Abstract: A sealing assembly for relatively rotating mechanical members, having a first and a second shield member fitted respectively to a first and a second of the relatively rotating members; and a low-friction-coefficient sealing member. The sealing member has a sealing portion cooperating with the first shield member; a root portion carried integrally by the second shield member; and a connecting portion shaped to define a hinge region between the root portion and the sealing portion.

Abstract: Herein taught is a new device for improving the overall function and/or aerodynamic qualities of a typical snowboard. The device may be manufactured independently as an accessory item, or it may be included in the snowboard at the point of manufacture. The main improvement being an elongated member which when combined with a snowboard, functions as a springboard respectively. Whereby, bodily movements and/or energies of a user are transferred from the springboard into the snowboard and greatly aid with overall performance, especially jumping and turning.

Abstract: This invention relates to the field of carts on wheels to make it easier to carry a trolling motor and battery to operate the trolling motor from a store to the customer's boat at a pier. A compartment for the battery is provided at the lower part of the cart above and adjacent to the wheels and a receiving recess for the cylindrical motor housing is provided at the lower part of the cart just forward of the battery compartment. When the cart is pivoted rearwardly on the wheels, the battery compartment and battery thereon is above the wheels and rotated slightly to the rear thereof and the receiving recess for the motor housing and motor thereon is above the wheels and rotated slightly to the front thereof for relatively uniform distribution of the weight of those items to better balance the carrying weight.

Abstract: A three-sectional golf cart structure including a stretchable hand pull-bar, two struts for wheels, a “U” shaped lower stand and two links, wherein the hand pull-bar includes an inner pipe and an external sleeve; the two struts for wheels each is connected on one end thereof with a wheel; the two links both have their ends connected to the two struts for wheels and the external sleeve respectively. Thereby, when the hand pull-bar is pulled up, it moves therewith the two links to stretch out the two struts and the wheels; while down pressing of the hand pull-bar will collapse the two struts and the wheels to be received in the two lateral sides of the “U” shaped lower stand, and by stretching and retracting of the three members including the inner pipe, the external sleeve and the “U” shaped lower stand, the three-sectional golf cart structure is formed.

Abstract: A push cart transferable to a back holder and a chair includes a pair of connecting mounts jointing a bottom frame and a back frame as well an angle adjusting device jointing with an upper frame and the back frame; wherein the angle adjusting device adjusts the rotation angle of the upper frame; the bottom frame displaces and positions vertically or horizontally in a concave slot of the connecting mount; the connecting mounts slide at a limited distance on a left and a right lateral tubes of the back frame so as to fulfill the embodiment of being a push cart, a back holder or a chair.

Abstract: A wheel suspension system for a vehicle includes a vehicle wheel having a wheel rim and a tire secured to the wheel rim. The wheel is secured to a frame portion of the vehicle by a spindle assembly. The spindle assembly includes a wheel carrier arm pivotally secured thereto at a pivot point, such that the wheel and the wheel carrier arm rotate together about an axis of rotation defined by pivot point. The wheel carrier arm is in communication with a shock absorption device. The shock absorption device is located within a space defined by the wheel, such that the shock absorption spring device is hidden when the vehicle wheel is viewed from a side direction. The shock absorption spring device compresses upon an impact force contacting the vehicle wheel. In the most compact form, the wheel carrier arm and the shock absorbing spring device is packaged within the wheel rim volume such that both are hidden when the vehicle wheel is viewed from a front direction.

Abstract: A stabilizing strut, in particular for a chassis of a vehicle, in particular a Watt strut, is described, the strut having an elongate strut body which is designed as a profile. The strut body is formed as a profile which is open on one side at least in some sections along its longitudinal direction and the two longitudinal edges of which are connected integrally to each other at least in some sections axially to give a closed profile. Furthermore, a method for producing a stabilizing strut of this type is described.

Abstract: An antisway bar assembly and kit for the same for use in a automobile or a bus or other vehicle, the antisway bar assembly including an antisway bar including first and second ends and a center portion therebetween. Antisway bar assembly further includes first and second mounting arrangement for rotatably securing first and second ends of antisway bar. In one example embodiment, first and second mounting arrangement are mounted on a vehicle chassis or frame between a kingpin and an airbag on each end of front wheel axle assembly. A method for replacing a stock A-frame antisway bar assembly on a vehicle chassis including removing the stock A-frame assembly and coupling first and second mounting arrangement to the vehicle chassis and rotatably securing a first end and a second end of a replacement antisway bar to the first and second mounting arrangement, respectively.

Abstract: A torsion bar spring arrangement, particularly a stabilizer arrangement, for a double-track vehicle, has at least one prestressed spring element which limits the introduction of force into the torsion bar spring or the stabilizer to a value defined by the prestressing force of the spring element, in which case the spring element acts as an overload protection such that, when a force is introduced which significantly exceeds the prestressing force, the torsion bar spring arrangement would be damaged without this spring element. The torsion bar spring can have a divided construction and the spring element can be clamped in between the two parts of the torsion bar spring, in which case these two parts of the torsion bar spring can be mutually rotatable by way of an actuator.

Abstract: An aerodynamic frame for a bicycle. A head tube extends from a main frame and mounts a front fork of the bicycle. A down tube depends from the main frame, bifurcates, and straddles a rear wheel of the bicycle. A pair of rear wheel stays extend from the down tube and straddle and mount the rear wheel of the bicycle and mount a pedal assembly of the bicycle. A seat tube extends from the main frame and mounts a seat of the bicycle. The main frame, the down tube, the pair of rear wheel stays, and the seat tube are streamlined airfoil-shaped for aerodynamics. A forwardmost facing surface of the head tube is vertically wedge-shaped for aerodynamics.

Abstract: A towing apparatus is provided including, in one embodiment, a pintle hitch having a retainer and an associated retainer lock. The retainer may be coupled with a mount by way of a pivot allowing it to rotate into and out one or more selected positions. The retainer may also be mounted on a guide such that it may translate relative to a mount. The apparatus may be configured to be selectively displaced between a towing position and a stowed position. Additionally, the mount of the apparatus may be adjustably coupled with the base. In such a case, the apparatus may have another guide to enable the mount to translate relative to the base. This may allow the mount to be height-adjustable and provide further versatility. In one embodiment, a swiveling mount may allow the mount to swivel relative to the base to accommodate the towing of trailers over rugged terrain.

Abstract: A passenger airbag assembly is provided with a guide chute. The chute guides a deploying airbag to a door in the instrument panel. The door comprises steel inserts molded into the material of the door. The steel inserts include three slots spaced apart to absorb stress. To reinforce the hinges of the door, a guide or reinforcement ledge is provided at the sides. To reinforce the ledge, ramps are provided on the underside of the ledge.

Abstract: To provide a protective cushion for a vehicle occupant's head which can introduce gas into chambers simultaneously or with desired time lags among the chambers. A cushion 1 comprises an occupant-side sheet 2 and a body-side sheet 3 which are superposed on each other and sewn together so as to form vacant chambers 11 through 14 between the sheets 2 and 3. A cylindrical member 20 is disposed between upper portions of the sheets 2, 3. Gas supplied through a rear end 21 of the cylindrical member 20 is introduced into the chambers 11 through 14 through openings 22, 23 and a front end 24 of the cylindrical member 20.

Abstract: An algorithm for evaluating information from sensors interacting with strips that are extended during activation of the airbag determines whether the airbag has contacted an out-of-position occupant. In one embodiment, each strip includes an alternating pattern that generates a frequency in a sensor through which the strip passes during deployment. The frequency generated is based upon the speed with which the strip passes by the sensor and, in turn, the speed of deployment of the airbag. A controller evaluates the frequency and the changes in frequency from the sensor during deployment. Depending upon the specific configuration of the system and the specific vehicle, a decrease in the speed of deployment of the airbag may be indicated by a decrease in the frequency of the signal. A decrease in speed of deployment may indicate that the airbag is in contact with an occupant.

Abstract: An airbag deployment sensor stores a quantity of tape which is drawn out of a cartridge during airbag deployment by one end of the tape which is attached to the inside surface of an airbag. To facilitate assembly of an airbag system, the cartridge is designed with a key for locking the tape against premature extraction from the cartridge during the assembly process. The cartridge is used in combination with a mounting bracket which assures that the tape is free to be extracted from the cartridge once the cartridge is mounted to the bracket because, either the cartridge cannot be mounted to the bracket with the key in place, or the mounting bracket causes the key to move to a non-locking position.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) includes an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) and an inflation fluid source (50) for providing inflation fluid (152) for inflating the protection device. The apparatus (10) also includes an opening (170) through which the inflation fluid (152) flows from the inflation fluid source (50). A member (190) is movable to control flow of the inflation fluid (152) through the opening (170). A volume of a field responsive fluid (230) resists movement of the member (190). The field responsive fluid (230) has a viscosity that varies in response to an energy field acting on the fluid. The apparatus (10) further includes means (232) for varying the viscosity of the field responsive fluid (230) to vary the resistance to movement of the member (190).

Abstract: An airbag is pushed in portions by at least one slide means into at least one compartment in order to generate the folding. So that even complex folds are possible using a relatively simple apparatus, in accordance with the invention the airbag is arranged on the apparatus with a first portion in a substantially vertical position, and a second portion of the airbag is pushed into a compartment, during which the second portion is pre-tensioned by the weight of the first portion in front of the associated slide means. Further provided is pushing the airbag in a first direction into at least one first compartment and pushing in a second direction into at least one second compartment, this second direction being directed at an angle in relation to the first direction.

Abstract: An expandable tubing assembly comprises a tubular connector defining overlapping longitudinal slots, the connector comprising end portions and an intermediate portion. The slots extend over the whole length of the connector, but the only slot overlap occurs in the intermediate portion. The assembly further comprises lengths of expandable tubing defining overlapping longitudinal slots and having end portions defining nodes between and beyond the ends of the tubing slots. Tubing threads are formed on the end most tubing nodes. The connector end portions define threads and are coupled with the threads formed on the nodes of the respective end portions of the tubing lengths.

Abstract: A male threaded joint tipped with a male lip having a male seating face and a male stop transverse surface proximate to the male seating face. A female threaded element includes for co-operation with the corresponding male threaded element, a female seating face and a female stop transverse surface provided on a female shoulder and proximate to the female seating face. The annular female shoulder zone is subjected to axial compression forces resulting from the pressure of the male and female stop surfaces and has an inner peripheral surface, the diameter of which is at least locally proximate to the female stop surface smaller than the diameter of the inner peripheral surface of the male lip. The ratio R of the two diameters is less than 1 but not less than 0.9.

Abstract: A land vehicle traction control device consisting of a box containing sand, or other suitable anti-skid material, mounted near the wheels of a vehicle, a mechanism which controls the flow of sand to the wheels, and a nozzle that distributes material or sand to the wheels, said nozzle containing an ice pick and a heater element for discharging ice buildup. The control mechanism is activated by a selenoid which gets its power form the tail or stop lights and is controlled by switches located in the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

Abstract: This invention relates to a latch mechanism. The latch mechanism comprises a latch bolt rotatably mounted about a pivot on a chassis. The latch bolt is movable from an open condition, in which it is free to receive a striker of a motor vehicle, to a closed condition in which the striker is retained by the latch bolt. The latch bolt comprises an overmold of elastomeric material, which defines first, second and third buffers. The third buffer is adapted to cooperate with an abutment on the chassis to absorb over-travel of the striker when the door of a motor vehicle carrying the latch mechanism is closed.

Abstract: A system is provided for releasable engagement between two structures. The system includes a stud extending outwardly from one of the structures along an axis. The system also includes a resilient member positioned adjacent a surface of the other one of the structures. The resilient member is configured to expand radially outwardly to permit passage of the stud, yet the surface of the structure contacting the outer surface of the resilient member prevents movement of the outer surface radially outwardly. The resilient member is configured to engage the stud for releasable engagement, thereby providing releasable engagement between the structures.

Abstract: A multifunction drum lifter includes a saddle and a plurality of lift arms pivotally connected to the saddle. Each arm includes a working end having at least one lift finger for engaging the chime of a drum to lift the drum. Preferably the lift arms are three in number and each includes a second lift finger for lifting different sized drums. Each lift arm also includes a plug wrench head and an open end wrench head at its working end so that the lift arms can be used as drum wrenches when removed from the saddle. Preferably each arm has a different plug wrench head and open end wrench head from the other lift arms providing an assortment of drum working tools for the user.

Abstract: An integrally molded carrier for balanced lifting and carrying of two bottles by their necks and that maintains a space between the bottles so as to prevent collisions between them is disclosed.

Abstract: A lift and dump bed is movably mounted on a wheeled frame such as a trailer or truck with the dump bed being pivotally movable to a dumping position or horizontally raised to a lift position.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a passenger compartment enclosed by a body, which body includes at least a roof present at the upper side, two side walls positioned opposite each other on either side of a longitudinal axis of the vehicle, which join the roof, and a rear wall, which joins both the roof and the side walls. At least a portion of the rear wall and a rear portion of the roof can be moved in a forward direction so as to form a reduced passenger compartment and a freely accessible loading space located therebehind.

Abstract: This invention relates to a control panel for a vehicle interior. The control panel includes a housing defining a recess formed therein. A panel is pivotally attached to the housing at a pivot axis. The panel has at least one control mechanism mounted thereon. The panel is movable between a first position, wherein the panel generally covers a portion of the recess, and a second position wherein the panel generally exposes the recess. The control panel further including one of a detent mechanism attached to the housing and the panel for biasing the panel in one of the first and second positions, a spring mechanism attached to the housing and the panel for biasing the panel towards one of the first and second positions, and a damper mechanism to dampen the motion of the panel during movement of the panel between the first and second positions.

Abstract: An article attachment system is disclosed for a vehicle having one or more receiving members. The system includes a base having an attachment device to couple and uncouple the base with the receiving member. The base is configured to interchangeably receive an article and includes a retention device to selectively retain and release the article. A universal mounting adapter is also disclosed for interchangeably attaching articles to a receiving member and includes a base adapted to couple to the receiving member, a selectively deployable attachment device adapted to engage a portion of the receiving member and couple the base to the receiving member, an article interface to couple an article to the base, and a retention device between the article interface and the base.

Abstract: A tailgate advertising assembly includes a tailgate and a billboard. The tailgate is for attachment to a rear of a vehicle so as to be moved between a closed position and an open position as for loading and unloading, and has an upper extremity, a lower extremity, opposing side extremities, an inner face, and an outer face. The billboard is engaged to the tailgate, and overlies the outer face of the tailgate. The billboard supports advertising indicia.

Abstract: A drivable flap hinge for connecting a flaps such as a front hood or a trunk lid, to a body of an automobile in an articulated manner. The drivable hinge includes a first retaining part for fixing to the flap, a second retaining part for fixing to the body, at least one connecting member, which is pivotably arranged on at least one of the two retaining parts with a joint, and a driving motor, which is drive-connected to a joint pin of the joint. The flap hinge advantageously enables a front gate or tail gate of an automobile to pivot in a driven manner as a result of the driven joint pin connecting the first retaining part and the connection member.

Abstract: A windshield assembly for use on a motorcycle includes a lower windshield mount fastened to the triple tree of the motorcycle. A windshield is pivotally mounted to lower windshield mount. A break-away mechanism is mounted to an upper portion of the windshield and releasably couples the windshield to an arm that is directly coupled to the handlebars of the motorcycle. If a predetermined force is applied to the windshield the break-away mechanism will release the windshield from the arm allowing the windshield to pivot.

Abstract: A backlite control system is provided for an automotive vehicle having a convertible roof. In another aspect of the present invention, a backlite control link uses a living hinge to aid in controlling the travel of the backlite during expansion and retraction of the convertible roof. A further aspect of the present invention employs a backlite control link directly connected to the number four roof bow of the convertible roof assembly.

Abstract: A vehicle body structure comprises: a side roof rail, a rear roof rail, and a rear pillar, which are disposed in the rear portion of an vehicle body, and which intersect each other at an intersecting portion; a rear door provided for optionally opening and closing a rear port of the vehicle body; an automatic opening and closing unit disposed inside the vehicle body and in the vicinity of the intersecting portion; an aperture provided in the intersecting portion; and an arm provided through the aperture for connecting the automatic opening and closing unit to the rear door. The automatic opening and closing unit is fixed to at least the side roof rail, the rear roof rail, and the rear pillar so as to pass above the aperture.

Abstract: A vehicle shade assembly includes a pair of frames each having a selectively expandable width. A plurality of mountings is attached to each of the frames. Each of the mountings is adapted for removably coupling the frames to upper edges of vehicle windows. Each of a pair of flexible panels has a first side and a second side. The first sides of the pair of flexible panels are each attached to one of the frames such that the frames are positioned between the mountings and the flexible panels. The frames are mounted on windows of opposite sides of the vehicle such that the flexible panels cover the windows.

Abstract: The invention comprises an inflatable cone-shaped wind dam for reducing the air drag of a moving tractor-trailer. The wind dam is comprised of two longitudinally opposed sections each section having an outer shell and an inner inflatable bladder, constructed so that the outer shell houses the inner inflatable bladder. The cone-shaped wind dam further comprises an inflatable mating joint for maintaining the form and structure of the wind dam.

Abstract: Disclosed is an upper connecting structure of a side rail and a center pillar. The side rail has a closed cross section constituted by a side rail outer member and a side rail inner member disposed inside of the side rail outer member. A ridge line extending in a lengthwise direction of a vehicle is formed by an upper surface and a side surface of the side rail outer member. Further, a plurality of bead sections are formed over the upper and side surfaces of the side rail outer member across the ridge line. More specifically, a pair of bead sections are formed with a connection portion of the side rail outer member and the center pillar between so as to securely prevent the upper connecting structure from being collapsed.

Abstract: An entrance strip for a motor vehicle, a stepping surface for generating an antislip capacity is provided with an insertion element which has a rubber strip framed by an inner as well as an outer cover.

Abstract: A guide mechanism for the cover of a sliding/tilting roof has on each of the two sides thereof a slotted guide that is pivotally mounted to raise the cover. Arranged in the area of the rear edge of the cover is a unit that includes a drain gutter and, at each lateral edge, a guide part. In the raised position of the cover, the unit having the slotted guide is fully decoupled from the unit having the drain gutter in the horizontal direction of displacement.

Abstract: A roof unit (3) for installation in an opening formed in a motor vehicle roof (3) and which has a transparent area and/or a roof opening which can be closed with an openable cover. At least one screen (11) is integrated into the bottom part (7) of the roof unit (3) facing the motor vehicle interior, in the installed state, and the at least one screen can be moved, especially swung down, into a position of use out of a rest position in which the screen lies flat in the bottom part (7).

Abstract: A shock-load G-force minimizing seat structure which responds principally in non-springy compression, rather than in spring-loading bending, to vertically directed shock loads. The seat structure features an anti-springy frame structure which supports a thin and very lightweight seat cushion support spanner web formed preferably of a non-stretchy material, such as a material made out of elongate carbon-fibre strands.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly including a seatback frame and an active head restraint system including a headrest, upper armature, lower armature and linkage operatively interconnecting the upper and lower armatures. In the event of a rearward impact, the lower armature is operable to absorb energy generated at the pelvic and lumbar regions and to cause the headrest to pivot upwardly and forwardly toward the head of the occupant through interaction with the upper armature and the link. Similarly, the upper armature is further operable to absorb energy generated at the thoracic region to activate the headrest following the initial response by the lower armature.

Abstract: A vehicle seat for use with a vehicle includes a seatback frame and a guide member attached to the seatback frame. A slide bracket is attached to the seatback frame below the guide member, and the slide bracket has a slot. The seat further includes a headrest arrangement movably associated with the seatback frame. The headrest arrangement includes a headrest and a support structure connected to the headrest and engageable with the guide member. The support structure includes a projection that extends into the slot and that is movable with respect to the slide bracket from an initial position to an actuated position. Upon sufficient impact to the vehicle, the projection moves from the initial position toward the actuated position and the support structure moves along the guide member, such that movement of the headrest is guided to provide support for the head of an occupant.

Abstract: A reclining chair has a control switch and a control device. The control device has a tube connected to a support frame, a joint disposed on a seat, a rod inserted through the tube and connected to the joint, a control thread connected to the control switch and a cylindrical block, an inner threaded socket disposed on the tube, a hollow cylinder disposed on a positioning mount, a compression spring inserted in the hollow cylinder, a positioning pin passing through the compression spring and the hollow cylinder, the hollow cylinder engaging with the inner threaded socket, a connector clamping a tail of the positioning pin, the control thread passing through an angle plate of the positioning mount, and the cylindrical block inserted in the connector.

Abstract: An articulation mechanism has a central part and a head part each made of a pair of shaped elements. The pairs of shaped elements form inner and outer shells. The inner shells are positioned inside the outer shells. The pairs of shaped elements are pivotable relative to one another and lockable relative to one another in several positions in one pivot direction. The outer shells have inwardly oriented projections and the inner shells have openings. A slide is moveably arranged inside the inner shells. The slide has locking members projecting through the openings of the inner shells and engaging intermediate spaces of the projections. A spring acts on the slide in an engagement direction of the locking members relative to the projections. The projections are shaped such that the locking members automatically reach a locking position in a first pivot direction of the head part.

Abstract: A seat reclining and fold-flat mechanism for reclining the seat-back, folding the seat-back flat and locking the seat in an upright or reclined position. The mechanism includes an arm, a pawl and a locking member. The arm is pivoted to the frame at one end and attached to the seat-back at a second opposite end to pivot the seat-back relative to the frame. The pawl is pivoted to the frame and pivots between a locked position, in which the pawl engages the arm to prevent arm from pivoting, and a released position, in which the pawl releases arm allowing arm to pivot. The locking member secures the pawl in the locked position, thereby securing seat-back in an upright or reclined position even when substantial force is executed on the seat-back.

Abstract: A headrest assembly is provided wherein a headrest guide and/or a headrest insert permit adjustment of the headrest even when one or more components of the headrest assembly are misaligned or out of tolerance. The headrest guide includes two sleeves, each sleeve forming a channel, the two sleeves rigidly connected with respect to one another so that the channel of each sleeve is parallel with the other.

Abstract: A child's sleep collar for use with a child safety seat that includes a pair of collar supports, forming a left and a right collar support. Each of the collar supports has a body, an attachment end, and a coupling end. The attachment end includes an attachment strap and is designed to attach respectively to a left or right belt positioning clip of a child safety seat. The coupling end of each collar support forms a generally planar surface and has a left or right collar fastener respectively attached to the planar surface. Each of the collar fasteners is designed to releasably engage the other collar fastener. When the collar fasteners are attached, the left planar surface faces the right planar surface. The body of each collar support includes a cushion fill material and is preferably tubular.

Abstract: A footrest of a reclining chair has a footrest part pivoted to the seat, and an adjusting mechanism joined to the frame of the chair and the footrest part; the adjusting mechanism has a pivotal shaft supported on the frame, first and second controls in the form of a pedal connected with one end of the shaft, connecting rods pivoted to the footrest part and joined to the shaft, and a stopping member connected with the other end of the shaft for helping hold the footrest part in position; the first and the second controls are connected with the shaft such that the footrest part can be angularly displaced to, and secured in a stretched position by depressing the pedal portion of the first control, and such that the footrest part can be moved towards a retreated position by depressing the second control to angularly displace same.

Abstract: A pivotal mounting mechanism and a method of mounting an axle in an axle mount. A plug is inserted in a receptacle such as the open end of a tube which has at least one J-shaped track. The axle is held in its final position by inter-engagement of the plug and tube. The mounting mechanism is easily assembled and substantially vandal resistant.

Abstract: Securing elements are provided for securing a wheel cover to a wheel, and are pivotally connected to connecting projections equidistantly spaced near an edge of an inward side of a wheel cover. Each securing element has a connecting plate, which projects downwards from a lower end thereof, and which has an engaging block projecting from an inward side, and an engaging space formed right above the engaging block. The securing elements are joined to respective connecting projections so that the former can be pivoted on the latter between an upright in-use position where the engaging blocks are fitted into the engaging holes and a not-in-use laid down position where the engaging blocks are disengaged from the engaging holes and where the engaging spaces receive the bar-shaped portions therein. Thus, wheels covers equipped with the securing elements can occupy less space when stacked up in a pile.