Abstract: The invention relates to a method for grouping a multitude of film-like or sheet-like materials, which are stacked in a magazine (20) and which consist of at least one material layer, using at least one suction apparatus (42), which suctions the film-like or sheet-like materials in a clocked matter while removing them from the magazine, whereby one film-like or sheet-like material at a time directly rests with a portion of its surface that forms a contact surface against the suction device. To this end, one portion of the magazine contents consists of gas-impermeable film-like or sheet-like materials whereas another portion contains film-like or sheet-like materials that are each provided with at least one gas-permeable zone. The invention develops a method for grouping film-like or sheet-like materials during which a number of film-like or sheet-like materials can be grouped without impairing the speed of subsequent processing.

Abstract: A sheet feeding apparatus for an image forming device prevents a sheet jammed in a pickup roller from being damaged when a sheet feeding cassette is separated to remove the jammed sheet. The sheet feeding apparatus for the image forming device includes a sheet feeding cassette being removably installed in the image forming device and having a handle hole for adhesion and removal, a sheet pressure plate hinge-fixed in the sheet feeding cassette, to load and support sheets, an elastic member to elastically support the sheet pressure plate to be upwardly slanted, and a down lever installed at the lower portion of the sheet pressure plate to be moved forward or backward. When the down lever is pulled through the handle hole, the sheet pressure plate is downwardly rotated to compress the elastic member, and when the down lever is pushed, the sheet pressure plate returns to the original position by the elastic member.

Abstract: A compact driving unit for an automatic banknote receiving and storing unit. The banknote receiving and storing unit includes a banknote accepting unit, a safe unit, a transporting unit for moving an accepted banknote to a position adjacent the safe unit, a translating unit for non-rotationally displacing the accepted banknote into the storing section of the safe unit, and a driving lever pivoted by a driving crank in the transporting unit to operate the translating unit. The safe unit and the transporting unit are removable from a chassis.

Abstract: A media detection system includes a sensor and a flag. The flag is pivotally supported proximate to a media path through which media is moved. The flag pivots as media is moved through the media path such that the flag interacts with the sensor to cause the sensor to alternate between two states and to produce at least four signals representing positioning of the media along the path. The flag is configured to remain substantially in one angular position for a portion of time while the medium is moving and in contact with the flag.

Abstract: A method of playing a card game includes the steps of: providing n number of cards from a deck of cards to each player; requiring each player to select and remove x number of cards from their n number of cards to make a card hand of x number of selected cards and n?x number of unselected cards; requiring each player to discard their unselected cards to provide a pile of unselected cards; turning each card in the pile face up; allowing each player in turn to swap one card from their card hand for one card from the pile of face up unselected cards, or to pass, until each player has decided to stay with their card hand; requiring each player to reveal their card hand; and determining the winning card hand by a predetermined set of rules. Additionally, providing a community card may be included in the method.

Abstract: A method of playing an entertainment game includes selecting a lead participant who is required to perform at least one qualifying action in a first level of play. The lead participant is rewarded preferably by a monetary reward upon completion of the requisite number of qualifying actions in the level of play. The lead participant may select an ally from a resource pool to assist in performing the qualifying action. The ally shares with the lead participant in the reward. Preferably there are multiple levels of play with higher degrees of difficulty and with greater rewards.

Abstract: A magnetic assembly for a multistage magnetic fluid rotary seal has a shaft, an annular permanent magnet, at least one pole piece and a radial gap formed between the shaft and the pole piece. The shaft and the pole piece have a plurality of trapezoidal-shaped ridges in opposing, non-contacting relationship forming the radial gap. The trapezoidal-shaped ridges have a flat top portion facing the radial gap and tapered sides that diverge away from the top portion.

Abstract: A secondary seal is provided for an internal combustion engine having a piston, cylinder bore, ring seal, secondary seal, and leak path. Forces are applied from the combustion side of the piston through a cylinder gap and a leak path to the secondary seal. The secondary seal, seated on the piston and ring seal, transmits the forces generally axially to the piston and ring seal, thereby controllably limiting the radial force between the ring seal and cylinder bore.

Abstract: A stabilizer apparatus and system for use with recreational vehicles to reduce or eliminate side-to-side swaying and front-to-back shifting. The invention comprises one or more stabilizer components having a frame connector attached to the vehicle's frame, a jack connector attached to the leveling jack and a telescoping stabilizer bar interconnecting the frame and jack connectors. An engaging element, such as a T-bolt, locks the stabilizer bar. The frame and jack connectors utilize a universally configured connector having a base portion, a support bar mount to connect to a clevis on the stabilizer bar and a threaded end to connect to the frame or jack. The invention is configured to automatically raise and lower with the raising and lowering of the vehicle's jack system. The invention can be provided as an easily installed bolt-on kit that is adaptable to a variety of different recreational vehicles and jack systems.

Abstract: A combination lift table, platform, tilt back hand truck, scaffold, work bucket, floor jack and mechanic' creeper. The combination is a portable and foldable unit that converts into a tilt back hand truck having two wheels or six wheels that have a lift table with extensible legs, an extensible device, a platform having flexible combination support plate, and an approach ramp. This combination also provides coupling device such as a pocket and bracket, which can be coupled to a plurality of space attachments for multiple purposes such as a scaffold, a work bucket, a floor jack, or a mechanic' creeper.

Abstract: Seating apparatus features a body including a seat and a lid which is pivotable with respect to the body between a retracted position and an extended position in which the lid defines a cover for the seat. In the retracted position, the lid cooperates with the body to enclose the seat against use. The lid is attached to the body at a pivot point which is positioned adjacent to the seat. When the lid is pivoted into the extended position, the apparatus includes a telescopic member positioned between the lid and the body to enable the lid to be supported open. The body includes a plurality of steps and can be fitted with one or more wheels to allow movement of the apparatus and to permit tilting of the apparatus into a position whereat the seat is located uppermost and the steps enable climbing into the seat.

Abstract: A wagon and brake assembly includes a wagon including a platform having a top surface, a handle section attached to a proximal platform end, and sides protruding upwardly from the platform. The platform is provided with a bore that is intercalated between the platform top and bottom surfaces. Wheels are conjoined to the wagon. A rear axle has opposed ends attached to the rear wheels and is distally spaced from the bore. A pair of support brackets has opposed ends abutted with the platform bottom surface and the axle. A braking mechanism is included for inhibiting a rotational movement of the axle and the rear pair of wheels. The braking mechanism is engageable with the axle while being spaced therefrom, is spaced from the rear pair of wheels, and is medially disposed therebetween such that a user can quickly and efficiently access the braking mechanism during operating conditions.

Abstract: A mobile safety compliance apparatus comprising a shell with a plurality of open compartments closed by doors, a self-contained water supply system and a waste water collection system. The water supply system provides drinking water, tepid hand washing water, and water for a stowable eyewash hingedly attached to the shell. The waste water collection system collects water from the eyewash and a sink mounted in a recessed area of the shell. Doors are removable and have features to facilitate alternative uses such as a stretcher or a freestanding table. A stowable seat and table are hingedly attached to the shell. The apparatus includes an electrical system with battery backup for powering lights, water heating and refrigeration devices, and electronic communication equipment that may be mounted on the shell. The apparatus includes wheels to facilitate its movement and anchor points to secure it to the ground.

Abstract: A collapsible cart for transporting multiple items includes a horizontal platform with wheels for maneuvering and a rack mounted thereto in an upwardly extending configuration. At least one basket supporting assembly for alternately stowing and deploying at least one basket is attached to the rack. The cart includes a linear actuator for selectively altering the position of the basket along the rack. The cart includes a ramp support coupled to the rack having a ramp for movement between retracted and extended configurations and being pivotal to enable the basket to slide from the basket support assembly to a storage location. The linear actuator may also be utilized to move a basket from a storage location, e.g. a trunk, to the basket supporting assembly.

Abstract: A hitch assembly for mounting to a trailer to form an interface between the trailer and a towing vehicle, with the trailer having a trailer deck and at least one wheel for ground support, said hitch assembly including a generally horizontally oriented cross member; a first mount arrangement including a shaft projecting from the cross member for telescopic receipt in a corresponding hitch receiver associated with a towing vehicle to connect said hitch assembly to a towing vehicle; and a second mount arrangement including at least two bosses spaced a predetermined distance apart and fixed to the cross member, with the bosses being mountable to the trailer deck to connect said hitch assembly to the trailer.

Abstract: A child transport vehicle and child carrier adapted therefor which enables an adult rider to transport a young child and/or include the child in his/her daily exercise routine. The child transport vehicle has at least three wheels supporting a main structural frame in triangular pattern. The vehicle is characterized by a child carrier adapted for use in combination with the main structural frame such that the child is positioned rearwardly to face an adult rider during operation. The child transport vehicle provides exercise for the adult rider and entertainment/stimulation for the child rider.

Abstract: A steer axle and suspension assembly are provided that produce lateral stability in the vehicle without the use of a transverse rod and without generating undue loads on the steer axle beam. The assembly includes at least one suspension arm that is connected to the frame and to a component of the steer axle assembly such as the axle beam, kingpin, or steering knuckle. The suspension arm is connected to the steer axle assembly at a location outboard of the longitudinal frame rails of the vehicle and extends longitudinally at an angle to the frame rails. The suspension arm arrangement can be used with a variety of suspensions including leaf spring and multi-link suspensions.

Abstract: A stabilizer for vehicles has a torsion portion extending in a width direction of a vehicle, arm portions extending in a forward or backward direction from both side end portions of the torsion portion, straight portions provided in a vicinity of both side end portions of the torsion portion, the straight portions extending along with an axial direction thereof, leading end portions of the arm portions, the leading end portions of the arm portions being mounted to the vehicle, and the straight portions being mounted to the vehicle via bushes, and a stopper provided at one of the straight portions, the stopper preventing the straight portions from moving more than a predetermined distance in an axial direction with respect to the bush.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are various embodiments, including but not limited to a bicycle that includes, among other features, an elongated down tube and a single elongated seat tube, the longitudinal axis of the seat tube intersecting the longitudinal axis of the down tube at a location substantially intermediate between the first and second ends of the down tube, wherein the distance between the spaced apart side outer surfaces of each of the down tube and the seat tube are less than the distance between the upper and lower outer surfaces of each of the down tube and seat tube; additionally including a seat tube, a seat tube sleeve, a crank assembly and a bottom bracket sleeve for mounting the crank assembly, wherein the seat tube sleeve has an upper end, a lower end, and a longitudinal axis extending from the upper end to the lower end; the seat tube being disposed within the seat tube sleeve, the longitudinal axis of the seat tube sleeve intersecting the bottom bracket sleeve.

Abstract: A tricycle is comprised of a frame, a front wheel, a parallel four-bar linkage, two rear wheels, and two handlebars. The frame includes a stationary fork connected with the front wheel. The linkage is mounted at a rear section of the frame, having two side bars. The two rear wheels are rotatably mounted respectively to the two side bars. The two handlebars are fixed to the linkage and located beside bilateral sides of the seat cushion. The user can let the hands control the two handlebars to drive the tricycle to turn left or right and to enable the tricycle to lean sideward at the turning direction. While the tricycle runs faster, the turning steering can enable the tricycle to have “tail slide” effect.

Abstract: A motorcycle jack having a “C” channel beam, the “C” channel beam having a web and having left and right flanges, the web having an upper end, the left flange having a first pin receiving aperture therethrough, the right flange having a second pin receiving aperture therethrough; a lift arm having a third pin receiving aperture therethrough and having an upper end; a pivot pin extending through the first, second, and third pin receiving apertures, the lift arm being pivotable between first and second positions, the lift arm being housed between the “C” channel beam's left and right flanges while in the first position, the lift arm contacting the “C” channel beam's web's upper end while in the second position; and a motorcycle hub engaging bar pivoting attached to the upper end of the lift arm.

Abstract: An oxygen tank holder attachable to a reclining seatback-type wheelchair. The holder includes a T-shaped main frame including an elongated upright central member and an upper support arm extending horizontally in either direction from an upper end of the central member. Each end of the upper support arm adapted for slidable or fixed connection to and along the sides of the wheelchair. A lower support bar is connected to, and extends laterally in either direction from a lower end of the central member, each distal end thereof adapted for connection to a lower side frame bar of the wheelchair. Spaced tubular upper and lower oxygen cylinder carriers are connected to the central member for receiving an elongated cylindrical oxygen tank positioned uprightly therein, securing the tank from excessive when the seat back is reclined or the wheelchair transported.

Abstract: An apparatus for towing at least one wheeled vehicle includes a frame including at least one generally vertically oriented support member and at least one generally horizontally oriented support member, the horizontal support member being at least partially hollow and formed with a ramp in a distal end thereof; a mounting arrangement for selectively mounting the frame to a towing vehicle; a vehicle support assembly for receiving and holding a vehicle tire, including at least one generally curved forward tire support member mounted to the horizontal frame member, and a rear support assembly, the rear support assembly including a generally L-shaped frame and a generally curved aft tire support member for removable telescopic engagement with the horizontal support member; and a lifting assembly for moving the vehicle support assembly generally vertically between a first position for loading a vehicle and a second position for towing a vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transformable utility/ATV trailer (1) that can easily be adapted to mount to a large number of different types of vehicles and trailer hitches. Moreover, the trailer (3) can rapidly be converted from a short box/bed trailer (3) to a flat bed trailer (3). The tow structure (2) comprises a frame (4) for mounting to a trailer (3) or similar implement and a draw bar (5) having a first end with a first hitch coupler (6) and a second end with a second hitch coupler (12). The draw bar (5) is mounted pivotally to the frame (4) for movement between a first position in which the first end of the draw bar (5) extends forward of the frame (4), and a second position in which the second end of the draw bar (5) extends forward of the frame (4).

Abstract: A stroller having a novel frame geometry that provides a more direct structural tie between the front and the rear wheels. The two rear legs (bottom members) of the frame are disposed at a relatively small angle to the horizontal and remain close to that shallow angle as the stroller is folded, with all four wheels on the ground. The rear leg assembly is pivotally linked to the front leg assembly, so that the front leg assembly collapses onto the rear leg assembly when the stroller is folded. The front legs and the rear legs preferably have a similar profile so that they generally nest when folded. The front legs and the rear legs preferably have oval or oblong cross-sections, which enhances their vertical load strength.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a shopping bag carrier is described which is light in weight, easily portable by collapsing to a very small foot print and is simple to manufacture and use without complex mechanisms and linkages.

Abstract: An airbag apparatus for a front passenger seat is configured to be installed on the backside of an instrument panel and to be easily mountable on and detachable from an instrument panel. The airbag apparatus is arranged for easy installation in the instrument panel. The airbag apparatus is fed in below the instrument panel, and upper pieces are inserted into the openings by clamping a leg piece with the upper pieces and a lower piece therebetween. Then, a container is pushed up at a predetermined height, so that a hook is brought into engagement with an opening. Next, bolts are screwed into nuts with openings therebetween, so that the instrument panel and the container are connected together.

Abstract: A cover structure for an air bag device comprises a cover including a first member having a plane-like portion and a second member having a vertical portion connected through a curved part with the plane-like portion at an angle, and a rupturable groove formed on a surface of the cover opposite to an air bag in the air bag device to rupture in response to inflation of the air bag and to form an opening for causing the air bag to expose. The rupturable groove is formed throughout the first and second members in such a manner that it extends to coincide substantially with a direction of shearing force applied on the cover when the rupturable groove is ruptured.

Abstract: An air bag device, comprising: an inflatable cushion being configured for deployment from the air bag device; an inflator for inflating the inflatable cushion, the inflator being in fluid communication with the inflatable cushion, the inflator comprising a first initiator for initiating a first stage of inflation and a second initiator for use with the first initiator for initiating a second stage of inflation, the first stage of inflation providing a first inflation output to the inflatable cushion; and a deployable member disposed within the inflatable cushion, the deployable member being in fluid communication with the inflator, wherein the first stage of inflation causes the deployable member to deploy in a first direction; wherein unobstructed deployment of the deployable member in the first direction will cause a signal to be sent to the second initiator to initiate the second stage of inflation.

Abstract: A side garnish molding assembly for use in a motor vehicle is provided which includes inner and outer panels and a partition extending between and integral with the inner and outer panels. The assembly also includes an air curtain cavity defined by the partition in combination with the inner and outer panels and at least one deployable air curtain disposed in the cavity.

Abstract: An occupant-protection device including an airbag, and a gas generator connected to a filler tube for inflating the airbag. The filler tube has at least one inlet opening situated on its external wall between its two tube ends and is equipped with at least one adapter for allowing the flow of gas between the gas generator and the inlet opening.

Abstract: A counterweight for a hydraulic shovel, which is applicable to a compact to large-sized hydraulic shovels, and is capable of realizing favorable engine maintainability and assurance of sufficient mass, is provided. For this purpose, supporting column portions (12b, 12c) are vertically provided at left and right of a counterweight (12). The left and right supporting column portions are constituted as an increase amount of mass of the counterweight. At least one of a floor frame (30), a canopy (40), outer casings (14, 16) and engine partition walls (33a, 33b) is supported at the left and right supporting column portions. Further, an engine (13) is placed at a position fronting to between the left and right supporting column portions.

Abstract: A steering column assembly of the present invention includes a lower support bracket, an upper support bracket, and a jacket disposed within and extending along a longitudinal axis through the lower support bracket and the upper support bracket. The steering column assembly includes a yoke support housing and a plurality of tubes spaced from one another circumferentially about the longitudinal axis and interconnecting the yoke support housing and the upper support bracket. The invention includes a method of fabricating the assembly. An advantage of the present invention is to provide the steering column assembly that achieves a high section modulus, improved and predetermined stiffness characteristics, and improved packaging characteristics to hold various components such as ECL mechanisms, steering tube position sensors, BSTI switches, wires and the like.

Abstract: An adjustable-force energy absorbing device includes first and second support members connected for sliding movement in a direction parallel with the steering shaft axis of a vehicle, the first support member being secured to the vehicle chassis, and the second support member being connected with the outer tube of the steering mechanism. Upon impact, the second support member is displaced from its normal first position spaced from one end of the first support member toward a second position adjacent the first support member one end. This displacement is resisted by at least one U-shaped energy absorbing element, the number and/or degree of operability of the energy absorbing elements being controlled by at least one impact-responsive pyrotechnic device.

Abstract: In the seat belt pretensioner device according to the present invention, because the buckle is pulled by urging an intermediate point of the cable, it is possible to pull the seat belt and buckle by a required stroke with a relatively small stroke of the power actuator, and this contributes to a compact design of the device. Because the buckle can be pulled via a fixed point of a cable guide, the buckle and, hence, seat belt can be pulled in a stable manner, and a high level of reliability can be achieved. For instance when the power actuator comprises a piston rod that is pushed out by high pressure gas, because a high pressure gas can be produced with a relatively small device, the size and weight of the device can be minimized.

Abstract: A ball and socket-type swivel connector for use with second stage regulators used by scuba divers. The ball is made from a metal with good corrosion resistance. The ball is then held into a true position by two separate low friction bushings. The two bushings, “sandwich” the metal swivel ball with light assembly pressure. This is accomplished by machining or molding the same radius of the swivel ball into one side of each of the two low friction bushings. As system pressure increases, the ball is forced rearwards and the squeeze increases. No seawater can enter the swivel. No area exists for seawater to collect around the O-ring. The bushing occupies all of the available space except for the gap provided around the O-ring gland an area used to hold lubrication. The preferred embodiment uses a high grade stainless steel swivel ball, virgin Teflon bushing material and an internally lubricated low friction O-ring.

Abstract: A multi-functional mortise lock that can be rapidly converted between different functions without opening the mortise lock case by installing blocking screws that extend through threaded blocking openings in a sidewall of the case and into blocking interference with moving components inside the case. The moving components include a lock/unlock lever, a latch retract lever and a spindle hub. The blocking screws are stored in threaded storage openings in the sidewall of the case. The sidewall of the case is marked adjacent to the threaded blocking openings and storage openings to identify functions that will be performed when the blocking screws are installed in one or more of the blocking openings.

Abstract: A door lock mechanism includes a lock claw, a spring attached to the lock claw for urging the same in a direction toward a lock state, a lock release operation piece linked to the lock claw for moving the lock claw in a direction toward a lock release state against a force of the spring when a lock release operation is performed, and a damping device for applying a damping force to the lock claw when the lock release operation is canceled. The lock release operation piece returns the lock claw to the lock state with the force when the lock release operation is canceled. The lock release operation piece is arranged to be separated from the lock claw when the lock claw returns from the lock release state to the lock state with an external force applied to the lock claw.

Abstract: A 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 convertible door handle system that can be converted for a different handing or operating direction, or converted between handle-high and handle low, or converted between operating and non-operating is disclosed. A method for converting the functional configuration of a door handle system is also disclosed.

Abstract: An activating assembly for a screen door includes an assembly seat securable to the screen door and having a lever movably received in the assembly seat and a first recovery spring a to push the lever back to its original position, a driving rod in connection to the lever such that movement of the lever is able to force the driving rod to cause reaction of a lock device, a base seat securable to the screen door and having a second recovery spring compressibly received inside the base seat and a handle movable relative to the assembly seat and the base seat. The handle has a triangular end abutting the lever such that the movement of the handle is able to force the lever to pivot by the triangular end of the handle and the lock device is activated by movement of the driving rod.

Abstract: An underrun protection intended for vehicles, includes a stiff sheet unit attachable to the vehicle including on one hand a first box, which is composed of a bottom wall and a border located along the periphery thereof, and which is articulatedly connected to a fastening unit attached to the vehicle in order to be able to be turned between a folded-down position and a folded-out position in which the space under the platform of the vehicle is made accessible, and on the other hand a second box which is intended for enclosing an information carrier and which includes a transparent sheet and a frame surrounding the same, the frame being articulatedly connected to the border of the first box in order to be able to be turned between a folded-in position in the first box and a folded-out position in which the information carrier is exchangeable.

Abstract: A bumper system for an automobile vehicle includes, in an exemplary embodiment, a beam and an energy absorber coupled to the beam. The beam has a top surface and a bottom surface, and is configured to attach to the vehicle. The energy absorber includes a body having a first side and an opposing second side, a plurality of crush lobes extending from the first side, and a plurality of vertical translational crush lobes extending from the second side. The second side faces the beam, and each vertical translational crush lobe engages the top surface or the bottom surface of the beam.

Abstract: A crash box for a motor vehicle includes an attachment portion which engages a longitudinal member of the motor vehicle and is secured thereto by at least one screw bolt which extends through a spacer sleeve. The spacer sleeve is securely fixed to the attachment portion and has two threaded portions of opposite pitch. Inserted from opposite sides of the spacer sleeve are tolerance compensating bolts, which are each provided with an inner rotary catch for interaction with an outer thread of the screw bolt. When the screw bolt is screwed in, the tolerance compensating bolts are thus moved apart until abutting against opposite inside wall surfaces of the longitudinal member. The screw bolt engages hereby a nut on an outside of the longitudinal member so that the attachment portion is now held without clearance on the longitudinal member by a head portion of the screw bolt and one of the tolerance compensating bolts, and by the other one of the tolerance compensating bolts and the nut.

Abstract: Waste collecting devices provide for orienting a disposable bag about the waste-contacting elements of the device in order to protect them from unwanted soiling by contact with the waste to be collected. The disposable bag is preferably a common grocery bag (or “t-shirt” bag), the most common of which is a plastic ? barrel bag.

Abstract: A slide gripper assembly is provided having a slide assembly coupled to a gripper assembly. The slide assembly extends and retracts the gripper assembly. A bracket assembly is coupled to the slide and gripper assemblies to move the gripper assembly relative to the slide assembly. The Bracket assembly may comprise an at least partially-spherical head which may be coupled to the gripper assembly to allow movement of the same relative to the slide assembly.

Abstract: A system comprising an assembly of structures and supports operable for installation in a vehicle for the purpose of transporting at least one medical attendant, one patient disposed on a stretcher, and a driver on a small utility vehicle having a flat horizontal surface or “bed”. The invention provides an improved method for evacuating injured people such as, for example, injured victims of a terrorist attack, or injured soldiers from a battlefield, on a relatively narrow vehicle. The supports are arranged so that at least one patient on a stretcher or spineboard can be placed longitudinally in the bed of the vehicle with a medical practitioner positioned adjacent the patient to attend to the patient's medical needs during transport.

Abstract: A sliding load floor system for use in the rear cargo area of a vehicle. The cargo area has a pair of opposing side portions that extend longitudinally in relation to the center line of the vehicle. A pair of opposing transverse portions extend laterally in relation to the vehicle. A storage area is positioned between and at a level below a plane including the side and transverse portions. The sliding load floor system comprises a slide mechanism including a pair of opposing rail members having a forward edge, and a removable load floor that is detachably positioned in relation to the slide mechanism; and a hinge assembly that is mounted to the side portions. The forward edges of the rail members are connected to the hinge assembly so that the slide mechanism, and the removable load floor may be moved arcuately in relation to the hinge assembly, and the load floor slid rearwardly.

Abstract: An interior trim component for a vehicle includes a body and an article holder. The article holder has a support structure for supporting an article. The article holder is pivotally connected to the body and movable between a storage position and a deployed position. In the deployed position the support structure of the article holder is higher relative to a position of the support structure when the article holder is in the storage position.

Abstract: A multi-positional collapsible seat assembly for a motor vehicle is disclosed. The seat assembly includes a seat bottom having a load surface provided on an underside thereof and a seat back having a load surface provided on the back side thereof. As the seat assembly is collapsed, the seat bottom is pivoted forward and the seat back is pivoted adjacent to the seat bottom such that the load surfaces collectively provide a load floor for receipt of cargo. An armrest assembly is disclosed that facilitates both passenger and cargo transport. A method is also disclosed for collapsing the seat assembly.