Abstract: A method of playing a wagering card game which includes selected elements of the games of Blackjack and Poker, said wagering card game being played between a dealer and one or more players, where the dealer deals from a stack of cards containing a plurality of standard 52-card decks of cards and Poker payout odds are predetermined, this wagering card game having rules wherein: a. each player elects to play Blackjack or Poker or both by placing a Blackjack bet or a Poker ante bet or both respectively, b. then the dealer deals according to standard Blackjack procedure to all those players who elected to play Blackjack, c. then before the dealer turns over his hole card and before he makes the Blackjack payout or collection to the players playing Blackjack, each player who previously made a Poker bet is invited to play Poker using his Blackjack hand as the beginning of his Poker hand by placing a Poker raise bet, d. then each player electing to play Poker places his raise bet, e.

Abstract: A stackable washer tossing game apparatus and method of play which allows a player to easily stack, store, and transport the scoring boxes. The apparatus incorporates a removable center scoring pin with the game. The apparatus also comprises a scoring box having an inside gripping surface which minimizes bounce of the washers used in the game. The apparatus further comprises washers having an impact absorbing coating which further minimizes bounce. The washers of the apparatus having an outside diameter or periphery which has a plurality of dimples or serrations which further minimizes rolling of said washers.

Abstract: A face seal cartridge to facilitate the operation of a shaft and a bore forming a sealed rotating assembly is disclosed. The face seal cartridge includes first and second sealing members to form the face seal, and first and second o-rings and cartridge walls which act, along with a cartridge bottom, to contain the first and second sealing members and provide additional sealing functions to the interface of the shaft and the bore.

Abstract: In-line roller skate including a soft, pliable, and comfortable shoe body having structural foot support components positioned in selected strategic areas such as the ball, heel, and ankle. In one embodiment, the structural components are made of semirigid plastic that may be heat-moldable to conform to the user's foot. The shoe sole may also include heat-moldable materials so it can be anatomically formed to the foot. The shoe is mounted on a frame that supports a plurality of in-line roller wheels and includes structure for easily removing and replacing the wheels. The shoe-frame connection may be laterally and longitudinally adjustable. A speed control or brake, which applies a frictional force downwardly onto some or all of the in-line roller wheels, is mounted on the frame. Canting adjustment is provided to allow the ankle support to be canted laterally or longitudinally.

Abstract: A cup holder attached to or incorporated into a portion of an open top basket of a standard wire mesh shopping cart. The cup holder used for holding different types and sizes of beverage cups. The cup holder, in one embodiment, including a circular cup ring. The cup ring used for receiving a portion of a beverage cup therethrough. The cup ring attached to a swivel mounted on a top portion of a round vertical telescoping cup ring support. A lower portion of the cup ring support attached to a first side of the open top basket mounted on a cart frame of the shopping cart. Also, one or more cup rings may be incorporated into a bottom portion of a foldable rack attached to a rear of the open top basket. A portion of the various cup holders can include used for advertising.

Abstract: A vehicle arranged for raising and lowering the frame relative to the ground wheels for loading comprises a vehicle frame with a hitch at a forward end of the frame and at least two ground wheels for supporting the frame for movement across the ground. Each wheel has a mounting assembly providing driven rotation of a hub carrying the wheel spindle from a raised height of the wheel to a lower locked position. The hub is driven by a hydraulic motor driving a pinion. A fender is mounted on the vehicle frame for covering the wheel during transport, the fender including two interlocking portions thereof which are spring mounted so as to be movable relative to the wheel to accommodate the movement of the wheel to the raised position. The frame has a rear portion which is movable rearwardly to adjust the position of the load and the rear portion of the fender can be attached to the rear frame portion so as to be moved away from the wheel with movement thereof.

Abstract: A container for a pile of recyclable material includes bottom, side, and back walls and a substantially open front to facilitate inspecting the pile for contaminants. A pair of rotatable wheels on the bottom of the container, and a base on the bottom of the container are adapted to rest on a horizontal supporting surface such as a floor. A transparent retainer on the front of the container confines the pile of papers when the container is tilted and rolled from one location to another. The container bottom slopes downwardly away from the open front of the container, and the back of the container slopes upwardly away from the open front to promote forming a pile which is slightly inclined to vertical when the container rests on the horizontal surface. External means on the container facilitate picking up the container and dumping the pile in a collection truck.

Abstract: A utility cart of adjustable height having a top tray with integrated wheels to be rolled into the cargo area of a vehicle as it is detached from the base of the cart—with the base of the cart having its own integrated wheels for use as a separable dolly—and with the top tray being dimensioned to fit flat within the cargo area of the vehicle in transporting cargo loads, and to fit through standard doorway widths when coupled with the base as a display cart of the cargo load.

Abstract: A platter cart has a wheeled base and at least one vertical support extending upwardly from each side of the base at a location spaced between the front and rear end of the base. A series of front shelves are secured to extend forwardly from the supports at spaced intervals, and a series of horizontal rear shelves are secured to extend rearwardly from the supports at spaced intervals. Each rear shelf is vertically offset from the front shelves, so that two platter carts can be nested together by pushing a rearward cart into the end of a front cart with the front shelves of the rearward cart nesting into the spaces between the rear shelves of the front cart.

Abstract: A suspension and axle assembly is provided having two identical stampings, each of which form a portion of an axle and a portion of first and second suspension control arms that extend from the axle. The two stampings are coupled to one another along a continuous weld path. The assembly eliminates the connection points between the axle and control arms. The assembly also defines a pair of bores in which springs may be disposed at varying heights to lower the vehicle floor and reduce loads on the control arms, bushings, and other joints.

Abstract: A hub for a wheel wherein a buffer mechanism is inside the hub barrel to reduce shock caused by a difference in level and thus enhance comfort and durability, and the left and right lateral torsion in the direction of an axle of a wheel is eliminated to improve safety, this hub for a wheel (10) includes a mechanism wherein the hub barrel (11) has an axle (21) therein, a rotator (26) for rotating and supporting the axle (21) is made to buffer (40) independently of rotation of the axle (21), the buffer (40) rotatably engages the rotator (26) of the hub barrel (11) by a link mechanism (30), and has a frame shaft (20) for engaging and supporting the vehicle frame (19).

Abstract: This invention relates to a cycle, such as a bicycle, having reciprocal pedal levers for propelling at least one wheel of the cycle. The cycle has a frame that includes a rack, a left pedal lever with a rack and a right pedal lever with a rack. A pinion is carried on the frame with the pinion in simultaneous engagement with the racks on the frame and the pedal levers. A plurality of bearings are mounted around the pinion comprising at least a first bearing providing rotation between the pinion and the frame, a second bearing providing rotation between the pinion and the right pedal lever, and a third bearing providing rotation between the pinion and the left pedal lever.

Abstract: A bicycle trailer hitch or accessory mount uses a trailer tongue or accessory receiving flange on a body with a pin that is rotatably and removably carried in a integrally mounted bicycle frame socket, the body and socket each having a corresponding bearing surface.

Abstract: A vehicle drawbar support assembly for supporting a drawbar pivotally coupled to a frame of the vehicle includes a drawbar support attached to the frame. The support engages and supports an end of the drawbar. A pair of bushing members are mounted to the support on opposite sides of the drawbar. The bushing members are engageable with the drawbar to limit sideways movement of the drawbar. Each bushing has a multiple-sided outer surface, and each bushing has a bore extending therethrough along a bore axis which is offset from a central axis of the bushing. Each bushing is rotatable about the bore axis so that different selected sides are engageable with the drawbar. A pin couples each bushing to the support and is received by the bore of the respective bushing.

Abstract: A locking device for a golf cart has a bracket, two sleeves, an engaging bar and two securing members. The bracket is securely connected to an axle to which the rear wheels are mounted, and the stem of the golf cart is pivotally mounted on the bracket. The sleeves are securely connected to the bracket and securely mounted around the axle. The engaging bar is secured to the stem and near the bracket. The securing members are respectively rotatably mounted on the bracket and chassis, and each has a hook and a pressed segment extending outward from the chassis. Accordingly, the user can operate the locking device with foot, and to fold or to expand the golf cart is convenient.

Abstract: A dolly for transporting multiple containers. The dolly is provided with a plurality of casters which allow it to spin on its footprint. Supports, each of which can carry a container, are hinged together allowing the dolly to flex when encountering alterations in flooring level. Also provided are large side wheels which reduce the force necessary to push the dolly over a bump or onto a floor which is at a higher elevation. When one support is not carrying a container, the support can be rotated with the hinge to a point at which it is approximately perpendicular to the adjacent support and thereby approximately vertical to the floor. Rotating one support to an approximately vertical position shortens the dolly footprint and aids in storage. Moreover, a support which is rotated to an approximately vertical position can be temporarily maintained in that position by a lock.

Abstract: To reduce damaging of an inner tube in the vicinity of a gas ejection port of an inflator. To the peripheral portion near an end on a gas ejection port side of an inflator, one end of a pipe is fixed. The pipe extends in the axial direction of an inner tube having such flexibility as a cloth, is smaller in the diameter, shorter and higher in rigidity than the inner tube. In the pipe, its leading end is thinner than a part that is an outer portion of the gas ejection port of the inflator. Further, at the peripheral portion of the end of the pipe, a rear-leading end of the inner tube is clamped by a clamp.

Abstract: An air bag assembly utilizing a releasable anchoring structure operatively connected to one or more extendible tethering elements and providing adjustable cushion depth. A displaceable support element selectively engages or disengages the anchoring structure during operation of the vehicle taking into account steady-state inputs such as vehicle velocity, occupant size, seating position, and seat-belt use. The displaceable support element may be automatically engaged or disengaged from the anchoring structure as occupant and/or driving conditions change prior to actual air bag deployment.

Abstract: Externally deployed airbag system for a vehicle including one or more inflatable airbags deployable outside of the vehicle, an anticipatory sensor system for assessing the probable severity of an impact involving the vehicle based on data obtained prior to the impact and initiating inflation of the airbag(s) in the event an impact above a threshold severity is assessed, and an inflator coupled to the anticipatory sensor system and the airbag for inflating the airbag when initiated by the anticipatory sensor system. The airbag may be housed in a module mounted along a side of the vehicle, in a side door of the vehicle (both for side impact protection), at a front of the vehicle (for frontal impact protection) or at a rear of the vehicle (for rear impact protection). Also, the externally deployed airbag can be deployed to cushion a pedestrian's impact against the vehicle.

Abstract: A gas generator or inflator 10 preferably contains a housing 12 formed from welding a cap 14 and a base 16 in nested and coaxial relationship. Welding a first wall 15 of the cap 14 with an adjoining and substantially coextensive second wall 17 of the base 16 forms a structural girth. An annulus 36 is preferably formed centrally within the cap 14 thereby providing a seat for an igniter mount 22. An igniter mount 22 is fixed within the annulus 36, and houses an igniter 18 fixed therein.

Abstract: A safety apparatus including a rollover air bag to protect an occupant of a vehicle during the rolling-over of the vehicle, the rollover air bag comprising: first and second panels of woven material that has been coated on at least one side thereof to reduce the porosity of material to substantially zero, the panels sewn together along a first sewn seam to define an inflatable portion of the air bag; seam sealing means for sealing the first sewn seam so that the internal pressure of the air bag at about five (5) seconds from the time the air bag is initially inflated is about 35 Kpa (about 3.5 psi).

Abstract: An active energy absorbing system including a steering column housing movable on a collapse stroke. An energy absorbing device is mounted on the steering column housing and exerts a resistance force against the movement of the steering column housing along its collapse stroke. The energy absorbing device includes a base unit having an adjustable deforming member disposed within. A deformable strap is also housed by the base unit and is attached at one end to a vehicle structure. The deformable strap engages the adjustable deforming member. An actuator is associated with the base unit and adjusts the adjustable deforming member. A spring attachment member is associated with the base unit and includes an adjustment portion that engages the adjustable deforming member and provides for movement of the adjustable deforming member to vary the total active surface area engaging the deformable strap.

Abstract: An energy absorbing device for a collapsible steering column has a plurality of plastically deformable straps each with one end connected to the steering column and an opposite end bent around an anvil connected to stationary vehicle support structure. When the steering column collapses, the straps unwind from the anvils, thereby resisting steering column collapse and absorbing energy. One or more of the straps may be cut in two by a knife at the time of the collision, thereby removing it from the energy absorbing system. In another form of the invention, an energy absorbing strap extends around a piston which has two or more different size anvils. The piston is axially movable in a cylinder to positions surrounding one or another of the anvils. The strap is drawn over the anvil it surrounds when the steering column collapses, thereby resisting collapse of the steering column and absorbing a certain amount of energy depending on the size of the anvil.

Abstract: A seat belt guide includes a main portion formed of a lower cover and an upper cover, a slide portion of a hanger is inserted into a hanger guide portion to slide in the front and rear directions of the hanger guide portion. Thus, guide positions of a seat belt can be changed. In the main portion, there is provided a spacer with upper flange and lower flanges, which is inserted into a slide hole of the slide portion, so that the slide portion is disposed between the upper and the lower flanges, and the hanger can be slid.

Abstract: An energy absorbing assembly for a vehicle seat belt anchor. Two energy-absorbing members are carried on a seat belt anchor mounting bolt that connects an adjusting rail to a body pillar. One energy-absorbing member, upon contact with an object that is suddenly moving toward the bolt is initially crushed until the object contacts the adjusting rail. A second shock-absorbing member is disposed between the adjusting rail and the body pillar to absorb a continued motion of the object toward the body pillar.

Abstract: A safety belt arrangement is provided that has a belt retractor that includes a force-limiting device. When triggered in a collision, the belt retractor is associated with limited belt release therefrom. Associated with the belt retractor is a tensioning device that is actuated subsequent to the primary collision and that eliminates slack in a belt that occurs when the force-limiting device is triggered during the primary collision.

Abstract: A locking mechanism interconnects telescoping outer and inner tubes between extended and retracted lengths, such as for a trek or ski pole. A detent or pin movably extends between the outer and inner tubes to secure the tubes with respect to one another. A connector sleeve can be disposed on one tube, and movably receive the other tube therein. A button can be carried by the sleeve, and is depressable to force the pin away from the outer tube, allowing the inner tube to slide. The button can be formed on an annular band that deforms when the button is depressed, and the resiliently returns to its initial shape when released to bias the button away from the detent or pin.

Abstract: A display device such as a folder, binder or book includes transparent envelope pages for display of material and a support that is deployable to brace the covers of the device inside out in a triangular configuration that is capable of supporting relatively heavy displays from the apex of the triangle so formed.

Abstract: A promotional card including a base card defining front and rear surfaces with at least one of the surfaces having indicia thereon and a token attached to at least one of the surfaces of the base card. In one example, the token is an informational booklet that is removably attached to the base card. An overlaminate is disposed over at least a portion of the informational booklet, the overlaminate includes at least one weakened region between the informational booklet and at least one of the top and bottom edges of the base card. The informational booklet is attached to at least one of the surfaces of the base card and contains at least one non-adhered edge and at least one adhered edge with the adhered edge being the leading edge for feeding the promotional card into a high speed processing machine that will feed the promotional card into a multi-page article.

Abstract: A business form with laser compatible punch-out card and the methods of making the combination. The card is permanently adhered to a perforated backer sheet, the periphery of which extends beyond the card and is coated with adhesive for application to the bottom surface of a form containing a hole such that the card is disposed within the hole. The card and attached portion of the backer sheet can then be removed from the card-in-form combination by breaking the perforations. The card is die cut from card stock laminated to the backer layer and is prepared for application to the form by stripping a waste matrix of card material from the laminate through the use of patterned release material.

Abstract: A fluid coupling includes various features. One feature is a disconnect tool that may expand a lock ring from engagement with a lock shoulder to permit the male half and female half to be separated. Another feature is to utilize geometry and structure whereby a leak would occur to indicate the condition of wear within the coupling while the coupling halves remain mechanically coupled. A further feature is to provide connection verification structure to assure that a complete connection of the male and female halves has been made. A still further feature is to provide an anti-rotational sleeve which would selectively prevent and permit relative rotation between the male half and the female half.

Abstract: A pipe clamp has a tightenable clamp body and at least one spike strip arranged radially inwardly within the clamp body and slanted toward the axial center of the clamp body. The spike strip and a radially inner side of the clamp body delimit an acute angle therebetween. The spike strip has a first longitudinal edge provided with teeth projecting radially inwardly and slanted axially relative to the clamp body. The at least one spike strip has a second longitudinal edge supported in a radial direction and in an axial direction on the clamp body. An area between the at least one spike strip and the radially inner side of the clamp body defined by the acute angle is free of parts counteracting a bending of the at least one spike strip toward the radially inner side of the clamp body.

Abstract: A sleeve-type pipe joint 10 has a joint body 11 having a cylindrical projection 12 adapted to be inserted into a pipe 40 to be connected; a ring member 20 having a larger inner diameter than an outer diameter of the pipe 40; and a resiliently deformable, cylindrical sleeve member 30 moved into a space between the ring member 20 and the pipe 40, at least one of an inner surface of the ring member 20 and an outer surface of the sleeve member 30 being provided with a tapered portion, such that when the sleeve member 30 is moved into the ring member 20, the sleeve member 30 is deformed inward, resulting in tight connection of the inner surface of the pipe 40 to the outer surface of the cylindrical projection 12. When the ring member 20, the sleeve member 30, and the joint body 11 are assembled, the ring member 20 and the sleeve member 30 resist detachment from the assembled pipe joint 10.

Abstract: A vehicle door latch device comprises a latch body, a latch provided in a recess of a latch body, and a ratchet provided in the recess. The latch body has a tongue part which comes into contact with an outer peripheral part of the latch, and a contact pin which comes into contact with the latch. The tongue part applies a first external force in an anti-rotational direction of the latch to the latch by contact with the outer peripheral part of the latch, and the contact pin applies a second external force in a axial direction of the latch shaft to the latch by contact with the latch. The tongue part comes into contact with the outer peripheral part when the latch is over-rotated exceeding a full-latched position.

Abstract: A pressure-sensitive locking device comprises a housing (2,20) having an opening therein, and an insertable member (1,21) adapted to be inserted into the opening whereupon it can enter into locking engagement with a locking member (4,36) in the housing. The locking member (4,36) is cooperable with pressure-sensitive means (7,28) in the housing to effect disengagement between the locking member (4,36) and the insertable member (1,21) upon a reduction of pressure.

Abstract: A vehicle door handle device includes a frame secured to the inside of the outer panel of a vehicle door and having a supporting portion and insertion holes, a link rotatably mounted on the frame and urged by an elastic member in one direction, and an outer handle mounted from outside the outer panel. The outer handle is adapted to operate the link to rotate the link against the rotational urging force of the elastic member. The link possesses a first engaging portion and axle portions having two faced portions. The frame is provided with slots for inserting the two faced portions and supporting holes for rotatably supporting the axle portions. The frame also includes a second engaging portion which engages the first engaging portion for holding the link in a preliminary holding position.

Abstract: An improved hoist ring and method of manufacturing a hoist ring having a generally U shaped ring member and two substantially parallel legs. A pair of apertures communicated through the parallel legs and rotationally engage a pair of elongated shoulders protruding from a body member. A taper in the upper wall surface of the apertures allows the ring member to be inserted over the shoulders and then bent to a U shape to form the device and also allows for the assembly of the device from two unitary structures.

Abstract: A vacuum nozzle includes a nozzle body and a nozzle tip joined to allow relative motion therebetween. A proximal portion of the nozzle tip is adapted to slidably engage in the axial direction a surface of the nozzle body. The proximal portion has at least one flexible arm and an interfacing element disposed thereon that can cooperatively engage with a receiving element associated with the nozzle body. By forming the vacuum nozzle in at least the two parts, the unsprung mass of the vacuum nozzle is reduced with an attendant reduction in force transferred to a component when contacted by the nozzle tip. A compliant element is positioned between the nozzle body and the nozzle tip and also contributes to reduce impact forces. A method of using a vacuum nozzle with a vacuum transfer system are also provided.

Abstract: A chopstick manipulator comprises a bridge and clamps. Each clamp includes an inner support having an inner surface where an upper half of the inner surface has a mid portion so the bridge interconnects each mid portion thereof, a rear support extending from a rear end of the inner support so that about a right angle is formed by each outer surface of the inner and rear supports, and a distal support extending substantially forward from an outer end of the rear support while forming a substantially prismatic shape. The distal support is defined by an outer surface, a rearward slant surface and a forward slant surface so that a prismatic ridge by the respective slant surfaces approaches the outer surface of the inner support where an angle by the rear support and the rearward slant surface is less than 90 degrees.

Abstract: A system and method for advertising and providing sales incentives to customers of stores. This method includes placing advertisements or sales incentives, which can include coupons or rebates, on a useful device such as a carrying strap containment device and receiving payment for doing so. The carrying strap containment devices are packaged and distributed to stores either directly or through a store's distribution system. Each store distributes the carrying strap containment devices to its customers by attaching the devices to the straps of shopping bags and giving the bags to the customers during the checkout process. The stores are paid for distributing the devices based on the number of devices distributed. The effectiveness of this system can be determined by comparing the number of devices distributed with the number of sales incentives redeemed.

Abstract: Apparatus are provided for storing items within vehicle cargo compartments. A panel is pivotally secured within a cargo compartment and is movable between a closed position in adjacent, face-to-face relationship with the wall and one or more open positions substantially transverse to the wall, and a retractable retaining belt operably associated with the panel. The retaining belt is movable between retracted and extended positions. The retaining belt has a free end and a post attached to the free end that is configured to be gripped by a user so as to move the retaining belt to an extended position. A floor within the vehicle includes one or more apertures formed therein, and the post includes an end portion that is configured to be removably inserted into the one or more apertures so as to maintain the retaining belt in one or more respective extended positions.

Abstract: A damper system of a glove box includes fastening holes formed at side walls of the glove box, plates provided with through holes to be aligned with the fastening holes, a binding groove formed at one side of each plate, a fixing groove formed at the other side of each plate, a plate spring joined with the binding groove and the fixing groove, and protrusions provided at both sides of the glove box so that the plate spring can be fixed when the glove box pivots by the hinge, such that when the glove box pivots, the plate springs contact the protrusions, whereby the weight of the glove box can be reduced.

Abstract: A drive system for a movable crossover box includes a pair of pulleys located at the rearward side ends of the truck body; a pair of pulleys mounted at each of the upper front corners of the truck body, with a continuous strand of cable threaded around the pulleys so as to create an upper strand portion and a lower strand portion. A drive winch is operatively secured to the cable and is adapted to rotate in opposite directions at the selection of the operator so as to move the cable in one direction or the other. The crossover box is mounted for longitudinal movement on the upper portion of the truck body, and the box is affixed to one strand portion of the cable whereupon the box can be moved longitudinally forwardly or rearwardly on the truck body depending on the direction that the winch moves the cable.

Abstract: An overhead-storage system for the interior of a motor vehicle having a headliner and defining a passenger compartment includes a housing having at least one convenience feature supported in the housing and adapted for use by a passenger of the vehicle. The housing is operatively supported for rotational movement relative to the headliner and about a rotational axis of the housing such that the at least one convenience feature may be selectively moved angularly relative to the rotational axis into close proximity of the passenger.

Abstract: A vehicle tailgate and bed arrangement is disclosed. The tailgate is movable over a range of motion between an open and a closed position. The vehicle bed surface has a rear edge and the tailgate includes a convexly arced surface defining a gap with the rear edge. The convexly arced surface maintains the gap at a substantially constant width along the entire range of motion of the tailgate. The constant gap width prevents any debris from collecting in the gap between the tailgate and the bed.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for closing a vehicle storage compartment. The apparatus includes: a housing which resembles a tailgate of a vehicle and wherein the housing has one or more loading surfaces. The loading surfaces can be removed from the tailgate, placed into a loading position and used for loading items into or out of a vehicle storage compartment. Thereafter, the loading surfaces may be transformed into a storage position and placed within the housing.

Abstract: A stowable vehicle seat assembly and a method of manufacturing a stowable vehicle seat. More specially, the stowable seat includes a bottom assembly forming the lower portion of a vehicle seat, and a rear assembly forming the back portion of the vehicle seat. In the stowed configuration, the bottom assembly and rear assembly are uncoupled, each folding to form a substantially flat subassembly easily stowed and fixed against a vehicle floor adjacent one another.

Abstract: A trailer including an inner frame that is made of metal, an outer shell that is made of a non-metal and that at least partially surrounds the inner frame, and at least one wheel rotatably secured to the inner frame. In a preferred embodiment, the outer shell is made of a plastic. The inner frame includes a lower frame portion with which the at least one wheel is rotatably secured, and an upper frame portion that supports at least a portion of the weight of the outer shell. Preferably, the upper frame portion includes a middle support member that extends upwardly from the lower frame portion, and a first bar assembly that is hingedly connected to the middle support member. In another embodiment, a second bar assembly is hingedly connected to the middle support member.

Abstract: The present invention includes an electrically driven screw lift device for pivotally lifting a pickup truck cap or camper shell 14. As used, a standard camper shell 14 is mounted to the bed 16 of a pickup truck 12 and the shell 14 is hinged at 34 on the driver's side of the truck 12. A 12-volt screw linear actuator 20 is mounted to the pickup truck 12 and to the camper shell 14 and provides positive lift and retraction when activated. The actuator 20 lifts the complete camper shell on the hinges 34 making the pickup truck bed 16 accessible from the passenger side of the bed.

Abstract: A tailgate cover includes a flexible panel having a first side, a second side, a first edge, a second edge, a third edge and a fourth edge. The first and second edges are positioned opposite of each other. A bisecting line extends through the first and second edges and divides the panel into a first portion and a second portion. Each of a first elongated strap and a second elongated strap is attached to and extends along a length of a respective one of the first and second edges such that a respective first portion and a second portion of the first and second straps is defined. The first side of the panel is positionable on a tailgate. A securing assembly releasably secures the first and second portions of the first strap together and the first and second portions of the second strap together.