Abstract: A spacer apparatus for insulating a beam bushing assembly of an axle/suspension system from direct metal-to-metal contact with the vehicle frame hanger on which the assembly is pivotally mounted. In one embodiment, an integrally-formed one-piece apparatus includes a spacer disk portion and collar portions, whereby the collars provide a complementary fit of the spacer apparatus on the bushing assembly mounting tube, and generally prevents or minimizes relative movement between the spacer disk and bushing assembly. In other embodiments, one or more load dissipation structures mounted on or forming a part of the beam and/or its bushing assembly prevent substantially non-planar surfaces of the assembly from contacting a spacer disk by increasing the bearing area of those surfaces which contact the disk. These apparatus generally eliminate excessive wear or damage to the spacer disk and possible resulting damage to the axle/suspension system.

Abstract: Valve arrangement for multi-axle vehicles having air suspension, which vehicle is provided with at least one axle (1, 2, 3) having two or more air suspension elements (4,5, 6,7, 8, 9, 30) which can be pressurized by means of a source of compressed air (10), valves (13,14,15,16,17,18) for pressurizing or venting said air suspension elements, and a control unit (25) for controlling opening and closing of said valves. A valve unit can also be provided for each air suspension element, which valve unit comprises a first valve (15a, 16a, 44) between the source of compressed air (10) and the air suspension element (4, 5,6,7,8, 9, 30), for pressurizing said air suspension element, and a second valve (15b, 16b, 49) connected between the first valve and the air suspension element, for venting said air suspension element, which valves are normally closed. The invention further relates to a valve unit for said valve arrangement and a vehicle provided with such a valve arrangement.

Abstract: A retractable running board assembly is mounted to the frame of a vehicle. The running board is selectively extendable between a retracted position, which is close to the vehicle's frame, and a lower, laterally-outward extended position that facilitates easy entrance into and exit from the vehicle. A plurality of longitudinally spaced, selectively-actuated links connect the running board to the frame. A selectively-operable driving mechanism concertedly actuates each of the links to extend and retract the running board. When the driving mechanism is not operated, each link resists actuation and holds the running board in a fixed position relative to the frame.

Abstract: A children's tricycle is formed of a front frame, a rear frame, and a bridging frame connecting the front frame and the rear frame. The bridging frame is fastened with the front frame in conjunction with a connection seat which is provided with a stop projection for confining the rotation of the front frame, thereby preventing the front wheel of the tricycle from being jammed.

Abstract: Vehicle steering head including a connecting element adapted to engage a handlebar. A support tube rotatably supports the connecting element. A fork member adapted to connect a wheel fork to a handlebar. The fork member is rotatable with respect to the support tube. A mechanism limits the rotational movement of the fork member in each of two directions. A lower bearing support is mounted to the support tube. The mechanism and the lower bearing support cooperate to limit the rotational movement of the fork member.

Abstract: A liquid pressure type steering damper system for generating a damping force for preventing a handle from being swung due to a kick-back upon a disturbance wherein the generation of the damping force is nonlinear so that the steering angle would not be enlarged so much even if the kick-back becomes greater. A liquid pressure type steering damper is provided with a restriction passage for a working liquid and a solenoid-type control valve for varying the passage sectional area of the restriction passage. A needle portion is formed at the tip end of a plunger constituting the solenoid valve and is made to advance and retract in a restriction portion connected to a bypass passage.

Abstract: An auxiliary device of a monocycle has an auxiliary body connected to a monocycle. The main fork of the monocycle has a main sleeve. A detachable auxiliary body is connected to the main sleeve. Thereby, the auxiliary body can be installed to or detachable from the monocycle. The auxiliary body is mainly formed by a front head and a frame tube. The front head has a handle frame, a sub-wheel body and a sub-fork. The frame tube is connected to the monocycle. A front end of the monocycle is installed with a sub-sleeve which is formed at an upper end of the subfork so as to be formed as a monocycle with an auxiliary wheel.

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 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 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 rear suspension (10, 64) for mountain bikes comprises a rigid link (46, 98) pivotally mounted at opposed ends thereof to a lower rear portion of a main bicycle frame (14, 74, 96) and at a lower front portion of a bicycle swingarm (16, 92). The rigid link (46, 98) allows for relative displacements between the main bicycle frame (14, 74, 96) and the bicycle swingarm (16, 92) along two degrees of freedom and, more particularly, for displacements in an area defined by the position of the two pivots (P1, P2) with respect to a rear wheel axle (WA), by the spacing between the two pivots (P1, P2) and also by the possible deformation of a spring (48, 66) provided between the main frame (14, 74, 96) and the swingarm (16, 92). A leaf spring (48, 66) may be used within a shock absorber system which also includes a damper in order to limit relative displacements between the main frame (14, 74, 96) and the swingarm (16, 92) upon impact of the rear wheel with an obstacle.

Abstract: A dolly is disclosed and includes a pair of wheels; a frame mounted to the wheels and movable to an engagement position beneath the forward end of a trailer; a fifth wheel assembly; a mounting assembly and a clamp system. The fifth wheel assembly includes a track and a fifth wheel mounted thereto for movement parallel to a translation axis defined by the track. The mounting assembly connects the fifth wheel assembly to the frame for movement between a raised position, whereat the fifth wheel is positioned to receive the trailer kingpin upon movement of the frame to the engagement position, and a lowered position, whereat the forward end of the trailer is supported on the frame. The clamp system is mounted to the frame and selectively locks same against rotation relative to the trailer, to permit the trailer to be towed from its rearward end.

Abstract: An adjustable hitch assembly is mounted on a towing vehicle and is adapted to move the hitch transversely, horizontally and vertically with respect to the towing vehicle. A first traveler is provided in a horizontally disposed C-shaped channel and is selectively movable along the channel with a rotatably driven threaded rod. A vertical C-shaped channel is mounted to the first traveler. A second traveler is provided in the vertical channel and is selectively movable along the vertical channel with a threaded rod extending longitudinally in the vertical channel. A hitch is mounted to the vertical channel traveler and is adapted for connecting to a trailer.

Abstract: A boat trailer extension devise containing outside tube, inside tube, collar, travel pin, motor, gears and controls.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a safe automobile towing structure, which contains a connecting rod with a flashing alarm at each side. On each end of the connecting rod is an extension rod, which end is installed with a rotational base. At the connection, the rotational base and the extension rod are mutually installed with a rotational axle. The rotational path between the rotational base and the extension rod is installed with corresponding bumpers. An adjusting rod is installed at the end of the rotational base. At the connection, the adjusting rod and the rotational base are mutually installed with a revolving axle that is perpendicular to the rotational axle. Besides, the vertically rotational path is installed with corresponding bumpers. The end of the adjusting rod is installed with a steel rope base.

Abstract: A tow hitch rear bumper assembly for a motor vehicle includes a rear bumper for attachment to a frame of the motor vehicle and a tow hitch extending through and integral with the rear bumper.

Abstract: A brake plate is swingably carried on the base of a snow ski for automatic deployment upon initial rearward movement of the ski. A pivot pin permits arcuate movement of the brake plate, between limit stops, about an axis transversely disposed of the ski. The pivot pin is recessed in the bottom of the ski. A base plate also may be inset into the base of the ski.

Abstract: A device for fixing a boot attachment base to a snowboard, the device including a base with a seat housing a first disc, the disc and seat having cooperating teeth. The first disc includes a rim defined about its upper surface, multi-lobed holes or apertures, and a centrally located slotted hole extend through the first disc. A second, smaller disc fits within the rim on the first disc, the second disc includes a centrally located slotted hole and multi-lobed holes. The slotted holes in the discs are disposed perpendicular to one another, the multi-lobed holes are aligned, and a locking assembly, including a parallelepiped block, fits within the holes and engages them simultaneously. A square nut, screw, and washer, complete the locking assembly for the pair of discs.

Abstract: A stroller is provided with a seat back capable of being reclined by a reclining mechanism. The stroller includes a handle (15), and a seat back (10a) having a pipe frame (22) pivotally supported on the handle (15) and having the shape of the inverted letter U. The handle (15) is provided with a plurality of stopping steps (32), and retaining members (31) capable of being engaged with the stopping steps (32) are supported respectively in end parts of the pipe frame (22) so as to be advanced and retracted. The pipe frame (22) has a horizontal upper part (22a), and an unlocking device (36) for pulling up the retaining members (31) to disengage the same from the stopping steps (32) is held on the horizontal upper part (22a).

Abstract: The present invention provides a stroller having a programmable information module. The information module is configured to provide at least one user-programmable function. The information module communicates with a display unit to display, for example, power on, a timer start/stop control, ambient temperature, distance walked/jogged, a calorie count, a timer, a speed, or other desired information. In one embodiment, the stroller includes a collapsible frame wherein the programmable information module is attached to the handle frame and is configured to provide at least one user-programmable function. The stroller can have front right, front left, rear right, and rear left legs pivotally connected to the handle frame and a seat frame that has an intermediate bar and right and left arms that extend from the intermediate bar.

Abstract: A folding element for a golf cart front wheel includes a pair of parallel connecting parts, a positioning member and a pulled button. The connecting parts stick out from a supporting base at a lower end of the cart frame. One of the connecting parts has a pivotal hole and several holes spaced out around the pivotal hole in a circular pattern. The positioning member is connected to a support fork of the front wheel and has a through hole lengthwise formed therein and holes spaced out around the through hole to correspond to the circularly-arranged holes. The positioning member is turnably positioned between the connecting parts with a pivotal rod being connected to the connecting parts and passing through the trough hole of the positioning member. The pulled button has fixing poles and a spring biasing the same toward the positioning member for the fixing poles to engage the circularly-arranged holes.

Abstract: A jogging stroller for carrying a baby includes three wheels mounted on a frame that holds a cloth seat and includes frame rails that project upwardly and rearwardly from a single front wheel to a horizontal handlebar member at the rear of the stroller. A pair of handles are attached to the handlebar members by a clamp and these include a stem member that extends outwardly from the stroller handlebar and are connected to a perpendicular handle element that can rotate about the stem member and the stem members can be rotated about the axis of the horizontal stroller handlebar and can be slid along the handlebar. The handle elements can be fixed in space in a position desired by the user or can be left loose enough to rotate during use. The handle elements have a coil spring inside a grip member, allowing the handles to flex as the user jogs, thereby permitting more natural motion of the hands and shoulders during jogging.

Abstract: An inflatable curtain positioning system may include an inflator and an inflatable curtain. The inflator may have a neck for receiving the inflatable curtain. A protrusion, such as a hook or tab, may be disposed on the neck. The inflatable curtain may include a throat to be disposed around the neck of the inflator. An opening may be disposed within the throat. In one configuration, the opening may be positioned to receive the protrusion only when the curtain is situated at a desired location relative to the housing.

Abstract: An inflator unit provided on a main frame of a motorcycle is provided with an inflator case having an inflator stored therein. Gas generated by the inflator flows through the interior of the main frame and is supplied to the airbag. The inflator case includes the left and right case halves divided along the parting plane and joined with each other by two bolts and the internal space thereof narrows towards an exit opening in the funnel shape. The axis Li of the inflator is shifted to the side opposite from the exit opening with respect to the axis Lc of the inflator case. A main frame may be formed with an atmosphere communication hole for communicating the interior of the main frame with the atmosphere at the position near the inflator case so that the atmosphere is introduced through the atmosphere communication port into the interior of the main frame by the negative pressure generated when gas flows from the inflator to the airbag. Thus, a large-volume airbag can be deployed by a small-capacity inflator.

Abstract: A knee protecting airbag device (M1), wherein an airbag (26) covers the substantial lower surface (9a) of a column cover (9) protruded to a driver side. Therefore, the airbag is minimized in the capacity without deteriorating the protection of the knee of the driver. As a result, it is possible to shorten the time period required for the airbag to complete the expansion and inflation. The airbag has a generally plate shape capable of covering at least the lower surface of the column cover when it completes the inflation. Even if the knee of the driver comes close to the column cover when the driver depresses a brake pedal or the like, the airbag being expanded and inflated is smoothly arranged in a narrow space between the knee of the driver and the column cover lower surface without interfering with the knee of the driver.

Abstract: A knee protecting airbag device comprises an airbag, an inflator, a case and an airbag cover to be assembled with the case. The case houses the airbag and the inflator, and is fixed to the side of the vehicular body with its rear side open. The airbag cover includes a door and a general portion around the door. The door closes the opening of the case and opens when the airbag expands and inflates. The general portion is surrounded by interior members of the vehicle when mounted on the vehicle. The knee protecting airbag device is mounted on the vehicle in an assembled state in which the airbag, the inflator and the airbag cover are joined to the case. The airbag cover is joined to the case in a movable manner so as to absorb the dimensional inconsistency between itself and the surrounding interior members.

Abstract: A containment impact protection system having a deployable barrier panel substantially covers the side windows of the vehicle when the system is deployed. A longitudinally disposed inflatable tube member is attached to the barrier panel at a location approximately halfway between the top and bottom of the windows. A tensioning device responsive to the inflation of the inflatable tube member produces a force deploying the barrier panel from a stored state to a deployed state. A longitudinal inflatable cushion is provided between the inflatable tube member and the bottom of the barrier panel.

Abstract: An air bag apparatus is capable of inflating an air bag body downwardly and appropriately in spite of the collapse deformation of a center pillar toward a vehicle's interior. The air bag apparatus includes a plurality of inflatable chambers juxtaposed in a fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle. In these chambers, the chamber 3A corresponding to the center pillar 13 is provided, on its upper side, with a hooking part 21 for joining an inside cloth 1a of the chamber 3A to its outside cloth 1b. Owing to the provision of the hooking part 21, since the expansion thickness of the chamber 3A is partially restricted, the air bag body 1 being folded in two has its lower end capable of passing under a lower end of a roof trim 16 with ease and without being caught by an upper part of the center pillar 13, accomplishing the expansion of the air bag body 1 in the form of a curtain.

Abstract: The invention relates to an airbag system for motor vehicles, integrated in an inner trim piece, in particular, in a dashboard (16), comprising an airbag (5, 5′, 5″), which is inflatable by means of a gas generator (8, 8′, 8″). The inner trim piece comprises at least one dimensionally stable support (1, 1′,k 1″) and an airbag cover (2, 2′, 2″), which opens outwards under the pressure of the airbag (5, 5′, 5″) filling with gas. The airbag cover (2, 2′, 2″) is flexible and designed to yield to the pressure of the filling airbag (5, 5′, 5″). The airbag (5, 5′, 5″) is arranged under the cover (2, 2′, 2″) in a housing (4, 4′, 4″), connected to the support (1, 1′, 1″).

Abstract: Satellite sensors (16, 18) that output level signals corresponding to an impact on a vehicle (10) are provided right and left portions of a forward portion of the vehicle (10), separately from a floor sensor (14). If a map (Lo1, Lo2, Lo3, Hi) selected as a threshold changing pattern from an impact (deceleration) detected based on the output signal of one of the satellite sensors (16, 18) and a map (Lo1, Lo2, Lo3, Hi) selected as a threshold changing pattern from an impact (deceleration) detected based on the output signal of the other satellite sensor are different from each other, the map of a smaller threshold is selected from the maps based on the output signals of the two satellite sensors (16, 18), and is set as a threshold changing pattern for determining whether to activate an airbag apparatus (30).

Abstract: The present invention provides a gas generator in which ignition and combustion performance of a gas generating agent and operation performance are enhanced. An inner cylindrical member 4 is disposed in a cylindrical housing 3, an annular first combustion chamber 5a is provided radially in the outside of the inner cylindrical member 4, and, in the combustion chamber 5a, a ratio (D/L) of its radial average distance (D) to its axial average length (L) is adjusted to be in the range of 0.2 to 2.0. The invention provides a gas generator for an air bag capable of reducing a size of the gas generator and easily and reliably adjusting a capacity of a combustion chamber which accommodates the gas generating agent, and also provides a retainer for such a gas generator.

Abstract: An inflatable curtain having an inflatable portion and a non-inflatable portion is disclosed. First and second stiffening elements are positioned along the upper edge of the inflatable curtain. The inflatable curtain is adapted to be stored within an interior portion of a vehicle prior to inflation. The vehicle has a roof at its highest point, and a housing within the vehicle and close to the roof defines an internal recess that accommodates the inflatable curtain. A side impact of a magnitude greater than a predetermined threshold value is sensed by a sensor mechanism within the vehicle, which then provides an electrical signal to an inflator which is in fluid communication with the inflatable portion of the inflatable curtain. The electrical signal causes the inflator to be actuated in a known manner. The inflator discharges fluid under pressure into the inflatable portion of the inflatable curtain.

Abstract: A tilt mechanism for adjusting an angular position of an automotive steering column. The tilt mechanism includes an adjustment cylinder assembly having a fluid power cylinder, a fluid conduit and a valve. The adjustment cylinder assembly is configured in a closed-loop manner such that the fluid that is displaced from one side of the cylinder is directed to the other side of the cylinder. The valve is employed to inhibit the flow of fluid between the sides of the cylinder to thereby lock the tilt mechanism in a desired position.

Abstract: Several embodiments are disclosed for incorporating suspension components into vehicle frame structures. Most preferably, the resulting structure is a modular combination of a frame and a suspension. Most preferably, the frame component extends along the lateral width of the vehicle and between the two wheels for the vehicle. The suspension components mounted within the frame may be mechanical springs or fluid springs. Moreover, various types of controls can be incorporated into this structure.

Abstract: The roller cane invention has a handle at one end, thereof, and a rubber tip at the other end.

Abstract: A concertina-bound foam-based book is presented, comprising a plurality of foam pages, each having a first edge and a second edge. The first edge is opposite the second edge on each page, and the pages are bound along their first edges and second edges in a concertina fashion with a water-resistant binding means. When fully opened, the concertina-bound foam-based book opens as a string of pages and such that when closed, the pages of the concertina-bound foam-based book form a stack of pages. A variety of specific binding means and binding materials may be used in conjunction with the present invention. A method for making the concertina-bound foam-based book of the present invention is also provided.

Abstract: A coding system for use in conjunction with a series of products is disclosed. The coding system includes indicia indicating to a user of the series of sequentially applied products a time and a sequence of use of the series of products is provided. The coding system includes time indicia disposed on the surface of each product of the series of products. The time indicia indicates to the user of the product a time of day for using the particular product of the series of products. This enables the user to select a group of products having a common time indicia from the series of products. The coding system further includes sequence indicia disposed on the surface of each product of the series of products The sequence indicia indicates to the user an order of using each product of said series of products.

Abstract: A flexible slide joint is provided for accommodating axial, rotational and angular misalignments between two fluid conveying members. The flexible slide joint basically has first and second tube members with a sliding sealing member and a axially compressible element coupled therebetween. The sliding sealing member is configured and arranged to accommodate axial movement upon a first predetermined axial force occurring between the first and second tube members. The axially compressible element is configured and arranged to accommodate axial movement upon a second predetermined axial force occurring between the first and second tube members. The axially compressible element is force balanced relative to the sliding sealing member such that the second predetermined axial force is smaller than the first predetermined axial force.

Abstract: A piping joint includes a male member or joint fastened to a female member or socket by locking pawls of a retainer sleeve onto pawl engaging portions. By pressing a flange by the tip ends of the pawls, the male member (joint) can be disengaged from the female member (socket) by reducing the diameter of the retainer sleeve and disengaging the pawls from the pawl engaging portions. A ring member is formed of an elastic material and is inserted between the retainer sleeve and a cylinder portion in a locked condition. A reduction of the diameter of the retainer sleeve is prevented by the presence of the ring member. Therefore, the connecting or detaching of the piping joint can be carried out in a condition where a holding force of the piping joint is maintained.

Abstract: Socket (7) to be fitted on a pipe (1) and, respectively, coupling piece for joining two pipes. The pipe is provided, close to the end thereof, with a stepped-down section (4) on which a screw thread (5) is made. The transition to the main diameter extends at somewhat of an angle. The socket is provided with a lead-in section (8) that is of at least the same length as the adjoining threaded section. The lead-in section is provided close to the free end with a conical section equipped to engage on the sloping transition section of the pipe.

Abstract: The gap L (mm) which is the smaller of the gap L1 (mm) between the crest 1a of a tapered male thread 1 and the root 2b of a tapered female thread 2, and the gap L2 (mm) between the root 1c of the tapered male thread 1 and the crest 2c of the tapered female thread 2, the load flank angle &agr;(°) and the stab flank angle &bgr;(°), and the axial gap &dgr;(mm) which forms in the widthwise direction and is the difference between the thread ridge width of the tapered male thread 1 and the thread valley width of the tapered female thread 2 threadingly engaged therewith have the following relationship

Abstract: An improved system for adapting the intake configuration of a central vacuum cleaning system is disclosed. The canister of the central vacuum cleaning system is provided with at least two vacuum intake openings from which an installer can choose to insert an intake coupler means and at least one intake closure means or cap of the present invention. Insertion and attachment of the intake coupler means and the cap(s) is achieved by use of a novel twist-to-lock interface provided between the vacuum intake openings and the coupler and cap(s). Attachment of the coupler and the cap(s) is accomplished easily and quickly by hand and without the need for glue, clamps, tools, or any other equipment.

Abstract: An electric power generator harvesting the gravitational pull of the Earth, having a platform member, an electric generator housing slidably positioned on the platform member, the electric generator housing coupled to an axle having a rotor gear, an endless belt having tread members, a drive wheel, and an idler wheel, wherein the rotor gear is in mating contact with the tread member of the endless belt. Change of orientation of the platform member along a horizontal longitudinal axis causes the electric generator housing to slide on the platform member while the counter motion of the rotating endless belt maintains position of the electric generator housing on the platform member. As a result of rotation of the axle, electric power is generated by turbine generator located inside of the electric generator housing. Some of the generated electric power could be utilized to supply the needed power for rotation of the drive wheel rotating the endless belt.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating power from vehicular traffic is disclosed. The apparatus includes a plurality of cylinders, each of which has a piston slidably mounted therein and a fluid cavity beneath the piston. Each of the pistons has an upper face which is extendable above a road surface so as to be engageable by passing vehicles. When a passing vehicle engages a piston, the weight of the vehicle pushes the piston downwardly and causes fluid to flow from the respective fluid cavity toward a turbine or other power conversion means. The flow causes the turbine to rotate, thereby producing useable energy.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating power from over the road vehicular traffic and moving trains are disclosed. The apparatus include on or more hydraulic actuators, each of which has a piston at least partially slidably mounted in a fluid cavity contained therein. When a passing vehicle or train car engages the actuator, the weight of the vehicle pushes the piston into the fluid cavity and causes fluid to flow from the fluid cavity toward a turbine or other power conversion means. The flow causes the turbine to rotate, thereby producing useable energy.

Abstract: The use of turbines turned by the wind that passes an automobile when it is running to electricity. This then runs the electric motor. This eliminates the combustion engine. Thus making it so that you never need to stop and get gasoline.

Abstract: A door-lock, latch-bolt retainer (10) that is specifically designed to be used by law enforcement personnel to prevent a door from being latched after an initial entry has been made. The retainer (10) which is used in combination with a door (60) having an outside knob (62), an inside knob (64) and a latch bolt (68) consists of a resilient strap (12) having a left edge (20) and a right edge (22). Adjacent the two edges (20, 22) is respectively located a left opening (32) and a right opening (34). When the openings are inserted over the door's outside knob (62) and the inside knob (64) the retainer (10) is attached. The attached retainer maintains the door's latch bolt (68) in a depressed position, thus preventing the door (60) from being latched.

Abstract: A bumper system includes a bumper beam having a face and ends, and an energy absorber mounted on the face. The energy absorber has a foam piece engaging the face and an injection-molded end piece securely attached to each end of the foam piece and also engaging the face. By this arrangement, the energy absorber is a single unit that can be handled and attached to the bumper beam, and also can include different end pieces while still using the same foam piece. In one form, the energy absorber also includes a center injection-molded piece and, in another form, includes a long injection-molded piece having foam sections molded onto it.

Abstract: In using the tool, two tools are mounted by their first grips on an upper edge of a sheet of drywall spaced from each other. A tool for carrying drywall material includes a web section having first and second ends with a corresponding one of a first gripping means and a second gripping means on its opposite ends extending outward from opposite planes of the web, the length of the web being 24 inches. A sheet to be positioned for fastening or carrying is supported on the second grip of the two tools. The sheet of drywall can be worked on in this position or can be gripped near its center, lifted safely and carried from place to place.

Abstract: An ashtray that mounts on the exterior of a vehicle that avoids the undesirable conditions of internal ashtrays. The ashtray can mount on a vehicle window, in a vent, or under a vehicle exterior mirror. The ashtray can also be built-in to the vehicle at the time of manufacture. The window version of the ashtray can contain hook/loop material (VELCRO) to attach it to the vehicle window and magnets so that the ashtray can automatically attach to the vehicle metal when the window is lowered. The mirror mounted version can contain a polished face to act as part of the mirror.