Abstract: A magnetic fluid seal with an excellent quality for reduction of leak of magnetic fluid. Among the projections of the pole pieces, the projections, that are nearest to the permanent magnet, are placed at positions intruding into the permanent magnet sides to hold the magnetic fluid in a space between the projections and the surface of the shaft.

Abstract: A variable pressure washer has two interlocking channel rings separated by a channel and retained by a captive set of fasteners. Within the channel between the rings are multiple rows of springs having at least two different spring moduli. The washer is particularly suited for use with a polar boss assembly secured to a bulkhead of a pressure vessel such as of propellent tank dome structure where the washer allows for the substantially uniform deflection of multiple O-rings as affected by the curved structure.

Abstract: A coating used to seal together surfaces of components is disclosed. The coating reduces costs associated with using gaskets and fine machining of metal components, and has slip characteristics that allow sealed components to move without eroding the coating. The coating is particularly useful in high temperature environments such as the exhaust systems of motor vehicles. Methods of using coatings to seal components are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pressure controllable packing.

Abstract: A seal adaptor assembly for use in a stroking universal joint of the type having an outer drive housing member having an exterior wall of non-uniform dimension including spaces between the parts of the housing enclosing the drive channels. The seal adaptor assembly includes an annular body and a plurality of insert having greater rigidity than the material of the annular body and wherein the inserts are located in the annular body at sections thereof that are located within outer housing spaces between the drive channels. The inserts are supported within the annular body at thin wall sections thereof and thereby provide for a more uniform compression of a resilient seal member between the housing and a clamp for holding the resilient seal member in place on the housing.

Abstract: Sealing strip (1) for sealing a joint (23) between a frame profile (12), for example a window-frame profile, and a wall (15), having an elastically resilient foam strip (2) which is accommodated in a compressed state in a tear-open wrapper (3), which allows recovery of the foam strip (2). The tear-open wrapper (3) comprises a plastic sheet (F) which encloses the foam strip (2) and, at the same time, forms a tear-off flap (4) extending in longitudinal direction of the sealing strip (1).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a member (1) arranged to act between two parts of a vehicle which are movable in relation to each other. The member (1) comprises a first portion (2) having an elongated rod (6) with external threads (7) and a second portion (3) having a nut (8) rotatably provided on the rod (6) so that the length of the member (1) during a rotary motion between the rod (6) and nut (8) is variable in an axial direction (L). An electric rotor machine (10), having a stator (11) and a rotor (13) which is rigidly connected to said nut (8), is arranged to influence said rotary motion. The rotor (13) and nut (18) are so positioned in relation to each other that at least a radial plane with respect to the axial direction (L) extends both through the rotor (13) and the nut (8).

Abstract: A stackable shopping cart (1) has a rolling frame (2), a basket (8), a pushing device (19), and a wall (10) that can be swiveled into the inside of the basket, through which wall the back (9) of the basket (8) can be closed, whereby two upwardly directed carriers (6) are positioned on the back end of the rolling frame (2), and the basket (8) is provided at its back (9) with support elements (13) that form a push-on connection with the carriers (6). The support elements (13) are formed by hollow receptacles (14) and the carriers (6) extend upwardly beyond the receptacles (14), and that the sections (7) of the carriers (6) located above the receptacles (14) are intended for the attachment of the pushing device (19).

Abstract: A golf bag includes a bottom part, a cylinder part with stabilizing longitudinal webs, a head part, a support device with toggle lever mechanism or another mechanism and a clamping system for folding out and folding in support legs, a pull-out grip and a belt system. The golf bag combines in itself all components for stable standing, rolling, sloped support, carrying on the shoulder or on the back and for transport in the lying or upright position without additional actions on the part of the golfer. The golf bag is easy to handle and can be transported in a compact manner.

Abstract: An improved meal delivery system and a method for delivery of pre-cooked, chilled meals from a central distribution station to a plurality of remote locations in cooperation with an Automatic Guided Vehicle system, and in particular a one-piece, molded, insulated meal-delivery cart for transportation of chilled meals.

Abstract: A gravity driven steerable vehicle having wheels, or skis or a combination of wheels and skis for recreational use, most particularly on surfaces such as pavement, artificial hard-pack turf, mountain slopes, dirt roads, grass and hard-packed or non-packed snow. The vehicle has at least three (3) but preferably four (4) wheels, or skis or a combination of wheels and skis which may or may not be on independent axles one from the other and which may or may not be each independently shock suspended. There is also a steering mechanism for steering the vehicle and a driver compartment portion for containing a driver of the vehicle in a prone face-down and face-forward position. The vehicle is steerable by the driver from the prone face-down and face-forward position. The mechanism for suspension of the wheels and/or skis is configured to provide precise control in turns especially the carving of turns, by the skis, while descending on snow covered terrain.

Abstract: The present invention provides a suspension layout using a steering gear frame, in which a steering apparatus assembly and a sub-frame are combined in a single structure. The sub-frame includes a plurality of side members, which are provided along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle frame and at a predetermined distance from each other. A cross member extends in the direction of the width of the vehicle and fixedly connects the side members. The steering apparatus assembly includes steering gear motors that are provided for each side member and cooperate through steering transmitting assemblies to rotate steering knuckles.

Abstract: A truck axle assembly has a pair of transversely spaced longitudinally extending swing arms each attachable adjacent one end to a truck chassis for pivotal movement relative thereto about a transverse axis. Each swing arm has an axle mounting bracket detachably secured thereto adjacent an opposite end thereof, and each axle mounting bracket has a transverse portion extending across the swing arm and a pair of transversely spaced attachment portions extending from the transverse portion on opposite sides of the swing arm and detachable secured thereto. An axle extends transversely across the swing arms adjacent the opposite ends thereof and detachably secured to the mounting brackets. Each axle mounting bracket also supports a brake actuating member for a brake mechanism mounted on an adjacent end of the axle.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system having first and second trailing arms (10), each trailing arm (10) being mounted to the vehicle adjacent its forward end (14) for pivotal movement about a transverse axis of the vehicle, one trailing arm (10) being located adjacent one side of the vehicle and adapted adjacent its trailing end (22) to support a first wheel of a vehicle and the other trailing arm (10) being located adjacent the other side of the vehicle and adapted adjacent its trailing end (22) to support a second wheel of the vehicle, the first and second wheels being located on a transverse axis of the vehicle, a torsion beam (24) being provided to control lateral separation of the trailing arms (10), and a pair of dynamic beams (30) being secured at their forward and rearward ends longitudinally of the vehicle, one dynamic beam (30) being located in juxtaposed relationship with each of the trailing arms (10), each trailing arm (10) being connected adjacent its trailing end (22) to the adjacent dynamic beam (10),

Abstract: An improved suspension system is disclosed for a personal mobility vehicle comprising an arm assembly pivotably mounted to a fame section. A wheel assembly is connected to the arm assembly. A spring is interposed between the arm assembly and the second frame section for resiliently suspending the wheel assembly relative to the frame section. In one example of the invention, the frame section comprises a rigid frame section of the personal mobility vehicle. In another example of the invention, the frame section comprises a resilient leaf spring resiliently suspending the assembly of the personal mobility vehicle. In another example of the invention, a resilient coil spring interposed between the arm assembly the resilient leaf spring for providing a multiple resilient suspension for the wheel assembly.

Abstract: A mini scooter includes a wheel member, a wheel support member, a steering rod, a steering rod support, a wheel cover plate, and a pedal. The wheel member includes a wheel with a transmission ring in the center, and a unidirectional rotary bearing, a pivot shaft of which serves as a wheel axle. Two ends of the wheel axle are respectively provided with cover plates. The cover plates are connected to the transmission ring. The wheel support member includes a wheel support with a top portion having a through hole and having an inverted U-shaped cross section. Securing bolts extend through through holes in the wheel support and engage with nuts. Two ends of the bearing pivot shaft are provided with axle bearings. Two sides of the wheel support respectively form circular holes for receiving the axle bearings. The wheel cover plate is disposed on and secured to the securing bolts in the through holes in the wheel support. The wheel cover plate has a top portion provided with front and rear stop blocks.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fifth wheel for the coupling of the tractor of an articulated truck with a truck trailer. The inventive fifth wheel comprises a wheel plate, a kingpin (20) with an inner bore and with an outer coupling or engaging surface (30) as well as with connections for linking electric and pneumatic supply lines between the tractor of an articulated truck and the truck trailer. The supply lines of the tractor of an articulated truck lead to a male connector (100) of a supply unit (10) and the supply lines from a female connector (200) in the interior of the kingpin (20) to the designated places on the truck trailer. The parts of the male connector (11-15) and the female connector (21-25) that pertain to the supply lines and that are interlinkable are configured as respective rotation-symmetrical bushes that are fit into each other in pairs. All bushes (11-15, 21-25) are aligned coaxially with respect to one another and with respect to the axis of the kingpin (20).

Abstract: A lightweight, high-strength tow hook is provided. The tow hook includes a first member provided by an elongated strip of metal formed generally into a U-shape with a hooked end with two extending arms. The first member has a cross-sectional shape with a base and in a preferred embodiment has two extending cross-sectional legs which extend outwardly. A second member is provided forming a mounting bracket having a main body for connection to an automotive vehicle. The second member also has connected with the main body two connected lateral flanges. The flanges are connected with the first member extending arms. A third member is connected to the second member spanning the lateral flanges of the second member generally opposite the second member main body.

Abstract: A binding in particular a step-in binding, for retaining a soft boot on a sliding device, in particular a snowboard, having retaining elements for the boot and having a calf support (8) which can be pivoted into snowboarding and step-in positions and, via a tread element (9) which is connected to it and is within reach of the boot, can be moved into the snowboarding position, in which the calf support (8) is secured against accidentally pivoting out of the snowboarding position. In the snowboarding position, with the tread element (9) subjected to loading, the calf support (8) can be supported, on binding-mounted supporting parts (20), against pivoting on its pivoting bolt (10) into the step-in position. As a result of the tread element (9) being relieved of loading, in order to eliminate the support, the calf support (8) can be displaced, in particular automatically, in relation to the bolt (10).

Abstract: The present invention involves an air bag deployment chute and panel assembly for deploying an air bag through a panel member having a groove. The deployment chute comprises a stationary portion and one or more door portions depending on the shape of the prescribed tear pattern (i.e., “I”, “H” or “U”). The stationary portion includes a base and a peripheral wall integrally connected thereto. The base has a first surface attached to an inner surface of the panel member and an opening to define an inner periphery of the base. The inner periphery is positioned against a structurally weakened area of the panel member defined by the groove so that outer portions of the groove are supported by the base to prevent inadvertent pivotal movement of the one or more door portions toward the air bag when force is applied on the outer surface of the panel member.

Abstract: An airbag for a motor vehicle, with at least one inflatable region which is capable of being inflated by means of a gas generator and in the inflated state forms a lateral curtain for protecting a vehicle occupant. When inflated the airbag is clamped between two points on the vehicle body which are separated from each other in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The airbag has a separation region, which may be an opening, that is bridged by a tautening element which is capable of being inflated together with the inflatable region. When the airbag inflates the opening deforms reducing the length of the opening in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle steering wheel including a longitudinal axis, a steering wheel hub, a holding member, and at least one latching connection. The steering wheel further includes a gas bag module which is connected via the at least one latching connection with the holding member and which is displaceably mounted in a direction of the longitudinal axis for actuation of a horn. The latching connection includes a one-piece spring element and a recess, which spring element snaps into the recess and connects the gas bag module and the holding member with each other to form a snap-in connection. In addition, the spring element moves the gas bag module back into a basic position on actuation of a horn.

Abstract: A steering wheel includes a boss, a spoke, and an air bag apparatus with a bag and a synthetic resin cover. When the vehicle is subjected to a collision, the bag is inflated and rupture opens a front wall of the cover. The front wall has two side rupture lines, a dividing rupture line between the side rupture lines, a center rupture line from the dividing rupture line, and two upper hinges between the side rupture lines and the center rupture line. When the cover ruptures open, the rupture lines rupture, causing each lid to bend and swing about the upper hinges. The dividing rupture line is disposed at a position so that the upper lids do not interfere with the rim.

Abstract: So that, given a desired deactivation of an airbag, a triggering cannot take place under any circumstances, a firing device of the airbag is bypassed using an electrically controllable switch. This switch short-circuits the electric circuit of the firing device during the deactivation time.

Abstract: An inflator for an air-bag has two gas chambers mounted on a central block (1). The central block defines passages leading from the gas chambers to the air-bag, but the passages are initially sealed by closures . An ignitor mounted on the block can generate hot gas to move an actuating element in a predetermined direction, the actuating element having a conical face which acts on inclined faces of two opening elements which are thus moved apart to rupture the closures to permit gas to flow from the chambers into the air-bag. Finally gas from the ignitor can also flow through a passage into the air-bag to ignite the mixed gases from the two gas chambers.

Abstract: A lightweight airbag cushion for deployment in opposing relation to a vehicle occupant is provided. In one embodiment, the cushion is formed from a body of wound yarn which has an enhanced elongation to break. The body includes an interior, a face portion for contact with the occupant and a rear portion including an inlet port for the introduction of an inflation medium. The body is formed by the continuous winding of yarn around a mandrel such that the yarn is spread across the face and is disposed preferentially across the back in the area surrounding the inlet port so as to provide added strength in that region.

Abstract: An airbag cushion for use in a vehicle restraint system is provided. The airbag cushion is formed from a notched body panel and a rectilinear center panel by a series of substantially straight seams which reduces substantially the elongation of the air bag cushion upon impact on collision of the vehicle in which it is installed. A method of forming the cushion according to the present invention is also provided.

Abstract: A safety device for use in a motor vehicle includes a restraining element in the form of a net (4) initially stored within a housing (3) extending across the entire upper edge of a windscreen (2). Pull cords (5, 6) attached to the edges of the net extend downwardly past guides (7, 8) located adjacent the lower edges of the windscreen to a centrally located drive mechanism (9). Further pull cords (10, 11) extend from positions more towards the central part of the lower edge of the net, and initially extend around the outer periphery of the windscreen being retained by a yieldable mechanism. The pull cords (10, 11) pass guides (14, 15) located adjacent the lower edge of the windscreen (2) and thus to the drive mechanism (9). The drive mechanism applies such a tension to the pull cords (5, 6, 10, 11) that the net is drawn to a position in which it extends tautly across the windscreen (2) in response to an accident situation.

Abstract: A vehicle body rear part structure includes left and right rear frames extending longitudinally of the vehicle body, a plurality of parallel spaced cylindrical fuel tanks disposed horizontally between the left and right rear frames with the axes of the fuel tanks extending normal to the left and right rear frames and disposed below the center of a height of the rear frames, and a cross member disposed between two adjacent ones of the fuel tanks and extending between the left and right rear frames. The cross member reinforces the rear frames to such an extent that fuel tanks of larger capacity can be carried on the vehicle body rear part structure.

Abstract: A device that aids in the holding of a book or binder is fully adjustable to the hand size of the holder by parting and remating of hook and loop fastening strips attached to U-shaped clips, the U-shaped clips being placed at the top and bottom of the outside surface of the backbone or spine of a book or binder.

Abstract: A protective notepad cover that encloses a notepad to protect it from splashed water and other elements in one position and allows access to the notepad for writing in another position.

Abstract: An official postal product, and a method and apparatus for making the official postal product. The official postal product includes a first image area having an official postal indicia a second image area having a personal image. A protective coating is placed over the second image area such that official cancellation mark placed over the second area will not permanently adhere to the personal image.

Abstract: A mailing form constructed of a single ply of substrate material which is configured such that it can be folded to form a financial document, such as an accounts payable or payroll check and check voucher, and wherein the ply is further folded to form an outgoing mailer envelope in which the financial document is enclosed for mailing to a recipient.

Abstract: A separable rapid-action coupling serves for connecting fluid lines includes a tubular plug-in part with a circumferential holding rib, a coupling housing with a cylindrical receptacle cavity for the plug-in part and a separate holding element. The holding element has elastically expandable holding edges that are radially directed into the receptacle cavity. The holding edges engage behind the holding rib after insertion of the plug-in part. A safety clip with a second locking mechanism is situated in front of the plug-in opening of the housing in case the snap-in mechanism of the holding element fails. The safety clip includes a frame that fits on the end face of the coupling housing and two elastically expandable clips that engage corresponding projections on the coupling housing. The safety clip has snap-in fingers that can be inserted into the receptacle cavity.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for stabilizing a joint between two sections of corrugated pipe. A first section of corrugated pipe is associated with a second section to form a joint. One flexible member with two ends is looped around the first section of pipe, secured against a corrugation, and the two ends are associated and tightened. A section of the flexible member is left as a tail. A second flexible member is installed the same way on the second section of pipe, again with a section left as a tail. Each tail is then stretched across the joint, threaded between the other flexible member and pipe, brought back across the joint, and cinched forming two axially aligned supports secured against a corrugation, such that two axially aligned support are formed.

Abstract: A lightweight detachable air coupler for an air seeder comprises an aluminum frame having two steel sleeves die cast into the frame. The frame is provided with two circular apertures each being defined by a rim having an internal cylindrical surface. The steel cylindrical sleeve has a first end having an exterior surface that is diagonally knurled. Two steel sleeves are mounted in the mold for the aluminum frame and cast aluminum is injected into the mold. The liquid aluminum adheres to the knurled exterior surface of the steel sleeves. The aluminum frame has a front surface from which the rims project and a rear surface from which the sleeves project.

Abstract: A hose and quick connect coupling assembly comprising a receiving hose, an insertion hose, a pair of quick connect coupling halves each coupling half being identical to the other, and a securing clasp. The securing clasp releasably secures the coupling halves around the receiving hose, thereby forming a releasable coupling as the insertion hose in inserted into the receiving hose. The insertion hose may be removed by depressing the coupling halves together, causing the top portions thereof to pivot away from the insertion hose. The securing clasp may also be removed from the hose coupling, thereby removing the coupling halves from the receiving hose.

Abstract: A micromachined coupler for coupling a capillary having a first size to an orifice having a shape and a second size, has a body which has a shape conforming the shape of the cavity into which the body must fit. A through hole is defined through the body. The through hole has a size conforming to the first size of the capillary. The capillary is disposable into the through hole so that the capillary is communicated to the orifice without the first and second sizes necessarily being the same. The cavity and the body have conforming slanting surfaces, and in particular the cavity and the body define truncated pyramidal shapes. The cavity and the body each have a truncated pyramidal shape. The pyramidal shape may be square, triangular, or conical. A method of fabricating the micromachined coupler is achieved either by micromaching or micromolding.

Abstract: A flange (20) for connection between an axial compressor and high-pressure rotor disc unit (14) in a gas turbine (10), wherein the flange (20) has a body (22) with a frusto-conical shape which is joined to a shaft (12) of the axial compressor by means of a hub (24) which has a cylindrical shape and which, at the larger base of the frustum of the cone of the body (22) is connected to the rotor disc unit (14) by means of an extension (26) of the hub in the form of a circular ring, a circumferential recess (28) provided in a surface (29) of the extension (26) which faces the rotor disc unit (14) being connected by interference with a projection, which is complementary to the recess and is provided on the rotor disc unit (14); the body (22) has an outer generatrix which is inclined relative to the direction at right-angles to the axis (X) by an angle &agr;1 of between 25° and 35° and an inner generatrix which is inclined by an angle &agr;2 of between 12° and 18°.

Abstract: A pipe coupling comprising two clamp halves connected on one end and with a rapid action closure for separably connecting the diametrically opposing other end. The rapid action closure contains a screw bolt, one end of which is coupled to one of the clamp halves and onto the other end of which a screw nut tightens the clamp half into the closed position. A lever lockable in the closed position by a bow-type spring is coupled to the screw nut. The pipe coupling comprises a bow-type spring in each clamp half, wherein the eyelet of the bow-type spring is centrally coupled to the region of the articulated connection between the clamp halves and the free end of the bow-type spring is held in the region of the end of each clamp half which is situated on the rapid action closure such that it can be longitudinally displaced.

Abstract: The device comprises a housing encasing a pair of upper and lower hooks, for counter-rotational movements; a pair of upper and lower adjusting assemblies, vertically spaced in parallel with the pair of upper and lower hooks for positioning the latter within the housing; an actuating assembly including a double-armed pivot having a cylindrical body and a pair of radially extending arms, disposed between the pair of upper and lower hooks; and a pair of upper and lower connecting links, mounted between the double-armed pivot and the pair of upper and lower hooks. Upper and lower connecting links are different, to accommodate the cylindrical body, in all the positions of the hooks. The upper connecting link can partially wrap around, the cylindrical body. The lower connecting link can partially wrap around, the cylindrical body.

Abstract: A handle lever is rotatable and movable in an axial direction relative to a frame and when the handle lever is rotatably moved from a predetermined position in a rotation direction with a predetermined amount against a urging force of a rotative urging spring and also moved from a predetermined position in the axial direction with a predetermined amount against a urging force of an axial urging spring, an engaging hook of the handle lever is engaged with an engaging portion of the frame in the rotation direction and the axial direction for holding the handle lever in a tentative holding position.

Abstract: A vehicle door striker is manufactured from a U-shaped striker plate and a striker bolt. The striker plate has a mounting plate connected to an arm by a support segment. The mounting plate has a striker bolt hole and two mounting bolt holes therethrough and the arm has a boss with a threaded hole therethrough. The striker bolt has a head and a threaded end with a shaft therebetween. The shaft is surrounded by a profiled plastic sleeve which serves to dampen sound and reduce wear. In assembling the vehicle door striker, the striker bolt is inserted through the striker bolt hole such that the head is fully recessed in the mounting plate and such that the threaded end is threaded into the threaded hole of the boss. The sleeve may be placed over the shaft of the striker bolt either before or during the assembly process. A plastic cover substantially envelops the striker plate to provide sound dampening and to further protect the vehicle door striker.

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 one-piece injection-molded non-foam piece with box sections and interconnecting straps, and a one-piece or multi-piece foam component securely insert-molded onto the injection-molded non-foam piece. Different foam molds can be used to form differently shaped front surfaces on the foam component. By this arrangement, different energy absorbing systems are provided for vehicles, such as to satisfy the need for different styling and shapes, while still using the same non-foam piece. By this arrangement, the energy absorber is a single unit that can be handled and attached to the bumper beam. At the same time, capital investment in molding dies and tooling is reduced.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel device for easy maintenance of smoke detectors, comprising a three dimensional “receptacle” that attaches to a pole and fits around a smoke detector housing to easily remove it from its mounting plate.

Abstract: A vehicular window system includes a window assembly that is adapted to be mounted in an opening of a vehicle. The window assembly includes at least one window panel and a mounting member, which is fixedly attached to a surface of the window panel. The window assembly further preferably includes an attachment member, which is attached to the mounting member.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle open air system includes a pair of vehicle side frames, one or more movement mechanisms, a back window assembly and an automatic actuator. In another aspect of the present invention, an automotive vehicle includes a front header panel, first and second vehicle side frames, first and second tracks, a sunroof panel, a back window panel and an electrical system operable to coordinate movement of the sunroof panel and the back window panel.

Abstract: A vehicle rear body structure is disclosed having a flat portion formed on a rear floor panel, a bottom portion of a spare tire resting concave portion lower in height than the flat portion, and a front wall connecting the flat portion and the bottom portion to one another and sloped downwardly rearwardly. A front wall reinforcing member for reinforcing the front wall is mounted along an inclined surface of the front wall. The front wall reinforcing member limits deformation of the front wall by guiding the spare tire along the inclined surface when the spare tire is moved forward. As a result, a distance between the front wall and a fuel tank disposed below the front wall and the flat portion is reduced for thereby enabling the fuel tank to have an increased volume.

Abstract: Apparatus for storing items within vehicle compartments that can be manipulated into an operative position and a closed position with a single hand are provided. Apparatus includes an elongate planar panel pivotally attached to a vehicle floor and movable between a stored position in face-to-face contacting relation with the floor and an operative position in spaced-apart, face-to-face relation with the floor such that the panel can serve the function of a table and/or shelf.

Abstract: A tool box is shown for use with a vehicle having a bed having a length and a width. The vehicle has a back wall having a top, a left side wall having a top and a right side wall having a top. The vehicle has a tailgate. The tool box has a top plate having a wall end and an extended end. The top plate is rotatably attached to the top of the back wall at the wall end. The top plate has a width at least approximately equal to the width of the bed and a front plate runs between the left side wall and the right side wall. The front plate has a bed end and a raised end. The front plate is rotatably attached by pivots at the bed end to the bed of the vehicle at a given location between the tailgate and the back wall. The raised end can be connected to the extended end to form a tool box which may be folded out of place when not in use.