Abstract: An automatic target device having targets hingedly mounted to a endless loop conveyor which is driven by a variable speed, remotely controllable drive motor around an endless track having a target track where the targets are presented for target practice and a return track where the return track is lower than the target track, and having a target rail that targets slide upon and that holds the targets in an upright position along the target track. The target device makes an efficient use of gravity to maintain upright targets in an upright position and to reset toppled targets into the upright position. The target device includes a forwardly canted deflector plate to protect the device. The deflector plate, endless loop conveyor and target rail may all be canted forward in substantially parallel planes thereby allowing for a compact mechanism and facilitating portability. A method for providing moving targets is also disclosed.

Abstract: A ceramic finger seal for use between a housing and a combustor liner to inhibit air passage therebetween and for use in fluid sealing between a rotating shaft and a housing circumscribing the rotating shaft. The ceramic finger seal has at least two annular diaphragm members constructed of two or more diaphragm segments bonded end to end by ceramic cement or other high temperature joining compounds. The diaphragm members may be partitioned into a generally continuous inner diameter portion and a segmented outer diameter portion or the reverse thereof. The segmented portion includes finger elements spaced uniformly apart forming gaps therebetween and extend radially outward or inward terminating in a foot portion. The rolled edge on the finger is formed by laser cutting to prevent gouging of the combustor liner surface.

Abstract: In a ferrofluid seal that supports a pressure differential between a low pressure side and a high pressure side, a reservoir is created between a first seal stage at the low pressure side and its adjacent seal stage. The volume of the reservoir is relatively large compared to the volumes of the interstage areas between the other seal stages. In addition, a controlled leakage path bypasses the first stage from the reservoir to the low-pressure area. The leakage rate through the bypass path is controlled so that gas in the reservoir leaks to the low-pressure area relatively slowly, for example, the bypass path might equalize the pressure across the first stage over a five-minute interval. This arrangement prevents a seal stage burst from disgorging a large gas volume into the low-pressure side.

Abstract: In a known rotary shaft seal with two sealing lips, a first diaphragm body (20) with a first sealing lip (21) is mounted on a support element (22) and inserted in a second diaphragm body (23) with a second sealing lip (27) that rests against a pressure mount (24) and is mounted in the bearing mount (1). The object of the invention is to prevent the pressure medium from passing through the gap (26) between the two diaphragm bodies, which is open towards the pressure side, and ensure that the first diaphragm body can be displaced in the second along this gap. According to the invention, the first diaphragm body (2) is mounted on a support element (3) and inserted from the unpressurized side into the second diaphragm body (4), which serves to mount the seal in the bearing mount (1), reaches around a pressure mount (5) on the unpressurized side and secures it against axial movement.

Abstract: A structure and method of manufacturing an outer surface of a shaft avoids the creation of a preferential lead and thereby minimizes leakage through an annular seal assembly when such shaft is rotated or otherwise moved relative thereto during use. The outer circumferential surface of the shaft is formed having a plurality of relatively small irregularities that are evenly distributed thereabout. Such irregularities may be defined by relatively higher portions and relatively lower portions that are formed in an intersecting, cross hatched pattern or in a circumferentially extending undulating or oscillating pattern. To form the cross hatched pattern, an apparatus can be operated to engage the outer circumferential surface of the shaft in two sequential passes in opposite axial directions while the shaft is being rotated. To form the undulating pattern, an apparatus can be operated to engage the outer circumferential surface of the shaft in an axially reciprocating manner while the shaft is being rotated.

Abstract: A flat gasket for a reciprocating engine or a driven machine includes at least two laminated metal sheets 0.05 to 0.5 mm thick which are provided with a coating of an elastomer film at least on the side facing outward and have an edge area, formed by the outer contour and/or at least one cylinder bore and/or a water and/or oil passage in the cylinder head, adjacent to at least one peripheral first bead of one of the metal sheets, the second metal sheet bridging the first bead, both metal sheets being joined together permanently on both sides of the first bead.

Abstract: A self-adhesive gasket having a pressure sensitive adhesive on one side or on both sides can be used in place of plumbers putty to seal sinks to countertops, faucets to sinks, and strainers and pop ups to sinks and tubs. The gasket is preferably preformed from a flexible cellular plastic, preferably a closed cell urethane foam. The gasket may be used in a multitude of plumbing application to form a liquid seal.

Abstract: High-pressure static seals and pressure vessels with static seals for containing fluid at high pressures are shown and described. Embodiments of the invention allow a plug to be easily, manually inserted into and removed from the pressure vessel. A metallic ring in the seal is configured to expand under pressure to prevent an O-ring in the seal from being extruded into a gap between the plug and the vessel wall, but not to expand so much as to cause galling or similar damage when the seal moves with respect to the wall under elevated pressure.

Abstract: In a first aspect, a rotary vacuum-chuck is provided that may hold a substrate such as a silicon wafer for rotation. The vacuum-chuck includes a hollow rotary shaft and a chuck mounted on the hollow rotary shaft and having a surface adapted to support a substrate. The chuck has one or more openings in fluid communication with the hollow rotary shaft. A venturi is formed near an end of the hollow rotary shaft to apply vacuum to the hollow rotary shaft and the openings in the chuck surface. No seal is required between the end of the hollow rotary shaft and a surrounding stationary block.

Abstract: A drinking straw for consuming a beverage is prepared by: a) melt-extruding a polymeric material in the shape of a continuous tubular conduit suitable for preparing a plurality of drinking straws; b) cooling said continuous tubular conduit to a temperature below the softening point of the polymer; c) flattening the tubular conduit so as to collapse its structure into a substantially planar form, thereby constricting the central longitudinal cavity and reducing the volume of the continuous tubular conduit; d) cutting a length from the continuous conduit of suitable length for making the straw; and e) dilating the length cut from the conduit so as to restore the cross-sectional area of the central cavity and reconstitute the tubular structure of the straw. Advantages of the invention include minimizing storage space and shipping bulk, as well as reducing the need for packaging materials.

Abstract: A chuck for use with a manual or powered driver including a generally cylindrical body having a nose section and a tail section. The tail section defines an axial bore formed therein to mate with the drive shaft of the driver and the nose section defines an axial bore formed therein and a plurality of angularly disposed passageways formed therethrough and intersecting the axial bore. A plurality of jaws are slidably positioned in each passageway and each jaw defines a jaw face formed on one side and threads formed on the opposite side. A nut is disposed about the body for rotational movement with respect to the body and is in driving engagement with the jaw threads. A generally cylindrical front sleeve overlays the nose section of the body. A generally cylindrical nut retainer is disposed about the body and includes a frusto-conical portion.

Abstract: The locking device for a detachable skate of sports shoe in accordance with the present invention mainly comprises a rotatable hook, an elastic member, a lever and an engaging wall. The rotatable hook is provided on the detachable skate being adapted to releasably engaging with the engaging wall provided under the sports shoes. The elastic member is provided to bias the rotatable hook and the lever is used to rotate the rotatable hook for assembling or disassembling by means of overcoming bias force of the elastic member.

Abstract: A klop skate with pushing and pulling capabilities. In one alternate, the skate includes a glide member (110) for traversing a surface. The skate includes a shoe portion (112) for receiving a skater's foot. The skate has a base secured to the shoe portion (112) and underlying the received foot. The skate has a base lever (114) secured to the shoe portion base. The base lever (114) has a forward end portion and a forward base attachment structure (124) defined by the forward end portion. The base lever (114) has a longitudinal base lever axis aligned with a longitudinal axis of the received foot. The skate also includes an elongate frame (116) for mounting the glide member (110). The frame has a longitudinal axis, a forward end portion, and a forward frame attachment structure (136). The skate has a canted hinge (126) for connecting the forward end portion of the base lever (114) to the forward end portion of the frame (116).

Abstract: A highback for controlling a gliding board, such as a snowboard, through leg movement of a rider. The highback is comprised of an upright support member including at least two portions that are to be contacted by and to support a rear portion of the rider's leg and that are movable relative to each other for setting a desired forward lean of the highback. The support member may include a lower portion with a pair of mounting locations for mounting the highback to a gliding board component, such as a snowboard binding, and an upper portion movably supported by the lower portion to vary the forward lean of the highback. The highback may include a forward lean adjuster that that prevents the upper portion from moving in the heel direction beyond a predetermined forward lean position. The forward lean adjuster may be coupled to the upper portion and the lower portion of the highback to maintain the upper portion in the selected forward lean position independent of the gliding board component.

Abstract: A snow skiing device on which a skier may sit and/or stand. The device includes a frame having a front end and a rear end. A ski system which, in one embodiment, includes a steerable front ski attached to the front end and a rear ski attached to the rear end of the frame. The skis can be in linear alignment with one another. The device further includes a platform extending from the front end to the back end of the frame and is positioned above the skis. The platform, in one embodiment, is parallel to the skis.

Abstract: A portable toy including a toy push cart frame and one toy attachment. The frame includes a base portion of a predetermined width and at least one projection upwardly extending from the base portion. The projection has a height which is greater than the width of the base portion. The frame interchangeably supports and is removeably coupled to one of a plurality of toy attachments. A toy utilitarian attachment includes a toy body configured for removable and interchangeable attachment to the universal push cart frame. The body is substantially suspended from the base portion of the body, the body formed as one of a shop cart basket, a doll stroller seat, a tool box, a work bench, a refuse container, a garden equipment container; a serving bin and a toddler activity center. A universal push cart system includes a push cart frame and at least two interchangeable attachments or bodies. An injection molded wheel and hub assembly for a toy vehicle. The wheel and hub assembly includes first and second disks.

Abstract: A portable refreshment system with multiple compartments each having a lid, at least one of the compartments being insulated for providing storage of food goods and another of the compartments for providing storage for items other than food. The portable refreshment system includes a support at one end and a landing gear. The system may be shifted about the rotatable support between a substantially prone position and an elevated use position by the landing gear.

Abstract: A chair situated upon a single wheel in such a relationship to achieve a low center of gravity. The chair is secured between parallel elongated handle members, extending from the front to the back of the chair which enables the safe transportation of a handicapped person and cargo by two other people over rugged terrain where conventional devices for handicapped individuals are unsuitable. The chair is convertible to a four-wheeled chair which makes it practical to use for camping trips in the wilderness.

Abstract: The present invention involves a bearing assembly of a wheel end for a motor vehicle. The bearing assembly includes a steering knuckle which includes an integrated outer race with inboard and outboard raceways formed thereon. The steering knuckle includes a body having an inner wall formed therethrough to define a center bore of the body. The inner wall includes an inboard outer raceway and an outboard outer raceway formed thereon, thereby eliminating the use of a separate outer race. In one embodiment, the bearing assembly includes a hub including a flange and a hub shaft having inboard and outboard ends. The flange extends from the hub shaft at the outboard end. The hub shaft is disposed in the center bore of the knuckle at the inboard end. The hub shaft has a first raceway formed thereon adjacent the outboard end of the hub shaft. The first raceway is configured to cooperate with the outboard outer raceway of the steering knuckle to house bearings.

Abstract: A pair of tension cables are positioned around cams attached to the lower control arms of a vehicle suspension. Each tension cable includes a tension damper responsive to tension in the tension cables. Each tension damper includes a cylinder containing a fluid and a piston including at least one orifice attached to a rod. The piston divides the cylinder into a first and second compartment. The rod in connected to the tension cable. When the tension cable pulls on one end of the rod, the piston is pulled towards the tension cable. The fluid creates resistance in the tension damper as the fluid moves through the orifice from one compartment to the other compartment, damping vehicle roll. Control of the tension dampers can be passive, semi-active, or active.

Abstract: A carrier assembly for a fifth wheel mounted on a semi-trailer tractor includes a pair of generally parallel spaced rail assemblies, each comprising a bed plate, a rack of teeth superimposed over the bed plate and a rack cover plate superimposed over the rack of teeth. Bolts extend through the rack cover plate, rack of teeth and bed plate. A slider assembly includes a pair of spaced generally parallel axial elements superimposed over respective bed plates and connected by a transverse element. The slider assembly supports a tooth engaging mechanism that selectively engages the rack of teeth and is spring biased and mechanically biased toward a locked position. Rear stops are removably attached to the carrier assembly. Projections on the bed plate and rack cover plate extend into apertures in the rack of teeth to resist shear forces.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle (12) having a side structure (16) and a roof (18) comprises an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14). The inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) is inflatable away from the vehicle roof (18) into a position between the side structure (16) of the vehicle (12) and the vehicle occupant. A fill tube (22) has a portion located in the inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14). The apparatus (10) also includes at least one support device (40) that has a portion (42) that clamps around a portion of the fill tube (22). The apparatus (10) further includes a grab handle (150) that has at least one portion (156) adapted to interconnect with the support device (40). A fastener (180) is extendable through the support device (40) to connect the grab handle (150), support device (40), fill tube (22) and inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) to the vehicle (12).

Abstract: A head-protecting bag for an occupant in an automobile is provided. The bag is not likely to be caught at an inner surface of a compartment as it inflates downward along a lateral side of the compartment. The bag includes an intermediate folded-body which is formed by folding a plurality of times along folding lines extending in a longitudinal direction of the automobile. The intermediate folded-body is bellows-folded from its lower end to its upper end. As a result, the lower edge of its head-protecting bag is positioned toward the lower end side of the folded body. Since the lower edge of the bag is positioned toward the lower end side of the folded body, the folded body inflates always downward along the lateral side of the compartment.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for damping vibration of a vehicle part, such as a steering wheel or an electric motor. According to one embodiment, an apparatus (26) for damping vibration of a vehicle part (12) includes at least one container (50) having a chamber (56) defined by at least one interior wall (58). The container (50) is associated with the vehicle part (12). A plurality of particles (52) is disposed in the chamber (56). The particles (52), when at rest, occupy a first portion (82) of the chamber (56) and define an unoccupied second portion (84) of the chamber. The particles (52) move back and forth between the first and second portions (82 and 84) of the chamber (56) in response to vibration of the vehicle part (12) and collide with each other and with the interior wall (58) defining the chamber to damp the vibration of the vehicle part.

Abstract: An airbag system for a motor vehicle has an airbag that is deployed upon inflation with a gas from a folded state into the vehicle interior. An inflation device supplies gas for inflating the airbag. A sensing device senses deployment of the airbag to the effect that the temporal and spatial sequence involved in opening the folds of the airbag is detected. A control device controls the inflation process as a function of deployment sensing.

Abstract: A system for venting an air bag module having an air bag cushion retainer ring, an air bag cushion, an inflator, at least one spring positioned and compressed between the inflator and the air bag cushion retainer ring, a pyrotechnic rivet, sensors, and a restraint control module. If variable venting is required, the restraint control module signals the pyrotechnic rivet to release and the spring to urge one of the inflator or air bag cushion retainer ring away from the other of the inflator or air bag cushion retainer ring to create an opening between the retainer ring and the inflator to allow venting of the gas from inside the air bag cushion.

Abstract: An air bag assembly including an inflatable air bag cushion operatively attached to one or more profile restricting tether elements having an operative length which may be adjusted to provide desired inflation and impact response characteristics. The tether elements may be of actuated or self adjusting operative length to provide desired tension characteristics for various impact conditions.

Abstract: A safety belt apparatus for motor vehicles comprising a safety belt and a deflecting device for the safety belt which is connected to a holder which can be fastened to the vehicle via an absorption unit. The deflecting device being movable in an absorption direction by forces occurring relative to the holder with a pulling movement of the safety belt caused by an accident while overcoming an opposing absorption resistance of the absorption unit. The deflecting device being hindered from making a movement in the absorption direction with forces occurring in normal operation. The absorption unit being changeable in shape by the deflecting device moving in the absorption direction in order to overcome the absorption resistance.

Abstract: A method of systematizing a process for a user, in which the process has steps. Each step has a corresponding tab. The user sequentially performs the steps of the process in a sequence defined by an order of tabs. One step is linked to a subsequent step. Performing the step will affect the subsequent step.

Abstract: A combination writing surface and pen assembly that is used to facilitate obtaining autographs includes a sports object equivalent having a writing surface, in the shape of the object of a sport, capable of receiving writing or marking. A pen or other writing instrument has a writing end and a non-writing end, where a connector connects the pen to the sports object equivalent. There is preferably also a hole in the sports object equivalent for receiving the pen.

Abstract: The present invention provides a joint (6) between insulated pipes (4), which comprises: (a) two transport pipes joined together; (b) insulation on each transport pipe which ends short of the joint; (c) a casing surrounding the exposed portion of pipe; (d) a sleeve which provides a seal between an end of the casing and the adjacent pipe insulation, wherein the sleeve comprises recoverable polymeric material (1) coated at discrete regions with a sealant (3) and/or a heat-activatable adhesive (2), (preferably with the sealant (3) bridging the end of the casing and the pipe insulation to form a seal therebetween which can accommodate movement of the casing relative to the pipe insulation, and the adhesive (2) forming substantially annular bonds between the sleeve and the casing and between the sleeve and pipe insulation), characterised in that at least one region (4) of the sleeve, preferably between the sealant-coated and the adhesive-coated regions or at the edge of the sleeve, remains uncoated to provide a re

Abstract: A high-pressure fuel accumulator for a common-rail fuel injection system of an internal combustion engine has a tubular main body (1) to which is welded at least one bushing (13) for connecting a high-pressure line (6). To improve the quality and safety of the high-pressure connections, a collar (14) is formed on the end of the bushing (13) facing the main body (1).

Abstract: A combination structure of the assembly plates and the cylinder of a lock latch includes a cylinder, a first assembly plate, and a second assembly plate. The cylinder is formed with a slot which has a top end and a bottom end each formed with a locking recess, and has a first side and a second side each formed with at least one side recess. The first assembly plate is provided with at least one locking groove locked with the side recess of the first side of the slot, and is provided with a reinforcement plate locked in the locking recess of the slot of the cylinder. The second assembly plate is provided with multiple hooks locked in the side recess of the second side of the slot, and at least one recess for locking the side plate of the first assembly plate.

Abstract: A device for locking at least two protective doors of an industrial machine, in particular an injection molding machine, is disclosed. The device includes a momentary contact switch, a sensor device for recognizing a closed state of the protective doors and a mechanical lock with an actuator that engages with an associated receiving device on one door. At least one non-energizable actuator is provided that engages with a receiving device associated with another protective door. In this way, several protective doors can be locked simultaneously, in particular a closing door and a discharge door of an injection molding machine.

Abstract: A bumper assembly, alone and in combination with a vehicle, comprising an integral fascia and energy absorber. The integral fascia preferably being thermoformed with the energy absorber. The energy absorber preferably is made from expanded foam beads.

Abstract: An approach is provided for minimizing dings and dents on the side of a vehicle. A protective apparatus includes telescopic members attachably engaged on the edges of a door of a vehicle, wherein the height of the apparatus is adjustable.

Abstract: A refuse collection device includes a tubular portion to which a bag mount is attached. The bag mount defines a passage. A cover is movably mounted to the bag mount for openably closing the passage. A flexible bag, such as a plastic bag, has a front opening fit over and releasably secured to the bag mount for receiving refuses through the passage. The bag is comprised of first and second sheets, each having a front edge folded over sections of the bag mount. The front edge of the first sheet forms a cut line dividing the front edge into two opposite free flaps for facilitating mounting the bag to the bag mount. A flap retainer is mounted to the tubular portion and is biased by a torsional spring to securely fix the flaps to the bag mount thereby preventing the flaps from arbitrarily moving within the passage and thus enhancing collection of refuses into the bag.

Abstract: A mattress caddy including a support strap, with handles formed at each end, and two transverse rigid cradle assemblies. To utilize the present invention in the transportation of a mattress, it is first laid out lengthwise, with the cradle assemblies positioned open-end-up, to facilitate the loading of the mattress. The cradle assemblies are then positioned along the strap at an interval that measures somewhat less than the length of the mattress with each assembly an equivalent distance from one of the handles. A long edge of the mattress is then placed into, and thereafter supported/cradled by, each of the cradle assemblies. At this point, each individual grasps one of the handles with one hand, places his/her other hand on opposite surfaces of the vertically-oriented mattress to balance the load, and lifts the mattress off of the ground/floor.

Abstract: A latch assembly is provided for securing an auxiliary vehicle component to an anchoring member mounted on the vehicle. The latch assembly includes a housing operatively connected to the vehicle component, and a hook member movably mounted relative to the housing. The hook member includes a hook portion for engaging the anchoring member to secure the vehicle component relative to the anchoring member. The hook member is movable between a first and a second position. The hook member is permitted to move to an unlatched position to disengage the anchoring member while the hook member is in the first position. The hook member is prevented from moving to the unlatched position while in the second position.

Abstract: In front of a dash panel of a vehicle body, the dash module to which various parts are assembled, the various parts including an air conditioning unit and the like with a steering member extending in a vehicle width direction as a main constituent is installed. When the dash module is installed to the vehicle body, before heater pipes of the air conditioning unit are inserted to through hole portions of the dash panel, positioning pins at a vehicle body side enter upper and lower guide grooves of a bracket, which are provided in an end portion of the steering member at a driver's seat side, and a temporarily holding claw provided in an end portion of the steering member at a passenger's seat side is inserted to a temporarily holding hole portion at the vehicle body side.

Abstract: A decklid hinge is provided for a rear compartment of a vehicle. The decklid hinge includes a body side strap adapted to be connected to a vehicle body of the vehicle. The decklid hinge also includes a decklid side strap adapted to be connected to a decklid for closing a recess of the rear compartment. The decklid hinge includes a first link interconnecting the body side strap and the decklid strap for allowing rotation therebetween. The decklid hinge further includes a second link interconnecting the body side strap and the decklid strap for guiding pivoting action of the hinge along a predefined path. The decklid hinge includes a primary spring interconnecting the body side strap and the decklid strap to counterbalance a weight of the decklid when opening. The decklid hinge further includes a free-rise mechanism to allow the decklid to free-rise from a partial open position to a full open position.

Abstract: A detachable windshield assembly for a motorcycle including at least one clamp coupled to the windshield. The clamp is securable to the motorcycle in a secured condition and releasable from the motorcycle in an unsecured condition. The clamp includes a linkage movable between first and second positions such that the clamp is in the unsecured condition when the linkage is in the first position and the clamp is in the secured condition when the linkage is in the second position. The linkage has a center position and the clamp is biased toward the unsecured condition when the linkage is over center in a first direction and the clamp is biased toward the secured condition when the linkage is over center in the opposite direction.

Abstract: Vehicle floor coverings are provided with tubular air ducts therewithin that are configured to deliver air from air sources upwardly through a porous structure of the floor covering and into a vehicle compartment. Vehicle floor coverings are provided with electrical wiring harnesses therewithin that can facilitate the interconnection of various vehicle electronic components. Vehicle floor coverings are provided with optical fibers therewithin that are configured to deliver light from a light source to one or more locations within a vehicle and/or to provide special effects and customization of vehicle interiors.

Abstract: In a cover arrangement for a storage compartment for a removable vehicle roof with a storage compartment cover which is movable between a closed position and a clearing position, and wherein the storage compartment cover includes a center part and two side parts with an operating mechanism for the center part and actuating mechanisms for the side parts, the center part and the side parts are supported on the vehicle body in a common plane when the storage compartment is closed but are movable to a clearing position for the movement of the roof into, and out of, the storage compartment, the side part actuating mechanisms being inter-linked with the center part operating mechanism for moving the side parts together with the center part.

Abstract: A motor vehicle roof with a front roof part (3), a middle roof part (4) and a rear roof part (5), which can be moved between a closed position which covers the motor vehicle interior and a lowered position in a rear convertible top compartment (10) which exposes the motor vehicle interior, the middle roof part (4) being pivotally supported via a first connecting rod arrangement (12, 13) on the body and the front roof part (3) being movably supported by a second connecting rod arrangement (14, 15) on the middle roof part (4) and being displaced over the middle roof part (4) during lowering. For space-saving lowering of the roof parts, it is provided that the rear roof part (5) is pivotally supported by a third connecting rod arrangement (16, 17) on the middle roof part (4), and when the roof (1) is lowered, is displaced over the middle roof part (3 or 4) so that the three roof parts (3, 4, 5) are deposited on top of one another in an identically cambered orientation.

Abstract: A top for a convertible vehicle includes a rear top part attached pivotably to the convertible vehicle and a front, movably mounted top part. In a closed state of the top, the front top part and the rear top part are disposed over the convertible vehicle in a closed state of the top. In an open state of the top, the front top part and the rear top part are disposed behind front seats of the convertible vehicle with the front top part disposed below the rear top part.

Abstract: A portable camping deck comprises a plurality of panels adjacently aligned and coupled via hinges affixed therebetween. A plurality of rollers are affixed about the lateral margins of the plurality of panels and are aligned with a pair of guide rails, the guide rails receiving and housing the rollers. A pair of housings affixed to the undercarriage of a vehicle and in mechanical communication with the guide rails so as to receive the plurality of rollers for collapsible storage of the deck beneath the vehicle.

Abstract: A truck front section (120) including a grill (128), a hood (121), and a bridge assembly (137) is provided. The grill has a substantially vertical front surface and an upper portion. The hood has an upper panel (121) with a sloping front end disposed adjacent the grill upper portion. The bridge assembly is disposed above the front end of the hood upper panel and has a pair of oppositely disposed upright end members (133) attached to the hood upper panel. The bridge assembly also has a substantially horizontal aerodynamically shaped member (138 and/or 140) attached to the end members. The upper portion of the grill, the front end of the hood upper panel and the bridge assembly cooperatively form a duct generally disposed above the grill. The duct may discharge into a longitudinal channel (112 and/or 114) formed in the upper panel.

Abstract: A pair of left and right front frames are formed with brittle sections on proximal portions of the frames, by the provision of the smaller cross-sectional area than other sections of the frame. The brittle sections and their peripheral sections are processed so as to become approximately equal to the other sections of the front frames in axial compressive strength by way of a hardening treatment like quenching. In an early-phase of a collision, the hardened brittle sections will not buckle so as to induce larger initial load. Thereafter, the brittle sections will buckle because of their lower ductility, so that the front frames begin bending deformation to effectively absorb the collision energy.

Abstract: A vehicle front structure including a pair of front side members extending in a fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle, each including a first front end portion with a first leading end, and a pair of subframes extending along the front side members on a lower side thereof, each including a second front end portion with a second leading end. The first and second front end portions are connected with each other via a connecting portion therebetween. An abutment member in the form of a tie-down hook or a first cross member is connected with the subframes via the connecting portion. The abutment member includes a front end forward offset from the first and second leading ends of the front side members and the subframes and a portion placed at substantially same height as the second front end portion.