Abstract: The novel tunnelboard snowboard is designed to offer unique and superior tracking characteristics, dampening and spring characteristics as well as providing improved turning characteristics. This new snowboard invention utilizes a new flow-through tunnel design with sharpened orthogonal protrusions imbedded therein.

Abstract: A universal snow boot and binding for use in connection with either snow skiing of snow-boarding which is easy to use and provides quick, easy and positive interconnection of the snow boot with the upper surface of the ski or snow-board. Uniquely only magnetic forces are used to affix the snow boot to the ski or snow-board.

Abstract: A side impact protective device for vehicle occupants is arranged along a roof frame of a vehicle and includes a cladding part for covering the roof frame, a head gas bag and mounting members. The head gas bag is convertible from a folded state to an unfolded state and has, in its unfolded state, an upper part with two outer end portions. The head gas bag is arranged underneath the cladding part in the folded state extended in a longitudinal direction substantially parallel to the roof frame and only folded in a direction transversely to the longitudinal direction. The mounting members serve to attach the head gas bag at least at the outer end portions to the roof frame.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) includes an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (32). The vehicle occupant protection device (32) has a stored condition and an inflated condition in which the occupant protection device extends across an upper portion (20) of a vehicle windshield (14). The occupant protection device (32) has first and second end portions (38,40) located adjacent first and second A pillars (18,16) of the vehicle when in the inflated condition. An inflator (34) emits inflation fluid to inflate the occupant protection device (32) from the stored condition to the inflated condition. The inflator (34) is mounted in one of the first and second A pillars (18, 16) of the vehicle.

Abstract: To improve the strength in the connection between an inflator and an airbag, an area around a gas inlet 12 of an airbag 10 is fitted onto an inflator 30 and is bound tightly by two bands 14. The areas of the airbag 10 near the bands 14 are provided with stitches 16 extending in the circumferential direction of the inflator 30. The stitches 16 rise from the outer surface of the airbag 10. The areas around the gas inlet of the airbag 10 and the inflator 30 are held by saddle bands 24 of a holder 20. The stitches 16 are caught by the bands 14 when the airbag 10 is inflated and the airbag 10 is about to be slipped off, thereby securely preventing the detachment of the airbag 10.

Abstract: An airbag cover in a dashboard, a steering wheel hub cover, or door panel with at least one predetermined breaking line whose shape is substantially determined by a line-shaped weakened portion. The line-shaped weakened portion is a perforation line extending until approximately below the surface visible to the vehicle passengers. This perforation line is advantageously a curve alternating around the predetermined breaking line and is at least similar in shape to the structure of the visible surface.

Abstract: An airbag device for a motor vehicle which includes an airbag (20) consisting of an inflatable gas cushion, a gas generator (26) for filling the airbag (20), a gas conduit tube (18) extending through a divided-off portion of the airbag, exhaust ports in the gas conduit tube (18), a profiled ledge (10) having an ejection channel configured therein and in which the airbag (20) arranged in stacked folds is accommodated along with the gas conduit tube (18), and fasteners for holding the modular unit comprised of the profiled ledge (10), the airbag (20) and the gas conduit tube (18).

Abstract: An airbag device for side collisions is arranged in a back portion of a seat. The airbag device is equipped with an airbag which is mounted and fixed on its rear edge side on a seat frame. The airbag includes a lower chamber for an upstream portion of an inflating gas, and an upper chamber arranged over the lower chamber. The airbag is folded by folding the upper chamber side inwards to the lower chamber or towards the outside of a vehicle, and by bringing the front edge side toward the rear edge side. Moreover, the airbag is folded backwards or forwards at its upper side portion. The airbag in this state is mounted and fixed on the seat frame so that it is arranged in the back portion of the seat.

Abstract: A vehicle steering handle comprises a boss portion disposed centrally thereof for accommodating an air bag, right and left grip portions disposed vertically on right and left sides of the boss portion for allowing gripping by a driver, and upper and lower horizontal connector portions connecting respective upper and lower ends of the right and left grip portions to thereby make the handle generally rectangular in shape. At least the upper connector portion extends substantially linearly. As a result, it becomes possible for the air bag to suitably deform to thereby support a collision load of a driver. Further, with the upper connector portion extending linearly, improved view to vehicle instruments is provided.

Abstract: A force sensor for sensing the weight of a vehicle seat occupant for a vehicle's occupant protection system has a pressure sensor responsive to hydraulic pressure resulting from axial force applied to the force sensor. A constant force spring in the form of a diaphragm with two flanges simultaneous functions as a seal, a constant force bias spring, an armature support resistant to radial forces and a piston for converting force to hydraulic pressure. Two studs receive applied force. An electrical insulator is sealed to the walls of a passage inside of one of the studs to provide electrical communication while sealing against liquid leakage. A pressure sensor is mounted on the electrical insulator and connected to electrical conductors in the insulator by stitch bonding. The diaphragm resists radial movement while allowing axial movement thereby making the sensor insensitive to radial forces. By being a constant force spring the diaphragm makes the sensor insensitive to temperature variations.

Abstract: Described here is a process for controlling a passenger protection system by means of a CPU in conjunction with acceleration signals and the existence of at least one trigger inhibiting signal from a manually operated trigger inhibitor or a seat occupancy detection device. This process prevents errors in the CPU. For this purpose, monitoring of the trigger inhibitor and the seat occupancy detection devices is provided in an evaluation unit parallel to the CPU, in order to set an ignition inhibiting signal, as soon as at least one of these devices sets a trigger inhibiting signal. The ignition inhibiting signal influences the inhibiting device located between the CPU and the passenger protection device, disabling the trigger. This makes it impossible for an error in the CPU to trigger the passenger protection device inadvertently.

Abstract: A gas generator for an air bag, which enables a gas generating agent to be completely burned within a desired period of time, and shows sufficient operating characteristics, is provided. In a housing of the gas generator for an air bag, having gas discharge ports, igniting means to be actuated when an impact sensor detects an impact, solid bodies of gas generating agent to be ignited by the igniting means and burned to generate a combustion gas, and filter means for cooling the combustion gas and scavenging combustion residues are accommodated. In such a gas generator, the ratio (A/At) of the total surface area A of the solid bodies of gas generating agent to the total opening area At of the gas discharge ports is controlled to be larger than 300.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an inflator device and a method of inflating an inflatable member. The inflator device is adapted for producing a sufficient quantity of a gaseous product to substantially inflate the inflatable member operatively associated therewith without substantial heating of the device or the member. The device has a housing that defines an interior volume, and contains a pressurized gas at a first pressure in the interior volume. The housing also has a member for maintaining the pressurized gas at the first pressure within the interior volume and for opening when the gas attains a predetermined second, higher pressure upon combustion of a pyrotechnic material within the housing to allow the gas to pass from the housing. The pyrotechnic material is stored within a container within the interior volume of the housing. At least a portion of the pyrotechnic material, upon combustion, exits the container, and generates heat and combustion products within the pressurized gas.

Abstract: A gas generator is provided with a nonazide gas generating agent stored in a housing, and a plurality of openings for controlling combustion of the gas generating agent so that gas generated by the gas generating agent passes through the openings toward the air bag. The gas generator can be made smaller in size and lighter in weight by controlling the internal pressure of the gas generator, upon actuation, to be equal to or greater than 60 kg/cm2, but less than 100 kg/cm2, by adjusting the total area of the openings relative to the amount of the generated gas.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an igniter composition which is capable of being extruded to yield a robust igniter extrudate. The composition is particularly useful in the form of an igniter stick or other selected geometry for use in supplemental safety restraint systems designed for use such as in vehicles, ground or airborne, having such systems.

Abstract: A pouch-shaped air bag (12) is spread out in a circle. Then, the portion of the air bag (12) located outside the inflator (16) is folded into a wave-like pattern from four directions so that four side portions (61) are formed along the inflator (16). Next, each one of the four excess portions (62), which are continuously formed between each two adjacent side portions (61) and protrude outward, is placed along the outer face of each side portion (61). Thus, the air bag (12) can be easily folded compactly that can be smoothly unfolded.

Abstract: An middle fabric portion (43) is disposed between a first fabric portion (41) and a second fabric portion (42) that constitute a pouch-shaped air bag (1). The middle fabric portion (43) divides the interior of the air bag (1) into a first compartment (45) and a second compartment (46). The two compartments (45,46) communicate by communicating openings (51) formed at locations near the outer edge of the middle fabric portion (43). A center communicating portion (53) at the center of the middle fabric portion (43) is fastened to a retainer (14). The first fabric portion (41) and the second fabric portion (42) communicate by a middle communicating portion (57) formed between the center communicating portion (53) and an outer edge portion (44). The communicating openings (51) are formed in the middle fabric portion (43), at locations near the outer edge of the middle fabric portion (43).

Abstract: A stabilizing jack for vehicles comprises a pair of jack legs advanceable between retracted and extended positions by a single drive screw having left and right hand threaded sections which is mounted on a slide frame which is slidably mounted to and below a base frame. The base frame is securable to the frame of a vehicle such as a recreational vehicle for use in stabilizing the vehicle when parked. The drive screw has a screw follower or trunnion secured to each threaded section. Each leg is pivotally secured at a first end thereof to one of the screw followers. Struts or leg braces are pivotally connected at one end to each leg, medially thereof, and are pivotally connected at opposite ends to the base frame at the ends closest the respective leg.

Abstract: A powered landing gear drive system for a trailer for selectively extending and retracting the landing gear legs of the trailer. An electric motor is powered by a battery carried by a tractor or by the trailer and provides the power for an electric motor. A control system is provided as a security measure to permit limited, coded entry access to the system, and motor operating parameters are sensed to prevent exceeding operating limits of the system. The powered landing gear system can be provided as original equipment, or it can be retrofitted to existing trailers to permit powered landing gear operation.

Abstract: An impact-absorbing steering column device comprises a steering column which supports a steering shaft to be rotatable, a body-side bracket which is secured to the body of a car and supports the steering column and, to allow the steering column to move forward when an impact load of not less than a predetermined value is applied thereon. An impact energy absorbing mechanism is provided between the steering column and the body-side bracket so as to absorb the impact energy when the steering column is moved. The impact energy absorbing mechanism comprises an energy absorbing member which is produced from metallic wire and has a latch portion latched by the body-side bracket and a drawing portion which is formed on the steering column for drawing and deforming the energy absorbing member when the steering column is moved.

Abstract: An arrangement for seat-belts for vehicles having a seat for a passenger, an area where the passenger has his shoulder when seated in a normal position, a forward direction and a rearward direction, comprises a belt which runs from the area in the vehicles where the passenger has his shoulder when seated in a normal position to an attachment point at the side of the passenger. The arrangement has a connection fixed to the vehicle behind the seat for moving the belt in a rearward direction, keeping the belt at the passenger's shoulder so that the belt is in contact with the passenger regardless of the angle of the seat's backrest.

Abstract: The invention is a book which comprises a series of sculpted figures which nest within each other. The sculpted figures are preferably made of vacuum formed plastic, in a manner similar to that used in making the plastic shells for a blister package. In preferred embodiment, the figures are affixed to the basic portion of the pages of the book, with the portion of the base which lies within the perimeter of the figures removed. The remainder of each page may have text or graphics disposed on it. The figures are formed so that the figures or the lower pages nest within the figures on the upper pages. The figures will usually have graphics printed on them. However, some or all of them may be at least partially clear, and some or all of them may have text disposed on them.

Abstract: The invention includes a pocketbook adapted to be customized by a consumer. The pocketbook has a plurality of pages and a pocket adapted to hold the pages. The pages are removably held in the pocket. The pages typically have a subject so that the consumer may select pages according to the subject. The pages and the pocket may include a common theme. One embodiment of the invention includes a pocketbook assembly adapted to allow a consumer to assemble a customized pocketbook. The assembly typically includes a page display; a plurality of pages removably supported by the page display; and a plurality of pockets. Generally, each pocket is adapted to hold at least one of the pages. And the pockets are generally available near, or on, the page display. In another embodiment the invention includes a pocketbook kit adapted to allow a consumer to assemble a pocketbook. The kit generally includes a plurality of pages, the pages having a subject; and a pocket for removably holding the pages.

Abstract: A packaged data card assembly includes at least one data card having a first substrate with opposite faces and personal identifying indicia on one face correlated with a selectively activatable account. The assembly also includes a package comprising at least one panel having a second substrate separate from the first substrate, the data card being detachably connected to the panel so that the personal identifying indicia on the card are concealed by the panel. Account activation indicia are on the package in an exposed location, such activation indicia also being correlated with the account. Preferably, first account verification indicia are provided on the data card and second account verification indicia are provided on the package, both different from the personal identifying indicia on the card and both correlated with the same account.

Abstract: A credit card with driver's license for providing credit to an individual, information regarding the individual and proof of registration to operate a motor vehicle on a single form of identification. The credit card with driver's license includes a semi rigid thin piece of material having a face side, a photograph of the individual positioned on the face side, additional identifying information positioned on the face side and a magnetic strip storing information providing access to credit of the individual and personal information regarding the individual upon reading of said magnetic strip by a credit card terminal. The credit card with driver's license is registered with a department of motor vehicles in a state in which the owner resides and credit is provided by either an independent financial institution or the state government issuing the driver's license.

Abstract: A label assembly includes first and second longitudinally aligned portions releasably adhered to a liner with one of the portions having a side dimension greater than a width dimension of the other portion. After marking the label portion with the desired indicia, the label can be removed and applied to the desired object. Then the overlaminate portion having the larger side dimension can be removed from the liner rotated 90° and placed over the label to complete the overlaminate protected label assembly.

Abstract: Unauthorized alteration of a document can be avoided in a secure document that includes a substrate (10) defining the body of the document. Indicia (24, 26, 30, 32, 36 and 40) located on the substrate (10) designate an area (42) to receive variable information by an impression. The variable information is that whose alteration is to be avoided. A chemical, carbonless imaging system (44) is disposed on the substrate (10) at the area (42) and is operative to form a visible image upon receipt of an impression and a transparent film (46) is located on the substrate (10) to cover the area (42). As a consequence of the construction, any attempt to alter an image appearing on the film (46) will be apparent from the original imaging of the chemical carbonless imaging system (44) or by smudging thereof indicating an alteration attempt.

Abstract: A casing slip joint has been invented that has a first tubular casing member disposed around and releasably connected to a second casing member, the second casing member within and surrounded by the first casing member. Self-destructive shear screws according to the present invention releasably hold the first casing member to the second casing member. In one aspect, a shear screw according to this invention has an outer shear screw with a central recess and an inner member therein. In one aspect the outer shear screw is made of one metal and the inner screw is made of another so that contact by a well fluid sets up a galvanic cell that produces stress corrosion cracking in the outer shear screw that weakens it and/or destroys it. The propagation of such cracks is facilitated by placing one or more notches or recesses in the body of the components.

Abstract: A locking device for a quick release coupling includes a coupling, a lever and a sleeve containing an arcuate groove therein. The sleeve is attached to the coupling and the lever is pivotally mounted on the coupling. The coupling includes at least two pairs of supports with each pair containing a groove therein to receive the lever. A pivot pin penetrates the lever to pivotally mount the lever on the support and a locking pin is attached to the pair of supports and received in the groove of the support. The lever includes a cam formed on one end to abut the arcuate groove of the sleeve and a recess formed in the other end to receive a linkage. The recess of the lever contains an opening to allow the linkage to extend through the lever and has an indentation to receive the locking pin when the lever is pulled down flush to the coupling. A torsion spring is pivotally mounted on the lever by the pin and has a first end abutting the first end of the linkage and a second end abutting the lever.

Abstract: A pipe joint, includes a press fitting with a section that is beaded in cross-section and holds a sealing ring and with a cylindrical area attached thereto that has, at the end of its extension, a flange-like depression forming a stop. The pipe joint also includes a pipe, whose smooth end, after being inserted into the press fitting, comes to rest on the inner stop of the press fitting. A non-detachable, tight pipe joint is formed by means of a pressing tool having at least two pressing jaws encompassing the press fitting after the pressing jaws are closed. During pressing, the pressing jaws act both on the annular bead, including the sealing ring placed therein, and on the cylindrical area of the press fitting.

Abstract: An entry fitting having a cylindrical portion and a conical portion including a seal disposed about the body of the entry fitting. An axial displacement member urges the seal along the conical portion to achieve a relatively wide range of sealing force. The entry fitting can include a shield positioned on the exterior of a sump to provide an access space for displacement of the entry fitting toward the exterior of the sump to allow removal and replacement of the seal without first having to remove backfill from the exterior of the sump.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for positioning and holding together a secondary pipe on a branch connector before the branch connector is mounted on a buried main pipe for transporting fluid. The device rests solely on the secondary pipe and on the branch connector away from the main pipe.

Abstract: In order to minimize opportunities for dirt, grime, moisture and adverse atmospheric conditions to enter a fitting for coupling a flexible plastic tubes in a quick connect-type coupling, a collet used within the coupling has a constant diameter boss at one end and slots splitting the collet into spring fingers, which slots do not extend into the boss. The collet is received within a bore in an annular body, wherein the bore includes a cylindrical surface that is substantially completely engaged by an outer cylindrical surface of the boss, with the end of the boss projecting from the body a substantial distance beyond the bore.

Abstract: A child resistant latch system for minimizing a child's access to cabinets containing potentially harmful items includes a spring loaded biasing assembly for biasing a handle that is operationally coupled to a latch that is positioned proximate a stop plate. Optionally, a latch receiving plate assembly may be attached to a frame of the cabinet.

Abstract: An apparatus for limiting injuries and collision damage, intended for mounting on at least one hook located adjacent a rear side of a vehicle, the apparatus being provided with at least one hook-catching element and with an inflatable element pressing the at least one hook-catching element against the at least one hook, the apparatus comprising a functional provision connected to the at least one hook-catching element. The functional provision preferably comprises a bumper, optionally in combination with a detachable bicycle carrier or detachable housing for the storage of objects. An important advantage of the invention is that the crushable zone of the vehicle, rendered inoperative through the presence of the towing hook construction, is operative again after the apparatus according to the invention has been mounted, due to the fact that forces occurring during collisions are transmitted to the rear side of the vehicle again and not, of to a much lesser extent, to the towing hook construction.

Abstract: A front protection bow on a motor vehicle front end is supported by bending-resistant rod profiles on supporting components of the motor vehicle body. The rod profiles of the front protection bow, which together are closed to form a frame and which are largely situated in the overlapping area with the motor vehicle front end comprising a forward front wall and an elastically flexible bumper, extend at least along a predominant portion of the width and the height of the motor vehicle front end. The front wall of the motor vehicle front end has a front end contour which is adapted to the course or curve of the frame and which has at least one section which is embedded in the front wall and in which at least one rod profile of the frame is to be arranged in a sunk manner at least by a partial cross-section. The frame of the front protection bow, when the rod profile is lowered, is arranged to be offset toward the rear with respect to the forward side of the bumper.

Abstract: In an automatic chip test machine for testing electronic components, a novel quick disconnect articulated chuck for securing a chip nest, allowing rapid changes of the chuck and plunger head with minimum production downtime. The preferred embodiment of the chuck is comprised of a chuck base and a quick disconnect assembly. The quick disconnect assembly includes a vacuum seal, a retractable piston with vacuum cup attachment for securing a chip, a plunger head, alignment pins, and accessible disconnect screws. The base housing is mounted in a manner that permits articulation of the chuck to allow the chuck to align with the electrical test fixture; and a vacuum introduction port. In an alternate embodiment, a roller ball and detent mechanism is employed to permit relatively low forces of the initial mating action between the chuck and the fixture to move the chuck into a position of better alignment, and therefore lower stress and wear.

Abstract: A variable leverage mechanism for variably leveraging the force of a piston and cylinder assembly in a high-pressure rubber bale clamp. The device may include a toggle or cam or other suitable variable leverage mechanism. The device compresses rubber bales immediately after manufacture so as to facilitate packaging and transport.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gripper apparatus with a housing body having with at least two fixed control rods and at least two gripper fingers which are movable in synchronization in the opening, or respectively closing position, wherein the control rods engage surfaces of the gripper fingers forming cylinder chambers; In order to improve the gripper apparatus in such a way that a more compact structure is obtained, it is distinguished by a center section fixed on the housing, from which respectively one fixed control rod extends in the stroke direction in opposite directions and engages the surface of a respective gripper finger.

Abstract: An assembly for transfer of roller chain link-plates between operations of a high-rate manufacturing process includes rapid, repeatable and reliable transfer apparatus; tooling for grasping the link-plates without disturbing the advancing link-plates from the completed operation, which grasping-tooling is operable with the transfer apparatus; parts-feeding assemblies for receipt of transferred link-plates; and, a control system with a central processing unit (CPU) and a plurality of sensors, which sensors are coupled between the transfer apparatus, the grasping-tooling, the feeder assembly, the manufacturing equipment and the CPU for communication of control signals to the CPU as well as synchronous control of the several manufacturing operations and the transfer assembly.

Abstract: A top rail assembly (20) utilizes a support brace (22) and an awning mount groove (26) recessed in a rail body (24) to provide a strong top rail assembly (20) without using undue space or degrading aesthetics. The brace (22) extends between a side wall brace tab (72) and a roof brace tab (64) to reinforce the top rail body (24) and define a wire chase opening (76) between the brace (22) and a transition section (74) of the body (24). The groove (26) is recessed into the rail body (24) and is defined by two opposed legs (80, 82) and a bottom segment (84) which are integral to the rail body (24).

Abstract: A recreational vehicle including a “slide-out” cabin portion is equipped with a locking mechanism which comprises a lock door pivotally rotatable to interfere with the wall opening periphery through which the slide-out cabin portion transitions. The slide-out further has an extensible portion front end positioned external to the wall opening such that the dimensions of the extensible portion front end exceed the dimensions of the wall opening. The extensible portion front end contacts the main cabin wall opening periphery along the entire perimeter of the wall opening thus completely sealing the wall opening when the slide-out is in a fully retracted position. Further, the slide-out locks are positioned sufficiently close to the extensible portion front end that when the slide-out is in a retracted position and the slide-out locks are in the locked position, the main cabin wall periphery is pinched between the slide-out locks and the extensible portion front end.

Abstract: A tool holding table mountable onto a car or truck exterior surface frame member, such as the brackets for holding a tailgate is described. Preferably the mounting surface is the tailgate of a truck. The table provides a cutting surface defining an opening for receiving a blade, for example a saw blade so that the blade interrupts the cutting surface so that it may cut material on the cutting surface. The table is also equipped with at least one saw horse. It also provides a power source which allows for it to be operated from a switch on the ground or the side. The saw table is preferably the same size as the vehicle tailgate when folded and unfolds to be large enough to support standard lengths of material to be cut.

Abstract: A slidable and adjustable shelf assembly adapted to be fitted to the rear of a pickup truck, more precisely the side walls. While overriding such side walls, the shelf assembly is in rolling contact with a rigid canopy or camper shell fixed to the side walls. The assembly includes a pair of U-shaped members which telescopically engage a pair of intermediate joining members to form a generally rectangular frame sized to fit the truck side walls, and to receive a pair of overlapping planar panel members. The respective U-shaped members are each provided with at least a pair of spring biased, roller members that include complementary roller wheels maintained in rolling contact with the side walls and rigid canopy during sliding movement of the shelf assembly, even where the canopy walls are in a nonparallel relationship. Further, a clamping device is provided to prevent premature movement of the shelf assembly.

Abstract: A car seat tether restraint system having an anchor with a fastening portion and a leg with a foot extending from a mounting side thereof, a resilient locking flange extending from the mounting side of the anchor in an opposite direction as the foot, a body panel having a locking flange recess on one side thereof and an aperture therein, the leg disposed in the aperture with a portion of the body panel disposed between the mounting side of the anchor and the foot, the locking flange disposed in the locking flange recess.

Abstract: A mechanism for mounting a seat belt of a center seating space of a vehicle seat which exhibits sufficient strength and reduces weight and production costs to the greatest degree is provided. Such a mechanism is provided by separating a seat into a right seating section and a left seating section at the center thereof such that each of the separated seating sections is independently slidable back and forth by means of a seat sliding rail formed of a pair of lower rails fixed to a floor side and a pair of upper rails fixed to the bottom of a seat. A base member bent at an intermediate bent portion defined by a belt mount plate portion and a rail mount connector portion is attached to a side surface of the inner upper rail at the rail connector plate portion such that the belt mount plate portion extends outward. An anchor for the seat belt of the center seating space of the seat is fixed to the top end of the belt mount plate portion of the base member.

Abstract: An apparatus configured to move a vehicle seat away from a vehicle dashboard during or immediately prior to a collision. The apparatus comprises a vehicle seat coupled to a slideable platform. A vehicle collision detector communicates with the slideable platform so that when a vehicle collision condition is detected the slideable platform is triggered to move the vehicle seat.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes a seat cushion assembly having a seat cushion frame structure. The seat cushion assembly is constructed and arranged to be mounted within the motor vehicle in an operative position wherein an occupant can be seated thereon. A seat back assembly having a lightweight seat back frame structure is constructed and arranged to be mounted within the motor vehicle in an operative position to support the back of an occupant seated on the seat cushion assembly. The seat back frame structure is associated with the seat cushion frame structure to form a cushion associated seat frame structure to be connected with and extend between the side walls of the motor vehicle when the seat cushion assembly and seat back assembly are in the operative positions.

Abstract: A secondary floor assembly for a motor vehicle having a floorpan extending generally horizontally and a toeboard extending generally upwardly at an angle from the floorpan includes a heel portion extending laterally and longitudinally along the floorpan and a toe portion connected to the heel portion and extending laterally and upwardly along the toeboard for pushing a heel of a foot of an occupant of the motor vehicle rearwardly during a frontal impact of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: Injection molded components for off-road recreational and utility vehicles such as ATV's and snowmobiles. In one embodiment, the invention provides a rack having a fiber-filled plastic resin body. The body has an overall thickness substantially less than its width and length, and includes a generally flat, horizontal top having a plurality of slots. Each of the slots is defined by a flange extending downwardly the flange having a thickness that is substantially less than its height to define a downwardly extending reinforcing rib, which also provides a point of attachment for straps such as bungee cords. Preferably the rack includes integrally molded transverse reinforcing ribs extending across the slots, the reinforcing ribs having a top surface which is recessed downwardly from the top surface of the rack. In another embodiment, the invention provides an injection molded foot rest for an off-road recreational or utility vehicle.