Abstract: A protective tire liner is positioned between the bicycle inner tube and the bicycle outer tire of a bicycle wheel. The tire liner includes a puncture-resistant flexible strip to protect the inner tube from puncture damage, and at least one covering layer on the puncture-resistant flexible strip to cover at least the side edges thereof. The puncture-resistant strip has a relatively abrasive surface especially at side edges thereof so as to be capable of abrading the inner tube upon relative motion. Accordingly, the covering layer prevents abrading of the inner tube which would otherwise occur. The protective liner protects the inner tube from puncture damage, such as from thorns, as are commonly encountered when mountain biking. In one embodiment, the at least one covering layer comprises a flexible plastic strip spirally wound about the puncture-resistant flexible strip.

Abstract: A locking device is provided for pivotally connecting a closure to a support and locking the closure in an open position relative to the support. The locking device is locked in an open position by a first ratchet member attached to the closure and a second ratchet member attached to the support, the ratchet members being biased into engagement by at least one spring. A mechanism is provided to disengage the ratchet members and to hold the first and second ratchet members in a disengaged position so that the closure may be pivoted to a closed position.