Abstract: Disclosed is an air-transportable and highly autonomous vehicle of the type comprising a single-unit chassis supported in the front by a set of driving and steering wheels and at the rear by two axles to which suspension leaf-springs are coupled. The leaf-springs may slide longitudinally relative to the axles. The stack of leaves is carried in its transverse median plane by an equalizer mechanism which is angularly movable on the end of a pivotal shaft. In this vehicle, each end of a pivotal arm (17) is carried in a fixed sleeve (18) with which it is rendered rigid, the sleeve being extended downwardly by a member (20) for fixing one of the ends (21.sub.1) of a part (21)of the reaction links. This sleeve is surmounted by an equalizer support (22) which is also fixed and receives the ends (23.sub.1) of the other part (23) of the links, the free ends (21.sub.2 -23.sub.2) of all of the links (21-23) being assembled with supports which are fixed against rotation and clamped to the two axles (16).

Abstract: By locking one caster wheel of a four-wheel jack against swivelling without inhibiting its ability to roll freely along a supporting surface, and by then steering an oppositely trailing or leading caster wheel with a tow bar or other suitable handle, the jack can be readily steered into tight places and under low overhanging structures even with relatively heavy loads supported thereon as the two remaining caster wheels become effective "slaves" to their respective, most laterally adjacent locked or steered wheels. The tow bar for the steered wheel and the lock for the locked wheel are readily attached to and removed from their respective wheels without the aid of tools or special fasteners.

Abstract: Apparatus for assisting in opening and closing the side of a truck-body is shown and described. Illustratively, a pully is mounted eccentrically on one end of the shaft to which the swingable portion of the truck roof is fixed. A system of traction cables and a tension spring combine with gravity forces acting on the pivotal lower lateral wall portion of the truck to reduce the effort needed to open and close the side of the truck.

Abstract: A shock absorbing bumper adaptable for mounting onto the front and rear of a vehicle such as an automobile, the bumper comprising an elastic external member having sheathed therein a flexible core material and a decorative facing provided on the front side of the external member. An elastic facing base having formed on its front side the elastic decorative facing is provided on its rear side with a hook or hooks which fit into the corresponding slits formed in the front portion of the external member and are engaged therein in such a way that they overhang the edges of the slits while the rims of the facing base fit in the lateral notches also formed in the external member.

Abstract: A shock absorbing bumper adapted for mounting on the front and rear ends of a vehicle such as an automobile, comprising an elastic external guard member having sheathed therein a shock absorbing flexible core member and a separately molded elastic decorative facing base provided on the front surface of the external guard member. The elastic facing base is integrally secured to a horizontal recession in the surface of the external guard member by inserting claws at both edges of the facing base into the corresponding holes formed along both upper and lower edges of the recession.

Abstract: A wind deflector arrangement in a sliding roof for a vehicle which includes a roof opening, the front edge of which is curved forwardly along the upper edge of a front window of the vehicle. A wind deflector is arcuated to conform with a curvature of the upper surface of the roof and with a curvature of the front edge of the roof opening. Arms are pivotally mounted on the inner side edges of the roof opening. The wind deflector is supported at rear ends thereof by the arms, so as to be able to be angular displaced with respect to the arms, through resilient members.

Abstract: A dual-step rear bumper assembly for a truck. The bumper assembly comprises a main or lower crossmember 15 extending the full width of the truck. The crossmember provides the principal bumper strength and also the lower step (16 or 17) of a dual-step feature. To this crossmember 15 is attached an upper crossmember 28 having tread portions providing the upper step 29 or 31 of the dual-step feature. The bumper assembly ends are capped by end bulkheads 41 and 44. Intermediate bulkheads 42 and 43 box in the ends of the license plate cavity located at the center of the bumper assembly. The bulkheads may be of a much lighter gauge metal then the bumper cross members. The bulkheads provide the necessary vertical compression load resistance to support the weight of a person stepping on the upper step portions.

Abstract: A camper unit for use with a dump truck includes a front portion normally resting on the floor of the dump truck with a rear portion extending down behind the tail gate area, but terminating clear of the ground. When it is desired to unload the camper, the dump truck body is elevated until the ground engaging means on the lower rear corners of the camper unit dig into the ground or frictionally engage the ground with part of the weight of the camper unit thereon. The truck is then driven slowly forwardly with the camper unit remaining stationary. Towards the front underside of the front portion of the camper unit, a hinged ground engaging support frame is mounted and when it clears the tail gate area of the truck body, it swings downwardly by gravity. The elevation of the dump truck body is adjusted as it is moved forwardly so that the support frame engages the ground thereby supporting the camper unit upon the support frame at the front and upon the rear portion of the camper at the rear.

Abstract: A vehicle height adjusting apparatus in which a sensor means detects the distance between the body and axles of a vehicle while the vehicle is parked or moving. A signal comparator divides the vehicle height detection range into a plurality of detection zones based on the sensor signals; a pulse converter circuit converts the signals into pulse signals of the detection zones; an integrator circuit integrates the pulse signals for a period of time; a determination circuit determines the vehicle height level and a fluid circuit controls the inflow and outflow of fluid into and out of a suspension device.

Abstract: A device for resiliently supporting a driver's compartment subjected to vibrations in heavy-duty trucks having a non-resilient wheel suspension, said compartment housing at least one seat and being connected to a supporting portion of the vehicle by three or more spring structure, spaced circumferentially around the compartment, the point of connection of said spring structure with the compartment being disposed in a common and substantially horizontal plane located closely adjacent the center of gravity of said compartment. The axis of action of said spring structures forms an acute angle with a vertical axis so as to allow the accomodation of vibrations in all directions in a three-axis right-angle coordinate system, i.e. to obtain all six degrees of freedom of movement.

Abstract: A fully triangulated automobile wheel suspension arm assembly which provides a rigid connection between an automotive wheel-bearing hub and two pivot points connecting the suspension assembly to the superstructure of the vehicle. The suspension system includes a lateral tube affixed to a vehicle body. The tube has a free end to which there is journaled one end of a trailing arm. A torsion bar has one end affixed to the lateral tube and a free end affixed to the trailing arm so that pivotal movement of the trailing arm about the lateral tube is resisted by the torsion bar. The other end of the trailing arm is affixed to a wheel-bearing hub, and a wheel is received in journaled relationship respective to the hub. A strut connects the hub to a bracket located on the lateral tube at a location which is spaced inboard of the trailing arm journal. This provides a rigid connection between the wheel-bearing hub and the two pivot points, so that the hub is restrained to move in a substantially vertical plane.

Abstract: A frame extending around an opening in a vehicle roof has a resilient molding adapted to support the perimeter of a curved glass panel to close off the opening. A pair of bayonets projecting in spaced relation to the underside of the forward edge of the panel mates with a recessed member carried by the frame when the panel is inclined with respect to the roof to act as a pivotable hinge allowing motion of the panel between a closed position and that inclined position. A two-part fastener for the rear edge of the panel includes a handle pivotally connected to the underside of the panel and a tongue pivotally connected to the handle and adapted to be retained in a lock member carried by the frame. The handle acts as an over-center linkage to bend the panel against its curvature, forcing its perimeter into engagement with the frame. The lock member includes a recessed portion which is provided with a rib to prevent the inadvertent opening of the lock member when the handle is in a closed position.

Abstract: There is provided in accordance with the invention a shopping cart or carrier for carrying a plurality of relatively small objects. The shopping cart has a collapsible body member supported by a collapsible supporting structure. The supporting structure is provided with wheels for movement of the carrier or the shopping cart in a linear direction and casters for turning motion. The shopping cart or carrier is supported for transport on the bumper of an automobile by brackets.

Abstract: A mobile artist cart having a support frame adapted to receive and support an artist's supply cabinet, a handle, a set of support wheels, a set of support legs and a structure for transporting canvas frames along with the other artist's supplies. The artist cart collapses to a folded position for storing or carrying purposes.

Abstract: A valve for use in a vehicle fuel line between a fuel tank and a fuel pump for preventing fluid from flowing from the fuel tank to the carburetor of an engine when the fuel pump is not functioning and for allowing such fuel to pass through the fuel line to the fuel pump and carburetor when the fuel pump is in operation. A valve assembly within a chamber of the valve is biased to a closed position, but is movable to an open position in response to a suction effect from the fuel pump. The valve assembly includes a novel structure for insuring a positive seal when the valve is closed.

Abstract: A vehicle passive seat belt restraint system including a seat belt adapted to be positioned across and in contact with the torso of a vehicle occupant, the improvement comprising cover means surrounding the seat belt and extending substantially along the entire length of that portion of the seat belt which otherwise would contact the occupant's torso, the seat belt being slideable within the interior of the cover means and the cover means being fixed with respect to said seat belt.

Abstract: A dripless closure for a product container characterized by a cap movable on a body member, where the cap has a passageway or opening along the periphery of the upper surface thereof which selectively communicates with the contents of the container. The upper surface of the closure remains free of the product, and, further, the closure eliminates the necessity of the center post commonly found on containers presently in use.

Abstract: A passive safety belt system is disclosed providing both lap and upper torso belt portions adapted to provide maximum exit and entry convenience without utilization of mechanical means for pulling the belts away from the vehicle door opening. A generally Y-shaped belt is mounted at the upper door and lower door and connects for the third point to the spool of a retractor mechanism disposed in-board of the vehicle seat. The lap portion of the belt is connected to the upper torso portion by lifting straps which lift the lap portion out of the path of the occupant's legs as the occupant enters or exits the vehicle. The lap and shoulder portions are adapted to wrap in parallel combination onto the spool of the retractor to provide the necessary snugness of fit when the vehicle door is closed and the belt is in operable position. When deployed, the system provides a tight lap portion and a non-tensioned upper torso portion.

Abstract: An electrically operated "hatch" roof assembly for mounting in automobiles includes a pair of opposed "hatch" glass panels. The panels move between a closed position, which is flush with the roof of the vehicle and an open or retracted position, wherein the panels nest beneath one another centrally of the roof. A roof support section has a pair of opposed tracks in which are slidably mounted the panels. The panels, when inboard, nest beneath the support section. Electrically powered lifter mechanisms transport the hatch roof panels between the inboard and outboard positions.

Abstract: A sun roof for installation in an automobile or other vehicle including a frame surrounding a roof opening, a pivotably mounted panel for covering the opening and a seal compressed between the frame and the panel. Latches used to secure the panel in a closed or open position are attached between the panel and the frame by connection pieces, and the positions of these pieces can be adjusted by rotation to vary the downward seal compressing force. Before the connection pieces can be adjusted, it is necessary to release them from the latches which normally prevent inadvertent or unintended changes of position.