of the side-walls of the wheelbarrow for fastening the sheet of material to the wheelbarrow. The first and second end edges are fastened together when the sheet of material is secured to the wheelbarrow.

Abstract: A hinge assembly for a center mounted tailgate is provided. The hinge assembly includes a pair of hinge members and a hinge pin structure having a pin member and a pair of mounting brackets. The pin member includes a pair of generally cylindrical pin ends and a pin axis. Each of the mounting brackets are fixedly coupled to the pin member and include a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is spaced apart from and generally parallel to the pin axis and is adapted for mounting the hinge pin structure to a vehicle body. The second portion fixedly couples the first portion to the pin member. The hinge members include a first hinge portion and a second hinge portion. The first hinge portion has as generally hollow interior that is operable for engaging an end of the pin member to permit the first hinge portion to rotate about the pin axis. The first hinge portion may include a bearing for supporting the hinge member for rotation about the pin member.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly for a motor vehicle is provided. The assembly includes a cushion section a back section pivotally interconnected. The assembly also includes a wheeled latch assembly that is connected to the cushion section. The wheeled latch assembly includes a seat member and a latch member pivotally interconnected and is urged in one direction by a coil spring. The latch member includes a recess for accepting a striker on the vehicle floor and a projection terminating in a roller. The roller is adopted to aid in transporting the vehicle seat while the seat is removed from the vehicle and is accepted into a U-shaped formation while in the vehicle. The wheeled latch also includes a clasp that can be used to entrap the striker of the vehicle floor within the recess of the latch member.

Abstract: The present invention relates primarily to a removable modular tool and accessories carrier for use on a pickup truck load bed. Each enclosed storage compartment module provides for the organizational arrangement of the contents, having centrally oriented bins suitable for the storage of larger tools and trays for carrying items, such as, replacement parts and materials. A pass-thru provides access to larger items stored on the existing load bed of the pickup truck. Each module is comprised of centrally hinged doors, opening upwardly for ease of access, mating with drop-down hinged doors. The upwardly opening doors are maintained in the open position using frictional snap-spring hold-opens. When both doors are in a closed position, a mechanical locking means provides the secure integrity of the contents being transported. Each module has a cascaded centrally located drip channel to direct the flow rainwater off the top of the cap and to prevent it from collecting by diverting it downwardly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing the capturing and pinching of a user within the path of a vehicle door includes a sensor for determining the presence of an obstruction when the door is being closed. When an obstruction is detected, a mechanism is actuated which prevents movement of the door to its fully latched position. In this way, any resultant pinching is minimized.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly has a hidden storage compartment disposed in a seat member of the seat assembly. The seat member is pivotally connected to a support mounted on a vehicle floor and is pivotable between forward and rear positions. The seat member has a seating side which faces upward in the rear position and an oppositely facing storage side which faces upward in the forward position. The storage side includes a recess in the seat member internally defining a storage compartment and has an openable cover normally closing the storage compartment and openable to allow access thereto. The cover forms a storage floor surface when the seat member is in the forward position. The assembly has a releasable latch for retaining the cover in a closed position and preventing spilling of the contents therefrom when the seat member is inverted in the rear position. When the seating member is in the rear position, the storage compartment is hidden from view.

Abstract: An energy-absorbing covering for a body column of a motor vehicle includes on an area situated in the occupant compartment a covering part and an energy-absorbing element, which is arranged between the body column and the covering part. The energy-absorbing element is formed by a hollow-space-bounding support made of sheet metal. So that a lateral bending-away of the energy-absorbing element is avoided even if the energy-absorbing element is acted upon in an unfavorable direction, while the energy-absorbing covering has a construction which is easy to mount, and, in addition, rattling noises in the driving operation are avoided, it is provided that the energy-absorbing element is connected on the side facing the body column at least in areas with a profiled holding rail which, in sections, rests on the body column and is locally fixedly connected with it. The covering part, which is arranged at a distance in front of the energy-absorbing element, is fastened locally to the holding rail or to the body column.