Abstract: The control valve apparatus holds a seat valve member in a position seated on a valve seat to thereby prevent a backward flow even if the pressure in the inlet chamber side becomes lower than the pressure in the outlet chamber side. With a pilot control valve member is in a closed state, when the pressure in the inlet chamber is higher, a pressurized medium is introduced to the control pressure chamber via a first valve unit and is cut off from the outlet chamber by a second valve unit. When the pressure in the outlet chamber is higher, the pressurized medium is introduced to the control pressure chamber via the second valve unit and is cut off from the outlet chamber by the first valve unit.

Abstract: A throttle device comprises a device housing with an inlet and an outlet and a throttle element arranged in a connecting duct connecting the inlet and the outlet, said throttle element comprising at least two throttle components to be adjusted relative to one another and by the relative position of which an opening surface of the throttle element is determined, at least the first throttle component being actively connected with a drive means for an adjustment relative to the second throttle component.

Abstract: A fluid controller, wherein the recessed port (25) of a body (22) is formed of larger diameter part (25a) near an opening and a small diameter part (25c) continued to the lower part of the large diameter part (25a) through a step part (25b). A flow passage forming disk (26) is fitted to the recessed portion (25). The fluid passage forming disk (26) comprises a large diameter cylindrical part (31) fitted to the large diameter part (25a) in the recessed portion, a connection part (32) supported by the step part (25b) in the recessed portion, and a small diameter cylindrical part (33) having an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the small diameter part (25c) in the recessed portion and having a lower end supported by the bottom surface of the recessed portion (25).

Abstract: A valve assembly for installation into deck-mounted tubs includes a valve body, a top plate that engages with the valve body, a bottom plate, and an adjustment member that bears against the valve body and engages with the bottom plate. The adjustment member is accessible from above the deck and moves the top plate, valve body, and bottom plate relative to each other. This allows the valve assembly to be tightened completely from above the deck even if the bottom portion of the assembly is inaccessible. The adjustment member is a jack screw or other threaded member that can be adjusted with a conventional screwdriver, eliminating the need for specialized installation tools.

Abstract: An automobile jack that comprises a hydraulic system. The jack includes a lockout button and a release mechanism comprised of a variable rate, spring-loaded trigger release mechanism which is located on the grip handle. Moving the jack handle upward and downward causes the hydraulic jack arm to raise and by disengaging the lock out button, the release mechanism allows the hydraulic jack arm to be moved downward. Once the desired height is reached, the lockout button is engaged. By engaging the lockout button, the jack arm is prevented from being moved downward. When it is time to maneuver the jack again, the lockout button has to be disengaged to allow for movement downward.

Abstract: An apparatus for pulling line through a raceway includes an attachment member and a body having a plurality of mounting apertures through the body. The attachment member is attached to an end of the body and adapted to releasably attach to an end of a fish tape. Further, the plurality of mounting apertures lies in a common plane.

Abstract: A power carpet kicker is disclosed. The power carpet kicker includes a main frame portion, having a head portion and a rear portion. The head portion of the main frame portion includes a grip mounted on the head portion to grip a section of carpet to be stretched. The rear portion of the main frame portion includes a cushion mounted to the rear portion to provide cushion to an operator's knee. The main frame portion includes a momentum creating device to produce linear force towards the head portion to stretch carpet.

Abstract: A hoist provides high mechanical advantage and accurate positioning, driven by hand or with a powered rotary implement such as a drill. The hoist includes flexible tension members, such as chains, cables or straps, for applying force and tension to a load. A load nut is connected to the tension members for high mechanical advantage from rotational drive input to a load screw threadedly connected to the load nut. Alongside the tension members are guides forming channel-like spaces within which the flexible tension members travel. The guides, or portions of the guides, pass through the load nut in most forms of the invention.

Abstract: The invention concerns a so-called capstan winch (1) comprising drums (2, 3) driving a cable (C) and provided with a peripheral wall (22, 32) around which are strung independent peripheral rings (40–45, 50–55). Said rings are provided with a peripheral groove designed to receive the cable (C) and are made of an elastic material so as to allow both the cable (C) to be driven and a relative sliding movement between the peripheral rings (40–45, 50–55) and the peripheral wall (22, 32), the relative sliding movement being of amplitude substantially equal to longitudinal deformation of the cable (C), when it is subjected to tension stresses. The two drums (2, 3) can be axially offset relative to each other (p/2) and their axes of rotation (?1, ?2), may form a non-null angle of inclination. The invention is particular applicable to deep sea oil exploration.

Abstract: A method and corresponding apparatus for an oval carbonator employ an oblong housing to provide an improved gas/water interaction area within the confines of the carbonator. The increased cross sectional area provides a larger water surface area, whereby an increased amount of the pressurized gas is exposed to the increased surface area. Further advantages of the oval carbonator include a simplification of the tubing bundles that are cast into the cold plate. The oval carbonator consolidates the volumes previously used by the carbonator, thereby allowing the tubing bundles to be consolidated. Consolidation of this type translates into reduced manufacturing time and increased savings due to the simplified design.

Abstract: An air spring and shock absorber unit for use in vehicle suspension systems or cab suspension systems comprising a shock absorber mounted within an air spring. The lower end of the air spring bellows is attached to the air spring piston in such a manner which enables the lower end of the bellows to be disconnected from the air spring piston without damaging the crimp ring which connects the bellows to the piston.

Abstract: The engine mount of the invention has a vibration side attaching member (2) to be attached to an engine, a supporting side attaching substrate (4) to be attached to a supporting frame (3), and a rubber vibration isolator (5). This is interposed and fixed between the supporting side attaching substrate (4) and vibration side attaching member (2) and prevents vibrations of the vibration generator. The vibration side attaching member (2) is fixed to the supporting frame (3) side in a condition penetrating the rubber vibration isolator (5), and serves as a stopper at the compression side in conjunction with the supporting frame (3) or supporting side attaching substrate 4. When great movement occurs, the supporting frame side end portion of the vibration side attaching member (2) comes into contact with the supporting frame (3) or supporting side attaching substrate (4).

Abstract: An elastomeric suspension spring (14) usable for bearing the load of a motor vehicle, which exhibits both reduced creep and improved endurance in torsion and a suspension joint comprising this spring consists of a cross-linked rubber composition based on (phr: parts by weight per hundred parts of diene elastomer(s)): natural rubber in a quantity equal to or greater than 60 phr, a filler, and a sulfur cross-linking system comprising at least one cross-linking accelerator, and is such that said filler comprises, in a mass fraction greater than 55%: a carbon black, whose grade varies from 600 to 900, said composition comprising in this case a total quantity of filler of from 10 to 60 phr, or an inert white filler, said composition comprising in this case a total quantity of filler of from 10 to 30 phr, the cross-linking system comprising 0.7 to 1.2 phr of sulfur and being such that the mass ratio of sulfur to cross-linking accelerator(s) varies from 0.15 to 2.70.

Abstract: A wing positioner apparatus for installing and removing an aircraft wing includes a wheeled base having a pair of vertically extending telescoping posts attached thereto. A wing support arm is hinged to each vertically extending telescoping post. A winch couples one wing support arm to one of the vertically extending posts for raising and lowering the wing support arm. A telescoping post winch is attached to the wheeled base for raising both vertically extending telescoping posts simultaneously. This allows an aircraft wing to be supported between the pair of wing support arms and the pair of vertically extending telescoping posts while being moved on the wheeled base and positioned for installation or removal from an aircraft fuselage.

Abstract: Into a housing (3) is hermetically inserted an annular piston (5), and into the annular piston (5) is hermetically inserted an output rod (8). A spring (14) located below the piston (5) moves the piston (5) upward for locking, pressurized oil in a release chamber (12) formed above the piston (5) moves the piston (5) downward for releasing. On an upper surface of the piston (5) is provided a pressing surface (38), on an inner periphery of a peripheral wall of the release chamber (12) is provided a first tapered surface (41), which narrows upward, and on an outer periphery of the output rod (8) is provided a second tapered surface (52), which narrows downward. Between the pressing surface (38), the first tapered surface (41) and the second tapered surface (52) are inserted a plurality of balls (55) circumferentially at intervals. Thereby, when the spring (14) moves the piston (5) upward for locking, a moving stroke of the output rod (8) is larger than that of the piston (5).

Abstract: An engine mounting stand for small engines, and particularly adapted for motorcycle engines. The engine mounting stand includes an upright and a journal bearing, the upright is attached to a base, a rotating bracket assembly is attached to the journal bearing of the upright, the bracket assembly designed to attach to the engine mount holes of the engine, and is operative for rotatably positioning the engine so that the mechanic can access all areas of the engine. The engine mounting stand can further include an outrigger support attached to the rotating bracket assembly, and an outrigger secured to the outrigger support. The outrigger attaches to the engine and outrigger end aperture can provide further attachment support to the bracket assembly.

Abstract: Support mechanism for supporting parallels in a vise that includes an elongated flat base member having a magnet mounted on the bottom thereof in conjunction with the springs, hold one of the parallels against the solid jaw of the vice. Each of a pair of arms pivotally mounted at one of its ends by pins are pivotally mounted in the opposing ends of the base member and are spring loaded by a pair of springs mounted in complementary recesses formed in and at either end of the base member and in the adjacent arm adjacent to the pins. The pair of torsional springs surrounding each of said pins and bearing against the wall surfaces of the recesses in the base member and the respective arms urge the base member against one of the parallels and urge the ends of the other arms against the other of the parallels securing the parallels to the jaws of the vice. The parallels serve to adjust the height of the work piece so as to perform a manufacturing procedure thereto.

Abstract: A process for introducing a plurality of segregated sheet-like administration forms into a dispenser under formation of a multilayered stack for individually dosable removal, with sheet-like tapes wound-up on rolls being present as starting material, utilizes the following steps. In a first step, a number of sheet-like layers of said tapes, which number corresponds to the stack, is simultaneously drawn from a plurality of rolls. In a further step, the individual tapes are united, using guide means, to form a multilayered strand, which in yet another step, is drawn forward to a cutting station where one length of stack is severed at a time, and wherein a length segment of the multilayered strand corresponding to the stack is substantially in the dispenser prior to being severed from a remainder of the multilayered strand by the cutting device.

Abstract: An image forming system includes: an image forming apparatus capable of conveying a recording sheet at a predetermined speed; at least one finisher capable of conveying the sheet eject from the image forming apparatus at a prescribed speed to process the sheet; and a controller for changing a conveyance speed of the recording sheet in the finisher to be higher than that of the sheet in the image forming apparatus.

Abstract: A waiting tray is provided at some midpoint of a conveying path, and a sheet is caused to be in a waiting state when a post-process is required. Before performing the post-process, a processing tray receives the sheet conveyed from the waiting tray and the sheet conveyed from a conveying path without passing through the waiting tray. At this point, waiting tray parts are moved toward a direction in which the waiting tray parts are separated from each other, and a bundle of paper starts fall-down. When the bundle of paper falls down, the waiting tray parts are moved toward the direction in which the waiting tray parts are brought close to each other, and an alignment member performs alignment in a transverse direction of the bundle of paper.

Abstract: A driving apparatus includes a plurality of driving devices; a plurality of malfunction detectors for detecting a malfunction of the driving devices; a plurality of electric current setting devices for setting electric currents through the driving device; and a controller for controlling the plurality of driving devices, malfunction detectors and the electric current setting devices. The controller is effective to set standard electric currents, maximum tolerable electric currents, standard speeds, minimum rotatable speeds and maximum tolerable speeds of the plurality of driving devices, and a total current applied to the plurality of driving devices, wherein the driving devices are given priorities depending on influential ranges of functions of the driving devices.

Abstract: A device for feeding suction air or blowing air to a sheet-retaining device displaceable relative to a machine element in a sheet-processing machine, includes a first air-feeding element connectible in terms of flow to a suction-air or blowing-air source. A second air-feeding element cooperates telescopically with the first air-feeding element for forming an air through-passage duct connected in terms of flow to the sheet-retaining device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a golf data management system that stores and manages golf score data, and to a data center and a golf data management method. This golf data management system includes a portable communication terminal that is carried by a player and a data center connected to the portable communication terminal via a communication network. The data center includes: an individual data storage unit that stores and manages play data supplied from the portable communication unit and practice data supplied from a practice data processing unit; a group data storage unit that manages performances of a group of accompanying players; and a common data storage unit that stores course map data of a plurality of golf courses. In response to an advice request containing measurement data obtained by a measuring unit in the portable communication terminal, the data center provides advice for each individual player based on the data stored in the individual data storage unit.

Abstract: A new casino game is disclosed. The casino game has a new layout, card draw, payouts, and dealing procedures. The casino game uses a standard deck of fifty-two cards. The layout of the casino game has a high return area, optional bets area, card value area, color chips area, cash chips area and card stand. The card value area has a card value box for each of the thirteen valued cards from the deck. Adjacent to each card value box is a suit box for each of the four suits. The optional bets area has a straight, flush, straight flush, royal flush, full house and four-of-a-kind box. The bets offered are even chances, high stakes chances and very high stakes chances. The players win if the cards drawn match the bets that they have placed on the layout. The casino game has various payouts for the possible winning cards/bets.

Abstract: The present invention is a variant of traditional Twenty-One in which the dealer and players attempt to build a hand with a value of twenty-one, or as close to twenty-one as possible without exceeding twenty-one, using cards that are known to players and the dealer as they are dealt and shared cards that remain unknown until all player and/or dealer decisions are completed.

Abstract: Card games that combine the play of Blackjack (“21”) with a 3-card Poker wager or side bet (“21+3”). Each player places a basic Blackjack wager and an optional 3-card Poker wager before the cards are dealt. Each player is then dealt a card with the dealer receiving a face-up card. Each player is dealt a second card. At this point, the outcome of each 3-card Poker hand is determined, where a 3-card Poker hand consists of the 2-card hand dealt to that player and the dealer's face-up card. After settling the Poker wagers, the game of Blackjack continues in a typical fashion. The invention advantageously retains all the features and advantages of Blackjack as well as provides the dynamics of 3-card Poker, without interfering with the card sequence, for enhanced player anticipation and enjoyment.

Abstract: A portable bullet target configured to improve the skills of a shooter includes, in one embodiment, a shooting plate which is attached to a frame by protrusions integral to the shooting plate to allow the shooting plate to visually deflect when hit by a bullet and to substantially return to its original position. In another embodiment, a foot or feet are attached to the frame to support the target. According to another embodiment, a plurality of portable targets are used in combination and may be attached together.

Abstract: An automatic score dartboard assembly has a base, a dartboard, a support, at least one imaging element and a main control circuit. The dartboard and the support are attached to the base, and the at least one imaging element is mounted on the support to capture a direct viewing image of the dartboard periodically. The images are output to the main control circuit to determine the score of a dart when the dart sticks in the dartboard. The main control circuit is composed of an image processor and a memory device. The image processor uses an image comparison method to determine the score of the dart. Therefore, the present invention uses as few as one imaging element to determine the score and increases accuracy of determining score.

Abstract: Arrangement for the gas-tight fixing of an inlet manifold (1) with a connector flange to the cylinder head (2) of an internal combustion engine, with a sealing plate (3), arranged between the connector flange of the inlet manifold (1) and the cylinder head (2), in which at least one air passage (4, 5, 6, 7) for the at least one inlet tube of the inlet manifold (1) is embodied, with first connecting means (9) for connecting the sealing plate (3) to the inlet manifold (1), which are arranged in housings (10), in or on the sealing plate (3), with second connecting means for connecting the connector flange (1) and/or the sealing plate (3) to the cylinder head (2). A first sealing means (19) is provided on the sealing plate (3) on the one side (18) thereof, surrounding the at least one air passage (4, 5, 6, 7), for fitting to the inlet manifold (1), whereby at least one elastic element (13) is provided between the first connecting means (9) and the sealing plate (3).

Abstract: A tool holder for a tool with a recess having detent disposed therein for holding the tool axially, and having a sleeve telescoped over a collet which has flexible fingers and with the sleeve and the fingers having camming surfaces for effecting clamping onto the tool. The axial locations of the recess and the detent and the camming surfaces are such that they are all in an engaged position when the sleeve is in one position along the axis. The sleeve and the collet have chamfers interengagable upon telescopic movement between the sleeve and the collet for flexing the fingers to thereby have the collet slide into the sleeve.

Abstract: A bit holder comprises a shank, a sleeve placed over the shank, and an adjusting sleeve coupled to the sleeve. The shank has a combination part for incorporating with a hand tool, a C-shaped retaining groove for engaging with a C-shaped buckle, and a combination groove for holding a bit. The sleeve has an inner ring with a gap for assorting with a locking bulge on the shank and a position bead hole on its outer threading for accommodating a position bead. The adjusting sleeve with an inner threading for locking the outer threading of the sleeve has a long groove on its inner wall and, by using this long concaved groove to assort with the position bead, the locking position between the adjusting sleeve and the sleeve can be adjusted.

Abstract: A skate with an adjustable sole plate has a sole plate and a boot mounted on the sole plate. The sole plate has a front body and a rear body. The front body has a locking element mounted on the front body, and the rear body of the sole plate has at least one key formed on the rear body. The key comprises multiple transverse locking holes/slots defined in the key to correspond to different lengths. A person can adjust the length of the sole plate by inserting the locking element of the front body into different transverse locking holes, transverse slots or both.

Abstract: The present invention teaches an apparatus and method for removably securing an article of footwear suitable for walking, running, or bicycling to a wheeled skate. Further, the present invention also teaches a brake device for use with a wheeled skate. In addition, the present invention teaches a wheeled skate that can be propelled with the use of linear or side stroke skating techniques. Moreover, the present invention teaches a quad wheeled skate having advantageous structure and function for recreational skating and aerobic exercise.

Abstract: Device for transporting a load comprises a chassis including two longitudinal girders crossing each other so as to form the general shape of an asymmetrical X, the height of the V of the upper portion being equal to N times the height of the V of the lower portion (e.g. N=3). A device for support on the ground is arranged at the lower end of the lower V. while the ends of the legs of the upper V comprise handles. Braces are provided to ensure a parallelism between an axis of a supporting element of the support device, and a straight line connecting the ends of the handles. The load is placed at least partially on a seat formed by two cross members that are arranged on either side of the crossing point of the longitudinal girders.

Abstract: A mounting bracket is attachable to a vehicle frame for pivotally connecting a booster axle assembly comprising a pair of spaced arms, each arm having a first end, a second end, and an axle connected therebetween. The mounting bracket includes a U-shaped portion having a base and a pair of spaced legs connected to the base and extending in a first direction generally normal to the base. The pair of spaced legs and base define a space for receiving the first end of one of the arms of the booster axle assembly. Each leg defines first and second spaced appendages that define a slot. A mounting plate is connected to the base of the U-shaped portion and extends in a second direction normal to the base to permit connection of the mounting bracket to the vehicle frame.

Abstract: A clamp arrangement is utilized to secure a suspension element to an axle. The clamp arrangement includes a pair of spaced clamp halves that are tightened to cam a pair of holding frame elements together and hold the suspension element to the axle. Preferably, a pair of clamp halves is positioned on each side of the axle such that they do not take space beneath the axle. In this manner, ground clearance is increased over the prior art.

Abstract: A wheel support portion for a bicycle, such as a front fork assembly, arranged to reduce vibrations that originate at the bicycle wheel and are transmitted to the rider of the bicycle through the wheel support. Desirably, the front fork assembly is configured to be supported by a bicycle frame and includes a pair of fork legs, which extend in a downward direction along opposing sides of a front wheel of the bicycle. Preferably, the fork legs are configured to support the front wheel at their lower ends. Each of the fork legs defines a cavity and a damping member is positioned within the cavity. Also disclosed is a preferred method of manufacturing the wheel support.

Abstract: A foldable bicycle includes a frame. A first foldable device is connected to a top tube of the frame so as to fold a front wheel together with a head tube and a handlebar backward at the first foldable device such that the front and rear wheels are located parallel with each other. At least one assistant wheel is connected to a lower end of a down tube so that the at least one assistant wheel cooperates with the front and rear wheels to form a stable triangle support arrangement and the foldable bicycle can be easily moved by the at least one assistant wheel cooperating with the front and rear wheels. A carry rack is located above the rear wheel, which can be positioned by engaging pivot rods of the carry rack with engaging members on two support rods connected to a hub of the front wheel.

Abstract: A wheel bracket mechanism for an electric wheelchair equipped with auxiliary wheels, which comprises a frame, a pair of drive wheel brackets, four pedestal assemblies, a pair of caster brackets, a pair of oscillating assembly and a pair of anti-tipping brackets. The frame is provide with a pair of castor brackets at the front end and a pair of anti-tipping brackets at the rear end thereof, a pair of drive wheel brackets are secured to the frame with a front end stretching ahead of it and located between the castor brackets and the anti-tipping brackets, and between the castor brackets and the drive wheel bracket disposed an oscillating assemblies, four pedestal assemblies equipped with cushioning blocks are disposed at both sides of the front and rear end of the frame respectively in pairs with located opposite to each other.

Abstract: An anti-jackknifing device adapted for engagement between a tractor having a fifth wheel engaged with a trailer. The device features a pair of catch arms rotationally engaged to a mount with the tractor. The distal ends of the catch arms move between an engaged position in a horizontal path between two trailer mounted engaging components adapted to engage the distal end and a disengaged position out of the path. The distal ends of the catch arms may be pivotally mounted. The distal ends of the catch arms and the engaging components may also be shaped to cooperatively engage on contact. A control causes the catch arms to rotate thereby engaging the distal ends of the arms between the engaging components either automatically above a threshold speed or manually. This engagement limits the angle of the trailer to the tractor to a predetermined angle when trailer rotates on the fifth wheel causing the engaging components to contact the distal ends of the catch arms.

Abstract: An occupant protection device of the present invention includes a knee-protecting airbag device and a container box. The airbag device includes an airbag for protecting knees of an occupant seated in front passenger's seat, an inflator, and a case opened rearward for housing the airbag and the inflator. The container box includes a box body and a lid. Before being mounted on the vehicle, the knee-protecting airbag device and the container box are integrally assembled into a mounting module. By mounting the module on the vehicle, the knee-protecting airbag device and the container box are mounted on the vehicle. The occupant protection device of the present invention contributes to reduce tact time per vehicle even if the knee-protecting airbag device and the container box are both mounted in front of front passenger's seat.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) helps to protect an occupant of a vehicle (12) that has a roof (18), a side structure (16), and a trim piece (220) overlying the side structure. The apparatus (10) includes an inflatable curtain (14) inflatable away from the roof (18) to a position adjacent the side structure (16). An inflation fluid source (24) provides inflation fluid for inflating the inflatable curtain (14). A fill tube (22) directs inflation fluid from the inflation fluid source (24) into the inflatable curtain (14). A bracket (120) connects the fill tube (22) to the vehicle (12). The bracket (120) includes a fill tube support portion (140) connectable with the fill tube (22). A connecting portion (130) is connectable with the vehicle (12). A deployment portion (150) directs the inflatable curtain (14) to deploy inboard of the trim piece (220).

Abstract: A gas generator has an inner cylindrical member disposed in a cylindrical housing, an annular first combustion chamber provided radially in the outside of the inner cylindrical member, and, in the combustion chamber, a ratio of its radial average distance to its axial average length is adjusted to be in the range of 0.2 to 2.0. The gas generator has a retainer which changes a flow of a gas ejected from a through-hole in the inner cylindrical member and has a cylindrical portion for collecting fluid and semifluid combustion products included in the gas.

Abstract: The present invention provides an inflator reduced in size and improved in rupturability of a rupturable plate. A rupturable plate 29 is fixed between a gas introducing chamber 22 and an igniter accommodating chamber 26, and the central axes of an igniter 24 and the rupturable plate 29 are coincident with each other. For this reason, rupturability of the rupturable plate can be improved at the time of actuation.

Abstract: A vehicle body (F) for a passenger car convertible, which has an integrated crosswise partition panel (T) behind the seat anchors (S), on which two retractable roll bars (B) are arranged next to one another, and which vehicle body includes on the back side of the partition panel (T) that is turned away from the seat anchors, exclusively in the upper area of the partition panel, a module carrier (M), which reinforces the partition panel, and which is oriented crosswise to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and which extends across the width of the interior of the vehicle body, and which is mounted on the partition panel, which positions the two roll bars (B) on the back side of the partition panel, so that the module carrier and the partition panel together form bar guides (G), whereby the module carrier (M), with the two roll bars (B), is one pre-mounted modular unit (E).

Abstract: A protective motorcycle impact cage is provided, comprising a rear bumper, a rear bar, a passenger bar, a left upright rear shoulder bar, a right upright rear shoulder bar, a waistline bar, a bottom brace, a left top brace, a right top brace, an operator bar, a left side bar, a right side bar, a front bumper, a left front shoulder bar, and a right front shoulder bar. The protective motorcycle impact cage has particular utility in connection with protecting a motorcycle operator and passenger in a collision with a vehicle from any direction.

Abstract: A vehicle ballast system for improving the balance of a vehicle. The system is particularly well suited for use in the bed of a pickup truck but is not limited to that deployment. The system includes one or more ballast units. Each ballast unit includes a frame set and a ballast element. The frame set retains the ballast element therein. The ballast element may be one or more concrete blocks. The frame set includes an upper frame and a lower frame. The respective frames are connected together in a manner to contain the ballast element using a front retaining rod and a rear retaining rod is preferably affixable to a bracket secured to the rear of the vehicle. A tether may be removably connected between the upper frame and a securing point of the vehicle. A shock-absorbing lanyard may be employed at the rear of the system as a restraint upon sudden deceleration of the vehicle.

Abstract: A chassis for a recreational vehicle having an open lattice structure includes a pair of central longitudinal support units, each including a pair of vertically spaced bearing members that are interconnected to provide vertical rigidity. A pair of side longitudinal support units extend parallel to the central longitudinal support units and also include a pair of vertically spaced bearing members interconnected to provide vertical rigidity. The central longitudinal support unit includes a further lower bottom member positioned at the same vertical distance as the lower side longitudinal support bearing member. Interconnecting members provide both vertical and horizontal rigidity so that a stable chassis platform is provided without requiring additional structural support and strength from any hull built thereon.

Abstract: In a vehicle frame, a console frame structure is assembled to a chassis or main frame structure using a flap retainer. The chassis includes a bracket having a slot with a forward closed end and a rear open end. The console frame structure includes a post that is inserted into the slot for assembly. A flap retainer is attached to the bracket adjacent the slot and includes a fixed portion attached near the closed end and a free portion adjacent the open end. The flap retainer defines an opening sized and shaped for receiving the post. During assembly, the flap retainer flexes so that the free portion is spaced apart from the open end of the slot to allow the post to be inserted. The flap retainer returns to a retaining position to capture the post within the opening of the flap retainer. In the event of a vehicle impact, the flap retainer secures the post to prevent the console frame structure from becoming dislodged.

Abstract: A hydroformable frame element is formed from the combination of at least two elements. The at least two elements are designed with a partially overlapping region, with an annular space defined within the overlapping region. The annular space is filled with adhesive, which is then cured to bond the at least two elements together. The adhesive bond is designed to withstand the stresses caused by the hydroforming operation and to retain its strength so that the hydroformed article is then usable as a vehicular frame element.