Abstract: The present invention relates to a geared scooter comprising a deck assembly, a handlebar, a front wheel assembly and a rear wheel assembly. The front wheel assembly and the rear wheel assembly are arranged at front and rear ends of the deck assembly. The handlebar is pivotably disposed at the front end of the deck assembly and pivotably connected to one end of the coupling mechanism while the other end of the coupling mechanism is mounted on the drive mechanism of the rear wheel assembly. The drive mechanism is pivotably mounted on the rear wheel assembly in one body. In swinging the handlebar, the rear wheel assembly is driven with the drive mechanism by the coupling mechanism to create a forward power.

Abstract: The wheelchair (10) has a closed, three-dimensional frame (12). The latter is constituted by a front horizontal transverse support (12.1), two lateral supports (12.2, 12.3), which are arranged symmetrically in respect to the longitudinal center axis, and a rear, essentially horizontal transverse support (14). The lateral supports have the shape of a letter L with respectively an upright leg (12.2), which laterally adjoins the front transverse support (12.1), and with a rearward oriented longitudinal leg (12.3). A front wheel support (25), on which a front wheel (24) is mounted, is fastened on each upright leg (12.2) of the longitudinal supports.

Abstract: A wheelchair swing-arm is adapted to be pivotally connected to a wheelchair base frame and support a wheelchair drive wheel. A fender is supported in a substantially fixed position relative to the wheelchair swing-arm. A method for attaching a fender to a wheelchair includes the steps of providing a wheelchair having a base frame and a swing-arm pivotally connected to the base frame and a drive wheel motor supported by the swing-arm, and supporting a fender in a substantially fixed position relative to the swing-arm.

Abstract: A motive vehicle comprises a frame, a front wheel, two rear wheels, a seat, a handle, a headset, and a pedal device. A front sprocket is coupled to the pedal device and a rear sprocket is connected to a differential. The motive vehicle is powered by human pedaling. The differential communicates with the rear wheels to allow the vehicle to turn on a zero turn radius. The wheels are attached to the frame with an attachment apparatus that allows for easy detachability. The seat is also detachable and adjustable. Brake cams are attached to the frame, and engage the rear wheels when the bike is pedaled backwards. An alternative embodiment comprises a multiple operator motive vehicle, wherein a rear vehicle with two wheels is coupled to a front vehicle having three wheels. Further, another two-wheeled follower unit may be coupled to the first rear vehicle for a greater number of riders. Additional attachments may also be made.

Abstract: A wheel lock comprises a mounting bracket that is attachable to the wheelchair side frames. A toggle assembly supported by the mounting bracket has an interference member that is engageable with the wheelchair wheel. A lever linked to the toggle assembly is displaceable to effect movement of the toggle assembly to engage the interference member with the wheelchair wheel. The mounting bracket may be integral with a wheelchair caster housing. A wheelchair includes an integral mounting bracket and caster housing attachable to a front portion of the wheelchair side frame. The mounting bracket supports a toggle assembly having an interference member. A lever linked to the toggle assembly is displaceable to effect movement of the toggle assembly to engage the interference member with the wheelchair wheel.

Abstract: The complex trailer can be coupled to a vehicle having a drawing rack and mainly comprises a first trailer and a second trailer, in which the first trailer includes a deck, a bogie wheel, and a landing; the second trailer includes a wagon bed, and a trailing wheel. The complex trailer also has three coupling devices for respectively coupling the drawing rack and the first trailer, and the first trailer and the second trailer. Moreover, the trailing wheels can take the place of the landing wheels and the wagon bed can be combined with and thereby carried by the first trailer in case the first trailer and the second trailer are combined together so as to save space and to provide stable travel.

Abstract: A hitch assembly for use with a vehicle, where the hitch assembly incorporates a tow loop adapted to be easily coupled to a claw, hook or other like implement of a towing chain or alternatively to a towing strap or rope. The hitch assembly comprises a receiver and a hitch member. The hitch member includes a base portion which slides into the receiver such that only a tow loop of the hitch member is exposed. When not needed, the hitch member can be easily removed from the receiver and a different hitch implement attached to the receiver.

Abstract: A stroller with three wheels includes a support frame, and a linking device. The support frame includes two front support stands, two rear support stands, and a U-shaped push handle having two lower ends each provided with a connecting rod.

Abstract: Two-axle vehicle suspension arrangement with a support member (6), which supports the wheel axle (16) and is resiliently joined to a vehicle frame by an air spring (8, 9) at each end of the support member. The air springs are at different distances (a1, a2) to the axle. The spring force (F1) of the air spring (8) closest (a1) to the axle (16) has a greater spring force (F2) than the other air spring.

Abstract: The invention relates to a structural unit for a gas bag module, in particular for a steering wheel gas bag module. The unit comprises a gas bag, a gas generator carrier and a covering cap which consists of plastic material. The covering cap and the gas generator carrier form an accommodation space for the gas bag. The gas generator carrier consists of a punched out and deformed sheet metal section having an edge side incorporated in a form-fitting manner into the covering cap. The sheet metal section is provided with tongues which are able to be bent inwards and towards each other so as to limit the accommodation space and close it at a rear side. Further, the invention relates to a gas bag module comprising the structural unit according to the invention.

Abstract: An air bag system that includes an energy absorption bracket attaching the air bag to the vehicle body is provided. The energy absorption bracket includes a generally planar surface for attachment of the air bag module thereto. The bracket also includes at least two downstanding legs that interconnect the generally planar surface and the vehicle body. By use of these downstanding legs the bracket forms a space between the air bag and the vehicle body whereby if an object strikes the air bag, the bracket with deform and collapse into said space thereby, absorbing the impact energy from the object.

Abstract: A safety device for a motor vehicle which has a door frame and a door contained within the door frame. The safety device includes: a gas generator; a sensor for sensing at least one of a side impact and a roll-over for activating the gas generator; and an inflatable element connected to the gas generator for being inflated with gas from the gas generator upon activation of the gas generator. The inflatable element can thus assume a non-inflated mode and an inflated mode and can further be positioned adjacent the door in an inflated-mode thereof. The inflatable element is further made of fabric and includes: a first fabric layer defining a front part thereof; a second fabric layer defining a back part thereof, selected parts of the first fabric layer and second fabric layer being interconnected for defining one of linear and point shaped links where the first fabric layer and the second fabric layer are directly secured together.

Abstract: A gas bag for an occupant restraint system has several walls of layers of fabric, which delimit the interior of the gas bag, adjacent walls being connected in one piece with each other by interweaving and interwoven regions having an edge adjoining the interior of the gas bag. The edge runs at least in sections in an undulating shape which shape is defined by successive concave and convex portions of the edge.

Abstract: A steering wheel is fastened on a steering column by a steering wheel hollow (1). Within this steering wheel hollow (1), an airbag (15) is fastened on a plate (11) which in the rest position bears against the base (2) of the steering wheel hollow (1) and, as the airbag (15) inflates, the plate is displaced within the steering wheel hollow (1) away from the base (2). The steering wheel has travel limitation members (screw 12) for the maximum possible travel of the plate (11). Release of the airbag (15) produces a free space (16) between the plate (11) and the base (2) of the steering wheel hollow (1), which free space is formed so as to receive end regions of spokes (4, 5), which end regions are remote from a steering wheel rim (6).

Abstract: A steering wheel has a skeleton with a foamed sheathing, a hub, spokes and a steering wheel rim. A gas bag module is inserted in a central recess of the steering wheel. The gas bag module has a cover cap at the side facing the driver. For actuating a horn switch the module is movable in the direction of the steering wheel axis relative to the steering wheel. A movement gap is formed between the cover cap and the foamed sheathing. Mounting studs on the skeleton extend parallel to the steering wheel axis. The positioning of the mounting studs is defined by the foamed sheathing. The mounting studs have free ends which are slidingly accommodated in guide recesses provided in the cover cap.

Abstract: In a method of operating a passive safety system, such as an airbag supplemental restraint system in a motor vehicle, the trigger threshold value for triggering the deployment of the airbag or the like is updated or changed over time as the vehicle deteriorates with age or operation. As a result of material fatigue, rust and the like, the vehicle chassis becomes less stiff with increased age and/or increased operation. Consequently, the crash behavior of a deteriorated vehicle differs from that of a new vehicle of the same type. Namely, the deceleration during a crash will be less abrupt.

Abstract: A shoulder anchor position adjusting device is provided in which assembly of a position adjusting mechanism, which adjusts a position of a shoulder anchor, is easy. The shoulder anchor is fixed to a slider. The slider is slidably mounted to a slide rail by the position adjusting mechanism which has a lock pin and a release lever. The release lever is placed on the slider in which a stepped groove is formed. The release lever is swingably held due to engagement of an anchor plate of a cover case with a cut-out groove. A flange portion is formed at the lock pin, and is supported by a step forming portion of the stepped groove. Due to a coil spring, a shaft portion of the lock pin is inserted through an insertion hole of the slider and is fit into an engagement hole formed in the slide rail.

Abstract: A clamp for relieving the tension in a seatbelt. The clamp is moveable along a track between first and second endstops. The clamp includes a movable button which can be pushed by the passenger to lock the clamp to the seatbelt. The clamp can be secured to the seatbelt at the first endstop. Subsequent movement by the passenger results in the clamp moving along the track. Upon reseating by the passenger, the clamp will be supported at a support position intermediate of the first and second endstops, resulting in increased slack in the shoulder portion of the seatbelt, reduced tension in the shoulder portion, and increased comfort for the passenger.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for improving the safety of a snow-related recreational device. The apparatus is attachable to the equipment and preferably provides a function compatible with normal use of the equipment as well, such as functioning as a stomp pad for a snow board during snow board use. The apparatus preferably includes some means for determining the location of the equipment user should a risky situation, such as an avalanche or white-out develop. An instructional graphical display, explaining to a user the proper method of use of the location determining means, is preferably integral to the apparatus. The apparatus may be removeably attachable to the equipment to enable a user of multiple pieces of equipment, such as multiple snow boards, to move the apparatus from one piece to another.

Abstract: An ice skate guard with a sharpener. The ice skate guard has a housing with a channel and a sharpener. The channel extends along the housing, and receives a skate blade. The sharpener is mounted in the housing and extends into the channel. When a skate blade is drawn through the channel the sharpener engages with the blade and sharpens the blade.

Abstract: In an apparatus for connecting tubular members together by cold forging a plurality of rollers are carried on a shaft which includes a tapered portion cooperating with the rollers to force the rollers radially outwardly to forge the tubular member into the end portion of a surrounding tubular member. The forging apparatus is provided with a gear mechanism which incrementally rotates the rollers upon completion of each reciprocal pass so that substantially all of the internal surface of the tubular member is contacted by the rollers to forge the tubular member into the end portion of the surrounding tubular member.

Abstract: A pipe joint is provided in which a simple means improves the sealing performance produced by an elastic sealing member housed in a joint body. At one end of a fluid passage 4 that penetrates through the inside of a joint body 1, there is disposed an enlarged diameter recess 8 in which the inner rear side thereof is made into a housing for sealing member 5 and the mouth side thereof is made into a housing for tube holding mechanism 7 having an engaging groove 6 for a tube holding mechanism 2. This joint body 1 is constructed as a cold-forged component of a metal material. An elastic sealing member 3 is housed in the above-mentioned housing for sealing member 5.

Abstract: A connector for connecting a hose to a fluid handling device having a first bore defining a fluid path and a second bore. The connector comprises a connector housing and a retaining mechanism. The connector housing has a first bore, a second bore and a third bore. The first bore has an entrance and a terminal end. The second bore has an entrance and a terminal end. The third bore has an entrance. The terminal end of the first bore intersects the terminal end of the second bore. The entrance of the first bore communicates with the hose. The entrance of the second bore communicates with the fluid path within the first bore of the fluid handling system. The third bore of the connector housing is parallel to the second bore and the entrance of the third bore of the connector housing is located longitudinally between the entrance of the first bore and the entrance of the second bore. The retaining mechanism retains the connector housing to the fluid handling device.

Abstract: An end-slotted flexible metal hose includes a hose section with body and end sections and a hose clamp. The hose section forms a bore therethrough having a relatively constant diameter. The end section includes a plurality of slots which extend through a sidewall of the hose section to the bore and permit the end section to be constricted by the hose clamp to reduce the bore diameter to provide a relatively tight engagement with a tube on which the hose assembly is mounted.

Abstract: Two steel pipes are each connected to a mounting flange for joining the two pipes, the flanges in one embodiment being fixed stationary to each other and in a second embodiment fixed movable relative to each other. A compressed knitted wire mesh seal is between the two flanges in a dynamic embodiment. Each flange has a spherical inner concave or outer convex surface and the seal has an inner concave and outer convex spherical surface. The seal outer convex spherical surface has a radius smaller than the mating flange concave inner surface. The origins of the two radii are offset. The seal inner concave spherical surface has a radius that is larger than the mating spherical outer convex surface of the corresponding flange. The seal contacts the two flanges in an annular set of pressure points to provide enhanced sealing action.

Abstract: An axial compensator has a corrugated compensator tube extending along an axis and having a pair of opposite ends and respective pipe sleeves fixed to the ends and movable axially toward and away from each other with axial elastic deformation of the compensator tube. An inner guide tube fixed to one of the sleeves, generally centered on the axis, and projecting axially toward the other sleeve is formed with a plurality of radially outwardly projecting formations spaced axially from the one sleeve and defining respective radially outwardly open gaps. An outer guide tube fixed to the other of the sleeves, generally centered on the axis, and telescopingly engaging the inner guide tube is formed with radially inwardly projecting formations spaced axially from the one sleeve, defining respective radially outwardly open gaps, and aligned axially and engageable axially with the inner-tube formations. The gaps have an angular dimension at least as great as an angular dimension of the formations.

Abstract: An integral or threaded and coupled connection between two metal pipes which are provided with an internal coating to contain a corrosive fluid. The male part of the connection includes a threaded portion and a non-threaded portion with the non-threaded portion having a metal sealing surface, an annular transverse bearing surface and a nose surface. The nose surface joins the internal peripheral surface of the pipe by way of an annular radial surface termed the internal end. The female part contains corresponding elements. A sealing ring is interposed between the annular internal end surfaces to prevent the liquid phase from penetrating into the connection. Male metal sealing surfaces are provided between the treaded portion and the bearing surface. A clearance is provided between the external peripheral surface of the nose and the facing internal reinforcing peripheral surface on the female part.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pipe coupling having a sleeve-shaped outer body for accommodating a sealing arrangement and at least one pair of clamping elements, which is arranged adjacent to one side of the sealing arrangement inside the sleeve-shaped outer body and serves to clamp the end of an inserted pipe in place, in which case the pair of clamping elements can be restrained against the end of an inserted pipe transversely to the axis of the pipe coupling via a clamping screw passed through the sleeve-shaped outer body and is pressed apart by of a spring, and the clamping elements are guided in the restraining direction in the sleeve-shaped outer body.

Abstract: A door knob assembly (10) attachable to a door (24), the door knob assembly (10) having an inner door knob (12I) having an inner door knob threaded opening (12IA) positioned on an inner door (24I). The door knob assembly (10) further comprises a door latch (20) positioned within a door side (24S). The door latch (20) further has a door latch engager (20B) which has a door latch engager cylinder (20BA) containing a door latch engager member biasing means (20BCA) positioned against a door latch engager member (20BC). The door latch engager member (20BC) frictionally engages a door plate (24A). An upper fastener (22U) is positioned through the door latch engager plate upper opening (20BBU) and the door latch upper housing lip opening (20AUAA) and securely attached to the door side (24S).

Abstract: A shock-absorbing system for as automotive vehicle. the system comprises a hydraulic oil circuit which includes a storage tank for storing hydraulic oil, electric motor for driving the pump. Front and rear bumper subsystems for respectively extending and retracting of front rear bumpers, a pressure, a electric circuit subsystem for controlling valves, and valves control subsystem.

Abstract: A motor vehicle structural energy absorbing member (12) is light weight and is made in a manner to produce random or directionally oriented, elongated pores or voids (16) in a structural matrix (14) in a manner that permits tailoring of impact energy absorption in one or more direction(s) to provide an integral energy absorbing region.

Abstract: According to one aspect, a litter scoop is provided that permits a user to take multiple passes with the scoop through litter having animal waste therein, without having to empty the litter scoop after each pass. In one embodiment, a rake portion and a receptacle portion of the litter scoop are separated by a lip arranged to retain the clumps of animal waste in the receptacle portion during reuse of the litter scoop. In another embodiment, a top edge of a receptacle of the litter scoop is located generally in a plane, and at least a portion of an inner surface of the receptacle that faces a proximal end of the receptacle is arranged such that a line normal to the portion of the inner surface of the receptacle is oriented at an acute angle with respect to the plane that is less than forty-five degrees.

Abstract: This invention discloses a food manipulating tool for indoor and outdoor use, that allows the user to skeweringly hook and relocate, or skeweringly hook and turn and/or flip food on a cooking surface. This invention also discloses several methods for using this tool so as to optimize its functions.

Abstract: A device for retrieving an object that is submerged in a fluid. A first member, preferably formed in the shape of a cylinder, has an open top end and a bottom wall. The bottom wall has a hole therethrough that provides an inlet that allows the object to be retrieved to come within the device. A second member, also preferably formed in the shape of a cylinder, has an open top and a passageway therethrough that is in fluid communication with the hole in the bottom wall of the first member. The passageway has a first portion positioned above the hole and a second portion that extends to the top of second member. First portion is preferably perpendicular to second portion so that the object to be retrieved is trapped within first portion. In use the open top end of second member is covered. Next, the device is submerged in the fluid so that the hole is aligned over the object to be retrieved. In order to trap object in the first portion of passageway, simply uncover the top end of second member.

Abstract: A grip is provided for grasping beverage cans for use in loading vending machines or the like. The can grip preferably grasps four cans at a time and a spring-loaded plunger ejects the cans therefrom when released. The method of employing the can grip provides for efficient stocking of vending machines and can reduce a serviceman's time by approximately sixty-five to seventy-five percent (65-75%) over usual hand loading.

Abstract: The invention relates to a resilient, multi-component wheel for rail vehicles, comprising a rim (2) and hub (11) as well as an elastic element (6, 8) removably inserted between said rim and hub. Said elastic element (6, 8) is configured as a concentric, separate part consisting of a central disk (7), two larger outer disks (5, 9) and two elastomer rings (6, 8) positioned between said disks. Said elastomer rings (6, 8) are made of a plastic material or rubber, can have different shapes depending on the desired type of compressive stress or shear stress and are connected to the disks (5, 9) in a non-positive manner.

Abstract: A truck bed or vehicle cargo liner with integrated sliding bed extension including a drop-in truck bed liner or cargo liner (16) formed of composite/plastic materials with one or more molded composite/plastic or metal rails (18) integrally formed or attached to the structure of the liner (on the floor and/or liner walls) and a bed/floor extension plate (20) of lightweight molded composite/plastic materials or metal plating (encased or not within a shell of composite materials) or a combination of the two in which the underside and/or sides has/have one or more composite tracks (22) integrally formed or attached to the structure of the extension plate for mounting said plate to the previously referenced rail/rails.

Abstract: An electric vehicle body has a curved portion provided with an opening. A storage compartment communicates with an inside of the body through the opening. A lid is disposed along the curved surface of the body to pivot about hinges to open and close the storage compartment. In one embodiment, each hinge includes a hinge pin provided on a side wall of the lid and a slotted aperture formed in a side wall of the storage box. The hinge pin is fitted into the long aperture in such a manner as to rotate and slide within the slotted aperture. As the lid is being opened, an edge of the rear cover proximate the lid comes into abutment with an edge of the lid to push the lid and hinge pin along a longitudinal direction of the long aperture.

Abstract: A hat holding piece piece (19) is composed of three sections, a middle section (31) and two corner pieces (32, 33) which are laterally hinged on the middle section (31). The corner pieces (32, 33) can be swung with the aid of the hinge so that in the region of the corner pieces (32, 33) the width of the hat holding piece (19) can be reduced by the swinging downward of these corner pieces (32, 33). In this manner the different clear width of the automobile body is taken into account, which as a rule is greater below the side windows than at a place located nearer to the roof. A cargo space covering has a molded part which likewise consists of three sections, a middle piece and two corner pieces. The corner pieces are likewise joined opposite hinges with the middle piece by means of hinges.

Abstract: A vehicle seat mounting assembly includes a mounting pin rotatably retained in a support foot to removably retain a seat track assembly to a vehicle floor member. The support foot is located on the vehicle floor member and the mounting pin is moved downward through a slot in the vehicle floor member. The mounting pin is rotated within the support foot and released such that the biasing member moves the mounting pin upward into a receipt member. Another embodiment of the vehicle seat mounting assembly includes a pin having an engagement surface. The mounting pin is passed through the vehicle floor member an into a receipt member. To retain the mounting pin in the receipt member, a spring biased locking member engages the engagement surface of the mounting pin.

Abstract: In an automotive vehicle body structure comprising a seat carrying member that is moveable with respect to the main part of the vehicle body at the time of a vehicle crash so as to reduce the peak deceleration of the vehicle occupant in the seat, the seat carrying member comprises an elongated member extending in a fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle body and having a portion adapted to be deformable at the time of a vehicle crash. The seat is preferably connected to the elongated member of the seat carrying member at a widthwise center of the seat so that at the time of a vehicle crash, the inertial force of the seat and the vehicle occupant will act in the direction that the elongated member extends and substantially no horizontal moment will be applied on the seat carrying member. A seat position adjustment mechanism is preferably provided between the seat and the elongated member of the seat carrying member.

Abstract: An accelerator block for supporting a driver's foot and leg in application to an accelerator pedal in an ergonomically advantageous position has a body with a height, fastened to a floor before the accelerator pedal. The drivers foot rests by the heel on the body, allowing a more obtuse angle between the foot and the leg than would otherwise attain. In some cases a radiused shoulder is provided for the heel, to prevent the heel from slipping back away from the accelerator pedal.

Abstract: A cargo carrying vehicle capable of switching its shape among a flat body type, a flap type, a container type and a combination of the flat body flap types to match the type of cargo to be loaded, comprising guide members provided on its platform or a loading platform of a truck, and a foldable and extensible sealing cargo store chamber consisting of two sides and a ceiling integrally formed by connecting plate-shaped reinforcing materials with sheet-shaped exterior materials and adapted to be movable engaged with the guide members. The cargo store chamber can be double-structured by fitting additional flaps inside thereof. This cargo carrying vehicle can provide the cargo store chamber with a sealing feature to completely block winds and rains during transportation by the integrated structure of the two sides and a ceiling of the chamber by the connection of the plate-shaped reinforcing materials with the sheet-shaped exterior materials.

Abstract: The invention concerns a roof (1) extending between the windscreen upper rim (2) and the top edge (3) of a bow (4) extended upwards. The roof (1) is in two parts (8, 9), the first part (8) located near the bow (4) being linked with the vehicle lateral part (10) by two articulated arms (11, 12) mobile between a position extending upwards wherein said roof first part (8) is located in front of the bow (4) and a tilted position towards the rear wherein said arms (11, 12) and said roof first part (8) are located in the rear trunk (5), the second roof part (9) being linked to the first part by means enabling the second roof part (9) to be moved onto the first part (8) when the arms (11, 12) are tilted.

Abstract: A hardtop vehicle roof has a forward roof section, a rearward roof section and a kinematic adjusting system for adjusting the roof sections between a closed position and a deposited position. The kinematic adjusting system includes a vehicle-fixed first guide link and a guiding element which is guided in the guide link and is connected with one of the roof sections. In order to provide a space-saving, flexibly constructed vehicle roof, a second guide link is swivellable about a vehicle-fixed rotation axis. The guiding element of the roof section is slidingly guided in the first as well as the second guide link.

Abstract: A window construction for vehicles such as motor coaches is disclosed which includes a window panel that overlaps on the exterior of the vehicle body at least one of the edge portions defining the window opening. In particular, the window includes a window panel which is mounted to the vehicle body and on the exterior thereof at least partly covers the edges of the vehicle body which define the window opening, especially the window jams. Mounting the window panel flush with an exterior surface of the vehicle body facilitates insulation and sealing of the window and allows placement of draft seals between the exterior surface of the vehicle body and the panel so that they do not protrude into the window opening. The hardware used to fasten the window panel to the vehicle body is affixed to the panel in a marginal portion which extends beyond the window opening so that the hardware does not protrude substantially into the window opening and into the field of view.

Abstract: The present invention consists in giving access into transportation vehicles, by means of pivoting the major part of the body shell, on low placed lateral axes, in order to facilitate entrance and exit from three sides of the vehicle, including the front side; and without necessity of the space normally required by traditional doors.

Abstract: A vehicle body side structure is provided to prevent deformation of a structural member due to deformation of a door during a side collision. The vehicle body structure reduces the possibility that the structural member contacts an occupant and obtains an excellent impact absorption effect when the door contacts the occupant. The vehicle body structure has a body side portion with the structural member, and a door coupled to the body side portion to open and close relative to the structural member. An energy absorption member is coupled to the door. A door engagement mechanism is coupled between the door and the side structural member. The door engagement mechanism is arranged to hold the door and the structural member together. A collision sensor generates a collision signal when a side collision is detected by the collision sensor. A door release mechanism is connected to the door engagement mechanism to release the door from the structural member in response to the collision signal.

Abstract: A grommet 110 includes a grommet body 111 and a grommet inner member 112. The inner member 112 has an elastic clip 116 in the form of an oval column and a waterproof lip 117 formed around a base part of the elastic clip 116. With this constitution, by press-fitting the elastically deformed clip 116 into an engagement hole 123 while accommodating the grommet 110 in a hollow part 122 formed on a side face 121 of a vehicle door, the easy and simple assembling can be accomplished to improve the waterproof capability.

Abstract: A vehicle sunroof has a tilting lid provided at a front part of an opening formed in a roof of a vehicle. The tilting lid is adapted to be moved vertically at a rear end thereof with lifter mechanisms. A sliding lid is provided at a rear part of the opening supported by sliders adapted to be moved along guide rails disposed on both side edge portions of the opening and is constructed so as to be moved longitudinally through such movements of the sliders. The lifter mechanisms are provided in such a manner as to be oriented laterally at portions facing a rear end of the tilting lid on a laterally oriented cross member disposed so as to extend between front end portions of the left and right guide rails.