Abstract: A motor-vehicle door latch has a latch mechanism, a locking lever movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, a motor drive, and a blocking lever engageable with the locking lever. The locking lever can be decoupled from the blocking lever during fast unlocking so that the locking lever can move into its unlocked position. A spring-loaded force-transmitting lever is coupled to the drive so as to, when displaced thereby in one direction, entrain the locking lever for fast unlocking and so as to, when displaced by the drive in an opposite direction, deflect.

Abstract: A system designed to store an implant together with the tools necessary to implant the stored implant, and a method of using the system. Such system includes an implant storage tool adapted to retain the implant within a storage container. The implant storage tool is operable to provide an implant applicator.

Abstract: Golf ball pick up devices are disclosed which are simple in design and construction while permitting exceptional performance during usage. The golf ball pick up device will have an elongated handle with a tubular housing positioned at one end thereof and a tension member extending across the lower opening of the tubular housing. The tension member will have a displacement resistance which permits passage of a golf ball thereby and into a cavity of the tubular housing when the device is placed over the golf ball and which prevents passage of the golf ball thereby during subsequent manipulation of the device. Numerous optional features are explained including devices to set a tee, pick up a tee, place a golf ball, mark a golf balls location and pick up a golf ball marker.

Abstract: A quick connect assembly provides a male portion with a pair of arms defining teeth on their outer surface, and a female portion having a sleeve, defining inward facing teeth corresponding to the outward facing teeth of the male portion. Insertion of a handle upon which the male portion has been secured into the female portion will cause the teeth of the male portion to engage the teeth of the female portion, securing the handle in its desired location.

Abstract: A retractile grab device, suitable for extracting and recovering submerged concrete blocks which form part of the protective structure at harbours and marine docks. The device of the present invention operates with a crane or similar mechanical driving apparatus that supports it and from which the operating tasks are performed, and is capable of executing a prehensile movement between its claw elements, whereby it takes firm hold of a submerged block and raises and deposits it any chosen place.

Abstract: A bag carrying device that will allow an individual to carry and contain multiple plastic grocery bags with the use of one hand comfortably. The bag carrying device is lightweight, compact and can be stored in a handbag or pant pocket. The bag carrying device is comprised of a horizontal tubular shaped handle. The horizontal handle will be covered with a soft foam hand grip. The inside of the tubular shaped handle is hollow allowing a flexible connecting member to be inserted directly through the center of the tubular handle extending and tapering downward and adjoining to a fastening device with a safety gate. The fastening device with a safety gate will allow the user to attach and remove multiple plastic grocery bags with ease preventing the user from having to attach one bag at a time or balance bags on separate hooks.

Abstract: A panel or cutting table which is preferably substituted for the tailgate for holding a cuttable item to be worked on and for mounting a tool having a blade and for supporting a cuttable item said device being attachable to a vehicle resting on the ground with an extendable central frame which may be reduced in size to be approximately the size of the panel or tailgate replaced and defining a holding mechanism for holding a saw and other tools so that the tools may be rotated to give the proper cut and also having an aligning rule to control the angle of the blade relative to a second aligning rule which holds the item to be cut square. In addition, the panel has a pair of legs capable of receiving two by fours so that a saw horse is provided. Finally, a scaffolding framework is described so that the panel may be used on hot days with a covering.

Abstract: A collapsible storage device includes a first panel and a second panel, with one end of the first panel rotatably secured to one wall of a vehicle bed. One end of the second panel is rotatably secured to the opposite end of the first panel. The device has a deployed or storage position in which the first panel is generally horizontal and the second panel is generally vertical so that the two panels, in cooperation with the existing walls of the bed, form an enclosed container. The device also has a folded position in which the second panel is folded against the first panel, and the first panel together with the second is folded against a wall of the vehicle bed. The collapsible storage device has means for locking the device in the deployed and/or the folded position. Alternatively, the device may have means for locking the two panels together during deployment and/or retraction, or the device may be interposed between two storage bins along a wall of the vehicle bed.

Abstract: A modular overhead console assembly and headliner combination for a passenger compartment of a vehicle includes a headliner having an upper surface, a lower surface and an elongated slot formed therethrough. An overhead console mounting arrangement is attachable to the headliner adjacent the elongated slot. The mounting arrangement includes an upper member mountable to the headliner such that the upper member extends above the upper surface of the headliner and a lower member attachable to the upper member such that the lower member extends below the lower surface of the headliner. A channel in the lower member receives and secures at least one removable accessory module. At least one electrically conductive strip is disposed adjacent the channel in the lower member to provide power to the module via electrical connectors on the module housing.

Abstract: A tailgate seat system for use with a pickup truck includes a back, a seat, and a hinge connecting the seat to the back. The hinge permits the back to freely pivot with respect to the seat, including to form an L-shaped position and also a folded U-shaped position. The tailgate seat system also includes a substantially rigidly supported pole extending along the back to maintain the back in fixed L-shaped or U-shaped position with respect to the seat. The back and the seat each include a rigid panel topped with padding. The back and seat can be upholstered or otherwise treated for comfortable use in seating. The seat can sit atop a tailgate, and the back can extend upright from the seat. The tailgate seat system is conveniently stowable in minimal space of a pickup bed. Additionally, the back of the seat can serve as a display, such as for a design, ad, or team logo.

Abstract: A lock plate and a movable plate are provided to fix a seat at an optional position, and an actuator is provided between the seat and the movable plate. The seat is moved to the rear of a vehicle body in an initial stage of impact by the actuator. Acceleration is generated in the seat through impact abutment of a collapsible tube in the actuator against a piston head in an intermediate stage of impact. In a final stage of the impact, the seat is made integral with the vehicle body. The deceleration of the vehicle body and the seat and the deceleration of an occupant can be made equal to each other at an earlier timing. The apparatus can be installed by making use of a space under the seat, whereby the necessity of securing a special vacant space for installation of the apparatus can be obviated.

Abstract: A sun visor assembly is provided that includes a foundation having a pair of foundation halves. An upholstery cover extends over each of the foundation halves to form an outer of the sun visor. A vanity mirror brow is disposed over one of the foundation halves under the cover, such that a portion of the cover is raised off of the foundation. A vanity mirror assembly is disposed over the cover assembly adjacent the vanity mirror brow. The addition of the vanity mirror brow between the foundation and the cover gives the perception that at least a portion of the vanity mirror assembly is attractively recessed into the foundation.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for wrapping a tarp around a load. The system generally includes a cart that attaches to a tarp, a rigid pole placed within the tarp connecting the cart to the tarp. Typically, a powered winch includes a strap wrapped around it and the strap is connected to the cart. The winch can be connected to the cart, or to the frame of the trailer. In operation, the powered winch is energized thereby winding the strap around the winch spool, thereby drawing the cart to the trailer load and up one side of the trailer load, across the top and down the other side at which time the tarp is fully placed around the load. Multiple overlapping wheels are connected to the cart. Once the load is covered, the system can be disconnected and stored.

Abstract: A vault for securing the contents a truck bed, including a raised or elevated forward section and multiple, articulated panels arranged to cover the bed of a truck and lock into a closed position.

Abstract: A tonneau system for a cargo box of a vehicle including a support frame, a cover spanning the support frame; and a clamp. The support frame includes side rails having an inboard section and an outboard section, such that the outboard section is positioned adjacent to the top surface of the sidewall of the cargo box to aid in the supporting and positioning of the support frame. The clamp is capable of hanging from the support frame during installation to improve the ease thereof. The clamp also includes a pair of members being positionable in any one of a plurality of discrete positions for improved installation. A front rail adjustment mechanism permits the selective tensioning of the cover to maintain a predetermined load therein. While a front rail retaining mechanism is slidably coupled to the front rail member to prevent the front rail member from being inadvertently disengaged from the side rail members.

Abstract: A truck top frame for supporting a fabric cover including two or more bows mounted in truck stake pockets. Each bow having a plurality of nipples mounted thereon facing adjacent bows. Multiple purlins are supported by the bows by a pair of facing nipples. The bows comprise three sections including two vertical sections, a horizontal section and two non-rotating sliding joints therebetween. Each vertical section including a transitional section and its upper end and the horizontal section includes a transitional section at each end thereof. The transitional sections on the horizontal section join the transitional sections on the vertical section in a parallel telescoping relation in two non-rotating joints.

Abstract: In a roof storage compartment cover of a vehicle, particularly for passenger cars, which have a roof that is movable between a closed position in which the roof covers an interior vehicle space and an open position in which the roof is deposited in a storage compartment behind the interior vehicle space, the storage compartment has a cover including a front cover part and a rear cover part which are supported by a support console and can be moved by a support mechanism out of the way to provide a passage for transferring the roof into and out of the storage compartment, the rear cover part being pivoted below the front cover part and being locked therein by pivoting the support console employing the roof operating mechanisms.

Abstract: A convertible (1) with a roof (2), which can be stowed in the rear region (3) of the vehicle beneath a lid part (4), it being possible to open and close the lid part (4), on the one hand, for unblocking an opening (7) for the passage of the roof (2) adjacent to the front region (4a) of the lid part (4) and, on the other, for unblocking an opening (8) for luggage, adjacent to the rear end region (9), an auxiliary frame (11) being disposed beneath the lid part (4a) and connected in the, in the driving direction (F), pre-disposed area over a multiple joint (14) with the lid part (4) and mounted moveably with respect to the vehicle body in its rear region (12), wherein the multiple joint (14), while the opening (7) for the passage of the roof (2) is unblocked, is held in stood-up position which enlarges the distance between the lid part (4) and the auxiliary frame (11) relative to that of the closed position.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of an automotive convertible roof system has a flat-fold boot cover. In another aspect of the present invention, the boot cover includes various pliable fabric materials that are laminated together to form an integrated material. A further aspect of the present invention provides that flexible stiffeners be placed between the flexible sheets during the manufacturing process. Still another aspect of the present invention employs flexible stiffeners having a non-uniform thickness, which cause the flexible stiffeners to bend asymmetrically when subjected to a bending load.

Abstract: A motor vehicle has an opening which can be closed by a swivellable component, particularly a tail gate, the component being mounted by at least one hinge on a vehicle body part and the hinge having a first hinge half fastened to the vehicle body part and a second hinge half fastened to the swivellable component. An adjusting device for aligning the swivellable component with respect to the adjoining vehicle body contour is provided. So that the aligning of the swivellable component can be carried out from the direction of the exterior side of the vehicle when the component is closed, the adjusting device is arranged on the exterior side on the end area of the second hinge half facing the swivellable component.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a preferred embodiment of a panel retention device is provided. A further aspect of the present invention includes a base portion having a rib extending from less than an entirety of a periphery of a first surface to define an open recess. In another aspect of the present invention, the retention device has a pivot axis defining an elongated center of a torsion bar.

Abstract: A door impact beam for a vehicle which includes a flange for receiving a load, a reinforcement body having approximately U shape in cross section and provided in one piece with the flange, a pair of separated side portions for connecting the reinforcement body to the flange, a bottom portion connected to the side portions via each curved portion, and the side portions having a configuration extended in an outward width direction while extended to the bottom portion direction.

Abstract: A fender arrangement that is simple to manufacture and mount extends at least partially over the vehicle body and has an upper edge, and a reinforcement element including multiple sections positioned along the upper edge on the inside of the fender, the sections of the reinforcement element forming a hollow profile with the fender, where the reinforcement element is connected to the vehicle body via at least one connection section forming a hollow profile.

Abstract: A rear side member is composed of an upper member and a lower member. A flange of the upper member and a flange of the lower member are spot-welded to each other. An end edge of the upper member and a flange of the lower member are individually spot-welded to a side sill. A flange of the lower member is spot-welded to the lower surface of the upper member. A flange of the upper member and an end edge of the lower member are spot-welded to a rear wheel house. Thus, the upper member and the lower member form a closed cross section. A side edge portion of a rear floor panel is spot-welded to the upper surface of the flange.

Abstract: A pillar trim structure comprises: a vehicular pillar; a pillar trim for covering the pillar from the inner side of a compartment; a first retained member having its one end fixed on a vehicular widthwise face of the pillar trim and extended to the side of the pillar and its other end retained in a first hole formed in the pillar; and a second retained member having its one end fixed on the vehicular widthwise face of the pillar trim and extended to the side of the pillar and its other end retained in a second hole formed in the pillar. The engagements between the first and the second retained members, and the pillar can be released by deforming the pillar trim to separate the other end of the first retained member and the other end of the second retained member.

Abstract: A bonnet structure for automobiles with improved safety characteristics, in particular in the case of collisions in road accidents between automobiles and pedestrians, comprising at least one absorbency element (14), made for example from expanded polypropylene, expanded polyurethane or in a honey comb, placed between the outer surface (10) and the lower or inner surface (11) of the bonnet; the absorbency element (14) can be fixed through gluing or other mechanical connection means and, moreover, it is possible to foresee placing a material (16) with strong resistance to traction and with zero or almost zero bending moment on at least one of the sides of the absorbency element (14), in order to connect the outer and inner surfaces (10, 11) of the bonnet more firmly and to improve local resistance to breaking of the absorbency element (14).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for attaching an undercover to the underside of a car body floor panel having a plurality of studs, comprises tubular fasteners that are inserted into respective mounting holes of the undercover with diametral clearance and that are engaged with the studs. Each fastener comprises clips coupled to one another and having flanges that exert a predetermined clamping force on the undercover while permitting displacement of the undercover along the floor panel due to thermal deformation.

Abstract: A space frame for an motor vehicle having hydroformed upper and lower longitudinal members and hydroformed cross-members. Each upper longitudinal member is connected to a corresponding lower longitudinal member in the front and at the rear of the frame by members formed of stamped sheet metal. The stamped components can form part of the front and rear wheel wells. The use of stamped members to connect hydroformed members can permit the use of hydroformed members in motor vehicles with minimum amounts of space for frame members.

Abstract: A movable panel assembly includes a panel movable between open and closed positions and also movable to a vented position. In the vented position a mesh member attached on one side to the panel and on another side to a guide or gutter structure extends to substantially cover the opening. The mesh member is flexible and collapses with the gutter guide assembly. The mesh member inhibits the intrusion of water into the passenger compartment and reduces wind noise.

Abstract: A one-piece sunshade assembly for covering a vehicle sunroof includes guide flanges and a handle integrated into a sunshade panel that covers the sunroof. The guide flanges, handle, and sunshade panel are all formed from the same molding process to form the one-piece sunshade assembly from a plastic material such as polypropylene. An occupant of the vehicle grasps the handle that is molded to be recessed in the sunshade panel to slide the panel and cover and uncover the sunroof. The guide flanges extend from the sunshade panel to slidably engage guide rails and guide the panel as it is slid.

Abstract: A chair assembly includes a first support stand, a second support stand, a support frame, four support tubes, four connecting members, two first mounting members, two elastic members, and two second mounting members. Thus, the chair assembly can be folded and expanded easily and conveniently. In addition, the chair assembly can be supported rigidly and stably.

Abstract: A quad chair (100) with solid armrests (130) collapses in a single movement in which (a) the front legs (110) approximate each other when the front legs and the rear legs (120) pivot towards each other, and (b) the armrest slidingly moves along the front leg, rear leg, or cross brace (150).

Abstract: A portable seat is formed from rectangular frame members that are joined at their midpoints and foldable between an open and a closed position. A flexible seat is attached to the top leg of each of the frame members and pouches are affixed to the sides of the portable seat. Various handles and straps are also attached to the sides of the portable seat to facilitate transport.

Abstract: A collapsible chair has a front leg, a rear leg, a cross brace, a seat support rod, and a back rest, coupled together such that the chair collapses in a single movement. In especially preferred aspects, a collapsible chair comprises a connector that is slidably coupled to a leg and that further includes a first rotatable coupling to one end of a cross brace and a second rotatable coupling to one end of a seat support rod.

Abstract: A head restraint of a vehicle seat has at least one elastically deformable container integrated therein. The container is at least partially filled with filling bodies and gas. An abrupt evacuation of the gas in the event of a crash changes the collision impact characteristics of the head restraint.

Abstract: Vehicle seat (1), in particular for a passenger car, having a backrest (3) and a head restraint (7) which is arranged at the upper end of the said backrest and has a head restraint rear part (9) mounted essentially rigidly in the backrest, and a head restraint front part (13) which can be pivoted about an essentially horizontal rotational axis (15), in particular at the upper end of the head restraint rear part, having at least one driving device (17, 19, 21) for pivoting the head restraint front part forwards about the rotational axis by a large angular amount in response to a first control signal indicating a vehicle impact, and by settable angular amounts in response to a second control signal indicating a desired inclination of the head restraint, for adjusting the inclination.

Abstract: A passenger seat includes in-flight entertainment (IFE) equipment. A seat set is mounted on a frame which is supported on a laterally-extending beam. One or more seat electronics units are contained in housings shaped and sized to fit in the interior of the beam and are mounted within the beam. Cables enter the beam at appropriate locations and connect the seat electronics units to the IFE hardware or to other aircraft circuits.

Abstract: An ergonomic weight support device for a seat comprising a housing having a channel defined by at least one guide boss, an extending element having an unanchored weight supporting end and an engaged end slidingly disposed within the channel of said housing and an actuator fixedly attached to said housing and in moving communication with said extending element whereby said actuator mediates the weight supporting end of said extending element between a substantially retracted position and an extended position.

Abstract: An adjustable chair scat with a locking mechanism that is torque limiting and resistant to loosening. The chair includes a seat pan, a seat plate, a rotatable fastener and two rings. The seat pan and seat plate have openings for receiving the fastener. The fastener includes a cup handle and a threaded insert. The threaded insert is engaged with the seat pan through an opening in the seat pan while the seat plate is sandwiched between the seat pan and the fastener. When being rotated, the cup handle slips relative to the threaded insert after a predetermined resistance is reached so as to cease the application of torque to the threaded insert. One of the rings is keyed to rotate with the fastener and the other ring is keyed to remain non-rotatable. The first ring includes an array of cantilevered teeth where each tooth has a first surface disposed at a smaller angle from a horizontal reference plane and a second surface which is disposed at a greater angle from the horizontal reference plane.

Abstract: Seat reclining mechanisms for a vehicle seat may include a first housing (10) having a guide groove (20) that has first and second guide surfaces (24, 25), a second housing (12) having a toothed portion (13), and a pawl (16) slidably received in the guide groove. The pawl has first and second side surfaces (16b, 16c) that respectively correspond to the first and second guide surfaces of the guide groove. The pawl engages the toothed portion (13) of the second housing by sliding from its non-engaging position (C) to its engaging position (A) along the guide groove, thereby preventing the second housing from rotating relative to the first housing. The first side surface of the pawl and the first guide surface of the guide groove are arranged and constructed such that a clearance defined therebetween is changed so as to have an optimal width (S) when the pawl (16) is shifted from the non-engaging position (C) to the engaging position (A).

Abstract: An armrest assembly includes a lower part defining a lower chamber, and an upper part defining an upper chamber therein. An abutting member is disposed in the upper chamber. A cylinder-and-piston unit includes a cylinder extending into the upper chamber to abut against the abutting member, and a piston mounted securely in the lower chamber and telescopically extending into the cylinder. A locking member includes a spring-biased button projecting from the cylinder, extending through the abutting member and into the upper chamber, and pressible to move between a locked position, in which, the cylinder is locked by the locking member against axial movement relative to the piston, and an unlocked position, in which, the cylinder is axially movable relative to the piston.

Abstract: An adjustable armrest and height adjustment mechanism. The adjustable arm rest has a fixed member having a housing, a vertically adjustable member having a post slidably disposed in the housing, and a sleeve disposed intermediate the post and the housing. The height adjustment mechanism can include a camming slot formed in the post, an angled slot formed in the sleeve member on opposite sides of the camming slot, a locking pin positioned through each of the camming and angled slots, and a bushing projecting into the angled slot and defining upper and lower regions thereof in which the locking pin can be held. The locking pin is movable between respective notches responsive to upward vertical movement of said post such that the vertically adjustable member is held at a height corresponding to each notch until further upward vertical movement of the post.

Abstract: An ergonomic chair having an extending foot and the possibility of swiveling with tilting of the chair backrest synchronized with horizontal movement of the chair seat. It is intended for the linkage system to be installed on a swivel chair. With this (office) chair, it is intended to synchronize the tilt of the backrest with the forward movement of the seat in such a way that the distance of the seat occupant's hands relative to the work equipment on the desk top remains virtually constant at all times.

Abstract: A modular furniture retaining system for maintaining a static relationship between multiple related pieces of furniture. The modular furniture retaining system includes a first piece of modular furniture, a second piece of modular furniture, a first magnetic coupling assembly and a second magnetic coupling assembly. The first piece of modular furniture includes a first side and a second side. Similarly the second piece of modular furniture includes a third side and a fourth side. The first magnetic coupling assembly has a first polarity, and is positioned on the first side of the first piece of modular furniture. Similarly, the second magnetic coupling assembly has a second polarity complimentary to the first polarity of the first magnetic coupling assembly. The second magnetic coupling assembly is positioned to align with the first magnetic coupling assembly when the third side abuts the first side.

Abstract: A furniture piece including a plurality of rib units, each-rib unit having a pair of substantially parallel faces, at least one functional surface, and a leg or supporting member. When arranged in a predetermined, face-to-face relationship and secured by one or more connecting rods, the functional surface of each rib unit defines a surface of a furniture piece, such as a chair or bench seat, while each leg or supporting member is offset from the neighboring leg or support member according to a pattern which, when combined with the legs or supporting members of the other rib units, provides support for the entire furniture piece and its occupant.

Abstract: A seat belt system (10) includes a lap belt (60) including a first portion (74) and a second portion (85). A retractor (76) includes a spool (96) rotatable about an axis (160). The first and second lap belt portions (74, 85) are secured to the spool (96). The spool (96) is biased to rotate in a first rotational direction to wind the first and second portions (74, 85) onto the spool. The first and second portions (74, 85) when tensioned urge the spool (96) to rotate in a second rotational direction opposite said first rotational direction to unwind the first and second portions from the spool. A locking mechanism (170) is actuatable to lock the spool (96) against rotation in the second rotational direction. First and second web grabbing devices (180, 182) are actuatable to clamp onto the first and second portions (74, 85) when the locking mechanism (170) is in the locked condition.

Abstract: A utility cart unloading system that is both functional and necessary. A canvas sling is attached to a steel tube which is installed into a frame that fits on the top rim of a cart. Rotation clockwise/counterclockwise of the steel tube is provided by an electrical tubular motor and controlled by a rocker switch. Lifting of the contents of a cart is provided by winding one side of a canvas sling around the steel tube. The other side of the canvas sling is attached to the frame opposite the steel tube.

Abstract: A method and system for recovering coalbed methane are disclosed. The method involves tunneling along a seam of coal to a point below a water table and at a depth below the water table sufficient for dissolved methane to be present in the water; separating a portion of the water containing dissolved methane while below the water table; reducing pressure on the separated portion for extracting dissolved methane; removing the extracted methane; and discharging the separated portion of water after extracting dissolved methane.

Abstract: A rotatable cutting bit, and rotatable cutting bit—bit holder assembly and washer that have increased wear resistance characteristics. The assembly incorporates a new holding washer design that has improved rotational characteristics between the cutter bit and top surface of the washer during operation. The washer includes a front face and a generally flat rear face, said front face has a plurality of ridges, said ridges each have a top face forming a bearing surface for the cutting bit to enhance rotation of the cutter bit and the flat rear face reduces rotation of said washer. The relative rotation between the rear face of the washer and front of the block face is reduced in the present invention. The improved wear resistance properties of the invention reduce the amount of necessary maintenance of rotary drums in the field resulting in reduce downtime and increase productivity. The washer is also simple to manufacture in a cost effective manner and easy to assemble in the field.

Abstract: In a distributed power railroad train, an apparatus for equalizing the equalizing reservoir pressure in the remote power unit and the brake pipe pressure in response to airflow into the brake pipe from the remote locomotive. With these pressures equal, the remote unit cannot charge the brake pipe while the lead unit vents the brake pipe to command a brake application at the train railcars.