Abstract: An apparatus for securing an object to a penetrable material, said apparatus comprising: a. an external hollow cylinder; b. an internal cylinder, optionally including a safety housing, said internal cylinder, or internal cylinder and a safety housing, positioned within said external hollow cylinder, having essentially no permanent connection to the external hollow cylinder, rotatable within said external hollow cylinder, and having at least one means for piercing a penetrable material, said means positioned inside said internal cylinder or attached to the bottom surface thereof; and C. a means for mounting the apparatus.

Abstract: A tonneau cover assembly for a truck having a bed and a pair of upstanding sidewalls generally includes a panel having a perimeter conforming to a perimeter of the bed and a mechanism for enabling movement of the panel between the first position abutting the bed and a second position generally level with tops of the upstanding sidewalls.

Abstract: A vehicle generally includes a frame. A first body panel is operably coupled to the frame. A strut extends generally into the first body panel and is operably coupled to the frame.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sliding door system for a vehicle, in particular, a motor vehicle. Said system comprises at least one sliding door (33A, 35B) that can be displaced along a track. The system is equipped with at least one power conduction device (1, 34, 35), which is connected at one end (3) to the sliding door (33A, 35B) and at the other end (2) to a fixed part of the vehicle. At least one section (4, 36) comprising articulated elements (5, 36), is situated between the two ends (1, 2) of the power conduction device. The system is equipped with at least one support (6, 13, 16, 18, 21, 38), along which the section or sections (4, 36) of the power conduction device are horizontally displaced.

Abstract: A drive arrangement for motorized movement of a closure element of a motor vehicle that can be moved between an open position and a closed position, there being at least one drive which is coupled by drive engineering to the closure element, the drive having a drive motor and a drive line connected downstream of the drive motor. A slotted link mechanism is connected to the drive line of the drive, the slotted link mechanism having a drive element and a driven element, the drive element being be rotated by the drive motor around a drive axis, the drive element engaging the driven element by drive engineering via a control link. A driver corresponds to the control link and by turning the drive element, the driven element can be moved essentially perpendicular to the drive axis.

Abstract: A slide out room for use with vehicles and other structures that use such slide out rooms to expand the interior usable space when stationary and retract such slide out rooms during travel or storage. The slide out room includes a floor, roof, main side wall and a pair of end walls, forming a room within a room. The entire assembly is movable from an extended position to a retracted position as desired. Portions of the end walls of the present invention are removable or retractable when the slide out room is retracted into the vehicle or other structure, so that the space occupied by the end walls is open, both visibly and physically, to provide greater utility for the room when retracted in without affecting its use when extended out.

Abstract: Active, aerodynamic controller that describes a method for dynamically controlling airflow using computer controlled movable air dams and airfoils on motor vehicles. It is well known that motor vehicles generally have a great deal of aerodynamic friction also known as drag. Fuel efficiency is greatly affected by a vehicle's aerodynamic drag. Aerodynamic drag is caused by both induced drag and parasitic drag. Parasite drag is somewhat fixed by the overall design and shape of a vehicle. Parasite drag is caused primarily by the laminar flow of air over the smooth surfaces of the vehicle's hood, roof, windows, side mirrors and door panels. Induced drag is much more variable and is primarily created by the differential pressure effects of air flowing over, under and around a vehicle, as well as the relative airflow caused by both ground effect and atmospheric air density and wind.

Abstract: A tractor and trailer coupled together in tandem towing relationship is provided with an air deflector system attached to the tractor for aerodynamically reducing the drag on such combination by enclosing the space between the cab of the tractor and the trailer. A support means is attached to the frame of the tractor or body of the trailer. Two side fairings are movably attached to the support means for extending from the rear of the cab to the trailer, and wherein the side fairings mate with a top fairing. A means is provided for moving the side fairings from one position to another based upon the alignment between the trailer and the tractor.

Abstract: An Automobile body structure includes a body (1) having a front passenger compartment (2), and a rear passenger compartment (3). A front passenger compartment has a windshield glass (4) and the rear passenger compartment has a windshield glass (5). A front passenger compartment has a lower level floor and seats than the floor and the seats of the rear passenger compartment. The difference between the two levels is more then 200 mm. A rear passenger compartment contains a dashboard (6) in the front of the compartment with built-in air safety bags, entertainment system, navigation system, climate control, and caps holders. A rear passenger compartment contains a dashboard (6) in the front of the compartment with integrated personal computer with Internet access, game console, and a place for mount and connection of notebook computer.

Abstract: There is disclosed a member for sealing, baffling and/or reinforcing components of an automotive vehicle. The assembly generally includes a carrier, an expandable material and at least one fastener.

Abstract: Various embodiments of reduced-size vehicles such as all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and utility vehicles (UVs) are disclosed herein. In at least some embodiments, the vehicles include frames that are wider near the front and rear sections of the vehicles than within the mid-sections of the vehicles. This, in combination with the use of shock-absorbers that are substantially vertically oriented, allows for the opening-up of large interior cavities within the front and rear sections of the vehicles within which can be positioned large front and rear internal compartments that can provide storage/carrying capacity as well as added buoyancy for the vehicle, among other things. Also, in at least some embodiments, the vehicles can include special cooling and/or exhaust systems having components that are positioned substantially within the mid-sections of the vehicles, thus further increasing the amounts of space available for the cavities/compartments within the front and rear sections of the vehicles.

Abstract: A dual cell rear corner pillar for the operator's compartment of a pick-up truck is formed with longitudinally oriented front and rear tubular members. The dual cell tubular construction increases section strength for the rear corner pillar while maintaining packaging constraints for the rear pillar design. The front tubular member is nested against the rear tubular member to provide support therefor longitudinally and vertically. The forward tubular member is welded to the door opening panel seal flange, while the rearward tubular member is welded to the window flange and the back panel flange. The forward and rearward tubular members are also welded to one another to form a strong pillar structure. The dual cell configuration resists buckling and shares loading. The rear tubular member wraps around the front tubular member and transitions into the roof rail area, shortening the unsupported moment arm of the rear tubular member.

Abstract: A bonnet for an automobile, having an outer member made from FRP and an inner member made from FRP and joined to the back-surface side of the outer member, wherein the outer member has a high-rigidity section having a rigidity higher than a rigidity of the central section of the outer member along an outer edge of the outer member, and the inner member is joined to the outer member at the high-rigidity section. While being achieved an advantage of weight lightening of the bonnet by making it from FRP, the rigidity at a required portion is efficiently increased without damaging moldability, a design feature of the bonnet surface can be maintained at a good level, and in addition, performance of the bonnet relating to the protection of a pedestrian at a collision accident etc. can also be sufficiently enhanced.

Abstract: A light-weight utility vehicle floorboard is provided having a pair of frame channels formed in an interior portion of the floorboard. The frame channels receive a pair of vehicle frame struts therewithin. The floorboard additionally has formed therein a plurality of load dispersing structural ribs (LDSRs) between the frame channels and sides of the floorboard. The LDSRs spread a force generated by a low-speed side impact to the floorboard such that the vehicle frame struts are not damaged. The LDSRs also transfer passenger loads exerted on the outer portions of the floorboard to the DS and PS frame struts.

Abstract: A vehicle trim panel for use in a vehicle having an interior portion includes a first substrate panel. A first cover is coupled to the first substrate panel. A second substrate panel is coupled to the first substrate panel. A second cover is coupled to the second substrate panel, wherein the first and second substrate panels are aligned in the vehicle with the first and second covers exposed to the interior portion of the vehicle.

Abstract: A removable top system for a vehicle having a front removable roof section and a rear removable roof section. Different removable roof coverings may be interchangeably combined to provide a complete roof for a sport utility vehicle having a permanent hoop dividing the front and rear roof sections. Soft top and hard top roof coverings are selectively provided. Different retraction mechanisms are disclosed for retracting and storing the removable roof sections.

Abstract: A strut assembly is provided including a first wall portion, a second wall portion, and a third wall portion. The first wall portion can have an outer surface. and an aperture therethrough. The second wall portion can be disposed generally opposite the first wall portion. The third wall portion can connect the first and second wall portions. The strut is provided with a threaded insert that can be configured to engage a fastener between the outer surface of the first wall portion and the second wall portion.

Abstract: The multi-functional mobile seat platform is practical and affordable for any person of ordinary skill to use and to enjoy pain relieving conditions while working on or near the ground or floor.

Abstract: A foldable chair with pull rods comprises a front supporter; a back supporter; wherein a width of the front supporter is smaller than that of the back supporter; the back supporter being installed to the front supporter by using two pull rods; a seat pivotally installed to the back supporter and the front supporter; a back cushion assembled to upper ends of the front supporter. The back supporter has two legs; an upper side of each leg of the back supporter is installed with a first engaging unit, and a second engaging unit; and each engaging unit has a hole for receiving a respective one of the two pull rods. The first engaging units has a first hook. The second engaging unit has a second hook engageable to the first hook. Each pull rod has a head; an upper side of the head is a convex cambered area.

Abstract: This invention is related to a sleep over recliner chair having a footrest mechanism and a recliner mechanism that operate independently of one another. The sleep over recliner chair includes a footrest, a seat, back, and a pair of spaced apart armrests. Further, the sleep over recliner chair includes a base, a reverse tilt mechanism coupled with the base, and a linkage mechanism coupled with the reverse tilt mechanism. The linkage mechanism includes a recliner mechanism and a footrest mechanism. The footrest mechanism is adapted to move between a first, closed position and a second, open position. The recliner mechanism is adapted to move between a first, upright position and a second, fully reclined position. Further, the footrest and recliner mechanisms operate independently of one another.

Abstract: An all weather sunshade system for infant carriers includes a main sunshade that is pivotally attached to the infant carrier and an integrally provided sunshade extension. The main sunshade is selectively deployable and includes curved semi-rigid members which support a fabric material and includes a front edge. A rear edge of the sunshade extension is secured along the front edge of the main sunshade structure and is sized and shaped so that it may be selectively drawn forward, when the main sunshade is fully deployed, and secured around a front portion of the infant carrier. In doing so, the sunshade extension remains taut following the contours defined by the shape of the front edge of the main sunshade and the perimeter shape of the front edge of the infant carrier.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a cycle seat construction whereby rotational and tipping motion of the pelvic girdle relative to the spine of the rider is vastly reduced or eliminated. The construction includes a longitudinally split seat support whose left and right halves are each pivotally mounted to a seat post such that the seat support halves independently pivot forwardly and rearwardly. The pivot points of the seat support halves are located substantially co-extensively with respect to the hip joints of the seated rider.

Abstract: It is an object of this invention to provide an active headrest which will not over-push the head of a passenger. For this purpose, the invention provides a headrest controller for moving a part (20A) or whole of a headrest (20) of a vehicle seat toward a head of the passenger to reduce the distance between the headrest (20) and the head in the horizontal direction by predicting or detecting a crash to the rear of the vehicle, including a head position detecting unit (11) for detecting a predetermined state of approach or state of contact of the headrest (20) to or with the head during the movement of the headrest (20) and a control circuit for stopping the headrest based on a detection signal from the head position detecting unit (11).

Abstract: An acoustic structure of seat back includes a suspension board element provided therein. The suspension board element, which has a speaker unit provided to a backward surface thereof, is resiliently provided in a seat back frame of the seat back. A sound-conductive cushion element of a flat plate configuration is juxtaposed on a forward surface of the suspension board element. Those seat back frame and sound-conductive cushion element are covered with a foam padding and a trim cover assembly to thereby form such an acoustic seat back structure wherein all the suspension board element, speaker unit and sound-conductive cushion element are resiliently supported within the seat back, as an acoustic and vibration generator unit effective for imparting sound and vibration directly to a back portion of seat occupant.

Abstract: A video game chair comprises a game console interface for receiving a vibration feedback signal from a game console; lighting; and a lighting controller for controlling the lighting based on the vibration feedback signal. The game console interface may be capable of connecting wirelessly with the game console. The vibration feedback signal may represent an intensity of vibration. The lighting may include at least one set of LEDs positioned under the video game chair for generating ground lighting. The lighting controller may flicker the lights at an intensity based on the vibration feedback signal. The lighting may include at least two sets of colored lights, and the lighting controller may control lighting of the sets of lights based on the vibration feedback signal. Each set of colored lights may be a different color. The lighting controller may flicker the lights when the vibration feedback signal exceeds a threshold.

Abstract: A clip for hanging and fixing a trim cover, comprising a chuck section 6a having a substantially U-shaped body and a pair of reverse claws 61a, 61b extending inward from both edges of the substantially U-shaped body so as to be opposed to each other for pressing a portion of a beading 3a, provided along a longitudinal edge of a hanging cord 3, in an opening of the substantially U-shaped body and causing the portion of the beading 3a to be engaged with the opening of the substantially U-shaped body, and a hook section 6b for hanging and holding an axial portion of an insert wire, the hook section 6b formed integrally with the chuck section 6a so as to extend in such a direction as to be away from the chuck section 6a.

Abstract: The chair with interchangeable upholstery includes a chair frame, a seat cushion, a back cushion, a pair of arm cushions, and a plurality of upholstery covers. The chair frame has a pair of rear legs, a pair of front legs, a seat portion supported by the front and rear legs, and a pair of armrests. The seat cushion is supported by the seat portion of the chair and the back cushion is supported between the pair of rear legs of the chair frame. The arm cushions are supported by one of the armrests of the chair frame. The plurality of upholstery covers include at least a seat upholstery cover adapted for fitting tightly over the seat cushion, a back upholstery cover adapted for fitting tightly over the back cushion, and a pair of armrest upholstery covers adapted for fitting tightly over the armrest cushions.

Abstract: A removable headrest cover for a seat is described having improved features for securing and attaching the cover to a headrest. The improved features include integrated elastic elements that serve to secure the cover to a headrest, eliminating the need for engaging receptacles on the seat. The positioning and placement of attachment points for the elastic provide versatility to the headrest cover that allows it to be used with many different seat configurations. Methods for efficiently manufacturing and packaging the cover are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a reconfigurable child receiving device that includes a seat portion and arcuate leg members that support the seat portion above a supporting surface. The seat portion is further supported by arcuate cross members that extend between the leg members and are pivotally connected to the leg members. The arcuate cross member can each be individually pivoted upward above the leg members or downward below the leg members. The pivotal connection between the leg members and the cross members enables the reconfigurable child receiving device to be configured into four different modes of use. In a first mode, both arcuate cross members are pivoted upward above the leg members to allow the device to rock on the leg members in a first direction. In a second mode the second cross member is pivoted downward to prevent rocking in the first direction and to secure the seat portion in a relatively upright configuration.

Abstract: A seat support structure for facilitating assembly of a frame support member. The seat support structure includes a seat support portion mounted on a seat rail of a vehicle, the seat support portion having an opening portion; a mount rubber having an engaging groove portion on an outer peripheral portion thereof, an insertion portion arranged closer to a distal end side than the engaging groove portion, and a through hole penetrating through the mount rubber. Upon mounting the seat, the insertion portion of the mount rubber is inserted into the opening portion of the seat support portion, the portion of the seat to be supported is inserted into the through hole, and the mount rubber is moved in the radial direction in an inside of the opening portion, and a portion of a groove wall of the engaging groove portion is brought into pressure contact with the opening portion.

Abstract: A walk-in mechanism is provided to a seat, which includes an extension coil spring. One end of the extension coil spring is engaged with a first support element fixed to a floor, while another end thereof is engaged with a second support element fixed to the seat. The walk-in mechanism further includes a connecting element for operatively connecting such another end of extension coil spring with a seat back of the seat. Forward and backward movement of the seat causes movement of both of the second support element and another end of extension coil in forward and backward directions. Also, with forward inclination of the seat back, such another end of extension coil spring is moved backwardly via the connecting element. Hence, a tensile force of the extension coil spring is increased and decreased to allow a user to easily move the seat to either of walk-in position and normal use position.

Abstract: A head restraint comprising a first core portion including an exterior surface, an interior and a perimeter edge between the exterior surface and the interior, a first outer layer provided about at least a region of said exterior surface of said first core portion, a second core portion including an exterior surface, an interior and a perimeter edge between the exterior surface and the interior, and a second outer layer provided about at least a region of said exterior surface of said second core portion, wherein at least a region of the perimeter edge of the first core portion is attached to at least a region of the perimeter edge of the second core portion to define a perimeter seam therebetween.

Abstract: The invention relates to an actuator for displacing a furniture flap comprising a base body fixed to the furniture body and/or to the flap and an actuating arm which displaces said flap and has two end areas of fastening devices provided with a mechanical latched connection, wherein the first fastening device removably connects the actuating arm to the base body which is mounted on the furniture body and the second fastening device removably connects said actuating arm to the base body which is fixed to the furniture flap.

Abstract: The invention relates to a modular furniture assembly that is convenient and versatile. One embodiment of the modular furniture assembly comprises a base and a transverse member manually, detachably coupled to the base by a coupler. The base and the transverse member have a defined spatial relationship which enables a variety of different types, configurations and sizes of furniture assemblies to be formed therefrom. Further, the base is configured such that the transverse member can be coupled to the base in a first position to form a first furniture assembly, and can be coupled to the base in a second position to form a second furniture assembly.

Abstract: A collapsible support frame includes a plurality of segmented legs pivotally connected to an inner surface of a collar, and are held together by an elastic cord. The legs pivot between a folded position and an deployed position. In the folded position, the legs segments form a bundle to facilitate storage or transport. Portions of the legs segments may seat within leg seats formed in the outer surface of the collar. In the deployed position, the legs pivot to contact leg support seats formed at angles in an inner surface of the collar. After contact, each leg extends in a different direction supported by its respective leg support seat. The elastic cord provides tension that keeps the leg segments together in the deployed position, and prevents the leg segments from becoming lost or separated in the folded position.

Abstract: A system and method for routing air within a vehicle seat is provided. The system includes an airflow connector configured to provide a substantially airtight seal between a plenum member and an air conditioning device. The system is configured to improve the assembly of the airflow connector to a plenum member.

Abstract: A seat portion (2) for a seat (4), which seat (4) is made of a single foam material having one or more apertures (6) defining a seating area (8), the seating area (8) being such that it comprises a first portion (10) for receiving a person's buttocks, a second portion (12) for receiving a rear thigh part of a first leg of the person, and a third portion (14) for receiving a rear thigh part of a second leg of the person, the third portion (14) being spaced apart from the second portion (12), and the seating area (8) being softer than the remainder of the seat (4) portion.

Abstract: A vertical milling apparatus for a paved surface has a rotary degradation element which has a top end connected to a carrier. The carrier is slideably attached to an underside of a motorized vehicle, and adapted to traverse the paved surface. The rotary degradation element has an axis of rotation and a plurality of inserts secured to the element's outer surface. At least one insert has a superhard working surface positioned to contact the paved surface.

Abstract: A cutting tool (10) comprises a shank (12) for receiving a cutting insert (14) and a block (16) for delivering a flow of fluid to the cutting insert (14). Fluid is delivered to the cutting insert (14) though a fluid passageway (18) that extends through the shank (12) and the block (16). The block (16) is pivotable mounted on the shank (12). The block (16) pivots about screw (22) between a first and a second position. In the first position the block (16) is held in sealing arrangement with the shank (12) to allow the passage of a coolant through the fluid passage (18) to the cutting insert (14). In the second position the block (16) has moved to allow removal of the cutting insert (14) from the shank (12).

Abstract: A cutting tool assembly includes a tool body having a major flare diameter portion disposed adjacent the cutting end of the cutting tool and a puller groove disposed below the major flare diameter portion. A compressible sleeve is disposed about a shank portion of the cutting tool, which is mounted in a tool holder. A washer is fitted about the compressible sleeve, and acts as one of the sides of the puller groove. The location of the puller groove below the major flare diameter portion allows for the cutting tool to be made by cold forming, or the like.

Abstract: A centering tool for aligning a vehicle rim relative to a hub of a vehicle, wherein the rim includes a plurality of mounting holes for receiving axially extending studs from the hub. The tool includes a body having a first end and an opposite second end. The first end is adapted to engage a torque applying tool. The body has an outer cylindrical surface that extends from the second end and allows generally axial insertion of the tool through one of the mounting holes in the rim while substantially limiting the radial movement of the rim relative to the centering tool. A bore extends longitudinally through the body and through both the first end and second end of the body. The bore has threads for threadingly engaging a stud extending through the one of the mounting holes in the rim. A cam surface is formed on the second end of the body.

Abstract: A wheel rim assembly includes a wheel rim, a cover, and a binder. The wheel rim includes a rim portion having two axially opposite end rings, and a disk portion having a plurality of radially extending spokes connected to one of the end rings. The cover covers the one of the end rings and the disk portion, and has a plating layer formed thereon opposite to the disk portion of the wheel rim. The binder bonds the cover to the wheel rim.

Abstract: A tensile connector assembly comprising a longitudinal tensile element having a longitudinal axis, an end portion and a cross-section, a connecting element connected to the longitudinal tensile element, and a bracing element connected to the longitudinal tensile element. With a tensile axis of applied tensile load along said longitudinal tensile element. Where the longitudinal tensile element is anchored to the bracing element and the connecting element is connected to the longitudinal tensile element via a welded connection at a welded interface. Where the connections permit the longitudinal tensile element to support said tensile load along the tensile axis.

Abstract: A system for providing enhanced force and motion stability and management for a tow-vehicle towing a trailer assembly is disclosed. The system includes a tow-vehicle with an electronic stability enhancing system in communication with a processor with memory, and sensors located on the tow-vehicle are used for detecting engagement with a trailer and communicating with a trailer electrical system and the processor. Computer instructions instruct the processor to identify specifications representing the tow-vehicle and the trailer and to calculate at least one force, at least one motion, and combinations thereof, affecting the tow-vehicle and trailer assembly. Computer instructions provide instructions for braking to at least one wheel of the tow-vehicle using the at least one force, the at least one motion, the electronic stability enhancing system, and the specifications of the tow-vehicle towing the trailer assembly.

Abstract: A method to control a hydraulic pump of a vehicle, the pump coupled to at least a power steering system and a power braking system is provided. The method comprises measuring steering and braking information using a brake sensor and a steering sensor; and adjusting output of said hydraulic pump based on measured information from said sensors.

Abstract: A system and method of remotely controlling the parking brake of a disabled vehicle to be towed by a towing vehicle includes using the hydraulic fluid of towing vehicle to control the parking brake operation of the disabled vehicle. The towing vehicle is equipped with a control valve and brake release manifold assembly. The brake release manifold assembly provides a source of hydraulic fluid of controlled pressure. The towing vehicle has means to connect the controlled pressure hydraulic fluid of the towing vehicle to the parking brake system. The towing vehicle also has means to control and monitor the flow of hydraulic fluid to the disabled vehicle in order to either release or apply the brakes when desired.

Abstract: An electric braking or clutching device includes a housing; an armature having an axis and disposed at the housing, the armature and the housing defining a radial air gap therebetween; and a coil configured to generate, when energized, a magnetic field at the housing and armature, a flux path of the field extending from the coil into the armature, from the armature into the housing, and from the housing back to the coil, with the direction of the flux path from the armature into the housing being substantially radial in orientation.

Abstract: A method to achieve pressure control in a hydraulic brake system includes commanding an initial pressure increase in a hydraulic brake based upon a target pressure and thereafter commanding a series of sequential pressure decreases and pressure increases. Accordingly, the compliance effect within the hydraulic brake is minimized.

Abstract: A method for controlling releasing force for a parking brake applies a releasing force based on vehicle speed. Vehicle speed may be divided into several speed ranges between 0 and 5 km/h, each speed range having a releasing force. After applying the calculated releasing force, if the brake has not been released, the method may apply a maximum force. The method may further not engage the brake if the vehicle speed exceeds a predetermined speed.

Abstract: A vehicle wiring harness for a lightweight utility vehicle is provided. The wiring harness comprises a plurality of vehicle function components integrally connected to a plurality of branch wires. Thus, the wiring harness is fabricated to form a unitary wiring harness that includes the function components.