Abstract: An all-terrain vehicle including centrally pivoted bogies on opposite sides of the vehicle body, a primary yoke mounted on the vehicle body and extending crosswise to the vehicle body for coupling the bogies to each other, a secondary yoke mounted on the vehicle body and connected to the vehicle body by hydraulic cylinders at opposite ends thereof, and a selectively actuatable clutch for coupling the secondary yoke to the primary yoke so as to cause the hydraulic cylinders to drive both yokes a desired amount to positively move the bogies to a desired position, and hydraulic circuitry coupled to the hydraulic cylinders for applying a pulsating action to the bogies which is transmitted to the vehicle wheels mounted on opposite ends of the bogies for increasing traction of the wheels on surfaces such as snow, ice, mud and sand.

Abstract: A release device for a tandem axle of a semi-truck is a compressible piston and cylinder, with the piston rod extending out of one end of the cylinder and biased into an extended position by a biasing mechanism such as compressed gas in the cylinder. A latch on the cylinder is releasably engageable with an indent on the piston rod to hold it in a retracted position. A hook on the cylinder engages over the handle of a manual release rod for a truck tandem axle, with an enlarged head on the end of the piston rod bearing against part of the frame adjacent the release rod with the piston rod in the latched, retracted position. Release of the latch puts biasing force on the piston rod, urging the cylinder outwardly away from the frame to pull out the release rod.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for a movable subframe of a semi-trailer includes at least a pair of transversely spaced pins. Each pin is extendable into and retractable from an opening formed in its respective longitudinally extending main member of the subframe and a selected aligned one of a plurality of openings formed in its respective longitudinally extending rail of the trailer main frame. An elastomeric bladder is disposed between the pins and is operatively connected to one or more cables and/or linkage members which in turn are operatively connected to the pins. When the bladder is voided of air and is in its collapsed state, sufficient slack exists in the bladder, cables and/or linkage members to enable the bias force of a coil spring disposed about each of the pins to independently cause the pins to extend through their respective aligned openings to lock the subframe in a selected longitudinal position with respect to the trailer main frame.

Abstract: A drive shaft (78) extends across a wheelchair (12), transverse to a centerline (122) of the wheelchair (12). A first wheel (56) is rotatably mounted to one end of the drive shaft (78) and a second wheel (58) is fixedly mounted to the other end of the drive shaft (78), for rotating with the drive shaft (78). A drive wheel (66) is fixedly mounted to the drive shaft (78) on an opposite end of the drive shaft (78) from the second wheel (58) and adjacent to the first wheel (56). The drive wheel (66) is of a slightly smaller diameter than that of the first and second wheels (56, 58), being three to fifteen percent smaller. The drive shaft (78) has a plurality of linkage sections (92-100) which are rotatably connected such that the drive shaft (78) may be collapsed with a wheelchair frame (14).

Abstract: A bicycle is described which has a frame at least consisting of a forward frame part with a steering device for a front wheel and a rearward frame part with a rear wheel, the connection between the forward and the rearward frame part consisting at least of a turning knuckle which can be swivelled about a transverse axis of the bicycle. The transverse axis is congruent with a bottom bracket bearing axis. The steering device consists at least of a fork carrying the front wheel and consisting of two fork tubes and a fork bridge, of a handle bar and of a steering tube connecting the handle bar and the fork bridge. The fork bridge is designed such that an offset between the longitudinal axes of the fork tubes and the longitudinal axis of the steering tube exists in the longitudinal direction of the bicycle in a position of the steering device for straight-ahead riding.

Abstract: An anti-rollback assembly adapted or adaptable for use in combination with a wheelchair. The anti-rollback assembly includes a one-way brake assembly automatically immobilizing the wheelchair against rearward movement when the occupant attempts to rise from or sit in a seat member of the wheelchair, yet at the same time does not prevent the wheelchair from moving in a forward direction. Conversely, when the occupant is fully seated in the seal member, the one-way brake assembly is disengaged so that the wheelchair can move freely in forward or rearward directions. The assembly can be retrofitted onto existing wheelchairs, and is adjustable to fit various size wheelchairs.

Abstract: An intermediate shaft plate is provided for an assembly for controlling the ground speed of a vehicle having an operator seat, an engine and a variable speed transmission coupled for driving a pair of ground wheels. The transmission is selectively movable among neutral, forward and reverse drive positions. A transmission control shaft is coupled to the transmission for selectively controlling said transmission such that said vehicle is driven in either a forward or a reverse direction. A forward foot control pedal and a reverse foot control pedal are connected to a foot control rod and a hand control lever is connected to a hand control rod. The intermediate shaft plate is connected to the hand control rod, the foot control rod and the transmission control shaft for coupling the forward and reverse control pedals and the hand control lever to the transmission.

Abstract: A vehicle frame which enables a lowering of the saddle coupling with improved stability for this, and recesses at the upper side of the lengthwise girders of the vehicle frame extending across the entire width of the frame are proposed. The saddle coupling is fastenably secured to the lengthwise girders.

Abstract: A trailer safety chain assembly that is used in combination with a raised ball trailer hitch trailer coupling type of trailer attachment. The trailer safety chain is made up of two sets of chained strands that are linked between a center ring. The trailer safety chain is situated between a vehicle and trailer being transported and acts as an auxiliary trailer attachment in the event of trailer attachment failure. A mounting plate is provided on the vehicle, with a set of apertures provided that accommodate a set of inverted L-shaped hooks and a raised ball trailer hitch. The trailer safety chain is able to keep the end of a trailer tongue from touching the ground and can transport the trailer even in the event of complete trailer attachment failure.

Abstract: A trailer hitch coupling device includes an elongate rigid member mountable at a first end thereof to a forward end of a trailer so as to dispose, when the first end is mounted to the forward end of the trailer, a distal end of the rigid member forwardly of the forward end of the trailer into proximity to an appliqué when the appliqué is mounted to a rear surface of a towing vehicle. The appliqué is mounted so as to: (a) be viewable by a driver of the vehicle when the vehicle is translated rearwardly; and, (b) vertically align a hitch hood on the trailer with a hitch ball on the vehicle.

Abstract: Mounting portions of an air bag body are respectively nipped by positioning plates which are each fastened and fixed to a pillar inner panel by a weld nut and a bolt via the plates. Caulking portions are formed on the plates so that the mounting portions of the air bag device are in advance fixed between the plates. A convex portion is formed on the plate, and with the convex portion being engaged with a hole formed in the pillar inner panel, relative rotation of the plate and a vehicle body is prevented. As a result, rotation of the air bag body in a direction in which the mounting portions are fastened, which occurs during mounting of the air bag body to the vehicle body, can be prevented.

Abstract: An air bag module housing for a motor vehicle has an oblong basic housing body which is used for receiving a gas generator and an air bag and which is laterally closed by two side covers. The air bag module housing is deformed in the event of an impact of a part of the body, particularly of the head, of a vehicle occupant. In order to optimize deformation of the air bag module housing, at least one slot respectively is provided in the side covers. The slot extends essentially perpendicularly to the expected impact direction of the body part along the largest part of the respective side cover to the edge.

Abstract: A guide is proposed for a steering wheel comprising a steering wheel skeleton consisting of hub, spokes and steering wheel rim and an airbag module housed therein, which for actuation of the horn is displaceably disposed against a return force by the required contact path parallel to the steering wheel axis, which guide is characterized in that at least three guiding points (2) are provided in a manner distributed in the circumferential direction in a pot-shaped steering wheel skeleton (1) and that a pot-shaped guiding metal sheet (4) which is U-shaped in cross-section and open to the bottom is embodied on or attached to a generator support (3) of the airbag module (5).

Abstract: An air bag for side impact protection system comprising: an air bag (50) having an inflatable first chamber (50a) formed of two joined-together first (52a) and second (52b) panels of material, the first chamber including a forward part (26) and an opposite rear part (60); an inflator (26) for generating inflation gas to inflate the air bag, the inflator including exit ports (26a) which channel the inflation gas into the first chamber in a determinable direction; the air bag further including a flow diverter (70, 90) positioned to receive inflation gas and to divert at least a component of the inflation gas to flow generally perpendicular to the first direction. In one embodiment the flow diverter is formed as an open topped tube; in another embodiment; the flow diverter includes a plurality of vent openings in the side of the tube. In a third embodiment of the invention the diverter is formed by a permeable sack of material.

Abstract: Vehicular restraint systems and associated fittings adapted for pivotal mounting onto a vehicle and for the guiding of an inflatable torso safety belt therethrough are provided. The fitting includes a clearance opening of selectively changeable thickness wherethrough the inflatable torso safety belt is passed to permit slidable movement thereof even when the inflatable safety belt is in an at least partially expanded or inflated state.

Abstract: Methods for controlling a system in a vehicle in which radiation is directed from a transducer into the passenger compartment and is reflected off or modified by an object in the passenger compartment and received by the same or a different transducer. When ultrasonic waves in particular are used, several techniques are used to compensate for thermal gradients in the passenger compartment and/or enable the use of a single transducer to send and receive waves.

Abstract: A vehicle safety apparatus (10) comprises an inflatable occupant protection device (12) having a deflated condition and an inflated condition for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle. The apparatus also comprises an inflator (14) for providing inflation fluid to the inflatable device (12) to inflate the inflatable device. The apparatus further comprises a heater (30) with an electrically energizable heating element (32) for controlling the temperature of the inflator (14). Preferably, an adhesive material (40) secures the heating element to the inflator. Alternatively, or additionally, the heater (30) is flexible and conforms to a surface (22) of the inflator (14).

Abstract: In a method and system for triggering an airbag provided with a gas generator controlled by a control device, coolant is introduced into the gas emerging from the gas generator in order to control the power developed by the gas generator as desired.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for rapid inflation of a folded gas bag for an occupant impact protection device in motor vehicles. The device comprises a housing, a pyrotechnic propellant within the housing for generating filling gases, and an ignition device. The housing is equipped with a passage serving as an outflow duct for the filling gases from the gas bag, a cross-section of the passage being adapted to be exposed at least in part after an activation of the device.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved temporary support device for multiple axle trailers with leaf spring suspension regardless of frame design. The device provides emergency towing capabilities to a trailer that would otherwise be immobile due to the failure of a spindle, bearings, spring, tire, suspension, wheel or other suspension or wheel component attached to an axle. The detachable device comprises a steel tube which extends between two leaf spring shackles and is held in place by two locking pins, a length of chain to secure the disabled axle to the steel tube, and a protective shield and locking pin to secure the chain to the steel tube. The steel tube has multiple holes to adjust the device to fit any multiple axle trailer.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a pivotable steering column member associated with a vehicle steering wheel. A rod member is pivotally attached to the steering column member. The rod member has a longitudinal axis. The rod member moves longitudinally upon pivotal movement of the steering column member. The rod member has a first plurality of teeth extending transverse to the longitudinal axis. The first plurality of teeth are centered relative to a plane extending through the longitudinal axis. A lever member has a second plurality of teeth for meshing engagement with the first plurality of teeth. The lever member is fixed against movement longitudinally with the rod member.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a steering wheel (22) of a vehicle (10) comprises a first steering column part (32), a second steering column part (34), and supporting structure (46) supporting the first steering column part and the vehicle steering wheel for movement relative to the second steering column part. An energy absorbing device (20) is interposed between the first steering column part (32) and the second steering column part (34) for resisting movement of the first part relative to the second part. The energy absorbing device (20) comprises a fluid (50) having a viscosity which varies in response to an energy field acting on the fluid. The energy absorbing device (20) also comprises at least one orifice (76) through which the fluid (50) flows upon movement of the first part (32) relative to the second part (34).

Abstract: A steering system (10) includes a vehicle steering mechanism (34) which, when actuated, turns steerable wheels (12) of a vehicle. The vehicle steering mechanism (34) is mounted for limited movement in opposite directions from a normal position. An intermediate steering column (26) includes first and second column members (28, 30) which are axially movable relative to each other. The first and second column members (28, 30) are rotatable together about a common axis. The first column member (28) is connected with the steering mechanism (34) to actuate the steering mechanism upon rotation of the first column member. The first and second column members (28, 30) move axially relative to each other upon movement of the vehicle steering mechanism (34) from the normal position. A flexible mount (70) for the second column member (30) elastically deforms in the event the steering mechanism (34) moves from the normal position and the first and second column members (28, 30) fail to move axially relative to each other.

Abstract: A restraint belt presenter assembly includes a restraint belt engaging member that is selectively driven by a track drive mechanism to catch and pull a restraint belt from its unused position to a presentation position for grasping by a vehicle occupant. The restraint belt engaging member includes a housing having an L-shaped slot that receives a finger assembly wherein the finger assembly has a rotary offset with locking movement for maintaining the finger assembly in an actuating position.

Abstract: A mobile storage tank has a length and includes a container having first and second opposed ends and a length extending therebetween. A stairway is mounted on the first end of the container. The stairway extends transverse to the length. An auxiliary storage section forms a part of the container and extends from the first end thereof. The auxiliary storage section underlies the stairway. At least one wheel is connected to the container for transporting the tank.

Abstract: A savings book for encouraging the saving of money by your children having a plurality of pages having slots to hold coins on both sides of the pages is disclosed.

Abstract: An elastic bookmark includes a retention member and an elastic member. The retention member includes a base member, a first attachment arm, and a second attachment arm. Preferably, the first attachment arm is formed over a first end of the base member and the second attachment arm is formed over a second end of the base member. One end of the elastic member is attached to the first attachment arm and the other end of the elastic member is attached to the second attachment arm. A second embodiment of the elastic member includes a plate retainer attached to an elastic strap. A third embodiment of the elastic bookmark includes an elastic strap inserted through a tube retainer.

Abstract: A food portion tabulator device that is an aid for calculating and evaluating an individuals daily intake of food portions. The device is self-contained, having various indicia pertinent to various food groups thereon, includes movable pins which correspond to each of the food groups, and includes a unique housing that automatically resets the pins for the next day's use.

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 label sheet having at least two labels for a compact disc. The compact disc has a read side and a reverse side with an outer diameter of the readable or writable area of the read side being less than the outer diameter of the disc and having a first inner diameter forming an aperture for the disc and a second inner diameter which is larger than the first forming a step. The labels have a dimension so that an inner diameter of the label forming an aperture or opening in the label is greater than the second internal diameter of the disc, preferably by an amount of 2 mm to 4 mm, and the label has an outer diameter which is less than the outer diameter of the readable or writable area, so that an annular ring of the readable area is visible around the periphery of the label.

Abstract: A rotatable hose coupling is provided for use with a pool cleaner, particularly of the type powered by a suction or vacuum source via a flexible vacuum hose or the like connected to the suction side of conventional pool water filtration equipment, wherein the rotatable hose coupling is mounted in-line along the vacuum hose and responds to cyclic pressure differentials to index the hose through a rotational increment each time the filtration equipment is turned on and off. The rotatable hose coupling comprises a tubular plunger having one end received axially and slidably within a cam housing defining an axially opposed and spaced-apart pair of cam surfaces. At least one radially extending cam pin carried by the plunger engages the cam surfaces to rotatably index the cam housing relative to the plunger in response to axial back-and-forth displacement of the plunger within the cam housing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to safety joints which permit separation of a downhole assembly at the location of the joint. The invention provides a safety joint characterized by the provision of auxiliary interconnecting means on a body (2) for interconnecting said body (2) to an auxiliary shaft after removal of a main shaft (3) from said body (2). Axial loading between the auxiliary shaft and said body (2) may be thereby transferred. Furthermore, torque may also be transferred between the auxiliary shaft and said body (2) in a direction opposite to that in which torque may be transferred from the main shaft (3) to said body (2). Thus, the present invention allows a length of downhole assembly located above said body (2) to be removed from a wellbore by rotation of said length of assembly in a first direction and then allows rotation of said body (2) in the same first direction by means of the auxiliary shaft in an attempt to remove a length of assembly stuck in the wellbore downhole of said body (2).

Abstract: Coupling device for a pipe, comprising a sleeve having an insert end for the pipe and a sealing means adapted for realizing a seal around the pipe when inserted in the sleeve, said sealing means comprising a plurality of mutually slidable elements which together form a ring, and a grip ring being mounted within said elements and extending along at least a part of the perimeter of the pipe, the grip ring being formed with dents pressed out of the plane of the grip ring.

Abstract: A removable connector for use between angled, immovable high pressure lines is disclosed. One embodiment of the connector utilizes a tubular elbow portion having a mating flange on each end and an adapter which mates with one of the elbow flanges. The remaining elbow flange mates with a flange at the end of one of the high pressure lines and the free end of the adapter mates with a flange at the end of the other high pressure line. The mating flange surfaces are frusto-conical in shape and corresponding frusto-conical seal rings are placed between the mating surfaces. The elbow and adapter are adapted to have their respective ends placed at the pipe flanges and their bodies rotated toward each other until their opposite ends mate with each other. The flanges are then bolted together and tightened to ensure sealing engagement and bring the elbow and adapter into alignment with the pipes.

Abstract: A pipe joint is provided whereby fluid pipelines, such as exhaust pipes, or the like, can be connected hermetically, in such a manner that the relative angle therebetween can vary, while ensuring satisfactory manufacturing precision of the sealing surface of a ring-shaped sealing ring.

Abstract: A connector is provided for connecting a conductive resin tube to a metal pipe. The connector includes a front end for insertion into the conductive resin tube and a rear end defining a chamber for accommodating an end of the metal pipe. A support member is disposed in the connector for supporting the front end of the resin connector. The support member has a front end that engages the inner surface of conductive resin tube and a rear end that engages the metal pipe.

Abstract: A duct joining system for providing an air-tight seal and mechanical connection for ducts and fittings is disclosed. The duct joining system includes a flexible gasket affixed to a male end of a duct or fitting. The flexible gasket is affixed at an angle relative to normal of the male end of the duct. The female end of the other duct includes a raised bead in which the flexible gasket is seated when the ducts are properly joined. The angled flexible gasket seated in the raised bead forms an air-tight seal as well as fastens or locks the male end to the female end. Alternatively, when a flexible duct is used, a band clamp with a raised bead is clamped over the female end of the flexible duct and over the male end of a fitting to provide an air tight seal and fastened connection.

Abstract: A servicing device for compressed air handling is proposed, which possesses a principal body (2) and a receiving shell (4) releaseably attached thereto by means of a bayonet connecting device (12). The rotary movement necessary for producing the bayonet connection of the receiving shell (4) is produced using a rotary drive means (33), which is arranged on a holding body (34), on which the receiving shell (4) is mounted in a rotary fashion. It is in this manner that simple mounting and removal of the receiving shell is rendered possible even when there is little space.

Abstract: A mounting adaptor for coupling a gas pressure regulator outlet to a gas meter inlet includes a plate having through-bores alignable with internally threaded blind holes which surround the meter inlet in the meter wall. The plate has a planar surface surrounding the outlet opening of the regulator and is adapted for contact engagement with a planar surface on the meter exterior wall surrounding the inlet opening. A groove in the planar surface of the plate holds a sealing ring to effect a seal. In an alternate construction, a tube extends from the plate into the meter inlet opening and an annular groove on the tube exterior holds a sealing ring for engagement with a cylindrical wall extending into the meter from the inlet opening.

Abstract: An automatic knot-tying device for tying a discrete knot about a workpiece, such as a bundle of wires, is disclosed herein. The present invention works by pulling a filament transversely around the workpiece. The preferred embodiment of the device comprises a hand-held housing and a knot-tying mechanism within that housing comprising a hollow nozzle for leading the filament toward the workpiece, a wrapping ring for wrapping the filament around the workpiece, and a plurality of pins that extend into and retract out of the path of the filament to form the knot. The operation is finished by cinching and cutting the loose filament so that the resulting knot is discrete and secure. Also disclosed is a method for automatically tying a knot around a workpiece by pulling, instead of pushing a filament around the workpiece.

Abstract: Disclosed is a latch for releasably engaging a keeper to secure two members, such as, aircraft cowlings, to one another. The latch includes a handle moveable between closed and open positions and a hook pivotally connected to the handle for engagement with the keeper. When the handle is in the closed position, the hook engages the keeper to secure the members. When the handle is in the open position, the hook is disengaged from the keeper and the members are no longer secured. The latch includes a sensor pivotally mounted to the handle. The sensor provides a visual indication, via the position of the handle, whether the hook has engaged the keeper. If the hook does not engage the keeper, the sensor prevents the handle from closing, providing a visual indication that the latch has not closed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a closing device for a movable element, in particular for a door, a flap or the like, of a vehicle, having a rotary latch which arrests or releases a closing bolt, it being possible for the rotary latch to be arrested by a detent pawl to effect a closed position of the element and it being possible for the detent pawl to be driven by an actuating drive for the purpose of releasing the rotary latch to effect an opening position of the element, the invention making provision for means which control the actuating drive in such a manner that after the actuating drive has been driven from a rest position in the direction of a working position for the purpose of releasing the rotary latch it is returned in a controlled manner from the working position into the rest position.

Abstract: A vehicle shows a vehicle bumper (9) having a first member (10) and a second member (11) connected to a vehicle. Low viscosity liquid (12) is trapped in between members (10 and 11) and on impact of member (10) with an obstacle a frangible membrane (13) can burst causing a high velocity liquid jet to be expelled through channel (11a) thus dissipating the impact energy.

Abstract: A multiple piece bodyside molding includes a cover piece connected to a base piece. The cover is formed in a manner and shape so that it may be chrome-plated while reducing the likelihood of bath/tank contamination during the chrome-plating process. Subsequent to being chrome-plated, the cover is connected to the base so as to form the resulting bodyside molding. The cover may be attached to the base via ultrasonic welding, vibration welding, snap-on connectors, or via heat-deforming or extension tabs in different embodiments of the invention.

Abstract: An implement for picking up and removing pet excrement from a surface, comprising a string element, a disposable flexible sheet that my be coupled to the string element, so as to form an edge of the sheet led by the string element, the sheet being removable from the implement, and an isolation mechanism for isolating the pet excrement from the surface by way of sliding the sheet between the pet excrement and the surface while maintaining the string element in a tautly stretched configuration so long as the string element is in close contact with the surface, the isolation mechanism comprising a grip for gripping and moving the isolation mechanism by the hand of the user.

Abstract: A vacuum-assisted chuck assembly for coupling to a warped semiconductor wafer is provided. In one embodiment, the assembly comprises a wafer chuck and a conforming perimeter seal. The seal permits effective vacuum coupling of the chuck to the warped wafer without operator intervention. As vacuum pressure is applied, the seal prevents leakage around the warped wafer, allowing the vacuum pressure to deflect the wafer until the wafer contacts and seals against an engaging surface located on the chuck. By utilizing the seal, the chuck assembly may operate at a reduced vacuum pressure as compared to conventional wafer chucks. Furthermore, by providing an effective vacuum seal to the warped wafer surface, manual operator intervention during vacuum coupling is reduced or eliminated.

Abstract: A computer dock is mounted within the armrest of an automobile between the driver and passenger seat thereof. The armrest includes an enclosure having a forward opening, a rearward opening, and a passage therethrough. A tray for retaining a computer is mounted on a slide structure slideably moveable to any of three positions. In the first position, the tray is positioned forward of the forward opening. In the second position, the tray is positioned rearward of the rearward opening. In the third position, the tray is positioned within the enclosure of the armrest. The computer dock is built into the tray and includes all the functions needed to support the computer and has attachments for attaching the computer thereto.

Abstract: The operator's cab of a work vehicle is provided with a ROPS on which is mounted a roof structure. The roof structure is provided with a roof having a top surface exposed to the outside and a bottom surface facing the interior of the operator's compartment. A sound insulating foam liner having a top surface and a bottom surface is located under the roof. The top surface of the foam liner is secured to the bottom surface of the roof by adhesives. The bottom surface of the foam liner is provided with ventilating channels. The ventilating channels have two sidewalls and a top wall extending between the sidewalls. A headliner is located below the foam liner. The headliner has a top surface facing the bottom surface of the foam liner and a bottom surface facing the interior of the operator's compartment. The top surface of the headliner encloses the ventilating channels formed in the foam liner thereby forming ventilating ducts.

Abstract: A vehicle has a vehicle body with a tailgate rotatably secured to the vehicle body for rotation about a generally horizontal axis between a closed generally vertical position and an open generally horizontal position. A pair of relatively spaced first support members are secured to the vehicle body and the tailgate for supporting the tailgate in the open position. Two pairs of latches, each having a first latch element secured to the vehicle body and a second latch element secured to the tailgate, cooperate to have each first latch element engage the second latch element when the tailgate is in the closed position. A pair of removable elongated supplementary tailgate supports each have one portion removably secured to the first latch element and a second portion removably secured to the second latch element when the tailgate is in the open position. The supplementary tailgate supports are preferably substantially rigid and may be made of metal.

Abstract: A cargo bed extender for a pick-up truck is installed by use of a replacement edge guard having hinge features interfit with hinging features on a rear panel of the extender to hinge mount the rear panel to the upper edge of the tailgate. A pair of side panels are each hinged to respective side of the rear panel, and are swung to the side when the extender is deployed.