Abstract: A motor vehicle bumper that has enhanced energy absorption characteristics and that includes one or more unique geometry configurations that extend “softer” energy absorbing surfaces forward in the system while nesting more “rigid” energy absorbing surfaces more rearward only to come into effect when higher energy impacts are observed. The dual energy absorption may be achieved using a number of configurations and/or methods or a combination of several. In one or more embodiments, the wall thickness of the material used in the component or components may be varied, materials having different stiffness properties may be used, and/or geometries of different depth and section stiffness may be alternated across the bumper system.

Abstract: A vacuum suction head of the present invention can be applied to a large-sized liquid crystal display panel and can reliably suck an object to be sucked even if the object has undulation or flexure. The suction head has a shaft, which holds a suction pad, and gas is charged into and discharged from the suction pad through a suction hole. A casing holds the shaft through first and second springs so as to be movable in the axial direction. Since the suction pad is elastically supported by the springs, the suction pad can reliably suck the object to be sucked having undulation or flexure. The vacuum suction head can be used for a vacuum suction device and a working table.

Abstract: A vacuum hoist plate for moving slabs of cheese provides multiple plates positioned at the edges of the slab to bend those slab edges upward reducing suction between the slabs and preventing spalling as the cheese is lifted from a stack.

Abstract: A gripper tip for use with a gripper assembly includes a first gripping surface located at least partially within a first plane and a second gripping surface located at least partially within a second plane that is transverse to the first plane. The first gripping surface includes a first gripping height relative to a first attachment portion associated with the first gripping surface. The second gripping includes a second gripping height relative to a second attachment portion associated with the second gripping surface, and the second gripping height is greater than the first gripping height.

Abstract: An interior handle assembly includes a vehicle structural member, a handle and a mounting fastener. The handle has a grip portion and a first base mounting portion. The mounting fastener extends between the first base mounting portion and the vehicle structural member fixedly attaching the handle to the vehicle structural member. One of the handle and the vehicle structural member has a selective sliding movement arrangement to provide relative movement of the handle during an impact.

Abstract: A cradle is disclosed to provide for secure transportation of construction materials, such as a backsplash, between upper and lower support members, a back member and associated clips.

Abstract: A bifurcated, dual-compartment trailer having a front storage compartment and a rear storage compartment, each having a power driven live floor. The storage compartments are selectively separated by a moveable or openable partition having a closed position and an open position. In the closed position the partition divides the front compartment from the rear compartment and provides a barrier that prevents bulk material contained in either compartment from mixing with bulk material in the other compartment. The trailer includes a rear door, and when opened, the rear compartment may be unloaded using the rear live floor, after which the partition may be opened and the front compartment unloaded using both the front and rear live floors.

Abstract: A masking device is provided with a plug including at least one protruding portion, wherein the protruding portion is adapted to engage at least one of an orifice and a deformation in a substrate.

Abstract: A motor vehicle including at least one row of seats consisting of a continuous full width seat and a split back rest is provided. The motor vehicle provides a comfortable seat in the middle of a third row of seats, so that even tall people have sufficient room. To this end, a central region of the full width seat can be lowered.

Abstract: An openable vehicle roof includes a fabric cover. The fabric cover is supported by a folding top linkage to be adjustable between a closed position and a stored position. A seal support for the vehicle roof has a sealing element which in the side region contacts the side window when the vehicle roof is closed. The seal support is designed as an independent, adjustably mounted support part which during the transition motion between the closed and the stored position undergoes a relative motion with respect to the folding top kinematic system. The fabric cover is also attached to the seal support.

Abstract: A convertible vehicle includes a roof having roof parts including a rear roof part. The roof is movable between a closed position in which the parts cover the vehicle and a stored position in which the parts are stacked within a storage compartment of the vehicle. A trunk lid opens and closes the compartment. The rear roof part includes C-pillars on respective sides of the vehicle and a window. The window is independently movable from the rear roof part between a normal position in which the window lies between the C-pillars and a raised position in which the window lies outside of the rear roof part. An adjusting device connected between the rear roof part and the window moves the window between the normal and raised positions. A storage shelf connected to the trunk lid extends below the rear roof part into the vehicle when the roof is closed.

Abstract: A first substantially transparent window, a tinted window, and a tinted window moving device may be provided in an automobile. The tinted window moving device can be controlled to place the tinted window in a first state or a second state. In the first state the tinted window is substantially aligned with the first substantially transparent window so that in order to see out of the first substantially transparent window, an individual must look through the tinted window also. In the second state the tinted window is not substantially aligned with the first substantially transparent window, so that an individual can see out of the first substantially transparent window without looking through the tinted window also.

Abstract: The power steering pump of a vehicle powers an auxiliary hydraulic system of the vehicle only when the vehicle is parked.

Abstract: A backdoor apparatus includes a backdoor panel, a rear spoiler and a wiper mechanism. The wiper mechanism includes a motor assembly, a wiper arm and a wiper blade. A motor installation recess is formed in a top portion of the backdoor panel to receive the motor assembly. The motor assembly includes a cover, which covers a portion of a motor, which is exposed from the rear spoiler. The cover has a flange, which covers a top end part of the glass. The cover, which includes the flange, does not contact the glass.

Abstract: The present invention provides an air shield comprising side panel assemblies in hinged connection to each rear edge of a sidewall of a tractor and an actuation assembly including a boss in rotational engagement to the frame of the tractor and between a cab and a fifth wheel of the tractor, a lever having an adjustable length engaged to the boss at a first end and engaged to side panel assembly at a second end, and a spring including a first end connected to the side panel assembly and a second end connected to the frame of the tractor between the boss and the rear of the trailer frame.

Abstract: In a method for producing a vehicle component, such as a chassis frame, which is equipped with spring strut mountings, elongate, tubular longitudinal member hollow profiles, which run parallel and are spaced apart from one another in the horizontal plane, are connected at the respective longitudinal member ends nonreleasably to one another by tubular cross member hollow profiles, to secure a crossbar for receiving a rear axle, a differential and a transverse link, and a crossbar, which is spaced apart in the longitudinal direction and is intended for the securing of a transmission between the two end-side cross member hollow profiles, on the longitudinal member hollow profiles, to form the size and shape of the cross section of the longitudinal member hollow profiles in an expanding manner by means of internal high pressure forming, to form body mountings of the frame by forming secondary shaped elements laterally from the longitudinal member hollow profile by means of exertion of a fluidic internal high pres

Abstract: The invention relates to a driver's cab (1) for a utility vehicle provided with a sleeping area which has a multipart mattress cushion (3). In order, with little additional constructive outlay, to enable a driver to have particularly relaxing rest breaks, it is proposed to provide a back cushion (32) with an integrated massage device. In addition, a foot cushion (33) is provided with an automatically operated scissors-type lifting table (34).

Abstract: A wall or roof of a trailer are formed from a first panel and a second panel which are joined together by a cap and a strip which interengage. The cap includes a base wall and an interlock provided thereon. The base wall abuts the outer surfaces of the panels. The strip includes a base wall and an interlock provided thereon. The strip and cap are separate members. The base wall of the strip abuts the inner surfaces of the panels. The interlock of the strip and the interlock of the cap mate together to form a joint. At least one of the interlocks extend between the panels. The panels may be composite panels or may be from a single sheet or multiple sheets of metal. An adhesive may be provided between the base wall of the cap and the outer surfaces, and an adhesive may be provided between the base wall of the strip and the inner surfaces.

Abstract: An openable motor vehicle roof with a movable roof element which at least partially clears a roof opening bounded by a body-mounted frame component in the area of which a seal element is located and against which the roof element rests when the roof opening is closed. An electric motor drive for moving the roof element is monitored and which is turned off and optionally reversed, when a interfering body is detected between the roof element and the edge area of the roof opening. A stop surface is provided on the roof element for detecting an interfering body, and the motor vehicle roof is made such that, if there is a interfering body between the edge area of the roof opening and the roof element when the roof opening is being closed, the stop surface comes into contact with the interfering body before the roof element engages the seal element.

Abstract: Particularly preferred collapsible chairs have a minimum configuration in which the back and front rods in a quad arrangement are extended to support the arm rests, the backrest, and the seat, and wherein the back and front rods are angled such that the backrest width to seat height has a ratio of between 1.4 to 1.8. Such chairs are not only esthetically pleasing, but also relatively comfortable for users of average and above-average height.

Abstract: A patient support table is provided. The patient support table includes a table plate that may be moved manually or by at least one motor having a control facility. At least one sensor is provided on the table plate. The at least one sensor is operable to determine a force exerted by a user on the table plate for table plate movement and produce a sensor signal. The at least one sensor is operable to communicate with the control facility of the motor. The control facility is operable to control the motor as a function of the sensor signal that is based on a predetermined reference force value such that the reference force value is not exceeded during the table movement.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a children's exercise and activity apparatus for providing cognitive development activities for small children and exercise functionality. The apparatus includes an activity table adapted for receiving one or more children's activity items, a seat for supporting a child above the floor, a connecting beam for connecting the seat to the activity table, and one or more legs connected to and depending downwardly from the seat to the floor to support the seat and prevent the seat from tipping over when a child is supported therein. The seat has a pair of leg openings that allow the child to touch the floor with its legs, and the connecting beam is rotatably connected to the activity table so that the child in the seat can travel in an orbital path around the activity table.

Abstract: A climate controlled seat assembly comprising a back structure within at least one forwardly extending side member, a seat cushion disposed on the front side of the back member, a fluid distribution system, and a climate control device. The climate control device is mounted on the rear side of the side member. A plenum duct places the fluid distribution system in fluid communication with the climate control device. The fluid distribution system is comprised of a plurality of channels. A plurality of inserts is disposed within each of a plurality of grooves in the seat cushion. The fluid provided by the climate control device through the plenum duct into the fluid distribution system adjusts the climate of the seat.

Abstract: This relates to a bicycle saddle of the type that presents two identical portions (1, 1?) longitudinally symmetrical. Thanks to its special conformation, said saddle permits the cyclist to avoid the occurrence of pathologies normally caused by the use of a racing saddle of commonly known types, eliminating the crushing of the vascular structure of the perineum, as well as the testicles of male cyclists and the clitoris of female cyclists. The special geometry permits a pedaling action without causing friction of the thigh muscles, in particular the delicate and adducent muscles.

Abstract: A support structure comprises a first portion for sliding attachment to a seat having a front, a back, and two sides, and a second portion connected to the first portion at a substantially right angle. The first portion has a hollow cross-sectional shape with an asymmetrical material distribution through the plane of the cross section, the material distribution placing more of the material comprising the first portion toward the sides of the vehicle seat. The support structure is adapted for attachment to the seat and is adapted to be activated to extend in a substantially vertical direction upwardly from the seat. The first portion has an arc shape along its length so that when the support structure is activated the second portion is supported by the first portion at a desirable angle for bracing against an impact force direction that is typical of vehicle rollover.

Abstract: An armrest structure includes a tubular support, and an armrest having a tubular end telescopingly engaging the tubular support. A support plate engages bottom walls of the tubular support and the tubular end in a laminar arrangement. A clamping bolt slides through a top hole and into aligned holes in the laminar arrangement, with its head abutting the aligned holes. A clamping handle on a bottom of the bolt is rotatable between a clamping position tensioning the bolt to secure the arrangement, and a release position de-tensioning the bolt. By this arrangement, remaining walls of the tubular support and the tubular end are not deformed even when the clamp is clampingly pressing the adjacent sidewall sections together. An adjustable back with actuator handles at a lower edge of the back, and a seat assembly with fingers that retain an upholstery cover tight against concave areas are also shown.

Abstract: A seat assembly comprises a seat base defining an opening, and a seat pad comprising a substrate and an exterior layer formed from a material having a thermal conductivity of less than 0.25 W·m?1·K?1, wherein the seat pad closes the opening of the seat base.

Abstract: A furniture slipcover including a slipcover body and at least one band, such as a textile band, is provided. The slipcover body covers at least some surfaces of a piece of furniture, and a first end of the band is fixedly attached to the slipcover body, and the band extends in a horizontal direction when holding the bunched portion of the slipcover body. A fastening member, such as a clip, is disposed at a second end of each band. Also, each band may be provided as an elastic material that exerts a contracting force when the fastening member is secured to the bunched portion of the slipcover body. The band may be located on a portion of the slipcover that covers or is near to lateral edges of armrests and the backrest.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a child seat comprised of a seat structure and a child restraint system that allows a restraint to be easily removed from the seat structure and cleaned separately and away from the child seat. The restraint system includes a restraint and a restraint release mechanism.

Abstract: A vehicle bench seat assembly includes a seat bottom including a first seat portion having a seating surface, a second seat portion having a seating surface, and a third seat portion having a seating surface. The seat assembly further includes a seat back including a first back portion, a second back portion, and a third back portion located between the first and second portions. The third seat portion is movable between a first position, wherein the seating surface of the third seat portion is generally flush with the seating surfaces of the first and second seat portions, and a second position, wherein the seating surface of the third seat portion extends in a non-flush position relative to the seating surfaces of the first and second seat portions.

Abstract: The present invention is an automatic continuous swinging motion device that attaches easily to any existing swing, rocking chair, or hammock providing an operator variable control over speed and displacement, while also providing a rigid connection that eliminates overswing. To enable such a configuration, the automatic continuous swinging motion device of the present invention comprises a driving unit, an actuating unit, and a power unit. The driving unit provides the pushing pulling force for enabling the appropriate swing for the article that is attached to the present invention. The actuating unit is an adjustable rotating arm initiates and terminates the swinging process as desired by the operator. The power unit supplies power to the assembly, and the control unit provides variable adjustment means for the swinging speed of the adjustable rotating arm. The device is attached to an apparatus via a rigid pole that prevents overswing.

Abstract: An armrest structure includes a tubular support, and an armrest having a tubular end telescopingly engaging the tubular support. A support plate engages bottom walls of the tubular support and the tubular end in a laminar arrangement. A clamping bolt slides through a top hole and into aligned holes in the laminar arrangement, with its head abutting the aligned holes. A clamping handle on a bottom of the bolt is rotatable between a clamping position tensioning the bolt to secure the arrangement, and a release position de-tensioning the bolt. By this arrangement, remaining walls of the tubular support and the tubular end are not deformed even when the clamp is clampingly pressing the adjacent sidewall sections together. An adjustable back with actuator handles at a lower edge of the back, and a seat assembly with fingers that retain an upholstery cover tight against concave areas are also shown.

Abstract: A seat reclining apparatus for a vehicle, including a stationary bracket and a movable bracket provided integral with a seat cushion and seat back, respectively. The movable bracket is equipped with a driving device. A speed-reduction unit is provided including an input shaft, a stationary member and a movable member. A forward-inclination mechanism is provided including a lock plate, an engaging-disengaging device and a restrictive device. The engaging-disengaging device is adapted to bring the lock plate and the movable bracket into one of an engagement state and a disengagement state. The movable bracket is connected to the stationary bracket through the speed-reduction unit and the forward-inclination mechanism. The seat reclining apparatus is further provided with a limit switch for powering off the driving device when the movable bracket and the lock plate are brought into the disengagement state.

Abstract: A seat assembly comprises a seat back and a seat base. The seat back is pivotable on a pivot pin assembly with respect to the seat base between a full up position and a down position. A seat back bracket is connected to the seat back and a seat base bracket is connected to the seat base. The seat base bracket has a stop and the seat back bracket has a stop, and the stops engage one another to restrict rotation of the seat back bracket with respect to the seat base bracket at the full up position. In accordance with another aspect the seat back bracket and seat base bracket each have corresponding unitary projections which cooperate to define a bearing surface which directly receives the pivot pin end caps.

Abstract: A hook member of a vehicle seat lock engages with a striker fixed to a vehicle body. An opening lever is pivotally secured to the first base plate to constitute the first subassembly. The hook member is pivotally secured to the second base plate to constitute the second subassembly. The first base plate is coupled to the second base plate. Between the first and second base plates, a sensing member is pivotally secured in parallel with the hook member to detect invasion of the striker in the hook member.

Abstract: In a vehicle seat lock, an operating knob is provided at the top of the seat back of a chair. The operating knob is joined to the inner end of the bell crank at the lower end. The bell crank is pivotally secured to a bracket in the seat back. The outer end of the bell crank has the first and second elongate openings. The upper end of the first connecting rod slidably engages in the first elongate opening, and the upper end of the second connecting rod slidably engages in the second elongate opening. The lower end of the first connecting rod is coupled to a sensing member which detects invasion of the striker. The lower end of the second connecting rod is coupled to an opening lever which allows a hook member to disengage from a striker fixed to the vehicle body.

Abstract: A vehicle having a seat that includes a seat part and a backrest pivotably coupled to the seat part at a rear edge of the seat part. The seat part includes a front edge and the seat part is pivotable about the front edge into a first non-operational position. The backrest includes at least one seat rail configured to enable the backrest to slide with respect to the vehicle into a first non-operational position of the backrest when the seat part is likewise pivoted in the first non-operational position of the seat part.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for adjusting the height of a vehicle head restraint includes a top cover, latch assembly, and bottom cover. The top cover is connected to the head restraint. A latch assembly is moveable in a lateral direction relative to a latch post, and a bottom cover connects to the top cover, sandwiching the latch assembly between the top and bottom covers. When the button portion of the latch assembly is actuated, the latch assembly unlatches from the latch post, allowing the height of the head restraint to be adjusted. By directly connecting to the underside of the head restraint, the apparatus is further operative to close out the bottom closeout opening on the underside of the head restraint and provide an aesthetically pleasing finish.

Abstract: Seats and components thereof are addressed. The seats typically, although not necessarily, are intended for use in passenger vehicles and may include any or all of tray tables, beverage holders, arm rests, and hand rails. Beverage containers may include gimbals and supports for versatility and greater effectiveness, while tray tables may include hinged sections for supporting objects other than by providing solely a horizontal base. Lighting forming part of a tilt mechanism for the video monitor of in-flight entertainment equipment may illuminate the tray table. Arm rests may include multiple components and either pivot about multiple points or both translate and pivot, permitting them to move downward from nominal use positions. Hand rails, additionally, may be designed and placed to facilitate their being grasped by passengers traversing aisles of vehicles in which associated seats are located.

Abstract: An armrest structure includes a tubular support, and an armrest having a tubular end telescopingly engaging the tubular support. A support plate engages bottom walls of the tubular support and the tubular end in a laminar arrangement. A clamping bolt slides through a top hole and into aligned holes in the laminar arrangement, with its head abutting the aligned holes. A clamping handle on a bottom of the bolt is rotatable between a clamping position tensioning the bolt to secure the arrangement, and a release position de-tensioning the bolt. By this arrangement, remaining walls of the tubular support and the tubular end are not deformed even when the clamp is clampingly pressing the adjacent sidewall sections together. An adjustable back with actuator handles at a lower edge of the back, and a seat assembly with fingers that retain an upholstery cover tight against concave areas are also shown.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a drop-in seat unit as well as a method of manufacturing the drop-in seat unit that does not require the worker to affix one end of the spring to a frame rail and stretch the spring from one of the frame rails to the other frame rail. The ends of the spring are affixed to the frame rails while the springs are in an un-stretched state. Once the plurality of springs is attached to the two frame rails, the rails are mechanically pulled away from each other, thus created a larger open area between the frame rails and thus extending the springs. Once the rails are properly positioned in this extended state, support members are positioned between the two frame rails and one end of each support member is affixed to each frame rail, traversing the space or gap between the two frame rails. The support members fix the distance between the two frame rails.

Abstract: A seat cushion is disclosed that can be easily attached to, and removed from, a chair or seat utilizing a mesh seat bottom. The removable seat cushion includes a collection of downwardly extending engagement members that engage the mesh upon insertion through voids in the mesh. In certain applications, the seat cushion is formed from a vertically lapped fibrous batt.

Abstract: To measure the loaded weight of a dump truck, accurately and inexpensively. In a dump truck comprising a set of equalizer bars respectively provided rotatably on the left and right-hand sides of a vehicle body; first vehicle wheels supported respectively by means of first suspension devices on one side of each equalizer bar; second vehicle wheels supported respectively by means of second suspension devices on the other side of each equalizer bar; and third vehicle wheels provided respectively on the left and right-hand sides of the vehicle body separately from the equalizer bars, and being supported respectively by means of third suspension devices; a first load applied to the second suspension device is detected; a second load applied to the third suspension device is detected; the angle of inclination of the vehicle body is detected; and a loaded weight is calculated on the basis of the first and second loads, and the angle of inclination.

Abstract: An articulated cart includes a chassis, a bed pivotably coupled to the chassis, a set of front wheels operably coupled to the chassis, and a set of rear wheels operably coupled to the bed. A method of manufacturing an articulated cart and of dumping an articulated cart are further included.

Abstract: An rescue pod is disclosed having walls providing a substantially airtight interior, a transponder for communication, interior and exterior atmospheric monitoring systems. The disclosed rescue pod also has support equipment, systems for powering the equipment, and a connection for providing access to external communications and power sources. The rescue pod also comprises a positive air pressure system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a selectively attachable wheel cover for a motor vehicle. The invention comprises a base member and a display member. The base member is selectively secured to the vehicle rim and the display member is rotatably mounted relative to the base member such that it can rotate in relation to the base member and, thus, the vehicle rim. In one aspect, a portion of the display member is sufficiently weighted such that, when the rim rotates (when the vehicle is in motion) the display member remains substantially static.

Abstract: A structure for a bicycle wheel includes at least two tubes for improving the stiffness, strength, aerodynamics and aesthetics of the wheel. The wheel may be designed as a rim type with traditional spokes, or as one piece wheel with attached spoke legs. Preferably, the tubes are separated at various locations to form apertures.

Abstract: A bicycle hub is provided that comprises a hub axle, a hub body, a bearing and a clearance adjusting member. The bearing includes an outer ring coupled to the hub body, an inner ring coupled to the hub axle, and a plurality of rolling components disposed between the outer ring and the inner ring. The clearance adjusting member is disposed with respect to the outer ring of the bearing such that at least a portion of the clearance adjusting member is disposed axially inwardly of the outer ring. The clearance adjusting member is configured and arranged to prevent a grease inside the bearing to leak toward an axially inward direction of the hub axle with a prescribed radial clearance being maintained between the clearance adjusting member and one of the hub axle and the outer ring of the bearing.

Abstract: In a vehicle control apparatus, a hybrid ECU automatically stops and starts an engine if a predetermined condition is met while the vehicle is stopped. A brake ECU controls the braking force applied to wheels. A hybrid ECU controls the brake ECU so that braking force is applied to the wheels at the time of startup of the engine if while the vehicle is stopped, the vehicle run position is not selected as a shift position of the transmission. This restrains vibration of the vehicle at the time of startup of the engine.

Abstract: An alternative cap for an integrated reservoir brake master cylinder. The improved cap provides an input for a second brake master cylinder and a novel sealing means. The sealing means bypasses the integrated brake reservoir's sight window and cap allowing hydraulic pressure from a second master cylinder to actuate the rear brake while preventing the integrated brake reservoirs sight window or cap from leaking oil under hydraulic pressure.