Abstract: A self-centering brush seal is disposed in an annular groove formed in a stationary component about a rotatable component, the stationary and rotatable components having a common axis. The brush seal includes a plurality of bristles projecting into sealing engagement with the rotating component. The brush seal has a radial clearance in the groove enabling the brush seal for free-floating radial excursions within the groove to maintain concentricity with the rotary component notwithstanding deviation of the axis of rotation of the rotating component relative to the axis of the fixed component. In another form, the brush seal comprises a plurality of arcuate segments having a helical coil spring biasing the segments for radial movement enabling the tips of the bristles to seal against the rotatable component. In a further embodiment, leaf springs bias each segment to maintain its bristles in engagement with the rotatable component.

Abstract: A shaft seal is interposed between a tank and a rotating shaft extending through the tank and having a non-rotatable stator fixed to the tank and a rotor fixed for rotation to the shaft. A multiple labyrinth structure is formed between the rotor and the stator for preventing the ingress of contaminants from the tank and the egress of lubricant from the shaft. A self-aligning arrangement is constructed and arranged to permit the stator to shift axially along the shaft and compensate for various forces inflicted on the shaft as the shaft rotates.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic shaft seal assembly and method of forming hydrodynamic grooves involves forming a spiraling open channel portion in the face of the seal element, and cutting a flex-enhancing portion extending from the open channel portion further into the seal element to enhance the flexibility of the seal without further enlarging the open channel portion.

Abstract: A semi-integrated sealing system applied to the extremity of the output shaft (1) of the transmission case (2) of automotive vehicles and consisting substantially of assembling flange (10), static sealing element (20), which seals the interstice between the flange and gear shift block (2), and radial sealing retainer (30) around the shaft (10), with the mentioned flange (10) being a plate composed basically of peripherical holes (11) that receive the fastening screws to the transmission case and housing (12), receiver of the radial sealing retainer (30), the static sealing element (20) consisting of a thread of rubber type material (21), originally incorporated in the flange by means of vulcanization; the retainer of radial sealing (30) being of the cartridge type and mountable in the housing (12) of the assembling flange (10) around the output shaft (1) of the transmission case (2).

Abstract: A metal gasket for an internal combustion engine is basically formed of a main plate. The main plate includes a first hole for constituting one of bolt holes, a second hole corresponding to a fluid hole and situated adjacent to the first hole, and a full bead having a first half bead and a second half bead situated outside the first half bead. The first half bead completely surrounds only the second hole, and the second half bead surrounds the first and second holes. Thus, a portion away from the first hole is surrounded by the first and second half beads to securely seal around the second hole. Also, the tightening pressure by the bolt can be supported with good balance.

Abstract: A metal laminate gasket of the invention is used for an internal combustion engine. The gasket is basically formed of a first and second metal plates laminated together. Each of the first and second metal plates includes a hole corresponding to a hole of the engine, an inner plain portion around the hole, an inclined portion around the inner plain portion, and an outer plain portion around the inclined portion The inclined portions of the first and second plates are oriented in the same direction. The inner plain portion of the second plate has a length to contact a part of the outer plain portion of the first plate to form a support area. Thus, it is possible to securely seal around the hole of the engine by the inclined portions of the first and second plates.

Abstract: An improved seal allows a fuel nozzle to be securely fastened to an aircraft refueling adaptor and the seal does not allow fuel to leak or spill. Significantly, the seal is simple to install and remove because the fuel nozzle does not have to be disassembled or removed from the fuel hose and the seal does not have to be bonded to the seal support. The seal is securely attached to the fuel nozzle without the use of adhesives because the seal is much stiffer than conventional seals, and the seal is mechanically retained in a deep annular groove in the seal support structure. The improved seal includes a body with a first leg, a second leg, a cavity and a projection which is attached to the first leg and it extends at least halfway across the width of the cavity. Desirably, the projection extends about two-thirds of the way across the width of the cavity.

Abstract: A vacuum collet includes a filament disposed in the collet for assisting in removal of components from the collet. The filament is movable in a vertical direction within the collet to gently dislodge components lodged on a bottom face of the collet. The filament may be actuated by a solenoid or pneumatic or hydraulic actuator.

Abstract: A chuck is provided for use with a manual or powered driver, such as a drill. The chuck has a body member with angularly disposed passageways formed therethrough. A plurality of jaws are slidably positioned within the angularly disposed passageways. The jaws grip upon a tool shank inserted into the body member. A nut is rotatably mounted on the body member and has nut threads defined on an inner circumference thereof in engagement with the jaw threads. A sleeve member is in driving rotational engagement with the nut whereby when the sleeve is rotated with respect to the body member, the jaws are also moved within the passageways. A rotational stop is defined between the nut and jaws wherein upon the jaws reaching a predetermined position within the passageways, further rotation of the nut in an opening direction is prevented. The stop comprises a radially extending surface defining an end of the nut threads. The radially extending surface contacts a side surface of at least one of the jaws.

Abstract: The method of controlling a vehicle height adjust apparatus for a vehicle that includes an actuator capable of changing a vehicle height, a height detector that detects the vehicle height and a controller linked to the actuator that receives parameters indicating a state of the vehicle includes the steps of detecting the vehicle height and at least one of a steering angle of a steering wheel of the vehicle and a differential-limited state of wheels of the vehicle, and controlling the actuator with the controller to adjust the vehicle height to approach the target vehicle height if the steering angle is not greater than a predetermined steering angle and/or the wheels are not in a differential-limited state.

Abstract: A skate for receiving a foot of a skater includes a frame holding in-line wheels. A rigid base is securely attached to the frame. An external heel counter extends upwardly from the base around the heel portion of the skate. An upper having an outer shell of substantially soft pliable material extends upwardly from the base. A substantially rigid internal heel counter is disposed beneath the outer shell. The internal heel counter extends around the heel area of the skate above the top of said external heel counter. A substantially rigid ankle support cuff is pivotally coupled to the internal heel counter and disposed beneath the outer shell.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a snowboard boot and a binding interface including an interface feature that is adapted to releasably engage with a snowboard binding. The binding interface is movably mounted to the boot so that the boot can flex in a side-to-side direction through an angle relative to the binding interface to provide side-to-side flexibility. In one embodiment, the binding interface is mounted to the boot at a pair of laterally spaced attachment points with a pair of strapless fasteners. In another embodiment, the binding interface is mounted to at least one attachment point and a portion of the boot is flexible between the attachment point and a side. In other embodiments, at least a portion of the interface feature does not protrude below the bottom surface of the boot, and the interface feature does not protrude beyond the sides of the boot.

Abstract: The cart is formed of a lightweight, rearwardly and upwardly inclined frame members having a support for a golf club bag such as a set of spaced tubular members, and a bottom frame. The bottom end of the inclined frame is pivotally connected to the front end of the bottom frame. A handlebar is connected to the top end of the inclined frame. At least one large wheel is rotatably attached to the front of the bottom frame and at least two wheels having at least the spacing of the front wheel and preferably a larger diameter than the front wheel are rotatably attached to the back end of the bottom frame. The cart is pushed from behind, rides very smoothly and is stable on uneven terrain and stands unassisted on its wheels when stopped. Rotatable connection of the inclined frame to the bottom frame permits the golf cart to be folded to a compact configuration which can be stored in a flat, elongated rectangular bag.

Abstract: A kick scooter combination frame structure is constructed to include a handlebar and front fork assembly holding a front wheel, a head frame, the head frame having a vertical tube coupled to the handlebar and front fork assembly and two parallel lugs extended from the periphery of the vertical tube, and a footplate pivoted to the head frame and supported on a rear wheel, the footplate having a front opening, which receives the lugs of the head frame, and two longitudinal mounting rails perpendicularly raised from a bottom side wall thereof and reinforced with reinforcing ribs, the mounting rails each having a plurality of mounting holes respectively fastened to respective mounting holes on the lugs of the head frame by screw bolts.

Abstract: An accessing step, mounted on a vehicle having a bumper attached to the vehicle frame, comprises a step part and a mount assembly fixedly supported on the bumper and frame, mounting the step part for swinging movement from a first operative position in which the step part extends generally horizontally to a retracted second position pivoted upwardly to lie generally vertically adjacent the bumper. The mount assembly incorporates a lock device automatically operative between the mount assembly and step part for releasably locking the step part in the second position and automatically locking up to block the step part from downwardly swinging beyond a substantially horizontal position, while permitting the step part to be swung upwardly.

Abstract: An arrangement for receiving and setting a wheel axle for a drive wheel of a wheelchair, with an adapter (1) for adjusting the wheel camber, characterized in that the adapter (1) has a receiving bore (2) for the wheel axle, extends longitudinally approximately in the direction of this bore (2) and, to set the camber, can be attached removably to the wheelchair frame (9) in the desired position and is able to slide crosswise to the wheelchair frame (9) on a path running in a segmental arch.

Abstract: A wheelchair comprises a frame and a chassis. The frame has two side frame members. The side frame members include upper frame members. The upper frame members have first and second mounting positions upon which the chassis may be mounted. The chassis has two mounting brackets. The mounting brackets are selectively attachable to respective upper frame members at the first and second mounting positions. The mounting brackets have lower ends that are structured and configured to rigidly support a rear wheel assembly when the mounting brackets are attached to the upper frame member at the first mounting position to provide a fixed chassis. When the mounting brackets are attached at the second mounting position, the lower end of the mounting brackets pivotally support a swing-arm assembly and suspension member to provide a suspension chassis. The same mounting brackets may be provided to construct each chassis or different mounting brackets may be provided to construct each chassis.

Abstract: A bicycle frame assembly comprises a main frame formed of a plurality of tubular bodies, a front fork, and a handlebar. The tubular bodies of the main frame, the front fork and the handlebar are partially or entirely covered with a wooden layer formed of a wood or bamboo film. The wooden layer is covered with a protective layer of a glass fiber material preimpregnated with epoxy resin.

Abstract: A removable stand comprising a mounting block and support post supports a bicycle at an angle. The support post is nonrotatably friction fit within a socket formed in the mounting block. The mounting block is mounted upon a single frame element, such as a chainstay or swing arm tube. The support post is readily installed and removed, and can be stored on a second location on the bicycle when the bicycle is in use.

Abstract: A trailer alignment backing aid for vehicles that includes a target sticker and a hitch ball attachable aiming tube assembly. The target sticker has aiming indicia provided on a front surface thereof and an adhesive covered back surface having a peel off backing cover. The hitch ball attachable aiming tube assembly includes a ball attachment tube and an extender tube. The ball attachment tube includes two ball insertion flaps at a lower end thereof, a trailer tongue insertion window adjacent to the ball insertion flaps, and incremental measuring marks along the length thereof. The two ball insertion flaps are sized and spaced to resiliently grip the ball of a ball hitch and maintain the hitch ball attachable aiming tube assembly in an upright position during use.

Abstract: A tow bar having a body portion, adapted to be attached to a towing vehicle and a pair of legs joined to the body portion and adapted to be attached to a towed vehicle. At least one of the legs defines a closed channel that can be opened to form an open channel. The channel is generally adapted to partially conceal and protect a safety cable of the sort generally required to be used in association with a tow bar.

Abstract: A boot for use with a snowboard having a binding for attachment to the boot. The boot includes a base, a highback, and an upper. The base includes a binding-receiving plate for attaching the boot to the binding on the snowboard. The base also has toe and heel ends. The base is formed with a toecap at the toe end and has a heel counter at the heel end. Tread projects from the bottom of the base for traction when the boot is not attached to the snowboard. The highback extends upwardly from the heel counter of the base. The highback provides aft support to the user. The upper is fixedly attached to the base and is arranged and configured to receive the foot and ankle of the user. The upper has a rearward side adjacent the highback. The upper is more flexible than the base and the highback. A base strap is connected to opposing sides of the base and extends across a portion of the upper.

Abstract: A boot suitable for use in association with various sports related gliding devices having a stirrup embedded in the sole of the boot containing a pair of opposed arms for removably supporting a pin therebetween.

Abstract: The invention relates to an airbag module for vehicles, particularly for installation in a seat of a vehicle. The airbag module has a support with components for fastening the total airbag system to the vehicle and for accommodating the gas generator as well.

Abstract: A head air bag system for an automotive vehicle includes a bracket mounted to a C-pillar of an automotive vehicle, an inflator mounted to the bracket, and an air bag operatively connected to the inflator. The air bag system also includes a trim molding housing the inflator, bracket and the air bag. The air bag is inflated by the inflator adjacent a head of a rear occupant seated in the automotive vehicle.

Abstract: An airbag cover has a door section on its front surface with an ornament. On a reverse side of the door section, a leg section of the ornament is inserted via an inserting hole from the front surface side of the door section of the cover. The leg section of the ornament is attached to the door section by a rivet, which penetrates an attaching hole of the leg section and a through-hole of the door section. The ornament is thereby attached to the door section, while an ornamental section of the ornament covers a head portion of the rivet on the front surface side of the door section. In another embodiment, the leg section is sewn to the door section. The ornamental section is attached to the front surface side of the door section by adhering the ornamental section to the door section in the sewing portion and the leg section. The connecting portion of the leg section is bent so that the ornamental section can be arranged to cover the sewing portion of the leg section.

Abstract: A molded instrument panel having a plastic front panel and incorporating an integral air bag door is disclosed wherein the air bag door is hinged to the front panel by overlapping integral plastic members to ensure that the door does not separate from the instrument panel during air bag deployment. The instrument panel also includes a plastic frame integrally formed on an inner surface of the front panel which together with the door, encloses an uninflated air bag. Preferably, the hinge and portions of the frame are formed by a pressurized fluid so as to be hollow, thereby facilitating swinging movement of the door while preventing sink marks on an outer surface of the front panel.

Abstract: An airbag cover includes a tear seam formed by a groove in the front side of the airbag cover as well as the groove in the back side of the airbag cover. These grooves are separated by a transverse layer. The transverse layer has a length, thickness and angle or orientation with respect to the airbag cover. This length, thickness, and angle vary at different locations along the tear seam. These variations permit control over the speed at which the deployment door opens as well as the order in which different portions of the tear seam tear.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a truck cab (12), a seat (22) for an occupant of the truck cab (12), and an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (34). The seat (22) includes a seat back (24) with an upper end (26) adjacent to the rear wall (16) of the truck cab (12). The protection device (34) is inflatable to a deployed condition adjoining the rear wall (16) of the truck cab (12) above the upper end (26) of the seat back (24) so as to transmit crash forces from the occupant's head to the rear wall (16) of the truck cab (12). In this manner, the protection device (34) and the rear wall (16) of the truck cab (12) together provide crash reaction forces that restrain movement of the occupant's head toward the rear wall (16) of the truck cab (12).

Abstract: A side impact air bag with a self-tensioned lower edge to prevent the occupant from ejection during a rollover event or subsequent impact, A side air bag is secured to the vehicle roof rail between the front and rear pillars. A pair of tethers are secured to the air bag at a lower portion thereof and one each in turn secured to the front and rear pillars. A plurality of substantially inverted V-shaped zero length tethers extend from the lower portion to define a plurality of chambers, which when inflated cause the lower portion of the air bag to shrink and induce tension therein and to the tethers. When the side impact air bag is inflated the air bag positions itself between the occupant and vehicle window and is held in place by the tension created by the inflated sections.

Abstract: A vehicle seat has a seat frame having a pivot connection and a seat portion mounted on the seat frame. A backrest, having a head rest, is mounted on the seat frame such that the backrest is pivotable relative to the seat portion about the pivot connection. A lateral airbag system is mounted in the backrest and extends in a longitudinal direction of the backrest. The lateral airbag system has an elongate housing open at one side. The elongate housing has an elongate channel extending along a side of the backrest to an upper end of the head rest. The elongate housing is connected to the seat frame. The lateral airbag system has an airbag folded into the elongate channel such that a direction of folding is perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the elongate channel and such that the airbag is completely stretched out in the longitudinal direction. A cover covering the open side of the elongate housing is provided. The cover is adapted to open upon actuation of the airbag to release the airbag.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle (12) comprises a vehicle occupant protection device (14) which is inflatable away from a vehicle roof (28) into a position extending along a vehicle side structure (16) between the side structure and a vehicle occupant. An inflator (24) provides inflation fluid for inflating the vehicle occupant protection device (14). The inflation fluid rotates an impeller (180) which moves a tensioning member (154) in a linear direction. A flexible elongated member (54) has a first end (70) connected to the side structure (16) of the vehicle (12) and an opposite second end (72) connected to the tensioning member (154). The flexible elongated member (54) is connected to the vehicle occupant protection device (14). The flexible elongated member (54) is tensioned by the tensioning member (154) when the tensioning member moves in the linear direction.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle (12) which has a side structure (16) and a roof (28) comprises a vehicle occupant protection device (14). The vehicle occupant protection device (14) is inflatable away from the vehicle roof (28) into a position along the vehicle side structure (16) between the side structure and a vehicle occupant. An inflator (24) provides inflation fluid for inflating the vehicle occupant protection device (14). A flexible elongated member (54) resists movement of the vehicle occupant protection device (14) away from the vehicle side structure (16) when the vehicle occupant protection device is inflated. A tensioning member (52) is movable a given distance upon inflation of the vehicle occupant protection device (14). The tensioning member (52) retracts a length of the flexible elongated member (54) equal to at least approximately twice the given distance when the tensioning member (52) moves the given distance.

Abstract: In an occupant protecting device including an expandable bag housed within a belt for holding back an occupant upon collision of a vehicle, an outlet opening 331 in a buckle-side duct 28 and an inlet opening 183 in a tongue-side duct 18 are opposed to each other through a gap &agr;, and a seal member 35 made of a rubber and integrally provided with an outer lip portion 352 and an inner breakable portion 353 is mounted to the outlet opening 331. When a gas generated by an inflater upon collision of the vehicle is supplied to the buckle-side duct, the breakable portion 353 of the seal member 35 is broken to bring the lip portion 352 into close contact with the inlet opening 183, so that the gas is supplied from the buckle-side duct 28 through the tongue-side duct 18 to a shoulder belt, thereby expanding a bag housed in the shoulder belt. Thus, it is possible to easily and reliably perform the sealing of a gas passage in a connection between a buckle 31 and a tongue 19.

Abstract: An inflatable belt device includes a tongue having a rear end connected to an inflatable belt; a buckle with which the tongue is to be engaged; and a gas generator or inflator for supplying gas into the buckle. The tongue includes a tongue base having a gas passage or duct; a tongue plate fixed to the tongue base; and a lap belt anchor. The lap belt anchor has an L-like configuration and includes a base and a bracket, which extends perpendicularly from the base and has an opening formed therein. The base is attached pivotally to the tongue plate by a pivot pin. A sheet, made from a low friction material, may be placed between the plate and the base, thus facilitating the pivoting of the tongue. As a result of this arrangement, gas is introduced much more smoothly from a tongue of an inflatable belt device into the inflatable belt. A low pressure gas generator may thus be used.

Abstract: A method for controlling an airbag system is provided. The airbag system includes an airbag module which may be deployed at different rates to optimize performance of the airbag module to a given impact. The airbag system includes a control module, an impact sensor, a seatbelt restraint sensor and an airbag module. The airbag module includes an inflator having two independent squibs, a first one of the squibs being coupled to a first charge and a second one of the squibs being coupled to a second charge. The method monitors various vehicle dynamics and controls the generation of first and second squib pulses which cause the deployment of the first and second charges so as to optimize the rate at which the airbag is deployed for an impact of a given magnitude. The method also monitors the integrity of each squib circuit and when a fault in a squib circuit is detected, the deployment algorithm is modified to ensure that the airbag will deploy.

Abstract: Arrangements and method for controlling a deployable occupant restraint device in vehicle, such as an airbag, in which a crash sensor determines whether deployment of the occupant restraint device is required as a result of the crash and an occupant position sensor determines the position of the occupant. Deployment of the occupant restraint device is controlled based on the determination by the crash sensor if deployment of the occupant restraint device is required and the position of the occupant. The position of the occupant is determined preferably by ascertaining the position of the seat or a part thereof, e.g., the seat portion or back portion, relative to a fixed point of reference to thereby enable an approximation of the position of the occupant to be obtained. The payout of a seatbelt from a seatbelt retractor can also be measured and used to better provide the actual position of the occupant.

Abstract: An inflator (10) includes a tank (12), an outlet manifold (14), and an initiator (40). The tank (12) stores inflation fluid (18) under pressure. The initiator (40), when actuated, initiates a flow of the inflation fluid (18) from the tank (12) to the exterior of the inflator (10) along an outlet flow path extending through the manifold (14). The inflator (10) further includes a pressure controlling structure (80) which partially obstructs the outlet flow path through the manifold (14). The pressure controlling structure (80) is rupturable under the influence of a predetermined inflation fluid pressure force.

Abstract: A dual level inflator is provided for creating at least two different rates and levels of air bag inflation while optimizing cost effectiveness, size, safety and performance. The dual level inflator includes a unitized gas generator canister assembly including two canisters of gas generant material connected to a common base and positioned in a chamber formed in an inflator outer housing. The unitized assembly is easily transportable and mountable on the outer housing. Each canister of the unitized assembly includes apertures permitting direct communication between each canister cavity and the chamber of the outer housing. As a result, generant material positioned in each canister is directly exposed to the conditions in the outer housing chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gas generating apparatus for an air bag apparatus mounted in a vehicle or the like for protecting a passenger of the vehicle by charging a gas into an air bag interposed between the passenger and an interior member of the vehicle chamber so as to inflate the air bag at the time of collision of the vehicle. The gas generating apparatus for the air bag apparatus includes a first chamber 9 which accommodates a combustible fluid 7 and which is provided with a first vent opening 8 leading to the air bag 3; a second chamber 5 larger than the first chamber 9; a first occluding member 13 for occluding the first vent opening 8; and an ignition device 14 for igniting the combustible fluid in the first chamber 9. By burning at least a portion of the combustible fluid 7 within the first chamber 9, the fluid in the first and second chambers 9 and 5 is discharged through the first vent opening 8 to inflate the air bag 3.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) includes an initiator (14) having a casing (42) containing a charge of pyrotechnic material (44). An end wall (58) of the casing (42) has score lines (72) delineating petal shaped sections (74) of the end wall (58). The petal shaped sections (74) of the end wall (58) are configured to diverge by deflecting pivotally upon rupturing of the end wall (58) along the score lines (72) under the influence of the pyrotechnic material (44). The apparatus (10) further includes a petal retainer structure (50) having a retainer surface (80). The retainer surface (80) is configured to receive the petal shaped sections (74) of the end wall (58) so as to limit pivotal deflection of the petal shaped sections (74) to amounts less than 90 degrees. The petal retainer structure (50) is thus configured to inhibit fragmentation of the end wall (58) that might otherwise occur upon greater pivotal deflection of the petal shaped sections (74).

Abstract: An airbag which is easily sewn up and which is capable of providing a large extent of thickness when inflated is formed of two pieces of panels A, B. The panels A, B are superposed on each other and sewn by a seam along sides 1, 2, 3, 11, 12, and 13 so as to make an envelope. Sides 4a, 4b are sewn by a seam 30. The open edges other than the sewn edges of the envelope are sequentially sewn by seams 50 and 60.

Abstract: A vehicular body and frame assembly includes a pair of side rails, wherein one or both of the side rails has an integral support surface formed therein to facilitate the mounting of various components on the vehicle frame assembly. Each of the side rails is formed from a closed channel structural member having a desired cross sectional shape. A portion of each side rail is further formed having a cross sectional shape that is substantially similar to, but rotationally offset from, the cross sectional shape of the remainder of the side rail. The transitions from the side rails to the rotationally offset portions and from the rotationally offset portions back to the side rails are preferably smooth and continuous. The rotationally offset portions may extend throughout any desired portion or portions of the side rails, and may further vary in the amount of rotational offset if desired.

Abstract: A load limiting device is used with a vehicle seat belt during a crash to allow a limited and controlled forward motion of a vehicle occupant after the retractor has locked. The load limiting device decreases the forces exerted by the seat belt on the vehicle occupant's torso. The load limiting device has a container which defines a flow path for a fluid, with a restriction in the flow path. An actuator is located within the container and is movable within the container under the action of a load transmitted to the seat belt webbing from the vehicle occupant under extreme acceleration conditions, to move the fluid through the restriction in the flow path to dissipate a predetermined portion of the load on the webbing.

Abstract: An assembly (10) for use in a vehicle comprises a webbing guide (30) for guiding movement of seat belt webbing (14) in the vehicle and a fastener (70) for mounting the webbing guide (30) in position in the vehicle. The fastener (70) has a head portion (76). The assembly (10) further has a resilient cover member (80) that includes a cover portion (82) covering the head portion (76) of the fastener (70) and at least a portion (32) of the webbing guide (30). The resilient cover member (80) further includes a first rib portion (100) projecting from the cover portion (82) toward the head portion (76) of the fastener (70) and a second rib portion (110) projecting from the cover portion (82) toward the webbing guide (30). The first and second rib portions (100, 110) are resiliently crushable to absorb energy in response to an impact of a vehicle occupant's head against the cover portion (82).

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical disc provided with a watermark inside, which is visible with naked eyes from a reproduction side of the optical disc, and the producing method and the production apparatus thereof. The optical disc comprises a transparent substrate having an information signal recorded surface, a reflective layer formed on the information signal recorded surface thereof, an adhesive layer formed on the reflective layer, a mask layer on the adhesive layer and a transparent dummy substrate on the mask layer stacked in this order. The adhesive layer is made of an adhesive of which curing speed is changed according to a controlled amount of radiation of ultraviolet rays. The watermark is recorded in the optical disc by irradiating the ultraviolet rays on the adhesive through the mask layer provided with light shielding members to cause the adhesive to be cured by controlling a curing speed of the adhesive corresponding to existence or nonexistence of the light shielding members.

Abstract: A sealing grommet is for use in coupling in sealed relation a drain pipe depending from a roof and a co-operating leader pipe. The bottom end of the drain pipe is inserted into the top end of the co-operating leader pipe. The outside diameter of the drain pipe is smaller than the inside diameter of the co-operating leader pipe by an unspecified distance. The sealing grommet comprises an annular base portion having top, bottom, radially inner side and radially outer side surfaces. An annular interior wall portion extends upwardly from the base portion to terminate at a top edge, and is defined by opposed inner and outer wall surfaces. The interior wall portion has an overall inside diameter defined by the inner wall surface. A substantially resilient annular exterior wall portion extends upwardly and outwardly from the base portion in spaced apart relation to the annular interior wall portion, to terminate at a top edge, and is defined by opposed inner and outer wall surfaces.

Abstract: A gas valve apparatus is configured to receive a gas specific adapter. The apparatus includes a gas valve body having a first end configured to be coupled to a gas connection and a second end. A keyed body is configured to receive the second end of the gas valve body. The keyed body has a first keying mechanism. The apparatus also includes a cap coupled to the keyed body. The cap includes a keyed front face having a gas outlet configured to receive the gas specific adapter. The cap also includes a second keying mechanism configured to mate with the first keying mechanism on the keyed body to permit the cap to be coupled to the keyed body.

Abstract: A pipe coupling (10) for coupling and sealing adjacent ends of two pipe sections (12, 14) of the same or different outer diameters. The pipe coupling (10) includes an annular sleeve (24), a pair of annular gaskets (22) and a pair of follower flanges (20) that surround the adjacent ends of the pipe sections (12, 14). The gaskets (22) have inclined front walls (42) that are angled generally complementary to clamping surfaces (28) formed at opposite ends of the sleeve (24). The gaskets further include inclined back walls (52). As the follower flanges (20) are urged toward the opposite ends of the sleeve (24), the inclined back walls (52) of the gaskets (22) cooperate with skirts (32) formed on the follower flanges (22) to cause the gaskets (22) to readily toe-in toward the outer walls of the pipe sections (12, 14) at relatively low torque and cause sealing engagement with pipe ends sections (12, 14).

Abstract: A threaded connection for easily deformable thin-walled pipes (20) has a connecting member (1) with a cylindrical receiving bore (5) accommodating the pipe (20) and an outer thread (7). A nut (8) is provided with an inner thread (10) which is threaded onto the outer thread (7). The nut (8) has a through-bore (11) for the pipe (20) and a conical bore (13) which widens towards the connecting member (1). The pipe (20), at a distance from its end face (21), has a bulge (23) which is held in a clamped-in condition between the conical bore (13) and a conical supporting face (18) of a separate supporting ring (14). To limit the tightening movement, the supporting ring (14) has a stop face (19) against which the conical bore (13) comes to rest when the nut (8) is tightened. A holding face (17) on the supporting ring (14) is supported against the end face (3) of the connecting member (1).