Abstract: A gasket includes a first plate formed of a plurality of first plate pieces. Each plate piece has at least one combustion chamber hole therein, and a device for connecting the first plate pieces together. The first plate pieces are arranged such that the first combustion chamber holes are aligned in series and two first plate pieces situated adjacent to each other are connected through the connecting device.

Abstract: To provide an excellent chuck assembly that is superior in assembling workability, may be produced in low cost and is superior in mass-production property, in which a rotary sleeve (2) provided on a body (1) is rotated, jaws (4) engaged with rotary nuts (3) are moved back and forth to be opened and closed by the rotation of the rotary nut (3) rotated together with the rotary sleeve (2) and a tool is clamped by the jaws (4), a ring member (8) is provided in the rotary nuts (3), a convex and concave engaging means is provided between the ring member (8) and the rotary sleeve (2), and the ring member (8 and the rotary sleeve 2 are retained and prevented from falling apart from each other by the convex and concave engaging means.

Abstract: A stabilizer bar for controlling the roll of an automotive vehicle has left and right sections, each provided with a torsion rod and a torque arm. The torsion rods are aligned along a transverse axis and attached to a structural component of the vehicle, while the torque arms are connected to the left and right control arms of the vehicle's suspension system. In addition, the bar has a coupling between the torsion rods of the two sections for controlling the torsional stiffness of the bar. The coupling includes a rotor fitted to one of the torsion rods and a housing fitted to the other torsion rod, with the housing receiving the rotor, such that a cavities exist between the rotor and housing. Both the rotor and housing carry vanes, that alternate so that the vanes of the rotor are located between the vanes of the housing. The cavities contain a magneto-rheological fluid.

Abstract: A rear tractor suspension for a tractor includes a suspension arm pivotally coupled to the chassis of the tractor, and a hydraulic cylinder coupled to the suspension arm to support it. The hydraulic cylinder conveys only longitudinal forces in a first mode of operation in which the suspension is not substantially loaded. When a substantial load is placed upon the suspension and the suspension arm begins to bend within normal operational and design limits, the hydraulic cylinder counteracts the load applied to the suspension, the torsional moment it produces, and the torsioning of the suspension arm by automatically applying a counteracting torsional moment to the suspension arm.

Abstract: An apparatus that combines an ice chest or other similar storage device with a transportation apparatus for easily transporting the ice chest or other similar storage device. The transportation apparatus includes a plurality of straps and a handle that is attached to the plurality of straps. The transportation apparatus also includes a pair of wheels that are attached to the plurality of straps that allow the ice chest or other similar storage device to be carried similar to a piece of a luggage by merely grasping the handle and pulling the present invention while walking.

Abstract: A mobile storage unit is disclosed. The mobile storage unit comprises at least two structural frames, a seat portion coupled to the at least two structural frames, a handle assembly coupled to the seat portion, a bottom panel coupled to the at least two structural frames whereby a storage area is created below the seat portion, above the bottom portion and between the at least two structural frames and at least two wheels coupled to the bottom panel. Through the use of the present invention, the potential for back problems that are associated with the use of the traditional backpack is eliminated. Additionally, the mobile storage unit provides an easily accessible storage area for the user/student in the case where no locker is provided. Furthermore, the mobile storage unit incorporates a seat portion which allows a user to utilize the mobile storage unit as a seat in situations where one is needed yet not available.

Abstract: A dolly for dock plates has an elongate frame and plate edge receiver having a horizontal bottom wall and angled sidewalls extending upward and outward to an upper edge. Front and rear pairs of flanges extend from front and rear portions of the elongate frame at the upper edges thereof for supporting front and rear pairs of castors. The front castors are fixed parallel to the frame, while the rear castors are of the swivel type, allowing change of direction of the dolly. The bottom wall of the frame supports the lower edge of the dock plate during moving and the angled sidewalls allow the dock plate to be stored on the dolly while the dock plate is leaned against a wall for storage. The bottom wall of the frame is at about the height of the castor wheel axles or below for stability.

Abstract: A steer wheel control system having a centering unit for holding center by resisting off-center movement of the steered wheels of a vehicle and returning them to a selected center position after each such movement, and a trim unit for remotely varying the selected center position. The resistance and return forces may also be varied remotely. A plurality of passages and check valves make the trim unit operable by a single solenoid valve mounted in an externally accessible socket within an intermediate head between the trim unit and the centering unit. An orifice assembly between a fluid accumulator and the centering unit prevent overly rapid off-center movements during tire blowouts.

Abstract: A steer wheel control system having a centering unit for holding center by resisting off-center movement of the steered wheels of a vehicle and returning them to a selected center position after each such movement, and a trim unit for remotely varying the selected center position. The resistance and return forces may also be varied. A plurality of passages and check valves in a remote trim valve assembly make the trim unit operable by a single solenoid valve mounted on a remote manifold that is in fluid communication with passages in an intermediate head between the trim unit and the centering unit. A 3-way valve between a fluid accumulator and the centering unit provides depressurization of the centering unit in the absence of electrical power or upon a loss of power steering.

Abstract: An adjustable hydrostatic control system that adjusts in length to locate mutual neutral locations while transmitting the necessary torque through mating sliding spines.

Abstract: A sub frame assembly for attaching a material container to different vehicles each having a first and second generally parallel chassis member wherein the chassis members of the different vehicles have different spacings. The sub frame assembly comprises at least one frame rail associated with each chassis rail, at least a first and second cross member attached to the frame rails to hold the frame rails in a generally fixed relationship, wherein the cross members space the frame rails at a distance which corresponds to the chassis frame spacing of a respective vehicle.

Abstract: A spacer apparatus for insulating a beam bushing assembly of an axle/suspension system from direct metal-to-metal contact with the vehicle frame hanger on which the assembly is pivotally mounted. In one embodiment, an integrally-formed one-piece apparatus includes a spacer disk portion and collar portions, whereby the collars provide a complementary fit of the spacer apparatus on the bushing assembly mounting tube, and generally prevents or minimizes relative movement between the spacer disk and bushing assembly. In other embodiments, one or more load dissipation structures mounted on or forming a part of the beam and/or its bushing assembly prevent substantially non-planar surfaces of the assembly from contacting a spacer disk by increasing the bearing area of those surfaces which contact the disk. These apparatus generally eliminate excessive wear or damage to the spacer disk and possible resulting damage to the axle/suspension system.

Abstract: An auxiliary power system for a bicycle having a motor (10) attached to the bicycle flame (22) by thin clamps (30), which can be arranged in a variety of positions to avoid disturbing the control cables. Power is delivered on demand via a sprocket driving a single freewheel (180) attached to a modified left crank (200). The gearbox (20) may be attached to the frame by means of a quick-release system. A bushing (600), (700), (820) may be used instead of a modified as a means of mounting the freewheel to the crank axle. (720), (610), (850b). To prevent accidental simultaneous braking and triggering, triggering the system is accomplished by placing the trigger switch (430) so that the rider's fingers must disengage the brake in order to engage the motor. Accidental triggering may be prevented by placing a trigger switch on each handle and wiring them in series so that both switches must be engaged to obtain power.

Abstract: A motorcycle whose front end has a coil-over shock disposed within the head tube and telescopic forks which include linear bearings riding between flats on the outer face of the inner fork tubes and flats on the inner face of the outer fork tubes. The linear bearings ride on hardened steel races, enabling the fork tubes to be e.g. aluminum. Using an odd number of linear bearings in each fork prevents having two linear bearings at 180° opposition which would increase sensitivity to manufacturing tolerance stackups, preload, and the like.

Abstract: A bicycle trailer hitch assembly including first and second complementary hitch bracket members adapted and arranged for attachment to opposites sides of the bicycle frame rear wheel drop out. Each bracket member includes a main body portion con figured on one side for abutting relation with the bicycle rear wheel drop out and on the other side for receiving the trailer tongue tube to provide center pulling of the trailer. The bicycle quick release skewer which holds the rear wheel clamped to the drop out member likewise secures both brackets to the drop out member. Each of the brackets has a fastener arrangement for enabling securing the bracket to the trailer drawbar.

Abstract: A gooseneck for connecting a tractor to a trailer. The gooseneck has a remotely controlled unit for operating the hydraulic and pneumatic systems that provide for moving a slidable king pin plate to different loading positions so as to balance the load for over-the-road transport. The gooseneck also has a pivotal rear end to assist in connection of the gooseneck to the trailer. A pivotal gooseneck stinger arm maintains the gooseneck in position for accurate placement during connection and disconnection of the gooseneck and trailer. All of the necessary movements for connecting and disconnecting the tractor and trailer can be accomplished remotely with a minimum of effort by the tractor trailer operator.

Abstract: Children's ride-on vehicle assemblies having leading and trailing vehicles that are removably coupled together by a connection apparatus. The leading vehicle is an independently operable ride-on vehicle having a drive assembly that is selectively configured between a plurality of drive configurations, such as responsive to user inputs via user input devices. The assembly further includes a detection system adapted to detect whether or not the connection apparatus is in its coupled configuration and to restrict the plurality of drive configurations responsive thereto. This restriction may be automatic responsive to coupling of the leading and trailing vehicles together, and it may be made regardless of user inputs that otherwise would select and/or enable one of the restricted drive configurations.

Abstract: A hitch alignment apparatus is provided for mounting on a motor vehicle and a trailer for facilitating the hitching of a motor vehicle to a trailer. The vehicle and trailer mounted hitch alignment apparatus includes a motor-vehicle-mounted trailer alignment unit for attachment to a rear portion of the motor vehicle and includes a trailer-mounted motor vehicle alignment unit for attachment to the front portion of the trailer. When the motor-vehicle-mounted trailer alignment unit and the trailer-mounted motor vehicle alignment unit are in proper registration, the vehicle-mounted trailer ball and the trailer-mounted ball receiver are in alignment and registration to facilitate the interconnection therebetween. Each of the motor-vehicle-mounted trailer alignment unit and the trailer-mounted motor vehicle alignment unit includes respective adjustable-length riser portions that facilitate efficient adjustment of and use of the alignment apparatus.

Abstract: A towing hook mounting structure for a vehicle comprises a bumper reinforcement extending in a width direction of the vehicle and including a front surface, a back surface, a top surface and an under surface, a hook mounting member to which a towing hook is fixed, a mechanical fastening means for fastening the bumper reinforcement and the hook mounting member on at least one of the top surface or the under surface of the bumper reinforcement a bumper engaging portion formed on the bumper reinforcement so as to protrude toward the back surface of the bumper reinforcement, a hook engaging portion formed on the hook mounting member protruding toward a front surface of the hook mounting member so as to be engaged with the bumper engaging portion, and a contacting portion formed on the hook mounting member so as to make contact with the back surface of the bumper reinforcement.

Abstract: Ski binding (1; 1?; 1?), in particular touring, telemark or cross-country binding, with a front retaining element associated with the front sole end (7a) of a ski boot (5), a back retaining element (21) so constructed that it engages an edge (7b) at the front part of the boot sole or at the heel of the boot, and a tensioning device (17; 25; 47; 17?; 17?) that connects the front and back retaining elements to one another, and that allows the front and back retaining elements to be locked to the ski boot and, in particular in the locked state, allows the heel of the boot to be raised away from the ski, wherein the front retaining element grips the sole of the ski boot on both sides near the tip of the boot, in particular with lateral resilience, and with the front retaining element there is associated an elastic pressing element (13) to press the upper side of the sole against the retaining element.

Abstract: A binding for a sports boot on a gliding board, comprising a base intended to be fixed on a gliding board, means for binding the boot and a rear stop or spoiler, wherein, on each lateral part of the base (1), the spoiler (3) is on the one hand mounted so as to move about a pin (4) mounted so as to move relative to the base (1) and on the other hand connected to the base (1) by a second means for guiding its movement relative to the base (1).

Abstract: A tractor-trailer slider includes spaced apart longitudinal side rails having control arm supports extending downwardly from the side rails for supporting the slider. Portions of the longitudinal side rails and the control arms supports are integrated using one or more common plates. Lightening holes and edge of the slider are flanged to reinforce the walls. Coining and ribbing are also used for additional reinforcement. Lateral cross-members extend between the longitudinal side rails. The lateral cross-members have tabs on opposing ends that are received in an interlocking relationship with complementary elongated slots in the longitudinal side rails. Air spring supports arranged at forward and rearward portions of the slider are secured to the longitudinal side rails, the control arm supports, and the lateral cross-members to provide a structurally rigid frame. The air spring supports provide spaced apart air spring mounting pads.

Abstract: A leg protection device for a vehicle occupant is disposed inside a seat-front member of a vehicle. The leg protection device includes an air bag having a rear panel and positioned along the seat-front member and a front panel facing the occupant when the air bag is inflated, and a gas generator for inflating the air bag. When the air bag is inflated, the air bag has a vertical length at a center portion of the front panel in the width direction longer than a vertical length at a center portion of the rear panel in the width direction to obtain a curved cross section.

Abstract: A side airbag apparatus includes an airbag, an inflator and a limited thickness portion. The inflator supplies gas to the airbag. When the airbag is inflated and deployed, the limited thickness portion limits the inflation of the airbag such that the thickness of a portion of the airbag corresponding to an elbow portion of an occupant on the seat is less than the thickness of the remainder of the airbag with respect to the measurement between the occupant and the body side portion. The airbag includes an inflation portion that entirely surrounds the limited thickness portion and is inflated with gas from the inflator. This prevents an elbow portion of the occupant from receiving an excessive force directed laterally inward.

Abstract: A motor vehicle includes a body structure that has a lateral structure, a vehicle seat that is mounted on the body structure, and a side impact protection device for a passenger in the vehicle. The side impact protection device includes a head airbag with a first inflation device that can deploy upward in the region of the breastwork of the lateral structure, and a side airbag with a second inflation device that can deploy laterally out of the seat. In order for the side impact protection device to be used for different body structures, the side airbag is designed as a thorax airbag, which, in its ready state, is positioned, together with the second inflation device, inside the seat back of the vehicle seat, and can deploy essentially toward the front out of the side wall of the seat back. When the thorax airbag is in its deployed state, its upper edge comes to rest next to the breastwork of the lateral structure.

Abstract: When a gas generating agent 9a inside a first combustion chamber 5a is burnt, a gas generating agent 9b is prevented from being burnt by function of a metal thin plate 11 closing a communication hole 10 with a second combustion chamber 5b. A cup 1190 having a hole 1191 is covered on an igniter 1112, and the flame thereof advances into a transfer charge 1116 straightly in a narrow width. Accordingly, since the transfer charge 1116 is burnt completely, sufficient flame for burning a gas generating agent 1109 can be generated securely. A communication hole 3010 between a first combustion chamber 3005a and a second combustion chamber 3005b is closed by double-layered seal tape 3011 laminated through an adhesive layer. After activation, the seal tapes 3011 are not ruptured due to increase in the internal pressure of the first combustion chamber 3005a, but they are peeled off easily due to increase in the internal pressure of the second combustion chamber 3005b.

Abstract: In the occupant protection device according to the present invention, a restraint body joined with a driving mechanism is located near a target area of a seated occupant while being surrounded by an interior decoration member. Upon predicting a collision of the vehicle, the driving mechanism is actuated to protrude the restraint body from an opening in the interior decoration member for restraining the movement of the target area upon collision by its side facing the occupant, and when the collision is avoided, the driving mechanism returns the protruded restraint body in the opening of the interior decoration member. The restraint body is provided in the vicinity of its outer periphery with a retaining hole, a clip to be inserted in and retained by the retaining hole, and a guide surface for guiding the clip into the retaining hole for helping the restraint body to return in the opening of the interior decoration member.

Abstract: A landing gear having a telescopic cross shaft extending between the cylindrical stub shafts protruding from both screw jacks thereof. The telescopic cross shaft is made of square structural tubing. The telescopic cross shaft has a pair of end-casing members and a central-stem member. The end-casing members have a combined length of less than a distance between the legs of the landing gear. The end-casing members are slidably engaged over both ends of the central-stem member with loose-fit connections. The end-casing members are also respectively mounted over the stub shafts of the landing gear with loose-fit connections.

Abstract: A chassis of modular construction for commercial vehicles has a front vehicle subframe and a rear vehicle subframe connected thereto, an individual wheel suspension having a spring and/or shock-absorber strut and also an upper transverse link and a lower transverse link formed on the front vehicle subframe on each side of the vehicle. The front vehicle subframe is composed of two side consoles assigned in each case to one side of the vehicle, an upper crossmember connecting the two side consoles to each other at the top and a lower crossmember connecting the two side consoles to each other at the bottom. Each side console is connected to the rear vehicle subframe. One of the upper transverse links is mounted on each side console and one of the spring and/or shock-absorber struts is supported thereon. The two lower transverse links are mounted on the lower crossmember.

Abstract: An electrofusion coupling for coupling a first device to a second device, includes a first part having an outer end for coupling to the first device, and an inner end formed with a surface of a curved configuration; and a second part having an end engaging the inner end of the first part and formed with a surface of a complementary curved configuration as the first part. The curved configurations of the two parts is such that the second part may be pivoted to locate its longitudinal axis at different angles with respect to the longitudinal axis of the first part. At least one of the parts is of a thermoplastic material and includes an electrical heater coil embedded along its curved surface for fixing by electrofusion the angular position of the second part with respect to the first part.

Abstract: A clamp assembly for connecting the end of a first pipe to the end of an axially aligned second pipe. The clamp assembly comprises a first semi-circular clamp arm, a second semi-circular clamp arm, a lever and a latch. The first clamp arm has a first end portion and a second end portion. The second clamp arm has a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion of the second clamp arm is pivotably attached to the first end portion of the first clamp arm. The lever is pivotably attached to the first end portion of the first clamp arm. The latch has a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion of the latch is pivotably attached the second end portion of the second clamp arm. The second end portion of the latch is attached to the lever upon the clamp assembly in a closed position. The distance between the attachment of the latch to the second clamp arm to the attachment of the latch to the lever is adjustable in the attachment of the latch to the second clamp arm.

Abstract: A tubular assembly 10 is disclosed for passing fluids within a hydrocarbon recovery well. The tubular assembly 10 has an insulated connection 12 between insulated tubing segments 14, 16. Tubing segments 14, 16 are connected via a threaded connection, and the resulting joint 10 is insulated by an external insulating sleeve 18. The insulating sleeve 18 may have unitary construction, such that the sleeve 18 may only be installed or removed by first breaking apart the joint 10. Alternatively, the sleeve 18 may comprise a plurality of arcuate partial-sleeves, which may be assembled about or removed from the completed joint 10 without first breaking apart the joint 10.

Abstract: A snap-fit connection assembly for use in a pool filtration system. The connection assembly includes a first connection receptacle, a second connection receptacle for insertion into the first connection receptacle, one or mores fingers extending circumferentially from the second connection receptacle, and one or more openings in the first connection receptacle for engaging the finger(s).

Abstract: Coupling components which prevent relative rotation between tubular members when break away torque forces are applied to the tubular members. In one embodiment, the invention is a locking ring for preventing relative axial rotation between two generally tubular members. The ring is shaped to receive a sealing gasket and has two side faces wherein each side face is shaped to frictionally engage one of the tubular members to thereby prevent relative axial rotation between the tubular members. The invention is also directed to a coupling including a locking ring. The tubular members are generally coaxially arranged such that the sealing faces face each other. The coupling comprises a sealing gasket captured between the sealing beads for sealing the coupling, wherein the frictional surfaces engage the sealing gasket to prevent relative rotation between the tubular members.

Abstract: A mechanical pipe joint, restraining gasket, and method for restraining pipe spigots within adjacent bell sockets. The restraining gasket is composed of two axially-separate components: a sealing portion and a restraining portion made of a plurality of arcuate locking members. The restraining gasket and a gland surround an outer surface of the pipe spigot. The mechanical pipe joint is formed as the pipe spigot is inserted into the bell socket and the gland is axially attached to the bell socket so that the restraining gasket is held between: the gland, an inner surface of the bell socket, and the outer surface of the pipe spigot, so as to provide a fluid seal in the joint and urge the locking members into contact with the outer surface of the pipe spigot, axially restraining the pipe spigot within the bell socket.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coaxial two-component cartridge, with an outer tube and a separate inner tube, both of which tape at one respective end into a respective neck, wherein the inner side of the neck of the outer tube and the outer side of the neck of the inner tube are each provided with locking elements that can be moved into engagement with each other, for a coaxial introduction of the inner tube into the outer tube, such that they fix the inner tube relative to the outer tube coaxially and in a predetermined axial position. The coaxial two-component cartridge distinguishes itself in that the locking elements of the neck of the outer tube are formed by a plurality in the axial direction of successive channels, and the locking elements of the neck of the inner tube are formed by a plurality in the axial direction of successive ribs integral with the neck, and the outer diameter of the neck of the inner tube including the ribs is at least as large as the clearance diameter of the channels.

Abstract: An adjustable striker plate assembly for a double door having a slidable member providing for adjustment of the striker plate in a horizontal direction and an adjustable member for adjusting the striker plate in a vertical direction. Two fasteners pass through the striker plate and through the slidable member and into two threaded holes in the adjustable member. A cam is rotatably coupled to the adjustable member for adjusting and holding the adjustable member in place until the fasteners are tightened.

Abstract: Egg lifting apparatus are provided that include a vacuum housing having first and second passageways, a venturi assembly in fluid communication with the first and second passageways, and a flexible cup secured to the vacuum housing, wherein the flexible cup has an interior that is in fluid communication with the vacuum housing second passageway. The venturi assembly produces subatmospheric pressure within the second passageway upon the flow of air through the first passageway. The flexible cup is configured to engage and retain an egg in seated relation therewith when subatmospheric pressure is provided within the flexible cup interior via the vacuum housing second passageway.

Abstract: A wood handling clam having a pair of hollow curved jaws constructed of side walls and inside and outside covers welded thereto. A hollow carrier housing on which the jaws are pivoted at their upper ends has a downwardly extending center portion received into a slot formed into the upper end of each jaw. A tubular pivot pin extends through each upper end of each of the jaws and a pair of carrier housing side plates, as well as the through the down central portion of the carrier housing. Tubular cross shafts in the jaws and housing anchor devises for mounting each end of a power cylinder for each jaw extending into the slot in the upper end of each jaw.

Abstract: A tool handling device for a machine tool with a support construction movable along at least two coordinate axes by means of a motor and a gripper arrangement mounted to the support construction. The grippers have two gripper claws pivotable against each other as well as a locking mechanism for fixing the gripper claws in their closed posture. Each gripper has opposed openings for a lateral insertion and extraction of a tool post. Operating elements are provided for pivoting the two gripper claws during the insertion and extraction of a tool post through one of the two openings.

Abstract: A suspended lifting apparatus for grasping and releasing unwieldy objects. As the apparatus is raised, a hinged mechanism causes the weight of the object being lifted to draw extendable lever arms of the apparatus inward, thereby gripping the object. An articulating scooping mechanism at the bottom of the lever arms helps to grip or cradle the object as it is lifted, ensuring that it maintains a firm grip on the object. An offset mechanism is used to move the lever arms into an open position and hold them in that position before lifting, until the apparatus is in the proper position.

Abstract: A luggage area protection device includes a flexible flat article movably arranged between a compactly deposited rest position and an extracted functioning position. At the front end in the extraction direction, a dimensionally stable extraction part, extending transversely to the flat article extraction position, is provided. Guides are associated with the extraction part and move the latter between the extracted functioning position and the flat article rest position. The extraction part is lockable in the extracted flat article functioning position. The locking mechanisms, considered in the flat article extraction direction, are positioned approximately at the same height or behind an area portion defining the rest position of the extraction part.

Abstract: A cap and cover assembly is for use with a pick up truck having a truck box. The cap and cover assembly includes a top panel and opposing sides. Each side has a flexible side portion hingeably attached to a rigid side portion. The flexible side portion has one side attached to the top panel. The opposing sides are releasably attached to the truck box. The opposing sides have a cap configuration where the sides are in a stowed portion and a cover configuration when the sides are generally upright. In one embodiment the cap and cover assembly also includes a spring loaded lift arm adapted to aid in the cover to cap conversion. In another embodiment the sides are arranged such that in the stowed position the sides create a “keystone” arrangement.

Abstract: A vehicle cargo bed extension device useable to increase the load bearing capacity of a vehicle cargo bed. The vehicle cargo bed extension device includes a rectangular deck attachable to a rectangular open deck frame having a rear beam and a front beam attached by side beams. A support frame having a horizontal attachment post for attaching the support frame to a trailer hitch supports the deck frame. A rear vertical post extends downwardly from the center rear of the deck frame to the rearward section of the horizontal attachment post. A front vertical post extends downwardly from the center of the deck frame front beam to a forward section of the horizontal attachment post, and outwardly inclined side bracing beams extend from the sides of the support beam to the side edges of the deck frame.

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, a frame that is slidably received by the rail members of the slide mechanism, a removable load floor that is detachably positioned in relation to the frame; and a two-axis 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 frame and the removable load floor may be displaced in relation to the hinge assembly, and the frame plus the load floor may be slid rearwardly and/or arcuately about the hinge assembly.

Abstract: A vehicle body structure is provided that includes a vehicle body panel and a mounting bracket fixedly attached to the vehicle body panel. The vehicle body panel includes a main panel portion defining an exterior fascia surface of a vehicle and a panel mounting flange extending from the main panel portion. The mounting bracket includes a bracket attachment portion arranged to overlie the panel mounting flange and to extend beyond a free end of the panel mounting flange such that a fastening structure of the bracket attachment portion is located beyond the free end of the panel mounting flange of the vehicle body panel. Preferably, the vehicle body panel has other vehicle panels such as a fender panel and/or a wheel housing liner panel attached to the vehicle body panel via the mounting bracket. Preferably, the vehicle body panel is an elongated bumper fascia panel.

Abstract: Basically, a child seat tether anchor structures has a first end tether anchor, a second end tether anchor, an intermediate tether anchor, an anchoring tether, and a vehicle body mounting member with a height adjustment arrangement. In the illustrated embodiment, the vehicle child seat attachment structures are secured to both the vehicle body and the frame. Preferably, the vehicle child seat attachment structures are configured and arranged to move between a retracted position and an extended position. In the retracted position, the vehicle child seat attachment structures are covered by a carpet or other trim finishing material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an aerodynamic drag reducing system for land vehicles, in particular semi-tractor trailers. The drag reducing system includes a selectively removable frame and a drag reduction member. The selectively removable frame can adapt to conform to at least one of the width or height of the land vehicle, and can be secured thereto by a securement assembly. In one embodiment, the drag reducing system can be folded and collapsed for compact storage. The drag reducing system can be easily and quickly secured to the back end of a semi-tractor trailer without tools and without requiring that any permanent modifications be made to the trailer. In one embodiment, drag reducing system includes a hinge joint assembly to facilitate installation, removal, and repositioning of drag reducing system.

Abstract: An off-highway truck body comprising a plurality of tube-style support members, wherein each tube-style support member comprises one or two pieces of square tubing, wherein the truck body comprises two sidewalls, a floor, a front wall and a canopy, and wherein one side of each tube-style support member is welded to the outside of the sidewall, floor, front wall or canopy. The pieces of square tubing are preferably comprised of steel. The present invention optionally comprises a forward wedged front wall and a side-sloped canopy.

Abstract: A lounge chair having a frame supported by legs, which may or may not have wheels incorporated therewith, and at least first and second adjustable backrest portions pivotally attached to the chair. When a sunbather wishes to sit on the lounge chair in an inclined position with his or her back supported, he or she inclines one of the backrest members which will position the sunbather in the most optimal position relative to the sun for sun bathing. As the sun passes overhead to a point which causes the sunbather's exposure to the sun to be diminished, the sunbather may merely drop the first backrest portion down to a horizontal or other desired position, adjust the second backrest portion to a position of inclination which suits the sunbather, and turn him or herself around 180° to lay in the opposite direction in the lounge chair.