Abstract: A pair of shock elements mounted on the wheel bearing frame of an in-line skate and attached to a foot platform are configured so that the attachment points of the shock elements to the platform which move in a Z direction are prevented from moving in an X or Y direction from each other and from movement in a Y direction measured from a plane parallel to the plane of rotation of the wheels and from movement in a X direction from a line parallel to the axis of one of the skate wheels.

Abstract: A highback for controlling a gliding board, such as a snowboard, through leg movement of a rider. The highback is comprised of at least two distinct materials with different stiffnesses to achieve desired blend of stiffness and flexibility. The highback may employ a material of greater stiffness in one or more regions to provide high force transmission between the rider and the board. The highback may employ a material of lesser stiffness in one or more regions where flexibility is desired for more gradual power transmission, comfort and/or to facilitate highback adjustability. The arrangement of the different materials provides a lightweight highback with a relatively sleek profile having selected regions of stiffness and/or flexibility.

Abstract: A sanitary handle cover for a shopping cart comprises a first semi-flexible sheet of a vinyl construction and a second sheet of fabric superimposed thereon and heat bonded thereto. Corresponding lateral edges of first and second sheets define a width dimension that is sufficient such that the sheets may be wrapped about a shopping cart handle bar. The width dimension is also sufficient such that a portion of the first sheet overlaps a portion of the second sheet. Circular hook and loop fasteners are arranged in a spaced apart configuration along the longitudinal edges that overlap so as to securely maintain the cover on the handle bar. Spring clip fasteners depend from opposed corresponding lateral edges of first and second sheets such that the cover may be coupled to a bag or purse and be used as a carrying strap therefor. A pocket is fixedly attached to the inner surface of the first sheet and has an opening adjacent corresponding lateral edges for holding a pen while shopping.

Abstract: A basket with a bottom and peripheral walls defining a cargo space therein. At least three legs are mounted to the underside of the bottom and each leg has a wheel assembly at the distal end. The legs are hollow and the internal diameter increases from the distal end so that the other end, mounted to the underside, cooperatively coincides with openings on the bottom. The legs are removably insertable through the openings and housed within each other so that the baskets can be stacked up in a volumetrically efficient fashion. Removable covers are mounted on the openings, when the basket is in use, to prevent objects from falling inside.

Abstract: A combined desk and luggage carrier for transporting luggage and for serving as a work desk which includes a generally rectangular open work frame generally vertically orientable in normal use position, having wheels at its lower end with the upper end of said frame being upwardly telescopical to provide handle means for manually moving said frame on its wheels. The carrier has a luggage support shelf pivotally connected to one side of said frame near its lower end which pivots outwardly and downwardly away from said frame to a generally horizontal position for supporting luggage placed thereon and a desk-top shelf pivotally connected to the side of the frame opposite said one side near its top end and adapted to pivot outwardly and upwardly to a generally horizontal position to provide a support surface for supporting a lap top computer. A supplemental support device such as folding telescopical legs are attached to said desk-top shelf for providing additional support thereto in said horizontal position.

Abstract: An embodiment of a torque arm apparatus as disclosed herein includes a torque arm beam member and a plurality of axle tube support members. The torque arm beam member has a first end, a second end, a first side and a second side. Each one of the axle tube support members is attached at a respective first end thereof to the torque arm beam member adjacent to the first end of the torque arm beam member. Each one of the axle tube support members includes an axle tube mounting flange attached to a respective second end thereof. The axle tube mounting flange of a first one of the axle tube support members and the axle tube mounting flange of a second one of the axle tube support members are positioned adjacent to the first side and the second side, respectively, of the torque arm beam member.

Abstract: An anti-tip suspension for a wheelchair having rear casters is defined. The suspension includes a rocker arm support, a rocker arm and a spring. The rocker arm is pivotally attached to the rocker arm support so that it is rotatable with respect to the rocker arm support. The spring engages the rocker arm and rocker arm support, biasing them away from one another. The rocker arm includes a rotation limiter that limits the rotation of the rocker arm with respect to the rocker arm support in one direction.

Abstract: A computer controlled suspension system is provided for a bicycle, which can effectively absorb shock and provide stability on rough surfaces regardless of the speed of the vehicle. The suspension system has a control unit, a front suspension, a rear suspension, a front wheel terrain sensor, and a rear controller. The rear suspension is selectively adjustable by the control unit to change stiffness of the rear suspension. When the front suspension hits a bump or a depression in the surface of the ground, a signal is sent to the rear controller so that the rear suspension can react appropriately. In one embodiment, a pedaling torque sensor is operatively coupled to the control unit to input a signal that is indicative of pedaling force, and the rear controller adjusts stiffness of the rear suspension in response to the pedaling force via the control unit.

Abstract: A new and improved apparatus for transporting beach items over the asphalt and through the sand in an easy and efficient manner is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a pliable base capable of being rolled up, with the base having an axle and a pair of wheels to allow easy mobility. The base has mesh netting fixedly attached to the top surface of the base around the perimeter of the base which is topped off by a rim, with the rim being attached to a front-mounted drawstring. Once the base is properly unfolded, the mesh netting can be held open and the base loaded with while being held in place by both the netting and a quartet of adjustable straps. The present invention also includes a pair of ropes that are each attached to the front end of the base. The ropes would each be used on differing surface types on which a user would want to pull the present invention across. When not in use, the mesh netting simply would lie on the base and the pliable base would merely be folded up.

Abstract: A safety device housed in a motor vehicle and used in the field of automobile safety has an impervious inflatable metal bag fixed to a support, a pyrotechnic charge, and an ignition device intended to be connected to a source of electrical current. The bag includes a first metal sheet which has a central orifice, an intermediate fixing zone attached to the support and a peripheral fixing zone and a solid domed second metal sheet which has a peripheral fixing zone. The two metal sheets are fixed together at their peripheral fixing zones. The pyrotechnic charge is contained in the bag.

Abstract: A lightweight air bag apparatus which facilitates the positioning between an instrument panel and a lid, and to provide an air bag apparatus in which the lid is not attached to a retainer in substance. The air bag apparatus includes a retainer, an air bag which is folded and stored in the retainer, a lid which covers the open surface of the retainer, and an inflator (gas generator) for expanding the air bag. The external surfaces of the retainer are surrounded by belts, and both ends of the belts are fixed to the leg portions and with rivets, bolts, or other fittings. The peripheral portion around an opening formed in the instrument panel is clamped between the edge portion of the lid and the extending portions. The belts are not connected to the retainer.

Abstract: The invention provides an air bag apparatus which can securely prevent gas, generated from an inflator, from leaking from an insertion port of an air bag provided in a mounting base portion of the air bag. The air bag apparatus has a gas generating inflator (2) for expanding and developing an air bag (1) assembled in an inner portion from an insertion port (1c) provided in a mounting base portion (1b) of the air bag (1). The inflator (2) is positioned inside the air bag (1). An internal contact fabric (4) for closing the insertion port (1c) of the air bag (1) from the inner side is provided for preventing a gas leakage, and an external contact fabric (5) is provided for reinforcing the bag mounting base portion (1b).

Abstract: A vehicle occupant restraint system comprises a gas supply means which has an outer housing with at least two outlet openings. The restraint system further comprises at least two inflatable elements to which different outlet openings are associated and which are filled in parallel via the associated outlet openings. The outlet openings are designed such that during inflation of the elements gas flow rates through the individual outlet openings to the inflatable elements are different.

Abstract: An inflator (10) includes a housing (20). A first inflation fluid source (240) in the housing (20) is actuatable to effect flow of inflation fluid to inflate an inflatable device. A first actuatable initiator (130) in the housing (20), when energized, effects actuation of the first inflation fluid source (240). A second inflation fluid source (250) in the housing (20) is actuatable to effect flow of inflation fluid to inflate the inflatable device. A second actuatable initiator (152) in the housing (20), when energized, effects actuation of the second inflation fluid source (250). The housing (20) has a fluid passage (90) for directing flow of inflation fluid out of the housing (20) to the inflatable device. The housing (20) deforms due to the pressure of inflation fluid in the housing upon actuation of one or both of the inflation fluid sources (240, 250).

Abstract: A pressurized container includes a vessel defining a chamber therein. A housing that is connected to the vessel defines an outlet that is fluidly separated from the chamber by a closure member. A moveable member may be seated within and form a seal with the housing and abut the closure member. Activation of an initiator propels the moveable member through the closure member, thereby fluidly connecting the chamber and the outlet. The pressurized container might include an obstruction partially blocking an outlet path and another initiator that breaks the obstruction when activated, thereby further opening the outlet path. The pressurized container might include a main path fluidly connected to the outlet, a first secondary path that connects the main path to the chamber, and a second secondary path that also connects the main path to the chamber.

Abstract: A steering device comprises a fixed bracket 1; a movable bracket 2, to which a steering column 10 is attached; two sets of through holes 3, 3 including front and back through hole sets formed in fixed bracket 1 and movable bracket 2, respectively, at least one set a transverse slot 3a and a vertical slot 3b intersecting each other; two clamping/fastening bolts 5, 5 inserted through holes 3, 3; an arm member 6 fastened to one of clamping/fastening bolts 5,; an operating lever member 9; a retaining member 7 for holding the clamping/fastening bolts 5, 5 to be spaced by a predetermined distance; and a linking member 8, which is pivotally linked to the arm member 6 and operating lever member 9.

Abstract: An improved construction for pull-tab game pieces involves the use or two or more substrates, one of which is at least partially transparent. A thermosensitive imaging layer within which game results are direct thermally printed is located between the transparent substrate and an opaque cover layer through which the game results are printed. An opaque substrate precut to form one or more tabs covers the opposite side of the transparent substrate. The game results are revealed by retracting the tabs to view the game results through the transparent substrate.

Abstract: A data package assembly comprises a substrate which includes a panel portion and a data card portion detachable from each other. The data card portion has an exposed face and a concealed face on opposite sides of the substrate, with personal identifying indicia on the concealed face correlated with a prepaid account. The data card portion is folded into an overlapping relationship with the panel portion so that the panel portion faces the concealed face of the data card portion and thereby conceals the personal identifying indicia without requiring folding of the panel portion. The data card portion is detachably retained in overlapping relationship with the panel portion, at least a major portion of the exposed face of the data card portion being visibly exposed.

Abstract: In producing a film by printing on a top sheet with non-glossy surface, a first glossy varnish imprint adheres on the surface. A second continuous imprint produced on the first, adheres neither on the top sheet nor on the varnish, and the film is completed. A glossy imprint is thus provided in the film external surface which is then applied on a document to protect it from being reproduced by optical scanning.

Abstract: An erosion resistant pipe flange assembly for preventing erosion of metal pipe flanges connecting two joints of pipe. The erosion resistant pipe flange assembly includes a flange section, a reducer section integrally formed with said flange section, and a replaceable liner for preventing erosion and abrasion of the interior of said pipe flange assembly.

Abstract: A self-locking quick release coupler includes a handle and a lever. The first distal end of the handle is adapted to be secured to a side face of the groove adapter. The handle has a head formed on the first distal end thereof. The head is extendable into a side face of the groove adapter so as to secure a tube inserted into the groove adapter. The lever partially extends through the handle to be pivotably received in the handle. The lever has a hook formed on a first distal end of the lever to adapt to hook a pin of the groove adapter and a press formed on a second distal end of the lever. The pivotable movement of the lever allows the hook of the lever to selectively hook the pin so as to secure the handle relative to the groove adapter.

Abstract: A hydraulic hose for use for adapting a skid loader or other apparatus for connecting thereto a hydraulic post driver, the hose assembly includes a fill cap at one end, for connecting with the hydraulic system of the loader, and a fitting at the other end, for connecting with the hydraulic inlet for the post driver. The hydraulic hose has sufficient length, to allow for its looping between these two components, when assembled, and to accommodate any movement of the post driver, relative to the loader, during its application and usage.

Abstract: A swivelable, releasable quick connector is disclosed. The interconnection includes a female element which receives a male element or tube, and an elastomer sealing ring to create a fluid tight seal therebetween. Furthermore, a locking mechanism is included to releasably lock the male element within the female element. The locking mechanism comprises a one-piece stamped metal retainer that may be preassembled on either the male or female element and which includes manually engageable portions that may be biased toward one another to effect the release of the retainer from the female element and thereby permit the male element to be disconnected from the female element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of constructing a tube joint wherewith one end T1 of a tubing T is heated to be softened; the softened end T1 of the tubing T is inserted into a drop-off prevention ring 30; the end T1 of the tubing T is upset by means of an upsetting core 50 such that the anchoring portion 35 of the drop-off prevention ring 30 bites into the softened end T1 of the tubing T; and the end T1 of the tubing T is cooled to be hardened with the anchoring portion 35 of the drop-off prevention ring 30 being kept biting into it, and to such tube joint.

Abstract: A threaded pipe connector which may find application in the petroleum and gas industry, and pipe connections formed with the connector. The connector includes a male element disposed at the end of a first pipe and a female element disposed at the end of a second pipe. The male element is provided with an external tapered male threading and the female element is provided with an internal tapered female threading corresponding to the male threading. A central seal, formed by a male bearing surface and a female bearing surface and bearing against each other and disposed in a central zone of the male and female threading respectively where the threadings have been interrupted, seals the connector when the connector is assembled. The connector and the connected pipes formed from this connector provide a tight seal under high external pressures.

Abstract: A process for forming a radially upset tube flange particularly suitable for securing a connector on an end of a tube, and a connector assembly formed thereby. A connector is provided, having an end face and an away face. A desired length of tube is provided, having an end portion and a tube end. The connector is passed over the end portion of the tube, with the end face of the connector nearest the tube end and the away face of the connector farthest from the tube end. The tube is gripped with a fixture, and positioned with the away face of the connector against the fixture. A preferred length of the tube end portion extends axially beyond the end face of the connector. Force is applied axially to the tube end, causing a major radially outward upset of the tube against the end face of the connector and a minor radially outward upset of the tube against the away face of the connector. A tapered punch is forced into the tube end axially, causing the tube end to flare outwardly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an axisymmetric structural component, one of the ends of which is fitted with an inner circular flange for assembling, by bolting. The axisymmetric structural component with a second axisymmetric structural component. The flange comprises housings for receiving fixing elements such as bolts, pins or threaded rods. The housings are arranged on the circumference of the said flange at regular intervals. Each housing is, in longitudinal section (A—A) along a plane passing through the rotational axis of the component, T-shaped and consists of a first essentially cylindrical portion which is longitudinally open on the inner face (x) of the axisymmetric structural component and transversely open on the contact face (y) of the flange in the assembly. A second essentially semi-cylindrical portion is mounted on the flange which is also longitudinally open on the inner face (x) of the said structural component having an essentially D-shaped transverse section.

Abstract: A necktie knotter having a plurality of paired retractable slidable pegs movably mounted within horizontal slots and a hook having upper and lower members forming a hook cradle therebetween. The plurality of paired retractable slidable pegs and hook are connected to and controlled by a motor having a microchip and software to control automatically tying a necktie knot.

Abstract: The present invention provides a latch device and method for securing a panel such as a door panel to a frame. The latch device has a housing mounted to the door panel with a catch having a contact portion pivotally mounted in the housing for rotation about a first axis while a handle assembly is mounted in the housing for rotation about a second axis. A strike is mounted on the frame such that the strike can receive the catch. The handle assembly is moveable between a first position where the contact portion of the catch is urged into contact against the strike and second position where the catch is retracted from the strike. A link is pivotally mounted to the catch at one point and to the handle assembly at a second point. An adjustment device is provided. The latch device also has a compliance element that absorbs forces resulting from the engagement of the latch assembly.

Abstract: A versatile slam capable latch mechanism that can be operated by one or more adjacent and/or remotely located operating devices to release a striker from latched engagement; that can be directly attached to an operating device such as a flush-mountable paddle handle assembly to provide a “stand alone” latch; that can be connected by one or more rod-like links to one or more remotely located operating devices such as push button assemblies; that can be connected by rod-like links to other similar latch mechanisms each arranged to be slammed into engagement with a different striker to provide a “plural point” latching system; and wherein one of the various types of operating devices that may be connected to a latch system that includes one or more of the latch mechanisms can be provided with a key operated lock to “lock” the system.

Abstract: A secondary latch assembly includes a mounting bracket, a release hook pivotally mounted to the mounting bracket, and a handle mechanism pivotally mounted to the mounting bracket. The release hook is movable between a locked position and a released position and has a slot having a first end and a second end. The handle mechanism has a rotation stop that is positioned within the slot of the release hook and that is movable between the first and second ends of the slot. The handle mechanism is movable between a first position where the rotation stop is positioned at the first end of the slot, a second position where the rotation stop is positioned at the second end of the slot, and a third position wherein the handle mechanism is rotated from its second position while the rotation stop is positioned at the second end of the slot so that the rotation stop urges the release hook from its locked position to its released position.

Abstract: An openable panel for a motor vehicle having a lock (3) including an opening lever, an operating member mounted on the openable panel at a distance from the lock for manual operation by a user from the outside of the openable panel. A force transmission element connects the operating member to the lock opening lever. The lock can switch from a closed condition to an open condition in response to the operation of the opening lever with the aid of the operating member. The force transmission element is in two parts connected to each other by an energy storage device. An immobilizing mechanism is provide to immobilize the second part of the force transmission element when the lock is in the locked condition and to release the second part of the force transmission element in response to an unlocking command.

Abstract: A fire-fighting tool that is useful for penetrating building structures includes a shaft, a building penetration implement on a distal end of the shaft. The penetration implement includes a first jaw fixed to the shaft and a second jaw that is moveable relative to the first jaw to facilitate gripping of objects between the jaws. A lever at the distal end of the shaft is mechanically linked to the moveable jaw to facilitate remote operation of the gripping jaws. The fixed jaw also includes sharply pointed prongs for prying or sawing building materials.

Abstract: The bottle holder is designed for a PET bottle that is awkward to incline in order to pour its content (non-alcoholic beverages or mineral water) because the bottle lies awkwardly in one's hand(s). The top part of the holder is fastened to the bottleneck, and the lower part clasps the bottle at approximately two thirds to one half of the bottle's height. The fastening part features a device that prevents the bottle's axial movement prior to a radial movement of the holder in relation to the bottle.

Abstract: A lifting device which has a flexible belt adapted to circumvent and grip a load to be lifted. One or more elongate flexible lifting straps is in spaced relationship around the belt. One end of the or each strap is securable on the belt anywhere along the belt's length. The other end of the or each strap has a lift attachment.

Abstract: A truck with a heating/cooling climate control system that is effectively integrated into a trailer or straight truck body, even as an after-market/field installation, which provides a uniform temperature distribution throughout the truck. An air flow which is sufficient to maintain the proper temperature environment throughout the entire beverage storage areas of the trailer or straight truck body is achieved without ducting of the supply air flow.

Abstract: A method for making a spacer assembly comprises: forming a plurality of projections along an edge of a portion of sheet metal; roll forming the portion of sheet metal into a tubular configuration; positioning the roll formed portion of sheet metal and a metal base member to which the roll formed portion of sheet metal is to be welded in a discharge welding apparatus having a pair of electrodes so that the projections of the roll formed portion of sheet metal contact a surface of the metal base member; providing a force so that the projections are disposed in forcible engagement with the surface of the metal base member; and supplying an electrical current between the pair of electrodes and through the roll formed portion of sheet metal and the metal base member so that the projections reach a molten metal stage and are subsequently solidified to enable the roll formed portion of sheet metal to be welded to the metal base member.

Abstract: A utility box, of the type found on utility trucks, having a vertically-openable door which stores by resting on the top of the utility box. The door has as upper segment and a lower segment connected by a first hinge; and the upper segment is connected to the utility box top by a second hinge. The lower segment is about twice the height of the upper segment. Because of this construction, the door may be opened and closed nearby another vehicle or structure, since the maximum horizontal extension needed (from the box) to operate the door is about the same as the height of the smaller upper door segment.

Abstract: A removable cab assembly is provided for an all terrain vehicle which has front and rear racks, front and rear wheels provided with respective front and rear fenders and the seat located between the front and rear wheels. The cab assembly includes a front mounting bracket structure attached to a front rack of the all terrain vehicle, and a rear mounting bracket structure removably attached to a rear rack of the all terrain vehicle. A flexible framework has front ends connected to the front mounting bracket structure, and rear ends attached to the rear mounting bracket structure. The framework has a length such that when joined to the front and rear racks, the framework is bendable and assumes a generally semi-circular profile extending above the all terrain vehicle. A flexible fabric cover having longitudinal side edges, a front window and a rear window is removably connected to the framework and to the front and rear racks.

Abstract: A windshield mounting structure for vehicles in which a windshield as a sheet for protection from the wind is mounted between a vehicle body frame and a cowling attached at the front of the vehicle body frame. The cowling is attached to a retaining plate, which is rockably mounted on the vehicle body frame and positioned opposite to the front of the windshield. A operating lever is provided for pressing the retaining plate against the windshield to hold the windshield in a fixed position, and for releasing the retaining plate from the windshield so that the windshield height can be adjusted up or down. A ratchet mechanism is provided for supporting the windshield when it is released, and for adjusting the windshield to a desired position. This combination of elements and configuration provides for a structure that increases the freedom of design of the exterior components of the vehicle, particularly the cowling.

Abstract: A vehicle sun visor comprises a plurality of attachable modular members with substantially equal heights. The plurality of members includes a base module and at least one extension module. The base module is pivotably attached to the roof of a vehicle interior, and is also attachable to the extension module. The at least one extension module may comprise a center module or an inner ear module, or an end or blank module. A single mounting pivot is provided, and is connected to the base module with a pivot member that is preferably a mounting rod. The visor body may be swiveled about the pivot to cover a portion of the vehicle windshield or, alternatively, a side window, and is further moveable between a downward position and an upward position.

Abstract: In a cap device, a long, flexible coupling member is coupled at one end to a cap for opening and closing an inlet, and it is slidably mounted at the other end to a guide member located near the inlet. A rotary ring is rotatably mounted around the cap, and the coupling member is coupled to a part of the rotary ring at one end thereof. Slanted blocks for removing foreign materials are provided on a portion of the rotary ring which slides with respect to the circumferential outer surface of the cap. A slide support member formed another end of the coupling member is guided by a guide member disposed on the back side of the oil filler lid. The guide member guides the slide support member in such a direction that the slide support member slides apart from a hinge.

Abstract: A flip top locking topper for a pickup truck having a forward wall and a shell. A hinge support is rigidly attached to a forward end of the pickup box along with the forward wall. The shell, attached to the hinge support by one or more hinges, pivots to open and closed positions. A lift mechanism, such as a hydraulic cylinder, linear actuator, or mechanical screw operates to open and close the shell. One end of the lift mechanism can be attached to a lower position on the hinge support. The other end is attached to an inside top surface of the shell. One or more lock blocks are positioned on a lower edge of the sidewalls of the shell. As the shell is lowered, the lock blocks engage and enter stake bed opening on the truck bed sidewalls. From the closed position, the lift mechanism first lifts a forward edge from the forward wall, the pushed the shell rearward to disengage or unlock the lock blocks, and then the shell is pivoted upwards.

Abstract: A tonneau cover apparatus for attaching a flexible cover about a cargo box of a vehicle, preferably a pickup truck. The apparatus preferably includes, a support frame removably attached about the perimeter of a cargo box of the vehicle, an elongated end plate attached to an end of the flexible cover, an end plate engagement member attached to the support frame, a latching member movably attached to the support frame, and a locking member movably attached to the end plate. The end plate and the end plate engagement member are preferably provided with complementarily shaped surfaces which enable the end plate to engage with and swing around or pivot with respect to the support frame into and out of a fixed, stretching position where the flexible cover may be alternatively tensed and relaxed.

Abstract: A tonneau cover system for covering an area of a vehicle, the vehicle area being bounded by spaced sidewalls each having a top surface. The tonneau cover system including a flexible fabric cover having side edges and a central region bounded by the side edges, the side edges being positionable above the vehicle spaced sidewalls so that the cover can extend over the vehicle area to be covered. A frame having a plurality of elongated rails each having two ends, one of the rails being mounted on the top surface of each vehicle sidewall. A plurality of flanged members coupled to the frame and mounted on the interior of the spaced sidewalls. At least one bowed member flexibly coupled to the flanged members and having spring biased end plungers for varying the length of the bowed member and tensioning the bowed member, where the bowed member supports the flexible fabric cover.

Abstract: A fastening device for a folding-top covering of a folding top of an open motor vehicle, having a plug-in profile. The plug-in profile is fastened to the folding-top covering of the folding top. The fastening device also has a folding-top frame part and a receiving channel which is formed on the folding-top frame part. It is possible for the plug-in profile to be plugged into the receiving channel on the folding-top frame part in such a manner that a permanent fixing of the folding-top covering relative to the folding-top frame part can be produced.

Abstract: Vehicle comprising a box structure (1) in an inner panel (2) of which there is provided an opening (3) for the passage of components, such as a window raiser mechanism (4), mounted on a support plate (5) shaped for being applied in a sealed manner against the periphery of the opening. The support plate of the components has a dishing region (9) situated at the level of the articulation joints R1, R2 of the hips of passengers so as to constitute a pelvis thrust member in the event of a lateral impact on the door. The dishing region (9) is press formed and comprises a group of bosses (11) orientated in the direction toward the window glass (10) and interconnected on the side adjacent to the passengers by planar areas (12) of the support plate.

Abstract: The door of a motor vehicle includes a body and an internal support system. In order to be stiff, light and inexpensive, the support system (8) consists of a double-sided highly rigid body in the form of a plate which is fixed to the inside of the body (1) of the door, and the inside (10) and outside (11) walls of the support system are made of fiber-reinforced plastic, whereby the ribs (30, 42) that run in a longitudinal direction in between them form spaces (31, 32). At least one of said spaces contains a compression-proof filling and the inside (10) and outside (11) walls are connected to each other along their contour (12, 14, 15). Accommodations (20) to receive fasteners are integrated therein to allow the support system (8) to be connected to the sheet-metal shell module (1).

Abstract: A cab is described for an agricultural vehicle having front and rear corners and two rear wheel fenders arranged one on each side at the rear of the cab. The cab comprises a frame that includes two rear support members. The rear support members having lower portions disposed at the back of the cab between the two fenders and upper portions disposed above the fenders and offset laterally outwards from the lower portions.

Abstract: In a vehicle roof structure of an automobile, a front part of a roof panel is formed into an arch configuration which declines gradually while a rear part of the roof panel is formed flat. Stiffeners, each of which has a U-shaped cross section, are provided on the rear part of the roof panel, side edge portions of each of the stiffeners are folded back.