Abstract: A ride leveler system in vehicles with an adjustable wheel suspension device between a vehicle wheel and the vehicle body, with a height sensor for measuring the actual height between the vehicle wheel and the vehicle body, and with an electronic control device which specifies a target height and adjusts the wheel suspension device until the attainment of the target height. If there is a deviation between target and actual height, the electronic control device adjusts the wheel suspension device for a minimum period of time independent of the course of the actual height. Following expiration of the minimum control time, the adjustment is switched off at a point in time at which the measured actual height has attained the value of the target height for the first time.

Abstract: A universal snow boot and binding for use in connection with either snow skiing or snow boarding which is easy to use and provides quick, easy and positive interconnection of the snow boot with the upper surface of the ski or snowboard. The snow boot or foot enclosure component of the invention carries a permanent magnet that engages a metal plate provided on the snowboard. The mechanical locking mechanism that is operated by the user is also strategically mounted on the snowboard. The mechanical locking component includes a toe locking mechanism and a cooperating heel locking mechanism that is easily operable to enable the snow boot to be readily disconnected from the upper surface of the snowboard or snow ski.

Abstract: A saddle rack for transporting one or more saddles includes a vertical frame attached to a base frame, where the base frame has an expandable portion that telescopes out from the vertical frame. Saddle arms for supporting saddles are pivotally connected to the front of the vertical frame allowing them to swing into horizontal position and then fold down into a vertical position. Also attached to the vertical frame is a strut that is also pivotally connected to the front face of the vertical frame. The strut swings up to support the saddle arm when it is in the horizontal position. The saddle rack also includes a locking mechanism for attaching the saddle rack to a standard dolly. The use of the saddle rack in combination with the dolly allows for easy transport of the saddle rack. The saddle rack also has portions for carrying additional accessories needed for use of equestrians including a tack holder, a basket and a muck bucket clip.

Abstract: A hand truck assembly includes a lightweight body, such as is formed of a blow molded plastic material, in combination with a folding metal platen for supporting a load. The platen has a support area and a pair of mounting ears which extend upwardly from the support area. An axle extends through a transverse passage defined by the body, and the platen is pivotably mounted to the axle for movement between an inoperative raised position and an operative lowered position. A guide arrangement is interposed between the body and the platen for guiding movement of the platen between its operative lowered position and inoperative raised position. The body includes parallel rail sections which impart significant strength to the body. The body further includes an upper handle section having a forwardly directed handle, which provides ergonomically advantageous operation of the hand truck assembly.

Abstract: A foldable kick scooter comprising a footboard (1) which forms bearing forks (2, 3) for wheels (4, 5) and on which is held a guide bearing (6) for the bearing forks (2) of the front wheel (4) which is connected to a steering column (11) which is divided into linked elements and can be swiveled about a transversal axle (13) against the footboard (1). In order to provide advantageous construction conditions it is proposed that both the guide bearing (6) for the front bearing fork (2) as well as the rear bearing fork (3) are held downwardly swivelable about parallel transversal axles (7, 22) towards the footboard (1) and that the footboard (1) forms two through-openings (23) for the swiveled wheels (4, 5).

Abstract: Resilient force-adjusting structure for skate board including at least two bracket bodies and a resilient mechanism disposed in the bracket body. Each bracket body includes an upper bracket and a lower bracket which are pivotally connected with each other, whereby the upper bracket can swing relative to the lower bracket. The resilient mechanism includes: a resilient body leant on the lower bracket; two stems uprightly fixed on two sides of top face of the upper bracket and passing through the upper bracket from inner side to outer side, each of the stems being formed with an axial thread hole; and two retainers each having a thread rod section and a retaining section disposed at bottom end thereof. Top end of the thread rod section is formed with a driving section. The thread rod sections of the retainers are screwed into the thread holes of the stems with the retaining sections abutting against top face of the resilient body.

Abstract: A vehicle steering knuckle assembly for use in association with a vehicle steering axle assembly is shown to include an upper piece having a first king pin bore extending through it and a backbone piece removably connectable to the first piece. The backbone has a second king pin bore extending through it. The upper piece has an integral steering arm and a pad through which is machined a steering ball taper. The lower piece has an integral tie rod and a pad through which is machined a tie rod ball taper. Because the two pieces are removable from each other, the steering knuckle can be assembled and serviced while a king pin is retained in place in an axle beam.

Abstract: A twist-beam axle for motor vehicles, includes two longitudinal control arms, and a transverse strut interconnecting the longitudinal control arms and having over a major portion of its length a doubled-walled cross section of V-shaped or U-shaped configuration, thereby defining an inner profile and an outer profile. The inner and outer profiles support one another at least over predetermined portions to define a contact zone therebetween for receiving a friction-reducing additive.

Abstract: A system for sensing the spatial position of suspended axles in industrial vehicles includes two angular sensors (32) fitted on opposite pins (26), each of which is provided with a relative spherical coupling (27) for a panhard bar (16) interposed between an axle (11) and the chassis (15) of the industrial vehicle. Each of the sensors (32) interposed between the axle (11) and the chassis (15) of the industrial vehicle is operated by elastic laminas (35, 36) and each sensor has a drive pin rotated by a corresponding rotating hub (34), the angular sensors (32) detecting the spatial oscillations of the panhard bar (16) in relation to the axle (11) and the chassis (15) of the industrial vehicle. There are two elastic laminas (35, 36) for each angular sensor (32) and these are fitted parallel to a lateral surface of the panhard bar (16), partially overlapping one another and fixed at one end to one of the angular sensors (32) and at the other end to the surface of the panhard bar (16).

Abstract: A rear wheel suspension system replaces the lower control arms, upper control arms, coil springs, and anti-roll bar assembly in the prior art with a simple composite member. By carefully designing the shape of the beam, the material system and the pivot locations, the ride and roll rates and camber and toe characteristics of the original prior art suspension system can be preserved.

Abstract: In a strut mount to be interposed between a shock absorber and a vehicular body in a suspension of a vehicle, a strut mount is provided which can reduce the rigidity in a wrench direction of the rod of the shock absorber. A strut mount 10 has a fixing surface portion 18 vertical to a rod 5, an inner member 12 having an aperture 20 provided at the fixing surface portion 18 to which a tip of the rod 5 is inserted from the below, an outer member 14 surrounding an outer periphery of the inner member 12 and mounted on a vehicular body 3, and an elastic member 16 uniting together the both. On an upper side of the fixing surface portion 18, the elastic member 16 unites together the inner member 12 and the outer member 14, while, on the lower side of the fixing surface portion 18, a gap 28 is secured circumferentially between the inner member 12 and the outer member 14.

Abstract: A rear suspension apparatus for a motor vehicle having a differential gear case (2) disposed between rear right- and left-wheels (1R, 1L), which is of a torsion beam type. In the rear suspension apparatus, a central portion (12a) of a torsion beam (12) for rotatably supporting the rear right- and left-hand wheels (1R, 1L) is curved to run along the configuration of the differential gear case (2), and is disposed at the rear of the differential gear case (2). A suspension damper (16) stretched between the torsion beam (12) and the vehicle body is disposed to be inclined upwardly and forwardly.

Abstract: In a coupling of an axle member to a vehicle leaf spring or a longitudinal link, the axle member is coupled to a vehicle leaf spring or a longitudinal link with spring/damper elements therebetween. Arranged between the axle member and the vehicle leaf spring or the longitudinal link are at least two spring/damper elements, which, in the direction of travel, are arranged in front of and behind the section of the axle member to which the leaf spring or the longitudinal link is coupled. The stiffness of the spring/damper elements is greater in the horizontal directions than in the vertical direction. Vibrations of the body of a vehicle with a rigid axle that are caused by the vehicle drive, irregularities in the roadway and unbalance of the wheels are minimized.

Abstract: A combined skateboard scooter/exerciser comprises a handlebar, a board, a steering device, a transmission device, and a wheel device. The steering rod is rotatably supported by the board and thus rotatable relative to the board. In addition, the steering rod is movable back and forth relative to the board. The handlebar is mounted to an upper end of the steering rod to move therewith. The steering device is mounted to a lower end of the steering rod to move therewith. The wheel device is mounted to the steering device. The transmission device is mounted between the lower end of the steering rod and the wheel device such that back and forth movement of the steering rod urges the wheel device to move forward via transmission by the transmission device.

Abstract: A recumbent or the like cycle includes an improved seat structure that can be used to facilitate angular positioning of the seat and/or handling of the cycle for transport and/or storage. The seat includes a mounting structure enabling fore-and-aft adjustment along the cycle as well as angular adjustment of the seat. The seat also preferably includes a material having reflective properties incorporated directly into the material of the seat, e.g., such as the fabric of the seat.

Abstract: A combined storage box and vehicle condition display for a small vehicle such as a scooter. The display is mounted in the handlebar cover and the mounting is done in a way so that the display can be mounted from above and still provides a neat appearance for the finished product.

Abstract: A boat guiding means comprising two boat guiding mechanisms that are attachable near the rear of each side of a standard boat trailer. When the trailer is backed down a boat ramp into the water (with or without the boat), buoyant guiding arms on the guiding mechanisms pivot upward so the guiding arms remain approximately parallel to and near the surface of the water when the trailer has been submerged to an appropriate depth for loading or unloading a boat. The guiding arms thus provide a guiding surface near the rear of both sides of the trailer to prevent the stern of the boat from wandering during loading or unloading of the boat from the trailer.

Abstract: A towed implement is provided with ground support wheels mounted to its chassis by trailing wheel support arms and respective suspensions including lift cylinders with which are associated damping devices that operate in such a way as to prevent damage to a respective cylinder from rebounding forces resulting when the suspension is being returned to its operating position by the release of energy stored in spring arrangements of the suspension after being loaded by an obstacle engaging the associated wheel. In one embodiment, the spring arrangement includes a damping spring located between an end of the associated cylinder and piston, and in another embodiment, the spring arrangement includes a gas pressure reservoir which, by virtue the operation of a reversing link in the suspension, is loaded both when the wheel is caused to move in a first direction by engaging an obstacle, and when the wheel is moved in the opposite direction by the airborne wheel once past the obstacle.

Abstract: A removable ball goose hitch system. The ball member includes a ball portion and a body portion. A plurality of locking ball bearings in the body portion are engaged by an internal plunger that is actuated by a screw that protrudes from the top of the ball portion. The locking ball bearings are adapted to be engaged with a receiver in the hitch mechanism on the vehicle. When the screw is unthreaded, the ball bearings are allowed to retract and the hitch ball can be removed. All moving parts of the mechanism are located in the ball member and improper hookups are prevented.

Abstract: A coupling device is provided for receiving and securing a ball, the ball being attached to the structure to be coupled, such as a tow vehicle in the case of a trailer hitch application. Various embodiments of the device for both tongue and “goose neck” trailer hitch applications are included, which provide for simple and effective latching and unlatching. Hands free latching is provided for all coupling embodiments. A pivoting ball support is rotated and displaced as the ball enters the device, and is returned to a position whereby the ball is prevented from exiting the device. Various provisions are made for retaining the pivoting ball support in this position after such latching has occurred. Provisions for unlatching include various handles and hand pushed structure.

Abstract: A folding ski consists in the possibility of folding the ski itself, by means of a mechanical system contained within it and forming part, to all effects, of the construction of the ski. The innovative mechanism makes it possible to reduce the bulk of the equipment and makes it easier to transport. In addition, not only does it maintain the physical, mechanical and dynamic characteristics required for practicing the various sporting disciplines, but it offers better performance and safety qualities than a traditional ski.

Abstract: A device for raising at least one element (5) of a binding used on a board (3) for gliding, including an element (4) which is articulated relative to the board and one end (30) of which comes into contact with the upper face (6) of the board. The element (5) of the binding is mounted on the articulated element (4) and the end (30) of the articulated element (4) is secured to the upper face (6) of the board by attaching member (33) so that the forces exerted vertically at the location of the binding element (5) are partly transmitted to the board (3) at the location of the end (30) of the articulated element (4).

Abstract: A foldable wheelchair includes a pair of side frames each of which have generally horizontal upper and lower members which are connected by generally vertical front and back legs. A pair of cross arms are located between the side frames and each arm has a base portion connected to a lower side frame member. A top portion of each cross arm is connected to an upper side frame member through a positioning link. The side frames are laterally and vertically positioned with respect to each other by a pair of positioning braces each located on a base portion of a different cross brace. Each brace contacts the top portion of the remaining cross brace and thus positions the side frame. The wheelchair has a removable rigid seat to permit access to the cross braces so the wheelchair can be folded.

Abstract: Apparatus for starting a direct drive go-cart which includes a frame having front and rear end portions as well as a handle portion. Wheels are attached to the front and rear end portions of the frame for moving the apparatus along a road or track. The front end portion is provided with a rotatable shaft to which is attached an engagement member or holding member which is adapted to engage a go-cart to lift the rear end of the same off of the ground. The shaft and the engagement member are movable between latched and unlatched positions to either hold a go-cart or release the same. A latchable member is operatively connected to the shaft and when latched holding the engagement member in latched condition to keep the rear end of a go-cart off of the ground. A latch member serves to hold the latchable member in latched condition and is connected to the latch member to release it from the latched condition.

Abstract: A sack trolley (1) presents a support frame (2) accommodating lower carrying wheels (3) and an upper handle (4) which is articulated to the lower ends of its side spars (5) by way of hinges (6) on the upper ends of the side legs (7) of the support frame (2) to pivot about a transverse axis (A) parallel to the axis (R) of the carrying wheels, and can be fixed at least in a folded transport position and in an extended use position relative to the support frame (2). To adapt the sack trolley (1) readily to various usage and operating conditions both hinged sections (9, 10) which can be swiveled against one another can be braced with one another by interposition of two interengaging groups of friction discs (15, 16), one of which disc groups (15) is connected torsionally to one hinged section (9) and the other disc group (16) is connected torsionally to the other hinged section.

Abstract: The invention relates to gas bag restraint system for use in motor vehicles, the system comprising a gas bag, a cover for the gas bag, a guiding sheet metal and a deployment opening for the gas bag. Upon deployment of the gas bag the cover is swiveled outwards to uncover the deployment opening. A guiding sheet metal is provided which forms at least part of the cover and is bent during swiveling. The guiding sheet metal exerts, in a position completely swiveled, a resistance to the gas bag when deploying so as to predetermine a deployment direction of the gas bag.

Abstract: An airbag device which is easily aligned in an instrument panel and which includes a lid that does not lift from the instrument panel. The airbag device includes a retainer, an airbag folded and accommodated in the retainer, a lid for covering the opening of the retainer, and an inflator for deploying the airbag. The device includes a belt wrapped around the outside of the retainer. The ends of the belt are connected to the lid. The edge of the opening of the instrument panel includes two steps. The first step supports the edge of the lid and the second step supports a spacer. The belt has an elastically deformable portion that stretches to ensure that the belt remains in elastic contact with the bottom of the retainer.

Abstract: An air restraint system has an airbag which is deployable between an instrument panel and an occupant seat within an automotive vehicle. The airbag includes first and second air chambers which are separated to restrict flow therebetween by a single panel member. The first and second chambers of the airbag are selectively pressurizable with a gaseous fluid which is distributed from an inflator through a plurality of passages, and the flow therein is controlled by a valve member. The valve member is operable to distribute the pressurized fluid to one chamber, both of the chambers of the airbag or to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A head protective bag for vehicle passengers. The bag includes a lower section of which is tightly expanded when the bag is inflated. The protective bag includes an cabin side sheet and a window sheet. The sheets are overlapped and then coupled together along a line to form a main airway and small cells between the sheets. A front portion of the bag is located along an A-pillar of the vehicle in a folded state. An intermediate portion and a rear portion of the bag are located along a roof side rail and a C-pillar in a folded state. If the bag is maximally inflated without being installed in the vehicle, the dimension L from the through hole of a lowermost projection of the front section of the bag to the through hole of a lowermost projection of the rear section of the bag is smaller than the linear distance S from a position at which the lowermost front projection is secured to the A-pillar to a position at which the lowermost rear projection is secured to the C-pillar.

Abstract: An air bag is stored in the upper fringe of the openings on the cabin-inside side, while being folded. The air bag includes a gas inflow part for flowing inflation gas into the air bag, and a main body that inflates when receiving the inflation gas. The main body includes front- and rear-seat inflation chambers, and a gas passage extending forwardly from the gas inflow part and allowing the inflation gas to flow from inflow ports opened in the upper parts of the front- and rear-seat inflation chambers to the front- and rear-seat inflation chambers per se. The inflow port of the rear-seat inflation chamber is opened in a direction substantially orthogonal to an axial direction of the gas passage. A front-side peripheral edge is disposed to be higher than a rear-side peripheral edge.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle steering wheel comprising a steering wheel body and a gas bag module provided with two or more guide pins. The gas bag module, for actuation of a horn, is displaceably mounted in an axial direction by means of the guide pins. The steering wheel further comprises at least one multifunctional switch unit for the remote actuation of specific vehicle functions. The at least one multifunctional switch unit is mounted on the guide pins of the gas bag module so as to be movable in the axial direction independently of the gas bag module.

Abstract: An airbag module has an airbag and a cover having a tear seam for the airbag. A backing plate is mounted to the cover and positioned between airbag and cover. Disposed between packing plate and cover is a horn switch. The horn switch is nested in a depression of the backing plate.

Abstract: An inflatable restraint assembly and method of deploying an inflatable restraint assembly in a vehicle includes a support structure mounted below an opening in the instrument panel adapted to receive an air bag deployment door. An air bag module includes a deployable air bag disposed within an air bag housing pivotally mounted to the support structure. An air bag deployment door is pivotally mounted to the housing of the air bag module and is movable between an installed position mounted adjacent the opening in the instrument panel and a deployed position wherein the door is received within the cavity in the instrument panel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gas generator comprising a combustion chamber filled with a solid propellant, a supply chamber filled with a fluid and a mixing chamber in which a hot gas generated by combustion of the solid propellant is mixed with the fluid. A combustion chamber wall is provided that has a plurality of outflow openings through which the hot gas escapes. A fluid feed chamber is provided so as to lie, in terms of flow, between the combustion chamber and the mixing chamber, the hot gas passing through the fluid feed chamber. The fluid from the supply chamber flows into the fluid feed chamber and the fluid feed chamber is radially open towards the outflow openings across the entire circumference of each of the outflow openings, so as to direct an annular fluid stream onto the hot gas.

Abstract: A vehicle occupant protection apparatus (10) comprises an inflatable device (14) for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle during a crash condition. A support structure (18) secures a portion of the inflatable device (14). A plurality of tethers (34, 36, 38, and 40) extend between the support structure (18) and the inflatable device (14). At least one sensor (62, 64, 66, or 68) senses a vehicle occupant condition and generates an occupant condition signal indicative of the sensed condition. A control module (72) receives the occupant condition signal and determines a preferred inflation volume and shape for the inflatable device (14). The control module (72) determines which of the respective tethers (34, 36, 38, and 40) to release for inflating the inflatable device (14) to the preferred inflation volume and shape and initiates the release of the respective tethers (34, 36, 38, and 40) from the support structure (18).

Abstract: The vehicle steering column has a rake adjustment and a telescope adjustment. The adjustment mechanism includes a compression bracket with a telescope slot, a rake bracket with a rake slot and a rake bolt that passes through the telescope slot and the rake slot. A wedge lock is mounted on the rake bolt and positioned in the rake slot and the telescope slot. Rake and telescope teeth on the wedge lock are held out of engagement with a rake tooth rack and a telescope tooth rack during rake and telescope adjustment. The rake bolt is tightened to hold a selected adjustment position and the telescope teeth on the wedge lock engage the telescope tooth rack. During a collision the rake teeth on the wedge lock are moved into engagement with the rake tooth rack to fix the rake and telescope adjustments.

Abstract: A seatbelt device which prevents an occupant from hitting his face against an airbag deploying at the time of a vehicle collision. In order to take up any seatbelt slack before a collision and prevent the occupant from being displaced forward, the seatbelt device comprises a first tension modifier for winding the seatbelt and taking up the seatbelt slack when a collision is predicted, and a second tension modifier for further enhancing the tension of the seatbelt and securing the occupant to the seat at the time of such collision, thereby ensuring that the occupant does not exist in the airbag deployment zone when the airbag is activated.

Abstract: A fuel tank unit of a motorcycle, in which an air cleaner and a fuel tank unit are disposed above an engine, comprises a fuel tank body having a front half portion having a recess to receive the air cleaner therein and a rear half portion serving as a substantial capacity section of the fuel tank body, a fuel pump disposed inside the substantial capacity section, and a fuel level gauge device mounted on a top portion of the fuel pump to detect a fuel level in the fuel tank body. The fuel level gauge includes a gauge body and an arm member pivoted on a gauge body, and the arm member having a free end swingable above the fuel pump.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for guarding a cargo on a trailer without a peripheral sidewall against rock damage. The method involves tensioning a sheet of flexible non-supporting material to form a protective shield.

Abstract: A system for providing a shipping label and a packing list on a container is provided which enables rapid and automated sequential application of a packing list and a shipping label to the container. The shipping label is configured complemental to the packing list whereby the packing list may first be adhered directly to the container and then the shipping label may be placed thereover. The shipping label may be applied over the packing list while the container moves continuously down a conveyor. The invention further includes an apparatus for sequentially applying the packing list and then the shipping label, and a method for applying the packing list and shipping label in registry.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with security elements for security articles such as banknotes, cheques and the like. The invention further comprises a security element for use with security materials, said element comprising a first layer, to one side of which is applied at least one optically variable device, and on the other side of said first layer are applied indicia, and a thermochromic coating applied over the indicia, wherein the thermochromic coating comprises a thermochromic material which is coloured when the temperature of said thermochromic coating is below an activation temperature, which colour substantially obscures the indicia and enhances the visibility of the optically variable device, and wherein the thermochromic material becomes colourless at or above said activation temperature, to thereby reveal the indicia, and to render the optically variable device substantially invisible in reflected light.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pipes for the transmission and/or distribution of combustible gases, and liquefied gases, comprising a polyethylene layer and a polyamide inside and/or outside layer. These pipes may advantageously be connected together by adhesively bonded sleeves and thus form medium-pressure and low-pressure gas distribution and transmission networks or else they may be installed inside already existing metal pipes. These pipes may be manufactured by coextrusion.

Abstract: A dielectric joint for pipes, particularly for underground pipes, comprises a male head of a first pipe which enters a mating and mutually opposite cup-shaped female head of a second pipe; a sealing insulating means is interposed between the pipes and is externally extended on the first pipe by an extent which reaches beyond the inlet edge of the female head and internally forms a tight-fitting cladding of the first and second pipes for a longitudinal extent which is at least equal to the overall length of the joint.

Abstract: A connector assembly for a heating, ventilating, air conditioning system includes a take-off pipe and a collar. The take-off pipe is cylindrical in shape and has a number or outwardly extending resilient tabs and grooved outer wall segments. The collar is cylindrically sized to mate with the take-off pipe, and has a number of protrusions extending from an inner wall. The take-off pipe is first inserted into an opening in a main duct, with the resilient tabs retaining the take-off pipe in place. The collar slides over the body with the protrusions engaging one of the grooves of the wall segments to retain the collar in place. Rotation of the collar disengages the protrusions from the grooves for collar removal.

Abstract: A liquid tight connector for connecting non-metallic or metallic conduit to panels or similar devices. The connector is an effort and time saving device that allows connection of conduit to panels without the need to disassemble a portion of the connector and then reassemble again as in prior art devices. The connector allows an installer to simply push a conduit into one end of the connector and push the opposite end of the connector into an aperture in a panel. Liquid tight seals are created between the conduit and the connector and between the connector and the panel. By proper selection of the material of construction, the connector may be built for use with either metallic or non-metallic conduit.

Abstract: A connector comprises a casing 20 with a pipe fitting bore 25 to which a pipe P is fitted; a pipe fixing component 30 which slides against the casing and fixed the pipe P when the pipe is fitted to the pipe fitting bore 25; and a seal component 40 that is mounted facing the pipe duct 26 to seal the pipe P. The pipe fixing component 30 is elastically deformed, when the pipe P is fitted, from the temporary stop position at which it is temporarily stopped in the pipe fitting bore 25, and moves to the connecting position where the pipe is fixed, it being possible to externally view whether the pipe fixing component 30 is in the connecting position. The connector requires no checker or the like to check the connection with the pipe P, thus preventing poor seals.

Abstract: A coupling having means which inhibit separation which is provided for transferring fluid, especially for refueling vehicles. The coupling includes a tubular housing, at least one locking element, in particular, a plurality of expandable collects having an engagement profile for connecting to a correspondingly constructed connection nipple. The coupling also includes a piston, which can be displaced relative to the housing and which can be fixed, especially for being placed on the connection nipple. The piston is subject to the action of a spring opposite of the direction of connection in order to adjust the separation prevention force in relation to the housing of the coupling and is mounted such that it can be displaced opposite of the direction of connection in relation to the locked piston in order to release the engagement of the locking element.

Abstract: A resilient retention method which retains two assemblies axially through the use of a flange and lip arrangement and simultaneously retains those assemblies rotationally through either a radial detent or a snap spring are shown in variations. The designs are especially configured for molding so that each might utilize the material properties available and yet be economically manufactured. Further, user features including both visual and potentially audible indications of full assembly are incorporated into the designs and automatically achieved. Shut-off valve designs are shown which are automatically delayed in opening until some axial retention occurs to minimize any blow-off or other undesirable operational events. Swivel features may be incorporated when the application requires.

Abstract: With a first thread being held at its tail end, a first loop is made. The first thread is passed through the first loop and a second loop is made thereinto. A beginning end of a second thread is inserted into the second loop, and the second loop is pulled into the first loop, and the beginning end of the second thread is tied in the first loop of the first thread.

Abstract: A two-stage latch is used for a tailgate on a vehicle such as an excavator or skid steer loader. The tailgate forms a cover for an engine compartment or other components of the vehicle, and the two-stage latch has a primary latch dog that will hold the cover fully closed. A secondary catch hook is used and includes a lost motion drive for actuating the latch dog. When opening the tailgate the latch hook engages a retainer bracket and will remain in a holding position so that the cover or tailgate will open slightly when the latch hook is released but cannot be fully opened until the catch hook is manually released from the retainer bracket on the vehicle frame.