Abstract: A holder for a circle gazing globe has a receiver for receiving the tubular neck of the gazing globe and a member affixed to the receiver and encircling at least a portion of the gazing globe when the gazing globe is mounted in the receiver. The encircling member takes a variety of forms. In one aspect, a hanger is carried on the encircling member for movably coupling the encircling member and the gazing globe to a fixed support surface. In another aspect, at least two fingers are resiliently coupled to the receiver and have at least one portion engageable with the gazing globe to releasably mount the gazing globe in the receiver.

Abstract: Promotional devices configured to removably support articles (e.g., papers, photographs, etc.) for viewing are provided. A device includes a housing and a pair of arms pivotally disposed within the housing in adjacent spaced-apart relationship. The housing includes a base portion that is configured to be supported on a surface and an upper portion that is movably secured to the base portion. The housing upper portion is movable between a distal position and a proximal position relative to the housing base portion. Movement of the housing upper portion from the distal position to the proximal position causes the upper end portions of the arms to separate so that an article can be placed therebetween. The arms are urged together so as to retain the article placed therebetween and the housing upper portion is moved to the distal position.

Abstract: Hand rests are desirable to the artist for steadying the hand when performing delicate brush strokes. The use of this invention provides added control to both the oil and water color artist. The hand rest is a welcome addition to the recreational artist because it can help him complete more difficult brush strokes with a steadier hand. Additionally, the hand rest is lightweight and easy to install on either an easel or canvas, making it readily portable. The hand rest for an artist's easel consists of a peg assembly and a hand rest. The peg assembly consists of a lightweight aluminum rod with pegs incorporated along its length and is positioned vertically on the left or right side of the easel depending upon which hand the artist uses to paint. The hand rest consists of a cylindrical birch wood rod with end caps, one end of which is positioned upon one of the pegs and the other end of which is supported by the artist's free hand.

Abstract: An attachment stand frame for spa umbrella which includes a shaft supporting an awning thereon, wherein the attachment stand frame includes a stand base including a reinforcing panel extended therefrom adapted for mounting underneath an outdoor spa wherein the spa umbrella is uprightly supported on the stand base, and a supporting frame perpendicularly extended from the stand base for substantially attaching to the outdoor spa so as to securely mount the spa umbrella to the outdoor spa. The attachment stand frame further includes a base body, having a receiving chamber provided thereon, adapted to support the shaft, a rotor, which is rotatably disposed in the receiving chamber, having a rotor axial socket for inserting the shaft thereinto, and a locking arrangement for locking up the rotation movement of the rotor. Therefore, the attachment stand frame is adapted to be rigidly supported by the outdoor spa and rotatably mount the spa umbrella.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a radial snubber for use with a vibration isolator. The radial snubber cushions any impact of the aluminum insert of the isolator against the remainder of the isolator, thereby reducing the strain experienced by the isolator.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for manufacturing concrete dual blocks where the concrete block is separated into two individual blocks during the manufacturing process without an additional separating step after curing.

Abstract: A choke for a brake control valve coming within the physical space limitation by forming a helical choke path. The choke includes a body having a passage and a plug in a passage. The helical path is created between and defined by the passage and the plug to form the choke. The length the passage is less an inch and the length of the plug is less than 0.25 inches. The body includes the first portion having an external thread and a stem portion. A filter is mounted on the stem portion. The first portion is mounted in a threaded opening in a first wall of the valve. The filter extends into an opening in a second wall of the valve and a cap mounted in the second opening contacts the filter and holds it secure on the stem.

Abstract: An improved position control for a solenoid actuated valve, wherein the solenoid is activated based on the combination of a feed-forward component based on a model of the steady state operation of the valve and a closed-loop feedback component that responds to changes in the commanded position and compensates for any inaccuracy in the steady state model. The method involves a valve characterization procedure in which the actual force generated by the solenoid is measured for various combinations of valve position and solenoid current, resulting in a table of coil current in terms of developed force and valve position. In operation, the model is used to estimate the solenoid force required to achieve the commanded valve position under steady state operating conditions, and a controller addresses the table to obtain a feed-forward coil current command as a function of the commanded valve position and the estimated solenoid force.

Abstract: An adaptor is for a rising disc valve which has a handle for rotating a stem in a housing bore having a shoulder and which displaces a disc valve member which seals against a frusto-conical housing seat spaced from the shoulder. A stack of Belleville -steel springs is between the disc member and the ring seal. An interface ring is between the springs and the ring seal. As the disc member is seated in its valve seat, a ring at the attachment member abuts the shoulder. The attachment member can no longer axially displace and compressively loads the springs as the disc member is further axially displaced to the valve closed state. The compressive load on the ring seal expands the seal radially outwardly against the housing bore and radially inwardly against the piston shank.

Abstract: A gate valve includes: a valve plate; a valve rod which the valve plate is fixed to and is supported to be able to tilt; a seal bellows and a dust sealing portion; a stopper member; a tilting cam mechanism which converts supplied straight moving force into tilting force, and tilts the valve rod of which the straight movement is restricted at a closed position in the direction where the valve plate 2 seals an aperture; a seal-releasing cam mechanism which tilts the valve rod in the direction to release the sealing of the valve plate; and an air cylinder as an actuator which supplies the straight movement force for the tilting cam mechanism and the seal-releasing cam mechanism.

Abstract: An opening end of a concave portion of a bearing holder is crimped to prevent an outer race of a ball bearing from sliding rearwardly, so that a bearing stop cover in the prior art is not needed to stop the slide-out of the outer race. Thus, the number of parts and assembling procedures for an intake air controller are reduced, thereby reducing the manufacturing const thereof. Further, since the bearing stop cover is not needed, the axial length of the bearing holder of a throttle body is shortened, thereby axially compacting the throttle body.

Abstract: The specification describes economical lifting devices. A consumer jack comprising a rectangular base; a pair of connecting arms that are pivotally attached to the front end of the base, and a pair of lift arms that are attached to the connecting arms and attached at the rearward ends thereof to a sliding block. A screw-threaded actuator shaft is engaged with the sliding block to raise and lower a lifting pad attached to the forward ends of the lift arms of the device. The components are stamped from steel sheet and plate, and folded into the desired configuration, and assembled without the need for machining or welding. An economical power unit, for use with an economical jack stand and also for use with a lift bridge, comprises an adaptation of the consumer jack. The power unit does not use the lifting pad, but rather utilizes a pair of separated leveling pads pivotally attached to the forward ends of the lift arm for engagement with a lift collar of the jack stand.

Abstract: A hinge coupling and a lock for connecting a stationary handrail to a gate arm for a gate. The gate in closed position retains the structural integrity and peripheral profile of the handrail. The hinge coupling consist of a fixed connector and a mobile connector, both pivotally connected to a middle link by pins. The components of the hinge coupling pivot about the pins, enabling the gate arm to pivot through a 180° angle. One hinge connector is inserted and secured into an open end of the stationary handrail. The other connector is inserted and secured into an open end of the gate arm. The lock consists of two mating active and passive components that are fastened to respective terminal ends of the handrail and gate arm. The lock components are provided with a manually releasable latch. All components in the closed position of the gate compactly fit together and are shaped to provide peripheral continuity.

Abstract: A reactor for aerating a fluid with a gas comprises a mixing tank (12) for the fluid and a centrally located vertical draft tube (13) submerged in the fluid to divide the mixing tank (12) into an inner chamber (21) and an outer chamber (23). The reactor further comprises a motor driven axial flow impeller (14) located in the draft tube (13) for circulating fluid downwardly through the inner chamber (21) and upwardly through the outer chamber (23). The reactor further comprises an external circuit for withdrawing a portion of the fluid from the mixing tank (12), aerating the fluid, and returning the aerated fluid to the mixing tank (12). The aerator is in the form of a venturi device (17).

Abstract: A liquid/gas contacting apparatus is provided wherein the perforated trays have an upper liquid repellent layer of a fluorocarbon polymer, to increase, and spread, liquid flow over the tray, and a rough underside for bursting any bubbles of any spray there against. Ridges are provided forming chevron patterns between perforations in the trays to deflect liquid towards the casing sides and remove sediment therefrom.

Abstract: A damping actuator includes: an inner shaft member; an outer sleeve member disposed in a coaxial relationship with each other with a radial spacing therebetween such that the outer sleeve member being movable relative to the inner shaft member; a coil and an inner yoke disposed coaxially with and fixedly mounted to the inner shaft member so as to give inner magnetic pole portions; and a permanent magnet and an outer yoke fixedly mounted to the outer sleeve member so as to give outer magnetic pole portions. The outer magnetic pole portions are opposed to the inner magnetic poles in a radial direction perpendicular to an axial direction of the inner shaft member with a radial gap therebetween, and are offset from the plurality of inner magnetic poles in the axial direction. The coil is energized for generating magnetic axial driving force acting between said inner and outer magnetic poles so that the inner and outer magnetic poles are moved relative to each other in the axial direction.

Abstract: A suspension assembly for a motor vehicle includes a wheel assembly attached to the frame of a motor vehicle for movement in response to uneven roadway surfaces. A first inductive coil attached to the frame is mounted along an axis, and a second inductive coil is mounted co-axially with the first inductive coil and for movement with the wheel assembly. The inductive coils are movable relative to one another along the axis. An electromagnetic force generated by the inductive coils provides spring and dampening forces for the motor vehicle. Further, variation in the inductance between the coils is measurement to determine the relative position between the coils in order to monitor motor vehicle ride height.

Abstract: A rotary clamp having an adjustable pre-stop wherein the rotary clamp includes a linear actuator for transmitting linear motion to a linkage assembly. The linkage assembly converts the linear motion into rotary motion of a clamp arm, wherein the clamp arm moves between a clamped position and an unclamped position. The adjustable pre-stop provides a substantially cylindrical member having a substantially polygonal shaped surface formed on the cylindrical member. The polygonal surface matingly engages a substantially polygonal shaped aperture formed in the housing of the rotary clamp. An eccentric mid-portion of the cylindrical member engages the linkage assembly in the clamped position to prohibit the clamp arm from rotating beyond the clamped position.

Abstract: A stapler made with an upside down structure and used in downside up position in which loading of the cartridge is easily attained, is provided. The stapler comprises a base plate 21 which is fixed on a top board 13, a bracket 30 which is rotatably attached to an arm board portion 25 of the base plate 21, a stapler body 40 which is attached to the bracket 30 and a stopper 70 which fixes the stapler body 40 in its downside up posture.

Abstract: A sheet post-processing apparatus includes a head unit and an anvil unit movably disposed in a direction traversing the sheet discharge direction to provide a staple into a sheet bundle. A gap detecting device for detecting a gap between the head part and the anvil part is formed. If the gap is insufficient, the head part and the anvil part are not moved relative to the sheet bundle.

Abstract: A paper feed apparatus comprises primary paper feed device 3 sequentially transferring only an uppermost print sheet P on a paper feed tray, and secondary paper feed device 4 guiding a tip end of the print sheet P transferred by the primary paper feed device 3 by a pair of guide members 12 and 13, introducing the print sheet P to a portion between a pair of secondary paper feed rollers 10 and transferring the print sheet P introduced to the portion between the pair of secondary paper feed rollers 10 to a transport downstream side according to rotation of the pair of secondary paper feed rollers 10. The paper feed apparatus is provided with a guide distance adjustment device 14 for making a distance between the pair of guide members 12 and 13 variable. The guide distance adjustment device 14 rotates eccentric cams 22 by rotation of an operation member 20.

Abstract: A device (10) for feeding sheets from a ream (22) comprising a main feeding roller (24) subdivided into a plurality of sleeves (32) which rotate in contact with an uppermost sheet (23a), coming from the ream, to feed it along a path (30), and an auxiliary separating roller (26) adapted for separating the uppermost sheet (23a) from the other sheets of the ream (22), wherein the feeding and separating rollers (24, 26) are both arranged on the same side with respect to said path (30) and therefore rotate in contact with one and the same side of the uppermost sheet (23a). The separating roller (26) is accommodated in a central seat (34) made between the sleeves (32) of the main feeding roller (24) and is arranged prevalently inside the radial working envelope of the sleeves (32) of the main feeding roller (24), so that the feeding device (10) has an extremely compact structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a document feeder, document feed method, and image capture device. The document feeder includes a sheet separation mechanism that restricts the number of sheets to be fed by a pull-in portion. The sheet separation mechanism includes a first separation portion that contacts the sheet, and moves so as to feed the sheet, a second separation portion, located opposite to the first separation portion, which defines a part of a sheet feed path between the second and first separation portions, and moves so as to allow the sheet to be fed, and a brake portion that variably applies to the second separation portion a load allowing the second separation portion to move.

Abstract: An imaging media tray includes at least one adjustable guide operatively connected to an interior surface of the imaging media tray. The guide divides the interior of the tray into a loading section and an unused section. A blocking mechanism is secured in the unused section of the media tray to prevent a user of the tray from loading imaging media into the unused section of the tray. The blocking mechanism can be provided as an adjustable blocking element with a an expandable and contractible mechanical blocker connected between the at least one adjustable guide and an interior wall of the tray. Illustrated embodiments show the blocker as a telescoping member and as a pivoting cross member arrangement.

Abstract: A media outputting device for a hardcopy apparatus includes a media source and at least one roller having an outer surface with a contact region for engaging media, where the roller is rotatable for outputting the media. The media outputting device also includes a negative pressure mechanism for creating a negative pressure distribution on the contact region where at least one portion of the contact region that is farther from the media source has a greater negative pressure than at least one portion of the contact region that is closer to the media source.

Abstract: In a bill receiving and discharging device having a wheel for winding a tape together with a bill and a reel for winding the tape rewound from the wheel, a bill in which a cut exists at a position at which the bill cannot be held within width of the tape sometimes has a trouble such that the bill is cut into two sections at a time of discharging. In the present invention, in order to eliminate the above-described trouble, a regulating device and a discharging device for guiding an end portion of a bill to an outside of a back side region of the tape are provided.

Abstract: A delivery of a sheet-processing printing machine has a sheet-pile stacking station whereon a safety guard is provided which is suspended from a pivot pin and, at least during a regular sheet-pile forming process, provides a view of a downline top edge of the sheet pile, as viewed in the processing direction. In this regard, the safety guard is constructed so that it is swingable together and swingable apart in the manner of a hinge, via a hinge pin disposed parallel to the pivot pin; and a machine for processing flat printing materials, and a sheet-processing printing machine, respectively, equipped with the delivery.

Abstract: A variety of games and methods for enhancing game play are provided. In one aspect, a secondary or ancillary game is played in parallel with a first game, such as a lottery ball draw. Yet another game involves the selection of items which a player or participant believes had been selected by an audience as not being the most popular. In yet another aspect, an interstitial progressive sequencing of programming is provided, such as where a series of short segments are presented at differing times throughout an evening of prime time programming. Audience participation may be enhanced by permitting Internet access to the game system, and to permit remote users to play along as if they were in studio participants or part of the studio audience.

Abstract: An original game for play apparatus is disclosed which provides through chance and competition a winner by the highest score. This device not found in other art is originally designed to provide fun through the use of playing pieces, of guessing and personal notions with the excitement of the resulting realization of the skillful use thereof. The unique concept is that a plurality of playing pieces devised in a manner to enable coded combinations, are conjunctively used with a printed chart about the rules of predetermined combinations and other novelties providing values of the coded combinations enabling scoring and a winner.

Abstract: A coin operated amusement machine of the “pusher” type has means for providing a mystery payout to the user, a mechanism for diverting coins either to the user directly as winnings or back into the playing loop, means for influencing the ratio of winning and losing coins and a plurality of ways to enter coins into the machine.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for playing a game at a party for enhancing the enjoyment of a plurality participants during the party, while gifts are being opened. The game apparatus and method includes, providing a plurality of gift items, providing a concealing device for individually covering each of the gift items from view, providing a participant with a unit for advancing play during the game. The participant is further provided with a member for making the concealing device more difficult to remove during play. The goal is to remove the concealing device to reveal a gift item before the removing is stopped. If a gift is fully revealed during play, the participant may retain the gift item.

Abstract: A method for playing a stand-alone and a bonus casino poker dice having X dice, each of the X dice having F faces with a different symbol thereon so as to form a set {S} of symbols on each of the X dice. The method of the present invention includes the steps of placing a wager; rolling the dice; holding none, any, or all of the rolled dice; ending the casino poker dice game when the dice are all held or when re-rolling occurs Y times; paying any winning combinations of symbols based on the placed wager and in response to the step of ending the game; re-rolling the non-held dice when less than all the X dice are held; and repeating various of these steps until the game ends. Variations on this basic method are set forth for stand-alone games, bonus games, used in conjunction with underlying gaming machines, and playing a bonus game of the present invention in parallel with an underlying game so that a number of hands are played.

Abstract: The present invention is a picture puzzle comprising one or more combination decoding lens/encoded image portions which can form one or more assembled decoded images. The picture puzzle can also include one or more image portions that are not encoded. A wide range of puzzle constructions can be made according to the invention. Assembled decoded images can be formed from a first combination decoding lens/encoded image portion paired with either a second combination decoding lens/encoded image portion or an image portion that is not encoded.

Abstract: A game and a method of playing a game provide for a way to establish one among a plurality of disasters to be prevented by players as well as a variety of ways to prevent the predetermined disaster from occurring. In one embodiment, the disaster is represented by disaster cards and players move tokens around a game board from one airport to another collecting other types of cards in an attempt to be the first to prevent the predetermined disaster from occurring. There may also be provided a mechanism to enforce a time limit within which the disaster must be prevented for there to be a winner.

Abstract: A bingo game in which bingo numbers are assigned to at least five different groups. The groups are preferably identified by color, and the size of the groups preferably vary, with the result that a bingo consisting of a combination of numbers from the smallest group will be harder to achieve than a bingo consisting of a combination of numbers from a larger group. The jackpot sizes will vary in relation to the difficulty of achieving a particular bingo. The group sizes are within certain preferred ranges, designed to minimize the risk of premature bingos and thus to increase jackpot size and player excitement. Preferably, image type indicia are also added to certain of the numbers, creating additional bingo combinations and jackpot opportunities.

Abstract: A hockey card game is described which can be played with a combined three fifty-two card playing deck to simulate real ice hockey matches. The hockey card game incorporates a wide variety of various circumstances such as, major and minor penalties, penalty shots, goal shots, puck passes, one man power plays, two man power plays, offensive and defensive open net, and breakaway situations. The hockey card game also incorporates various performance factors which can be used to mimic a real ice hockey team by weighting the fictitious teams in the hockey card game with the real statistics from the real ice hockey teams from the previous season. In this way, after the various statistical weights are established, then the hockey card game can be played to simulate matches between any real ice hockey teams by combining three standard fifty two card decks together to form a play deck and a miscellaneous deck.

Abstract: A seal structure is provided for a downhole tool. In a described embodiment, a seal structure includes a seal support ring having at least one annular groove formed thereon and a longitudinal axis. At least one seal is included in the seal structure. The seal is disposed at least partially in the groove, and the seal is bonded to the ring. An annular recess is positioned longitudinally between opposing side walls of the groove. The recess may be formed in a body of the seal.

Abstract: A brush seal (9) comprising a plurality of bristles packed together in a bristle layer (10). The bristles (10) extend from a first component (4) towards a facing surface of a second component (2). A movable plate (14) is disposed substantially parallel to and adjacent to the bristle layer (10). The plate (14) is movable relative to the bristle layer (10) in a direction parallel to the bristle layer (10). An edge (22) of the movable plate (14) adjacent to and facing the facing surface of the second component (2) is arranged to air ride on the facing surface of the second component (2). To promote the air riding the edge (22) of the movable plate (14) may be accordingly profiled. Alternatively the edge (14) may comprise an enlarged foot member (24) which defines an enlarged surface (26). Furthermore a recess (30) may be defined in the movable plate (14).

Abstract: A face seal assembly with internal weep drain is disclosed for use in a turbo-machine, such as a gas turbine engine, for deterring passage of fluids, such as oil and the like, across an interface dividing the turbo-machine into two distinct regions, the interface being defined between one surface of a seal element and a second surface mounted on a rotating shaft. The face seal assembly includes a housing having a first fixed member including a drain opening, a second member supported for axial motion relative to the first member, and a biasing element positioned between the first and second members for urging the second member toward the interface. The second member supports the seal element and defines with the first member a channel through which the fluids that migrate past the interface are directed into the housing and out through the drain opening.

Abstract: In a lip type seal, a case is tightly fitted and fixed to an inner circumferential surface of a housing through a gasket. A resin lip member constituted by an inner circumferential part extending in a bent state from a diameter direction part and its inner circumference to a sealed space side and forming a seal surface between an outer circumferential part of a rotary shaft and the resin lip member; a rear surface support plate disposed to abut on a rear surface of the diameter direction part of the resin lip member; and a stopper with a rear surface supported to a support surface of the housing through a second resin lip member and a second rear surface support plate and the top end coming close to or coming into contact with a rear surface of the inner circumferential part of the rear surface support plate, are provided on the inner circumference of the housing.

Abstract: A cylinder head gasket comprises a plate, an annular groove formed to surround a combustion chamber opening formed in the plate, a metallic shim fitted into the annular groove, and a full bead located outward of the shim and projecting in the same direction as the shim. The shim is mounted on the plate by an intermittent welding. With this construction, the manufacturing cost can be reduced in comparison to the use of a conventional continuous welding or multi-layer welding. In addition, the thermal deformation of the shim and the plate itself is reduced as compared with when continuous welding or multi-layer welding is used, thus allowing the sealing capability to be improved. In addition, the cylinder head gasket is preferred for use in an engine of a higher combustion temperature than the combustion temperature when the shim is formed of a resinous material.

Abstract: Process for manufacturing a cylinder head gasket with a gasket plate which comprises several sheet metal layers and with a metallic spacer ring which surrounds a combustion chamber through-opening of the cylinder head gasket and is welded by a ring-shaped weld seam to one of the sheet metal layers; to improve the sealing ability of the cylinder head gasket around the combustion chamber through-opening and to shorten the welding time, the spacer ring is secured in a gas-tight manner by electric pulse welding to the sheet metal layer carrying it by a continuous, ring-shaped, uniform weld seam closed within itself by the spacer ring and the sheet metal layer being clamped between a first electrode resting against the spacer ring and a second electrode resting against the sheet metal layer and a current pulse being passed through a ring-shaped, sharp edge-like or bead-like contact projection of the one electrode pressed against one of the parts to be welded to one another, through the parts to be welded to one an

Abstract: A flat gasket includes a gasket body and at least one eyelet enclosing the gasket body. The gasket body is formed of a pressure-resistant core which is resistant to temperatures of at least 150° C. and a covering that completely covers flat outer sides of the core and is made of a gas-tight foil of an organic polymer having a long-term temperature resistance of at least 150° C. The eyelet or eyelets enclose the gasket body with a gas-tight joining. The core is formed of a plastic or elastomer reinforced with fibers and/or fillers, or it is formed of mica or graphite. If mica or graphite are used, the core is preferably formed of layers disposed alternately on top of one another and formed of graphite foils and metal foils or layers of mica and metal foils.

Abstract: A hand tool comprising a core member extending along a longitudinal axis of the tool; at least two jaws moveable relative to the core member so as to be openable and closeable, but constrained in a forward direction substantially parallel with said longitudinal axis, a sleeve member arranged to be moveable substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis relative to the core member, the sleeve member having at least one forward facing jaw-engaging surface.

Abstract: This hauling tarpaulin can be deployed, loaded with refuse, moved and unloaded by a single person. A stored tarpaulin rolled about a mandrel is easily unrolled and filled with lawn refuse. The mandrel holds the tarpaulin flat on the ground despite wind. When the hauling tarpaulin is filled with refuse, the hauling line is pulled, causing the mandrel to rise up on its legs, and the sides to rise, forming a boat-shaped structure which engulfs the refuse. The hauling tarpaulin then is pulled by the hauling line to the refuse collecting point. At the collecting point the tarpaulin is restored to its flat form and the waste material unloaded.

Abstract: A folding storage assembly includes a first panel having first and second end portions, a second panel having first and second end portions, and a third panel having first and second end portions. The first panel is pivotally connected to the second panel. In addition, the third panel is pivotally connected to the first panel. The folding storage assembly is movable between an in-use position and a stowed position. In the in-use position, the first panel extends laterally from the second end portion of the third panel and the second panel projects upward from the second end portion of the first panel. In the stowed position, the first and second panels are positioned substantially flush with the third panel. Moreover, the storage assembly may include at least one fastening member for fastening the assembly to the front wall of a basket.

Abstract: A scuba tank caddy, having an optional gear drying rack and an optional portable shower, for improving the comfort and convenience of the scuba diver. Additional advantages include, but are not limited to, retractable wheels, telescoping shower head, tank-pressurizing freshwater shower, and corrosion-resistence.

Abstract: A kicktail concave skateboard includes a blank having opposite ends, at least one end being recessed. An element is mounted on the recessed end such that a portion of the element adjoining the blank is flush with the blank. The element is formed of a material having a lower mechanical damping capacity and a higher modulus of elasticity than the blank. The element includes a downwardly facing exposed side having a downward projection thereon, to facilitate the execution of an “ollie” maneuver.

Abstract: A frame for an electric scooter has a body, a pivotal bar, two wheel mounts, two resilient members and two tabs. The pivotal bar is pivotally attached to the front end of the body. Each wheel mount is pivotally attached to one end of the pivotal bar in a longitudinal direction. A front wheel is rotatably attached to each of the wheel mounts. The resilient members are attached to the top of the pivotal bar. The tabs are secured to the body and respectively abut one of the resilient members. Consequently, one of the resilient members will be compressed when one of the front wheels is bumped. This can keep the force applied to the front wheel from being transmitted to the body and the steering bar of the scooter. To steer and to drive the electric scooter become is easier.

Abstract: A wheeled vehicle with a front wheel drive system and a low profile operator seat that is positioned forward of the rear fork. The rear portion of the frame is telescopically connected to and selectively movable with respect to the front portion of the frame to provide a convenient adjustment that accommodates riders of all sizes. The wheeled vehicle also includes a releasably attached sidecar that can be quickly attached to or released from the vehicle frame by mating engagement of a slotted bracket with a rod, and a locking pin with a spring biased socket.