Abstract: An improved card game is provided which consists of a plurality of trading cards or the like. A mechanism is provided for converting the trading cards into at least two sets of playing cards, so that the playing cards can be utilized in the improved card game. Another mechanism is provided for producing a random output count to determine the order of play for each player. A set of rules is used for playing the improved card game, whereby the object of the game is for a player to win the most trading cards from each of the opponent players.

Abstract: An outdoor lawn-type game for two or more players in which discs are flipped from the ground onto a trampoline device comprised of a resiliently-tensioned net held in a horizontal position by a frame with legs. The discs are flipped using elongated flipping sticks with two bent fork tines at one end. The objective of the game, in getting a specified number of a players' or teams' discs to rest on the net, is rendered difficult by the resilient nature of the net and various options allowed by the rules of the game to dislodge an opponent's disc from the net or send an opponents disc to a point distant from the net. Various competitive strategies and skills are required by the individuals and/or the teams playing the game. No special ground surface is required. The game may be played on grass, in the woods or on the beach.

Abstract: A tossing game and method wherein two targets each having a pair of folding legs, a pair of upper and lower connectors, a body and a body wall enclose a target aperture. The folding legs are hingedly connected to the body and adapted to be folded into a folded position. The connectors are adapted to be connected while the folding legs are in the folded position. Each target body is made of plastic. Tossing bags are supported by target bodies.

Abstract: A shaft seal in which a sealing lip provided on an elastomeric portion of a first annular member is in sealing contact with a sealing surface of a second annular member which in operation is adapted to rotate relative to the first annular member, and in which an annular elastomeric support portion provided on the first annular member supports axial forces on a radial surface of the second annular portion. The support portion includes protrusions with apices which cooperate with the radial surface of the second annular member and are distributed circumferentially at uniform intervals.

Abstract: A sealing device provides sealing between two members adapted for relative concentric motion. The main seal comprises a pair of annual seal members attached respectively to the two members. An auxiliary seal serves to prevent the intrusion of foreign matter into the main seal. The auxiliary seal comprises a minute gap having a spiral flow passage which exerts a screw pump action to discharge external foreign matter to the side opposite to the main seal due to relative rotation. The main seal includes a first seal member having a radially extending flange portion abutting an end surface of a housing. The main seal includes a second seal member having a radially extending portion opposed to the radially extending flange portion of the first seal member. A buffer portion for buffering axial load is located between the flange portion and the radially extending portion.

Abstract: The present invention is a brush seal for use between two components which move relative to each other. The brush seal has multiple layers of bristles, and the bristles within a particular layer have the same cross-sectional area or "thickness". The layers are arranged in the order of increasing thickness, with the bristles of the layer that forms the high pressure face of the brush seal having the smallest cross-sectional area. The larger bristles support the smaller bristles, and a backing plate supports the larger bristles.

Abstract: A mechanical face seal for a high speed, rotary fluid pressure device comprising rotating and stationary seal rings disposed in a housing and having confronting radial seal faces normally biased into engagement with one another. Oppositely inclined sets of spiral grooves are formed in the seal face of one ring, one set functioning to pump fluid from the reservoir downstream between the seal faces, and the other set functioning to pump fluid between the faces upstream back toward the reservoir. Each downstream pumping groove preferably intersects only one upstream pumping groove. Fluid pressure between the faces forms a gap therebetween, and the reversely inclined groove construction minimizes fluid loss or leakage.

Abstract: A flexible non-planar graphite sealing ring is used to control leakage in a fluid handling device that is caused by a shaft extending through the wall of the device. The flexible graphite sealing ring comprises a chevron-shaped non-planar cross section having approximately complementary inner and outer end faces that are made from laminating sheets of graphite foil in layers transverse to the ring's axis. A plurality of flexible graphite rings are inserted over the shaft and into the stuffing box, occupying the space area between the shaft and the stuffing box. The flexible graphite sealing rings are oriented so that each ring's inner end face adjoins the outer end face of another ring. Upon application of a compressive force, either by internal pressure or by externally applied mechanical loading, the interaction between the dissimilar end faces cause an enhanced interference fit between the shaft and the stuffing box forming a seal.

Abstract: A unitized seal uses two casings and two attached disks of sealing material to provide four total lines of sealing contact. The casings have interleaved, axially and radially overlapping walls, the inner two of which carry the sealing disks. Radial overlap between the sealing disks, which flex easily past one another as the casings are assembled together, prevents casing pull apart during shipping and handling.

Abstract: A metal laminate gasket of the invention is used for an internal combustion engine. The gasket is basically formed of first and second outer plates, at least one middle plate situated between the outer plates, and a sealing member situated adjacent a hole of the engine to surround and define the same. The gasket further includes a first seal ring, and a second seal ring situated outside the first seal ring, both being located outside the sealing member relative to the hole of the engine. A supporting member is integrally formed with one of the outer and middle plates to laminate over the second seal ring. Therefore, when the gasket is tightened, the second seal ring provides surface pressure greater than that on the first seal ring. The surface pressures on the seal rings can be easily changed and regulated by the supporting member.

Abstract: A stroller with a releasable seat, having a reclining backrest. The seat is releasably attachable to a stroller body. When not attached to the stroller body, the seat may be utilized as a carrier by virtue of an integral carrying strap. Either a leg guard or a leg cover may be attached to the seat for protection of the baby's legs.

Abstract: A multi-purpose device which can be easily converted from a compact case to a carrying cart and to a table. The carrying cart and the table have triangular support systems which enable the devices to be highly stable and carry increased loads. A roller forming part of the device has three narrow areas for low rolling friction over hard surfaces with wider concave-shaped or escalloped areas between the narrow areas to preclude excessive sinking on soft surfaces (e.g., beaches, dirt parking lots, grassy areas, snow etc). The device includes carrying space and a frame, which is used in the table arrangement, for attaching a trashbag liner to hold trash during and after the conclusion of a picnic, a day at the beach, etc.

Abstract: An improved form of bicycle frame comprising a down tube attached to a seat tube at their lower ends and a back top tube affixed between the down tube and seat tube to form a first large triangle similar to a conventional bicycle frame. The upper end of the down tube is connected to a head tube, as is an upper end of a front top tube. A lower end of the front top tube is connected intermediate the ends of the back top tube thereby forming a small triangle between a portion of the down tube, a portion of the back top tube, and the front top tube. This smaller triangle functions as a gusset to provide a new frame configuration and to increase the strength thereof as well as increase the crotch clearance of the frame.

Abstract: A cycle in the form of a bicycle or a tricycle has an elongate horizontal main frame member with a rear wheel support assembly at the rear end and a front wheel support assembly at the front end. The front wheel support assembly supports the steerable front wheel at the lower end of a slanted steering column and handlebars at the top end slanted toward the rear. A seat and seat back are supported on a rearward-slanting seat standard that is clamped onto the horizontal frame member and may be adjusted fore and aft to provide comfortable access to the pedals mounted on the front end of the horizontal frame member. The seat remains at the same elevation regardless of the adjustment and the pedals are forward and below the hips of the rider. Force on the pedals forces the back against the backrest for enhanced leverage.

Abstract: A hitch guidance mechanism for an agricultural vehicle having a pair of movable draft links for coupling to an implement and having a pair of brackets attached to the rear end of a frame of the vehicle. The brackets are positioned above and on opposite sides of a PTO shaft which projects from the frame. Pivot arms are pivotally suspended from the brackets. Left and right sway block supports are pivotally coupled to the lower ends of the pivot arms. The sway block supports are rigidly interconnected to each other by a rectangular plate and an adjustable length rod. A pair of sway blocks slidably engage the draft links and are adjustably fixable to the sway block supports. An actuator is coupled between the frame and one of the sway block supports for controlling lateral movement of the sway block supports, the sway blocks and the draft links.

Abstract: A collapsible golf cart comprising an upper frame, a lower frame, a connector connecting straight the upper and the lower frame in a collapsible fashion, an extensible rod extending in the upper frame and through a socket fixed around the top end of the upper frame and moving therein in a telescopic fashion to lengthen or shorten its length in relation to the upper frame so that this golf cart may be collapsed in very small dimensions for putting away or be folded or swung up in a straight lengthened position for using it as a golf cart.

Abstract: An occupant restraint module includes a subassembly of a support member and a folded cushion secured to the support member. The cushion is compressible. A cover assembly receives the subassembly. Cooperating fingers on the support member are engaged with cooperating slots on the cover assembly when the subassembly inserted into the cover assembly.

Abstract: An inflator for an air bag-type passenger restraint system for a motor vehicle includes two cup-shaped members which are joined to form chambers for a gas generator and activating devices for activating the gas generator. The two members are coupled by threads which do not increase the weight of the inflator. The inflator also includes a filter for filtering particulate matter from the gas generator.

Abstract: A cushion or pillow adapted to the steering wheel of a vehicle which is removably attached and which allows the driver safe access to the steering wheel and does not impair his frontal vision or his use of the horn and still allows a view of the instrument panel. Herein shown is a preferred embodiment which is inflatable and deflatable and a second embodiment which does not require inflation with either embodiment being used in conjunction with/without a prior art "air bag".

Abstract: A knee protector device for protecting driver's knees in a serious vehicle collision comprises semicylindrical inner and outer protectors reinforced by beading or projecting which are installed opposite to the drivers knees while a part of each protector is overlapped with each other. With this structure, the impact force in the collision is received by the knee protector device while stabilized at a desired value, so that the knee protector device efficiently absorbs the impact force.

Abstract: A steering shaft for motor vehicles includes at least two shaft portions which are movable relative to each other in order to reduce the length of the steering shaft in case of an axial load due to an accident. The end portions of the shaft portions face each other and are located next to each other and are preferably angled or bent. Overlapping flanges are mounted on the end portions. In the overlapping areas, one of the flanges has bores which are equipped with sleeves of macromolecular materials. Guide bolts fastened to another flange extend into the bores. The free ends of the guide bolts project beyond the flange with the bores. Tearable stops are provided at the free ends of the guide bolts. The stops may be in the form of disks.

Abstract: A towable unified floor frame assembly derives lengthwise strength from two elongate I-beams disposed symmetrically about a longitudinal axis. The I-beams are separated by a plurality of angle-sectioned metal cross members welded therebetween. A plurality of trusses, corresponding in number and location to the metal cross members, is disposed to support an outer perimeter and a floor thereabove. Each truss incorporates upwardly inclined bracing elements located outwardly of the I-beams connected to flat metal connecting elements individually unified to the I-beams, preferably by welding. A waterproof and dirt-excluding cover entirely covers the underneath of the floor frame assembly. Heating and ventilating ducts, power and telephone wires, water and waste pipes, thermal insulation and the like, are installed within the floor frame assembly.

Abstract: A rear under body structure of a vehicle in which a fuel tank is located on the rear side of a seat back of a rear seat, and is arranged on substantially the same straight line as an axis of a rear axle and on the lower side of a rear floor pan. Accordingly, the degree of freedom of the design of the styling of a rear windshield and its peripheral components of the vehicle is enhanced.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of faithfully reproducing a multicolor image having three-dimensional texture utilizes a photomechanically reproduced copy of the image on a carrier substrate which is suitable for embossing and a matrix providing the three-dimensional textured characteristics of the image is used to electrolytically form a female embossing die corresponding to the shape of the matrix whereupon a complemental male embossing die is made by means of which the carrier may be squeezed between the male and female dies to produce a highly accurate copy exhibiting the coloration and fine detail of the image texture. Various end uses are contemplated.

Abstract: A thermal isolation coupling system for attaching a high-temperature fluid-bearing tube to an aperture in a housing, in which a separate low temperature flow is established. Locking means attaches the tube end to the housing, in a particular desired position relative to the aperture. A tube support member connects the tube end to the locking means and facilitates positioning of the extreme tip of the tube end in the low temperature flow, in substantially non-heat conducting isolation from the aperture and the housing.

Abstract: This invention is directed to the combination of a pair of aligned tubular members joined in end-to-end relationship by an internal expansion coupling device, where such coupling device offers thrust restraint to the combination. Each of the tubular members is characterized by the end thereof having one or more circumferentially disposed recesses about its wall. The coupling device, which cooperates with said recesses comprises an elongated open ended tubular joint member formed from at least one relatively rigid, rectangular sheet-like member, where said member is defined by a pair of opposing sheet ends with a pair of opposing sheet sides. The sheet ends thereof overlap such that the end portions lie contiguous with each other.

Abstract: A twist canister for conducting conduits between two members rotatable with respect to each other through a predetermined angle about an axis. The conduits are pre-flexed an angular amount equal to one half of the predetermined angle when the members are at the extreme of the rotational angle with respect to each other. The conduits are flexed only one half of the predetermined angle during rotation of the members through the total predetermined angle. The conduits are placed generally in a plane parallel to the axis to minimize the space required for the canister.

Abstract: A device for simultaneously coupling two pipes with two hoses has a discrete tubular connector for each hose, and each connector has flexible arms with pallets which can engage external retainers on the pipes. The connectors are more or less permanently secured to the respective hoses and are separably connected to each other by a flexible holder having C-shaped collars receivable in external grooves of the connectors and one or more flexible webs which connect the collars to each other. The flexible holder compensates for eventual departure of the distance between the pipes from an optimum distance and/or for absence of exact parallelism of the pipes with one another. When a connector is separated from the holder, it can be used as a constituent of a simple hose coupling, namely to connect the end portion of a hose to a nipple, to a pipe or another tubular component.

Abstract: A washing machine drain hose connector for coupling the discharge hose pipe to a sewer drain pipe is made of pliable, elastomeric material. The connector shape is a staggered, coaxial series of cylindrical sleeve sections connected end to end by integrally molded annular shoulders. The cylindrical sleeve radii increase progressively along the sequence of joined sleeve section. A largest sleeve section is folded back over the next-to-largest sleeve section to frictionally grip the drain pipe on both its inside and outside surfaces. The smaller sleeve sections grip various standard sizes of washing machine discharge hose pipes inserted into the drain pipe. All sleeve sections are sized to interfere, so that they are stretched around the pipes and exert friction forces to hold the pipes in coupled relation. To increase the frictional holding force, the sleeve sections (except the largest) are all at least as long as the sleeve radius, the sleeve walls are smooth (i.e.

Abstract: A fluid tight coupling arrangement is provided for a corrugated tube 5 comprising a coupling member 1, for example, a manifold or end connector, having a cylindrical recess 2 in which a corrugated tube end is adapted to be received, an "O" ring seal 9 in the recess between the tube 5 and the inside of the recess 2, and a radially expandable split ring spring clip 6 which is engageable with a corrugation of the tube 5 and with an abutment 8 in the recess 2 for retaining the end of the tube 5 in the recess 2 (FIG. 1).

Abstract: A dogging mechanism for a bulkhead door on a ship, which uses a rotatable handle connected to a four bar parallel linkage to pivot a plurality of rollers over a plurality of wedge shaped lugs to tightly close the door and make it water tight when used with a double directional gasket.

Abstract: Disclosed is a locking mechanism to retain and seal a blast door of an amition compartment against a compartment door frame after an explosion in the compartment. The mechanism has a linkage connected to a panel that is blown off the compartment by the explosion, whereby the panel actuates the mechanism. The linkage turns a cam a controlled amount so that the cam contacts the door in an optimal position for retaining and sealing the door.

Abstract: A slide fastener secures a door of an electrical cabinet to the cabinet frame. The slide fastener releaseably retains the door against the frame when the door and the frame are latched together. The slide fastener includes a door assembly secured to the door and slide keepers attached to the frame. The door assembly includes a lever assembly and a slide assembly. The lever assembly is rotatable between an open position and a closed position and engages and slides the slide assembly in response to rotation of the lever assembly. The slide assembly engages the slide keepers as the lever assembly is rotated.

Abstract: A fold-back deformation arrangement includes a deformation tube of plastically deformable material and a support arrangement with a fold-back surface engaging one end of the tube. The arrangement is designed so that relative angular motions between the fold-back surface and the deformation tube are possible without tending to buckle the tube.

Abstract: A tool for use when releasing the kin pin from a fifth wheel coupling mechanism used for coupling a trailer to a tractor vehicle by pulling upon a handle so that the handle moves in a linear direction from a lock position to a release position includes a pair of telescoping shafts and a hook affixed to one end of one of the shafts. The shafts are telescopically movable between a retracted condition and an extended condition, and the hook is sized to be hooked about the handle of the coupling mechanism.

Abstract: A vacuum cup control apparatus for applying and releasing vacuum in a vacuum cup includes a venturi passage for inducing a vacuum within the vacuum cup upon the flow of pressurized air therethrough. Another air flow passage extends through the housing for injecting a flow of air under pressure to the vacuum cup to relieve the vacuum therein. A sensor senses the vacuum level attained in the vacuum cup. A feedback signal is sent by the control apparatus to the external controller as an indication that a predetermined, selectable vacuum level has been achieved. The control apparatus is responsive to the sensor and signals from an external controller for applying vacuum to the vacuum cup until a predetermined vacuum level is attained in the vacuum cup.

Abstract: A storage box for use on pickup trucks which is mainly composed of a lid 10 and flap 12 which when each are hinged and secured to the truck bed create a versatile unit capable of protected and secure storage or other positions of usage that permit easy utilization of the space or compact storage when not installed.

Abstract: A truck bed insert is arranged of unitary construction complementarily being received within a pickup truck bed. A drain opening is arranged to permit draining of water directed into the insert subsequent to use. A modified aspect of the invention includes a pneumatic conduit directed about an intersection of the floor and side walls of the insert having nozzles directed into the insert cavity, with an impeller housing arranged for mounting to the pickup exhaust pipe to direct aeration into the insert during use.

Abstract: A motor vehicle windshield curtain control comprising a casing transversely fastened behind the windshield of a motor vehicle at a top, two side tracks respectively obliquely extending downward from said casing and fastened behind said windshield at two opposite sides, a curtain received inside said casing, a revolving axle driven by a reversible motor to rotate two endless belts via rollers and pulleys, and a curtain having a rear end edge secured to a division plate inside said casing, a front end edge secured between said two endless belts, and two opposite side edges secured to two round rods inside said two side tracks by loops, wherein rotating said reversible motor in one direction causes said curtain to be let off and stretched between said two side tracks to shut off said curtain; rotating said reversible motor in an opposite direction causes said curtain to be taken up and received inside said casing.

Abstract: A mounting system for mounting a vehicle accessory such as a visor to a vehicle includes a mounting member for each visor and which includes a pair of opposed spaced support surfaces for compressibly engaging opposite sides of the vehicle sheet metal support structure when one of the support surfaces is extended through an aperture in the sheet metal support structure to lock the mounting member in place. A compression member extends between one of the support surfaces of the mounting member and the sheet metal vehicle support structure to prevent movement of the mounting member and visor attached thereto once installed.

Abstract: A vehicle interior cover (30) for use with a vehicle (10) includes a sheet-like cover member (32), a rear securing assembly (34), and a front securing assembly (36). The front securing assembly (36) preferably includes a resiliently flexible transversely extending rod (48) which is suitably dimensioned for resilient bowing between opposed sides (26, 26') of the vehicle interior in order to releasably secure the sheet-like cover (32) to the interior (12) proximate the vehicle dashboard (16). The transversely extending rod (48) is bowed to tension the sheet-like cover (32) between the rear interior portion (14) and the dashboard portion (16) in a distended condition over the interior (12). The rear securing assembly (34) may be a transversely extending enlarged member (44) which is trapped in a transversely extending slot between structural members (22,24) of the vehicle. Both the front securing assembly (36) and rear securing assembly (34) allow fastener-free installation and deployment of cover member ( 32).

Abstract: A front body structure for vehicles comprises a side sill formed by a first frame and a second frame each having closed cross sections, wherein the first frame is curved upwardly and is further curved inwardly in a transverse direction of a vehicle body so as to form a cowl front portion and the second frame is curved inwardly in the transverse direction of the vehicle body so as to form a dash cross portion, and a front side frame which bifurcates into two bifurcated portions in a vicinity of a front side portion of the vehicle body. The first and second frames are respectively joined to end portions of the bifurcated portions, substantially even therewith. An end portion of a lower bifurcated portion of the front side frame is joined without offset to the dash cross portion. An end portion of an upper bifurcated portion of the front side frame is joined without offset to the cowl front portion. Consequently, load inputted to the front frame can be received by the side sill via the first and second frames.

Abstract: A storable seating unit for access by an individual in a wheelchair to seating in a stadium or arena. The storable seating unit includes a pedestal, a seat bottom pivotally connected to the pedestal, and a seat back pivotally mounted to one of the seat back and the pedestal. The pedestal includes a mechanism for pivoting the seat bottom and the seat back so as to define an open area for positioning of the wheelchair in a position occupied by the seat bottom and the seat back prior to pivoting. The pedestal may include a longitudinal slot and a slide pivotally and slidably positioned therein and connected to the seat bottom and the seat back for pivoting of the seat bottom and the seat back and lowering thereof along the length of the slide.

Abstract: An adjustable foot rest includes an elliptically-shaped foot pad having an upper surface and lateral sides. A pair of legs are eccentrically pivoted to the sides of the foot pad. Rotation of the legs provides a plurality of different height positions for the foot pad. A ratchet mechanism between the legs and the pad restricts rotation of the legs to a single direction.

Abstract: The invention concerns a housing for receiving a mining pick bit in which the free spaces for taking up spoil between the housing and the shaft of the bit are provided into the housing. In this way a fully round shaft can be used, which rotates more easier than a pick bit the shaft of which has a triangular cross-sectional form. Protrusions between the free spaces are made of carbide so that there is a very good wear resistance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle equipped with wheels coupled to fluid motors, restrictions being placed on supply or exhaust conduits of the motors. According to the invention, the vehicle comprises front and rear wheels, each coupled to one of the motors, each motor being of a reversible type, while a restriction is placed on the supply conduit of each motor coupled to the rear wheels, another restriction being placed on the exhaust conduit of each motor coupled to the front wheels. One application of the invention is the production of a wheeled vehicle equipped with a simple and efficient anti-skid system for its wheels.

Abstract: A bearing piece for a suspension unit of a motor vehicle, acting as a pressure sensor for a fluid-controlled brake regulator and intended to be mounted between a suspension element (12, 14) and a part of the vehicle by way of an elastic bearing (16) or, a pivoting mounting, has a piston mechanism (20) which can move counter to the pressure prevailing in a leaktight chamber (24). A mechanism (30, 34, 36, 40, 42) is provided so that the pressure in the leaktight chamber (24) is greater than a predetermined pressure.

Abstract: The circuit controlls a fluidically controlled brake regulator (7) in dependence on the load of a vehicle having at least two wheels each provided with a suspension member (1, 2). Each suspension member (1, 2) cooperates with a fluidic pressure sensor (11, 12) to control the regulator (7) in dependence on the load carried by only one of the wheels, namely the wheel carrying the lighter load.

Abstract: A hydraulic dual-circuit brake system has brake booster with a first output pressure chamber allocated to the front-axle brake circuit I and a second output pressure chamber allocated to the rear-axle brake circuit II. The chambers are movably delimited by master cylinder pistons, to each of which is allocated a position sensor. An electronic control device is provided to process the output signals of the position sensors and to emit control signals for a valve arrangement by which a brake circuit which is poorly bled or leaking is blocked off from its master brake line.

Abstract: The cleat assembly for the endless track of a vehicle, having a mounting bolt and nut combination wherein the threaded portion of the bolt is located remotely from the area of bending failure responsible for bolt fracture and cleat failure. An elongate bolt is used with threads at its ends remote from the belt, in combination with a nut having an unthreaded bore with threads only at one end thereof, the nut spanning from the bolt threads to bear upon the grouser.