Abstract: A method and an apparatus for controlling the traveling direction of a piece of folded material in the feed path of a folding machine. A first roller nip is used to ingest the folded material into the front end of a turn chute. If the traveling direction is to be maintained, the folded material is allowed to move out through the rear end of the turn chute. If the traveling direction is to be reversed, a stop is used to block the rear end in order to keep the leading edge of the ingested folded material from leaving the turn chute through the rear end. At the same time, the trailing edge of the ingested folded material is caused to engage in a second roller nip located in the front end of the turn chute, in order for the second roller nip to move the folded material out of the turn chute, thereby reversing the traveling direction of the folded material.

Abstract: The present invention of intellectual building blocks are seventeen building blocks in different shapes assembled unequally by three to six units to make a planar or three-dimensional arrangement and combination to conduct the arrangement as in a Russian block game through cooperating with a game frame disposed with three-dimensional paling rods and a guide slot, to arrange a three-dimensional pyramid through cooperating with a triangular game tray or to arrange different planar patterns through cooperating with a planar game tray so as to achieve the intellectual and edutainment effect.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a war strategy game played on an octagon shaped polar matrix of eight radial paths and four latitudinal paths. Each radial path intersects each latitudinal path to define an array of playable positions. Each player is given nine pieces to place on the matrix at the start of the game. Each player moves one piece during each turn. Pieces move from one position to another along one radial or one latitudinal path. Players capture an opposing piece by occupying two opposed adjacent positions of that opposing piece. The matrix is combined with one or more other like-shaped matrixes to form a variety of city or battlefield settings. Two radial paths of each matrix join two corresponding radial paths of an abutting matrix. The city battlefield settings provide elongated radial paths or roadways along which the pieces move from one matrix to another.

Abstract: A method of playing a modified advanced chess game called Super Chess which provides a board having alternating dark and light squares arrayed in a ten-row by eleven-column configuration. The sixteen pieces of the orthodox chess are all provided in each color with the exception of the king being replaced by a super king and the addition of a ninth, tenth, and eleventh pawn and fifteen new super pieces: two super rooks, two super knights, two super bishops, two phantoms, one super queen, one monster piece, super king and four super pawns, all fifteen super pieces having new and unique movements and abilities.

Abstract: A color game provides an enjoyable and entertaining activity for young children, persons learning a language, and others, in assisting those persons to associate color names with corresponding colors. The game includes a series of individual player cards or boards, with each card having a series of rows of colored positions thereon. Each row may contain identical colors for each position thereof, with the number of positions in each row being different, e.g., rows arranged in a triangular matrix, etc. Other board configurations may be provided as desired. Each player has a series of markers for placement upon the colored positions of his or her card. A caller randomly selects colored markers and announces the selected color, with players attempting to match the called color on their cards by placing markers on the appropriate card positions. The object is to completely cover all card positions.

Abstract: A method for playing a Pai Gow-type poker game where a random number generator is used to determine the first player or dealer position to receive a hand. Each player may place a side bet on which position is first to receive a hand.

Abstract: A table configured for play of the game Monte in a casino includes a number of player positions and a dealer position. It further includes a number of card areas and a number of bet areas. Chips are used to place bets. The casino pays bets in an amount less than the original bet for a window winner and in an amount equal to the bet for a match winner. The bets are paid in chips.

Abstract: A stacking block game kit includes a set of game cards, a number of stackable game pieces, and a set of rules for discarding the game cards and for manipulating the game pieces. Each game card has a card point value and depicts a card indicia thereon. The game pieces are stackable in layers having a fixed maximum number of the game pieces. Game piece indicia are applied to the game pieces, with a portion of the game piece indicia being associated with the card indicia. The method of playing the stacking block game involves distributing game cards from the stacking block game kit into card hands amongst players of the game, and constructing a structure from the stackable game pieces. Game cards are then discarded from the card hands in accordance with the set of rules and an associated one of the game pieces, with the discarding step being repeated amongst the players until a predetermined terminating step is obtained.

Abstract: A game ball system is presented including a ball, a means for position sensing for determining and producing information regarding the ball's position, an input device to receive user input, a processor connected with the means for position sensing and the input device to receive the information representing ball's position. The processor is also configured to receive the user input, and to process the information representing the ball's position and the user input according to a set of game rules to generate game output messages, which are outputted to the user via an output device in a user-understandable form. In operation, when a user tosses the ball upward, the processor receives a combination of user input and information about the ball's position, and processes them according to a set of game rules, providing feedback to the user regarding the game in the form of output messages from the output device.

Abstract: A seal member adapted to be mounted between a cylinder head cover and an ignition plug tube comprises a mount portion interposed radially movably between an upper surface of an annular stepped portion formed around an opening of the cylinder head cover for insertion of the ignition plug tube and a baffle plate. A first seal portion and a second seal portion project radially outward and inward, respectively, from the mount portion to be brought into contact with a peripheral surface of the annular stepped portion and the ignition plug tube, respectively. The second seal portion can be elastically deformed following relative radial movements between the mount portion and the ignition plug tube.

Abstract: Seal unit for mechanical members rotating relative to each other, in particular foundry rollers, including a tubular member which can be fitted on a first of said rotating members, a first and a second annular sealing member surrounding the tubular member and provided with a first and a second fitting support respectively and corresponding sealing rings of elastomer material. The seal unit also includes an annular spacer member coaxial with the tubular member and acting together with the first and the second support to keep the first and second annular sealing members in their corresponding working positions.

Abstract: A dynamic seal assembly has an outer carrier member formed of one-piece having an outer flange, an inner flange, and an intermediate portion presenting first and second shoulders. A PTFE seal member is disposed about the second shoulder and is compressed axially by a case member which, while the PTFE seal is compressed, is staked to the carrier to secure the seal. The carrier has an axially outwardly facing annular pocket accommodating a foam dust excluder into which a flange of a wear sleeve extends to protect the PTFE seal from debris. Additionally, the seal has a clamping ring having an axially extending first leg providing a second mating surface radially inwardly and generally parallel to the first mating surface of the outer member.

Abstract: A gasket with selectively positioned seal enhancement zones located in the web of the gasket is provided. The gasket is formed of a base sheet of gasket material cut to define an interior aperture bounded by an interior edge and webs. Slots are formed at selected locations within the seal enhancement zones and the slots are bounded by edges. An edge coating of polymeric material is applied to the slot edges and, in one embodiment, project beyond the facial planes of the base sheet to form raised rims. An edge coating also may be formed on the interior edge bounding the aperture of the gasket. When clamped between a pair of flange surfaces, the polymeric edge coatings on the slot edges engage and seal against the flange surfaces within the seal enhancement zones to provide an enhanced seal against leakage in these zones.

Abstract: A metal gasket used in an engine with a chain case, using a foam-rubber seal member shaped to withstand in practical use and having excellent long-lasting reliability and excellent durability. A total constitutive plate of the metal gasket is extended along the chain case to form an extended part. This extended part has a chain case hole. The foam-rubber seal member seals a chain case opening and a three-surface joining portion defined by the chain case, a cylinder block and a cylinder head. The foam-rubber seal member is a separate and distinct member and is a sheet-like and loop-like combination of layers of foam rubber and a metal core plate interposed between these foam rubber layers.

Abstract: An arcuate sealing packing (10) has disengagement restraining projections (11) that project on the outer circumferential surface of opposite ends of the arcuate packing (10). The arcuate packing (10) is mounted an arcuate portion (R) of a cover (C). The disengagement restraining projections (11) are fitted inside restraining surfaces (33) of the cover (C). Thus, even if a force acts on the end of the arcuate packing (10) in a disengaging direction the outer circumferential surfaces of the disengagement restraining projections (11) contact the restraining surfaces (33A) to restrain the end from disengaging in the radially outward direction. Thus, the arcuate packing (10) does not easily disengage.

Abstract: A closure includes an object to be closed. The object having an opening hole, a plug member to be inserted into the opening hole, and a seal member disposed on the plug member. The seal member is formed of a ring-shaped elastic member and contacts the object to be closed and the plug member to close the object. An insertion portion of the plug member is smaller than theopening hole. An insertion portion of the plug member is provided with a seal member-receiving groove and is smaller than the opening hole. The seal member-receiving groove is provided with a seal member-seating portion, which has an outer surface with a predetermined diameter smaller than that of the opening hole and larger than that of a bottom of the seal member-receiving groove. The seal member has a cross-sectional shape, which can be fitted into the seal member-receiving groove of the plug member. The seal member has an outer diameter larger than the opening hole in a mounting state into the seal member-receiving groove.

Abstract: A high temperature sealing system is operative to seal an interface between adjacent hot structures and to minimize parasitic flow between such structures that move relative to one another in-plane or out-of-plane. The sealing system may be used to seal thrust-directing ramp structures of a reusable launch vehicle and includes a channel and a plurality of movable segmented sealing elements. Adjacent ramp structures include edge walls which extend within the channel. The sealing elements are positioned along the sides of the channel and are biased to engage with the inner surfaces of the ramp structures. The segmented sealing elements are movable to correspond to the contour of the thrust-directing ramp structures. The sealing system is operative to prevent high temperature thrust gases that flow along the ramp structures from infiltrating into the interior of the vehicle.

Abstract: An active window seal assembly is disclosed that operatively engages a movable window when the window is stationary and disengages the window when the window is in motion. The seal assembly comprises a stationary frame, a movable lip that is operatively connected to the stationary frame, and a cavity disposed between the stationary frame and the movable lip. Several configurations provide for movement of the movable lip when the movable window is in motion. The first configuration allows the cavity to inflate with air, thus forcing the movable lip away from the window. A second configuration provides that the air in the cavity be evacuated, thus pulling the movable lip away from the window. A third configuration provides that a voltage be applied to the stationary frame and the movable lip to create an electric field. The electric field draws the movable lip toward the stationary frame and away from the movable window.

Abstract: An edge handling chuck which operates to maintain a semiconductor wafer at a desirable orientation while rotating the wafer at high speeds is disclosed. The edge handling chuck consists of a cylindrical plate which holds a silicon wafer using multiple spring loaded edge wafer clamps. Gas passes through a center hole in the cylindrical plate and is dispersed to the atmosphere using multiple pressure relief openings in the cylindrical plate. The purpose of this gas arrangement is to stabilize the wafer due to spinning vortex effects. The cylindrical plate has mounted therein an ertalyte ring which provides an area of angled contact for the wafer. The gas arrangement operates to pass gas to the slight space between the semiconductor wafer and the cylindrical plate, thereby contacting a lower surface of the wafer, and subsequently out of the arrangement using the pressure relief holes.

Abstract: A roller skate vehicle which includes a standard roller skate frame having two pairs of axle mounted wheels and a padded seat mounted thereon.

Abstract: A detachable skate having two sets of engagement members containing two female members and two male members which are correspondingly fitted to a sole at the bottom of the shoe and a mounting plate at the top of the skating device. The female members and the male members can be connected with each other by means of the engagement of a projecting pin into the bottom end of the vertical part of the L-shaped guide slot. Moreover, one male member is provided with a lever for turning this male member. Accordingly, the shoes are detachable from the skating devices so that it's convenient to assemble, stable and safe to use.

Abstract: An inclinable creeper including a carriaged framework supporting a bed, the bed including an inclinable portion and a mechanism for raising the inclinable portion upon actuation of a lever, for securing the inclinable portion when the lever is not actuated, and for allowing the inclinable portion to be forcibly lowered when the lever is actuated.

Abstract: A pushchair of the type which includes a chassis which is born upon one or more primary wheels on a primary wheel bearing axis, the chassis further having one or more forward and/or rear secondary wheel(s) or stabilizer(s) that in normal use of the pushchair during horizontal travel is/are not ground engaging but which limit tilting of the pushchair about the primary axis, the pushchair being characterized in that it further includes a selectively operable stabilizer which may be deployed to bring a prop into ground engagement to substantially prevent tilting of the pushchair about the primary wheel axis when the pushchair is stationary.

Abstract: A wheel suspension system for motor vehicles has a horizontally positioned spring-and-damper unit which, by way of levers and links, interacts with wheel carriers of opposite wheels. In order to design the wheel suspension system in a favorable manner with respect to space requirements while ensuring proper functioning of its components, a horizontally positioned spring-and-damper unit and a lever, which can be swivelled about an axis which is upright or relatively slightly inclined, are provided for each side of the wheel. The lever is applied by way of a first lever section to the spring-and-damper unit and is connected, by way of a second lever section as well as a first link to one of the wheel carriers. The lever is connected to a stabilizer by way of a third lever section as well as a second link.

Abstract: In a vehicle rear suspension, each of right and left trailing arms (1) is bent upward at a bent part in an intermediate area between a front end cylindrical portion (2) and a rear end portion (3) so that the trailing arms (1) can be bent. Each end of a torsion beam (7), having a substantially U-shaped cross-section, is connected to an upward inclining area of each trailing arm (1) inclining from the rear end portion (3) toward the bending part (6). This makes it possible to arrange the torsion center of the torsion beam (7) having the substantially U-shaped section in a relatively high position and to maintain the strength of the torsion beam (7) at a high level.

Abstract: A rear suspension for vehicles is disclosed. This rear suspension has a rear floor side member, a trailing arm bracket connected to a torsion beam axle, and a locking unit mounting the trailing arm bracket to the rear floor side member while leaving a space between the trailing arm bracket and the rear floor side member. The locking unit has a pipe nut mounting the trailing arm bracket to the rear floor side member while leaving the space between the rear floor side member and the trailing arm bracket. This pipe nut uniformly distributes load applied from the torsion beam axle to the rear suspension, and so the rear suspension has an improved durability.

Abstract: A tandem handle lock-out tool for use with a tractor trailer having a first arm and a second arm disposed at about 90 degrees thereto. A first arm may have an aperture for positioning the tool over a tandem handle. The tandem handle lock-out tool may be slidably positioned with an end of the second arm positioned against the tandem axle assembly to maintain the tandem handle in an extended position. The tandem handle lock-out tool may also have a channel disposed in the second arm. The tandem handle lock-out tool may be formed of a flat bar stock with a bend therein or two pieces of bar stock being welded together.

Abstract: A front visor attachment structure provided with a front fender attachment member formed in a front part of a bottom bridge supporting a front fork. A front fender and a lower part of a front visor are attached to the front fender attachment member, and an upper part of the front visor is attached to a top bridge. A projection member at the end of a bolt projects above the front fender attachment member, and the lower part of the front visor is engaged with the projection member. Since the front fender and the front visor are attached to the front fender attachment member of the bottom bridge, the shape of the bottom bridge can be simplified.

Abstract: The universal folding bicycle according to the invention has the front arm (1) that is attached to the head assembly (2) on the frame (3) where the front swing arm (4) with the front wheel (22) are attached. The freely adjustable handlebars (9) are attached. The freely adjustable handlebars (9) are attached to the head assembly (2) via the rotary joint (5), the telescopic rod (6) and the handlebar axis (8) or via the handlebar attachement (7). The back wheel (13) is attached to the back swing arm (10) connected to the central assembly (11) formed by the pedals and cranks 12) and mounted on the frame (3). The back swing arm (10) can be equipped by the accessory arm (26). The seat (16) on a telescopic stem (15) is attached to the end of the frame (3) or via the pin (14) to the beginning of the frame (3). The seat (16) may be located in the swing arm (23) and may be equipped by the telescopic seat springing (24) or by the arm springing (25).

Abstract: A shopping cart is securely attachable to the foot rest supports of a wheel chair in a manner allowing a person to enter and depart the wheelchair while the cart is attached. Two attachable arms that are moveavble horizontally and vertically attached to the each foot rest support in a low position. The horizontally and vertically movement of the attachable arms permit the cart to be attached to different wheelchairs. The attachable arms have ends that are easily attached and detached from the foot rest supports. In one embodiment, the attachment arms have a U-shaped end that fits around the foot rest support and is held in place by a strap, the ends of which may be secured by any one of buckles, snaps and hook and loop fasteners.

Abstract: A wheelchair has a horizontal seat and armrests. Forward and rearward supports extend upwardly from the seat and armrests with handles. A plurality of light assemblies is coupled to the wheelchair. Light assembly each have one illumination bulb and one turn signal bulb. A receiver is coupled to each light assembly and a transmitter is coupled to each of the receivers. A control panel has a plurality of operator controlled switches. Each switch is electronically coupled to the transmitter. A headlight switch activates and inactivates the light assemblies of the forward supports. A taillight switch activates and inactivates the light assemblies of the rearward supports. A left blinker switch operates the forward and rearward left light assemblies and a right blinker switch operates the forward and rearward right light assemblies.

Abstract: A braking feature is provided that can resist gliding board runaway, i.e., uncontrolled gliding without a rider, or other movement of a gliding board, e.g., a gliding device having no foot bindings. The braking feature may always be active to resist gliding board movement, and/or resist movement only when a rider is not supported on the gliding device. Activation of a braking feature may be delayed. The braking feature may be controlled based on a force urging a bottom surface of the gliding device into contact with the gliding surface, e.g., the braking feature may be deactivated if the weight of a rider is supported on the gliding device. A force that deactivates a braking feature may be made adjustable, e.g., to accommodate riders of different weights or to provide different braking feature responses.

Abstract: A stroller, which incorporates with a car seat fastening arrangement, includes a stroller frame for substantially supporting a car seat thereon. The car seat fastening arrangement includes a holding belt extended from the stroller frame and a connecting unit securely locked up the two ends of the holding belt to form a holding loop, having a predetermined length, for encirclingly holding the car seat on the stroller frame through the fastening slot. Therefore, the car seat is securely supported on the stroller frame and firmly fastened by the two ends of the holding belt connecting with each other through the fastening slot of the car seat.

Abstract: An apparatus for temporarily retaining a component within a vehicle passenger compartment includes a cable having opposed ends with hooks for attaching the ends of the cable to corresponding attachment points within the vehicle passenger compartment. The cable passes through an opening in the component and a portion of the cable is attached to another of the attachment points, whereby the cable is placed under tension and retains the component in the passenger compartment.

Abstract: A novel vehicle occupant restraining module is described. The retraining module includes an inflatable cushion having an inner surface and an outer surface. The inflatable cushion is capable of receiving inflation fluid from an inflation fluid source. A retaining collar is positioned adjacent a mouth of the cushion and about the inflation fluid source to retain the inflatable cushion in communication with the inflation fluid source. The retaining collar includes a flange that flares elliptically outward from the inflation fluid source. The retaining collar also includes an extension tab for preventing the cushion from contacting the inflation fluid source after inflation.

Abstract: An airbag module has at least two housing parts securely connected to each other by a mechanical catch connection. At least one catch hook is arranged on the first housing part and at least one tab with a corresponding catch opening is arranged in the second housing part. During the latching together of the two housing parts, the catch hook engages the corresponding catch opening. At least one ramp is arranged on the first housing part, opposite the catch hook, which ramp rises in the insertion direction of the second housing. The ramp rises in the direction in which the second housing part is moved toward the first housing part during assembly. During the assembly of the first housing part with the second housing part, the tab of the second housing part comes into contact with the ramp during the latching and is deflected by the ramp in the direction of the catch hook. The deflection of the tab results in the catch opening being deflected or pushed in the direction of the catch hook.

Abstract: An airbag system for a motor vehicle, characterized in that a separate cable-type gas generator (5) is associated with the individual chambers (3) of said air bag system extending in the form of a harness from a central initiator (23) to the respective inflatable chamber (3) of said airbag system.

Abstract: In the case of a system for controlling a motorcycle air bag with respect to the sitting position of a motorcycle occupant, a distance measuring device measures the distance of the motorcycle occupant with respect to the motorcycle, and an adaptation device controls a motorcycle air bag corresponding to this distance.

Abstract: A restraint device for an occupant in a vehicle having a steering wheel, a dashboard with a lower end limiting a footwell, an A-pillar and a windshield, comprises a first gas bag for protecting the thorax area of a vehicle occupant, and a second gas bag for supporting the first gas bag. The second gas bag has a deployed condition and extends at least partly over the windshield of the vehicle in the deployed condition.

Abstract: A vehicle occupant protection apparatus (10) comprises an inflatable device (12) and an inflator (14) having a housing (20). The inflator (14) is actuatable to provide inflation fluid for inflating the inflatable device (14). The housing (20) has a fluid flow area (52, 55) for directing flow of inflation fluid out of the housing to the inflatable device (12). The apparatus (10) also comprises a retainer (16) for retaining the protection device (12) in position relative to the housing (20). The retainer (16) has a portion (274, 282) at least partially blocking the fluid flow area (52, 55) when the inflator (14) is unactuated. The retainer portion (274, 282) moves due to the pressure of inflation fluid acting on the retainer portion (274, 282) upon actuation of the inflator (14) to increase the fluid flow area (52, 55).

Abstract: A knee bolster for absorbing the impact to the knees of the occupant of a car involved in crash and controlling the posture of the occupant by receiving the knee load includes a pair of left and right panels (1) disposed to oppose to the knees, upper stays (2) provided to each of the panels (1), each upper stay having its rear portion fixed to the upper area of the corresponding panel (1), lower stays (3) provided to each of the panels (1), each lower stay having its lower portion fixed to the lower area of the corresponding panel (1) and its upper portion fixed to the front end of the corresponding upper stay (2), and a connecting member (4) for connecting the resulting pair of deltoid bodies. The bodies are disposed side by side and spaced apart when connected to the connecting member (4). Preferably, the upper and lower stays (2, 3) are arced, and the curvature radius of the lower stays (3) is smaller than that of the upper stays (2).

Abstract: A modular suspension (10) adapted to mount on a vehicle frame having a pair of spaced C-shaped frame rails (12). The modular suspension comprises a pair of trailing arm assemblies (14) connected by a cross beam (50) and a trailing arm connection. Each of the trailing arm assemblies comprises a frame bracket (18) adapted to be mounted to one of the frame rails and a trailing arm (16) having one portion pivotally mounted to the frame bracket for pivotal movement about a pivot axis. The trailing arm connection (42, 52) extends between and is coupled to a portion of the trailing arms rearward of the pivot axis. The cross beam extends between and connects to the frame brackets such that a rail opening (56) having a shape for slidably receiving at least a portion of one of the frame rails is formed between each of the frame brackets and the cross beam.

Abstract: The present invention has an object to permit operation of the second pretensioner operating upon determination of a collision, irrespective of operation of the first pretensioner operating upon determination of the possibility of collision. When a vehicle body deceleration is determined not to exceed a set deceleration, possibility of collision with an obstacle is determined on the basis of a relative distance from the obstacle, a relative speed, and a vehicle speed of the subject vehicle. When the possibility of a collision is determined, a motor associated with a retractor is rotated and the webbing is retracted with a large torque until the webbing has the second set belt tension. When the vehicle deceleration is determined to be over a set deceleration, a buckle pretensioner is operated. The buckle is very strongly pulled, and the webbing is set at a third belt tension. The passenger is thus restrained by a large restraining force.

Abstract: A set of structural components for reversing elements of seat belt systems in motor vehicles. The set is comprised of a one-piece metal body produced from a steel sheet by cold forming; at least one plastic adapter and a set of profiled elements having differently shaped profiles. These profiles of the metal body are coupled by pairs by a plug connection. The metal body, as a standard component, has uniformly fixed dimensions which do not depend on the concrete installation of the of the reversing element. This design permits the installation of a metal body in the B-post of motor vehicles. These profiled elements comprise plastic profiles designed as sight shutters whose shape is adapted to the concrete installation in a motor vehicle. With covered or half-covered installation of the reversing element, the edge of an opening located in the covering side of the body of the vehicle for receiving the reversing element permits the pivotal movement to be engaged by the plastic profiles from behind.

Abstract: A binding and boot engagement system for use with a snowboard having a step-in binding system is disclosed. The system has a flexible tether connectable at one end to the snowboard and at the other end to the user. When a user is in an elevated lift and has one boot removed from a binding, the user may apply an upward force to the tether, thereby causing the board to elevate. By positioning the free boot over the binding and applying the upward force, the boot is caused to engage with the binding. Features of the invention include having first and second portions of the tether wherein the first portion is generally non-stretchable and the second portion is resiliently connected to the user. In this configuration, a slight tension is usually present in the system, thereby decreasing the chances for unintentional engagement of the system with undesirable objects such as lift equipment or mountain hazards.

Abstract: A fender cover is mounted on a fender of an industrial vehicle. A step is attached to a side of the vehicle body to be located rearward relative to the fender cover. The fender cover and the step are made of resin and shaped as one body through molding. The step includes a floor panel and a side wall. The fender cover is integrated with a front edge of the floor panel. The side wall is integrated with an inner edge and rear edge of the floor panel. The floor panel is open to the side of the vehicle body through its outer edge. The integrally molded fender cover and step prevent foreign objects from entering a space below the step and are easily installed in the vehicle body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to bindings for books, wherein the spine is hidden behind an extension of the cover. Specifically, a piping element is inserted into a recess formed by a doubled-over center section of a cover of the book. Because of the structure of the piping element, the book is capable of laying flat when opened, while hiding the spine and concurrently protecting both the spine and other objects from damage.

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: An adapter for connecting a hose to a hose receptacle of an object in a locking relationship. The adapter includes a first end adapted to be fixedly attached to one of the hose receptacle or the hose and a second end having a first locking element adapted to selectively engage a second locking element to establish a locking relationship. The adapter is suitable for adapting a friction-based vacuum appliance hose connection receptacle such that it can be used with a hose-locking mechanism to selectively, securely lock the hose to the vacuum appliance.

Abstract: A device for connecting a pneumatically or hydraulically operated tool to a connection coupling in order to provide the connection to a transport line which guides a liquid or gaseous medium. The device includes a first part (11) with an engaging section (13) which is provided so that it can be inserted into a receiving element on the connection coupling and therefore be detachably connected with the same. The device also has a second part (3) with a connecting section (5), which is configured for being permanently connected to the tool. The two parts (3, 11) each have at least one additional section (9, 17), one of the additional sections (9) radially, externally surrounding the other, at a distance, and an elastic connection (19) being provided between the two additional sections. The connection can be produced by casting, injecting or extruding an elastic, rubber-type material between the two sections.