Abstract: A downhill ski binding (2) that operates to allow the skier to select a number of skates or a time interval, after which a lock means (30) locks the rearward end (28) of a ski boot plate (4) to a ski plate/lift (14) and/or a ski (22) until reset. Until the pre-selected number of skates or time interval is reached, the rearward end of the ski boot plate is freely moveable with respect to the ski plate/lift and/or ski, thereby allowing the skier to freely skate. A variety of configurations and mechanical, electromechanical and electromagnetic dynamic locking means are described, several with remote input means (104) and a logic unit (102).

Abstract: A gas bag module for a vehicle occupant restraint system includes a gas generator carrier (14) with a base (16) and with a peripheral wall (18), and also a covering cap (24) with a side wall (30) extending from a front wall (26) of the covering cap (24). Detent hooks (32) are formed on the edge of the side wall (30) facing away from the front wall (26), which engage into corresponding detent openings (34) in the base (16) of the gas generator carrier (14).

Abstract: An airbag apparatus has an airbag, an inflator, a cover and an opening mechanism. When an impact the magnitude of which is greater than a predetermined value is applied to the vehicle, the inflator supplies gas to the airbag. The cover covers the airbag. The opening mechanism opens the cover prior to inflation of the airbag.

Abstract: In a knee-protecting airbag device according to the present invention, an airbag folded and housed in undeployed condition protrudes rearward from a housing case to deploy upward and protects knees of a driver upon inflow of inflation gas. The airbag includes a cover portion for covering a vehicle's rear side of an area proximate to the key cylinder upon completion of deployment, and a general portion in the upper edge side of the airbag except the cover portion. Kinetic energy of the cover portion as deployed in a position of complete deployment is restrained compared with a kinetic energy of the general portion as deployed in a position of complete deployment. This restraint is achieved by reducing amount of inflation gas flowing into the cover portion. The knee-protecting airbag device of the present invention prevents the inflating airbag from contacting with key accessories hung down from an ignition key inserted into the key cylinder in a manner to cause gas leakage.

Abstract: In a knee protecting airbag device of the present invention, an airbag is folded and housed on the front side of the knees of a seated passenger. The airbag is protruded rearward of a vehicle from a protruding opening and expanded and inflated upward, when an inflating gas flows in. And, the airbag is arranged on the front side of the knees of the passenger between a member on the body side and the knees of the passenger thereby to protect the knees of the passenger. The protruding opening has a transverse width size set within a range of ? to ? of the transverse width size of the airbag having completed its expansion and inflation.

Abstract: An airbag and a method for making an airbag of the type that includes an irregularly-shaped panel, such as the side panels of a passenger airbag. The irregularly-shaped side panel is first divided into two segments with a single straight line to define an inflation segment and an impact segment. The straight line drawn to define the largest polygon that can be defined by any single straight line without coming too close to the inflation module hole. By segmenting the larger, irregularly shaped panel into two smaller ones with one of those being polygonal, better nesting of the segments can be obtained, which significantly improves fabric utilization to offset the labor cost from sewing the two segments together when making the irregularly shaped side panel required for the airbag.

Abstract: A joint between two or more structural members in a vehicular body and frame assembly facilitates the application of a coating of a material thereto after assembly of the joint. The first and second structural members have respective outer surfaces provided thereon. A spacer is provided either as a portion of a reinforcement member disposed within the first structural member or integrally with the first structural member. The first structural member is connected to the second structural member with the spacer therebetween so as to define a joint defining a gap between the outer surfaces of the first and second structural members. Lastly, a coating of a material is applied to the outer surfaces of the first and second structural members.

Abstract: An occupant restraint system (30) includes first and second lap belts (32 and 34) for collectively extending across a lap of the occupant (22). First and second shoulder belts (36 and 38) extend over the shoulders of the occupant (22). A buckle assembly (58) interconnects the lap belts (32 and 34) and the shoulder belts (36 and 38). The occupant restraint system (30) also includes first and second buckle-lowering belts (94 and 96) attached to the buckle assembly (58) for creating a downwardly acting biasing force on the buckle assembly (58) so as to move the buckle assembly (58) downwardly relative to the seat (10) and towards the lap of the occupant (22).

Abstract: In a through anchor, a configuration of first grooves (or second grooves) of a region on a surface of a piece, which region is where a webbing is particularly strongly fit tightly to and slides when a vehicle rapidly decelerates (i.e., a region at a vehicle front side and a vehicle compartment inner side), runs along a direction of application of the webbing to a vehicle occupant, and is formed so as to smoothly curve toward a rear of the vehicle. Therefore, the webbing, which slides in a state of being strongly fit tightly to the first grooves (or the second grooves) on the surface of the piece, slides while a direction of sliding thereof is pulled back (corrected) toward the rear of the vehicle.

Abstract: A collapsible snowboarder pole is divided into a number of segments. The segments are stored in a housing that also functions as a handle when the pole is in use. Tent pole technology enables the segments to fold out and hold shape. The pole segments mate with one another and are held in place by an elastic cord. The cord provides sufficient elasticity to allow the user to pull apart the pole segments enough to disengage them from one another when collapsing the pole.

Abstract: The book with spinning globe has a front cover, a back cover, and a spine or binding portion which binds the front cover, and the back cover. An earth globe is rotatably connected to a front cover, back cover, or spine so that the globe is rotatable about an axis extending along a plane of the front cover, back cover, or spine to which the globe is connected. The book may optionally include at least one leaf positioned between the front and the back cover. The globe may also be rotatably connected to the leaf. The globe is configured to represent the earth, and has outlines representing the continents and at least larger countries or geographical regions, and may have contours representing mountains or other features.

Abstract: A first quick connector is provided with a connector housing and a wire retainer. The connector housing has a retainer mounting portion which is formed with engagement slits. The wire retainer is mounted on the retainer mounting portion such that engagement arms enter the engagement slits and project in the retainer mounting portion. Each of the engagement slits has a first slit part on one circumferential end and a second slit part on the other circumferential end with intervening a divider portion therebetween.

Abstract: Union nut (10) includes body (20) and lock member (50). Body (20) includes thread retaining end (30) with threads (33) for mounting upon a threaded pipe (120) and flange retaining end (40) including partial collar (41) for partially retaining a flanged pipe (140). Lock member (50) slidably engages with body (20) to fully retain and support pipe flange (143).

Abstract: An inertia activated mechanism that may be incorporated with a door handle assembly and counteracts a crash force. When the crash force is applied, a locking tab is in a lock position to prevent a latch mechanism from releasing and opening the vehicle door. When the crash force is removed, the locking tab returns to a normal position, allowing the latch mechanism to function normally. The locking tab is attached to a weight by a cable. The weight moves and causes displacement of the locking tab when the crash force is applied and is restrained by a spring when the crash force is removed.

Abstract: A device for operating a lock assembly for a door or window assembly has a first configuration when mounted in a right hand door and a second sonfiguration when mounted in a left hand door. The device has a handle having a first position and a second position. A member is operably connected to the handle. The member has structure adapted to cooperate with the lock assembly such that the first position of the handle when the member is adapted to be connected to the lock assembly in the first configuration is the same as the first position of the handle when the member is adapted to be connected to the lock assembly in the second configuration.

Abstract: A latch includes a cup adapted for mounting to a first member, snap legs for securing the cup to a first member, and a lever supported by the cup. The lever pivots about a pivot axis that is linearly movable relative to the cup. The lever includes a crossbar that is capable of engaging a keeper that is fixed relative to a second member. The crossbar is confined by the cup to move in a substantially straight linear direction that is perpendicular to the direction of motion of the pivot axis of the lever relative to the cup as the lever is moved pivotally about its pivot axis. The first member moves in a straight linear motion toward its secured position as the lever is moved to its closed position while the crossbar is in engagement with the stationary keeper.

Abstract: A slidable bolt assembly (4) having a tension spring (16) mounted to a slide bolt rod (5). The actuating lever (8) is adapted to be pivotally mounted and is hand-operated. The actuating lever (8) is attached to a leaf tension spring (16) at one end and securely fastened to a bolt rod (5) on the other. The bolt member (5) is projected and retracted within the door by pivotal action of the actuating lever (8). Because the slidable bolt assembly (4) is attachable to the front of a door, the assembly (4) may be used on either an active (2) or inactive (3) door. In addition, the decorative mounting plate (7) allows a user to tastefully protect his or her home or business from excessive force caused by winds, intruders or other undesirable elements and promotes safety by restricting unauthorized individuals from access into or out of a room.

Abstract: A retracting locking mechanism for an openable unit includes a striker attached to one of the openable unit and a fixed unit, and a catcher attached to the other of the openable unit and the fixed unit. The catcher includes an inner part, and an outer part for housing the inner part. A coil spring is disposed between the inner and outer parts for biasing the inner part in a retreating direction to pull into the outer part. A dampening device provides dampening force to the retreating movement of the inner part caused by the coil spring.

Abstract: A reusable tamper-evident security device for use on a door or container includes a pair of base members, a pair of first leg members, a pair of second leg members, a pair of U-shaped upper members, and a pair of removable security label blanks. A base member, a first leg member, a second leg member, and a U-shaped upper member are abutted, form an inner cavity between the base member and the U-shaped upper member. At least one mounting hole is provided to affix the base member to the door or container. A first guide and a parallel second guide extent perpendicularly from the top surface of the base member, allowing the removable security label blank to be slidably inserted. The U-shaped upper member abutting each base member is oriented to form an oblong shape when the two base members are adjacent the other. An optional security label may be applied to the removable security label blank.

Abstract: A push latch that may be used in automobile applications to open and close compartment doors or bins reduces the number of components typically found in prior art designs while retaining the same quality and function. The push latch of the invention further eliminates the use of metal pins and springs, provides an assembly that is easier to assemble and reduces the cost to manufacture. In one embodiment, the push latch generally includes the use of a housing, lock and button. The lock includes the use of a flexible spring arm and bosses, which will engage with cam slots in the button. In operation, when the button is pushed, the cam slots will force the bosses and the lock downward causing the release of the compartment door. When the button is released, the flexible spring arm forces the cylindrical bosses upward in the cam slots thus forcing the button and lock back to their original positions.

Abstract: A vehicle bumper includes a bumper beam, a bumper face and an energy-absorbing member provided between the bumper beam and the bumper face. The energy-absorbing member has an L-shaped cross-section and includes a head of a front upper portion protruding upward. A space is formed between the bumper beam and the head. When a collision load acts on the bumper face, the head is deformed toward the space, thus absorbing the impact energy.

Abstract: A crash box for installation between a longitudinal member and a bumper cross member of a motor vehicle, includes a sheet metal body having a deformation member which extends anteriorly of an end surface of the longitudinal member and whose maximum crumpling capability defines the energy absorption of the crash box. In prolongation of the deformation member is an attachment member which is engaged in the longitudinal member and detachably secured by bolts therein. Formed in a transition zone between the deformation member and the attachment member, is a stop which is configured in the form of an outwardly directed material protuberance or outwardly directed thickened area of the sheet metal body and bearing against the end surface of the longitudinal member.

Abstract: A shock absorbing structure for a vehicle comprises a bumper reinforcement extending in a vehicle width direction, a pair of side members extending in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle, a pair of crash boxes provided between the pair of side members and the bumper reinforcement, and the crash box including a crash box body being hollowed in a vertical direction so as to have a first opening, a second opening and side walls, wherein the bumper reinforcement is attached to one end of the crash box body, and a side member attachment flange is integrally formed at the other end of the crash box body, and a load adjusting plate fixed to the crash box body so as to cover at least one of the first opening and the second opening of the crash box body and to sandwich the side walls of the crash box body.

Abstract: The current invention relates to a decorative design member or logo configured to affix to an existing vehicle door handle. Additionally, the current invention relates to a handle overlay configured to an existing vehicle door handle and a decorative design member affixed to the handle overlay. Furthermore, the decorative design member can be integrated into a handle overlay for the current invention. The invention also relates to a method for applying a decorative design member, logo or handle overlay to a vehicle door handle.

Abstract: A collapsible entertainment system for integration into the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle includes a frame adapted to be pivotably mounted to a passenger compartment component and a display. The display is characterized by having a viewing side for viewing by one or more passengers in a vehicle. The display is attached to the frame such that the display is moveable in two directions about the frame. The mobility of the display allows the entertainment system to be collapsed for stowing.

Abstract: A covering mechanism for covering a portion of a vehicle. The covering mechanism includes a cassette, at least one inner end cap disposed at an end of the cassette, and at least one outer end cap disposed over the inner end cap. The outer end cap is movable between a retracted position and an extended position.

Abstract: A load floor assembly includes a load floor and a frame. The frame supports the load floor, and the load floor is movable with respect to the frame between a first position in which the load floor is entirely located within a vehicle cargo area, and a second position in which at least a portion of the load floor extends rearward of a rear body opening. The load floor is preferably movable to a third position forward of the first position in which increased vehicle body floor space is exposed adjacent to the rear body opening. A ramp surface supports the forward portion of the load floor in the third position to prevent a cantilevered condition. The load floor preferably includes two handles that are operative to disengage a latch for selective movement of the load floor between the positions.

Abstract: A tailgate with a fixed portion and an expandable portion where the expandable portion is pivotally coupled to the fixed portion.

Abstract: A display unit for a motor vehicle comprises a screen and a guide member defining an arced track. The screen is movable with respect to the arced track between a retracted position, wherein the screen rests at a first angle with respect to vertical, and an extended position, wherein the screen extends upward and rests at a second angle with respect to vertical.

Abstract: A vehicle storage assembly for a vehicle cargo area includes a base defining a floor of the storage assembly and a storage panel attached to said base. At least a portion of the storage panel is movable relative to the base by a living hinge. The storage panel is movable between a stowed position and a deployed position for dividing at least a portion of the vehicle cargo area.

Abstract: A tailgate synchronizer for coordinating mechanical communication between first and second handles mounted to a tailgate and first and second lock assemblies that selectively lock the tailgate to a vehicle body includes a first lock assembly actuator lever rotatably mounted to the tailgate. The first lock assembly actuator lever is selectively movable by the first handle. The first lock assembly actuator lever is connected to the first lock assembly so that the first lock assembly actuator lever unlocks the first lock assembly when sufficiently moved by the first handle. A second lock assembly actuator lever is rotatably mounted to the tailgate and selectively movable by the second handle. The second lock assembly actuator lever is connected to the second lock assembly so that the second lock assembly actuator lever unlocks the second lock assembly when sufficiently moved by the second handle.

Abstract: A latch device includes a biaxial hinge, a horizontal hinge latch mechanism, a vertical hinge latch mechanism, a common latch mechanism, a swing actuation handle, and a flap actuation handle is provided on a tailgate for realizing selective movement about both a vertical axis and a horizontal axis. A first disengagement detection unit detects disengagement of the horizontal hinge latch mechanism and a second disengagement detection unit that detects disengagement of the vertical hinge latch mechanism. A tailgate release-latch unit disables the actuation of the flap actuation handle upon detection of the disengaged condition of the horizontal hinge latch mechanism by the first disengagement detection unit, and swing actuation handle upon detection of the disengaged condition of the vertical hinge latch mechanism by the second disengagement detection unit.

Abstract: A seating accessory for use in combination with the inside surface of the tailgate of a pickup truck. The accessory includes a generally rectangular sheet sized to be positioned over the lowered tailgate surface and defining two side-by-side upwardly opening concave seating surfaces to accommodate side-by-side seated persons. A backrest is associated with each seating surface and is pivotally moveable between an upright position providing back support for a person sitting on the respective seating surface, and a lowered, stowed position within the concavity of the respective seating surface. The seating access is secured to the tailgate using suitable fasteners coacting with the tailgate.

Abstract: A foldable and storable seat for a vehicle is disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to vehicle having a conveniently storable passenger seat. The seat is collapsible into an on-floor or stowed position. A user can stow the seat using only one hand. A release member is activated to permit the seat to move from an upright position to the collapsed position. A tub area which stows the seat is concealed by a floor covering member which has flippers that automatically retract upon activation of the release member. The seat is also capable of reclining. Moreover, the seat remains adjustable in the forward and rearward directions with respect to the vehicle cab. This type of arrangement is ideal for passenger vehicles with two or more rows of seating, like SUVs, vans, and minivans.

Abstract: A sun visor assembly, wherein the sun visor thereof includes a vanity mirror and vanity lighting, wherein the functionally thereof is characterized by the sun visor being pivotal, rotatable and axially slidable relative to its mounting, wherein a slide mechanism supplies electrical power to the vanity lighting at all slide positions, and wherein power delivery is mechanically dependable and electrically reliable via an electrical slide component of the slide mechanism. Additionally the sun visor assembly according to the present invention optionally includes selectively illuminable, integrated reading lights at a bottom periphery thereof.

Abstract: A rear hood assembly system is proposed for vehicles. The rear hood assembly includes a multi-joint link assembly. The multi-joint link assembly couples the rear hood to a vehicle body. The multi-joint link assembly includes a locking link. The locking link can move between a locked position and an unlocked position. When the locking link is in the locked position, a rotary joint pivotably couples the locking link to the vehicle body to raise the rear edge of the rear hood. When the locking link is in the unlocked position, the rotary joint is unlocked.

Abstract: An animal deflector system for propelling a deer/large animal away from the front portion of a moving vehicle wherein the system includes a brush guard member mounted on the front of a vehicle by a pair of compression springs connect on one end to the brush guard member and a pair of bearing plates affixed to the front of the vehicle, wherein a pair of pivotal lever members maintain the compression springs in a pre-loaded condition until a deer/large animal forcibly impacts the brush guard member.

Abstract: A driving device for driving an open/close member that is designed to open and close an open portion of a body includes a driving source generating a driving force, a force transmission mechanism disposed between the driving source and the open/close member and serving for transmitting the driving force thereto, and a load regulator for interrupting the driving force transmission when an excessive force is applied to the force transmission mechanism from the open/close member.

Abstract: A camper having passive solar climate controls. The camper has a solar structure carried by a base. The solar structure includes a cover, a window panel, a ridge vent, a plurality of awnings, and a plurality of side panels. The ridge vent and the awnings are carried by the cover and the window panel. The window panel and the cover are each pivotally attached to the base such that they are rotated toward the base into a collapsed position and/or away from the base into an extended position. A gable connector secures the cover and the window panel in the extended position. The side panels cooperate with the cover and the window panel to define an interior within the camper. The window panel includes a window and a solar curtain adapted to releasably cover the window. The ridge vent is received by a ventilation opening proximate the gable connector.

Abstract: A rear-mounted air guide device for a motor vehicle includes an air guide element which can be adjusted in relation to the vehicle body between a retracted inactive position and an extended active position. In the retracted inactive position, the air guide element, which forms the upper body surface in some regions, has a different attack angle than in the extended active position, in which the air guide element extends in a spaced manner to the upper body surface. A device, provided for fastening and adjusting the air guide element, has a simpler design, can be produced more inexpensively, and requires little space, is provided by way of at least one support, seated displaceably on the vehicle body, which can be moved in the vertical direction and which includes on its upper end region a contact area for the air guide element pivoted on the support.

Abstract: A deformation element formed of a triangular assembly of interconnected structural channels is mounted in a trunk well in the forward section of a vehicle. In their respective longitudinal directions, the channels incorporate hollow compartments, separated by partitions, which, in the event of a collision, have an impact-energy-absorbing effect.

Abstract: Energy-absorbing bolsters for an automotive instrument panel assembly are provided wherein each of the bolsters includes a network of thermoplastic cells having a plurality of interconnected sides for absorbing energy of an impact with a front panel by a passenger of the vehicle in an energy absorption area of the front panel. Each bolster includes a thermoplastic cover section including the front panel having a front outer surface and a rear inner surface. A thermoplastic rib structure lays immediately behind the rear inner surface of the front panel in the energy absorption area. A thermoplastic backing section includes a back panel having a rear outer surface and an inner surface and is secured to the cover section in containing relationship to the rib structure to form a hollow compartment for the rib structure in the energy absorption area.

Abstract: A roof module for a motor vehicle body (3) includes a reinforcing frame (2) and a roof panel (1) that is fastened thereto. The reinforcing frame (2) can be fastened to the motor vehicle body (3) by screw connections (8) and adhesive bonds (5). A roof module, which is both prefabricated with all accessories as well as painted and which can be placed onto the motor vehicle body (3) during final assembly is provided with the reinforcing frame (2) or the roof panel (1) having, on the edge thereof, a folded flange (11), which is shaped so that it has a U-shaped profile (12). An edge strip (10, 13) of the roof panel (1) or of the reinforcing frame (2) engages inside the U-shaped profile (12) and is bonded therein to the reinforcing frame (2) or to the roof panel (1). The roof module is larger in a vertical projection than a roof opening in the motor vehicle body (3).

Abstract: The invention relates to a composite component and a method of producing such composite component, in particular a car body attachment part for a motor vehicle, which includes an outer skin that is defined by an outer skin foil associated with the motor vehicle. An inner layer made of plastic is applied to a rear side of the outer skin foil by providing a foamed or injection-molded backing. A mounting piece is disposed in a depression of the outer skin foil and is anchored therein. An intermediate foil is situated between the mounting piece and the outer skin foil and prevents, at least in sections, any direct contact between the mounting piece and the outer skin foil.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly including a lower seat cushion supported by the vehicle and a seat back supported for movement between an upright position and a stowed position. The seat assembly also has a headrest supported for movement relative to the seat back. A locking mechanism engages the headrest to retain the headrest in a raised position when the seat back is in the upright position. The locking mechanism also disengages the headrest for allowing movement of the headrest away from the raised position when the seat back is moved toward the stowed position. The seat assembly also has a biasing mechanism that biases the headrest toward the raised position.

Abstract: A chair has a frame, a seat on the frame, a back on the frame, and a link between the seat and the back for shifting the seat and back between a sitting position with the back generally vertical and the seat generally horizontal and a relaxed position with the back less vertical and the seat shifted forward on the frame. A pivot defines a horizontal pivot axis carrying the headrest for pivoting between a generally horizontal position extending rearward from the pivot axis and an erect position extending upward from an upper end of the back. A linkage connected between the headrest and the back pivots the headrest about the axis into the erect position on shifting of the back and seat into the relaxed position and pivots the headrest about the axis into the horizontal position on shifting of the back and seat into the sitting position.

Abstract: A passenger seat, an aircraft passenger seat in particular, has seat components such as a back rest, a seat component, at least one console component delimiting the seat component on the side, and a table top (9) adjustable to an initial position and a use position. The console component has an interior compartment in which the table top (9) may be displaced in a guide (1) between the lowered initial position and a ready position when extracted from the upper end of the console component along the plane of the table top. At the upper end of the guide (1), a bearing configuration (19, 21, 25, 27) functions as support of the table top (9) and permits pivoting of the table top (9) from the ready position into the horizontal use position.

Abstract: A tray connects with various high chairs and securely attaches various food receptacles to resist knocking over by a small child or toddler seated within the high chair. The tray has an annular slot with curved wider and curved narrower slots in alternating sequence. A complementary curved channel, located beneath each slot, communicates with each cooperating narrower slot and adjacent wider slots. Food receptacles, such as bowls, plates, and the like are releasably attached to the tray over the annular slot. Each food receptacle contains curved anchor members located on the bottom in a circular pattern complementary to the annular slot. The infirm and the elderly may also benefit from this tray.

Abstract: An air conditioned seat with a padded seat surface (4) and a padded backrest (8) and with a fan (16) arranged beneath the seat surface (4). The fan (16) is connected to an air distribution apparatus (20, 22) in the seat, and includes a flow region (31) that is open to the environment. The flow region (31) is located substantially on the side of the fan (16) facing the seat surface (4). The fan inlet (30) is further environmentally protected by a diffuser (36) located in the flow region (31) and forming a slit opening (40) between a top edge (38) of the diffuser (36) and an underside (28) of the seat.